Star Wars OPEN Star Wars: The RPF Galactic Senate Game: A Galactic Alliance

IC: Kigrael
Escaping Jakku

The ship spun, the Hellhounds at the controls working at a rapid pace to right the instability. In the engine room others worked just as hard to correct any imbalances the explosion behind them had caused. Kigrael, accompanied by Ganner and Azlyn had entered the main lounge area of the ship when it had been thrown by the detonation. It had taken a couple moments to react to the spin, ensuring they were on their feet.

Kigrael’s eyes had returned to the black within black when his emotions ran high. One hand closed on the rail at the holo table as he turned to the pair of Imperial Knights. ”The first question I have…” his tone slightly growling, ”are they trying to cover up anything Rav might have told us or were we also a target?”

Ganner glowered at Kigrael. "You think the Empire would target Imperial Knights?"

Azlyn looked suitably unimpressed. "It seems more likely that Rav's location was found, and he was targeted."

As the YZ-2500 began to right itself Kigrael let out a dark snort. ”We can always test that. Use your encrypted frequencies to inform them who we are. That or…we’re going to have to get creative in our departure.” he stated in a wry tone.

"We're supposed to be undercover," Azlyn pointed out. "We shouldn't call it in unless we absolutely need to."

"The Emperor can't be seen collaborating with scum," Ganner added.

The ship bucked as turbolaser fire rained down at a variety of ships, smuggler and spacer, lifting off.

"Where is your capital ship, anyway?" Ganner pointed out.

Shaking his head as the Hellhounds around him gave a variety of snorting laughter, Kigrael leveled his gaze at the two Knights. ”You both know very well what I am and how a capital ship would…be detrimental to that. However…”

With the freighter almost fully under control again, he made his way to the sensor panel. With a nod at the display, he turned back toward the pair of them with a devious smile. ”...ask and ye shall receive.” he stated in a flat voice as the starscape disappeared from the viewscreen.

“Tha sinn air bòrd, a Thighearna.”* the navigator stated, nothing but darkness in the viewscreen.

Dim light seemed almost brilliant in the first few moments, as the lights came on, revealing a hangar, the freighter they were on now on the deck of it. ”You would be surprised what my people can…acquire.”

The hangar intercom squawked, “Leum air a thomhas.”*

Pressing a button on the comm panel, Kigrael replied to the message, ”Jump once ready.” he said in flat Basic, for the benefit of the Knights.

The Star Destroyer turned its guns almost immediately upon the new arrival, but was stymied by the growing debris field. Instead, four squadrons of TIE Predators emerged, and threaded their way through the wreckage.

"I forbid you from firing upon Imperial pilots," Ganner said, as he watched the display above the hangar floor, atop the wall so everyone could keep track without bothering the carrier bridge.

The telemetry said they were going to take some hits before they cleared the gravity of Jakku, at this rate.

”If you do not want Imperial pilots hit by ion fire to disable but not kill them then you’d better follow me.” Turning, Kigrael strode from the bridge of the YZ-2500, swiftly making his way off of the freighter. Behind him, he heard the Knights clattering to keep up.

When they reached the turbolift that would take them to the bridge of the Detainer class cruiser-carrier, he glanced at them. ”Tell me, has the Emperor ever told the Knights that my people are only a part of the Empire to be doing exactly what we are now? To be the shadow arm that enforces his will wherever needed. Which means anyone in our way is fair game, if they are disrupting our mission.” His tone was calm, his body swaying slightly at the rocking of the ship from near misses.

"Ion fire is acceptable," Ganner said grumpily.

Azlyn listened to the man. "No. I don't believe the Emperor would court shadows." Her tone was firm, and she stiffened. "Are you Sith?"

Ganner reached out and stopped the turbolift with a press of a button.

Anzati were well known for being as emotionless as a statue, unless required for a mission. What was poorly known was that it was because they were trained to such a high level to suppress emotion, not that they were emotionless beings. So when the question was asked, several barks of laughter escaped Kigrael’s throat unbidden.

”Jedi, Sith, light, dark, really?’ he asked, tone very amused. ”The Force…my people see that as a name for something younger species came up with for a power they couldn’t fully understand. I am not light or dark, not Jedi or Sith. I am Anzati.” he went on, watching both Knights carefully.

"Are you saying the Emperor is using the dark side?" Azlyn said, firmly.

That caused Kigrael to laugh once again. ”I am, we are, his shadows. We do not know his mind or how he uses his power.”

His expression darkened suddenly, ”Of anyone, his Imperial Knights should know him best so why do you not know if he uses the dark side?”

"Emperor's have fallen in the past, and been righted by the light," Ganner said, without additional detail. "To fall is a process, not a fact."

Azlyn Rae folded her arms. "The fate of the galaxy is at stake, Anzati. If you do not intend to assist, then take us back to Coruscant. We shall reckon with the Emperor ourselves."

Going back would cut short his investigation. His mission. His word.

Nodding at the lift’s panel, ”You’re the one who has stopped us here. I have a mission.” His eyes narrowed slightly, color fading to a dull steel, ”One I intend to complete.”

Letting his expression clear, the corners of his lips turned up in a fractional smile, ”Of course…if you’d prefer to return, on your own, to Coruscant to confront the Emperor, be my guest. This ship has hyper capable fighters I can lend you.”

"Then so be it," said Ganner.

Azlyn placed a hand on his upper arm. "I would stay with Kigrael. If we can, as he avers, locate Skywalker, we can get to the bottom of this." Her eyes met Ganner's, and something else was conveyed, but it would be unreadable by Kigrael; they were clearly a couple, and had that bond.

"I disagree, but I respect you as a fellow Master." He did, however, kiss her in-front of the Anzati. "Know this, Kigrael, I will hunt you down if anything befalls my wife."

Azlyn rolled her eyes, for a moment not an Imperial, but an annoyed spouse.

Kigrael watched, observed, as the pair had their moment. He knew more of shorter lived species’ mating customs than most Anzati due both to his Sire as well as his time among them. But they often still were confusing and, to him a bit…odd. Although these two came slightly close to his own peoples’ ways, both strong warriors, even if they were much more affectionate than Anzati would be.

”If something happens to your wife chances are they have already happened to me. Unless she forgets I am much more…durable than she.” her replied in a dry tone.

”I’d recommend, though, that you are swift to depart or we will jump with you still aboard.”

Azlyn cracked a smile at his dry reply. "I feel as if, we should have met under better circumstances." She otherwise nodded to Ganner. "Go. Someone needs to try and end this crisis, and someone needs to check on the Emperor. Draco isn't around anymore, so it's going to have to be you."

"Nobody knows where Antares is," Ganner said glumly, referring to his old friend who had vanished during the height of Darth Insipid's reign. "But let's do what we can, separately, and then, together."

He kissed her again, then went to go.

Azlyn looked back. "So what is the next step in your grand plan to track down Cade?"

”Who are his closest allies, not necessarily Jedi? We cause a major disturbance with them, utilizing the Hellhounds, until he’s forced to respond. Which,” he looked at her, ”Isn’t our only arrow in our quiver. You and I, we will make ourselves visible on the last world those missing Senators and Cade have been seen.” His smile was cold, calculating. ”You and I can cause even more of a disruption than the Hellhounds.”

Azlyn sighed. "Let me see what I can do." Her smile turned frosty. "I am his ex-girlfriend, after all."

At that, she keyed her comlink.

Kigrael gave her a thin lipped smile then walked over to the navigation station. In a quiet voice, ”Dèan ullachadh airson leum gu ge bith càite a bheil i ag ràdh às deidh a gairm.”*

TAG: @Sinrebirth

*We are aboard, Lord.
*Jump calculated.
*Prepare to jump to wherever she states after her call.

 

IC: Azlyn Rae
Nakadia

It was extreme reluctance that Azlyn led them to Cade's base of operations.

Nakadia was a temperate world in the Expansion Region. Renowned as an agricultural hub, it had once been the capital of the New Republic, when the Senate had been roving from planet to planet to appease Separatist sentiments. Eventually Nakadia was sidelined, and the capital settled on Coruscant, but by then the Separatists were a minority, at least until the Confederation rose up and survived the Second Galactic Civil War against the various incarnations of the Sith. Thereafter, the separatist cause had acquired a permanent position in society, whether a member of the Galactic Alliance, independent, or tool of the Empire.

But for now, Nakadia was positioned neatly on a hyperlane between Yag'Dhul and Eriadu, connecting it to the wider galaxy.

It was also not known for it's military might, so it was ideal for Cade, no doubt. The abundance of crops and nature would enrich the Force, after all, proffering light.

When they reached the world, there was a single beacon calling them to the surface; automated.

Azlyn frowned. "I can't tell if Cade is here or not. But there have definitely been Jedi here. Not many, but there aren't many left anyway."

TAG: @darthbernael (combo)

TAGs nudge for @adaml83, @Adalia-Durron, @DarthIshyZ, @HanSolo29, @Lady_Belligerent, @Silvertough

 

OOC: It has begun...fun combo with the GM

IC: Kigrael
Nakadia

Aboard the bridge of the Detainer- class Cruiser-carrier, Fear-bàis, Kigrael pondered the statement for a moment without saying a word. The mission the Emperor had set him on was becoming more and more complicated with every step that was taken in pursuing it.

Turning away from Azlyn to the Captain of the Cruiser, ”Sgàilean dìon, còmhdaich ar dòigh-obrach a thaobh an lòchrain agus mar a bhios sinn a’ sgrùdadh.”* he stated, in a commanding voice.

Returning his attention to Azlyn, he gestured towards the hatch of the bridge and towards the turbolift beyond. ”We will take one of the assault shuttles, with a platoon of the Hellhounds. Trust is earned and these Jedi have not demonstrated trust to me yet.” he told her in Basic, for her benefit.

"Seems quite an aggressive stance to take," Azlyn said cautiously. "You do realise Cade Skywalker killed a Sith Emperor. You go in hard, he'll give us a bloody nose."

A shrug. "At least."

The corner of Kigrael’s mouth twitched for a moment. ”If the Jedi cannot recognize a defensive and patrolling umbrella of craft than it speaks volumes to their true intentions.”

He glanced over at Azyln, ”Or does it not already seem suspicious that they are not present, instead having left a remote beacon to draw our attention? The weapons of our shuttle will not be charged but even the Jedi should recognize the wisdom of not going somewhere with an empty hand, not with the current situation.”

Azlyn paused. "The issue is," she said carefully, "I can sense he was here, but now, he isn't. Other Jedi, too. There aren't many left," Azlyn was cautious. "But they were all here."

The scans showed a secret Alliance base, Crossfire fighters evident and even a grounded Sabertooth-class frigate. "This feels like a base of the Rebel era. Kept from the Empire, in preparation for war."

”A temple…hidden from the Emperor…” he muttered. ”Clever.”

Turning to the Captain once again, ”Tarraing na soithichean air ais, ach cùm sùil air.”* he ordered, seeing the fighters already beginning to pull back somewhat.

Rubbing his face in thought, ”We still must find out whether there is evidence of where they have gone. Which means a detachment going down there with us.” he told her. ”Perhaps even recovering the ships, should they not be boobytrapped.”

Sensors painted a picture of a few dozen individuals, and a decent amount of stockpiled arms and ordnance. This was definitely a military base.

Suddenly, in orbit, a Scythe-class battlecruiser arrived. Only 400m long but powerful enough to destroy an old Resurgent-class in one barrage, it signalled their ship. "You are in restricted Alliance space. Surrender, immediately."

Azlyn swore. "Definitely preparing for war, aren't they? Is this the evidence the Emperor seeks?"

Kigrael didn’t even have to order it, the ship immediately went to high alert. The fighters didn’t alter their flight paths, at least not in any but subtle ways which reoriented them.

A dry chuckle escaped him, ”I did act on my impression this was a trap when we arrived and I was correct. As to that,” he waved a hand at the viewscreen, ”It would only count as evidence if we are there to present it as such. Which is why I doubt they truly want our surrender.”

The captain nodded, the ship preparing to drop into stealth, most of the fighters, Kigrael was sure, preparing to do the same.

”Perhaps you should reply, see how they react to seeing an Imperial Knight out here.”

Azlyn bristled at the tone. "Fine."

"This is Imperial Master Azlyn Rae of the Galactic Empire. We come seeking an assassin, who is intending to strike at Coruscant, and may even have done so already. We request permission to search your base. We know this is an illegal gathering of Alliance military might under the Coruscant Accords, and we expect your swift compliance."

The Scythe-class pivoted, turning it's prodigious weapons their way but not yet firing.

"This is Captain Celchu of the Starfire. The Empire cannot with one hand break the law and the other enforce it. Your ship is known to be associated with the Anzati assassin Bernael, an enemy of galactic peace under galactic law. Surrender the criminal, and your ship."

"Said criminal is in my custody, I will gladly hand him to you." Azlyn raised a hand to forestall Kigrael. "And if I wish to complete this handover on the ground, within your base?"

A pause.

Azlyn muted the line.

"The base will have the data to track Cade, we need to get there and a firefight with a cruiser won't allow us to do that."

Kigrael frowned but nodded at Azlyn’s reasoning. He studied the cruiser through the viewscreen as he pondered how this would play out. ”And when my sire is not there when they meet us?” he asked, in a slightly amused tone.

”The Hellhounds are good but even they aren’t turbolaser proof.”

Azlyn shrugged. “Suicide run by one ship, escape pods for us?”

Kigrael’s silver eyes dulled to a steely color for a moment as a fractional smile crossed his face. ”We shall see. You do disservice to this ship, however, to believe even a ship such as that one could destroy it. This isn’t an Imperial ship, or wasn’t recognized as one until you told them.” he said, in a wry tone.

Looking back out at the cruiser, ”Besides, there are other surprises in store for our new friends, if they attempt anything.” There were secrets yet that he wasn’t willing to share with any save his own people. Just because the Anzati had agreed to be a part of the Empire didn’t mean they trusted any but their own.

“This is Starfire. Prepare to be boarded.” A shuttle launched, Crix-class, and Azlyn glowered. “So now what?”

Kigrael frowned for a moment before keying the comm stud. ”This is Senator Kigrael, the Imperial Knight is aboard the sovereign vessel Fear-bàis of the Anzati Circle, in pursuit of her objectives. I would recommend only a representative attempt to board such a sovereign vessel as my guest. Otherwise, it will be seen as an act contrary to my own people.” he stated calmly.

Captain Celchu didn’t sound impressed. “Senator of the Empire or Alliance?”

A cold smile, one that didn’t reach his eyes, crossed Kigrael’s face. In a flat tone he replied, ”Do you truly believe that my people care one way or another about either of those sides? I have served and decided on issues when they arose in the Senate, in the manner I saw fit without regard either way.” The steel color, already dimmed from silver, dulled further, black creeping in around the edges. ”We have and always will do what is in the best interests of our own people.”

“War is expected, Senator,” the captain said drily, looking even more unimpressed on the hologram. “Sides will need to be picked or declared. You have entered a military operation.” A gesture, and the ship was painted with targeting locks.

“Is Anzat due to commit to the cause of the Alliance?”

Kigrael’s now black eyes somehow still managed to glitter as a smile that didn’t reach those eyes crossed his face. ”Interesting choice you’ve made…” he stated in a flat tone. ”You’ve also stated that you wish the prisoner that this Knight has taken. If you fire upon this ship you will never find the body.” he was completely ignoring the question that had been asked as only a fool would ask such a question.

There was movement in the shadows of the bridge, drawing Kigrael’s eyes for a moment. A couple quick gestures came from that movement, causing him to nod fractionally. With that, his attention turned back to the holo display. ”An agreement was already reached to turn him over at the facility below. Shall that be honored or shall I have word spread that your Forces do not honor peaceful negotiations?”

The moment had already passed. It was clear, the war was unavoidable.

Kigrael had contributed to it.

Cade Skywalker had.

Rav had.

Aryan Graul had.

Bellorum had.

The Adumari had.

The Alliance Senators in their inaction had - only one had taken the initiative and it wasn't enough.

And so, too, had Emperor Fel V.

The cruiser opened fire, and all hell broke loose.

The moment that the sensors caught the cruiser’s weapons charging the signal was broadcast, using codes the Anzati had long held secret to send it across the Net as well as to several locations by encrypted means.

The Detainer- class Cruiser-carrier, Fear-bàis, shuddered as the shields took the first few strikes before the engines roared to life, the ship speeding up to evade the attack. Kigrael sighed, ”Idiots, firing upon us to start a war.” he said, his black eyes meeting Azlyn’s eyes.

Return fire came from many hidden sources, all focused on the shield emitters and engines of the Alliance cruiser. So too did fire come from the Fear-bàis, before a broadcast cut through the comms, also being seen on the HoloNet.

A dignified but recognizable older man, Finnefrael Ordwgal, appeared on the screen. ”A war has begun, not one the people of Lexrul or Bakura support. Old alliances have been called upon and the response is agreement. As Lord Commander of Lexrul and on behalf of the government of Bakura I now state that Lexrul and Bakura now stand apart, seceding from the Empire and have no interest in joining the Alliance. Return Senator Amethyst Ordwgal and I will not ask my allies, who have just been attacked, to find and secure her.” he stated in a cold, firm voice.

The smile once again did not reach Kigrael’s eyes as he smiled at Azlyn, ”I can offer you a ship back to the Empire or you can join us.” he stated in a flat voice as the cruiser shuddered again as another set of bolts rang against the shields, the ship preparing to jump at the same time.

TAGS: @Sinrebirth, @Adalia-Durron (Mentioned)

*Draw the ships back, but maintain overwatch.

*Defensive umbrella, cover our approach to the beacon and as we investigate.

 

Finale

IC: Emperor Fel V

Coruscant was harassed by Adumari warships, some of which Imperial Intelligence was sure were of extra-galactic origins.

Which was surprising, considering the way the Second Galactic Civil War had ended a century before.

Begun, when the Force Awakened, until the fall of the Last Jedi and the final Rise of Skywalker.

Nine years after, continuing on in the Duel of the Fates in the Battle of Coruscant.

The Hidden Temples on Roon, Arkinnea and Jakku.

The Legacy of the Force in the final confrontation with the dark side...

The War of the Seven Galaxies had been a year long affair, starting when First Order weakness made it far too appealing for the Nagai, Tof, Charon and other antagonists to harass the Outer Rim. Adumari advances into the Unknown Regions to undo First Order colonisation saw Terrors move into the Knowns, with the Grysk ensnaring the Confederation, and the Sun Guard seizing Mon Calamari, fundamentally opposed by the Echani and re-established New Republic. The newly formed Fel Empire had made its name during this portion of the Second Galactic Civil War, with the war finally ended at last when Chancellor Graul's own grandfather signed the Treaty of Anaxes.

There was much more to that year of InterGalactic chaos, of course, but Emperor Fel V could only express his disdain at the perceived weakness of the Empire. Adumari spies had escaped Coruscant in the confusion, and Chancellor Aryan Graul and Grand Moff Bellorum were missing - as was the Imperial Knights he had sent after them. His agents in the Rim, led by the Anzati Kigrael had thus far failed to report in with the head of Cade Skywalker, even with the death of Rav on Jakku - and clearly Grand Admiral Yage had misjudged the Adumari if his forces were placed to respond to a confrontation at Adumar rather then defending Coruscant.

Treason, utter and complete.

He would recall the fleet to Coruscant, mobilize the Empire, and destroy the Alliance. He would do without data about the secret Alliance base at Nakadia, without the data of the Adumari he had unsuccessfully played on Coruscant. Senator Vaklu had failed to connect the Alliance and the Chancellor’s office, and the Alliance Senators hadn’t managed to prevent the Adumari escalation. Radicals on both sides prevailed, and those with power - the Grand Moff and Chancellor among them, failed to keep the peace.

Emperor Fel V went to speak to the galaxy.

There were ample Golan X defence platforms above Coruscant to ward off assault - three kilometre stations that could launch six squadrons of TIE Predators each. General Gunner Yage was taking command of the defence, and the double shields around the planet were up with the heavy turbolasers and ion cannons active and oriented towards orbit. That being said, early strikes had set alight portions of the planet and knocked out several defensive batteries.

As he activated the HoloNet transmission, citing the old Celestial encryption and network that his great-grandfather had hidden from the galaxy at the end of the war against Palpatine and his malformed clones, the signal cut across all comms, and piggy-backed to all satellite galaxies too. The entire stellar neighbourhood would know he spoke for the Empire, and the galaxy.



“I have failed you,” Emperor Fel V began. “The radicals who wanted war, to decry peace, to abandon their responsibilities at the precise moment of strain, have succeeded.” He sighed. “I have no choice now. My efforts to apprehend those behind the Senate attack have been thwarted, by the Adumari, by the Alliance, by the Jedi.”

“My agents and Imperial Knights have been defeated, or killed, by those who claim their freedoms are more important than our security. When not a single death that has occurred in these last few months has been necessary…” the Emperor would have carried on, but there was a chorus of snap-hisses behind him. Dread filled his face and he half-turned, keeping the camera running.







There were three of them.

Jedi Knights.

“Your reign of evil ends here, Emperor,” spoke one of them.

Fel regarded them carefully. Survivors of the war, students who had risen up against Krayt Reborn, and with the latest Maul and turncoat Darth Talon had ended the Sith rule. He knew their names. Natua Wan, Bix Creo and Nexus Wan. Jedi Masters all.



But no Cade Skywalker.

Cade had been sent on a wild-Bantha chase for allies, even as much as Senator Vaklu had put himself in danger to appeal to the Chancellor and Grand Moff, who had themselves been escaping the Imperial Knights… who had themselves failed to hunt down Cade with Kigrael… and had been thwarted by the Adumari in their hunt for the Alliance Senators Ish Kabibble and Amethyst Ordwgal …

The best intentions had paved the way to the here and now.

Emperor Fel V drew his lightsaber and ignited it, blue and true. His mother’s weapon, before she was hung by the Sith… and he had defiled it by killing Senator Kybel Fervs’dra. But his departure from Coruscant would have been a sign of weakness… and the Rebels and chaos would have come even sooner.

Senators Valèt Tal of Bellassa and Giancarla Olivetti of Kuat had been reported killed at his Stormtroopers’ hands, and so too had Vito the Hutt of Nal Hutta, blown apart by an AT-AHT as he fled the Senate blockade... while Senator Villis Mohc of Atrisia had been captured and lynched by Rebels en route to his homeworld... but the first, that had been at his own hand.

All to keep the peace.

With a deep, terrible sigh, knowing very well his every move was telegraphed to the galaxy, he spoke.

“I assume that Grandmaster Skywalker sent you. I must say you are here sooner than I expected.”

“In the name of the Galactic Senate, you are under arrest.“

“I am the Senate,” he replied imperiously. Emperor Fel V knew his lines, he remembered this. The whole galaxy did.

“Not yet,” quipped another Jedi, unable to help themselves.

“So, it’s treason then.”



And so, two perspectives aligned. One showed Emperor Fel defending himself from Jedi. Another showed Emperor Fel striking first, leaping over his desk and impaling one Jedi, before turning to kill another, and then, after a brief back and forth, cutting down the third.

He was, after all, a Skywalker by blood.

When he returned to himself the man was breathing deeply, and he let his lightsaber tumble from his hands, turning back to the holocam. He had taken a wound, a cut to his face. His palm was pressed to it. “The attack on my life has left me scarred and deformed,” he started, as if by rote.

“But it has not damaged my resolve,” he affirmed, slamming his fist on the desk and causing the camera to shake. “To ensure the continued stability, and security, the Alliance will be reorganized into the Third Galactic Empire, for a safe and secure…” A pained expression. “Society.”

If he was to be the Palpatine in this terrible story, he would have to do it, all the way through.

He cut the comms.

The galaxy either supported him, or did not.

But they had all lost.

The war began again.

Fleets that had been lying in wait pounced upon Bakura and Lexrul. Detonations ripped through Coruscant, and it was said to even impact the Undercity. Millions were missing. The Alliance bases on Nakadia, Crait and D’Qar were found - and destroyed. A bio-weapon was unleashed on Kashyyyk, Anzat and Onderon. Gravity mines suddenly appeared at the entrances to the Hapes Cluster, around Kinooine and throughout the crossover points between the former Unknown Regions. Csilla fell into an abrupt civil war, as too did the Corellian Sector, between the capital and Outlier Worlds aligned with Nubia. Sluis Van, Fondor and Mon Calamari committed to the Alliance; Bilbringi, Kuat and Eriadu to the Empire. There was no quick resolution to this conflict pending.

The Senate was dissolved.

And so the game ended.

Peace ended.

TAG: @HanSolo29, @adaml83, @Silvertough, @Lady_Belligerent, @darthbernael, @DarthIshyZ, @Adalia-Durron and a mention for @Mitth-Fisto.

 

@HanSolo29, @adaml83, @Silvertough, @Lady_Belligerent, @darthbernael, @DarthIshyZ, @Adalia-Durron

GM OOC: This game actually had a win and lose condition.

If democracy failed, or won, the game ended. But with fleets rolling, and alliances failed, and radicals on both sides not caught, the war can not be stopped.

This is the bad ending, undoubtedly, but perhaps the most interesting. It will be picked up later on, no doubt, but for now the game would have shifted to a war game, and democracy has ended.

The war game aspects are tied to the events of Dark Reach, Episode XII, Voyages, and War of the Galaxies, games you are all in too. The Force aspects are tied to the events of the Twilight games, and Bedlam. My later release, Road to the New Jedi Order, will tie much going forward and backward, including the informed fate of your characters here.

Not my usual fare, but a sneaky little game for you each. Congratulations, the war began.

In another game, and another story, at another time, we will see what you have wrought.

Many of us have competing stories and interludes that will impact this game and as a sequel to them all, I as a GM need to consolidate them before we can move forward.

The game is not over, it is merely paused… to see much damage we have truly done...

Coming in 2025 - The RPF Galactic Senate Game II: A Galactic Empire

 

Fin... for now.

 

OOC: Second Post Credit Scene, with the GM's Approval

Anzat Prime, Bakura, Lexrul

The assault was swift and merciless. Capital ships of multiple fleets flashed into system after system, deploying their payloads, uncaring of the populations below as they followed the orders of their Emperor. Bakura and Lexrul suffered for a longer assault than Anzat. The reasoning for that was that few had ever attempted to assault the homeworld of the nightmares made flesh that were the Anzati. The assault there consisted of the assault fleet hypering into the system, deploying their payloads on the planet, then hypering back out, hoping to avoid as many casualties as possible.

Even so, several of the ships suffered from the immediate response by the mind vampires. Those vessels did not disappear in fireballs, at least most did not, not having time to self-destruct before they were swamped. Instead they were slowly depleted of personnel. The vast majority, however, were able to depart and report the apparently successful deployment of the bio weapon.

At the same time, the assaults on Bakura and Lexrul were carried out. What was anticipated, but not to the degree that occurred, was that the self-proclaimed protectors of those worlds, the same Anzati whose homeworld was likewise under assault, had prepared for most possible scenarios that could affect those worlds. Thousands of those long lived beings perished as they ceaselessly worked to remove the populations of Bakura and Lexrul to save them from the unprovoked assault. Others stayed behind to keep recording and uploading the holos of the assaults to the HoloNet so all could see what had occurred.

The dark world of the Anzati, as the assaulting fleet departed, seemed to ring like a hollow bell. From every corner of the world the Anzati raced across the surface of their world, gathering at the Dark Heart. The first casualties of the bio weapon were the scientists, ambassadors, and diplomats that had been allowed to land and occupy the spaceport city. Most of those various beings were not as hardy of beings as the Anzati, succumbing quickly to the weapon, mutating and turning into even more ravenous creatures to occupy the planet.

For eons that world had been left alone, each successive polity that ruled the galaxy knowing that the Anzati would be merciless in response to any attack. But now all that had changed with Fel’s decision to do just that. What was unknown, however, was that the world itself had already experienced a new genesis, the events that had brought a portion of the population out of the galaxy to a new one had caused a reverse migration. The Anzati were not the only species that the Architects had experimented with, specifically one Architect. What those Anzati had found in the other galaxy was a race that was as good as cousins to them. A portion of that species had returned and settled on Anzat Prime, their close genetic makeup allowing them to interbreed.

Another factor in why most polities had left the Anzati to their own devices was the unknown of the world itself. What had first drawn scientists to the world was what the Anzati called the Sea of Memory. Much study had gone into what most scientists believed were simply gasses that caused aurora like displays throughout most nights. What those same scientists were not aware of, however, was what the Sea of Memory truly was. When Horliss Horliss faced Cold Danda Sine and that Architect was ended his heart was vaporized, turned to an almost gaseous form and that amorphous form was what surrounded the planet. The second and more disturbing item that had drawn scientists was the Dark Heart itself. Most could never venture close enough in person to study it, the Dark Side energy of the place twisted most creatures or beings into dark parodies of what they had been.

All those various factors, the Anzati themselves, the way they had been created, what effects a bio weapon could truly have, what the Sea of Memory could be, as well as one of the darkest Dark Side nexuses in the galaxy, should have factored into any calculation regarding assaulting the planet. The safest option would have been to use devices that could destroy the world itself but, even excluding the unknown factor of the cousin species being present, the bio weapon had been deployed.

Every member of the two species gathered, millions of dark and hungry beings, at the heart of their world. The dark energies coruscated around them, the Dark Heart seeming to expand as the bio weapon spread across the planet. At the center of the gathering was the Circle of Masters which now included the two First Mothers of their cousin species that had made the journey to Anzat. They were adorned in their garments of office, standing arrayed in a circle, surrounding one figure who sat, cross legged at the very heart of the Dark Heart. They had followed his guidance since the time of the War of the Seven Galaxies. And now they awaited how he would guide them through this assault on their homeworld.

Bernael, having communed with what they saw as the soul of their world, opened his eyes, revealing them to be the same void black orbs as every other being present. His head turned, taking in the Circle which included his recently returned son, Kigrael, before he reached out mentally to all who had gathered, his mental voice flat, with almost a sepulchral tone to it.

’Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.’*

A tone, more felt than heard, rang out from the Dark Heart under Bernael. In the distance moans and cries of pain and trauma began to fill the air, the bio weapon had reached the outer fringes of the gathering. A sudden silence, almost a cancellation of noise then rolled out from the Heart in a similar way to the shockwave of a detonation. As it did, Bernael’s body rose from its lotus position, elevating a meter above the ground.

It is often said, by many students of evolution, that evolution is most often a slow and steady process. However, they also attribute occasional leaps forward when a species suddenly takes a much larger step on the evolutionary ladder. At the same time, even those larger steps are not seen as something that happens at once but happens over a much shorter time frame than the usual eons of change. But…what happens when the change is absolutely necessary for the survival of a species, or two of them?

As Bernael’s body rose any being that might have been an observer from orbit would have seen a strange phenomenon, that the Sea of Memory seemed to gather at one spot before funneling down towards the surface of the planet. Another observer, if they could survive what was about to occur, would see that the moment the funnel touched the ground at that Dark Heart another shockwave, this time of power and energy, lashed out from that spot. At the same time, energy from the Dark Heart poured out, into the gathered beings, their own energies connecting and intertwining in a web of power.

The first affected was the one directly at the heart of this storm, Bernael. His body began to shiver and vibrate as it hung in the air, the ancient vampire unable to even utter a sound. The robe he wore writhed as though his body itself was undergoing metamorphosis. Only milliseconds later the same began to occur to the Circle of Masters and First Mothers before it spread out even more rapidly. With each body it touched the web of power and energy seemed to grow, not in a way that would overwhelm them all but as though it was feeding from what they were, that they were as much the cause of what was occurring as the Dark Heart and the Sea of Memory, so as to ensure as many as possible were changed.

The planet, already a dark and foreboding place, was rapidly filling with the sounds of groans, cries, screams, and darker sounds. Darkness itself swept outward across the planet from the Dark Heart. Time became meaningless as events transpired. The darkness that now covered the planet became the truth of night and day, the sun no longer able to pierce through the miasma of the atmosphere.

Within that darkness, as bodies began to relax from what had been occurring to them, those closest to the Circle of Masters suddenly began to spread outward, similar to the waves of a pond when a stone was dropped into it. They sped across the ground and through the canopy, swiftly hunting. Their prey…those who had fallen victim to the bio weapon. The ringing sound of blades being unsheathed and blasters firing became the sounds that filled the air, followed by the sounds of rending flesh.

The bio weapon had been of such ferocity that fully half of the inhabitants, Anzati, Wraiths, and denizens of the planet, had been mutated and transformed. What hunted them…was no longer what had been the species that had lived there only a short time before. The nano plague was such that the only way to survive was for the Anzati and Wraiths to evolve. Which was exactly one of the end goals of their creator’s plan for both species. He’d neer intended to keep them separate for so long, to have their evolution diverge so much.

But his plans had now come to fruition, thanks to the poor planning and assault of Fel’s Empire. The species had been forced to rapidly evolve and what they were now…was the living weapon he’d fully intended them to be. They weren’t Wraiths or Anzati, they were something new, an amalgam of the two races, boosted by the virulent Dark power of the Dark Heart, and made even more effective in their power and ability to absorb it by the infusion of what had been the Sea of Memory.

Within a very short span the planet had been cleansed, every creature that had succumbed to the bio weapon had been destroyed and the weapon made inert. The Circle gathered once more at the Dark Heart, where Bernael had remained. Plans were set in motion, Kigrael was chosen, to prepare the new home for the refugees of Bakura and Lexrul. It was known that some of those, specifically the leaders of both worlds, would need reassuring and would, most likely, be angered by the fact they had been spared when a good portion of their people had not.

Bernael faced his son before Kigrael left, a single thought passing to his son. ’Deliver them to their new home, let none who oppose the move ever doubt the resolve of…the Buain*…’

The Thousand moons of Iego

With the necessity of moving so many beings from one planet to another the former Anzati had made the decision to put most in stasis chambers, to reduce the need of consumption by their passengers. Among those who had been put in stasis from the start, as their protectors had known the character of the people they were assisting, were the Lord Protector of Lexrul and his extended family as well as the Royal family of Bakura. Both groups would have fought tooth and nail to remain and protect their worlds otherwise, which would have led to the loss of those vital beings.

However, the time had come for the refugees to be settled in their new home or homes, spread across the thousand moons of the Iego system. When the fleet emerged from hyper and out of stealth it was met by Diathim, the angels of Iego. Keeping the angels at bay, Kigrael brought the stasis pods of those important Lexrullans and Bakurans to the planet itself. There they were met by several of the Diathim as well as several of the Maelibi, or demons of Iego.

After the rulers of those now decimated worlds emerged from the stasis chambers, after the initial bout of their anger descending upon Kigrael and his companions, after the shock of feeling and seeing these new beings wore off, Kigrael had begun the negotiations to ensure the Bakurans and Lexrullans would be granted their new homes.

The Diathim and Maelibi were reluctant to say the least, seeing most other beings as toys or food sources. What ended the negotiations in favor of the Bakurans and Lexrullans was when one of the blindingly bright Diathim as well as one of the Maelibi attempted to attack those the Buain had brought.

Without a word and, seemingly without effort, Kigrael disappeared from sight only to reappear a moment later, covered in gore. The Diathim and Maelibi that had begun to move were slowly crumpling to the ground, the light of the angel going out, revealing as many gaping holes in its body as covered the demon, Kigrael having killed both in a fraction of a second without a noise.

Convinced of the lethality of the refugees’ protectors, the two main species of the system gave full permission for them to settle on the moons of the system. Kigrael led the Royals, the Lord Protector, and his family back to his ship in mostly silence. He knew they were now reluctant to have their protectors around, a constant reminder of their belief they had failed their people. Flying the the largest and most hospitable of the moons, he brought them to prefabricated and erected building that would serve as their homes and seat of government until they could build something more permanent.

The parting was as silent and withdrawn, Kigrael knowing that his people would have to watch over these people from a distance, until the trust that had been built could be reaffirmed. All that he said was that his Sire had told him to let them know nothing had changed in how his people saw their relationship to the Bakurans and Lexrullans, and that they would continue to watch over those people.

One being was left with those refugees, the Imperial Knight Azlyn. She’d been spared the bio weapon, having remained on Kigrael’s ship during the assault. She had gone with him when he gathered the refugees and brought them to Iego. Before he stepped foot onto the shuttle to return him to his ship, the changed Kigrael turned to her, ”Your path is your own. I will not influence it save to say that returning to your service might be a…poor idea.” Without another word the hatch closed and his shuttle launched.

As his ship, as well as those of the Buain that had assisted him to relocate the refugees, departed, his comm chimed. Pulling up the holo, his jet black eyes saw the image of Senator Kabibble. The corner of his lips quirked up in a fractional smile before returning to a neutral expression. Instead of revealing the changes that occurred he simply sent a text reply that such could be accommodated.

Anzat Prime

With the return of his son from his mission, the Circle of Masters gathered once again, Kigrael reporting his success to his Sire. With that mission done, the Buain began their plans. Kigrael would be tasked with assisting the shorter lived beings as he had when acting as a Senator while the remainder of their people would begin their plans to remind the galaxy why any act against them was a foolish decision, not something they needed to immediately teach but a lesson that could last for centuries.

TAGS: @Sinrebirth, @Adalia-Durron (Mentioned), @DarthIshyZ (Mentioned)

* Quote attributed to Sir Winston Churchill
* Translation - Reapers (New name for the new species)