Thomas Zahn
The First Order
Posts: 190
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Thomas Zahn on Jan 7, 2023 3:10:42 GMT -8
He'd heard from a couple people that Magnus had a bit of a chip on his shoulder, one that Zahn had already irritated already. The man was out to make a proper name for himself as the only rightful heir to Azria's legacy. Might boots to fill, but the new First Commissar seemed intent to tackle the task. If he wasn't careful, his own career would be as short as those that came before him. Zahn rose from his seat and strode over to his window, crossing his arms behind his back as he looked out the window across the main training grounds where cadets were running drills I do not make threats First Commissar, only promises... As I have stated, the Academy proper and its training methods are within your civilian purview, but the outer buildings are beyond the Academy grounds. They have been placed under the administration of the twentieth army as a military base. Thus they are not part of this Academy. But you can rest assured First Commissar, that no student of this Academy, or anywhere else for that matter, is being denied access or restricted from viewing your educational material. Loyalty to the Empire is of utmost importance to me. As I am sure it is for you, beyond just proving yourself... He turned his head to the side, glancing side long back toward Magnus I'd advise being careful not to choke on your own aspirations Magnus... Now, with my clarification of the Academy's borders established, do we have an understanding? I would hate to have to have my soldiers arrest yourself and Lord Commissar Brigatea for treason...
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Post by Magnus Ambrose on Jan 8, 2023 13:59:43 GMT -8
It would have been one thing to accuse Zahn of negligence if they were anywhere else. But in an academy surrounded by his army? Magnus would have an uphill battle to convince those beneath Zahn's command to go against the man. Such a move would only further reinforce any charges of Treason that Zahn would subsequently accuse him of. Thus he would have to play nice, for now That won't be necessary... You've made your point. My only interest and intent is ensuring the greatness of the Empire. Perhaps a little zealously, but with noble intent... But if those are the borders, then I shall respect them... Even with the Grand Marshal's secret beyond his reach, there was still one other matter to deal with. One which the Grand Marshal could not so easily hand wave out of existence by defining a new base I'm sure you're aware that Captain Mithras has been observing operation of this Academy on behalf of the Commissariat. Suffice to say, his report has some concerning discrepancies between the training program that was set out for Stormtroopers and what is being conducted here, under your command. While initiative is appreciated, my concern is that of a cohesive standard across our army and a seeming lack of care by you and your office for proposing these changes to the Commissariat. Such changes need to be observed and reviewed, not just to ensure continued performance, but for any potential expansion to other Academy's... While I am certain you detest such processes Grand Marshal, but as Provost there are rules and regulations you must adhere to for the long term benefit of the cadets...
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Thomas Zahn
The First Order
Posts: 190
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Thomas Zahn on Jan 27, 2023 4:55:17 GMT -8
It was good that the matter of Magnus' jurisdictional reach was settled. He had a feeling the First Commissar would quickly, and smartly, come around to common sense. Emperor Delvardus was a trusting man and gave a great deal of leeway to his Grand Marshals and any secret projects they ran, so long as they were for the good of the Empire. But until success was much closer at hand, he did not wish to reveal too much about the program to the Emperor. Failure was better left by the way side where it could not be seen. So although Magnus' questions and inquiries would be stopped by invoking the Secret Projects mandate, it was much simpler to merely impress upon him the risk to his life if he was not careful. If Magnus still tried poking around, Zahn would ensure Magnus met the same fate as his predecessors and someone new would fill the role.
But such thoughts and concerns were pushed aside as Magnus turned to the matter Zahn knew was unavoidable and would be a bigger concern. He moved from the window back to his seat behind the desk and met the First Commissar's gaze. In this matter, his position as Provost did require some accountability. A much more minor infraction than the HOPLITE Program to deal with My dear First Commissar, progress does not always allow for the adherence to bureaucratic processes. The units being produced by this Academy are being almost exclusively deployed out to frontier territories where our enemies are very different to those faced by the central army. The civilized galaxy has an abundance of planets and civility. Remnants of failed Republics and Imperial Warlords litter the rims. They understand rules and laws of engagement. They fight in specific ways which the original program was designed to combat. But out in the frontier colonies? Vast swaths of space are uninhabited and those enemies think very differently to you or I are used to. Thus training methods had to be adapted to prepare them for the dangers out there. My concern was for the most immediate benefit of our troops longevity and mental preparedness... He gave a pause, letting his explanation thus far sink in, while also giving him a moment to take a breath However, I also recognise that my role as Provost of this Academy places my responsibilities surrounding it within a different chain of command. I'm certainly happy for the First Commissar to observe these new methods and conduct any studies he deems necessary. I suspect you'll find results are not lacking, and... well... credit could certainly be claimed by yourself for the foresight to trial these new methods...
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Post by Magnus Ambrose on Feb 12, 2023 16:23:14 GMT -8
It was expected Zahn would have been preparing some speech to try and excuse his actions, and the Grand Marshal certainly did not disappoint. It was an impassioned statement about the necessity of his actions and the troublesome inhibitor that bureaucracy was to progress. Things straight out of the standard "try get out of trouble" playbook. However, Zahn certainly seemed confident in his changes given he already was happily suggesting his methods be observed and studied with Magnus free to claim credit for it all. It was a masterful ploy, no doubt the Grand Marshal had used such tactics in the past to progress through his career.
Magnus rested his chin in his hand, thinking the matter over for a moment. It was risky, but Zahn seemed too confident for this to backfire on him It's quite the gambit Grand Marshal... You're staking a lot upon results you seem confident will return in your favour. The fact you're willing to concede credit for this just makes me all the more dubious abut the outcome. However... If this results are as promising as you say, then so be it. But if they fall short, this failure will rest upon your head. You may be a Grand Marshal, but that will not grant you immunity from everything...
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Thomas Zahn
The First Order
Posts: 190
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Thomas Zahn on Feb 20, 2023 18:51:09 GMT -8
He had baited the hook well, and although Magnus had initially been hesitant, he still bit all the same in the end. He had been keeping track of his own training results and accumulating data over his time as Provost. He would not have been so confident if he didn't believe the numbers would back him upBy all means, if somehow the results are not promising, then the blame shall fall upon me. But I am certain they will not. If there are no further questions for the time being, my staff will assist you with your studies and conducting them. I've also instructed several post-combat reports to be delivered to your quarters for review...
Project: HOPLITE As the days went by, Idris remained hard at work teaching the 10 members of the HOPLITE program about the fundamentals of the Force. He worked within the confines of Zahn's requirements and his own distaste for teachings he had undergone in the past. He came up with a new school of thinking focused upon the HOPLITE's and how they should view things. With time, he was able to finally begin producing results in the form of manipulating the currents of the Force to move objects from afar. A simple task, but one that they revelled in as some of them started to grasp the ability. Meanwhile, the Research Team as preparing its next round of procedures to subject the current members to. Some were upgraded cybernetics to replace old ones that had been implanted previously, while others were relatively experimental drugs designed to help further enhance their abilities
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Post by Magnus Ambrose on Mar 5, 2023 13:08:30 GMT -8
The discussion, for the time being, was at an end. Magnus had no desire to press any matters further at this stage, and it would be rude as a guest not to respect the wishes of his host. Etiquette had been observed and he would comply by leaving with grace for now Very well Grand Marshal... Adieu for now... He rose from his seat and gave a bow of his head before taking his leave of the office and heading to the quarters he and Brigatea had been assigned for the duration of their visit. Some additional resources were called in from Coruscant, primarily a handful of lower level Commissars such as Sabria whom would assist with running observational studies. Leaving more time for Magnus and Brigatea to review the after action reports from before and after the change in the training program. A handful of agents were also dispatched to the units across the frontier territories to interview and follow up with various commanders. Magnus had no intention of simply accepting reports at face value, since it was well within Zahn's interest to have had them altered. The review would be thorough
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Thomas Zahn
The First Order
Posts: 190
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Thomas Zahn on Mar 23, 2023 14:28:30 GMT -8
Project: HOPLITE Zahn stood at attention alongside Idris and the 5 remaining members of the HOPLITE program as First Order flags were laid across five caskets. The work they were doing here was always highly experimental and everyone had been briefed on the dangers that this work entailed. But even Zahn had not expected the latest round of treatments to go this horribly. 5 candidates had succumbed to reactions from the chemical mixtures, killing them almost instantly or dragging it out across several days. It was a set back, to be sure, but not one that was unrecoverable. Statements had already been prepared for the spouses and families of those going home. Rebels and Assassins were perfect scapegoats.
He raised his hand in salute, with the rest following soon after as the flags were laid in place and the bearers took several steps back, allowing a moment of silence to honour the fallenToday we lay to rest brothers and sisters of the First Order, their service cut short all too soon... They knew the risks they faced and still volunteered for this Program... Their sacrifice will not be in vain. We embarked upon this quest because we cannot allow the Peace and Order of the Empire to be brought down by religious zealots and their dogmatic practices. As we continue forward, we will remember them... Ad Victoriam! Ad Gloriam! The remaining members of the HOPLITE program shouted the phrase back in response as they saluted their fallen comrades. The bearers then wheeled the caskets away. Theta Team, a name they had chosen themselves, filed off back to their barracks leaving Zahn and Idris alone. Thomas spared a glance after the HOPLITE's before turning to IdrisYou're the one that probably knows them the best here, so... How do they seem to be coping? With the training? pretty well so far. With the loss? I think they'll pull through. They're soldiers, death is just part of the job...Death in combat was certainly something many were prepared for. But off the field of battle? well that always seemed a cruel fate for any soldier. Zahn could at least empathise with any feelings they might have about the fate of their now former companionsI hope you're right... Keep an eye on them and make sure the psychologists follow up. Right now they are in dangerous territory, enhanced beyond the strength of several people and with command of the Force... Termination may not be an agreeable option, but it may be necessary. This program is too important to fail Idris... And I can't deploy soldiers that I cannot trust or command... You don't have to tell me twice... I'll keep an eye on them...
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Thomas Zahn
The First Order
Posts: 190
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Thomas Zahn on Jun 12, 2023 15:28:03 GMT -8
Project: HOPLITE As the weeks and months passed by, the HOPLITE program pushed ever on. The remaining 5 members of Gen I were nearing the completion of their initial training period. They would certainly undergo ongoing improvements, but certain markers necessitated a set date by which a goal was finished. They could move it back and forth based upon the progress Phoenix Squad was making, but an endpoint was unavoidable. But with such a goal looming, certainly other milestones and operations needed to be sorted out. Specifically the armour and weapons. The later was a relatively easy fix thanks to the availability of mineral forges, from which Idris had already been working with to forge the Crystals for the training sabers. Soon, however, additional crystals would be forged and their weapons constructed. Which left the former matter to deal with, but one Zahn already had plans to resolve with a mission on Rendili
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