Nem Yin
The First Order
The dark expanse of the intergalactic void is not as empty as they would have you believe...
Posts: 439
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Nem Yin on Sept 24, 2021 5:46:06 GMT -8
"That is quite generous, your majesty. Rest assured, Imperial vessels and personnel will receive a hospitable welcome if they find themselves on or near Zonama Sekot."
The Praetorite would guarantee the compliance of the Yuuzhan Vong living there, of that there was no question. It was possible that more would arrive from beyond the galaxy that did not share the same sentiment, but he had plans to deal with them if and when they arrived. He was building something here to ensure the long term survival of his very race. Nothing, not even a few religion clouded zealots bent on reliving the invasion, would stand in his way. He'd end them himself if necessary. His coufee had been wetted on the blood of his own people before. Nem could carry that weight again if it was required.
His attention really peaked when the Emperor spoke of establishing a base of operations on an Imperial world. His mqaaq'it implants began to illuminate once more, returning to their previous green glow, though less intense than before. The Executor turned to the side where his chazrach continued to scribble away, then said something short in guttural Yuuzhan Vong. The creature at his side reached into its tunic and withdrew what appeared to be a tablet of some sort, though the case around it appeared to be made of flesh, given the veins strewn about its surface. It was what was known as a qahsa, a personal living computer, analogous to an infidel data-pad. Nem took the device from the chazrach and performed a few calculations on the screen while he continued to speak with the Emperor.
"As for a base of operations within Imperial territory, that would be useful, though the climate doesn't matter overmuch. Our bio-technology allows us to operate in just about any environment. I would simply ask that any location chosen be not too afflicted by industrial pollution, as that can have an adverse effect on the function of our buildings and biots."
The final matter, Coruscant. The last time the Executor had been there it had possessed another name, one his people had given it. Since the events of the war he had felt no desire to return, though this could possibly be due to the fact that the last time he had operated in the known galaxy, the planet had been under Mandalorian control. Clearly times had changed that, for the better it sounded like.
"If traveling to Coruscant is the next step upon finalizing an agreement, your grace, then I shall make my way there shortly after the end of this meeting. I hope you will not be offended if I choose to arrive by less official channels. While I have no doubt the First Order has complete dominion over the galactic capital, there will be citizens that remember my peoples occupation of the planet and find the sight of us...unsettling. I find it is better for all when we move in a more, discreet, fashion."
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on Sept 24, 2021 7:19:31 GMT -8
By the sounds of the Executor, the Emperor was right to consider Garqi and Shili. Both of whom were more natural worlds compared to the industries found on Muunilinst, Yaga Minor, and Coruscant. There was a great risk in accepting the hand, offered by the Vong. The general populace still did not approve of the species given their role in the bloodiest conflict known to the galaxy. Worlds had been permanently altered by their bio-tech and ruthless battle tactics. In some cases, worlds had ceased to exist, such as Ithor. Coruscant, for example, had been relatively purged of the bio-tech, but if one delved deep enough into the less traveled areas and those with little habitation, they shouldn't be surprised if they found a lingering biomass left by the Vong.
I was already considering a less official entry for your visit to Coruscant. The best alternative is for myself to send a warship to bring you from the Ilum system to the Imperial Core. Otherwise, I suspect the Grand Admiral would be willing to loan a long-range shuttle along with an armed escort.
The galaxy rarely viewed the Vong in a good light. Even if they came with peaceful intentions, the typical response was an armed intervention. However, the First Order was about looking for the capable and resourceful, even if there was a rising sentiment of Humanocentricism that rose among both the Old and Young Guard. Yet, still aliens and humanoids were among the rank and file of the Empire. Just not as numerous as say a democratically elected government, but still a presence of them was known. Even the first Empress had been a shapeshifter. The Praetorite would hopefully become a worthy investment of his time.
I will think over the options that could be of use to the Praetorite Vong. By the time you arrive, Executor, some offers will be ready on the table.
His eyes then look to the Grand Admiral as the holo-image turns its attention.
Grand Admiral, work with High Command to ensure proper transport is available for our guest. Send a report in when it has been arranged and when the Executor is secure and on his way to Coruscant. I will have Imperial Intelligence monitor channels and ensure discretion is kept.
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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: 439
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Blue
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Post by Nem Yin on Sept 24, 2021 12:14:53 GMT -8
He understood the reasoning why the Emperor might want to whisk Nem and whatever Yuuzhan Vong accompanied him to the capital aboard a military transport. It would guarantee that they would stay out of sight, and therefore out of the troubled minds of those that might not approve. It was possible even that Nicademus thought he was being generous by offering said transportation. The thought of it, however, caused bile to rise in his throat. It simply wasn't the way he traveled. Forget any reservations about riding in a mechanical construct, he had done his fair share of that and it troubled him not at all. Rather it was the method of transportation, kept separate from the people he in some way would be responsible for, only viewing them from a distance. Nem much preferred blending in with the unwashed masses, surrounded on all sides by infidels, all but invisible in his anonymity.
"Transportation is not required, your majesty." He quickly interjected before the the meeting completed. "Provide the coordinates and I assure you I will be there. If you will allow it, consider it the first test of my abilities. If I can't make it to Coruscant undetected, I would be of poor service to you and certainly not worth the investment of your time."
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Jenia Kasalle
Databank Operations
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Affiliation: First Order
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Post by Jenia Kasalle on Sept 30, 2021 1:54:13 GMT -8
His eyes then look to the Grand Admiral as the holo-image turns its attention.Grand Admiral, work with High Command to ensure proper transport is available for our guest. Send a report in when it has been arranged and when the Executor is secure and on his way to Coruscant. I will have Imperial Intelligence monitor channels and ensure discretion is kept.
"I will do as arranged and also make sure that the forces stationed within the sector will remain silent regarding the current situation. From the regular Lambda-shuttle up to my own flagship we have all the capabilities to arrange a safe journey, if the Executor himself wishes so."
She then paused, listening then to Nem's proposal regarding a test. It was certainly unusual and probably even risky, given that Jenia had a lot of trust within the abilities of the First Order's intelligence network when it came to tracking down potential threats upon important imperial officers and foremost the Emperor.
There wasn't really much she could say there other than waiting for the Emperor's response on it. Yet the interest within her eyes regarding a potential test upon Nem's capabilities could be seen, even by the holographic figure of hers, which the Emperor would recieve on his end of the transmission. |
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on Sept 30, 2021 6:05:29 GMT -8
"Transportation is not required, your majesty." He quickly interjected before the the meeting completed. "Provide the coordinates and I assure you I will be there. If you will allow it, consider it the first test of my abilities. If I can't make it to Coruscant undetected, I would be of poor service to you and certainly not worth the investment of your time." |
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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: 439
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Blue
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Post by Nem Yin on Sept 30, 2021 6:40:20 GMT -8
Dark purple eye sacks deflated in visible relief as it appeared the Executor's request had been granted. He bowed his head to the Emperor, humbling himself before the holographic representation of the man.
It would be better this way, far easier to move about without an escort keeping tabs on him. Besides, there were a few things in Coruscant's underworld that he was interested in checking on and this would provide ample opportunity to do so. The trick would be to get there undetected, but that was frankly an easy enough matter. The best disguises were usually those in plain sight.
"I understand perfectly, your majesty." He said with his head still bowed. "When next we meet, it will be in person on Coruscant."
Nem lifted his head and performed the Yuuzhan Vong equivalent of a smile, revealing a mouth full of pointed yellow teeth, stained black where the tooth rose from the gum.
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Jenia Kasalle
Databank Operations
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Affiliation: First Order
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Post by Jenia Kasalle on Oct 3, 2021 2:40:47 GMT -8
Once the last words with the Emperor were exchanged and both the Executor and him finished their conversation, Jenia ended the transmission and turned afterwards towards Nem, the cold light of the cave's crystal now solely illuminating the darkness around them.
"If there is anything I can provide to you or where I can be of help for your mission, feel free to tell me", she then said again towards the Yuuzhan Vong leader, "I won't tell any word of what has transpired here and can order the ship crews, that witnessed your arrival on Ilum to be silent. Other than the ISB presumably, no one will know of the incursion and the Bureau's chief command works closely with the man with whom you just had spoken.
Though I have to admit that I know more strategies how to potentially attack Coruscant with an entire fleet rather than how to infiltrate it the best way possible. Our security systems regarding the important Imperial facilities including the Imperial Palace, are extraordinary good to say the least, if not nearly without any flaws."
She briefly paused, trying to better elaborate her point.
I was already the target of at least two assassination attempts upon my life - and if my bodyguards could handle both situations smoothly as elite soldiers of their kind should, you can be certain that the Emperor has even more effective means to shield himself from unwanted intruders.
Thus it might be unlikely that I can be of help, even though it would be an interesting challenge for sure."
Jenia didn't mention necessarily that it would be especially interesting when it came to analyze the results of the Yuuzhan Vong's volunteered infiltration attempt, for it was probably obvious. No matter the end result, a test was in the end a test.
And if it was capable of bypassing everything the First Order had in store for someone, who really wanted to attack the core figure of their Empire, it would also help to improve these inner defenses even more. Wheras the failure within completing the test would still proof that these measures and methods still were viable even against unusual individuals.
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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: 439
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Blue
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Post by Nem Yin on Oct 3, 2021 5:44:11 GMT -8
When the hologram faded, Nem turned back towards the Grand Moff, nodding his head as he listened. There was still something of a mirthful grin displayed upon his corpse like features.
Jenia seemed confident in Coruscant's security; likely she was not wrong in that assertion. The galactic capital had always been a tough nut to crack when under Imperial control. It was part of the reason the Yuuzhan Vong waited for the New Republic to take over, and even went so far as to take steps to ensure that happened, before launching their own invasion. No doubt in this time of galactic turmoil it would be fiercely guarded.
"I've always enjoyed a challenge." He said with a shrug of his robe shrouded shoulders. "But I appreciate the point you are making. It won't be easy." After all, if easy was what he wanted, he would have just accepted the free ride.
He uttered a few words in his own language, which caused the chazrach to lope to his side and crouch upon the ground, offering its back to the Intendant. Nem bent slightly and took the parchment pad and stylus biot from the creature. He then placed the parchment pad on its back and used his personal scribe as a table upon which to write. He scribbled a series of numbers upon the paper before tearing off a strip and folding it in his hand.
Ah, she was a survivor. He thought as he listened. The more he learned about this human the more he came to appreciate her for the dutiful warrior she was. Had Jenia been an opposing force back when he last operated in the known galaxy, he doubted very much he would have been able to get away with many of his previous piratical endeavours.
While he faced her, the Executor crossed his arms over his chest and bowed, not quite to the waist but near enough. As he rose once more he extended the hand holding the folded piece of parchment, offering it to the Grand Admiral. His head tilted slightly to the side as he examined her with a new appreciation.
"Your discretion is much appreciated. I understand you were just doing your duty, Jenia, but you have done me a service and that demands some form of recompense. Take this..." He motioned with the proffered paper. "It is a private frequency that our technology has been attuned to. If ever you require a 'favour', you need only call and it will be so."
There were only a handful of ways that the Intendant and his organization could be of assistance to her, so the implication was obvious.
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Jenia Kasalle
Databank Operations
Posts: 512
Affiliation: First Order
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Post by Jenia Kasalle on Oct 29, 2021 3:13:26 GMT -8
Without hesitation the Grandadmiral took the parchment piece, examining it closely, before she would store it, where usually the code cylinders were worn, safe and secured.
"I will keep your words in mind and tell you when I will need it", her formal answer was, as she gave Nem a respectful nod, "At the same time the Muunilinst Oversector welcomes you. For a test I can send later the frequencies for direct communication with me from the High Command facility on the oversector's world, should you require any assistance of mine.
My oath and loyality binds me to the Emperor, yet an important ally of the First Order will have my support as well, should it be within my authority to degree it. Much has changed within the galaxy and only with conjoined forces we can maintain order within the chaos."
So far she wasn't sure on what mission she could send the Executor's forces or for what reason he might request the support of her fleet and army forces, but she had no doubt that this wouldn't be the last time where they would cross eachother's paths. Like the Mandalorians and Chiss the Vong were one of the more important species with whom the First Order would maintain it's negotiations.
She then looked around the cave, somewhat wondering as the lights of the crystals reminded her on something else. Not necessarily a question of military knowledge or something of political importance, but rather a more simple one.
"Before I return to my ship though, Nem, I'd like to know what is in your eyes of your people more important, Nem", she then continiued, much to her own surprise, "Would you say that the duties of a nation outweights the needs of a family and if so to what extend. I try to seek an answer to that question from multiple angles for personal reasons, so it is nothing on which you are required to give me an answer.
The perspective from a person though, that doesn't tend to think like the regular human being within the Empire, is however of great interest for me. How far would one go to maintain their status within society, leaving all matters of a personal life aside?"
To some point Jenia was surprised about her own openess within the situation. Maybe it was something within the air, maybe just the place itself, that reminded her of something, that she kept buried for quite a long time. Seeing her own reflection within one of the crystals made her at least assume, that it was the later.
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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: 439
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Blue
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Post by Nem Yin on Oct 29, 2021 6:57:04 GMT -8
It was an extremely difficult question to answer and for a moment, he considered not giving one. His personal opinion on the matter might be misrepresented as the reborn Praetorite Vong's official policy, which would obviously effect future negotiations; however, he got the sense that Jenia was asking less as a Grand Admiral or Moff and more as an individual seeking another's personal input. In that case he only knew the truth of his heart.
Over the years his feelings on this matter have changed dramatically, usually based on the burdens he took on himself. At one point in time when he led the exodus from a dying galaxy to the one they found themselves in now, he would have said that nothing was more important than duty to ones own people. Then, as he had become disillusioned with what his people had become, he began to believe there was nothing so important as his own individual liberty. If he was living out his personal desires, he would be traveling the hyperspace lanes in a ship of his own, reaving and mixing it up with members of the infidel underworld. Yet something always drove him back to his people, usually the needs of his domain, which was the Yuuzhan Vong equivalent of a family clan. He had been prepared to assassinate the former Supreme Overlord of the Yuuzhan Vong Empire, Shimrra Jamaane, for what he had done to his domain...to his family. Only, weren't things different now that he was in charge? He was responsible for a number of domains, and while he had no intention to spend their lives as currency in the same way Shimrra had done to his own domain, he did ask absolute loyalty to the Praetorite from all of their members.
After that moment's consideration, he knew his answer. With a casual gesture, the Executor dismissed his body guards and even the chazrach scribe that clung to his side like blorash jelly. As his companions began to walk towards the entrance and back to the yorik-trema, Nem tilted his head to the side and regarded Jenia with a thoughtful expression. The bright gleam of his eyes indicated the genuine strength of emotion that went into the following words.
"There is no higher calling than duty to one's nation or people. To truly embody that ideal requires a level of selflessness that is rare quality among every race of people that I have come across." He paused, considerately. "Yet I have found that nothing will bring true contentment in the same way as devotion to one's family. It is a delicate balancing act between oath of duty and the bonds of blood." He shrugged his shoulders. "The truth is somewhere in the middle I believe, for complete peace of soul. After all, if the answer was easy, it wouldn't be a question at all."
It was as good of an answer as he could give without delving into his own extensive history and struggles with that very topic.
"You have an intriguing mind, Jenia. I am confident we will have an opportunity to speak on this again. Until that time, I am bound for Coruscant. Farewell."
Without further adieu, the Executor turned on his heel and departed the crystal caves, returning to the 'Blood Chalice' that waited patiently outside, his escort already aboard and waiting upon his return. He left Ilum with equal parts hope and trepidation for the future. The First Order provided a true opportunity for galactic peace and security, yet the road to that ultimate goal would not be bloodless. His people would play their part, though he prayed the path to peace would not be paved with their bones. A short time after the yorik-trema lifted off from the ice crusted landing pad and took to the sky, accelerating towards the upper atmosphere.
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