Private Winds of Opportunity

[Marlon Sularen]

W I N D S_O F_O P P O R T U N I T Y

DARK EMPIRE
WISTRIL, OUTER RIM TERRITORIES

The Empire had grown stagnant. That was a reality that the Warlord of the Empire, Marlon Sularen had come to realize as the Empire's expansion in the Mid Rim and Expansion Region had proceeded at a far slower pace then expected while the it's enemies moved far more swiftly with the Alliance securing Iridonia and a rebel attack dealing considerable damage to the Imperial Shipyards at Wistril. This new situation had forced Sularen's hand who had now moved to both expand and accelerate his plans for his renewed Post-Tython offensive against the Galactic Alliance in order to end this lack of progress and ensure that the Empire could properly regain the initiative in this war.

As part of this new endeavor, Sularen had decided to seek out a second personal assistant/advisor who along side his current aide Colonel Rackahm would enable him to conduct operations and projects with greater flexibility and efficiency, allowing the Imperial Warlord to combat the rapid advances of the enemies of the Empire while ending Imperial stagnation. At the damaged Imperial Shipyards at Wistril, Sularen held dozens of interviews with individuals whom had been recommended to him by Colonel Rackham and after a long day of questioning and screening he had one final interview to make with a certain Nabooian by the name of Neeva Dran.

Thus seated within his office onboard the Shipyards, the Warlord of the Empire patiently awaited the arrival of Neeva Dran eager to evaluate her potential as a new personal assistant/advisor as he prepared to wage more war against the Galactic Alliance.

Tags | Neeva Dran ​

 

[Neeva Dran]

A single unmarked vessel slipped quietly out of Hyperspace, carrying aboard a small contingent of personnel. Each one was dressed modestly and without the standard trappings of Naboo's navy. This mission to reach out to the Dark Empire was of the upmost secrecy, and with it care had to be taken. Neeva had been selected for the meeting out of a dozen potential candidates, mostly for her skills in dealing with military types. The greatest care was taken in disguising her retinue of bodyguards as merchants and mercenaries.

As she stepped down the docking bay, and into the station proper, a chill ran down her spine. It was clear to her via the Force that this place held dark things deep within. The deeper she walked into the station, the less she could feel the force. Some of the guards at the facility were carrying packs that seemed to sever her connection with the Force, and without that, she felt lost for some time.

"Madam, there is still time to reconsider this meeting..." Lieutenant Waylend was worried about his charge as they walked into the belly of the beast, he had been the head of her escort for months, and in that time the older man had grown protective of the Daughter of the Scar.

"Now is not the time for cold feet Lieutenant, I have been selected for the good of Naboo, and I shall see this through," Neeva responded, before continuing to walk. "Your concern however is appreciated. In trying times such as these, it is good to have a friend."

The small group of guards was forced to stand at attention as Neeva and Waylend walked into the meeting room. Her thick black robes and lacy veil obscuring her features from view, until she reached Sularen's chambers. Waylend lifted her veil, as was customary, and she stepped forward to sit in front of her target, the great Warlord of the Dark Empire, Marlon Sularen. An intimidating man who scorched whole planets in the name of glory and vengeance. Her purpose here was partially to ensure such a fate never befell Naboo.

"Mr. Sularen, it is good to finally make your acquaintance. I must apologize for my lateness to our meeting. A circuitous route was needed to obscure our original departure point. I wanted to ensure no one would trace our ship back to Naboo. For both my protection, and to ensure secrecy for Yourself. We had to pass through Alliance space several times, and they are none to keen on travel this deep in The Empire."

She spoke to Sularen with her head held high, and all the grace one would expect from a Naboolian noble. She was clear, but also feminine in the way she addressed the Marauder from Corellia. He was a tyrant and a despot, but he deserved a great deal of respect. The same level of respect that a fierce predator deserved from potential explorers. To disrespect Marlon would be to ensure Naboo's eventual destruction.

Marlon Sularen

 

[Marlon Sularen]

W I N D S_O F_O P P O R T U N I T Y

DARK EMPIRE
WISTRIL, OUTER RIM TERRITORIES

Upon entering Sularen's office, Neeva introduced herself explaining the reason for her late arrival as she took a seat in front of the Warlord of the Empire. Her reasons were understanding considering her status as a noble from Naboo and fortunately for her, this position was not really high-profile so it would have a minimal risk on her own reputation. She also spoke with grace, femineity and respect which Sularen respected as he appreciated individuals who could present themselves properly, after all this role was extremely crucial and would require extensive communications with various branches of the Imperial Military, Government and Intelligence apparatus.

"It's nice to meet you Ms. Dran. As for your late arrival, i understand the weight that your status as a Noble holds and the risks associated with it, although i do admire that you were still willing to come here despite the potential repercussions." the Warlord of the Empire began. "Although given the circumstances i am quite curious to know about how Naboo perceives the Empire and other Imperial regimes as i'm not to familiar with it's more recent history and whether it has had any contact with Imperial Governments within the last half-century."

Outside it's resistance to the First Galactic Empire centuries ago and it's time under the Confederacy, knew nothing else about Naboo's history and it's perception of Imperials and Imperial Governments. If the Imperial Warlord was to accurately determine how trustworthy and reliable Neeva Dran would be, he would need to first know what her values were and understand her moral compass.

Tags | Neeva Dran ​

 

[Neeva Dran]

"Naboo seeks to rebuild it's once splendorous reputation as one of the most powerful planets in the galaxy, and I seek to make sure that happens." Neeva gave a slight smile, before placing her hands gently inside of a case she had hidden beneath her robes. Inside was a holomap that she would place on the Grand Admiral's desk. It would project several star systems, making a map of the Dark Empire's territory.

"I have brought you my plans as to how you could efficiently maneuver forces towards advantageous positions among the Stars. I cannot at this time render you any aide with forces of men or weapons, doing so would endanger Naboo's position as a neutral party. However, there have been spies working on my behalf to get you information."

The first planet to come into focus was Ord Cantrell, from the holomap showed holographic ships moving from the planet then heading through a waypoint on Ketaris. Then, they would muster elements of multiple fleets to invade the Mandalorians territory on Cathar. It showed at least three fleets encircling the relatively small Crusader fleet gathered in orbit over the jungle world.

"A spy of mine is an armorer amongst the Mandalorians, and has told me that the Crusaders have spread their supply lines thin quarreling with minor forces among their territory. To that end, a large assault force could exploit the skeleton crews that have been left to defend Cathar. A surprise attack on the Mandalorians could in turn scatter a large portion of their warriors, potentially causing power vacuums and in-fighting."

Knowing that these plans were not without danger, Neeva looked to Sularen, placing her hands in her lap. She would then zoom into the planet of Cathar, showing several key location of Mandalorian troops. "There is a substantial space port on the planet, destroying this would limit reinforcements to the surface of the planet. Then there is a large supply hub near the planet's northern pole. The loss of these two assets would deal a grievous blow to the fleet in orbit. There also exists a sentiment of rebellion within the Cathar people. Possibly useful information."

Another slight smile came across the auburn haired woman's lips. She placed her head upon her interlinked hands, looking knowingly to Marlon. "Obviously, I cannot command your forces. However, if Imperial Special Forces were to destroy a key Mandalorian stronghold near Cathar's largest mountain. All the better for you. Your status as an Imperial is quite useful to Naboo, Mr. Sularen. You have powerful forces, and fleets which we do not. I'm sure we can help one another."

It became clear that Neeva was an experienced military mind, one that might be a bit too keen. Even when on the side of the Empire, it would be impossible to ensure she didn't have similar intelligence gatherers waiting in the shadows. "You will find that the Daughters of the Scar, are much better on your side than as your enemies. Naboo has survived a great many conflicts, and become quite powerful because of this. It shall do so again..."

Marlon Sularen

 

[Marlon Sularen]

W I N D S_O F_O P P O R T U N I T Y

DARK EMPIRE
WISTRIL, OUTER RIM TERRITORIES

Sularen listened as Ms. Dran explained Naboo's desire to re-establish itself as a powerful planet in the galaxy once more which did catch his attention. Given that Naboo was in proximity to both the Galactic Alliance and the Sith Order this created quite the interesting dynamic. An independent planet seeking to assert it's sovereignty and further strengthen itself in a galaxy that has been constantly marked by conflict, while two of major galactic governments slowly closed in on their system.

It reminded Sularen of Eriadu and the self-proclaimed High Moff Vandar Tarkin's desire to re-establish Eriadu as a powerful regional planet after the Confederacy's collapse although unfortunately he had chosen to reject reason and compromise due to his arrogant and pride, which had been further encouraged by other Imperials. Nevertheless even though it appeared that Naboo desired to maintain neutrality the prospect of gaining the support of these so-called "Daughters of the Scar" which Sularen assumed to be some orginization aligned with Naboo, was very intriguing and enticing.

"I am quite intrigued at this idea of potential cooperation between the Empire and Naboo. After all we have no ill intentions towards the Nabooian given their neutral status and personally i do find the sheer resilience and ambition of Naboo quite admirable." Sularen proclaimed, receptive to the idea of accepting Naboo's diplomatic overtures to the Empire. "Although i must ask out of curiosity, who exactly are these 'Daughters of the Scar'?"

Tags | Neeva Dran ​

 

[Neeva Dran]

"You ask a very loaded question Mr. Sularen, The Daughters are many things. We are the chosen of Shiraya, and we are the hands who shape the galaxy's fate." Neeva spoke with pride, but also with mystique about the subject. Never tipping her proverbial hand about the Daughters. In truth they were the true wielders of power on Naboo, second only to the Queen herself.

"In the years after The Cataclysm we were chosen to help ensure no further harm comes to Naboo, in a way that only The Daughters can. We are each chosen to be envoys to other planets. Helping to ensure that Naboo prospers even in the darkest days of the galaxy. We are beyond scheming politicians that we may at first seem. Our secrets are deep, and our power broad. Surely you understand this as a man of power yourself?"

Neeva believed that a display was in order. One that would prove that The Daughters were useful, even when their forms seemed frail. Neeva held out a hand and levitated the holomap off of the desk in front of The Admiral. As if held by invisible strings, it was floated directly into the small hand of Neeva's. She but gave a small smile, wondering how the pragmatic and cynical admiral might react to the presence of a force user so deep in his base.

"You are correct about Naboo's ambitions, we have quite big plans. Plans that could see both the Dark Empire and Naboo thriving in a new Galaxy. One free of the Alliance, the Sith, and the Mandalorians. Truly a utopic paradise for those such as ourselves."

Marlon Sularen

 

[Marlon Sularen]

W I N D S_O F_O P P O R T U N I T Y

DARK EMPIRE
WISTRIL, OUTER RIM TERRITORIES

It was quite interesting to get a glimpse of the perspective of these Daughters of the Scar. They were ambitious and sought power to steer galactic politics in a direction that would favor Naboo, and more importantly they seemed to be willing to include the Dark Empire in their vision for the future. While Sularen had some doubts about the true intentions of the Daughters of the Scar and their galaxy-wide aspirations, their ambition and determination, not to mention the power they wielded as displayed by Neeva Dran herself clearly showed that they could be useful for the Empire.

What also caught Sularen's attention was Dran's mention of a "new galaxy" which did not include the Sith, Alliance or Mandalorians which caused Sularen to raise eyebrows. "This is most interesting. While i do understand why Naboo might be opposed to the Sith and the Alliance an share your belief for a new galaxy free of the Sith Order and the Alliance, i find it quite interesting Naboo would seek to get rid of the Mandalorians given Mandalore's distance from Naboo itself."

Learning that Naboo was also opposed to the Mandalorians was quite interesting, although it did explain why Neeva Dran was quick to propose a strike against the Neo-Crusaders despite the fact the Empire and the Neo-Crusaders had zero relations with one another. Nevertheless further discussion would reveal more about the true extent of Naboo's ambitions, but already it was clear that they were a potential asset that could not be easily dismissed out of hand.

Tags | Neeva Dran ​