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 Mar 28, 2023 17:58:45 GMT -8
"Surprisingly few." Lines of worry around his eyes seemed to soften. "Due mostly to diligent effort. I struck a bargain with the Jedi Lords of Ossus. Their world was ravaged by an ecological disaster, beyond saving in the eyes of the greatest minds of their scientific community. Master Shaper Mira Yim leads a project to repair the damage to the planet's biome using Yuuzhan Vong bioengineering technology, with great success. She has taken the bulk of the shaper caste there to assist in her efforts. Word has been slowly spreading of our actions. High Lord Lucien Malvern, leader of the Jedi Lords, tells me several other planetary governments have made inquiries if the same could be done for their world. Though we are still watched with fear and suspicion, the eyes are beginning to turn, along with public opinion." His pace slowed as they neared the wagon. "Mira is a gifted mind, unlike any other shaper I have encountered. I worried leaving someone so crucial to our future in the hands of infidels, but the Jedi Lords are honourable warriors of great renowned, noble not only in title but also in deed. There is no safer place in the galaxy, save perhaps the Imperial capital. I should warn you, if you seek her out. Mira is the leader of a religious cult that sprang up in the wake of our people's defeat. They call themselves the Handmaidens of Yun-Ne'shel, pacifists, sworn to do no harm."
Upon reaching the wagon he sprang up onto the back of the hay lined bed behind the drivers bench. Nem leaned in towards the chazrach seated in the drivers position, holding a set of sinew reigns connected to a rather large bissop. It growled at their approach, though eased when the Intendant's glowing mqaaq'it flickered very briefly from their emerald green hue to deep crimson, before returning to normal. He patted the semi-sentient reptoid chazrach on the head, roughing its scalp with his palm. The fading pallor of its scales and the way its body shook at all times bespoke of its advanced age. Nem turned in the cart, motioning with a hand at the chazrach.
"This is Scab, my sadly necessary assistant. He doesn't speak, but he's very good at carrying my things." That wasn't humour. Given how many pots the Executor had his finger in it was necessary to have an assistant, preferably one less dimwitted, but Scab had been with him since the war. He couldn't imagine being without the unquestionably loyal creature.
When Esthh had joined him in the back, Scab snapped the reigns and the bissop began to trot along a curving road that took them into the heart of the farming community. He was taking him back to his domicile, where he maintained an office. There were several items there he thought would be of interest. As they sat across from one another, Nem continued his recounting of events, more intentionally vague than before.
"Apart from a unfulfilled threat by a Mandalorian Warlord, Kaine..." You know, he couldn't recall the name. "...something. He seemed rather unimportant. Apart from that, I've spent more time of late fighting our own people. A heretic shaper..." He stopped himself. "...I know, that means nothing now, but some habits are hard to break. Regardless, she ambushed a meeting of the Praetorite Council on Shili's second moon, killed most of them, then destroyed the base on the surface. I was there." He recalled bitterly. "I very nearly died, but the weave of my skein might as well have been spun by the trickster goddess herself, were she real. I lived and sought vengeance, striking the Yuuzhan Vong colony on Lehon that she had usurped." His eyes dimmed, cold, like a killer. "The matter has been resolved, though the colony has yet to recover. Another on the nearby world of Ach-To has been assisting with their needs."
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Post by Esthh Krazhmir on Mar 29, 2023 10:37:56 GMT -8
It didn’t surprise Esthh that there were rifts and new factions within his people. The power and societal structure had been shattered, those that had been leaders were brought low, and those that thought they should lead, were, or were trying to. It was something he had seen and caused on many worlds across the galaxy, fomenting civil war was one of his missions. The new roles and lowly trying to do things beyond their station and failing. The blame that went around fomented greater anger and drove wedges into society, if left unchecked or encouraged it lead to a rapid break down of society and typically ended in bloodshed. The Ssi-ruuk and the P’w’eck for example, he was glad that those creatures were fighting each other. They were the epitome of the danger of technology, using not just life, but the very essence of a being to run machinery. He gave a mental shiver at the memory of finding out how they powered their stillborn technology. It saddened him that his people had and were falling for the same issues, but it was hardly a surprise.
He was glad that there were few who opposed the Vong’s existence. Things had changed so much since he had been gone. That was what happened he supposed when being out of touch for a decade. The Mandalorian could be a problem if he had the forces to do something about it. He had no doubt there was a pretty good grudge for having ones home planet singularity bombed.
“Why would the shaper attack the...council? What damage was done to the colony?”
He wasnt sure yet if he could trust Nen Yin, he would certainly not trust him with his warrior or people yet. If he could offer some help to his people however, he could do small things until the trust was built. What he was doing as far as his massive shaping program undergoing everything from harvester creatures to war material was certainly a land mine waiting to be stepped on if he didn’t understand the situation.
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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
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Post by Nem Yin on Mar 30, 2023 7:02:28 GMT -8
Slowly reaching up to the starfish shaped gnullith device over the lower half of his face, the Intendant triggered its release reflex with a carefully placed stroke of his finger, causing the biot to pull free with a resounding wet squelch. Nem took a moment to stretch his jaw before raising his hands and pulling back the hood over his shorn scalp ridges, revealing his face to Esthh for the first time. He was undeniably ugly, even by Yuuzhan Vong standards, but not to the point of being Shamed. It was unlikely he would win any Praetorite beauty pageants, however, assuming that was an actual thing. He gave his jaw a tug and cracked his neck, then rested either arm against the side of the wagon he was sitting against. With the gnullith removed the dark purple eye sacs beneath his mqaaq'it were more pronounced, his corpse-pallor skin seeming taut against his skull, all sharp edges."It was my fault." He performed his best approximation of an infidel's scowl. "We had a disagreement over some of her shaping practises. She attempted to replicate Shimrra Jamaane's slayer initiative, with great success." He held up a hand and exposed his palm. "But like everything to do with that treasonous bastard, the project was tainted. The lines she crossed went beyond merely bordering moral outrage, they lacked any ethical guidelines and limitations. She was creating monsters. I discovered what she was up to and forbid her from continuing her work, exiling her to the Lehon colony with the rest of her creations." The hue of his ocular implants shifted again, from green to orange. "I expected her to remain there, licking the wounds to her pride, but I did not expect her to turn on the Praetorite that she was still apart of. More so, I had not anticipated that so many would take up arms to support her."Shaper Adept Loraine Zun-qin, sister to Lilith Zun-qin, a Handmaiden of Yun-Ne'Shel. He never would have thought she would have been capable of the actions she had performed or the damage she had wrought. Not only had her attack on the Praetorite Council wounded the organization possibly beyond recovery, fracturing what little organization they had possessed, but it had killed so many Yuuzhan Vong that Nem had carefully cultivated to aid in his efforts to integrate his people into galaxy society. It was a massive setback.He shrugged. "As I said, the matter has been resolved. The colony on Lehon consisted mainly of an underwater damutek, a base of operations we were using to manufacture a new masquer variant for infiltrating the native population, before making an attempt at cohabitation. We've had great success in that regard on Ahch-To. Not only is that colony self sufficient, our people live harmoniously with the Lanai species that call it home." He wrapped his knuckles on the wood side of he wagon's bed as Scab led them into the village. The hour was still late, but several of the infidel villagers out walking about waved in his direction. For his part he occasionally responded with a polite nod in reply. "I was forced to sacrifice my flagship, a ro'ik chuun m'arh that had been with me for years, to bring down the miid ro'ik she had commandeered. Not an easy feat, but Mira had helped shape a few tricks into it that the heret...that the shaper, was not prepared for. Her dreadnought had the misfortune of crashing into the damutek base, flooding it. Those loyal to the Praetorite had already moved to caves along the coast, where we originally established ourselves when first scouting the planet. It will be some time before they are able to return to the base, if at all."Huffing with a wet snort, the bissop pulling the wagon stopped as Scab pulled back on the reigns. They had stopped outside a structure built into the hilly terrain, with a grass roof and yorik coral chimney that appeared to belch wood smoke into the sky. A round wooden door occupied the front, though there appeared to be a Yuuzhan Vong hatch-sphincter serving as a side entrance. The wooden door swung open, revealing a dimly lit interior luminated by glow-lichen on the ceiling and lambent crystals set into the walls. Emerging was a young male zabrack, no more than a teenager by infidel standards. They approached the wagon and spoke in galactic basic.Kao Emari: "Nem, one of the chazrachs left the gate to the bantha pen open and a few of them got out. I think they ran off into the woods." Hopping off the back of the wagon, the Intendant approached the horn headed alien, replying in fluent galactic basic without the use of a tizowyrm. He'd been operating in infidel space for so long, living among them in secret and openly at times, to the point where he had devloped a working knowledge of a number of their languages. He was especially skilled at huttese, though he much preferred toydarian with its strained syllables. "Be at ease, Kao." He turned back to the wagon and switched back to the Yuuzhan Vong language. "Scab, after you stable Chok-saar..." That must have been the bissop. "...go and find Alith. He has a way with quednak. The banthas are not so different." He turned back to the zabrak, once more falling into the common tongue of the galaxy. "We're on it." He replied confidently, pursing his thin lips thoughtfully. "Maybe go with, Scab. Just so he doesn't get distracted."Kao Emari: "No problem, Mayor. You can count on me." "I have no doubt." He said with assurance as he crossed his arms and watched them go. When they left, Esthh and him were alone again, outside his residence. He faced the other Yuuzhan Vong, curiously watching every facial tick and bodily movement of Esthh, still trying to understand his visitor as best he could. "This is it. Nothing fancy like a coral spire, but it suits my needs. Tell me..." Straight to business. "What has been your experience with the Chiss?" He motioned for Esthh to follow him inside as they conversed.
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Post by Esthh Krazhmir on Mar 30, 2023 20:30:49 GMT -8
Esthh observed the indications of old age, combined with the Executor’s face...he did look like someone who had somehow stole life from death. Internally he critiqued Nen Yim’s choice in punishments, he couldn’t disagree with turning warriors into monsters. At a certain point you lost what made you a living being and what made you simply a biot. A woman scorned and left to her own devices could be a terrible thing, especially if she were of the assassin sect, or the shaper sect. He wasnt in a position to help with water borne colonies, not yet at least. Some of the experiments that his shapers were working on might provide fruit, but Nen Yim didn’t need to know what wasnt yet in hand. Losing a familiar home, like a ship could be unsettling, but this was an intendant, not a warrior. Ships were resources to be expended when and if necessary, but one could still develop favorites, even amongst the warriors. His eyes flicked back and forth at the exchange noting that Nen seemed to hesitate Scab and Kao were out of earshot before turning serious with his serious question.
Esthh remained quite a moment in thought, noticing the intensity of the look that Nen was giving him. His face was passive but not completely so, the skin around his eyes narrowed slightly in thought. Much of the Praetorite Vong had been aware of the encounter with the Chiss early in the war. It had only been a test. One of the small fleets of Zho Krazhmir had tangled with the Chiss and found them to be a difficult opponent, one they were ordered to mostly avoid early in the war as a consequence.
“Little in actuality. There was an initial skirmish with them early, and after that we were able to avoid their territory. Their technology was greatly advanced since the scouting missions before the invasion. Melded and improved from that of the Imperial Remnant. The Chiss Clawcraft were encountered by the main invasion several times. The people are aloof and proud, somewhat xenophobic. Militarily they are dangerous opponents. Plans within plans within plans. They miss little and make few mistakes. For the most part they were avoided as my part of the fleet was assigned the deep penetrations all the way on the far side of the galaxy. Bakura, the Koornacht Cluster, Ssi-Ruuvi Imperium, Galantos, from the backside of the core to the rim on the far side, infiltrating further from there. That was why we were without reinforcements or replenishments for so long.”
He cocked his head slightly.
“Why the Chiss?”
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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
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Post by Nem Yin on Apr 3, 2023 6:07:28 GMT -8
As the others walked off, Nem led Esthh inside to continue the conversation in his office.
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Post by Esthh Krazhmir on Jul 14, 2023 11:43:44 GMT -8
A Vong transport slowly descends to the surface, landing at the outskirts of the small town and Vong warriors and Intendants began unloading the huge agricultural beetles and Morodiina agricultural partners as the captain awaited a representative of Nem Yin, if not the man himself.
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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 Jul 15, 2023 4:51:21 GMT -8
A short time later... Nem stroked the control reflex for the landing gear, causing a set of six spindly segmented legs to extend from the underside of the Bleeding Orifice as he brought his modified yorik-vec in for a landing, turning the organic vessel around as he set down just behind his residence. As the dovin basals were calmed, the tall-yor unhooked from the Executor's neck and disappeared into the ceiling as he extricated himself from his seat and made his way towards the airlock. A seam in the yorik-coral hull split to reveal a dilating hatch-sphincter as a molleung worm extended to the ground, forming an organic boarding ramp. The Intendant strode off the ship, once more returned to wearing a jet-black cloaker, with the hood left down so that his bare scalp was exposed to the pleasant sun.The coronation had proven a bit of a disappointment. With Nicademus in the ground and his son having ascended to the throne, the First Order was likely to be in disarray for some time. That could only spell trouble for the galaxy with a secure presence to enforce the law."What are these?" Inquired Nem as he approached the Yuuzhan Vong captain overseeing the offloading of agricultural beetles. "I recognize the signs of shaping, but I'm not familiar with beasts of this variety. Something Esthh developed?" |
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Post by Esthh Krazhmir on Jul 15, 2023 8:35:34 GMT -8
The captain bowed his head in deference to Nem Yin as he approached.
“Commander Krazhmir requested and guided the shaping yes. I am captain Uugith Gla. You must be Prefect Nem Yin. I bring these biots and partners as a gift from Supreme Commander Krazhmir, Agricultural Beetles and Morodiina Agricultural Partners.” He turned and indicated the large beetles as they trundled by. “The base beetle was found on Niemodia where they are employed in a similar fashion. These,” he said indicating the combine sized beetles, “have been shaped to allow for more desired crops. They can work dry land grains to swamp and water plants, and even orchards.” The captain indicated the extra appendages in turn, over two dozen on various parts of the beetles. “Likewise sir the internals have been shaped to use the plant leftovers and less desireable plants to be fermented as they feed and then is deposited as fertilizers. Seeds can be harvested and stored and fields reseeded immediately if desired.”
The captain turned as the first of the Morodiina agricultural partners started down the boarding ramps. The six legged four armed beings looking rather ungainly in their sauropod kind of way, not as big as as the Agricultural beetles but no slouch in the 10 meter long and almost as tall, and leaving behind a bit of a slime trail. The creatures had already started to examine the local plants, stooping to grab or bite whatever was in reach, each of them seeming to sample the plants available.
“Morodiina Agricultural Partners. We arent certain if they are sentient as they havent communicated with us, however their willingness to work fields of various types we took as acceptance of a mutual relationship. Their slime is always the perfect fertilizer. They seem to taste and modify plants within them, changing seeds and spores to grow in new and different forms, making them more desireable. The only things that were altered is a greater willingness to work fields, though they do wander off on their own to find other plants, often bringing back new things, and planting other beneficial plants for partnership growths, and adjusting their pallets closer to ours. Fields that were tested not only tripled the desired crop but with the beneficial plants that they moved into the fields, also yielded complete crop harvests for the six other plants as well. The Ag Beetles have been shaped to take advantage of this.”
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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
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Post by Nem Yin on Jul 16, 2023 6:04:24 GMT -8
Nem adopted a relaxed posture as Captain Uugith Gla introduced himself and explained the creatures being offloaded, reaching up to stroke the ridges of his chin as the corner of his lip twitched as it supressed the forming of an infidel smirk. Even his emerald green mqaaq'it seemed to take on a greedy glean, though that could just be a trick of the light. While the Executor cared little for the latest implements of war, he was very interested in creatures or technology that could increase their agricultural yields. Dim witted chazrach villagers gathered around and watched, while the Intendant's own manservant Scab could be seen hobbling its way over from the house carrying a coral platter with two steaming shells balanced atop its surface.
"If your commander is trying to butter me he is doing a good job." Said an obviously pleased Nem. "This gift is most welcome."
By this point in time Scab arrived, breathing heavily with its snout downturned as it extended the platter towards the two Yuuzhan Vong. Set atop it were two fist sized shells full of a piping hot dark brown beverage with a nutty aroma.
"Caf." Explained the Executor as he gripped both searing hot cups with his cloaker clad palms and offered one to the Captain. "It's made from a bean produced on Garqi, another agricultural world we are managing for the First Order. The drink is oily and bitter, but it also stimulates mental acuity. Go on, try it." He then directed his attention down at his chazrach assistant. "Scab, select a few of your people to serve as minders for these Morodiina. The woods outside Safaeyet are not without danger. Given they have a tendency to wander, it would be best if they did not do so alone."
The carnivorous Knaar that stalked the woods would likely think twice before confronting such large creatures, but it wasn't the packs of reptile hounds that had the Executor concerned. Anobis' terrain was still writhe with traps set and forgotten by its human colonists over countless years of civil war. Though some effort had been made to find and disable these hidden dangers, many remaining undiscovered, waiting to be set off by the unwary.
"I'm sure these creatures will come in handy." He continued, taking a scalding hot sip from his own shell before fixing Uugith with a thoughtful look. Truthfully the Yuuzhan Vong colonists on Ahch-To could benefit from something like this. The colony is abundant in fish and wild game, but lacking in suitable farm land. Who does your shaping?"
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Post by Esthh Krazhmir on Jul 16, 2023 18:41:19 GMT -8
Captain Gla accepted the searing hot cup and glanced inside, not even wincing, “Thank you Prefect,” he said as he peered into the cup and took a curious sniff. Assuming it was to be consumed as hot as it was served quickly took a full mouthful and swallowed, the physical heat of the beverage burned his mouth and all the way down his throat. Having grown up with pain as an expectation he barely shifted as the liquid went down. His mouth and nostrils sorted through the different flavors and aromas as his mouth and tongue complained and Nem Yin gave instructions to Scab.
The last of the hundred Ag Beetle and the four dozen Morodiina lumbered off, and Gla considered the question. “I am not familiar with Ahch-To.” He thought for a moment before continuing. “I am not sure that there are any wild game gathering biots in the works. Master Shaper Traa’iin Kwaad is in charge of program direction. He may be able to answer your queries. I do have a villip that is attuned to one of the viillip choir. I can convey a request for an audience or communication if you wish it with Commander Krazhmir or Master Shaper Kwaad."
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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
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Post by Nem Yin on Jul 17, 2023 8:23:55 GMT -8
It took a considerable effort to suppress a chuckle as Uugith downed the contents of the shell rather quickly, though to be fair Nem had never explained to him that it was meant to be sipped. The dark purple sacs beneath his glowing mqaaq'it implants pulsated slightly, reflecting his amusement, though he held his tongue.
"I would actually like to speak with both of them but let's start with Master Shaper Traa’iin Kwaad." He looked around until he spotted the large wooden gazebo that occupied the centre of the village square. Pointed a finger he indicated the dome topped wooden arches and led Captain Gla beneath it where there was some shade to making viewing easier. The Executor crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back against the railing as he watched the other Yuuzhan Vong set the villip up.
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Post by Esthh Krazhmir on Jul 17, 2023 12:29:00 GMT -8
Gla finished setting up the attuned villip that was retrieved from the ship by an underling who retreated out of earshot to await being summoned again. Gla prodded the villip into being awake and waited for its soft pulsing to be answered. A few moments later the villip split open and morphed into the likeness of Master Shaper Traa’iin Kwaad.
Yes Captain Gla?
“Forgive the intrusion Master Shaper, Prefect Nem Yin wishes to discuss biots with you.”
With a small polite head bob he turned the villip so that it was facing Nem Yin.
Greetings Prefect. I look forward to meeting you in person at some point. What questions do you have of me?
The villip did its best to emulate the the headdress of the Master shaper, moving into a contemplative arrangement.
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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
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Post by Nem Yin on Jul 20, 2023 6:25:35 GMT -8
"I have a few..." ...hundred or so, though he would restrain himself to just a handful. Nem stepped closer to the animate villip, studying the representation of Traa’iin Kwaad's appearance, always on the look out for any facial twitches or rapid eye movements as though he were performing an interrogation."I'm uncertain how much Esthh has told you, but the Yuuzhan Vong under my command had some...infighting, you could say, prior to the Supreme Commander locating the chazrach colony here on Anobis. It caused quite an upheaval and has left the current status of several of our peoples colonies unclear. While you are more than likely aware the vast majority of our people resettled on Zonama Sekot after the events of the war, we eventually expanded from there to the largely oceanic worlds of Lehon and Ahch-To. Both worlds are abundant in marine life, and Lehon has suitable farm land, but Ahch-To does not. Last time I was there the Yuuzhan Vong had established themselves on one of the larger islands, but the terrain is rocky and little grows there except for some grass and a few hardy shrubs." His brow ridges raised somewhat hopefully. "I would like to reestablish relations with the colony on Ahch-To but I think it would be better to arrive with gift in hand. I don't know that these agricultural beetles or Morodiina would prove as adept at resolving the colonies current farming woes, but the ingenuity you had displayed with these creatures has more than impressed me."Now on to the crux of it. "Our own shaping efforts have been restrained somewhat due to the departure of our most brilliant bio-engineering minds, most of which have gone to join the Handmaidens of Yun-Ne'Shel on Ossus. I was wondering, assuming of course Esthh can spare you for a bit, if you would be willing to take a trip with me to Ahch-To? Even if these latest creations of yours are unsuitable to resolve the colony's current woes, I believe you may be the right Yuuzhan Vong to come up with a solution." He held up a hand as he paused. "I feel it is only fair to warn you before you answer, there have been some reports of Vagaari slavers operating in the sector, but as long as we're cautious I don't predict we'll run into any danger beyond our ability to handle."
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Post by Esthh Krazhmir on Jul 20, 2023 9:56:52 GMT -8
Taa’iin Kwaad listened to the Prefect, his headdress drifting slightly as he listened to the far off Vong, and considered the puzzle. His implants seeming to glaze slightly as his mind plied the depths of the problems and the implications of a trip through potentially hostile space, and the shaping puzzles that he might encounter at the end of it.
I see the issue, the Ag Beetles and Morodiina are meant for terrestrial labors, planets with limited land availability does present a problem that our people have not fully addressed. As growing yards for dovin basals yes…large amounts of food from agriculture though…
I will admit that I am unfamiliar with Lehon or Ahch-To. A trip would bring a clear understanding of the situation and needs. I believe that the Supreme Commander could spare me for a few days. I am familiar with the Vaagari, we encountered them a number of times in the Unknown Regions, they had in their possession a number of interesting creatures and a surprising adeptness at changing them to their own ends. If the colonies are relatively safe I am certain that there will be little trouble.
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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
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Post by Nem Yin on Jul 23, 2023 4:19:55 GMT -8
"Then I am in your debt." His head bowed slightly as he faced the villip facsimile of Taa’iin Kwaad. "If it is agreeable I will rendezvous with you at Adumar in Wild Space in two days time. It is a First Order territory and near enough to our destination while still in friendly space."
It would also present an opportunity to survey Adumar. Since departing the coronation at Coruscant, Nem's information network had been buzzing with tales of conflict erupting across Imperial space. If civil war was fomenting, he wanted to get a proper lay of the land before he determined where his own pieces fell on the board.
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Post by Esthh Krazhmir on Jul 24, 2023 8:13:39 GMT -8
I look forwards to that.
Someone spoke to Traa’iin outside the pickup of the villip. The master shaper nodded and turned back to the villip.
If you will excuse me Prefect Yin, I have some demonstrations to look in on. Until Adumar.
The villip devolved back into a blob after Traa’iin’s respectful nod of sign off, and Captain Gla turned to the other villip and brought it to wakefulness.
The creature woke up and soon the visage of Esthh Krazhmir took on animation and alertness as Esthh answered the telepathic call.
Yes Captain Gla?
Captain Gla nodded a bow to the villip before speaking.
“Supreme Commander, Prefect Yin wishes an audience.”
Esthh nodded and Gla spun the villip to bring Nem Yin into the field.
Greetings Prefect. I hope that the new biots will assist you in your mission to contribute food to the 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: 439
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Nem Yin on Jul 25, 2023 16:13:20 GMT -8
"That is why I wished to speak with you. I would like to express my gratitude for this gift. I am most impressed with what you have accomplished and you were correct in your assertion that this will aid in my efforts." His brow ridges furrowed uncomfortably, clearly troubled and making no effort to conceal it. The dark purple eye sacs beneath his mqaaq'it deflated somewhat. "I misjudged you when we first met, and for that I am sorry."
A scowl quickly formed on his ugly features and he turned his head, unaccustomed to apology, the last of his words leaving the most bitter of tastes in his mouth. Next he shrugged, as though the dishonour and shame he now bore on his shoulders was a trivial thing.
"This dishonour sits ill with me. I should like to see it righted." There was a sharp drawl as his nose stub snorted and he hacked a steaming wad of phlegm at his feet. "So, Supreme Commander, is there someway my domain and I might be of service to you? Domain Yin always prefers its scales balanced."
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Post by Esthh Krazhmir on Jul 26, 2023 9:51:47 GMT -8
Esthh had nodded at the Prefect’s expression of gratitude, but was then surprised by the apology that he had neither saw coming nor had anticipated as a possibility. He had taken it for granted that he was not trusted, he and the Prefect were in the same life pod in that respect. Both had, at least he assumed, survived and seen hard truths during and after the war, where there had been lots of trusts destroyed and expectations of the norm shattered. It had never crossed his mind that Nem Yin of the Intendants would apologize for misjudging a qahsa by its shell before opening it and delving into its mental depths. The intendents were where many of the Yuuzhan Vong had drawn their spy castes from, Esthh had assumed that he wasnt trusted, after all he still didn’t want to trust the Prefect this quickly by trusting his motives, he was still an enigma that had yet to be unraveled. It was true however that the two of them were still in that same life pod where trust was required on its face, if not in its depths. There were too many outside forces to entertain thoughts otherwise.
Esthh had not expected the offer of settling a debt, but if it were genuinely this easy to put the Prefect into debt, he would have sent a horde of yanskacs to him. No. He was not a simple creature that could be bribed with food, and it was beneath Esthh to let his mind stumble that way even in a light jest of fantasy. There was likely nothing that Nem Yin had that would benefit Esthh and his Vong materially… information however.
He brought his thoughts under control and after a pause to consider his words he spoke.
::There is nothing to apologize for Prefect, I see no slight against your honor. We both have seen much and have too many coufees in our backs to trust blindly like a domestic herd beast. I will accept an exchange of gifts. Your Empire seems to be rumbling with discontent, if not already in violence. We don’t get much news here, the human colonies here are too small to be bothered with such galactic news. Information on the winds of war would be most useful. The rumors of the many potential factions is muddied and swirled as if in a stream during flood. Knowing which side you come down on and who the opponents and friends may be would be most useful. With me appearing by your side at the coronation has me tied to your hip in peoples minds, any resentment or help directed at or sought by one of us reflects on the other. Knowing what to expect would help in a defensive situation.::
He wasnt eager for battle, the new ships were not yet ready, still being refined before they could be grown, and that would take even more time. It all came down to time, and information purchased preparation, and preparation purchased the time that would be needed.
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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
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Post by Nem Yin on Jul 27, 2023 4:29:17 GMT -8
Who would have thought the day would come where it was the Yuuzhan Vong who were concerned with infidels wars spilling into their peaceful slice of the galaxy? These were strange times indeed.
"Aye. The Imperial-infidels are making fine sport of killing one another right now. Ordinarily I'd be content to let them bleed each other dry then throw my support behind the likely victor, but..." The lines on his face were more pronounced as his brow ridge scrunched, thoughtful even. "...the former Emperor was an honourable tyrant. When I first met him, the Yuuzhan Vong under my command were exposed and in need. He could have easily exploited our position. Instead he recognized the contribution we could make and carved a rather generous piece of his empire upon which we could thrive. Every promise Nicademus made, he kept." The near opposite of Shimrra Jamaane. "It is my understanding he wished his son to rule after him, this Octavian I pledged allegiance to at the coronation. A bit nepotistic, I admit, but that is a common trait among the inhabitants of this galaxy. In any event, the son seems the most well placed to give me what I want: a bigger seat at the table and entrance into the infidels inner circle." His glowing eyes pulsed.
He waved a hand dismissively. "And if it should rebalance the scales, well, I have already mentioned how my Domain feels about that." He shrugged and sipped from the shell of caf he was still nursing. "Assuming it is not a secret, Esthh, where have your people established themselves? It would be easier for me to warn you of any impending threats if I knew where you've set roots."
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Post by Esthh Krazhmir on Jul 27, 2023 11:04:19 GMT -8
Esthh listened attentively, and had to agree with Nem Yin’s synopsis as far as their people went.
Being virtually politically blind and not being able to dig up much on the personality and past of this young new Emperor, Esthh had to trust the line of thought. It wasnt wrong, though it wasnt right. Neither could be proven at the moment other than with the late Emperor’s wishes, this Octavian had the best claim to the throne as far as he could tell, and likely had the most ships and souls on his side. The chance worms had been tossed, it was time to see what shape they ended up in.
::No it is not a secret, just not advertised. We are on Varonat.::
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