Nem Yin
The First Order
The dark expanse of the intergalactic void is not as empty as they would have you believe...
Posts: 417
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Nem Yin on Jul 21, 2022 5:49:14 GMT -8
Nem had spent the next few weeks exploring the city, familiarizing himself with as much of the layout as possible, starting from the Imperial Citadel at the center and then working his way outwards to the borders of the continent. It also gave him a chance to meet with many of the locals, all staunch Imperialists as they were descendants of those humans that had immigrated here during the time of the reborn Palpatine's rule. He wondered what sort of reception he would have received were he not wearing his disguise. The ooglith masquer made him appear as any other human, thus he found most citizens were polite and helpful. But he could tell there was an underlying speciesism, something no province of the First Order could entirely escape. The Intendant listened to a few troubling conversations spoken in hushed tones in dark cantina corners. The population knew the Yuuzhan Vong were in the city for the scheduled war games that were soon to take place and they weren't happy about it. As he listened, his own mood darkened and he found it necessary to step back out onto the street.
He could feel the cool night air through the symbiotic connection of his suit, its flesh an extension of his own. Removing his pipe from his coat, he brought it to his lips and started puffing away as he walked back towards the apartment he had taken residence in.
There had been offers to provide him with quarters in the Imperial Citadel itself, given his rank as First Prefect, but he had declined. Though it was at the heart of the city and was viewed as a place of prestige for the ruling class, it was also exposed and made for an obvious target. It was the same reason he had declined the offer to construct a Yuuzhan Vong skyscraper using his peoples mastery of bio-engineering. Better that his forces were housed beneath layers of heretically manufactured duracrete and durasteel already provided. It would be easier to conceal them that way.
Eventually he arrived at his apartment in the lower parts of the city. It was one of many safehouses he was accumulating across the city, moving supplies from the Bleeding Orifice still parked in a discrete private hangar. Mostly extra disguises and stashes of regularly used biots. As he entered the small apartment and locked the door behind him, he seated himself on a hau polyp in front of a qahsa station he had set up, then began to go through his mail and notes. It was mostly reports from the commander stationed at the airfield with the rest of the Praetorite's mobile infantry division. He skimmed these, focusing more intently on a stored villip transmission from Ur Skell.
The Prefect had arranged for some recon to be performed on the Expansion Region where their outpost was based. Nem had already approved a previous request for this, but he found himself intrigued by the other intendant's use of a slivilith. Its not how the Executor would have done it, preferring usually to use the members of his own domain to perform espionage, given that was what they had been trained to do from the time they left the creche. Still, perhaps it would work out well. He was always looking for new strategies to implement, assuming they had a high rate of success.
When he was completed his work, Nem got up from the organic console and stripped out of his ooglith masquer, standing naked in front of the window that dominated one wall of the small apartment. It was one-way glass, allowing him to see out while preventing anyone else from seeing in. Which was well given that his coufee, well more of a baton of rank really, was dangling in front of the window. He finished his smoke, took a swig of sparkbee honey, then turned in for the night.
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on Jul 23, 2022 8:38:30 GMT -8
Jenia Kasalle Nem Yin Katsumi Ren A highly classified meeting was arranged between several notable individuals that congregated around Byss. These includes the Vong commander, a representative of the Knights of Ren, Imperial High Command, and a few significant officers. The High Commander of the Imperial Garrison, the Security Prefect of Byss' Orbital Guard, the Captain of Byss' Planetary Security, and, lastly, the Ren-aligned Governor of Byss. Within a secure facility, in the Ruling City, these individuals gathered at the request of an Imperial agent, empowered by the Director of Imperial Intelligence, to convey new findings discovered. Along with him was a representative of the Navigation Guild. The presence of Imperial Intelligence Death Troopers was enough to make anyone not invited to back off.
Once all had gathered, the lights dimmed and a holo-image of the Deep Core was revealed. Soon, three red lines lit up, from the edge of the Deep Core region, down to the very system of Byss. Soon enough, there was an inaudible shoot that came from within the room. The voice was from the Security Prefect himself.=Security Prefect= How long has this been observed and examined??=Imperial Agent= Over the course of days and weeks, Prefect. It took some time to do a thorough mapping of the area, utilizing charts from the Navigation Guild and probes we sent out once the first two bases were discovered. After some arduous calculations, we have found the three hyperlanes exit at the edge and outside the Beshqek system.The three lane exit points lit up as the holomap focused in on the Beshqek system. All of them were relatively beyond sensor range. A slight murmur fell upon those present. It seemed that, once more, Byss was to be targeted for reasons that were still relatively unknown.=High Commander= This isn't the first time that Byss has been targeted. Some time ago, a fleet of Mandalorian models attempted to go down the main corridor. They managed to get within the system and a fierce fight ensued. A fortress in the mountains was obliterated, their attack repulsed, but they managed to escape. Does Imperial Intelligence believe it could be the same assailants as before?All focus turned to the agent of military intelligence.=Imperial Agent= We are still determining it. The designs of the bases are something new and thus will require further surveillance. Nonetheless, our probes are still scouting about, looking for additional bases. However, we do know where they will be exiting at least. Even if we can't find the entrances, the certainty of the exits is all that matters.There was a murmur of agreement. Already, the High Commander and Security Prefect began to speak in a hushed tone, likely aiming to discuss the best countermeasures. They'd likely need to send out new patrols to begin scouting out possible other exits that were dormant and unknown to the First Order. After all, these hidden and unstable hyperlanes may have been used by old explorers, pirates, smugglers, and perhaps the Dark Empire.
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Nem Yin
The First Order
The dark expanse of the intergalactic void is not as empty as they would have you believe...
Posts: 417
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Nem Yin on Jul 24, 2022 6:22:10 GMT -8
It came as no surprise that Nem had desired to attend the highly classified briefing in person. Already on the planet to oversee the Praetorite Vong's deployment for the scheduled war games, he was perfectly positioned to offer his council and the assistance of his warship in orbit. His official title amongst the First Order as First Prefect, bestowed upon him by the Emperor no less, more then entitled him to attend and participate.
Garbed in ornate glistaweb robes worn over his cloaker bodysuit, the Executor was seated at the briefing table, his hands fiddling with his qahsa personal device as he listened. Flanking him on either side were two of his commanders. Barabas Lah, a renowned subaltern of the warrior caste, stood to Nem's right. He was a towering figure, almost seven feet tall and seeming even larger for the way the segmented legs of his vonduun skerr kyrric extended out in all directions. The veins strewn throughout his corpse gray flesh stood out like spiderwebs across the pattern of his extensively tattooed skin. The warrior stood there quietly, though by all accounts he appeared to seethe with anger. The warriors of Domain Lah had been heavily involved with the invasion of Mandalore. The mention of their T-visored soldiers made his blood run hot. The amphistaff held in his grip hissed savagely as it sensed its owner's barely contained fury. To Nem's left was Master Shaper Torfa Yim, twin brother of Mira Yim and nearly her equal in the shaping arts. Born a twin, Torfa and his sister Mira should have been pitted against each other in the creche until only one survived. However, the shapers of Domain Yim were not without their heretics. Remiss to waste resources for pointless religious practice, the two had been separated and spared that fate. Like Nem, Torfa was wearing ornate living robes, kneading the fingers of his shaper hand in front of his stomach as he listened quietly to the briefing.
Nem's glowing eyes lit up like two burning motes at the mention of bases and surveillance. He spoke up, addressing the collective council, his voice heavy with a Coruscanti street accent as he spoke in galactic basic.
"It's been a decade at least since my reaving days, but my forces are familiar with the region of space and traversing these dangerous hyperspace corridors. Perhaps it is time to return to our piratical roots." He stroked the bone ridges of his chin as he pondered aloud. "With the exit coordinates provided, as well as the added benefit of our dovin basal technology, I am confident we can navigate these pathways back to their source. Our miid ro'ik, the Praetorite Command, is already in the system. I will dispatch it to investigate. Even if it is not these Mandalorians that previously attacked and is simply a smuggling operation, they are a potential threat to Imperial operations and must be dealt with swiftly."
He turned his head and whispered something in Yuuzhan Vong to Barabas Lah who had to lean down to listen. The subaltern nodded and withdrew a villip from a satchel resting against his armoured waist skirt, and began to communicate with Commander Alith Yin in orbit. Nem then refocused his attention on the High Commander, Agent, and Prefect. There was conviction in his tone when he spoke.
"The First Order has built a great Empire in this region of space. We will do our part to defend it, whatever the nature of this threat. If it pleases you, we shall also begin deploying our forces already stationed on Byss around the Ruling City in tactically advantageous positions to bolster the security forces already present. I do not think we need to be concerned of any present threat on the planet, but it never hurts to be prepared."
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Jenia Kasalle
Databank Operations
Posts: 506
Affiliation: First Order
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Post by Jenia Kasalle on Jul 31, 2022 6:27:09 GMT -8
When Colonel Haera Kinner, known by her troops as 'Colonel Badger', a nickname based upon her and her Legion's efforts over Adumar, left the ship, hundreds of soldiers of the newly formed 709th Legion following after her, her look fell onto the empty plaza in front of them, that would soon be filled by eight-thousand of the finest soldiers, that the First Order had assembled to maintain controll over the Empire's secret capital planet.
Not many details are known to Badger, when she was told the first time about the mission. All that the Imperial High Command told her that it would be a defense operation in which they would participate. The protocol on her datapad, that could be accessed by her code cylinder only revealed a rough layout of Byss' ruling city and various key locations, that need to be held secure alongside a brief report about a warlord fleet that had been spotted. While the High Command is certain that this threat might turn out more harmless than anticipated, should Imperial Intelligence be able to track back the roots of the foreign fleet assembly within the First Order's very borders, the situation required nontheless one of the more capable legions by request of Grand Admiral Kasalle.
Rows of platoons formed slowly up, as the troops left the landing area of the Imperial complex that surrounded them, while the first walkers and combat assault tanks also left the ship's interiors. Sights like these were usual during the times of the Galactic Republic and the Clone Wars, yet it was one of the few times, when the dark heart of the Empire itself was seeing the deployment of an entire Legion by the means of three massive carrier ships. Colonel Badger had a bad feeling, that after the brief conflict on Adumar and several other minor engagements this would become the real test for her and her Legion. When their deployment was requested by the Grand Admiral herself, far away from their usual base of operation and within the Empire's core, it had to be something serious that was brewing up. Perhaps something far more sinister than the forces of a single warlord. Thus she swore herself to remain vigilant, no matter the countless numbers of soldiers forming up behind her with each passing minute.
For noone requested elite forces of an Empire, if there was no imminent threat in sight.
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Katsumi Ren
The First Order
Posts: 97
Affiliation: The Knights of Ren
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Post by Katsumi Ren on Aug 3, 2022 18:55:36 GMT -8
Katsumi, the representative of the Knights of Ren, arrives shortly before the briefing begins and, more comfortable in her roles of assassin or spy than in that of representative, remains in the shadows obscuring the borders of the room rather than joining the others around the briefing table. The dark colored, hooded tactical greatcoat and clothing concealing her ectomorphic frame are well worn and somewhat tattered, and carry a faint scent of sweat, blood, and smoke that suggests she has recently been in battle. The helm concealing her face is fashioned in the likeness of an onxy-hued skull, lending her overall appearance a wraith-like aspect.
After they have been apprised of the intelligence that has gathered them all here to hear of it, Katsumi listens to the Vong Commander's response, finding it seems that he too has come to the conclusion there will be no effort made to preemptively attack their unknown foes, all thought seeming instead to be of preparing a defense. Katsumi has a predator's instincts, and feels waiting for an attack is something prey does; the thought one she keeps to herself as Harnan, the Master of the Ren, sent her to gauge the prevailing winds and chart a course accordingly.
Katsumi's soft, raspy voice comes from the shadows as, after the Vong Commander has spoken, she says, ::In the interest of preparedness, I can help coordinate the deployment of the Vong forces around the Ruling City with those of the Knights of Ren and the First Order.::
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Jenia Kasalle
Databank Operations
Posts: 506
Affiliation: First Order
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Post by Jenia Kasalle on Aug 4, 2022 1:01:32 GMT -8
~~some time after the deployment of the 709th, during the council meeting~~
After the arrival of the 709th Legion both Admiral Naya Thax and Colonel Badger, clad in her Stormtrooper armor with only the helmet being put to the side, attended the meeting on the behalf of the Imperial High Command and Grand Admiral Kasalle. Both of them listened carefully and while Thax seemed to do it mostly because she was considering what was spoken about, Badger just felt no need to necessarily speak up as one of the lower rank officers assembled at the table. Even if she commanded an entire Legion of Stormtroopers, the Colonel felt still somewhat out of place among all these representatives and only briefly glanced over to the Vong Ambassadors when they spoke up.
Eventually though the Admiral decided to take the word after the Ren representative had responded.
"Regarding communications the Grand Admiral proposed before I left that in these regards we might make use of available assets within the near region", she spoke up neutral, more proposing a suggestion than making a statement, "The Kasalle Trading Company has always been a loyal vassal towards your house, mylady Ren, and is expected to aid us in form of their ships. Refitted Venator-class vessels, initially created for the purposes of trading, but their communication and sensor arrays certainly are a valuable asset. That way we will be able to always recieve current informations on both orbit and the ground regarding hostile movements, if Baron Kasalle holds true to his word." A brief pause followed, before Colonel Badger gave herself a heart to speak up. "The 709th will stand wherever you wish to see our Legion", she told the assembled council, "Our troops are specialized in marksmanship, melee combat and mobility. Should it come to the worst, we can defend the city from perimeter to perimeter, ensuring as well the safe evacuation of civilians from threatened zones, if necessary. All I solely need are the best spots of where to set up barricades and the fastest routes for our transporters."
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Nem Yin
The First Order
The dark expanse of the intergalactic void is not as empty as they would have you believe...
Posts: 417
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Blue
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Post by Nem Yin on Aug 5, 2022 12:10:29 GMT -8
Katsumi's soft, raspy voice comes from the shadows as, after the Vong Commander has spoken, she says, ::In the interest of preparedness, I can help coordinate the deployment of the Vong forces around the Ruling City with those of the Knights of Ren and the First Order.:: From his place at the gathering, Nem rested his elbows on the table with his hands folded together, long spindly fingers intertwined. His emerald hued mqaaq'it focused on the Knight of Ren, equally curious as they were alert. There was something familiar about this infidel, unmistakable by her garb and the way she composed herself. If she had been wearing a cloaker, he had no doubt she would have fit right in with the members of his own Domain. He nodded his bald scalp in her direction, ocular implants focused like a blade."We would certainly appreciate that." He affirmed. "The Ruling City is vast. There is a lot of ground to cover.""The 709th will stand wherever you wish to see our Legion", she told the assembled council, "Our troops are specialized in marksmanship, melee combat and mobility. Should it come to the worst, we can defend the city from perimeter to perimeter, ensuring as well the safe evacuation of civilians from threatened zones, if necessary. All I solely need are the best spots of where to set up barricades and the fastest routes for our transporters." Crack! The tail end of Barabas Lah's three meter long amphistaff struck the floor as the towering member of the warrior caste let all those in attendance know he shared the 709th's eagerness for battle. Steam hissed from between yellow teeth filed to sharpened points as he let out a breath, winking one eerily black eye at Colonel Badger. Combat was what they were here for after all. The Praetorite Vong might have come at the request of the Emperor to participate in a series of war games, but if there was a real threat to attend to, all the better. Nem's glared over his shoulder at the other Yuuzhan Vong, shaking his head dismissively before returning his attention to the collective gathering of officials and military officers from across the First Order."It seems we are all prepared to do our utmost to ensure the safety of Imperial citizens and First Order interests. That is well, though I hope an unnecessary precaution." He stood up, his glistaweb robes shimmering like starlight as he rose to his full height. Reaching into the folds of his garment, he retrieved a portable villip-choir and offered it to the Master Shaper beside him. The lithe and lanky Yuuzhan Vong reached forwards and placed the villip-choir on the table, then stroked it, awakening the biot. The fleshy sac puckered and projected a three-dimensional projection of light. The holographic display depicted the miid ro'ik warship 'Praetorite Command' far at the systems edge. "My flagship has already begun investigating the unusual activity the First Order probes picked up earlier. We will know who these interlopers are soon enough, I am sure."
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on Aug 5, 2022 13:14:36 GMT -8
The Imperial agent, present for the discussions, turns to the one that commanded the Vong presence on Byss.
=Imperial Agent= His Imperial Majesty is most grateful for the presence of our Yuuzhan Vong allies and brethren. He is prepared to discuss with you, First Prefect, of additional rewards and honors in order to show his utmost gratitude. The Emperor is most desirous to see the results of this new level of cooperation between Imperial troops and your forces.
This would be the first time that the armed troops and naval vessels of both the Imperial Military and the Praetorite Vong would engage a similar foe and in cohesion with each other. Certainly, there were commanders on both sides that weren't too sure of this, but nonetheless, the Emperor wished to see it happen and see what results may come of it. Various units had already begun to drill with Vong troops in order to best utilize each other's skillsets.
As the holomap went away, the agent addressed those gathered.
=Imperial Agent= I have also received a new communication of our shipment that should be arriving to augment the ground forces. Although the Yuuzhan Vong may not like what is to come, I assure you, Commandant Lah and First Prefect, these additions will prove their worth. They have proven so many times before and are military marvels of the highest quality.
There was a reason why the Emperor ensured that certain industries fell under the flag of the revived Imperium when he expanded into the Coreward sectors. Nicademus had been careful in choosing worlds and examining their boons. It was widely believed that the First Order controlled perhaps close to 3/4 of the total industry in the galaxy.
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on Aug 6, 2022 8:31:18 GMT -8
They arrived on secure transports and were brought into the heart of the military complex. This place was a hive of activity as Stormtroopers and Yuuzhan Vong performed drills, commanders of various units went over tactics and began making educated estimations on where landings could occur. There were promised reinforcements to come but it would all depend on when this enemy arrived. Not all of the commanders were privy to what this meant, but it sounded like High Command had some heavy stuff coming. The first of which arrived just a few days ago when the transports touched down.
The Security Prefect, the High Commander, and the Police Captain watched as one of the containers was opened, revealing an oddly shaped machine. It almost looked like a crab on it's hind legs with two metallic claws. Although the records declared that it was meant to look like the sun beetles, in both shape and size, of the Outer Rim world, Kubindi. The X-1 Viper was one of the proud products of Balmorran Arms, which supplied the Imperial Army with many weapons and vehicles, including their trademarked AT-ST. This powerful, 6 meter tall behemoths were quite the toy to have for the garrison of Byss.
The next products with more than just a few, but rows of them. One was easily identified as the model for the third-generation Dark Trooper and one that looked similar in design, the SD-10 Battle Droid, another product of Balmorran Arms. These would be greatly welcomed to boost their ground troops, given the immense strength and firepower that both models displayed. The former of which had proven its worth time and again on various battlefields for the Imperial cause. After the check, it was found that they just awaited one more delivery, if it arrived as planned. After counting the containers and making sure the merchandise had arrived, the trio went off to discuss where to place these valuable assets.
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Nem Yin
The First Order
The dark expanse of the intergalactic void is not as empty as they would have you believe...
Posts: 417
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Blue
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Post by Nem Yin on Aug 7, 2022 10:52:48 GMT -8
Coral craft and organic skiffs took off from the airfield near the Ruling City's center, the late afternoon causing the shadow of the Imperial Citadel to shade the Praetorite Vong forces stationed there. As each craft descended and shortly thereafter ascended again, troops and equipment were mobilized around the vast continent spanning city. As they couldn't be utilized within the city for the war games or assist with peace keeping during the current heightened state of alert, the supply of chom-vrone they had brought with them were air-lifted to the canyon north of the city where the Legacy of Anguish was currently parked. The canyon had recently been named 'Yammka's Gorge' by the Yuuzhan Vong there. Perhaps if operations returned to normal a purpose could be found for the tubular worms in the games to follow. Similarly, the vangaak were flown out to the eastern coast before being eased into the water, destined for the underwater damutek dubbed 'Abyss Base' by the Executor.
Developing self-sustaining Yuuzhan Vong colonies on Ahch-To and Lehon had taught the Praetorite the value of maintaining operations near the sea, or in this case, beneath its surface. It might not necessarily have a military usage as of yet, but it was an excellent hard-to-reach fallback point, relatively concealed by virtue of sitting on the ocean floor, with excellent access to natural resources like water and food. The vangaak had already proven themselves reliable fish collectors.
A force of some two hundred members of the warrior caste escorted twenty rakamat, fifty fire-breathers, and a hundred vagh rodiek to the shield generator at the base of the Citadel. They divided themselves evenly and formed a loose perimeter around the generator structure. The area was already cordoned off from civilian traffic so there wasn't much to do other then stand around and look intimidating.
Having already returned to his seat by the time the Imperial Agent began to speak, Nem folded his arms over his chest and reclined in the chair, giving the human his full attention as he listened. His ocular implants flitted between the holo-display and the intelligence officer, fingers thrumming over his muscular biceps. When the infidel mentioned something the Yuuzhan Vong would not like, his scarred brow raised curiously, even though he was fairly certain he already knew why that might be the case.
Droids, they were most likely using droids. Other Yuuzhan Vong commanders would have vented fury or frustration over their usage, but this was Nem, hardly a zealot. Heretic, atheist, and enamored with infidel culture, he wasn't one to lose his cool over a droid, or even an army of them. He recalled Captain Arkan had kept a droid crew member back when he had served aboard the Cutlass. While there had never been any love lost between them, the Executor had endured the machine's presence all the same.
He glanced at Barabas, who despite his brutish physique and fearsome visage, appeared unmoved. Likewise, Torfa Yim seemed as calm and composed as usual. They probably hadn't figured it out. Well, he wasn't about to explain it to them just to see them create a diplomatic incident at the meeting. The intendant cleared his throat, drawing attention back to himself before either of his companions inquired as to what the agent meant by military marvel.
"I look forward to speaking with his Majesty after we've seen to the security of this world, though I should think any talk of reward is premature. The First Order has honoured its commitment to the Praetorite Vong by providing fertile land for our growing population. We are simply honouring the oath of service we swore in exchange."
That was the crux of it. Nothing mattered so vitally to the Executor as the prosperity of his people. He would make whatever deal was necessary to ensure their continued existence after coming so close to extinction as a species. Integration into galactic society was a large part of that, but it had to be approached carefully. For instance, starting a colony on Mandalore was a good way to get all his colonists killed right quick. However, starting a colony on an Imperial world subject to Imperial law, of which he now had some influence as First Prefect, that was a far safer bet. Under the First Order the Yuuzhan Vong had the opportunity to thrive like never before. It was a relationship he was prepared to spill blood to maintain.
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Katsumi Ren
The First Order
Posts: 97
Affiliation: The Knights of Ren
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Post by Katsumi Ren on Aug 7, 2022 20:56:49 GMT -8
Katsumi, after inclining her head to acknowledge the Vong's appreciation and followup statement about the vastness of the urban landscape they will all be tasked with defending, tells Admiral Thax in her soft rasping voice, ::Be sure to convey our gratitude to Baron Kasalle, and ask that he begin preparations immediately to make good on his word. Nodding after Colonel Badger speaks, she scratchily replies, Excellent, Colonel. Our Purge Troopers have already established several strategically located strongpoints throughout the city where your forces can begin setting up. Moving her head to include the Vong representative, she adds, Your forces are welcome to do so as well.::
After the Imperial Agent has finished speaking, making all aware of an impending shipment intended to augment the ground forces defending the city, Katsumi moves briefly from the shadows to bring a detailed holo-map of the Ruling City up for all to see and highlights the quartet of heavy-clad duracrete structures selected as strongpoints; a pair of government buildings, a bank and an office complex that have all been evacuated and occupied by Purge Troopers as a preliminary response to the potential threat of invasion. All four sites have reinforced underground levels that will be able to withstand heavy orbital bombardment ideal for command centers, upper levels high enough to provide multiple angles of attack and which have already been reinforced with obstacles around the buildings to seal possible entryways and make it difficult for a hostile force to approach and clear the position while also preventing them from bypassing or isolating the buildings to clear later. ::From these positions, our combined forces will be able to deploy in response to enemy movements, breaking apart their attack formations and limiting their ability to maneuver by making use of engineering teams to reshape the environment as fluctuating circumstance and strategy demand. After highlighting other strategic structures, such as the city's shield generator and essential utility services, Katsumi suggests the 709th and Vong forces assign a portion of their troops to bolster the Purge Troopers providing security for those locations, and then points out other sites around the city ideal for moving forces best suited to acting as rapid response units that can be utilized as needed to strengthen other positions or provide an element of surprise. Knowing that flexibility is the key to any defensive plan, Katsumi concludes by pointing out the areas engineering teams will be stationed to utilize construction materials being moved to their locations or the rubble that orbital bombardment would naturally create; the mission of the engineering teams being to blockade or clear avenues of approach to facilitate the movement of friendly forces, as well as to hinder or direct the enemy's movements to choke points where their own combined forces can be massed as needed to engage them. If we have our forces stationed at those key points, and prepared to deploy rapidly in response to any intelligence gathered by The Kasalle Trading Company and our own scouts and reconnaissance troops, I believe we will be taking full advantage of the city's layout and will be able to mount a strong and flexible defense able to respond swiftly and decisively to the vagaries of war.::
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Jenia Kasalle
Databank Operations
Posts: 506
Affiliation: First Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Jenia Kasalle on Aug 19, 2022 13:29:37 GMT -8
Calm before the storm
With a sudden broadcast of an intruder interrupting briefly the daily life on the Imperial world of Byss, which was apparently transmitted on several frequencies, including open channels, both Stormtrooper ADM-1739 and ADM-2108 of the 709th Legion were witnessing the event on one of the major plazas of the capital city. While reactions were mixed, both of them remained chill, as no major panic among the citizens broke out. If at all, the whole scene even left a few loud laughters among the plaza.
Shrugging it off, ADM-1739 turned towards his fellow soldier. "Who was that guy again?", he asked, his voice vibrating through the helmet's filter as it was usual. The other white-amoured soldier solely shrugged, clueless as well. "No clue.", ADM-2108 told the other, "But guess he's the reason why we're here." "Huh."
Brief silence. Eventually ADM-2108 broke the tension. "You sound pretty disappointed." The words were as dry as the concrete of the streets. "Yeah, uhm... I thought it would be... scarier, you know?", ADM-1739 admitted eventually, "Like, he says he brings some black, terrible tides and stuff, but it's just a guy in a uniform." "We all wear uniforms, Brights." "Counterpoint taken. But come on, you can't let the guys in space have all the fun, when we got summoned here. I thought we're here, because we'll fight something scary. Wombrats firing lasers out of their eyes, while you can only kill them with tank shots - that's the sort of thing I'm talking about and not big talking man on a big f#ing radio screen inbetween 'The Daily First News' and 'Max Reboosted - the 90s Hit parade'." The fellow soldier looked blank at him with his helmet on, but Brights knew him too well to know that he was raising an eyebrow. Stormtroopers could always tell after some time in the army. "Okay, so you say, he should have been 'more red alert, less talking' with his speech?" "Aye. And more menace. Like you know, the Sava'ge guy?" "Oh, the Butcher of Jabiim? Dark Lord of the Blackguard Reborn?" "Yeah, that dude! They even made a whole documentary about it recently on HoloNet News, that's just... brutal. Guess they really have pissed off the Emperor, if they allow the reporters to send it. Sure, he slaughtered rebell scum anyways, but I still remember when they were allies." "Same. Just got out of Carida back then, when that whole fun began." "True. Had all the qualifications to actually start my career aboard one of the more 'secret mission' ships back then. Boy, was I excited! But they sadly canceled the trip after something went really wrong with the commanding officers." "Oh neat. You never told me that. What happened?" "Naboo." "Oh... right. Yeah, nevermind, you told me that. Sorry, completely forgot. "No big deal. I think the special forces program of Adumar helped me a lot more. Otherwise I wouldn't be here."
Another awkward pause, while nothing major happened. "But yeah, back to the other thing", ADM-2108 eventually continiued, "You think that guy should rather have done it like the Sith guys? Big talk, but then blade action?" "It would at least help me to know what I'm up against. Dunno, maybe he's a Sith and he'll send down his fiendish minions. You know, Troopers like us, but they fail horribly at aiming." "Sounds eerily similiar to rebel propaganda, but yeah, they're probably not as specialized as we are." "Shame. Actually would be fun to have a challenge." "I mean, still possible. If I recall, he said something about 'my Clan' and if I remember right, the Mandos had clans." Brights waved away the thought. "Bah! Gamorreans also have clans." "Yeah, but that guy was looking a bit pale for a Gamorrean, wasn't he?" Both looked at eachother silently. "You know, I hope you're right", Brights eventually caught up again, "Mandos would at least explain why they don't leave that whole thing to just the local garnisons of the Byss oversector. But we're allied with them, aren't we?" "They only talked about a 'Warlord' in the few things I caught up in the army cantina, so guess he might just work on his own accord. Even though he promised something about tides... what was it again... Dark Tides?" "Ohhhh, see, that would also be awesome, if that guy was just the announcer of the Empress. But guess that ain't be happening. Last time I heard of Dark Tide, my uncle was called to the frontlines and eventually died after it's collapse against one of the remnants. And that was before I even joined the academy." "I mean, in that case that would spice it up, sure. But better stop daydreaming, Brights. Even if - let's say - all the old legends from Vader up to Sinestra - would simply return to attack us here on Byss, we'd still have to defend it." "Unless we surrender, Heys." Again both looked at each other, but then broke out in laughter. "Okay, you got me with this one! Us and surrender - yeaah right. How many rebel factions and warlords has the First Order destroyed by now?" "Let me count... Corellian Coalition, Galactic Alliance, Order of the Eye... hmm... wait, didn't we also get a lot of recruits from that Solomo- Selen- Solobaran Triarchy?" "Solenbaran Diarchy?" "Yeah right, those guys!" "Uhm... not sure if they count, according to what I heard from Roastbringer." "Hmm fair point. ... But yeah, so we get Mandos on the menu?" "Might be. But have you ever questioned how many materials these guys waste, when considering that they're famous raiders?" "In what way?" "I mean, imagine they really invade Byss with a Mandalorian army as in 'The Mandalorians'. Big guy, tough Beskar armour and only the Force knows what's behind that helmet! But Beskar is also one of the rarest materials within the galaxy, common mostly on their homeworlds. Wouldn't they be wiser if they just kept all the Beskar, build something useful with it instead of... getting eventually cooked in their own armor and losing valuable material on a foreign planet in hostile hands?" "You're sure you're not the Grand Admiral's brother in disguise?... I dunno man, the Mandos hardly lost any of their raids, so guess that's the counterpoint to your argument." "Yeah, the past. But unlike back then, where they built space trebuchets, big flying cathedral ships and weird cosmic sail ships, the galaxy has improved. Mandalore got pretty f'd by the Empire from what I heard in my two history courses and we neither backed down on our weapon technology to say the least. What use has the best Beskar armour, if you get melted in it with a flamethrower or a good old heavy walker shot. TIE-Fighter-fuel can't melt steel beams, but turbolasers can! Like seriously, that radiation warning in the display upon nearby impact will never cease to freak me out!" "Yeah, same. Life is such a gamble... but well, at least my wife won't starve." "Aye. Mine will neither." "Wait, you're lesbian?" "Always has been."
The idle talk of the two Elite Stormtroopers would continiue for a while as the plaza began to slightly empty itself. Even though Byss' population was trusting the might of an Empire by a good ammount, those within the core of the Deep Core's capital still were paranoid enough to at least seek shelter under a safe roof for the moment, when it was possible. For now everyone was waiting on the confirmation of the speech from the Imperial side.
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Nem Yin
The First Order
The dark expanse of the intergalactic void is not as empty as they would have you believe...
Posts: 417
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Blue
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Post by Nem Yin on Aug 22, 2022 5:35:53 GMT -8
Sometime during the course of the meeting, Nem excused himself, leaving Barabas Lah and Torfa Yim to continue coordinating with their Imperial allies. As for the Executor, he needed to clear his head in light of the recent revelations. He soon found himself strolling through the streets of the Ruling City. Though somewhat resplendent in his shimmering starlight robe of glistaweb, the locals he passed gave him a wide berth, the human centric population still being somewhat unsure of the Yuuzhan Vong presence among them. If the looks they gave the Intendant troubled him as he made his way towards his apartment, he showed no sign of it. A rippling flash overhead was followed by the crack of thunder as the skies greyed and it began to rain, causing many to seek shelter from the weather outside and allowing Executor to walk in peace the last length of his journey. He pulled his robe tight as the torrential downpour sluiced from rooftops and soaked him thoroughly, droplets beading on his bald head before running down his neck or across the scarred ridges of his face. Worst of all, while the sky was pissing cats and dogs, he couldn't light up his pipe. Already his stomach protested and the ground began to rise and fall in disorienting fashion as his vertigo began to manifest itself. Stopping, Nem rested one hand on the duracrete wall of a towering skyscraper attached to the walkway he was on and bent over, closing his eyes tightly as he tried to regain his composure. Taking a deep breath in through his nose stub, he exhaled slowly through his mouth, trying to release anything pent up. The result was mixed but at least he could see straight enough to make it the rest of the way back to his residence in the city.Eschewing a turbolift for obvious reasons, Nem took the stairs up the numerous floors until finally he arrived at the one belonging to his borrowed quarters. Grimy water continued to drip from his soggy attire as he put his key in the door and the portal swung open, revealing his reasonably sized apartment. A flash of lightning from the storm outside illuminated the darkened room through the window that dominated the far wall, followed by another crackling rumble. As the room temporarily brightened, a massive figure on the far end in front of the window was revealed. There on the opposite side of the room was a towering near seven foot Yuuzhan Vong in thick glossy black vonduun skerr kyrric that somehow made his obscene physical stature look even more brutal and dangerous. The corpse pallor complexion of the warrior was exposed by the eerie crimson glow of his luminous red eyes, the mqaaq'it flaring like two motes of witch fire. A hot breath of steam blew from the large warrior's nostrils, which he dissipated with a single exhaled breath that left the aroma of corpse stink lingering in the air.Nem's own glowing eyes lit up their usual emerald green, brightening intensely as he recognition dawned on him and he let out a surprised gasp, his knees growing weak at the sight of the other Yuuzhan Vong. "Xarl?" He asked, not trusting his ocular implants that the vision he saw before him was real. When the other Yuuzhan Vong didn't disappear in a cloud of smoke and Nem could feel the warmth of the warrior's hot blooded body from across the room, he accepted what his senses told him and rushed across the apartment. "Xarl!" Yelled Nem, throwing himself at the crab plate covered giant.Large and powerful hands that looked strong enough to strangle a wookiee came up as Nem lunged at the warrior, catching the Executor by either side of the head and stopping his forward momentum. It would have been easy for those hands to twist and pull, tearing the Intendants head from his body. Instead they pulled Nem's head close to Xarl's, until their faces met and their lips pressed together passionately, embracing one another with a kiss. In that brief moment their tongues swirled, encircling one another like two amphistaffs fighting over a rodent. The moment passed too soon and Xarl released the sides of Nem's head, lowering his broad carapace covered arms down to wrap around the Intendant's back and hold him close. Nem felt the rigid crab plate squeeze into him, his body quickly becoming a warm stick of blue butter in Xarl's encompassing embrace. He looked up into the larger Yuuzhan Vong's eyes with confusion and worry, but also longing."Xarl what are you doing here? I didn't think I would ever see you again." Nem looked away, shame and grief over the way things had ended between them still ate away at him. "I thought you were angry with me." He said remorsefully, before once more staring into the furious glow of his former paramours red eyes.The last time they had spoken in person was on Zonama Sekot. Since the failure of the Yuuzhan Vong invasion, many of the warrior caste had sought to end their lives through one means or another. For some, that meant ritual suicide. For others, death in battle. Xarl numbered among the ranks of those warriors that wished an end to their personal shame. Nem, who during the course of the war had been secretly involved in a romantic relationship with the warrior, had forbidden it upon taking control during the post invasion events. While he understood the warrior's motivations, he couldn't bring himself to allow this Yuuzhan Vong that he loved to end his life, thus resentment was bred between them. Eventually as their relationship crumbled, they settled things as Yuuzhan Vong often do, in battle. Despite his numerous augmentations, Nem had been unable to overcome his former lover and was defeated. The price of victory? Xarl was given permission by the Praetorite to seek his end in a manner worthy of Yun-Yammka, the Slayer God. And that was it, Nem never expected to see him again. Until now."I am angry." Xarl's voice rumbled like the thunder outside, oppressive and heard by all even when spoken softly. "I arrived with the Legacy of Anguish in hopes of participating in the planned war games, though I had not intended to reveal myself to you. However, when I heard that infidel's transmission about war coming to this world, I thought perhaps this is the battle that I have long sought." One powerful hand slid up Nem's back and came under his jaw as the warrior raised the Executor's chin affectionately. "But if this is the end, I don't want to leave things between us as they were. I am angry, but I never hated you. I just needed you to accept my decision, as painful as that was for you to do. I never stopped thinking abo..."Xarl's words were cut off as Nem once more passionately embraced the towering warrior caste in another kiss, their forehead ridges mashing together. Nem threw his arms around the other Yuuzhan Vong's neck, refusing to let him go for fear that the moment would pass too soon. His mqaaq'it widened as he felt the warrior caste's strong hands fumble for the seam of his cloaker bodysuit, eventually finding an edge before sinking his powerful fingers around the collar seal and tearing it away from the Executor's neck in a rippling wet squelch as it came away from the Intendant's skin. Xarl ripped the living body suit down to Nem's waist and then grabbed him under his now naked arms and lifted the Executor off the ground, before throwing him across the room where his body hit the king sized bed next to the window. The legs of the bed buckled and the frame dropped to the floor, causing Nem to bounce slightly before settling. Like a bissop stalking its prey, the demon eyed crab plated warrior crossed the room towards the Executor, his sharpened yellow teeth growling with lustful intent.Descending from the darkened alcove above, a long tentacle dropped from the ceiling as Xarl was just about over Nem, and wrapped around the warrior's neck. Instinctively the brutal looking Yuuzhan Vong lifted his powerful hands to grab at the encircling length of living tendril, only to have two more thorny tentacles strike out to lash his wrists, coiling around his limbs tightly and pulling them apart. Several more puckered tentacles emerged and before Xarl could fight his way free, he found himself suspended from the ceiling by the Executor's personal embrace of pain. "Ugh..." Xarl let out a pained groan, unable to speak as the length of coil around his neck squeezed tighter, choking the words in his throat along with most of his air supply. The dark purple eye sacs beneath the Executor's eyes pulsed in amusement as he climbed off the bed and stood before the hovering proned out warrior, chuckling as he reached out and ran his spindly fingers over Xarl's warm scalp ridges."Now, now, my khat." Cooed Nem, using the Yuuzhan Vong term for 'beloved'. "There is no need to rush." Finding the commonly placed reflex for Xarl's armour, the Executor activated the biots organic off switch and unsealed the crab plate from Xarl's body, removing it piece by piece until he had a neat stack on one side of the room. The Intendant then went over to his robe and fished through the pockets until he retrieved a coral sheath with a handle. He pulled the handle from its housing to expose the gleaming serrated edge of a coufee blade, essentially an organic dagger. Pressing the sharpened edge against Xarl's flesh, the Executor whispered in the warrior's ear. "We have all night." Several hours later...Contrails of narcotic smoke wisped from the end of Nem's pipe as he took a deep draw off the palm sized crustacean, allowing the herbal remedy to further relax him as he reclined in bed next to Xarl, basking in the afterglow of their physical exertions. The thin sheet covering their modesty was soaked in sweat and stained black from Yuuzhan Vong blood, among other fluids. While the Executor was hardly short at 6ft 2', he was definitely the smaller spoon when compared to Xarl's near seven foot tall massive physical frame. Had the warrior's toss of the intendant not already broken the bed, the weight of his muscular bulk certainly would have. While Nem smoked, Xarl reached to the night stand where Nem kept a bladder-flask, bringing the drinking vessel to his face before sniffing its contents. The warrior's scarred brow rose in curiosity."Sparkbee honey?" Inquired Xarl in his gravely tone, to which Nem shook his head, coughing mildly as he exhaled smoke. "Whiskey. Try it, you'll like it." Xarl gave the flask one more questioning sniff, then took a sip, smacking his lips. "It burns on the way down. You're right, I like it." Before long, as the final tendrils of smoke wisped away from the bowl end of Nem's pipe, the bladder flask was emptied and the two canoodling Yuuzhan Vong watched the recording of Quednak Squadron's attack on the deep space facility outside the system. When they were done, they replayed the message broadcast across all frequencies."Ha." Chortled the warrior, almost spitting whiskey out his nose. "This Kaine Australis sounds like we did during the war. Speaking of peace but bringing only war and death. He is a Yuuzhan Vong at heart. You should not trust him." A fair assessment. How often in the past had the Yuuzhan Vong attempted the same when invading infidel worlds? They had often done so in an attempt to turn a fearful populace against its own government and protectors, with varying results.The Intendant's lips pursed thoughtfully and he remained silent, until Xarl tugged on the clip beetle piercing Nem's left nipple, eliciting a pleasurable jolt. "I had not planned to. Should we be worried? I brought the Praetorite's mobile division here to participate in a series of war games. I had not anticipated any real trouble." Doubt. It afflicted the First Prefect like a terminal malady, plaguing him at all hours as every decision he made affected the lives of the people he was sworn to care for. The only thing that seemed to ease his anxiety was his precious smoking herb.Nem reached for his pipe with the intent to pack another bowl, when Xarl's hand covered his own and gently crushed it in his large palm. "Worried? We should be excited. I do not know if the threat is real, but the warrior caste never turn from a fight. I am sure my brethren are equally as eager at the prospect of war." He released Nem's hand and gently stroked the Intendants bald head. "I will lead them in battle." Stated Xarl as though it were a matter of fact.Shifting under the damp sheet covering them, Nem rolled over and stared in the subaltern's red eyes. "I had thought that perhaps we would fight side by side, like we used to. You engaging from the front, while I strike from behind." He reached under the sheet and gave Xarl's muscular buttocks a playful squeeze. "Nem, you were always more spy and assassin than true warrior. Lead the hunters and strike from the shadows. It is what your domain excells at. I will lead the warrior caste against these Mandalorians." He growled, his red gaze glowing more intensely. "They are fierce opponents. Clever and mostly honourable despite their occasional deceits. Hard to peel out of their metal skin, but the tissue beneath is just as soft as any other infidel. I look forward to fighting them again."Their experience during the Yuuzhan Vong invasion had been somewhat different. Nem had been involved in the efforts at Rodia, whereas Xarl had been on the ground during the attack on Mandalore. It was there in the mud surrounded by blood and violence that the warrior caste had developed a respect for Mandalorians. The prospect of fighting them again was almost as alluring to Xarl as the intendant warming his bed."Alright, I suppose that makes sense." He said, before sucking his teeth. "Xarl?" He inquired. "Yes, my khat?" The Executor's dark purple eye sacs puffed. "I'm not tired yet."Turning over, the muscular giant rolled over Nem and placed his strong hands on either side of the Intendant's body, pinning him to the mattress."Then behold the legendary endurance of the warrior caste." Animal noises to follow.
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Silas Darkstar
Knights of Ren
Posts: 196
Affiliation: Knights of Ren - The Magisterium
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Post by Silas Darkstar on Oct 13, 2022 13:43:09 GMT -8
The Lux Cathedral Despite the relocation of main operations to Empress Teta, The Lux Cathedral continued operations almost as normal. It served as the Magisterium's headquarters for Byss, while also serving as a major church for the Obsidian Order. While different in operation, they both served a singular goal of ensuring obedience and compliance with the Ren while also supplying them with a network of information for Byss
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Jenia Kasalle
Databank Operations
Posts: 506
Affiliation: First Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Jenia Kasalle on Dec 5, 2022 4:21:51 GMT -8
Calm before the storm - Part II
"Well, they certainly take their time." Brights, otherwise known as ADM-1739 looked over somewhat bored to their brethren ADM-2108, who went by the nickname of Heys. By now a large portion of the city's population had already reached their shelters and transports stood ready on the key locations of the city. Thus far things were still on a steady pace, as neither on the ground nor in space enemy movements could be traced. "Maybe it's another test", she suggested, "Like you know, back at Garqi, when they made us walk through the plains for no other reason than keeping us in condition." "Yeah, my bones still remember. But I don't know, seems strange to make a conjoined operation with those mercenaries."
A brief glance over towards various Stormtrooper-like ground forces, moving alongside a patroling AT-TE in a nearby street, made Heys aware of whom Brights was talking about. The Kasalle Company mercenaries had a similiar equipment as the Imperial military, yet seemed to differ from the regular Stormtrooper as well. Instead of the more common riot controll batons, these ones wielded katana-like weapons next to their blaster rifles, making them more look like stoic warriors from an exotic planet. "I'm actually surprised that these guys aren't already considered part of the Imperial Military", Heys added with a tone of slight surprise in her voice to the conversation after some while, "I get that they're sellswords, mercenaries hired by some Imperial backwater company on Prakith, but uhh... is the possession of this ammount of equipment even legal?" "I mean, they're related to the Grand Admiral." "Yeah, but they owned these things before their time. Kasalle Company was a thing even before the rise of the Braxant Order, like Tagge Co and the others. Few years ago they had a documentation on those, that the Emperor had honored for their financial support during the wars and they were listed there among other noble houses." Brights actually seemed impressed, as they looked back towards the allied convoy. "Huh, better hope I'll do something epic for the Empire as well to become a noble myself, if this is the reward for it." "Hun, titles alone don't make you automatically something like this. It's a family buiseness, where they started out as ship captains of the Republic, then repurposed their ships after the fall of the Republic as trade galleons and that's with what they make their buiseness." "Ewww, sounds like what these shady Neimoidians do, but the other way around. And with less clankers." "I think they do have droids from what I heard but uhh... yeah, it's pretty much Trade Feds all over again. Only with the difference that they are loyal to us and not as large as they were." "Then better hope that they don't have a rookie Stormtrooper aim. I hate it, when showoffs make us look bad." "Oh, no worries on that. From what I've heard they had secured the Neimoidian purse worlds recently from the Coalition hounds and even achieved a major victory. Not sure if all of them are, but in total at least they seem capable." "Well, they better be. ... maybe I get one day the chance to duel one of them. Really want to see if these blades are just show or can actually compete with the Adumari fencing style."
Their talk was briefly interupted, as one of the Stormtrooper captains waved the present troopers into the arriving K79-S80 Imperial Troop Transport. Swiftly they moved inside, knowing that they would be relocated. To where and when they would most likely know when they were on the way, thus far though the situation still seemed calm. At least for the moment.
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Nem Yin
The First Order
The dark expanse of the intergalactic void is not as empty as they would have you believe...
Posts: 417
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Blue
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Post by Nem Yin on Dec 7, 2022 11:59:14 GMT -8
Threat of an impending battle had driven most of the city indoors, compelled by fear of a looming conflict, while an enforced curfew kept the rest in line. Well, not everyone exactly. Outside beneath a dark sky that wept a bitter rain onto the duracrete jungle, footsteps pounded the wet pavement, as a middle aged human man ran full tilt while driven by sheer terror. The cold deluge streamed down his nearly numb face, intermingling with salty tears that bled from wild panicked eyes as he sought to put as much distance between himself and his pursuer. Risking a glance over his shoulder at the vacant street behind him, he caught a blur of movement from the rooftops, as the 'thing' that had been chasing him for several blocks still appeared to be on his tail. Through his panting he managed a few ragged breaths, turning a corner to bolt into an abandoned alley. It was dark, but so was everything else, so he paid it no mind and continued his rampant flight. Until he reached the wall at its end. He let out an exasperated cry as he realized his mistake, almost barreling into the dead end. Quick as a ranat that had scented a wedge of cheese, he turned on his heel and prepared to run back the other way, when something dropped from above and sent him sprawling to the ground. It felt like a quadristeel slab had struck his back, to the point where the breath was driven from his lungs and he lay there on the wet ground, forcibly sucking in struggled swallows of air.As he attempted to rise, something or someone incredibly strong gripped his right shoulder like a vice and dragged him back to his feet, before slamming his back into the alley wall and once more driving the air from his lungs. His body wanted to bend over and gasp, but whatever had taken hold of him was forcing his body up against the wall. He blinked away the tears, trying to see what it was that had him. Glowing crimson mottes of witch-fire leered back, illuminating the skeletal face of a demon that glared hatefully at him. Warmth spread through his undergarments as his bowels loosened, though fortunately the weather dampened the worst of the smell. The man felt a sharp bite of pain in his chest, followed by a cold nothingness spreading across his breast to consume him entirely as the life left his eyes. Three sharpened blades of bone withdrew from his punctured chest in a red welter of blood, pouring out onto the wet alley floor as the freshly expired corpse collapsed into a pile on the ground.A massive Yuuzhan Vong warrior in glossy black vonduun skerr kyrric carapace stood over the cooling cadaver, slowly retracting his fighting claw biots into the knuckles of his ashen grey hands. A plume of hot steam exhaled from his nose stub as he turned, before giving the human corpse one last bone powdering kick. Kneeling over the deceased, he wrapped a giant hand around the leather strap of a purse, one that was clearly out of place on the man. A thud sounded behind Xarl, and the subaltern of the Praetorite Vong released the strap and spun on his heel, raising his arms in preparation to attack. When his ocular implants focused, he relaxed his posture and lowered his arms."You didn't need to kill him." Said Nem, becoming visible as he stepped into the alley. Unlike the heavily armoured Xarl, the intendant was wearing a form fitting cloaker that shimmered in the rain. His emerald green mqaaq'it narrowed on the corpse of the thief they had been pursuing for several blocks. Beneath his glowing eyes, dark purple eye sacs pulsed in rhythm to his quickly souring mood. He grit a mouthful of jagged teeth, swallowing back his frustration. "It was just a purse."Xarl approached the leaner intendant, standing only a few feet apart while towering over Nem by a head and a half, not to mention being nearly twice as broad across the chest. For all his intimidating presence, the smaller Yuuzhan Vong held his ground and continued to bore holes into the warrior with his eyes. Grunting, the larger warrior raised a chitinous boot and drove it down, crushing the corpse's head in a wet spattering of matted hair, ripped skin, broken bone, and mushed grey matter. "Now he will never steal again." A brutish grin crossed the bigger Yuuzhan Vong's scarred visage, offering no apology but eventually shrugging as the intendant continued to stand in judgement of him."This is Imperial territory, Xarl. A world of codified laws enshrined in their constitution." Argued Nem. "He might have faced a few years behind bars or a term in one of their penal colonies, but he wouldn't have been sentenced to death. You went too far."It was partly his fault, mostly actually. He should have known better then to include his warrior caste paramour in his nightly patrol of the city, but a part of him had longed for the subaltern's companionship. How easily he had forgotten about his lover's lack of empathy towards the infidels, or perhaps he had known but simply chose to ignore it. Whatever the case, this blood was on his hands as much as it was Xarl's."Your time amongst these people has weakened your resolve, Nem. Why confine your actions based on their laws? What are they to us, huh?" Once his fighting claws were fully retracted, he cracked his knuckles with audible pops. "Why is it you think that our own people do not suffer these societal ills, hmmm? Because the consequences are so severe. Do not seek to chastise me when the focus of your blame should be on these people and their lack of spine."Nem didn't say anything at first. He went over to the body and knelt beside it. Placing his naked hands on the human's side, he rolled them over onto their stomach and slipped his hand into their back pocket. When he withdrew the hand he was holding a worn reek leather wallet. Flipping it open, he spent a few moments gathering what identification was available before retrieving his qahsa device from his satchel. With the handheld organic computer, he used his position of authority to gain access to the city's criminal database."This galaxy is not so black and white, Xarl. Were we all judged by those standards then I would be guilty of far worse than this man was. It wasn't so long ago that I worked for a crew of cutthroats. You remember when I spoke of the Bloodrage Pirates, of the Cutlass and Captain Arkan? By the laws of these Imperials, they were criminals, but even they had a code of honour amongst thieves that I have come to respect. It was from them that I learned to operate in the grey, and though I think it unlikely I will ever see them again, it is a lesson I will not soon forget." The organic tablet in his hands chimed as it finished its perusal of the crime database. Nem's lips moved soundlessly as he read what was on the screen. His mqaaq'it dimmed and his teeth grit further, sinking into his gums until beads of black seeped between them. He lifted his face from the screen and stared frustratingly at his warrior companion. "No criminal record. This man worked as a low paid labourer in one of the city's munitions plants. The woman he stole the purse from appeared wealthy, based on her clothes. He probably thought she might be carrying enough credits to afford him transport off world. A common occurrence lately with the threat of war looming over the planet."Snorting. "A coward then." Nem shook his head from side to side, the disappointment he felt etched across the scarred features of his skeletal face."Unlike you, my pitiless khat, these people were not all raised to be warriors. You can not hold them all to your exacting standards." Anger flared in his breast and his body begin to tremble as those darker emotions began to take root. "Return to the barracks. I'll clean up here."With an indifferent grunt, Xarl turned away from Nem and departed the alley, leaving the intendant and the cadaver alone. Sighing, he drew his prized coufee from its yorik-coral sheath on his hip and began to disassemble the corpse into smaller parts, before disposing of the remains in a nearby dumpster. The rain had already washed most of the blood from the alley and soon would take care of the rest. Gathering up the purse, Nem tracked it back to its owner and left it on the doorstep of an opulent manse in a wealthier part of the city. From the rooftops he watched a surprised servant open the door and find the stolen item waiting them. The same servant called the owner to the door, who appeared equally surprised but far less enthused by its return. From his distance perch, the intendant watched the women shrug and motion for the servant to dispose of the purse. It was nothing to her.In that moment, he wondered if justice was ever truly served.
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Harnan Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 594
Affiliation: Knights of Ren
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Post by Harnan Ren on Jan 5, 2023 13:56:31 GMT -8
With the looming threat of war having passed Byss by like a dark cloud on a strong breeze, life started to take a turn back toward a sense of normalcy. The Yuuzhan Vong and additional First Order forces that had been turned into reinforcements were stood down and allowed to return to the war games they had arrived for. Ren resources that had been transported off world were brought back, while those that had remained were ramped back up. The Imperial Citadel was reinforced once more by Purge Troopers, with a number of items being returned to the vaults and storehouses within the fortress. The Magisterium was tasked with conducting a large scale check across the population to weed out any spies that may have made their way in during the crisis.
Given Byss' unique location and status as a Fortress World, immigration to and from the planet was very tightly controlled. Extensive record keeping was maintained regarding the citizenry of Byss. The Magisterium referenced that existing record keeping and would update it as necessary. Any inconsistencies found Purge Trooper squads knocking down doors and dragging suspects off for interrogation.
Harnan would ensure Byss' security was once again ensured
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Harnan Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 594
Affiliation: Knights of Ren
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Post by Harnan Ren on Aug 17, 2023 21:16:26 GMT -8
Work was almost non-stop across the Fortress World as shipyards and factories ran almost around the clock. The war for control of the Empire would exact a great toll upon all sides of the conflict and the Ren would not be caught short handed. Generous rewards were offered to help those receptive, whilst the threat of retribution by the Magisterium was used to motivate the rest
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Silas Darkstar
Knights of Ren
Posts: 196
Affiliation: Knights of Ren - The Magisterium
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Post by Silas Darkstar on Mar 20, 2024 14:28:26 GMT -8
The Lux Cathedral Despite the Ren's return to Byss, Magisterium operations at the Lux Cathedral had been kept to a minimum. Agents were still trained, prep'ed, and kept on standby here, but data storage had all been kept offsite. But with the war progressing in the direction it was, Magisterium forces were pulled out and the Obsidian Order was left to remain and keep the place secure. It might come to pass that this site would once more be needed, but until then, it was mothballed
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