Star Wars OPEN War of the Galaxies: Fist of Fire - an Episode XII Story

IC: Aren Odan
Meanwhile a message arrives at Lexrul

Sorry for the delay, but our mutual friends on Bakura have found their way to a massive alliance joining them with effectively half the Outer Rim. Attached are the terms and agreements, along with some holos of wrangling grandchildren.

Aren.
TAG: @Sinrebirth, @Adalia-Durron, @darthbernael

 

IC: Adam Lyons, Baron Soontir Fel, Natalya ke Morrel
Reserve Fleet Flagship Bellerophon

Orders quickly given, ships and starfighters were moving toward their assigned locations, now all they could do was wait.

Adam showed Baron Soontir Fel the standard Adumari method for engaging a Tho Yor before asking, "Do you have any ideas to add before the battle begins?"

Fel shook his head. "I don't have experience fighting these things. You do. You know best what we do and don't need to do."

The Tho Yor arrived in-system, accelerating, before reorienting and micro-jumping -

It suddenly reached one of the outer planets and began activating its resource-grabbing tractor beams on the atmosphere of a gas giant -

Fel frowned. "So it is like a much worse World Devastator."

Adam nodded warily, "Yes, and at this point it is incredibly dangerous to capital ships, we need to damage it to its regeneration phase before moving in."

He keyed his comm, "Starfighters, this is your signal. May the Force be with you." From the global data screen hundreds of squadrons, brought in for ad hoc defense of Zakuul, from the Reserve Fleet, and newly built starfighters ready to be assigned to the many fleets to be constructed at Tiboulen.

"While it's eating, I don't know if that's possible, but it will also make hundreds or thousands of droid controlled Daggers."

Fel watched it reach an out to the planet and draw matter in -

And spit out TIE Daggers -

"It could have constructed those already," Fel pointed out.

It's weapons fired from the corners of the dipyramid shape, beams of energy that plowed through milling squadrons -

SLAM-equipped K-wings shot across the gap quicker than most and avoided the defensive weapons, but plowed into the TIE swarm -

Meanwhile, the other fighters were exposed to the Tho Yor weapons and took dozens of casualties -

The TIE swarm parted and the Tho Yor big gun, a dozen of meters wide concentrated bolt of energy fired -

The K-wings had engaged their SLAM drives to cross the gap, while the hyper-drive equipped starfighters made a micro-jump to get close.

Adam looked at the display, "It's possible. Though I don't know the inner workings, just how to fight them." It wasn't foolproof either, especially when the first step was spitting out starfighters right after eating a planet. He looked back, "Is it close enough to shoot Zakuul?"

The SLAM equipped starfighters ran into the TIE swarm... then through. The K-wings launched their torpedoes, 32,400 of them, followed by the E-wings, 28,800 proton torpedoes, The T-85 Ad X-wings slammed into the TIEs taking dozens with them. Shortly they were joined with the other starfighters, TIE Neutralizers skirting the conflict to launch 54,000 proton torpedoes at the Tho Yor.

Natalya ke Morrel's image showed up, "The spotters are getting nervous, and I say the planet took a hit!"

The massive bolt of energy cut off as the Tho Yor redistributed defenses, but it sailed through the system on a course towards the planet. It impacted the southern continent; the Old City, mostly swamp.

Fel ignored the damage to the planet to watch the torpedoes.

Point defenses seemed to sprout from the hull like a Yuuzhan Vong vessel - from anywhere - firing at missiles and torpedoes.

Worse, the Tho Yor turned, meaning the missiles that breached the defensive web of fire impacted, but not in a concentrated matter.

There were a lot of them.

The Tho Yor was looking increasingly battered, but it still kept most of its distinctive shape, and it moved closer to the planet too.

But it hadn't detonated, nor stopped.

The TIE Daggers numbered in the hundreds, probably more than a thousand, and casualties mounted.

But for a moment, the Tho Yor wasn't spawning swarms of the things.

"Does that mean its struggling?"

Adam shook his head, "Only that it now knows we're serious and it needs to regenerate. When that stops, it's really in trouble."

Adam keyed his comm, "Tho Yor is regenerating, all ships move in!" First the 150 plus DP-25s jumped quickly followed by the Ardents before arriving and they started firing on the TIE Daggers along with the Tho Yor. It looked to Adam that the Adumari ships were swarming over the planet before jumping to the Tho Yor in system.

"I don't know if just starfighters can get past this phase, but with capital ships, we will."

The Tho Yor drew itself closer to the planet, absorbing more matter, and as it turned, a much smaller Tho Yor appeared. It micro-jumped, and reappeared at another planet in-system; and promptly began consuming.

The TIE Daggers provided cover for this move, only by being shredded. A few gunships were lost, but the Ardents reached firing range quickly. The Tho Yor took a beating, burrowing quicker and quicker

"Send some starfighters, probably 300 squadrons after that baby Tho Yor." Adam looked a little worried at the display, “We may need to get some distance in case it sends parts of the planet at us, or it explodes. It’s also making it harder for us to target.” There were too many ships trying to fire into too narrow a space in order to truly damage the Tho Yor fast enough. The starfighters continued punishing the TIE Daggers, but that burrowing was concerning at the moment.

Meanwhile, the squadrons sent to track the Baby made their micro-jump and started engaging that Tho Yor with laser cannons and proton torpedoes. Data for this battle was all being coordinated by Natalya ke Morrel and forwarded to the Emperor hoping that he would finish his mission and make the system safe once again.

The more the Tho Yor buried, too, the more it was becoming protected by the planet’s very crust. The tunnel it was forming allowed the Tho Yor to focus its defensive fire, but it wasn’t building anything, seemingly just… digging.

The orbiting fleet was firing, but as Adam pointed out there was only so much that could be lobbed down a single avenue. There was a firestorm, but the Ardent commanders requested heavier weapons to crack open more of the crust so they could get more firepower to the target.

The baby Tho Yor for its part was acting more traditionally, and taking damage quicker than it could repair, a trail of debris lagging it. Baron Fel spoke up. “It’s not hit critical mass.” The squadrons were taking damage but the Tho Yor sped up to the planet it orbited and duplicated the behaviour of the other one - turning to spread damage. “Capital ships on that one. Now, Adam.”

Adam nodded, assigning 20 Ardents, one of the early Turbulent- class Star Destroyers, an early Tector-class and an early Procusator-class to the Baby Tho Yor. He looked at Baron Fel, "We'll see what they can do."

Meanwhile, the other ships were firing into the hole or at the edges of the hole trying to open it wider. Still the capital ships with proton torpedo launchers fired directly on the Tho Yor with their proton torpedoes. Adam wasn't sure if it was trying to hide, heal or both at this point.

The three Star Destroyers promptly micro-jumped, with the twenty Ardent frigates swiftly interposing themselves between the smaller Tho Yor and the planet. The Tector especially unleashed a torrent of fire, the Tho Yor slowing to a crawl as the other two Star Destroyers hammered it.

It was drifting towards the Tector, and Baron Fel wondered if it would crack before it reached it -

He redirected his attention when the first planet attacked suddenly burst into debris and rock and destruction -

The orbiting forces lost formation, ships crashing into each other without gravity to anchor themselves, and the Tho Yor shot out of the molten heart of the planet advancing at high speed towards Zakuul -

Tractor beams were used to stabilize the formation though damage mounted, Adam noted on the sensors, "Micro jump us to place us in between the Tho Yor and Zakuul." Ships on the edges were the first to jump along with the starfighters. K-wings took the chance to land on the ships in order to rearm.

This wasn't your grandfather's Tector, they fit it with a power core meant for a much larger ship, in fact it handled the Tectors with gravity well generators. This meant that it was more maneuverable compared to the original Tectors. The three capital ships started loosely surrounding the baby Tho Yor, pouring fire into it.

The baby Tho Yor was falling apart.

It seemed to do so at an incredibly increased rate, and Baron Fel abruptly stepped forward to comms and opened a channel to the task force. "All ships, divert discretionary power to shields, it seems to commit nothing to reconstruction which means -"

A bolt of concentrated energy emerged, brushing the Tector, before turning and blowing through the Procusator and then turned on the Ardents, who actually lasted a few moments before detonating. One, two, three - five - and then the Tector put everything into the guns and cracked the smaller ship apart.

Satisfied, Baron Fel looked back to Adam. "Apologies but there wasn't time to ask for permission."

Only then the larger Tho Yor micro-jumped too, and the retreating Imperial formation emerged from hyperspace at the same time. A few ships exploded on the hull, and the enemy ship carved apart ships as they arrived -

Baron Fel winced. "Smart things."

But now it was in range of the planet

Adam looked satisfied at the end of the baby Tho Yor, "No need, you probably saved some ships." The rest of the fleet engaging the Tho Yor resumed fire on it, and T-85Ads continued firing their laser cannons on it, however from planetary defenses, the remaining squadrons from the fleet emerged. 75 K-wing squadrons, 36 Clawcraft-F squadrons, 60 TIE Defender Scout squadrons, 200 TIE Defender Elite, 50 T-85 Ad squadrons, 200 E-wing Mk IV squadrons, and finally 108 more TIE Neutralizer squadrons, Adam noted meant for raids, joined in battle. The Clawcrafts and Scouts fired laser cannons on the Tho Yor or any remaining TIE Daggers left, while those with proton torpedoes launched at the Tho Yor.

The number of launches blinded Adam, and the sensors had a hard time keeping up, but the estimates were over 111,000 proton torpedoes. Adam looked away from the viewports, "Ships from the other battle, if you can fight, jump to Zakuul, the damaged but repairable will collect survivors."

The immense Tho Yor reoriented, spitting a dozen bolts a moment, each hit ripping through capital ship shields into and through hulls -

It ejected hull as shrapnel, a kind of cluster weapon that caused torpedoes to erupt further than closer, but there were so many that the Tho Yor hull was looking like many shredded damage, but more than half of the flotilla had been damaged.

Fel looked at the ship. "It basically ate a planet and didn't launch any TIEs. Prep -"

The hull ejected and a smaller - though not as small of the baby - became apparent, and its big main gun opened fire -

A wide bolt of fire took in hundreds of fighter craft and then slammed into the surface of Zakuul, erasing almost every life on the southern continent. Soontir paled behind his moustache. "If that had fired at the City -"

Suddenly, Cronau radiation spiked.

Arrivals were incoming.

Lots.

A dozen.

No, scores.

Thirty, forty -

Hyperspace chimes panicked.

"What is it!" Fel shouted. "All power to shields, all ships! Get us away from the Tho Yor -"

"Weapons! Put your energy into shields and thrusters! Everyone move!" Starfighters, followed by DP-25s and Ardents moved first. Ships with a clear path micro jumped, others put everything into shields and thrusters. It split up the formation, but they already had lost several to that Tho Yor jumping into the middle of the formation.

Adam and Natalya shared a quiet wager on what was incoming as they cleared away from the Tho Yor.

Battleships.

Dozens of them.

Eternal Fleet warships.

The Tho Yor inverted and immediately reoriented to the greater threat -

Fire lanced out, taking ships -

The ships moved, shifting damaged ones without a word of signal transmitted, swapping position, always firing -

The Tho Yor was being swaddled in turbolaser fire -

Adam forwarded the display, "Navigator, come up with routes clear of the Eternal Fleet and send them to our forces."

He keyed the fleetwide channel, "People, we are about to flank the Tho Yor and end this. Move in by groups."

They focused the Eternal Fleet across one flank, and the Imperial forces - the half survivors - split to either side and let the Tho Yor have it. The Tho Yor poured fire out, but it was unfocused, damaging, not destroying, and it was slowly but surely overwhelmed.

As fire erupted from inside the hull, the principal weapon irised and spat out another tiny Tho Yor -



This one was advancing almost directly towards their position!

The main fleet reacted pretty quickly thanks to some quick sensor work from Natalya. Around this time, many of the first wave of K-wings launched again after reloading their hard points. Starfighters, capital ships and their escorts fired on the new baby Tho Yor.

Adam smirked at Baron Fel, "I doubt anyone would find it cute that the Tho Yor had twins."

Natalya continued to look for a way to link her sensors with that of the Eternal Fleet, she searched for Jag's ship.

There was a sudden arrival from hyperspace; more Eternal tech.

A flagship.



A moment later, the miniature Tho Yor erupted.

Three for three.

The flagship activated comms.

It was Jagged.

"This is Eternal Emperor Fel I. Admiral Lyons, Baron Fel, as soon as you can please come aboard the Eternal Blade."

Adam nodded satisfactorily at the situation, "Captain, start sending ships back to Tiboulen for repairs after starfighters are gathered."

He keyed the comm for the Emperor, "Sir, I would like to bring Admiral Natalya ke Morrel along with us, she was quite instrumental in keeping track of everything. She would be useful in future campaigns."

Adam typed a quick message for Natalya, Thanks again, meet us on the Emperor's flagship. Also, 50 credits! He looked to Baron Fel, "They can handle this, shall we go?"

"Acceptable," Jagged said, and signed off.

The Eternal Fleet formed up.

Some hundred capital ships, holding a position above Zakuul.

Fel absently whistled.

"This could change everything."

Natalya made a face at Adam's message realizing belatedly to not make bets against Force users, especially ones with training.

She thanked her crew who supported her during the battle before climbing into her shuttle. Natalya's sensor Suite lit up like the skies would during the evenings of some holidays. She looked at it and started whistling a Yedagon hunting tune.

TAG: @Sinrebirth, @darthbernael, @Mitth_Fisto, @Kev-Mas_Colcha

 

IC: Tof League - The Ambassador *A Combo with Sinre
From Lothal to Grysk Hegemony

The Tof ambassador having received the encoded message had decided to end trade negotiations with Lothal. They had his contact information if they wished to discuss things further after all. It wasn’t like the trade deals were that complex.

So instead of sending one blastboat to relay to Grysk he had sent one to Ord Bueri to see if they would be open to talks of them joining, if so they could be used as a trade hub between the Tof League and the Sun Guard. Whereas the rest of his diplomatic escort and himself went to the Grysk. Aiming to relay the acceptance of the Mandalorian group, outline the security arrangements, and see if he could negotiate an extra technological solution from them. To see what would need be promised or provided for the Grysk cloaking and interdiction mines knowledge.

The new Grysk leader met them at Gargon.

It was a mining site for Phobium, a key construction component, and had been fought over by the Empire during the Imperial Civil War, with two Grand Admirals squabbling over it. The local Mandalorian clan was the Rook, and Jas Rook was the red-armoured woman in-charge.

She folded her arms as Quistis introduced her. "You've our beskar, ambassador."

“Some. Liberated from the Nagai Rothana shipyards who claim they found the deposit on Vhetin in the Firefest, yes.” The Tof Ambassador replied sticky as he removed his helmet to get a better look at her. Chewing on his cheeks at the sight of this situation he decided the better part of valor was to await the next response.

"It is sacred to us," she said. "It should be returned, but this one." Rook indicated the Grysk. "He wants us to cooperate."

“It is beskar of my galaxy. Not yours. But you help us work what we have, you could have - some. After if you have inclination your people can even survey where it came from. How does that sound?” He asked keeping his eyes on the child-armored one. “I’m sure the Maccabree would welcome the opportunity to meet Mandalorian’s that weren’t trying to kill them.”


Tof Ambassador

Quistis was suitably impressed by the riposte. "We would like to pick up where we left before the Battle of Lwhekk, however."

Rook folded her arms. "With the Sun Guard, Hutts and Yuuzhan Vong, we've plenty to beat down the Empire and Nagai."

Looking away to the distance he sighed before responding. “You be trusting the enemies flows? The First Order flows back, they will try out again as a tide.” Shaking his head he looked back at her and Quistis before raising a finger. “Perhaps you can, take this galaxy by storm! Hmm. Perhaps you are forgetting a - heart of beskar - does not stop one’s head from falling off their shoulders.” With a slight nod he waited to see if all that practice at Lothal and study on Mandalorian people was going to pay off. “A safe harbor from the tide, that never is a waste.”

Rook snorted. "I like him. He cuts you with words."

"Barbosa spoke our language better, I gather he survived, send him to speak to us," Quistis sniped. "We should attack the Empire. Now. While they are overstretched at Lwhekk, and the Nagai are on the run. The First Order are irrelevant. They have their own war with the Resistance, and when they lose - or Snoke dies - we need be ready to pounce."

Fighting a strong urge to roll his eyes at the creature he stared at it and then at the woman. Expectations rarely survived a meeting unscathed, but this was a hard wind to stand by. “He be better versed, tis true. But between ye and he are three battles raging. Two on Nagai, including their homeworld, and one on Empire. You see running, we see reinforcements.” Shifting his armor slightly, possibly purposefully to make some groaning noises from it he leaned in. “Now, considering that, your prayers have been answered if merely your lust that aches for wins without cost. So. Hmm. Consider, what your last leader did in Barbosa’s hospitality. Now, you’ve put upon it again, publicly, but with a possible gift for something we be ready to merely hold and deny and be glad. To make from trinket of war to resource. Now you try an’ put on it again? When your gift is ringing hollow? Unproven and stubborn?”

Shifting upright the Ambassador glared at the creature. “If I was you I would be considering my bedfellows history of partners, and who I was snubbing with maybes and demands. We willpublicly denounce you, you may have your time with the Sun Guard as your only wings of shelter. Now unless you want this to be more than harsh words and publicity I would still try that gift of maybe, possibly add plans for interdicting mines or something to give it a truth of a real gift now. So we don’t share with the Sun Guard who we knows is grasping at their wake. They seem the type to like a clean deck. Savy? Or are my words too thick for your ears?”

Quistis drew in his breath and seemed to grow larger, his chest inflating. Rook laughed. “Oh calm down.”

The Grysk stared daggers at her, but she ignored him. “Alright. Here’s the best deal I can offer you, Mr Tof. I send some Mando’s your way, back to Tof or wherever you’re storing that beskar. We help you figure it out, and get to take half home with us to Gargon.”

Her head turned to the Grysk. “You get a public denouement because Sixtus shafted the Tof at Lwhekk and any more cooperation, for now, is secret. Quiet support, supplies and the like, at most. Not Tof ships and crews, not until you’ve proven you can be trusted.”

Teeth were bared by Quistis. Rook shrugged. “The Tofs don’t want nor need your Grysk Hegemony 2.0, or 3.0, as you lost the war in your home region. Or whatever. They do need me, and I, too, need you. Can’t have everything your way.” A slight chuckle. “Savvy?”

The Grysk turned to the Tof. “Well? Your Tof League has benefitted from the damage the Grysk did to the Nagi. Our Hegemony is not yet prepared to war alone because of our losses at Lwhekk - which far outstripped yours.” A huff. “Surely that is worth some consideration of this parley that the Mandalorian offers.”

The Ambassador nodded to the Mandalorian, "Throw in aid in some fashion to aid us with the Mandalorian's on Vhetin, and we can accept parting with half of the raw ore. Stick around and aid in resolving the issue completely of them in our galaxy, and we be open to half of all future. . .liberations as a standing agreement."

Turning to the Grysk the Ambassador sighed, "Guess my words were too thick. Let me try, again. You offered a gift, we have business understandings. Offer a gift and you will be compensated as Rook said, under table trade, silence to the Sun Guard on all your ways. Make it good, we might share about them...knowledge is your best currency. I believe."

Quistis looked suitably intrigued. “Information? I do enjoy such exchanges.”

“The Mandalorians on Vhetin are basically clan-less,” Rook chortled. “I’ll assist you with bringing them to heel, and taking them home, and executing those who don’t see sense. The Nagai are losers, no Mandalorian abides that.”

She nodded and stepped over. “I think we have an accord.” Rook offered the Tof her hand.

Extending his gauntleted hand he shook Rook’s with a look of concentration to not crush her hand. “We have an deal.”

Looking then to the Grysk he held his hand out in turn with a quirked eye. “Do we?”

“We do,” the Grysk said, firmly. “It is not ideal, but we are allied at very least.”

Rook withdrew from the handshake and left a note in the Tof Ambassador’s hand. Turning back to Quistis, she paid Rook no heed thereafter. “I’ll send some Mandalorians to wherever you want. Let me know.”

“Tof. And Vhetin.” He simply replied to her leaving form. His hand he held against his stomach as he nodded at the Grysk. “I’ll transmit what I have from my ship, can I expect the same from you then?”

"Of course," the Grysk said. "I've been at Polus learning about your aquatic friends. I have found plenty of psychological levers, enough to turn whole species into our puppets." A slight grin. "Or would you prefer data on the enemy shipyards of Yaga Minor and Jaemus, or the defenses of Bastion?"

Rook paled slightly, disgusted, and then sketched a salute. "Maybe I'll come visit Tof myself."

"No," Quistis said. "I have a need for you here." His tone grew brittle, and dark.

"All good," she said, lazily, and donned her helmet anew.

“To elaborate. Mines, interdiction, cloaking. Technology. This is the knowledge we seek. The rest you offer does not fit our methods, and knowing what you offer gives us little without plans to use it before the knowledge becomes pointless. So just technology now.” Grabbing his own black helm he set it in place. “That will be all. I’ll send information when I receive the information. As for her, we have a deal. If she isn’t coming. We would appreciate method to contact her if her people are less than cooperative.” That would be all. This should conclude matters if this Grysk didn’t keep trying his graft.

Quistis pursed his lips. "I'll let you know who will be coming to Vhetin and then Tof shortly."

At that, he turned to pad out of the room, then looked at Rook. "Come."

"Yessir," she said drily. She didn't look back.

The note said...

Gargon is being held hostage. So too is Polus. Grysk are hunting relatives of the families that were aboard Gherlid's fleet. Be careful.

Making sure the knowledge of the meetings results were covertly relayed by dispatching a blastboat the Ambassador prepared to head towards Ord Bueri to see if they could diplomatically be talked into joining the Tof League. It looked like they would need to establish some resource management for this region.

Ord Bueri had fallen in the sphere of influence of the Sun Guard just due to its proximity to Mon Calamari, but there had been reports of the Ghost scouting out the system. A mostly neutral planet, the local government was looking to make trade agreements and only managed their defenses with thirty squadrons of elderly B-wings.

Nonetheless, the Nagai had hit it many years ago, destroying a New Republic base there and forging a direct hyperroute to the world from FireFist. But otherwise it had avoided the Yuuzhan Vong and depredations of the various Sith-Imperial regimes.

An affable group of humans, they were actually setting up a trade bazaar and due to invite representatives from all factions of the War of the Galaxies and even Resistance and First Order groups. Viscount Contispex MMXXIII was looking to host all aboard an immense skyhook in orbit.

The Ambassador noted that he had yet to receive the information from the Grysk. So in turn he did not share what he was holding onto. Seeing the preparation being made here he set about transmitting his authority as a diplomat for the Tof League and requesting whether he might tour the bazaar or if they were ready for a delegate yet?

The Viscount's office confirmed they were not quite setup, but the Viscount was agreeable to a private discussion, if the Tof Ambassador so wished. Preferably in person, or at least with minor preliminaries by comms.

In person was preferred and appreciated. The Ambassador was glad to have the chance to have a private discussion before the festivities.

In short order he was en route, and arriving at Ord Bueri.

The Skyhook was capital ship size, shaped like an ornate cathedral, much like the Hapan palace-ships or Mon Calamari, Duros and Ithorian city-ships. In short order the Ambassador was invited, with full honours, to the meeting with the Viscount. The hangar was resplendent, rare metals constantly on show, and B-wings provided a full escort.

It was truly something special.

The Ambassador gave a fair well thought as one of his blastboat escorts took the opportunity to use the direct hyper-route to Firefest. Once landed in the hanger he descended with his Maccabree aid, both stepping resoundingly in their shiny metal suits to glitter amongst the precious metals on display.

The guards were in ornate attire that seemed almost religious, and the music was almost choir-like.

The Maccabree aid looked suitably impressed. A tall specimen named Accabreem (for most Maccabree names were actually anagrams of the race), he kept his armour shined but even he felt naked here.

"Impressive, Lord Ambassador," he muttered.

The Viscount's aide was a tall, pale man, in-fact his pupils were white and so was his hair. He offset this was a resplendent purple outfit, which was more robe than suit. "I am the Rur of the Viscount," he said, tone arch. "You are the Ambassador, and the... Guard?"

Accabreem didn't say a word.

“The Ambassador and my Aide Accabreem.” The Ambassador replied with a cordial smile. “A pleasure Rur.” He added with a slight nod/bow towards the man.

A smile; broad, but false. He was a snob, clearly. "Please note that I am the Rur, it is a title, rather than a name. My name I have forsaken to service." He led them through the Skyhook, a variety of windows decorated like stained-glass, demonstrating battles between mythical creatures. Accabreem was out of his depth, he just walked in silence.

There wasn't a single guard as they went on, and eventually reached a door inlaid in the finest wood.

"The Viscount is within," Rur said, and he drew the doors open.

Upon a marble porcelain throne, the white-robed individual, complete with a mitre, was an aged man who smiled with such warmth that Accabreem felt its softness through armour. He bowed, over hand.

"Ambassador," the Viscount said, but did not stand from his throne.

The Ambassador walked along, he was sure his aide was recording images of all of this. It was impressive. Royal Palace or Grand Estate that lessers were never allowed to see grade of grandeur. Of course he had seen such heights before and with a sinking notion he felt the pleasure from the prospect of a non-Grysk to converse with fade. So much for stock humans.

Walking in he came within lunge space from their host before giving a brief over hand bow. “Viscount.” He replied in as pleased a tone as he could manage.

The Viscount positively beamed.

When he was no longer under the mans gaze, Accabreem realised.

They were all human.

Everyone in the Estate was.

A world this deep in the Skyriver Outer Rim?

He shook his mental head and refocused.

"A pleasure, Ambassador. I hope you do not bring your war with you," he said, jokingly.

“An Ambassador rarely brings war, for his aim be the prosperity of peace.” The Ambassador replied with a smile. “So I be sent to see about inviting you into the Tof League, to be a trade beacon port between our entire galaxy of Firefest, the Sun Guard, and the entire Northern and Eastern aspects of this galaxy. Of course as a trade hub you would have your inspection duties that would entitle you to a service fee of all goods passing through your system. I hope I do not speak out of turn. But of the three options we be deciding from, you be the most impressive and ready.” He said with a slight nod.

The Viscount smiled warmly. "We would be more than welcome to become the axis for your alliance, and your galaxy. We shall impose a minimal toll on goods travelling on world, and of course open our entry restrictions for visitors." A flutter of his hand. "Temporary visits, areas cultivated for galactic tourists, and the like." He tapped his chin.

"We would avail ourselves of a single capital ship from your polity to protect us from opportunistic piracy. A trading outpost of our magnificence will invite attacks, after all..." The Viscount glanced at the Ambassador's aide. "We would like to be fair-weather friends for the moment, members later, perhaps. The Sun Guard capital is close by, and we would not wish to pick sides in the wider war should the First Order recover, or the Resistance take umbrage."

"Indeed, I have representatives from Lothal here too, making similar requests for, what is the Tof word, parley?"

“Not the ring we hoped, but it be the ring we need, and agree to. An understandable position for now.” Smiling with only a small bit of reserve he nodded at the situation. “Lothal be being a surprise. That be one I would be curious and wishing to be a seagull on windowsill of.” He said with some true consternation at.

The Viscount took his meaning. "I can make an introduction, if you wish? They were next on my itinerary."

“So it be sir. So it be.” He gave a slight nod at the correct use of the word. “If it be not too much an imposition, it be appreciated.” The Ambassador replied with broad smile.

“Not at all,” the Viscount said, softly. “Come, come.”

The latter words he said to the doorway to their right, and they opened accordingly. A pair of droids had pushed them, and a single woman stepped forward.

The Resistance Chancellor herself; Kaydel Ko Connix.



She didn’t look amused.

“So we meet at last. I gather you’ve been wanting an audience with the Resistance for months…” Her chin tilted up. “All the while allying with the Grysk, Ssi-Ruuvi, Sun Guard, Yuuzhan Vong and Hutts.”

The Viscount looked at them, hooded.

“Did I miss anything out?”

She had the wit of Leia Organa Solo.

The Ambassador shrugged, “Plenty. The public denial of the Grysk should be coming out soon, we never agreed to their public alliance. Betrayers of the Sanctity of the Safety of Parley can only be trusted if you’re grasping the back of their necks! We never allied with the Hutts nor Yuuzhan Vong, we allied with the Sun Guard, they have forged those connections. Facing an Empire and the Nagai it was prudent to not stand alone in the Rishi nor the galaxy we wish to secure our peace with. As for the Ssi-Ruuvi, well we were in parley when the Grysk broke it and abandoned them and the Empire voiced genocide against them. One thing we can never abide is genocide, never again.” He solemnly stated with a grave glare at the ground between them.

“You also ignore that we are allies of the Maccabree, the Faruun, Base Alpha miners, and are in the process of being allied with the Sennex who we had thought was merely an interesting neutral party that brought us and the Sun Guard to the Parley table.” A mild look of consternation crossed his face at the end, “And no. We haven’t cared a wit about the ‘Resistance’ we merely wished to establish a trade deal for Lothal’s mineral wealth. It’s actually shocking how much you have wrong.” The Ambassador retorted.

Connix smiled drily. “Touched a nerve there, didn’t I?” She looked to the Viscount. “You intend to join the Tof League?”

“Merely to keep our options only, Chancellor,” the old man said wanly.

“Fair,” Connix said, and she swung back to the Ambassador. “The New Republic has established its new capital on Lothal. We don’t intend to compromise our principles but we do accept that realities exist. The doomium we have is a commodity. It is less valuable to the Tof League what with their recent expansion in FireFist, but the New Republic intends to offer it in exchange for supplies and food. We have refugees from Mon Calamari and Chandrila to care for.”

“Ord Bueri would be amenable to such an agreement,” said the Viscount, carefully.

“As long it’s only humans that liaise with you,” the Chancellor said. A careful glance to the Ambassador. “Or near-humans.”

The Viscount spluttered -

“I know you’ve been given a special dispension by the Mother to speak to outsiders,” Connix said drily. “But yes?”

The Viscount changed his tact, looking unconcerned. “Yes. Humans or near-humans only. They do not upset the Blessed Mother.”

Accabreem bristled, and looked to his Ambassador.

“We are seeking to increase our efforts in food growth, but with our connections it should not be a hardship to establish such trade readily. Do to your history we do not seek any alliance with you at this time.” The Ambassador stated with a nod, the Sennex sector was largely agricultural worlds if he remembered correctly.

Now he turned with a broad smile to the Viscount. “Now, fair-weather friend. By the blessed sea-shanty who is this Blessed Mother and her tenets? It seems they apparently will affect our plans for this to be a trade hub between the Tof League and the Skyriver.” The smile never left his face as he focused intently on the Viscount.

"The Mother? Well, she is the Blessed, the Vianist Queen, the Beloved Goddess of the Stars." He smiled broadly. "It is the Pius Dea belief that those who purified or destroyed unpure beings would be handsomely rewarded by the Goddess in the afterlife."

Connix pulled a face. "The Resistance is a secular government, we do not condone religious discrimination."

"Then leave us," the Viscount said drily. "We will not treat with nonhumans. Humans and near-humans, nothing more or less."

"You are positioned between the Sun Guard, Tofs and Resistance," Connix said drily. "A remnant of twenty millennia old religion cannot do much against the realities of today."

"Whereas your embrace of the Jedi Order can?"

"The Jedi are allies of the Resistance, not our official religion," she replied wittily.

The smile broadened and he chuckled as he came to an understanding. It was a religious purity cult. Seems he should not of brought one of his Maccabree aids after all, then again if he hadn’t would things have worked out for him to understand how they would have to deal with these people in the future?

“The Tof recently could be said to have gone through a purifying process recently. The Maccabree twice before. Now as for trade. If we do not have an alternative trade hub, might we have additional ships stationed here to handle the nonhuman trade? That way your ships and world remain untouched? If not we can be understanding and respect your beliefs. Eternal souls must always outweigh wealth.” The Ambassador said with a dismissive gesture at their surroundings.

He ignored the Rebel woman now, although his eyes did harden at the mention of Jedi. The Tof’s greatest defeats by small forces that never should win, were by Jedi hands after all.

The Viscount lit up. “We would greatly appreciate that. As many ships as you can spare, and we will remunerate you for your service. The Pius Dea left deep coffers.”

Accabreem eyed the Ambassador with shrewd approval.

A great smile upon his lips. “The pact is done.”

Chancellor Connix nodded her head. “Well then, we shall depart accordingly.”

“Well,” the Viscount said absently. “The First Order would give a mighty sum for you.”

“Does not a negotiation warrant my right to freedom?”

“This is war, Madam Chancellor,” the Viscount said apologetically. “Perhaps the Tof Ambassador here could act as a go-between in these negotiations too. Parley is such an antiquated concept, no?” A smile; malicious. “Equal benefit for equal gain is the name of the game now.”

There was a communique to the Tof Ambassador. He was being hailed by the Grysk…

The Ambassador distractedly looked at his forearm comm device as he stepped back. “Parley is a sacred trust, and the deals wrought therein are binding.” He stated sternly. Although then his features softened, “But our parley was merely with the Viscount. Never with you Chancellor. We were invited merely as observers to a meeting never identified as a parley, and our forming a deal, is unfortunately tangential.” Nodding at Accabreem to close his faceplate the Ambassador pulled his helmet from his side. “Alas as the Viscount has stated this is war, and apparently his people by their faith do not hold Parley to the same standard. They are also not members of the Tof League and are not so held to our standards when dealing with others besides us. Now if the Viscount wants to establish a new deal with us to sell you? That as we have concluded our deals in a binding pact would be a new one. I would ask he gives me time to send news of the prior deal and confer with my government before we begin those negotiations. Also Chancellor, as an aside, this is why the King never attends a negotiation. A ruler should have those they can trust to send, or they are not worthy of that title and are rulers of not even of their own vessel truly.”

Replacing his helmet he sealed it for privacy mode and accepted the comm call. Keeping his aid in a reduced window to the side on a separate line.

The Chancellor produced a blaster she should never have had, shot the Rur, and made a run for it.

The Viscount spat fumes and Accabreem stepped between the Ambassador and began taking pot shots at her, not intending to hit, just drive Connix away. Guards appeared and began the pursuit -

The comms resolved into Quistis. "We have delivered Mandalorians to Vhetin."

Muting the line he reached out a hand to pause his aids shooting. “Tend to Rur until med units arrive.” He simply stated before reengaging with his comm call.

“Understood. And then of the second matter?” He calmly asked as if nothing was untoward on his end, and with no explanation for his delay in response.

Quistis glowered. "Remind me? I have many other things to manage and this is not the only priority."

Accabreem was already moving towards Rur, who pawed at themselves. "Leave me alone, monster!" With a sigh, Accabreem stunned him and starting tending his wounds.

The Viscount was hiding behind his throne even as the fighting went away.

The Ambassador deeply wished he could pinch the bridge if his nose to still himself. Instead all he could do was sigh. “Mines, the knowledge for your interdiction and cloaking mines. Technology. That was what we requested and in exchange we give you information on your new allies and privately forgive you enough to enable secret trade.”

Stepping over to the table he took a the drinking container he found, dumped what little it held, pulled a flask from his hip and poured the vessel full with the island whiskey from home. Stepping around the throne he held it down to the Viscount as he muted his line again. “Viscount. A minor restorative. We won’t let anyone harm you.”

“You have our Mandalorians and we shall transmit the data when you give us something. Keeping in mind your forces nearly got mine into a battle and destroyed.” A sniff. “Again.” He cut the line.

Resetting his privacy modes he responded to the Grysk by sending a brief voice message. “As stated. We have proven ourselves trustworthy. This is you trying to re-establish this for yourselves. Send it. Or we let your new allies know everything about you instead, and trade will not happen between us in any capacity. Something we can take or leave, but we are sure you desperately need. As for your forces having the horror of witnessing a battle without having to engage with it-I thought Mandalorians were made of sterner material.” Closing and sending the message he turned his full attention to the Pius Dea before him. He knew his aid would be taking a genetic sample as part of cleaning the wound of Rur. Hopefully concealed as debriding the wound and then cleaning up the mess.

“Viscount?” He softly repeated. Waiting for the man to cease cowering.

The Viscount took the tipple and downed it. “I needed that,” he breathed. “You are gentleman, kind sir. You shall have your treaty, and our support. I may even recommend the Pius Dea join your League.” He sat heavily. “With the preconditions we spoke of.”

Accabreem paid him no heed.

No Grysk data followed.

Not yet.

Reports had it that Chancellor Connix escaped for Lothal, and the Ord Bueri government looked forward to the arrival of a Tof bulk cruiser and support craft to protect their investment.

TAG: None

 

IC: Nadia ke Mattino, Medb Ra oon, Adam Lyons
Zakuul

Orders went out before Nadia and Rachel had talked to the Emperor, though the unused lines were building as needed ships which helped Group Four build up sooner than originally expected.

It was also beneficial that the designs went through viability tests at the shipyards so they knew what the Perator was thinking.

The interdictor Tector…that was Rachel. Those ships are for the Emperor's Fleets, however. Those fleets would help take pressure off of the Adumari Union and put pressure on the Tof, Sun Guard, and Snoke and his allies.

Nadia had a decision to make on Group Four. Did she want to go on the Offensive, keep it back for reinforcements, or hold it for the defensive. Mass starfighter raids were still an option. (Nadia edit: Starfighter raids of 18 squadrons was not enough, perhaps double or even triple the size to do damage. Though we can take Senex with Group Four.)


There were also the native forces of Bakura and Lexrul. She sent messages to the leaders of both worlds to see if they were interested in ships. Nadia was a little surprised to get such a quick response. She added the requests to the 'need' list, while having her computer research the Lexrullans, and giving her a timeline line for that request. Nadia wanted to come up with a sweetener. Very high physical tolerance… Nadia immediately thought of the TIE Neutralizer. That led to their two newer carrier designs, the Maxima and the Secutor. Her mind went to the Tector it would be a tough flagship and exemplified Lexrullan toughness. Nadia's mind ran… (Nadia edit: Lexrul has potential. Bakura…probably not)

Orders

1. Halmad and Taris will become military bases for future operations in that area. (Nadia edit: And shipbuilding)
   
2. Joint diplomatic missions with the Nagai Alliance will continue with Naboo and Malestare. Nagai can have the Bothans. Roche would be desirable.
   
3. Approach Lehon, Tulpaa, and Tenupe for diplomatic agreements.

–-----
Meanwhile

Medb now fully appreciated the difficulty of creating Paths, the amount of movement in which finding a route that worked for everyone and could be useful immediately. This is difficult… (Nadia edit: Medb figured it out! Though she seems very exhausted.)

Medb could detect through the Force the Great Darkness that was Snoke. It nearly eclipsed the light siders called Rey, Ben, and Jaina. That was looking towards Jakku. However, something malicious suddenly looked in her direction. She could not tell if it was hunting her or the planet. Her hand unconsciously moved toward a button warning for incoming. (Nadia edit: Perhaps the Tho Yor…)

—---
Alarms Blared

He just left! Remembering the Emperor’s plan... which she only partially understood.

Nadia jumped, she checked displays. Kamino had Fallen, with Nas Choka and Group Four's forces being overwhelmed. At least they got a good number of Kaminoans, along with their extremely valuable data, off planet. Group Four reported in at Xagobah with Kaminoans en route to Zatara, as it was a moist world, to continue their research.

She did not realize Ord Trasi left, but fortunately subordinates did and rerouted material meant for them to Halmad and Taris. That put them relatively ahead from where she thought they were.

1. Contact Ord Mantell, their economy would be useful. They would make good allies.
   
2. Bring Anthan Prime up to standard to increase shipbuilding. Nadia edit: This is done.
   
3. Groups to be increased to Nine. Nadia edit: Perhaps more…Imperial fleets as well.
   
4. Try to bring Barpine, Fere and Botajef within the Halmad-Taris sphere of influence
   
5. Use Essien to form part of the chain to Lexrul
   
6. Quietly try to take Gwori to use as an initial base to move against Ord Trasi. Nadia edit: Done.
   
7. Make a list of “logistical worlds” to support missions against the Sun Guard.
   
8. Along with the three Adumari Groups, commission four Imperial Fleet, to be two-thirds larger than an Adumari Group, for campaigns against the Sun Guard with the goal of Mon Calamari. Nadia edit: Adam says that he has two more “useless fleets” not quite 40 percent of the power of a planned Imperial force.
   
9. Attempt to create areas of influence for planets, such as Rintooine as part of Naboo’s influence, but under Imperial/Nagai control.
   

Nadia looked at that list, it mostly covered the North, some of the South, the West was mostly secure though these…worlds always popped up. Hopefully, some of these close to worlds already under control could see that there was plenty of business to be had. (Nadia edit: Some perhaps have seen this, others with less…ethics have joined the Sun Guard or the Tof.)


She sent a message to Aren about the Senex Lords as they would be in a spot that could divide the Fel Empire and the Nagai Alliance. It was a line that they must control. (Group Four will handle this, perhaps the Bakurans will lend a ship or two…)


Nadia looked at the deployments, in the North she ordered Admirals Terek Rogriss and Shwankyr Nurodo to take command of the Imperial and Adumari fleets, respectively. Nadia requested Ashik oversee the security of that gathering. Stalwart Admirals Rhysio ke Tille and Mikayla ke Vasan would command the South. She keyed in to the communications of the Reserve Fleet. (Nadia edit: The Reserve Fleet fought well, but again, they’re a Reserve Fleet! One that now needs repair, rebuild, and retraining. Once again the Adumari are suffering along with the Nagai while the others profit.)

—--
Reserve Fleet


The incoming alarm went off, and Adam was confused about what it was until he opened himself to the Force to see the proverbial arrow point to a Tho Yor heading this way. “Tho Yor incoming! Everyone prepare for battle! Place the Reserve Fleet on the far side of Zakuul! Bring in all available ships from Tiboulen! This includes all hyper-drive equipped starfighters!”

—---
Post Bakura Edits

Nadia looked through the earlier orders and added edits. Perhaps there was some bitterness in there, but there was reasoning for the bitterness. Neither the Eternal Fleet, nor any of their allies would provide significant aide right now. Nadia had to wonder how many people would survive the end of this. They had already lost over 100 million, would they stay around 3 Billion? Two billion? Half of the prewar stated population of 3.1 billion? Just the royal family? The galaxy seemed determined to bleed them to extinction it seemed.

TAG: @Sinrebirth , @darthbernael , @Kev-Mas_Colcha , @Mitth_Fisto

 

IC Barbosa & Sinre Combo
From Vhetin

The Spot let Barbosa go, and the Tof League reveled in victory.

For the first time in fifty years; they ruled the galaxy again.

Patting the closed hatch of a transport Barbosa walked away towards his freighter. Soon he was planning to have to speak at Nagai homeworld, but new orders had come in. The Spot would continue to see to matters here more or less, but he was glad he got to see off a transport of the Maccabree. Instead of being laden with goods from Vhetin for the Tof League it instead was loaded with mining equipment, droids, and a team of Maccabree mining and security experts to aid Base Alpha.

Boarding his own freighter he set to the skies. And amended the orders from the King. He would have taken only a quarter fleet from Vhetin, leaving the other quarter to continue to help stabilize this troubled world except they had not arrived as yet. Instead he would see if he could acquire another quarter or half fleet from the Nagai campaign to fill out his forces to aid Rothana.

There were two fleets at Nagi, but engaging with smothering the planetary defenses. There was some oddities to the invasion there, but the commander could not put his finger on it. Not a danger, per se, but something they could not rhyme. The Nagi had fought with their traditional ferocity, even when nearly outgunned three to one.

But Rothana was also now an engagement, and some grumbles wandered about how the world was supposed to have been an easy picking, whereas the Battle of Kamino had already ended with Adumari forces retreating, and Yuuzhan Vong reinforcements also retreating. Small luck had it that the two had been separated rather than consolidated, but the Tof had no such luck at Rothana, and Base Alpha's sabotage rankled.

Taking a half fleet from the smothering assault Barbosa passed on a reminder to the fleet to keep open watch for masked ships, mines, or boarders. When in doubt shoot possible debri that got too close to the ships.

The commanders happily acknowledged, and ten Tof bulk cruisers peeled away. It would take a few hours to travel to the Rishi Maze by way of the southern quadrant, but they'd hopefully arrive in time to intervene in the engagement.

In the meantime, ambassadorial reports flowed from Ord Bueri and spies reported that a Tho Yor was currently burning through Imperial fighter swarms at Zakuul.

TAG: See Rothana and Nagi engagement post for the continuation

 

OOC: Yet more voices between @Sinrebirth and myself
IC:Natalya ke Morrel, Adam Lyons, Jagged Fel, GEMINI-27
Eternal Flagship

Natalya had information by the time she landed aboard the Eternal flagship. Admiral Salaban issued orders for the TIE Neutralizers that had just taken part in the battle here. She forwarded that information to Adam, Nadia and the Emperor along with the targets.

The two Admirals at Xagobah were figuring out where to base them and were even looking for suggestions. They wanted to use what was now known as Thrawn loading as much as possible.

The two Admirals also projected that Group Four would be ready soon and available for battle against the Senex Lords shortly. Natalya forwarded that information to Adam, Nadia and the Emperor.

The Emperor regarded it all, while his droid aide introduced himself. "I am GEMINI-27. Grand Vizier to the Eternal Emperor."

"Yes," he said, softly, for the moment.

"Oh, Ashik will love that," Soontir muttered.

With a snap, he closed the datapad. "Our capital ships are not yet ready to strike. The Tho Yor bled us. Nas Choka is on the run; Scut's intelligence will probably keep him occupied, but thereafter?" He waved the datapad. "Nocto is now a Bothan asset. That is in our rear."

"The Nagai flounder and I doubt they will be useful long-term allies," Jagged continued. "But you wish to launch fighter raids at multiple targets?"

He went to draw up the list, but grew vexed by so much data. Adam and Nadia loved their data. "Which ones, and why?"

Adam snickered, "We distract Ashik by keeping security for our fleets aiming at the Corporate Systems."

He had been listening to the conversations at Bakura, though Nadia was still at Zakuul. "We suggest the Nagai try to ally with the Bothans, which means they have a lot of friends in that area, which means abandoning them would be a big mistake. We try to give them something to," Adam paused, "start a revenge tour. I don't know if their leadership is up to it, but I wouldn't bet against Romulus and Remus."

"In terms of targets, we want to hit Nagi as a supply raid. If we can create an insurgency strong enough, they would have to commit more to stop us, which means we can hit other areas. Next we want to hit Kwenn, to deny that to the Sun Guard, Molkivj to further secure Bakura, Base Alpha to help Face, Kamino because we need to not let them build up defenses, and Vhetin to deny them some resources and do some damage. The whole point is to do some damage, but not place too much at risk and cause disproportionate damage and casualties to them."

Jagged nodded along slowly. "I allow the raids. Retroactively, if already launched."

He knew Adam fairly well. "I'd like to take Molkivj and then the Senex. It's too close to our own border. If we do that, and bring Nocto into the fold, we rule half the Outer Rim, including the Unknowns."

He nodded to the Gemini droid beside him. "They've consented to protecting the Unknown Regions from the First Order, but no further."

Otherwise, he read the construction reports from Yaga Minor, Jaemus, Tiboulen and so forth. "Where are the new fleet assets gathering?"

Adam snickered. "A couple are already in contact with the enemy. At this point, as we gather more and more forces, we can send more raids or raids with larger forces, or both. There are plenty of options and many more targets."

Adam looked at his updates on fleet deployments, "Group Four is almost complete, and I can add orders to take Molkivj before moving on to the Senex, they are currently not far away currently at Sarafur." He checked the other locations, "Other deployments include Saijo, Subturrel, Terminus, and Polis Massa, with other more minor deployments looking to secure bases closer to Firefist. Mostly scouting for now. That's the south. In the North..." Adam checked his notes, "Some are performing roles as if they are part of the Bastion Defense Fleet, so they are near Bastion, others are in various locations including but not limited to, Halmad, Taris, Mygeeto, Gwori, Dantooine, Generis, Agamar and Bonjo Prime." Adam smirked, "Nadia ordered quite a force..."

"We should merge as much as possible at Bastion; use the increasing defenses there as a cover to protect them."

He looked at the various screens. Escorts at some places, fighters at others, capital ships too. It made up a full fleet even before Jaemus, Yaga Minor and so forth swelled their numbers with another. Two fleets, suddenly erected on their northern flank, would be a tremendous advantage. Another fleet nearly built on the southern flank, beyond the two fleets at Lwhekk. Let alone the dregs of the Rishi Maze at Xagobah. "Consolidate the Xagobah and Sarafur forces at Senex, so we have that fleet ready quicker."

A tap. "Isn't Saijo a Nagai world? And Subterrel and Polis Massa? Have they asked for us to deploy to their worlds, or are you taking them without asking?" He narrowed his eyes slightly. "Especially Saijo, which is having fixed defenses developed and the Vhetin refugees have set up a new colony." A Grysk-inspired civil war between the Nagai had torn the original Saijo down, after all.

Adam dealt with the last part first. "Our criteria for targets was resources, or infrastructure we need that lacked control. Somehow, they did not include who controlled them at the moment. We already have reports, coming in saying that our forces told them they were patrolling to secure a route from Nagi to Lwhekk. The only planet taken then was Terminus, though we would like scientists on Polis Massa to continue research on our...Adumar problem." Adam knew Jag had seen the reports on Adumar's atmosphere, possibly even seen some images, images that can make an appetite disappear. "I will change the criteria to account for this mistake."

"Actually, some of those locations are for future fleets, as some of our shipyards produce some ships faster than others. This allows for fleets only comprising DP-25s, Ardents, and maybe a Maxima, and a Liberator or two to form a fairly powerful force. This would turn away all but the most determined assaults. Second, we need to protect the routes to and between Halmad and Taris, while also creating a path to Lexrul. Third, there is already a force tasked to defend Bastion, which is mostly patrolling those areas to keep the Moffs in line, and if that doesn't work, there's always Ashik. Finally," Adam looked at Baron Soontir Fel before looking at Jag again, "this isn't your father's Empire, or at least not logistically. With what we have built, multiple planets are necessary to hold the fleets. That and it builds the planets we pick up economically and we can then recommend funding to those that perform the best. Both Nadia and my wife, Rachel, have made that clear to planetary governors."

Jagged steepled his fingers. “Fine. But the fleets we have aren’t ready. Well, likely, when the Lwhekk fleets are repaired, have five fleets we can deploy. The reserve fleet… we need that regrouped.” His eyes cut to Gemini. “And we shouldn’t become overly reliant upon the Eternal Fleet. That would invite an assault on them.”

“We shall acquit ourselves if need be,” the droid said.

“Meanwhile, the Chiss aren’t overly happy they have bruised their forces in two engagements,” Baron Fel said. “But resources are still being shared.”

Jagged Fel paused. “There are only eight Moffs left. One, Suarl Getelles, she’s allied the Antemeridian Sector with the Sun Guard. The remaining seven are in the Outer Rim, of course, between Bastion and Yaga Minor. I hear Daala killed Lecersen, and of course we killed one at Ord Trasi.”

“Grand Moff Saretti is corralling the other six, under Grand Admiral Reige,” he drawled. With a slight change of direction, he eyed Adam. “The Paths. Have we found one to Jakku?”

Adam nodded agreeably, "Correct, but it could have a positive morale effect on our allies, particularly the Nagai. Currently, Nadia has ordered Nine Adumari and Twelve Imperial Task Forces commissioned for various campaigns, so that isn't something I'm too worried about. It's getting it built."

Adam took notes on the Moffs, "That neighbors Daala does it not? Perhaps she would assist us in taking it."

Adam had been waiting for this question. "It's less found, and more creating. From what I've been able to research, that was how the Nihil operated by their leader getting routes from someone who knew how to navigate through space with the Force in ways that haven't been done in 300 years. That and this is Medb's first time, as far as I know, and she's trying to do this in a more complicated way than it typically would be done. That said, she's very close. We need Jaina to get away and aboard a friendly ship. Ben Skywalker, and Rey as well."

Jagged sniffed. “The more we can do without Daala, the better. Anyway, she’s trapped at Jakku. The Meridian Sector isn’t even being directly garrisoned.”

His heart caught in his throat. Jaina. “I should recuse myself from the discussions about Jaina, Ben and Rey.” He paused. “What about Snoke and Kylo Ren? Or Phasma? Do we know where they are?”

Adam nodded, "Honestly, Nadia is a better ally, short term and long term." He looked at the data. "We will need Reige, so he knows what we're doing, but will we need much of the others?" Adam wasn't sure of some of them, especially as he was in his own world. While he could provide plenty on the military side and Intelligence, politics was another world for him.

Adam shrugged. "Either way, all three are important. Many suggestions say that Rey could use some more training, while Jaina and Ben need to go to Ahch To, to say goodbye at least. However, all the data I have suggested they are all on Starkiller II just arrived at Jakku. They can escape now, but for how long I don't have an answer. Phasma? I don't know where she is currently."

“Probably besides Snoke, as she was always working for him it seems…” Jagged said, referencing Phasma. “Alright. We largely hold until the fleets are ready. Use the Eternal Fleet as a shield while we use the assets we have to clear the southern quadrant.”

He sat back. “Anything else we should concern ourselves with?”

Adam checked his notes. "Two things. First, Lexrul would like to establish a connection between our territory and themselves. I figure you need to know that to add that to your plans. Second, are there any places that we're missing in the Northern portions of the galaxy before we start that campaign?"

"The Corporate Systems then Mon Calamari. It's the best outcome there." He tapped at the throne. "Are we engaging the Mandalorians or isolating them?"

Fel eyed the galactic map. "Lexrul is a very long way away from our sphere of control. How do you know we're not sending our people to die?" He didn't want to sound unreasonable, but he had Adumari and Imperial assets, and Adam was Adumari (by adoption). The Fel Empire was merely the most reasonable way for him to end the war.

Adam tapped on a display. "We have verified evidence that Clan Rook is at Vhetin. We are already feeding the Nagai everything we have on them, but they are now on the list for potential strikes."

Adam brought up a holo of the Northern portion of the galaxy. "Right now, I only want our reach to extend to Taris right now. I think that along with the push toward Mon Calamari, we will need to place the Antemeridian sector on our side. Only after that will we make moves to connect to Lexrul. I believe that the thought is more to give them defenses to last until that time."

"Clan Rook was based on Gargon, now in Grysk space." He looked unhappy. "Are we expecting they're hostages?"

He regarded another news bit. "Lothal and Lexrul. If we can bridge them, that will give us a strong bridgehead. More defenses to Lexrul, yes, but what about Connix? Have we reached out to her and the Mon Calamari refugees that were at Ajan Kloss, and are now with her there?"

Soontir spoke up. "Doonium reserves, too."

"We have ample," Jagged said.

"Not for us, from the enemy." Baron Fel cleared his throat. "The Sun Guard has the mineral wealth of the Centrality and coffers of the Hutts. They're economically sound. Much like the Empire, as we have the Chiss Ascendancy behind us." He showed the southern quadrant. "The Nagai have resources to draw upon at Bespin, Sullust, and so forth."

His finger strayed to Firefist. "But the Tofs don't. Faruun is wrecked and is being repaired, and Vhetin is contested, but their primary resource pool is outside of Firebase Alpha and the Senex Sectors. We can chip away at them economically, and we must keep the Mid Rim Worlds out of Tof's hands to do so."

"And the Nagai are weakening. Those resources are potentially vulnerable. Fighter squadrons and escorts across the southern border are insufficient," the GEMINI droid pointed out.

Adam shook his head. "No, based on reports, they're committed to the Sun Guard."

Adam agreed, "Resource denial is one goal of the raids. Another one is testing the defenses. I haven't reached out to Connix. I don't know her at all, though."

"Wedge could be an option..." Adam paused, "Though with Iella in charge of Adumari Intelligence complicates things." he looked to Soontir, "Congratulations, you won the Least Drama award for the Antilles family."

"Ideally, Group Four can handle whatever Senex can toss up, which should lead to a quick conquest, but I remember that line of thought about when we were planning against the Tho Yor for the first time."

Adam looked at the GEMINI droid. "Yes, however, it would take a fairly significant fleet to face them, especially the Imperial fleets. Second, I have seen a lot of evidence that the Nagai that they can do a lot with relatively little." However, Adam will concede a point, "someone needs to tell them they need much more than a little. They need fleets, several of them, and soon."

Jagged nodded slowly, ignoring the jab at his extended family. “I’ll reach out to Connix. When Group Four reaches fleet strength, send it to Senex. I want Iskallon and Molkivj neutralised too, and Lwhekk as well. That little tangle is a weak point on our southern flank.” He paused. “Once we’ve secured our weaknesses, we’ll commit to whatever needs to be done in the Nagai systems. Lecersen’s Victory Without War program may just be what we need to draw systems back into the Empire with incentives and charity, rather than more fighting.”

“In the north, once we have the two fleets ready, we’ll go for the offensive.” He showed Adam. “I expect your Intel to identify the best target… and we need to make sure we pin the Sun Guard in place.”

Adam nodded as he took notes. He checked the orders for Group Four. "It looks like Mokivj will be first with Iskallon, and then Senex."

Adam brought up the information on the fleets, and the composition did not impress him. "I'm not sure how much these fleets can take. Two of our fleets, which are oversized by the standards, faced the Tho Yor here and lost its strength. These, I have doubts even about taking Ord Trasi. If we have battles like we're likely to have, they might, might last four or five battles at most. It won't take Mon Calamari, much less the Corporate Systems."

"I'll leave it with you to manage the offensive. We can't stay still for too long. On the northern flank, we're more exposed." Fel nodded slowly. "Once we've sealed our weak points on the north, we can launch a greater offensive."

The GEMINI droid spoke up. "We may have something we wish to share."

He inclined his head to General Fel. "Separately, away from the Chiss."

Soontir arched an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"We fought your government in years gone by. We identify that the Empire we ally with is not the Sith Empire of old. This First Order is that. But we still do not trust Chiss." The droid swung to Adam. "You may attend."

The Emperor looked at his father, who bowed and departed, as did anyone else present.

"So, what is this about?"

The GEMINI droid looked from Adam to Jagged.

"We have a hyperlane to offer."

Adam was barely listening. He heard that the GEMINI droid had a route, though Nadia sent a message saying that Medb had found a solution with the Paths. Adam was less certain on the droid's route, especially if it was through general hyperspace. As far as Adam knew, Snoke kept the ability to track ships through hyperspace. If that was the case, Adam didn't want to send an invitation to Starkiller II to show up around Zakuul. Adam doubted that there were enough forces to destroy the base and they would lose Zakuul in the meantime.

Speaking of defending the Unknown Regions, Adam lacked confidence that the Eternal Fleet defense would be timely enough to prevent damage to the target, or significant casualties among the ships or civilians. The fight against the three Tho Yor at Zakuul reinforced that thought in Adam's mind.

Adam sent a message to his Intelligence network. I need targets, ones that would harm the enemy's ability to produce war materials. I need at least one each from Grysk territory, the Sun Guard, and the Tof.

He also started looking through Adumari projects for unconventional ways to damage the enemy. Two projects caught his eye. One was a flammable jelly that was difficult to put out at the best of times. One was an alkali metal that when it burned, it burned bright and hot. It also couldn't be put out by the usual methods, as it would just cause the fire to burn more. There was a notation that it was very effective on water worlds. Perhaps those fleets could defend the bombers during such an attack.

Finally, there was a message from Jaemus, K-wing Mk III ready for production.

Adam was about to bring up the K-wing when Nadia appeared. She did not look happy, and had this 'We need to talk' expression on her face. Adam hated when that happened to him. Despite the inadequate fleets, Adam almost felt sympathy for Jag, almost.

Another part of him would enjoy it.

TAG: @Sinrebirth , @darthbernael , @Kev-Mas_Colcha , @Mitth_Fisto

 

IC: King Nivic II, Tof League Council - A Combo with Sinre -
held at Faruun

The King had left Tof for the first time in decades, and for the first time had not left on a hunting tour. Rather to hold an in person ruling council and to lead his personal escorts to perform relief and rebuilding aid at Faruun. The session of course was begun with the usual niceties of thanking and welcome.

After more serious matters were to be discussed. He broached the topics of import. “We have a comm from the Grysk swearing fealty to us and to the Sun Guard. Due to their actions at Lwhekk, I believe we should reject them publicly, possibly lowering our threat levels with the Adumari Empire in showing our resolve against the traitors to their own peoples. However, additionally they have offered to send a vassal member of Mandalorians to train our people in Mandalorian Beskar so we could build better defenses. As we have already decided not to punish the vassals for their masters actions at Lwhekk I propose we accept the offer by sending the diplomatic envoy from Lothal to prevent interception of the missive. Submit them to the highest level of scrutiny and supervision, as well as possibly seek their advice for the Maccabree in understanding the Mandalorian presence resistance on Vhetin. Thoughts?”

The dual representatives of the Maccabree, and even a Quarren from Tovah's remnants, were present by hologram. The Faruun speaker was attending in person. The other Tofs of the Navy, that would be down to personal preference. E'thinaar did not attend.

Otherwise there was a general jostling and agreement that the Grysk were not to be trusted, and a public declaration about that fact would save face with the Adumari and Imperials. But they could be used, and that was fine by all involved.

"I assume we are using the Sun Guard accordingly?" Macca said drily.

"My people are grateful that they have left Faruun, but less so that they have not been punished," the Faruuni said.

“In time. We let them leave first, go first. They get to be the tip of our harpoon, and keep not the world they aid in conquering. Not once but twice. That is the beginning of their payments. Sadly as it stands as evidence by Faruun and from Rothana, we are not yet a match for them. True punishment would merely get scorched worlds and theirs is mostly water.” The King bowed his at this. A sad deflection at the end of a bitter admittance. He was glad his position had been ratified concerning the Grysk as he had dispatched a triple encoded diplomatic message for their ambassador at Lothal to send a Blastboat for that purpose. Hopefully a warning and acceptance would spread before their public announcement. As well as the missive to properly denude and strip any potential hazards from where they would be sent.

“We must take what we can but brace for the storm. The Nagai will retaliate, unlike Faruun, Maccabree, or Vhetin their old capitol. They cannot ignore or turn a deaf ear to the loss of their homeworld without showing for the entire galaxy how far they fallen into darkness. Whether they will focus on saving it or vengeance on us, that is the depth we must weigh as we all prepare.”

A degree of murmuring.

The Maccabree and Faruun had been Nagai allies in the last war, but the Nagai had leveraged their successes to enter a war of expansion and clearly focus upon their conquests in the Skyriver and Rishi Maze galaxies. That comradeship had been exchanged for greater control of their destiny with the Tofs.

But the conquest of Nagi was an absolutely necessity in war. Their shipyards, their economic weight, let alone the manpower the planet contributed. That the Sun Guard had bloodied their nose establishing the siege perimeter only pleased the Faruun.

Macca piped up. "And what of this Lady Vandron? She has brought us and the Sun Guard together, but she is surrounded on all flanks by the Imperials and Nagai."

"Do we intend to invest there?" Bree said lightly.

"Slavers, not warriors, I see," the Faruun said with some disdain. "We are not slavers any longer, no?"

“No.” The King stated idly as he drummed his fingers on the table, before rubbing them around and sweeping off imaginary objects. “But it is an opportunity. Unless we plan on turning blind eyes. Just because they are slavers doesn’t mean that they stay slavers. I have looked into their stock, and there is opportunity.”

Adjusting his seat he pressed a few buttons to display a holo. “One of their stock is so willingly and considers it a good deal, wouldn’t want to go home if they could. Smartest among them is little more than toddler and their greatest ability is a pointy stick. I’m not sure I can condemn this example of the Ossan. Except for the others are sentient, including their own kind. Now what I’m suggesting is that we allow them to come to Vhetin, establish agricultural enclaves using two of the races. The willing and one of the unwilling, on the provisional basis that the chosen race will be able to earn their freedom, establish their own villages.” Tapping a button an image of an Artic bear was displayed, “This race seems the easiest for us. We will slowly save a race, making sure they are trained to care for themselves as they are freed and aided in setting up their own communities. The voluntary slaves we can make sure are still so, and perhaps in letting them see how beneficial it is begin a counter culture of freedom. They haven’t changed since their founding from external influences, we have an opportunity to do so gradually from within. By invitation.” Leaning back he spread his arms in invitation, “If the council believes this is not the best path we can table it, merely meet the bare minimum for their involvement in Nagai.”

There was a rumbling. Those former Tof enemies were forming a kind of consensus, but the King's arguments made sense. Cattle was cattle. Sentience was the deciding line and if these Ossans were on that line, they were hardly going to notice their service. With the King's talk of saving and elevating races, they saw the promise in reforming the Senex Lords too.

Quietly, no doubt.

There was no debate that the Sun Guard alliance gave them opportunities, but they were not members of the League. Merely convenient allies. By and large the Council agreed with keeping them nearby but at arms length, while pursuing the King's strategy with the Grysk.

"Many more systems have opened up now the First Order has withdrew," pointed out Macca. "Our enemies may grow stronger for it. What do we propose?"

With the found consensus that the King wasn't sure he was going to get he tapped out a few commands. The ship they had sent to Kwenn would now be rerouted to the Sennex Sector. See about putting their peoples ship knowledge to the test and give their people a chance to actually see and experience what working with them would be like, as well as putting in the proposed order. Maybe these people could make sense of the rats nest of internals of these vessels.

Then the question was raised, what to do about all those glittering rocks in the Sky River, because their enemies - now native or exiled there - were sure to be grabbing stones. "Project Lighthouse." the King stated with a nod. "We will pursue diplomatic relations with every jump world not under enemy control and survey the surroundings diplomatically. If we can expand the League peacefully while we build up breakwater defenses for this galaxy and Rishi against all invasion corridors, we might be able to secure a peaceful resolution someday by shear might of them not wanting to face us. Additionally we might finally have a secure path to the northern reaches where General Tovah's people hail, and a means to bring their worlds, their homeworlds into our net of protection. Additionally if possible I would propose we see about evacuating that world. . .Koensayr. If we save their people we should be able to establish an advanced starfighter program to rival our enemies. With that, with that the hope would be that we are able enough to rebuild and grow in strength to save General Tovah." With a shrug he steepled his hands. Waiting to see what the leadership of the Tof League thought. A strange situation for a King, but this was how the galaxy worked now.

Project Lighthouse meant securing Ord Bueri, Champala and Gargon, in essence, but also Kinooine. All hyperroutes blazed by Nagai scouts a century or more ago. Champala was in the Inner Rim, behind the First Order line, as well.

While it was possible to jump to satellite galaxies either way, it wasn't nearly as swiftly. Indeed, if one blockaded those worlds, one would be able to block the ways save for the most lengthy and esoteric.

Rishi was the primary way into the Rishi Maze for which it was named, of course, and many traversed the system without even realising to reach the galaxy. But it was a smaller constellation than FireFist, which was itself much smaller than the main galaxy - Skyriver, in their parlance.

But the Tof League clearly had the capability to cut off easy access to FireFist, when Nagi fell in full, or even in part.

The entire Council was a titter with possibilities. Tovah's people were deeply grateful. Macca, Bree and the Faruuni were pleased to see their decision to join their hated enemies justified.

The Tof crewers of the beskar cruiser at Kwenn signalled that they would shortly be underway. It was a difficult process to work with such a damnably stupid ship. The computer systems were completely insane. The techs of the tugs and other cruiser at Tof said much the same.

The tugs and cruiser at Tof was to be having their power cores pulled and systems dismantled for a full rebuild to get rid of the possible weakness with the potential of Mandalorians coming to Tof. Actually it wasn’t a bad idea to have the Sennex do a system analysis and possible computer replacement on the other if it was that unwieldy. Honestly why had the scientists ever said it was serviceable if it was that much of an issue?

As for his proposal going over so well. The King was flush with pride at this turn of events, it seems he might not be a worthless money counting monarch after all.

Orders went out to remove power cores, with questions about fuel, ordnance, but the reactor appeared to be built into the beskar shell. That would require work. Queries were made about whether to strip comm antennae, weapons, engines or sensors.

The Court otherwise seemed to be in a celebratory mood. They had won the war in the FireFist galaxy.

Now to hold onto it.

Strip it all down. Was the final command. If they couldn’t make it work it was best to strip it down and they could try to rebuild after the Mandos came and looked at the things and taught them how.

The scientists and techs confirmed they would get started, but emphasized it would take them not long to do so.

That seemed to be that, though it depended on how the Tof Ambassador got on with the Grysk and their pet Mandalorians.

Intel flowed.

Yuuzhan Vong capital ships had taken Kamino, enemy Vong ships had arrived and retreated, ditto what local defenses the Adumari had (seemingly for Xagobah), and the Yuuzhan Vong worldship and quintet of capital ships had departed Nal Hutta.

Rothana was about to become an engagement; sabotage had just wrecked their production on Base Alpha.

Tapping a few keys he made note for Barbosa to take command of one of the half-fleets and get them to Rothana to wrap that up. Most probable was the half from Maccabree that was scheduled for Vhetin, make that a fly by to the final destination. It was that or ask the Sun Guard for aid, and he was loath to do so on what should have been their gift to them.

Base Alpha would have to be a part of the cleanup after these battles were over. The cost of that operation being set back was a terrible situation. It had been most profitable, but it seemed it would have to have its security measures more directly under the Tof Leagues control to prevent these issues in the future. Hopefully a review would help them discover the weakness that had been exploited.

It was inevitable that an update on the resistance on Vhetin was given. It was inevitable with Mandalorians present that they would start to cause grief, but the forces deployed there for the moment had it in hand.

By and large, the Tofs plans were going well. The First Order retreat had added a degree of chaos to matters but the line would be reestablished and the Tofs would have to engage with that.

The nearest and most powerful forces remained the two fleets at Lwhekk and two fleets at Sluis Van, but the latter was aided by local defences, while Lwhekk was still embroiled in civil war.

With more than two fleets at Nagi, and ample defences across FireFist… were they nearly there?

Sighing at that, and knowing getting a diplomat there to work the deal would take a bit of time he turned his attention to the Tovah faction’s representative. “What section of the Northern Quadrant is your world in Skyriver? I would like to add a representative from your group to any diplomatic delegation to that region.”

The Quarren bristled; a native bow. "We originated from Mon Calamari, which the Sun Guard now command, but our multi-species alliance was based upon Polus, having melted the ice caps to provide us with a home. Our adopted homeworld falls within the borders of the Corporate Systems, for now."

Sucking in a frustrated breath the King slowly let it out in a sigh. That complicated matters. “Then we will have to focus on lighthouses making enough of a presence to be ready when we can free them from that polity. Would you prioritize them or General Tovah and the survivors?”

Looking down at the tablet he hummed at the situation. Securing a galaxy had let little things like this slip through the bilge.

The Council tittered. "Free them? Do we intend to war against the Corporate Systems and Grysk?" Macca asked.

"Your Eminence?" Bree enquired, lightly.

The King looked at the Bree and then Macca in turn. “The Faruun would have gone to war to save you if we were shown not to have changed our ways. How much less would you offer for a fellow member?” Sniffing he waved the notion aside. “Besides war is not necessary yet. Perhaps we can with the limited trade see about their condition? If bad smuggling them out or planning for otherwise needs. Forgive me, but with Grysk I assumed the worst.” With a raised finger toward the aid he waited for whatever response that would garner.

The Macca and Bree nodded, looking not put out, but understanding. They were also used to assuming the worst about the Tof monarch. Old habits died hard. They both bowed. "Thank you for the explanation, your Eminence."

TAG: Sinre

 

Part 2 of the Cortosis Curtain Crossing Combo, again, featuring @Kahn_Iceay

IC: Kev-Mas Colcha II
Nar Shaddaa
Inferno (Unleash the Fire)

A worried expression crept onto Kev-Mas' face. Normally he would speak back to the Echani in the same gestured dialect that Laura was using, but while he was able to understand what she was saying, he lacked any of the muscle memory from his original body that he would have needed to effectively speak Echani sign language.

"We need to go. Now. Before the Base Delta Zero starts."

Kev-Mas got up and motioned towards the door.

"I'll quickly help you load up your ship, but then you've gotta swing by Hangar 716 and drop me in. From the air. Then I'll board my -- now your -- fighter and I'll dock with you once we've made it clear of this mess."

"Well kriff..." The Echani looked up at the gaps in the city structure at the battle above and cursed. But even then she didn't seem to pause long, quickly snapping back into action. Patting the other Echani on the shoulder she pointed at a maglev lifter. "Hop on that, grab the orange cargo container, in bay 3, bring it to bay 4. I'll prepare the ship to secure the container. Then we'll get you to your little fighter and hopefully cause enough chaos to get out of this in one piece."

She didn't wait for him to acknowledge before tearing off towards the other side of the spaceport level they'd arrived at. Though Kev-Mas would notice her pulling out a comm device and talking into it. He couldn't hear what she was saying, but it also didn't seem like she was trying to hide her actions either.

Kev-Mas wasn't too suspicious of the use of the comm device. He just assumed she was just trying to make use of all of her resources in a crisis situation, and dashed off to the maglev lifter to begin the work without a word.

After some quick work, the container was loaded onto the freighter and it was in the air, pilot and passenger in tow.

Kev-Mas was sitting on the edge of the passenger seat, ready to move at a moment's notice, speaking to the pilot ahead of him.

"I'll have to wait to explain the job til later as the hangar isn't too far from here and the short trip doesn't give any time for conversation. Let's just worry about getting out of this mess first.”

Plasma blew apart half the spaceport, but their ships were luckily unscathed.

A tangle of Firesprays, Gladiators and other heavy fighters drove off a group of coralskippers, creating a brief window -

"I think the job's pretty straight forward.” The Freighter dove down into the undercity to avoid some falling structure from the combat above. The pilot flipped some switches, pushing extra power to shields and then pointing at a navigation console. "Put in the location of your kriffin' fighter so I know where to go I would prefer not to get crushed or shot down while you lament on the lack of time to fully explain your suicide mission.”

Kev-Mas nodded as he input coordinates into the ship computer.

"Right, right. It's dead ahead. I'll be entering through the roof."

Kev-Mas then turned and left towards the loading ramp, where when they approached the hangar, Kev-Mas would leap out of, pulling out the purple light dagger just before he would've landed on the building's roof, and with a deft invisible telekinetic hand, guided the floating blade to create a hole in the roof for him to fall through.

Moments later Laura would see a prototype Starfighter coming up on her scope, accompanied by a comm message.

"Thanks for the assist, now let's see if we can slip away from this mess.”

The Smuggler's ship pivoted in place, seeming to provide cover for crazed Echani below, but the moment she saw the fighter on scope and heard his voice over comms she gunned her ships engines and began climbing. "Stay on my six, do not get any closer than 700 meters." The freighter was accelerating far faster than a ship of its size and shape should, at least if one wasn't aware of the proclivity of spacers to modify things to the extreme. But it wasn't anything the fighter couldn't keep up with.

The coralskippers, for their part, couldn't keep up, especially in atmosphere, and there was too much going on to warrant a single ship or two getting attention.

But there was a Yuuzhan Vong corvette analog directly above them, its capture tentacles deployed, and a picket analog picking off strays with heavy plasma. Not quite a frigate, though there was one maintaining a rear guard, a 400m heavy variant. Otherwise, the capital ships were focused on the Hutt cruisers, which were fairly, as the flares visible from the ground suggested, poorly.

Most of the Sun Guard ships were evidently focused on Nal Hutta, but the Yuuzhan Vong had taken personal umbrage with Nar Shaddaa. The advanced Star Destroyers based upon Resurgent-class and Gladiator-class hulls were making short work of Nal Hutta defenses anyway.

So getting by the corvette and picket, and maybe the frigate, was all they personally had to do.

"Emperor's Black Bones, Leonias, you really have fallen haven't you..." Kev-Mas commented over the comm as he followed at a safe distance behind the freighter, his fighter maneuvering deftly through the firestorm as it danced nimbly around the yaret-kor and solar ionization fire raining down from orbit, "throwing it in with the Vong? Really?"

"Any ideas for how to get past those... obstacles?”

"Confuse the kriff out of them." As she replied with this, her craft cut its inertial thrusters and began to pivot. Keeping its forward momentum it spun twice, causing quite a lot of g-forces inside the ship before the craft cut the cargo pod free, flinging it at a ballistic angle towards the Corvette. "Prepare to jump." Her voice now seemed strained and jump computations were transmitted on a tight beam to the Fighter.

The pod, for its part traveled almost right up to the Corvette's tentacles range before exploding. Not in a violent force of weaponry, but in a brilliant light, from its interior dozens upon dozens of small independent projectiles flew outward, flying in erratic, almost random patterns. Each was a fusion drive, a small shield, and a transmitter. Every ship's targeting system in the immediate vicinity would light up with new contacts, those with IFF systems would show even more confusing data.

The Millennium Falcon was here. So was the Errant Venture, the Moldy Crow, even a perfect sensor echo of the thousands of years old Ebon Hawk showed up on targeting data. Dozens of some of the most famous smuggling ships in history appeared as sensor contacts. All fake, but enough to throw a bit of extra fuel into the chaos. Laura's ship, the Freehold finished its final pivot and accelerated hard along side a group of the sensor decoys heading into open space. "You jump the moment you're clear. We'll rendezvous where I sent you data.”

The Yuuzhan Vong fell into a cacophony of confusion, and there was no doubt that the two of them pierced the blockade. Even the frigate was hurling plasma at the 'ships', incinerating the overwhelmed corvette and picket ship.

They were completely through!

The Freehold shot into hyperspace the moment it was clear it would only be in hyperspace for a few minutes before dropping out. Dead space, nothing around a void between systems. The only reason she could nav jump to it was a small beacon she'd planted weeks ago before venturing to the Hutt moon. The rear of the ship adjusted itself, a docking umbilical opening outward to permit the fighter she hoped was still behind her to dock. Otherwise she wasn't going to be paid.

The Starfighter, though a prototype, it was an older prototype of a ship already in production. It had a fast hyperdrive, yes, but the hyperdrive on the Freehold, a heavily modified freighter owned by the daughter of one of the wealthiest individuals on Eshan? Yeah, that's gonna be faster.

So the Freehold would arrive to empty space, but Kev-Mas and his Starfighter were still close behind, and moments later he would exit the hyperspace tunnel and immediately begin docking procedures.

Moments later, Laura would hear knocking on the docking hatch door.

The hatch hissed open, revealing a seven some odd foot tall combat droid. Looking almost like a humanoid in heavy combat armor it was black with gold and ivory accents. Lowering its head slightly it came to eye level with Kev-Mas, tis photo receptors scanning him intensely. "A question," its was feminine, and spoke in a natural tone rather than the flat one would expect. "Why are you flying a Sun Guard vessel, even aged, with the Crimson callsign. They hold that in very high regard..."

Laura's voice could then be heard from the fore of the ship. "Don't interrogate the man too hard, he's clearly not a spy, cause he's pretty bad at the subterfuge thing given their behavior at the bar. Just let him in and seal the airlock, we got to get moving." The droid made a slight head motion, that almost felt like it was rolling its eyes before stepping aside, sealing the door once it was clear.

Kev-Mas replied bluntly as he walked on board the ship.

"I am the reason the Sun Guard hold such a callsign in high regard. I am the reason they exist today. My name is Kev-Mas Colcha. Just over half a century ago I, the last of the original Sun Guard remaining in the Galaxy, brought them back from the dead, out of the ashes of a falling Empire."

Kev-Mas nodded as the airlock sealed, and he followed Laura to the cockpit, continuing his speech.

"Yet my Sun Guard are no more. You see, in my life I've held many titles. Sun Guard, Shadow Guard, Emperor's Hand, Supreme Sun Guardian. All of these are things I've succeeded at. Yet the last title, Father, is one I failed at miserably."

He paused as they arrived in the cockpit and sat in one of the passenger seats.

"My son, who I passed on the mantle of Supreme Sun Guardian to when I willed myself away to the netherworld of the Force, has fallen to the Dark Side of the Force. Darth Mascon and Leonias Colcha are one in the same, and he must be stopped. As his father, it is my personal responsibility to right this wrong. That's why I must get to Eshan.”

"Sounds like a bunch of Poodoo to me but I don't really care so long as I am paid." Laura took her seat in the pilots seat and began plotting a very careful course towards Eshan. She was going to have to try and cross the blockade where it was thinnest, and she was going to need a long windup.

"Though improbable," The droid pushed past the Sun Guard and took the co-pilots seat, "Both Palpatine and Snoke have shown that the power of the Force can Transend death. This I can also attest to personally." The droids chair rotated to face Kev-Mas, it seemed to scrutinize him. "Though I have not met the original Crimson Dagger, I can make inquiries few could. Such as who was it who aided him in his ascension? For I have met that person. And that person was quite secretive, and few outside two very specific Echani families know of him.”

"Ah yes, Victus. Is he still around? I'd very much like to catch up, should we get a chance, what with all this... chaos going on.”

"The Lord Inquisitor is alive, though his whereabouts are unknown." The droid turned back to face forward as the ship entered hyperspace. "He either is who he says he is, has memories of him, or is well informed. However given his earlier antics... well the Crimson Dagger, by Lord Victus' admittance, was socially awkward." At that, the droid seemed to focus on preparing the ships sub systems, and Laura was focused on calculating a run through the blockade. Kev-Mas, was left to themselves.

The First Order blockade of the Mid Rim border comprised mines and automated TIE Daggers. It wasn't particularly secure, but the mines included gravity well generators, and TIE Daggers were the most advanced fighter in the Imperial repertoire - at least until the Remnant's new TIE Predators and TIE Neutraliser's entered mass production, anyway.

Almost every mapped jump point between the Outer Rim and Mid Rim was caught with this web, while larger capital ships performed traditional patrols. But a hundred Maxima-class star cruisers were hardly going to cover much space. The nearest regions were thus mined and covered by three squadrons of droid Daggers each.

Not enough to be a true threat, but enough to tag an enemy for a future visit. For example, mercenaries had broken the blockade near Ord Mantell with ease, but then the largest Tho Yor known as Mortis burned their base to the ground; and much of the planet too.

Left to his own devices, Kev-Mas would simply recline in his seat, closing his eyes as he meditated, preparing for what was likely to be a firefight on the other side.

The Freehold exited hyperspace into an asteroid field. At one point it had been a planet, the Republic and CIS had even fought over it in the clone wars, but something had caused the planet of Anaxes to crumble to dust. It was a fair bit of distance from Echani space but fell outside the blockade and there were enough sensor echoes in the system to keep them from being found as they worked up their run. Turning in her chair Laura looked at Kev-Mas. "Do you know how to regulate a Hyperwave inertial momentum sustainer unit?”

The Antemeridian Sector where Anaxes' debris was located - a colony of the Axum Imperium and named for a planet in that Core System - was not precisely friendly space; with anyone whatsoever, but the Imperial Moff and his family had been just as capable of staying out of the wars of the galaxy as entangling themselves.

However, the blockade had previously run by this sector, so they were very close to the First Order lines; a few systems away.

The Antemeridians didn't want to anger Emperor Snoke, and so kept forces away from the border worlds, creating a gap that anyone could operate within.

As such, the Anaxes system was bereft of problems, enemies, and much else.

You can always count on a Mikaru to have access to the exact tech that they need, thought Kev-Mas, She really is her father's daughter.

"It was fairly new tech last time I was alive," replied Kev-Mas, moving over to the appropriate console, "but I'm familiar with it. Let's do this.”

"There's a sub-console next to your chair, activate it and Cal here will transfer control of it over to you. It requires extra attention given how tuned the hyperdrive is on this brick." She reached up and flipped a few switches above her, and as she did there was a high pitched whine. The ships shields attenuated to the contours of the hull and abruptly polarized resulting in a handful of small pops. "And now that we're free of any tracking devices we're golden." She'd waited to here so anybody following them might find themselves face first in an asteroid trying to drop in at a distance.

The freighter pivoted in place directing itself towards empty space and began accelerating at the same time the Skytrooper dialed up the ships inertial dampeners. "We're going to maintain our momentum coming out of hyperspace either normally or when the HIMS is no longer effective. It will get very bumpy so hook your safety harness." She gave a few moments for him to do so as the ship accelerated up to its maximum MGLT with the hull interior beginning to rattle slightly. "Lightspeed in three-two-one." Pushing a control forward the starscape before them stretched and then snapped into lines before the vortex of hyperspace took over their view and the ports dimmed. "May the Matron have mercy on us.”

To describe HIMs as ‘bumpy’ was an understatement. The larger the ship, the greater chance that it would be disabled, but for a smaller ship…

BAM!

Sensors confirmed they’d hit the interdiction field.

There were smaller objects nearby too, but they didn’t have mass to draw them out -

Mines…

Sensors confirmed they were pushing through, and then BAM they emerged from hyperspace on the other side of the gravity field -

Behind them, kilometres away, a minefield and set of some 192 TIE Daggers, the latter activating and rolling, like a buzz of insects hit with smoke -

The hyperdrive kicked back in and they were tunnelling through the Expansion Region into the Inner Rim -

Jostled, battered, but alive.

As the freighter shot back into hyperspace Laura reached up and began pushing auxiliary power to the ship's shields. "Those TIEs are probably going to follow us." The droid queued in.

"I'm aware, they won't be a problem."

The droid's head turned and looked at the smuggler with the equivalent of a confused glare. "Two and a half fighter wings of TIEs won't be a problem?"

Laura paused her work and looked at the Droid, and then back to Kev-Mas. "We'll be arriving in Echani space soon, at which point we will be greeted by at the very least one Capital ship. Since my companion here's sisters have been watching me since I left home." She turned back to her controls, "As though I wouldn't notice.”

"Good to hear," replied Kev-Mas, with a slightly concerned look on his face. "Hopefully it won't be a problem. Even if that problem turns out to be a not too happy Echani Command."

The source of Kev-Mas' concern was pretty obvious. Having been a head of state before himself, he knew that there was a very real possibility of souring relations with a stunt like this. He knew he wouldn't have been too happy if Leonias came home one day with nearly three wings of Fighters in hot pursuit.

He just had to hope that what he had to tell the Echani was compelling enough for them to look past it.

Laura had put her focus back on flying the ship, knowing full well that Echani Command was not what she was worried about. Then as if on cue what she had on her mind came to life, the auto-pilot system in the cockpit sprang to life and the controls in her hands locked up. Rather than fight it, she pulled her hands off the flight controls and instead activated emergency restraints. The suits belts tightened and inflatable bands sprang out around her and Kev-Mas' legs, tightening around them to help fight G-forces. "You're going to want to hold on..."

As she put her hands on her chairs armrests and tightened her grip, the ship dropped harshly out of hyperspace. An alarm klaxon went off and a broadcast warning them that they had entered Echani space began broadcasting over the comms, but the freighter didn't stop. Instead it did a hard port turn, accelerating at a full burn near 90 degrees from its exit point. Then the ships IFF scanner began lighting up as roughly one light second behind them a wing of TIE Daggers exited hyperspace and began turning in a pursuit course.

Fast as the Freehold was she would not outpace the TIE Daggers, and it would be only a matter of moments before they swarmed her. "Oh... please let your timing be right..." Laura's knuckles turned white as she watched the fighters begin to inch closer and closer to weapons range and then. Fwoom.

Proximity alarms went off as an object exited hyperspace directly aft of the Freehold, perpendicular to their course. The ships aft camera showed a massive blade-shaped ship interject itself between the Freighter and its pursuers. Flashes of light could be seen illuminating the ships frame from the other side of its hull as the number of contacts dwindled from sensors, most seemingly having slammed into the broadside of whatever this was

Eventually the ship opened fire, point defense fire belching out from recessed points in the hull, cleaning up stragglers that didn't turn to immediately jump. Only for them to be cut off by a second, smaller ship exiting hyperspace in their path, forcing them into a kill box between the Capital ships. It had been minutes, and the whole wing of fighters had been picked off, all the while the Freehold decelerated and made a turn towards the largest ship.

Eventually the IFF signals of the two ships appeared on sensors, the largest designated the Ascendant Pride while the smaller of the two, if that even applied to kilometer plus craft, was the Lost Sunrise. Laura let go of a breath she seemed to have been holding the whole time as her ship was pulled in towards a hangar bay, the last thing being visible before the whole of their view was taken up was the Lost Sunrise re-entering hyperspace, heading towards the blockade.

"Brutally efficient," Kev-Mas commented, eyes wide open from the maneuver that was just made, "I'm impressed.”

The line completely gave way, and they were free and through the blockade.

The First Order noted it, and, in time, a Tho Yor would be sent to Eshan.

TAG: @Sinrebirth (to be continued elsewhere... in it's own game)

 

OOC: The combined voices of @Sinrebirth , @darthbernael , @Adalia-Durron , and myself contributed to the madness
IC: Nadia ke Mattino, Medb Ra oon, Aren Odan, Malinza Thanas-Skywalker, Jarnal, Elias
Zakuul

Nadia found Medb meditating, but looking a little worse for wear. She found a nurse, and between them they found everything to give Medb an IV. Nadia kneeled next to Medb speaking quietly, "Hey, we are going to help, stay calm."

"Why stay.. oh... thanks."

Nadia smiled, "No thank you for raising the alarm. I need to talk to some new allies but I will be right here, ok?"

"K..." Nadia watched Medb resume her concentration on her task of the last few days before starting hers.

She sent the Old Man an information package and let him know she would join the conversation remotely. Meanwhile, she researched the rulers of Bakura and Lexrul.

-----
Bakura

Aren woke up to a message from Nadia, he sighed knowing Elara wouldn't approve but friends and old colleagues were involved so he had to do the job.

He gathered his things and made his way to the same place where they met for the Treaty of Bakura.

—--
Salis D'aar

The old Ssi-Ruuvi war rooms were to hand, and a short conversion, sweep of security, and a dust meant the area and its replete comms and sensors and feeds were ready.

Malinza opted to avoid a full reopening ceremony and called their allies and politicians to the War Room for a situation report.

They had things to discuss. The Nagai, the Adumari, the Empire, the Bakurans.

-----
Onboard the Inferno in orbit around Bakura

To sensitive ears the sounds of their commander, their Spymaster, speaking lightly drifted. Only the pitch and tone of Remus’ voice could be heard but that caused Jarnal to pause. She knew intruding on Remus’ private activities wasn’t always a wise proposal but they had received a communique that requested that the Nagai send a representative to speak with the Bakurans, the Adumari who represented their people and the Fel Empire, and apparently the Lexrullans.

Her senses twitched, her latent Force ability telling her there were ripples in the Force due to her mistress’ emotions. She was one of the Nagai who had joined Hyn when the Order of Nagai Force users was created but when Hyn had shown she was loyal to Remus’ sister Jarnal had hidden her own loyalty to Remus, remaining with her. Which led to her being the one to carry this message to her mistress. Touching the entry stud, she was slightly surprised to find the door opening.

”The intelligence is unmistakable, brother dear, the movement of our foes scream they intend to attack a major target, my suspicion is Nagi itself.” Remus’ voice drifted out of the office as Jarnal stepped inside.

The image of Romulus in the holo, its hand, reached up, pinching the bridge of his nose. ”It is time, my sister. That other…” His head turned, eyes staring out of the holo at Jarnal, ”We have company…”

Remus turned, her eyes locking on Jarnal as well, ”Jarnal, why are you here?’

Holding up the flimsy, ”Spymaster…we have received a message, they have asked us to attend a conference with the other parties here.” Jarnal replied.

Taking it, Remus read through it. ”Rom, she speaks true, perhaps we should send her, my most trusted aide.”

”Agreed.”

Jarnal bowed to them both, turning to leave, certain that had been as much dismissal as it was them assigning her the mission.

As the door opened, she heard Remus speak once again, ”Prepare the options for Rikis and Nihl and,” the doors shut behind her, ”send the messages, our new home awaits all we can save.”

Hurrying to the hangar Jarnal worried, would the Spymasters leave her behind, that statement sounded as though they were prepared to completely depart Nagai space.

------
Lexrullan Governor’s yacht Phoenix entering orbit of Bakura

On the bridge the young, half Twi’lek girl was pressed against the viewscreen. Feral had to grin at that because he could see Amy’s shivers, knew she was worried about what her grandmother had to say to her about her sudden departure. He was standing beside the command chair, one hand on the back of it, the other wrapped around Delta’s waist.

An ensign approached, moving to stand in his line of sight.

”Yes, Ensign, what may I do for you?”

“Lord Protector…we have received a message, not one intended for us. A conference of the allies of the Alliance has been called, should we send someone, since we are here?” the young man said nervously.

Shaking his head, chuckling, Feral glanced at his wife, ”I told Kenzie and Amber we were coming to see them, not to be embroiled in politics.” his tone filled with humor. Fingers tapping on the command chair, he thought for a moment, ”Best to have Osvandr stay with us so he can tell them about how Amy has been. Good thing that Ellias and Jaxras decided to come with us. She has a keen political mind and…I’m sure she’s as worried about Jeanfra as we and the Royals are about Tiber and Zara.”

Amber fiddled with her hair, it was a distraction; she needed it. Looking into her reflector she could see her husband as he stood at the window of their bedchambers, his hands clasped loosely behind his back, feet apart as he gazed into the estate’s gardens. He'd not spoken in sometime, even when she'd spoken to him, and she knew why. Time had passed, but some wounds never quite healed, she knew that.

Standing she turned and clasped her own hands in a ladylike way before her. "They'll be here soon." She breathed.

"I know." Kenzie said evenly, his gaze not moving.

"We should go downstairs and welcome them, get them set into the guest house." Amber was stating the obvious.

"I know." This time he sighed at the end of his words and turned. "Let's get this show on the road." He added.

"Show?" Amber questioned.

"Well, we're dressed formally, the arrival is being covered by the media, so .........yes...a show." Kenzie's voice was bitter, "there are some things that need to be called exactly what they are."

Amber nodded as she unclasped her hands and smoothed her emerald velvet gown down, absently picking at the gold filigree on the sleeves, "of course." The entire situation made her uncomfortable, but this was the only actual link to her granddaughter and she needed to hug the child, then give her a firm talking too. Waiting till her husband led the way, Amber walked elegantly along behind him.

As they descended the massive stair case the swung off in two directions, an aide greeted them. "Your highness', as shuttle is currently descending and should be on the platform in the next few minutes. Would you like to go out on the upper or lower entry?"

"Upper, thank you." Kenzie smiled, "we'll stay inside till it's down and the ramps are down, ok?"

"Of course." The man turned and walked back toward the back of the house where the door out to the landing pad was.

Amber said nothing, simply followed her gown flowing around her legs and dragging on the polished stairs behind her.

"It's been a while." Kenzie said quietly.

"Two years ago now?" Amber said as she sped up to walk beside him.

Reaching out he took her hand, "sounds about right, give or take."

"I have to ask, are you ok?" Amber asked.

"I am love, truth is I have moved on, but I am not happy about having to explain the leaderships decisions to him....he won't like it."

Amber smiled, "he doesn't already, you know that."

"Now we need to stand behind him when he tells them that."

Walking they waited inside the door, the transparisteel viewing window looking out to see the distinctive Lexrullan shuttle landing. Kenzie turned to Amber, "And the show begins." He waited for the aide to open the door and then releasing her hand, stepped out on to the landing platform.

Meanwhile, Aren found the location of the meeting and even a representative before asking, "We have already asked Lexrul, but we also want to ask you something. Are there ships that you want to add to the Bakuran Fleet?" He found a holotable opening an image of the Battle of Zakuul, "Naturally, this may happen after this battle is over with." It is just about the first time I've seen a Tho Yor run though…

As soon as Feral, Delta, Osvandr, and Amy had departed the shuttle, with a small guard detachment, it had lifted once more. The short flight brought it to the pads at the meeting location, where Ellias and Jaxras departed, their own guard contingent joining those of Nagai outside the conference room.

Ellias took the lead as the couple entered, just steps ahead of a young-looking Nagai female. She nodded to Aren, ”We reviewed the document where we and Bakura joined this Alliance, on the trip to Bakura. The Lexrullan half of the previous alliance with Bakura will re-merging with their capital ships, which will leave our joint fleet balanced between capital ships and fighter craft in terms of firepower. Which also means at least two Bakuran capital ships will return to Lexrul so both planets are protected.” Her even tone belied the worry that still filled her, wondering when she’d get to see her daughter again or if she would. ”I know the Adumari have excellent intelligence, would you know if our daughter still survives at Jakku? Jeanfra Gruander…” she asked Aren softly.

Jarnal caught almost all of what the Lexrullan woman said, her mind still caught up in what she’d heard from Remus and Romulus. Once the woman finished speaking she cleared her throat. ”I believe we have more pressing issues, ma’am. Our recent intelligence highly suggests that the Sun Guard and Tofs plan to decimate Nagi.” She felt for the woman but her tone was flat as she worried more for the survival or a majority of her people.

The Prime Minister of Bakura pursed her lips. “I’m obliged to point out that our treaty is only hours old and the Nagai capital is under siege. How much do you expect us to mobilise?” She had five Bakura-class Stat Destroyers free.

Her eyes took in Aren. “There are two fleets at Lwhekk, but the fighting is still going on. With Tof troops on the ground, the P’w’eck will still need support even though the Ssi-Ruuvi are on the back foot.”

She consulted the data. “Two Tof fleets, another fleet from the Sun Guard… at very least. Nagai has, what, enough planetary defences to hold off one fleet?” Malinza sounded reluctant. “Committing to the defence of Nagai is going to be costly. Can we even be win it?”

Nadia looked over her data, it simply was too soon, especially with the need of additional fleets in multiple areas. They could commit starfighters, if they weren't under attack at Zakuul. But they were.

"Likely the person you are asking about is flying around the Onager at Jakku. Friendly forces are incoming but it's against four Tho Yor at the moment. Our forces there are just about on their last legs but they can still fight...for now."

Nadia looked towards the Prime Minister, "You are correct in saying that I still committed us at Lwhekk, though we have air supremacy there, and we are hunting enemy forces there. Space is a little more complicated since most everything still there is damaged. We would like the Nagai Alliance to take over even if it means evacuating civilians from Nagi."

Nadia sighed, "We are building but we have a long way to go. Right now we are also committed at Jakku and Lwhekk. We are also guarding the sectors around Bastion to guard against the Sun Guard, at least before we start an offensive with the goal of liberating the Mon Calamari and Quarren from the Sun Guard."

She brought up the images of the Battle of Zakuul, "We would have more to send but we are under attack here as well from a couple of Tho Yor. This includes three gifts meant for Lexrul, the Intrepid, Lexrul, and Terranor. This also includes starfighters that could be useful for raids on our enemies."

She looked at her data, "In fact based on what we have, two of my Admirals recommend that if we attack, we attack the Senex Lords."

Jarnal sighed, this was not going well, at least for her people. It sounded like the Alliance was leaving Nagi to its own devices. Her datapad chimed, causing her to look down and read the message. Another sigh came from her at that, making her look back up to the others. Holding up the pad, ”I’ve just received more intelligence and a…request…from our rulers.” she stated carefully. ”Based on our intelligence, unless nothing is done, you may have nothing more than what is currently away from Nagi, from the Nagai, to aid the Alliance. And our rulers have fervently asked that the Fel Empire assist to keep the Nagai from being taken by the slavers once again.”

Ellias shuddered, thinking about what would have her daughter flying with what she imagined were Imperial forces. She’d been listening but her worry was still that Jeanfra return safely. At the mention of the craft, that the Adumari or Fels would share she nodded. ”We can support all three, as well as starfighters. Not sure how the latter stack up against ours but we can support operations against the Sennex Lords with that addition to our forces.” Pride touched her words, mentioning her world’s starfighters, but they needed larger capital craft to compliment their forces, at least until the Bakuran and Lexrullan forces could merge again.

Malinza folded her arms and looked to the monarch's representative.

"We have half a fleet available for immediate deployment. There is roughly six times that number of enemy present; we have no desire to get our forces killed. We won't be heading to Nagi without support, if at all." Her tone was even. "Maybe Nagi is lost; the most we can achieve is to strike back."

She wasn't quite leaving them out to dry, but it wasn't far. The Tof and Sun Guard had simply outmaneuvered them.

Nadia mentally winced at the situation the Reserve Fleet. It just finished its battle with roughly half of the ships being damaged or lost against not one, but eventually three Tho Yor. This included ships meant for other powers including Lexrul and Bakura along with their own forces. Besides, it was the Reserve fleet. Its purpose was to replenish losses, not fight on the front lines in battle, not to mention three battles in a row.

There was the Eternal Fleet, but it was the backup for Jakku, at least in her opinion. That said, if Medb could get her...plan off, then it would free the Eternal Fleet for the Senex Lords, but it still left the Nagi problem.

Aren was looking at the Adumari Perator, before looking back at the rest of the group, "I think the best we can do immediately for Nagi would be raids with starfighters." he paused, "It looks like a fleet battle may be out of the question for right now, at least not without giving up on the people at Jakku which has a more immediate timeline." He brought up the most recent data on their forces, "You see, they are now on starvation level rations. We can hit places, if you can provide us targets, we can hit them and potentially drop supplies for any insurgency on Nagi should they should force you to leave."

Jarnal’s eyes were damp as she sent updates to Remus as the others spoke, to make sure her commander knew what was occurring at the conference. It made her heart ache that not only was she now worried that they would leave her behind here but that there was a high likelihood she’d be one of the few Nagai left after they destroyed her people at Nagi. Swallowing, trying to regain her composure, she flicked through data analysis on her pad to center herself more before she looked up. ”Your…your honesty is appreciated. I’m afraid, then, that most of the brunt of operations for the near future will have to fall on your forces and those of our other allies.” Her tone was soft, but she had to be as honest as the others had been.

Ellias’ eyes widened at the young Nagai’s frankness, even without the Force she could feel the woman’s pain, feel that she was seeing her people’s death soon. She hugged her husband with one arm for a moment, needing the strength of his presence. ”Once we integrate fleet elements the Lexrullan forces will be ready to support whatever operations are needed. Retrieving the forces from Jakku will certainly boost that as I have a feeling they are now, the most veteran forces any of us have, even in their weakened states.”

Malinza realised she had nodded to thin air; where she had expected a royal representative to appear, even an aide, hadn’t. Seemingly she was left to her own devices.

“Bakura won’t be sending Star Destroyers to Nagi. It’s too far from our sphere of control. The Senex and Molkivj are in the middle of it; we need to do something about either or both.” She shrugged.

Nadia and Aren shared a look, then a non-verbal conversation which ended with an affirmative nod from Aren.

Nadia looked at the Nagai representative and cleared her throat, "I understand your situation, possibly in more ways than you know. You see from my perspective Snoke is the primary enemy. His actions have taken my home from me, and separated my husband from me for over six months."

Nadia looked at everyone, "For those reasons I have made a series of decisions, Lwhekk being one. The Tof and the Sun Guard are preventing us from concentrating on our primary enemy, so when we go after them it will be quick and with a force not seen since Exegol."

Aren took over now that everyone knew Nadia chose violence, "So what we need to do is get as many civilians to safety as possible and arm the rest as best we can. We want them to bleed for every single meter they take."

Aren focused the map around Eriadu and Sullust, highlighting active shipyards. Next he highlighted shipyards that could be made active. "We can help you here making these active, returning Sullust back to ship production and more. There are two options for diplomacy, Naboo and Malastare, I propose we go in jointly. If they worry about Tho Yor intervention, we can provide footage of the Battle of Zakuul on demand."

Aren slid a last piece of information to the Nagai representative, "If it's military you need, talk to the Bothans. We can help you hopefully sooner rather than later, but they can help you right now."

One reason Ellias had risen as high as she had among her people was her near photographic memory. This meeting was proving a treasure trove that she was filing away in the corners of her mind so that she could relay it to her Uncle later. ”Until our and Bakura’s forces are re-merged, we are more than willing to send some of our people to act as negotiators with worlds you feel would be most likely to listen to potential membership in this Alliance or already are and need incentive to increase production.”

Jarnal was unsettled, she could distantly feel something in the bond Nagai shared that felt as though it was the first of waves of…something, something disturbing. But it was distant compared to how unsettled she felt these allies could not, were not able to do more to assist her homeworld. ”That…that may be…” she took a deep breath, cleared her throat, ”... may be necessary should Nagi fall, those worlds who have recently joined will need reassurance that they too will not suffer the same fate.”

Nadia nodded, "How are your relations with Naboo and Malastare?" Those were two worlds that were desirable, but as she made it clear, she wanted it to be a joint mission among everyone here.

”Decent trade relations, shared with Bakura of course, but enough that there are semi official diplomatic ties.” Ellias admitted.

Nadia nodded, "We can send people with you, especially as Naboo is sensitive about facing Tho Yor since it was held captive by one."

Malinza nodded along, for the moment. "So our immediate strategic goals are to clear the enemies within our territories, and to secure the southern quadrant." Her tongue held briefly, and then she returned to her brazen self. "The Nagai Alliance will suffer from the loss of its capital. It will fall. I won't commit Bakuran forces to lost battles, but I can cover a retreat. Name a world you intend to hold, and my five Destroyers will head there now."

Her gaze turned to Nadia. "Can you commit ships to consolidate the south?"

A hesitation. "With Nagai consent, of course, we don't want to usurp your populated worlds."

She also very well knew the Vhetin refugees were on Saijo, and the deployments elsewhere were political or military; many with the agreement of the local populations, for the Nagai saved them from the Grysk. This was except for Kinooine and Coyn, which were empty worlds.

Nadia nodded, "We have plans to devote seven fleets total to the Southern part of the galaxy with one fleet very near completion and several partial fleets that can provide for the defenses of several worlds."

She looked over to the Nagai representative, "We can defend your worlds if you would like to commit your forces to other operations."

Jarnal’s head tilted to the side, her eyes narrowed slightly, as she listened to the discussion. Her heart felt cold, could almost feel the losses of her people mounting. But…her attention shifted slightly to the Lexrullan woman. With her pad tilted slightly towards herself, trying not to appear to be doing more than taking notes, she wrote a message. ”With Nagi being overrun…Saijo is perhaps the best bet, or the Alliance world of Sluis Van, which has been a major hub.”her tone thoughtful.

Ellias’ pad vibrated with an incoming message. Glancing down, head turned slightly to ensure she had one ear on the discussion, she brought up the message.

Lexrullan Ambassador,

I do not wish to discuss this openly. Spymaster Remus once said your commander is an honorable man. I have intelligence, valuable intelligence pertaining to the current Nagai situation, which I am willing to share to you to deliver to him. All I ask in return is the loan of one of your fighters, as my tolerances are as high as your people’s tolerances.

She looked back up, scanning the others with her gaze to not reveal what she’d just received. When her gaze passed that of Jarnal her head made an almost imperceptible nod of agreement. Turning back to the Adumari representative, ”I agree, it would be best that any such diplomatic venture be a joint one, not just one of our polities in attendance but as many as can be available.”

Malinza nodded. "Saijo and Sluis Van, at very least," she agreed, cautiously. "All the worlds along your southern frontier may need garrisoning. We need to keep the Tof bottled up after all."

Nadia nodded, "I would include Eriadu and Sullust as well." She looked at the Nagai representative, "I would very much like to see your people strike back, sooner rather than later."

Jarnal’s pad chimed with an incoming message. Checking it, it wasn’t from the Lexrullan but from Remus. She had to control her expression as she read it, internally her heart was pounding at what the message said. For several long moments, ignoring Nadia, she stared at the pad. Finally, she dragged her attention upwards, meeting the woman’s eyes. ”Remus’ ships here assist with operations. As to striking back, we have options but I would welcome recommendations, beside the obvious, of where to strike.”

She was trying to stall, not for herself but also so she could see what advice her new allies would give. Her fingers flew over her pad, tapping out another message.

Lexrullan Ambassador,

Please, time is short, and I, personally, need your help.

Ellias had a galactic map pulled up on her datapad, inputting the various systems they’d already discussed as she listened to the others. Her pad vibrated once again, her eyes flicking over the brief message. Tapping away, Send me your message and I will ensure our Lord Commander receives it. And have the craft you requested prepared for when this conference ends. She sent back to the Nagai woman.

The Bakuran Prime Minister narrowed her eyes somewhat. "Well, there's only so much we can do in one meeting and the situation is fluid. If the fleets at Bakura are repaired and the Nagi have held out, I'll revisit the commitment. But otherwise I have five Bakura-class Star Destroyers and escort light cruisers ready for deployment to the Senex Sectors."

She showed the small map of the region. "You can summarise the Senex as two targets. Karfeddion, or Asmeru. The latter usually has a minefield around it, to prevent slaver escapes, while the former is the political hub. It'll likely be defended more traditionally. Ten capital ships a system should be enough either way."

She went to stand up. "The Bakuran people despise slavers. I want Asmeru."

The Prime Minister was bringing the meeting to an end. She wanted to speak to General Parnib.

Jarnal’s posture relaxed at the response from the Lexrullan. Her fingers flew over the pad, tapping frantically, her attention otherwise turning to the Prime Minister. ”I will inform my commander, having had the centuries under the Tofs we hate slavers as fervently. I am sure some ships she brought can be allocated to the mission.” Tapping out the last of the message, ensuring it was encrypted and stated it was for the Lexrullan Lord Commander’s eyes only, she sent it to the Lexrullan woman.

Ellias had sent her own message, one intended to fulfill the agreement with the Nagai, when her pad vibrated. She saw what she’d received and acknowledged it with only a flick of her eyes to the Nagai, at first. She tapped out her own message, The fighter you requested is on the landing pads outside, as promised.

Shifting her pad from before her, she let her gaze take in the Adumari first then the Bakuran. ”I believe you are both aware of what our Lord Commander did, what his people did, before he came to be in the position he is in now. His dislike for slavers and their ilk is..well known. The smaller cruisers, at least two of them, that came with us here, I can on his authority, release for this mission. Even though most of the rest will be better spent on the diplomatic endeavors, we have forthcoming.”

Nadia checked the current orders on Group Four before answering, "Group Four will be ready soon, however they will be tasked with securing Mokivj and Iskadrell first, before moving on to Senex." she looked to the others, "Now this is organized as a sixty capital ship fleet, or three Standard Fleets. So it should be good until we get closer to the actual defenses of the Tof or Sun Guard."

The allied vessels remained committed, though uncertainty was spreading through their parent governments. We sent home communiques, whether Mustafar or Sluis Van or Eriadu or Sullust or Trulalis.

General Parnib reported as much to Malinza Thanas, and she requested he monitor their allies to-be.

Nadia was gauging the mood of the people in the room which had cooled. Part of it was news from Nagi which didn't help. That her forces were overdue in reporting in didn't help her mood.

Another thing that bugged her was that neither Amber nor Kenzie were there. Granted their rule was more limited than Nadia's official powers, much less her expanded emergency wartime powers, but she would still let those deciding her opinion.

She was still mulling over the meeting when she felt a tug on her pant leg, "It's ready." Medb was murmuring. Nadia jumped at the sudden statement, but she recovered and sent Aren a quick message before disconnecting. "Is there a way to let some of them know?" Medb nodded, "Some are easier than others, like your husband and the Emperor's wife. Any others...that is a vast amount of darkness on that station. But I will do my best."

"Thank you" Nadia didn't know how to repay what Medb was doing, but she would figure something out. She sent any messages destined for her to her RZ-4 and would read it on the short flight to the flagship. The first message were images from the Neutralizers at Nagi. Nadia's heart immediately sank, but it was another thing to discuss with the Emperor.

The second was from Medb, she could feel Adam flaring in the Force.

Jarnal finally let emotion touch her expression, relief. She’d just received a message that Remus, accompanied by her Nagai vessels, had jumped away from Bakura, leaving the other Alliance ships behind. Nodding to the Prime Minister, ”I, we, appreciate what we can salvage for my people. I must depart to inform my commander.” Nodding to the Lexrullan with slightly more respect than to the Adumari, she strode from the conference room. Once she was sure the others wouldn’t see, she ran, racing to the landing pad and the craft the Lexrullan had given her, to make her own departure.

Once the Nagai was gone, Ellias sighed. She wasn’t sure of the contents of the message but she was sure it would affect the balance of things even more. She’d forwarded the Nagai’s message to her uncle but still…She looked over at the Adumari, ”We need to talk. I have information that we need to…consider.”

Aren nodded, "I believe I can offer information here as well. At least some perspective." He looked around, "Though perhaps not here..."

TAG: @Sinrebirth , @darthbernael , @Kev-Mas_Colcha , @Mitth_Fisto , (mention only for @Adalia-Durron )