Atash S. Torkan
The Solenbaran Diarchy
Posts: 104 
Affiliation: Solenbaran Diarchy
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Post by Atash S. Torkan on Mar 2, 2020 10:23:09 GMT -8
*The grand complex of Atash S. Torkan's palace. It has been built following the predominant styles in both Coruscanti and Commenorian architecture, while having strong decorative influences from Naboo and Chandrila. The immense gardens are a marvelous thing to behold, filled with endless wonders. The grandeur of the place is a manifestation of the High Moff's authority over all the systems in the Corporate Sector. The whole complex is next to the river Buophor, that divides the capital of Etti IV in two different halves, an eastern and a -significantly older and larger- western one.* |
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Atash S. Torkan
The Solenbaran Diarchy
Posts: 104
Affiliation: Solenbaran Diarchy
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Post by Atash S. Torkan on Apr 27, 2020 1:43:07 GMT -8
The High Moff while on his private chambers, calls for commander Thrune.
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Azrea Thrune
The Sith Eternal
Posts: 58
Affiliation: Sith Eternal
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Azrea Thrune on Apr 27, 2020 3:01:02 GMT -8
Time would eventually pass by before the red-cloaked of Commander Thrune entered the Moff's chambers, the black visor eyeing the High Moff dutiful and cold as always. Some scratches on the shoulder parts of the robe revealed not solely the dull-coloured armor below it, but as well that Azrea had been training with those, she intended to train - as it seemed the training was coming along well.
Somewhat expecting she eyed Torkan, knowing that he would probably explain soon enough why she was summoned here.
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Atash S. Torkan
The Solenbaran Diarchy
Posts: 104
Affiliation: Solenbaran Diarchy
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Post by Atash S. Torkan on Apr 27, 2020 3:49:52 GMT -8
Time would eventually pass by before the red-cloaked of Commander Thrune entered the Moff's chambers, the black visor eyeing the High Moff dutiful and cold as always. Some scratches on the shoulder parts of the robe revealed not solely the dull-coloured armor below it, but as well that Azrea had been training with those, she intended to train - as it seemed the training was coming along well.
Somewhat expecting she eyed Torkan, knowing that he would probably explain soon enough why she was summoned here. The High Moff was amidst the luxury of his private chambers, wearing not his uniform, but an embroidered caftan -open and revealing his naked chest- and very loose silken pants. He was leaning in a mountain of pillows and cushions, while massaged by a scantly-dressed man. He was reading a datapad and smoking from a water pipe. When Thrune appeared, he dismissed the concubine and even the droid-servants. When left alone he puts aside the datapad and keeps smoking, the smoke and vapor obscuring his face.
"Commander Thrune"He looks at her from behind the mask provided by the smoke. "You could be a general now, if you wished. But titles mean little for you"The heavy scent of perfumed oils and smoke was almost intoxicating. "I have two important tasks for you, one is secret and will remain secret for anyone but whoever you handpick for this. This second task will take you some time, be warned"
He takes a moment, making circles of smoke with his mouth. "First. I'm sending my nephew and adopted son to Coruscant as an ambassador, you must handpick the best among your men and women to escort him there, I want no dangers to befall upon his head while he's outside Corporate Sector space, you hear me? If something ever happens to him there will be dire consequences for the responsible guardsmen and guardswomen. Whoever you pick must be ready to be killed for him and protect him at all costs. Because if something happens to him, they will be executed. Equip them with all the apparel necessary"
His eyes looked cold from behind the vapor.
"They shall travel in my private shuttle: you know that ship well. Yes, it's almost impervious to damage, but once he's on the ground, he's vulnerable, and my nephew is no natural-born warrior, unlike you"
The circle of smoke travels up high, to the carved and gilded ceilding. |
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Azrea Thrune
The Sith Eternal
Posts: 58
Affiliation: Sith Eternal
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Azrea Thrune on Apr 27, 2020 4:17:17 GMT -8
Torkan could see the Commander simply nodding. For her it was clear how she would handle the situation, as unlike the High Moff she wasn't too nervous about returning to the capital of the former Empire. If these traitors intended to kill his nephew, she wouldn't make it easy on them, even if the Diarch wouldn't believe the impossible to happen. Two of her best Death Corps troopers would do alongside herself - these three would be aside from ap-Tunfass, the Inquisitor and her hounds the best what the Diarchy could offer from her own perspective. Herself being the best protection any ambassador could ever have.
However, she would spare the High Moff any details, before he assigns to her unnecessary ballast, that would look shiny and pretty, but would make them problems in an actual dire situation.
"Good. What would be the second task?"
Her only concern was that the second task of Atash might complicate her current plans regarding the nephew so far. Hopefully it was something she could do either before the journey to Coruscant or afterwards - she trusted her own men well enough, but not enough to actually send them out alone.
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Atash S. Torkan
The Solenbaran Diarchy
Posts: 104
Affiliation: Solenbaran Diarchy
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Post by Atash S. Torkan on Apr 27, 2020 5:28:24 GMT -8
Spirals of smoke left the moff's mouth, rising like snakes looking for a prey. He didn't talk, just pressed a key on the datapad and a hidden holoprojector shows an enormous galactic map, surrounding them both with stars, nebulas and planets beyond count. The moff himself coincidentially had Bonadan and Etti orbiting around him, for he was placed in the far end of the chamber, while the commander was somewhere in the Core. Probably close to an ethereal and holographic Carida.
"You may have heard about what I'm going to show you, however I doubt Daala shared the location of this facility with many of her underlings in later times"
He gestures and the galaxy zooms in into a cluster of black holes and thick-woven nebulaes and other space abnormalities.
"The Maw. The secret installations where the Death Star's prototype was build. And many other weapons of war. Your former liege used to guard this place with several star destroyers, long time ago, charged with it by Tarkin himself"
The place was close to the Kessel run.
"However, it lays abandoned, unclaimed and forgotten. It doesn't even appear in galactic charts and whoever knew about this place is either dead or irrelevant in the gran scheme of things. Still, the potential of these facilities is inmense, even if they're ruined, fragmented and derilict. The installations could even build superweapons, so constructing Star Destroyers would be a child's play"
He smiles, the smoke dissipating.
"One must never put all eggs in one basket. I will charge you with the task of seizing what's left of the installations, make sure a detachment of my engineers starts up the operation and oversee the reconstruction of the defenses. There, we will conduct our secret projects, far from prying eyes, removed from any influence save mine. Daala hid herself there for many years, it's the perfect hideout and we will use it in our favour, commander"
The moff allows himself a slight smile.
"I will erase the records of any ship you use to bring the necessary personel there, so it's throughfully kept a secret. I will send shipments through droid-piloted ships. Once you think the installation is working as expected, you will return at the earnest, to me. You can then go back periodically. I can't trust anyone else, Thrune, but you. This is what once Tarkin trusted Daala with, I think you do realize how relevant this mission is... You're now the overseer of The Maw"
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Azrea Thrune
The Sith Eternal
Posts: 58
Affiliation: Sith Eternal
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Azrea Thrune on Apr 27, 2020 5:58:22 GMT -8
Certainly a surprise, yet one Azrea didn't necessarily dislike. What the High Moff said was true, especially when it came to what might be still leftover within the facilities. Yet, at the same time it looked like a risky agenda. The Royal Guard certainly saw the honor behind the offer as it went along with what she hoped some day to revive, once the Empire becomes reborn under its true Emperor again.
However, the Empire is far away from it's former glory, most of the assets usurped by traitors - and the space surrounding them as well. It seemed like foolish agenda, which was why she was speaking out her concerns honestly.
"As much as your appointment honors me, High Moff, it is not a mission though for which I would apply soon enough", she answered honestly, lowering her head respectfully, almost apologizing, "I could try to search within the facilities what could possibly be of use for our future campaigns, salvage what the Emperor might have hidden well enough for only his true servants.
Yet I see no point to split our forces on a territory, which is far beyond the Diarchy's reach. If I leave, I'll need every fleet asset still under my command available to hold the region against any intruders, that may come to claim it. Including the two Legions under my command and Death Corps, thus meaning that re-establishing the Royal Guard will become an impossible task for me, if I would follow into the steps of the one, who taught me."
Although no emotion could be spotted on the blank helmet, the High Moff could feel that she was troubled.
"I can secure the Maw facility for the Diarchy if it is your wish, but this is unlike the mission to Coruscant something I can't accomplish with a few men for reviving the station in its full function. Without a fleet like the famous Maw Irregular Fleet even the defenses won't halt any potential invaders from Hutt Space or beyond - we need to patrol the sectors within the cluster on a daily basis, while having enough infrastructure to keep the crew aboard the station alive as well.
It is doable, a task which I can see to be fulfilled in the next two years, when the Diarchy has subjugated all the systems inbetween and vassalized once more those, who should kneel to the one and only Emperor in their insignificance - but currently I fear that it will shift power within the Diarchy to a level, where we would lose a majority of the systems that we just subjugated in the worst case."
While we both know that without my forces ready, you might also face more problems when it comes to the second Diarch, the Lady Inquisitor herself, Atash. Don't be foolish enough to send away your best soldiers for a matter of Imperial pride. Even the Emperor himself had his backup plans despite the defeat at Endor.
The last words were left unspoken, but she hoped that the High Moff would also realize that taking the Maw facility might bring more problems than it would be worth it.
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Atash S. Torkan
The Solenbaran Diarchy
Posts: 104
Affiliation: Solenbaran Diarchy
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Post by Atash S. Torkan on Apr 27, 2020 6:14:43 GMT -8
Atash remained silent for minutes.
"You... are right. I was wrong"
He acknowledged.
"I was carried away by dreams of grandeur, perhaps foolishly, but, understandable considering we remain undefeated and now command hundreds of systems"
The moff smokes again.
"Very well. Have it your way. Prepare the escort for my nephew's mission to Coruscant. Once you're back take a small team and salvage what you can, be back in less than a standard rotation"
He leans back on the cushions and pillows.
"We will discard the project for now"
The paranoia of an intelligence officer had awaken the worst in him, projecting what was unfeasible.
"I will concentrate in the matters at hand, leaving the dreams for another time. I have still much to do"
He turns off the holoprojector and both droids and concubine come back. Atash grabs the servant and pulls him closer, the individual in question, pleasing, slids his hand under the caftan to touch the moff's chest while he caresses and plays with the dark curls on the younger man's head.
"You were right, general Thrune. Thank you. A ruler must always be reminded of what it's real and what's not. At least a decent one"
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Azrea Thrune
The Sith Eternal
Posts: 58
Affiliation: Sith Eternal
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Azrea Thrune on Apr 27, 2020 7:16:47 GMT -8
Taking the promotion only as granted, Azrea remained for the moment where she was, stoic as always.
Thoughtwise she was at least relieved that the High Moff has reconsidered the plans and only reduced them to a minimum, as one expedition was easier to handle than an entire route of worker droids and security forces through foreign territory. Until then, Azrea presumed, they would also know more about their stance towards the neighbouring regions and whether they would have to move against them with military might or are able to make agreements with them.
Whatever was left within the Maw installation and the surrounding territory could still wait for the moment.
"Is there anything else of further note or should I prepare myself for the tasks at hand?"
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Atash S. Torkan
The Solenbaran Diarchy
Posts: 104
Affiliation: Solenbaran Diarchy
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Post by Atash S. Torkan on Apr 27, 2020 9:57:53 GMT -8
Taking the promotion only as granted, Azrea remained for the moment where she was, stoic as always.
Thoughtwise she was at least relieved that the High Moff has reconsidered the plans and only reduced them to a minimum, as one expedition was easier to handle than an entire route of worker droids and security forces through foreign territory. Until then, Azrea presumed, they would also know more about their stance towards the neighbouring regions and whether they would have to move against them with military might or are able to make agreements with them.
Whatever was left within the Maw installation and the surrounding territory could still wait for the moment.
"Is there anything else of further note or should I prepare myself for the tasks at hand?"
He said, placing his right left hand on the man's naked tight.
"Once you come back from Imperial Center we will talk about your assignement in the Maw"The hand gets higher, climing the flesh slowly: it stops near the groin, grabbing the flesh. "Before leaving, tell me how's the training of the guards going" |
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Silas Darkstar
Knights of Ren
Posts: 198
Affiliation: Knights of Ren - The Magisterium
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Post by Silas Darkstar on Apr 27, 2020 23:52:17 GMT -8
A couple days later...
A half hour passed traveling from his office in the Cathedral of the Inquisition to Torkan's office within The High Moff Palace. He wore his signature robes and cloak as he strode through the Palace, drawing the eyes of the Stormtroopers and politicians he passed by in the hallways. Stories had started to already spread about the Eye of the Inquisition and his esoteric powers. Some of which Silas had personally contributed to the existence of. He wanted to be a figure cloaked in shadow that made members of the Diarchy think twice before doing anything.
As he arrived to the office, he pushed the doors open and strode inside, offering a shallow bow to the High Moff
High Moff Torkan... A pleasure to see you again after so long...
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Atash S. Torkan
The Solenbaran Diarchy
Posts: 104
Affiliation: Solenbaran Diarchy
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Post by Atash S. Torkan on Apr 28, 2020 0:21:39 GMT -8
A couple days later...A half hour passed traveling from his office in the Cathedral of the Inquisition to Torkan's office within The High Moff Palace. He wore his signature robes and cloak as he strode through the Palace, drawing the eyes of the Stormtroopers and politicians he passed by in the hallways. Stories had started to already spread about the Eye of the Inquisition and his esoteric powers. Some of which Silas had personally contributed to the existence of. He wanted to be a figure cloaked in shadow that made members of the Diarchy think twice before doing anything.
As he arrived to the office, he pushed the doors open and strode inside, offering a shallow bow to the High MoffHigh Moff Torkan... A pleasure to see you again after so long... He said. Atash was wearing a purely white uniform, without badges or decoration. A simple-cut cloak covered his shoulders. It was quite minimalistic, tailor made. The surroundings were not, the carved and gilded ceiling and walls were splendid, reminding to the keen eye of not only the palatial architecture of Etti IV, but also of the splendor of Theed, Chandrila and even long-lost Alderaan. "But life has strange turns, I know this more than anyone"The High Moff was inspecting a projected holomap over his desk, ornately made in several kinds of exotic wood, partially gilded. |
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Silas Darkstar
Knights of Ren
Posts: 198
Affiliation: Knights of Ren - The Magisterium
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Post by Silas Darkstar on Apr 28, 2020 1:16:32 GMT -8
Silas couldn't suppress a chuckle as Torkan seemed surprised by the current turn of events, specifically his service to Lady Zariel
You thought me dead perhaps? Wiped out by Palpatine as vengeance for correctly predicting his defeat? I'm afraid not. I am alive and well. Given my past, It should be no surprise I serve an Inquisitor. The Prophets and Inquisitorius never had cause to fight...
Silas moved further into the office, noting the architecture of the room as he approached the desk. His own gaze falling to the projected holomap, trying to figure out what he was looking at as he spoke again
Yes, life certainly has its strange turns. I certainly half expected you to be dead, but my visions continued to show you alive and well... Funny how one day you can be following the most powerful man in the Galaxy, and the very next be cast out or abandoned by his death... But I digress... I take it my sudden appearance did not much please you? Especially considering Lady Zariel named me Eye of the Inquisition...
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Atash S. Torkan
The Solenbaran Diarchy
Posts: 104
Affiliation: Solenbaran Diarchy
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Post by Atash S. Torkan on Apr 28, 2020 1:27:23 GMT -8
Silas couldn't suppress a chuckle as Torkan seemed surprised by the current turn of events, specifically his service to Lady ZarielYou thought me dead perhaps? Wiped out by Palpatine as vengeance for correctly predicting his defeat? I'm afraid not. I am alive and well. Given my past, It should be no surprise I serve an Inquisitor. The Prophets and Inquisitorius never had cause to fight... Silas moved further into the office, noting the architecture of the room as he approached the desk. His own gaze falling to the projected holomap, trying to figure out what he was looking at as he spoke againYes, life certainly has its strange turns. I certainly half expected you to be dead, but my visions continued to show you alive and well... Funny how one day you can be following the most powerful man in the Galaxy, and the very next be cast out or abandoned by his death... But I digress... I take it my sudden appearance did not much please you? Especially considering Lady Zariel named me Eye of the Inquisition... He replied.
"I thought all your creed and religion were long dead. Not even by Palpatine's hands -he didn't come back from the dead for long enough-, but the new Sith's"Atash glances at Darkstar sideways, while leaning on the desk. "But I was wrong"It was a holomap of the Kessel run. |
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Silas Darkstar
Knights of Ren
Posts: 198
Affiliation: Knights of Ren - The Magisterium
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Post by Silas Darkstar on Apr 28, 2020 2:59:06 GMT -8
"I see the future, Atash... Few things escape my vision that people try to hide..."
Silas reached his hands out and leaned against the desk, examining the map of the Kessel Run. The Maw Nebulae was a stunning sight, He still remembered seeing it in person once on a visit to The Maw. Dozens of Imperial Superweapons had been designed, developed, and/or built there. All while right next door to Kessel, the galaxy's leading supplier of spice. It was an interesting dynamic
"Many of my brethren are indeed dead, mostly of old age, others through failed revivals of Palpatine's Empire... This new breed of Sith are fools, they don't even know the few of us left alive even exist. It's the benefit of being able to see the future... You can always anticipate your opponent's next move..."
He raised his gaze and looked at Atash, trying to gauge the man's reaction. When he had entered that first meeting, he had sensed unease. Concern even. What it was regarding, he could not say for sure right now. But he would find out
"Looking to take up spice trading High Moff? It would certainly put a whole new meaning to your title..."
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Atash S. Torkan
The Solenbaran Diarchy
Posts: 104
Affiliation: Solenbaran Diarchy
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Post by Atash S. Torkan on Apr 28, 2020 5:40:41 GMT -8
He held his gaze without flinching.
"You might find my mind hard to probe, if you ever try, Silas"
He said. Like many high-ranking members of the ISB he had been trained to avoid mind control and probing, that could have been incredibly dangerous for the agency.
"And the future is not preordained. No matter how hard you think it is"
Atash added. Then looked back at map.
"No, I simply was thinking about Tarkin's darling, the Maw. It could be an elusive prize, but the installations are too far. I've been trying to ascertain a way to reach it"
Then, looked back at Silas.
"First, a warning, do not mock me again"
He said, coldly. Atash rarely ever threatened someone, but when did, he meant it.
"Remember your place, I'm a Diarch. Would have you uttered such comment in front of a Grand Admiral or a Grand Moff in years past?"
The High Moff frowned and then smiled very slightly.
"I don't think so. Save your witty remarks for your minions, not for your ruler"
He looks back at the map.
"Second, I believe you were privy to the Emperor, thus you know the facility, as one of Palpatine's Eyes. Tarkin, somehow, managed to sneak the facility under the eyes of the ISB and we never managed to get any template, schematics or reports about it"
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Silas Darkstar
Knights of Ren
Posts: 198
Affiliation: Knights of Ren - The Magisterium
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Post by Silas Darkstar on Apr 28, 2020 7:06:00 GMT -8
Like most things, given enough time and preparation Silas was quite certain he could crack Atash's mind with some ease. But now was not the time to argue such semantics and so he let the comment go. He might have laughed at Atash's next comments about the future, though the man was not entirely far off the truth. There were always multiple pathways forward and potential futures that came into being and were snuffed out. There were only a small few that could alter the path forward and defy fate. But even then, they too eventually were bound to meet an inevitable end.
Silas looked down at the map once more, studying the nebulae. His focus going to the spot upon the map that was close to Kessel. A cluster of block holes that were almost impossible to navigate through. It was no surprise that the High Moff had set his sights upon Tarkin's boudoir, so to speak. It was certainly a fair assessment that the installation was well away from the Diarchy held territory. But that just proved it to be all the more strategic a location. And a problem Silas was more than happy to provide a solution to.
But before he could speak, He lifted his gaze to meet Atash's as the man sought to admonish him for his remarks. So he had found the Diarch's line, something that was good to file away for future conversations
"The Grand Admiral's were mostly fools, and the Grand Moff's tended to be below my rank... So yes, I would have. But your point is duly noted..."
Silas lowered his gaze to the map once more at the same time as Atash. It was no surprise that ISB had never been granted any information about The Maw considering the nature of the projects that were constructed there. But he was pretty sure he got the gist of where this conversation was headed
"It's no surprise ISB never managed to have any eyes on it. What the Emperor did not want you to know, you did not find out about... And Palpatine did not want anyone knowing about The Maw... You are correct though, I was aware of the site. I even visited it once. Though I suspect between the time it has sat neglected for and the fact it has been raided over the years, that much of what was once there now sits in need of repair... Something that can be achieved with the right plan..."
He lifted his gaze to look over at Atash then
"There are always ways and means to reach such a place, even from as far away as here... You just have to be... discreet... I mean, Tarkin managed to move supplies across the Empire to The Maw to build many of his projects without anyone noticing..."
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Atash S. Torkan
The Solenbaran Diarchy
Posts: 104
Affiliation: Solenbaran Diarchy
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Post by Atash S. Torkan on Apr 28, 2020 7:54:35 GMT -8
Atash's uncle, Balanhai Savit, had worn the white of the Grand Admirals. But he had conducted himself treacherous in the end and he didn't want to bring up the subject. Still, the High Moff frowns slightly.
"Palpatine had his ways"
Said the Diarch, cuting short the rant.
"How would you do it, Darkstar?"
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Silas Darkstar
Knights of Ren
Posts: 198
Affiliation: Knights of Ren - The Magisterium
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Post by Silas Darkstar on Apr 28, 2020 8:48:34 GMT -8
Silas raised an eyebrow for a moment, half expecting more to be said, but nothing more came. Instead, Atash asked the one question Silas had been expecting since The Maw had been mentioned
"Considering our existing arsenal of vessels... Perhaps a new design, something geared to moving large amounts of equipment and people... Equipped with a cloak and stealth systems. You could move a couple vessels unseen through the intervening territory taking lesser traveled hyperspace routes. Select a group of skilled engineers, and provide them with enough resources to either make repairs or salvage the existing base and start over. To erase suspicion, have a couple vessels trade with Kessel. Spice has a number of applications, from the illicit to the medicinal... Resupplies to the Maw could be covered as collecting more Spice.... And given how few ways into the Maw there are... A well placed Star Destroyer or Station could provide security necessary for such a small operation initially. By the time a larger fleet or station was needed, the repairs to the facilities there would be completed enough to build them locally... If I was to do it of course...."
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Atash S. Torkan
The Solenbaran Diarchy
Posts: 104
Affiliation: Solenbaran Diarchy
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Post by Atash S. Torkan on Apr 28, 2020 11:26:42 GMT -8
"Interesting, Darkstar. I had, indeed, thought about disguising our operation using spice trade, but your insight was on point"
He granted. Atash was no man to hold grudges, neither was him quick in anger.
"It could, indeed, work. Send word to our people at the research center, put a detachment of engineers to work in this new project of yours, I want a viable prototype in the earnest"
Atash looked at the map.
"Soon, the base will be scouted, by one of my operatives. We have time to develop the cloaked vessels. If the scheme works, we could have seized a very important facility. Probably, it'll take us months to have a working cloaked ship and an accurate recon of the area, but it's an insignificant wait compared to the potential gains"
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