May The Invisible Hand Be With You - (Star Wars CK2-Style Quest)

[Dr. Snark]

Tipoca City, Kamino

Ciaran nodded to herself then turned to Gulan. "Get the information on the Silencer only, we won't have time for the rest." The Bothan nodded and went to work as Ciaran turned to Ventress, who had been leaning against a wall and warily eyeing everyone else. "Now then my dear, I will require your help if you want to convince the others you have died."

Ventress rolled her eyes. "How magnanimous of you to ask. What exactly will I have to do?"

Ciaran smiled. "We will be hijacking a trident ship that you will be 'escaping' on before it is tragically destroyed during its escape. But I'll leave the best part for later; I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise~"

As the Nightsister brought a hand to her face, Sev and Scorch looked on with confusion.

"Sev, am I crazy or is our VIP flirting with the Sith assassin?" Scorch asked him over their private comms.

"Do you really want an answer to that?" the sniper replied.

The snarky commando was silent for a moment. "This is definitely the weirdest mission I have ever been on," he muttered.

"Confirmed," said Fixer flatly, followed by a "Roger that" from Boss.

For his part Ordo turned to Thrawn and asked, "Is this normal?"

"I admit that I am a newer associate of hers but from what I understand the answer is yes," the Chiss replied.

While the group was bantering among themselves, Gulan (with the very close supervision of Fixer) was searching through the files on the server. "Let's see...date...donor...and here we-huh."

Fixer leaned over the Bothan. "What?"

Gulan quickly transferred the files to a device he had on hand, then disconnected from the server. "Nothing too important. Let's get going before someone shows up."

--------

Finding a trident ship was easy as Scorch had (repeatedly) pointed out. The catch was finding one that was relatively empty and inactive. Fortunately, Kal was able to listen in on Separatist communications and pinpoint a droid that was disgorging the last of its droid units before pulling out. As the group piled up to cover to prepare for the attack, Thrawn came in over the line.

"Now, we will need a plan-"

"No, we do not," Ventress coldly replied before igniting her lightsabers and rushing out towards the enemy. Before anyone could properly react the Nightsister had begun to carve through the droid ranks, slicing them apart as she screamed in rage.

"I think she's got issues!" Scorch yelled as everyone began to provide covering fire even as it became clear that Ventress really did not need the help. Within a few moments the area fell silent again as Ventress finished her rampage, turned off her lightsabers, and leaned back against the wall.

"...Right then. Gulan, if you would?"

The Bothan moved into the ship, and everyone waited tensely before he came out holding a lit-up comm unit. "All done Boss." He gingerly handed the comm device to Ventress, who ripped it out of his hand before focusing her glare on Ciaran. "What is this?"

Ciaran smiled again. "Call it...a mutually beneficial arrangement," she said as she began to explain her plan to Ventress...

-------

Sev'rance was not in a good mood; not only had she lost contact with the team sent to finish off Ventress, her feed to the Kaminoan servers had been shut down preventing her from getting more valuable data from the planet. To make matters worse, Republic reinforcements were beginning to pour in from various outer systems; apparently they had been able to anticipate her plan and had called them in as soon as she had 'retreated.' The battle had already been a close fight since the clones had time to set up defenses; now with help incoming it was looking more and more like it would result in a defeat.

As such, she was preparing a stealth ship to exit the planet and was preparing to issue a general retreat order when she received a signal on her comm unit. "Report."

"Your assassins are dead." Ventress' voice came over the line, a mocking tone present despite the static in the transmission.

Sev'rance scowled in fury, then quietly began running a trace on the transmission. "While your survival is...unanticipated...I assure you that you will die on this planet."

Ventress cruel laughter came over the line in response. "Believe that if you wish, perhaps it will make your failure less painful." The mockery was clear in her voice as Sev'rance's trace completed and displayed a trident ship moving away from the battle. She quickly ordered another pair of trident ships to intercept her as she kept the line open.

"Your arrogance will be your undoing," the Chiss replied.

"You should look in a mirror Tann."

The ships closed in on the escaping vessel.

"Know this; whether it takes me weeks, months, years...I will return. And when I do..."

The pursuit vessels locked onto the escaping ship.

"You will know the depths of my fury."

Sev'rance smirked as the ships opened fire. "Perhaps in another life, Ventress." And with that, the escaping trident ship was blown apart and the line went dead.

-------

Ventress handed the now dead comm unit to Ciaran, trying not to smirk. "I will not lie to you...that was very satisfying."

Ciaran smirked as she switched the comm unit over to the frequency Silas was on. "Package secured. We're ready to go."

"I'll be damned," Silas' voice quietly came over the line.

"Did you doubt me?"

"Uh, no of course not Ciara. Anyway, ship's ready to go whenever you get here."

-------

As the group entered the hangar that the Scimitar was in and prepared to leave, Ventress looked at the ship with curiosity evident on her face. "Where did you get that ship?"

Ciaran laughed as she continued walking forward. "Trade secret, my dear. Perhaps I'll tell you when we have less company around."

Suddenly Ventress froze in place. Ciaran noticed it through her Force vision then frowned before smoothly turning around to face the Nightsister. "Is something the matter?"

Ventress glared at Ciaran as the rest of the group began to take notice of the sudden shift in atmosphere. "...Is this how it is?" Ventress growled out. "Am I going to be your slave!?" she yelled, drawing and igniting her lightsabers as everyone else drew their weapons...except for Ciaran.

The Miraluka was nonplussed at the sudden show of aggression. "Ventress. Let me make something clear. What I want from you is information about the rest of the Sith. Aside from that..." Ciaran shrugged. "Once I have that information you are free to do as you please." Ventress didn't seem to react, continuing to remain in a fighting stance as Ciaran sighed. "I suppose I should clarify; should you wish you will be given a vessel and a significant amount of credits to do with as you wish, and if you want I would also ensure that you are still reported as dead." Ventress didn't react, though Ciaran was fairly certain that she was starting to exit her fighting stance. "However, I will point out that you would certainly be a welcomed associate of my organization. You would be given generous payment and benefits-again to do with as you wish-and of course..."

Ciaran smiled.

"We could certainly find the time to help you get your revenge. Should you so desire."

The Nightsister had shifted into a more relaxed posture, though her lightsabers were still drawn.

"One flight, and answers to a few questions. That's all I ask."

The sound of the hangar was silent barring the hum of Ventress' lightsabers. Moment after moment of tension passed before Ventress switched off her lightsabers and stormed past Ciaran, boarding the Scimitar without a word.

"This is going to be an unpleasant flight, isn't it?" Gulan muttered.

As Ciaran's team boarded the Scimitar, Kal entered the hangar. The commandos nodded respectfully in his direction as Ordo quickly moved to flank him as the Mandalorian moved closer to Ciaran. "So. You did your job."

Ciaran nodded. "As did your men."

Kal nodded in return, then intensely focused on Ciaran. "Remember that the second you learn more about the chips-"

"You will be the first to know," Ciaran cut him off. Kal opened his mouth to say more before the hangar door opened again and Jango Fett entered the room. He looked at Ciaran, who in turn faced him with an unreadable expression on her face before the bounty hunter continued to walk towards Slave I. The Miraluka turned back towards Kal, but the man simply shook his head and began to walk away, Ordo and Delta Squad following him.

And with that Ciaran boarded the Scimitar, the ship roaring to life and flying out of the hangar. Before anyone could notice the unusual vessel it faded from sight, as though it was never there to begin with.

AN: Well that was fun. I uh, don't think we'll have anything like this for a long while, but it was a joy to write this arc.

Expect a formal denouement sometime soon-ish. (Yes, I will tell you about the Silencer's data there, don't worry.)

 

[Killerflood]

The Oracle,
Wild Space Near the Mandalore System
(Just before operation Skyfall)

For a ship this large you would think there would be more than just a few rec-rooms. An errant thought flies into my head and I'm greeted with the image of the Boss and her "grand council" having taken over most of them and converting them into saunas or something. I snort before the logical part of my brains overrules it and reminds me that this ship used to be for controlling, storing, and transporting droids. After all, droids don't need rec-rooms. Now as for the Boss needing a sauna ... there are still a few levels of this ship I haven't explored. Maybe later I'll go exploring. Being a highly ranked Seeker has its perks.

I enter into the nearest rec-room and am pleasantly surprised to see it nearly empty. With the war going, most Seekers are off lurking and the Guardians are spread out protecting our assets. As for the droids ... well, see above. Walking through, I see only three beings. There are two of Tyro's apprentices. One's laughing his ass off as the other drunkenly tries and fails to levitate her shot glass onto the top of her head. The male sees me and nods.

"Hey Cünuel."

This is apparently enough to break the female's concentration as the shot glass drops to the table with a thud. Oh, you thought it was actual glass? No, it was realized that would be too expensive with all the replacements. The male's laughs start barking out again. I chuckle and wave. I then gaze at the third being in the room.

Well I'll be damned.

Sitting alone at one of the Dejarik tables, the third being is a blue skinned Chiss concentrating his red eyes hard at one of the monsters. It appears to be a Rancor that seems to be pinned by a couple of the beasts. I never completely understood the logic to Dejarik's rules. A real Rancor would be able to make mincemeat of all three of those Nexu. Instead it will only be able to take out two at most before falling. I walk up and look on as Thrawn inputs in his moves. I watch as before my eyes what looks like a losing battle on Thrawn's side is turned completely around. Within two moves he's taken care of the table AI's own monsters using the Rancor as bait to lure out its defense and then uses the next three turns to leisurely hunt down the remnant AI creatures. As Thrawn mops up I'm left with a lopsided grin and shaking my head.

"Masterful."

"I would be disappointed if it were not."

Thrawn resets the table and leans back into his chair. He directs his gaze towards me and asks, "Do you have a message for me, Seeker?"

I shake my head and sit down opposite of him.

"No, I'm here to relax before my next mission. Do you mind playing a game with me? The Scimitar is still being outfitted and I think I saw the Boss heading back towards the bridge with Tyro so whatever operation is being prepared is likely still a couple hours away."

One of Thrawn's eyebrows rises slightly. He straightens up but doesn't lean in to start the game.

"I'm afraid I am not one to gamble."

I smirk, "Even if it's a sure win?"

"Then it would not be gambling."

"Then you should still be willing to wipe the floor with me."

A moment passes before Thrawn nods his head and then pushes a few buttons on the table. Considering who this is I count that as a major victory. As the table loads up the new scenario - Clone and droid forces huh? How topical. - Thrawn asks me a question.

"So, Seeker, what will you be giving to me?"

I laugh.

Cheeky. For someone so serious to have such a dry sense of humor makes too much sense.

"Sorry to say but I'm not giving anything. I only make bets when I'm confident to win, not on a certain defeat. There's being crazy and then there's being insane and I'd rather not be the rare Watcher who crosses the line."

I notice Thrawn's mouth twitch down for a split-second and his eyes seem to unfocus from the table.

I must have hit a nerve somehow.

The game's first few turns pass with me growing more suspicious. Thrawn's gaze remains unfocused throughout. I didn't take him to be someone who ever lost focus for a long time. In fact ...

I move up a monster unit (spider droid in this instance) and allow for a small hole in my offense to appear. Now in this case it's an obvious trap and even if he went for it wouldn't be all that harmful. But ... it's a trap all the same. To my curiosity, his turn comes and he takes it. My eyes have been on his the entire time. They haven't moved at all. My eyebrows furrow.

"What's eating you Admiral?"

Thrawn's eyes gain their laser-like intensity back as they home in on me.

"What makes you think there is something affecting me?"

"I don't see you as someone to so easily fall for a trap."

As I say this, I move some of my beasts and a few nuisances forward to surround the two beasts he's placed in the hole. One goes down.

Crud, and here I thought I would have enough movement to be able take both of them. Oh well, one is one is one.

I look back up to see Thrawn still staring at me. His eyes are still sharp but they've already begun to dull.

"Who says it wasn't intentional?"

My eyes widen slightly as Thrawn's turn sees a nuisance I hadn't noticed come in from the back. It creates a mutual kill with one of mine but it's enough to make a hole. A hole now wide open. He moves his forces and in one fell swoop I've lost two more nuisances and the monster I moved to begin with. I can already tell that from here on out it's going to be a slow slide to defeat. I sigh and lean back. I notice that Thrawn's eyes have completely lost their intensity and his facial muscles have relaxed again.

"Why the long face admiral?"

"Hm? What do you mean?"

Thrawn doesn't look at me but I see his face tighten just the slightest bit. He might be looking at the table now but I can still see the glaze in his eyes.

"I might not know you all too well seeing as you're fairly new but you've already got a profile set up amongst the rank-and-file. Everyone on the grand council does. You're seen as the scalpel to the Silencer's mallet and the stoicism to Gulan's festivity."

Thrawn's focus is entirely on me. It's actually managing to make me slightly uncomfortable. His eyebrow rises again.

"To get to the point, you've been out in lala-land for the entire game. For me, that's doesn't fit your normal image."

A couple of moments pass by in silence. Thrawn's gaze is now going through me instead of being centered on me. He doesn't bother to make a move.

If that isn't a sign something is up, I don't know what is.

"How long have you been an Abyss Watcher?"

I blink. Those red irises are locked with my own brown ones.

I answer, "Since even before Ciaran waltzed in. I was an enforcer for the last boss when the Abyss Watchers were still just a small-time gang in the lower levels of Coruscant."

Thrawn hums and leans back into his seat. He enters his turn and I grimace slightly as I lose a beast.

"There are times where I wonder what I've gotten myself into."

I stare at the table for a bit longer than I need. I've had that thought myself a couple of times. We all have had it in one way or another. From Coruscant to Naboo and beyond, there will always be a moment where you catch yourself thinking, What have I done to get myself into this mess?

I smile and lean back myself.

"You're in good company then."

Thrawn and I share a glance before I lean in to make my move. A few turns pass by before Thrawn asks another question.

"How does it work?"

"The Watchers?"

Thrawn hums in agreement. I tilt my head.

"Someone so high up in the organization should know how. What is it that you're missing?"

"I have the top-down view. I know how everything interfaces with everything else. I even have a basic profile view as to where our goals come from and where they might lead us to. What I don't have is a perspective from the bottom-up. Criminals of different types are seemingly able to do legal work as well as illegal work. Eccentric personalities, while not the entirety, make up the majority. At first glance, there are too many pieces that normally would clash when together. However, everything still works. I have pieces and possibilities but no certainties to tie the puzzle together. There is a link that I have not found yet. So seeing as you've experienced everything from the beginning, will you be able to enlighten me in regards to the missing link?"

My eyebrows have been raised.

"You're willing to ask a grunt about how the organization is able to function at all levels?"

Thrawn's red eyes bore into me and he nods.

"What better way to begin to see how something moves than at its base?"

I relax back into my seat and close my eyes.

"That will take some thought. Give me a moment?"

"Of course."

I allow the sounds of the room to wash over me as I reminisce. I hear the low beeps coming from the table. I listen to the muffled conversation from the two apprentices who are still sitting down and drinking. I can even feel the faint thrum coming from all the way back at the engines through the bulkheads.

"I think it has to do with our basic motivations."

My eyes open and I lean forward once more. Thrawn rests his head on a fist with a finger covering his cheek.

"Oh?"

"Yes. From the bottom, every one of us wants something. For me it has just been to survive and live comfortably. In the underworld of Coruscant, the Abyss Watchers gave me that and even as it expanded it continued and continues to do so. For the others it might be money. We're all paid very well. We even get stable benefits owed to us by signed contracts. That is unheard of for a low-life criminal, which many of us started out as. For everyone who is hired, you are guaranteed to live a safe and comfortable life outside of your responsibilities to the organization. If you are coming in as a criminal or legal citizen, it doesn't matter so long as your work is fulfilled. For most, this stability lends itself to only a feeling of contentedness. For some others it might lead to the growth of loyalty. Even for those who have ambition there are routes to excel since there are actual ranks."

"And of those who are unable to accomplish anything? And to those few who manage to stick their heads up and cause trouble?"

"At the start it's rare that a rookie is given any true responsibility. Continuous mistakes or failures see demotion. The idea of ranks nicely allows for different levels of payment and benefits. Those who actually manage to fuck up enough to be seen as a load or liability have their contract torn up and see them booted out. For the criminals this happens to be the often unforgiving galactic underworld. Now as for the true trouble makers ... "

A few memories flash across my mind. Intercepting information and orchestrating an accident. Destruction of a safe house leading to an arrest. Permanent removal of someone blowing away a second chance ... And a war. A war against those who thought themselves capable of getting away with an attack at our head. One which saw an entire portion of the galactic underworld destroyed. I blink. I smirk.

"They find themselves unable to cause any more ever again."

"I see."

My smirk quickly turns into another grimace when I look down at the table.

Well, I knew I would lose. I didn't see it being this badly though.

"You seem to have been mistaken."

My focus is torn from my imminent loss towards Thrawn. My eyes narrow and my brow scrunches up. Tilting my head, I ask, "About what?"

Thrawn inputs in the last move of the game and then stands up.

"In the end you did give me something after all."

I have to think about what he's talking about but when I get it I laugh.

"I'm glad that I could be of service. Were you able to figure out what the link is?"

Thrawn pauses beside me as he moves away.

"Not in its entirety, but you did show me an important piece of it."

"Well then, I hope you find the rest."

Before Thrawn leaves the room completely a phrase comes to mind.

"Admiral, before you go."

Thrawn stops at the exit. We're the only two here now. He calmly directs his gaze toward me.

"There's a saying we Seekers have taken to telling those new to being an agent. I figure it might help you a little bit. 'Welcome to the Abyss. It's best for you if you leave your sanity at the edge.' "

Thrawn frowns a little bit and shakes his head slightly.

"I would rather keep mine."

I nod to that and watch the Admiral as he walks out. I sigh and close my eyes.

"To each his own. With that kind of load it means you'll only be falling faster."

 

[Dr. Snark]

Operation Skyfall: Completed
Wild Space Assets Returning To Previous Missions
Gains: CLASSIFIED TOP SECRET

The Scimitar, En Route To Kiln System

As the Scimitar cruised through hyperspace heading towards Kiln, everyone but Ventress was centered around the briefing table, looking at Gulan.

"You said you finished going through the data on the Silencer?" Ciaran questioned him as the mercenary in question stared at him, the intensity of the look noticeable even through the helmet.

The Bothan nodded. "That, and I did some quick background research to make sure I knew what was happening." He pressed a button on the table and the display shifted to a description of the mercenary's DNA samples.

"First off, turns out the one who donated the DNA to the Kaminoans was in fact one Hego Damask; while we guessed at this before it's always nice to have confirmation. But more importantly is the species in question..."

Gulan looked at the armored man, as though searching for some reaction, but the Silencer stayed as stoic as ever.

"...May I?"

The Silencer gave an almost imperceptible nod. Gulan looked around at the rest of the group as he continued.

"...Echani, or more specifically the Thyrsian offshoot of their species. According to the records the Silencer's genetic data came from a member of the Sun Guard, a group of very tough SOBs. Apparently Damask wanted someone like them but even more dangerous and harder to kill; our man here was given damn near every enhancement the Kaminoans could get into his genetic code-"

Gulan suddenly stopped short and nervously looked at the Silencer again, who still did not seem to display any reaction whatsoever.

"...as well as attempting to condition him to have blind loyalty to Damask. According to the reports he displayed 'unusual resistance' to their conditioning and when they tried...alternative methods...he took exception. Violently. In fact, he was scheduled to be terminated once Damask failed to collect him on time, probably due to his 'untimely' death."

Everyone present looked at the Silencer, who again gave an almost imperceptible nod. "He is right."

"And you were able to get into Tipoca City so easily way back when because you broke out." Silas realized out loud.

The rest of the group looked at the Silencer with various expressions, though Grievous was the first to speak. "What will you do now that you know what you really are?"

The Silencer stayed quiet for a moment, then-

"It doesn't matter."

"You would deny your heritage?" Grievous shot back, fire coming into his voice. "No matter what you say, you carry the legacy of your people with you when you walk on the battlefield. Every enemy slain, every battle won-"

"That is my job," the Silencer interrupted. "That's all."

With that, the mercenary moved away from the table ending any further debate despite Grievous looking eager to continue it.

Ciaran looked at Gulan. "Was there anything else?"

The Bothan shook his head. "Nothing relevant. If you're wondering the Kaminoans never really gave him a name either; so..."

He shrugged.

"He's just 'The Silencer.' Nothing more, nothing less."

-------

Lordran, Anor Londo Central Command Room

As Ciaran settled into a comfortable seat, she idly glanced around the room. The building she was in was brand new and it still showed with gleaming walls, nearly pristine furniture, and a general scent of cleanliness. She smiled to herself, savoring the serene atmosphere before she heard a tone indicating that Ventress was ready.

"Enter," she said neutrally.

The doors opened and Asajj Ventress entered the room, attempting to look intimidating but also displaying a sense of confusion.

"So did you enjoy the compliments?"

"What are you playing at?" the Nightsister responded, ignoring the question.

"How rude. I assumed that in your line of work you would not have the chance to enjoy the little things in life such as master-crafted food or the simple joys of a relaxing sauna visit."

Ventress grunted in annoyance and sat down in a chair opposite Ciaran.

"You didn't actually visit the sauna did you-"

"If you are quite done, you had some questions for me?"

Ciaran sighed dramatically. "Right then." She leaned back, clasping her hands in front of her as her face hardened. "What do you know about Darth Sidious?"

Ventress' eyes widened in shock. "How-"

"I have my ways."

The room went silent for a moment before Ventress spoke again. "I know little about him. He is a very secretive man, only rarely communicating with my former Master when he has new orders to give. I do know that he is a human or near-human being, but nothing else-he always hid his face behind a cloak."

Ciaran frowned. "And I take it that you wouldn't happen to have any records of his communications or anything like that?"

"No, I do not," Ventress flatly replied. "But I will say this-" She leaned forward to emphasize her point.

"He is not pleased with your interference in the war and he will kill you if he ever realizes how much you've learned."

The room went silent again.

"How much does he know about me now?" Ciaran asked quietly but intensely.

"I can only guess, but from what I have heard through Dooku he is aware that you are using the CNS to your own ends. He is not aware you know as much about the Sith you do otherwise I would have been ordered to kill you by now," Ventress coldly said.

"...I see." Ciaran said neutrally.

Ventress looked at her with curiosity. "Most would be quaking in terror at the thought of drawing a Sith Lord's ire."

"I am not most people," Ciaran shot back. "At any rate, there are other things I would like to know..."

From there, Ciaran continued to ask Ventress about everything she could think of, from troop movements to intel team placements to general information on the members of the Separatists. While there was only so much Ventress knew, she was able to give Ciaran plenty of up-to-date information that would aid her in her efforts. Once Ciaran was finished, she leaned back in her chair again.

"Now then my dear, there is the matter of your future we must deal with."

She snapped her fingers (while secretly pressing a button hidden on her chair) and a sharply dressed man entered the room holding a pair of cases.

"Are the theatrics really necessary?" Ventress asked, resignation in her voice.

"But of course. Now then, as I have said previously, you have two options."

The man set down the case in his left hand on a nearby table and opened the first case, showing a credstick and a holopad labeled "Ship Registration Form."

"The first option is that I give you funds and a ship to do with as you wish. Take revenge, disappear, whatever you choose. You will never have set foot on this planet and if you want to stay dead as it were no one will ever hear your name ever again."

The man set down the first case and opened the second one, which only held a pad that said "Abyss Watchers Contract."

"The second option of course is that you join us. You will have the considerable benefits of a normal member as well as additional benefits as befitting an upper echelon member; we could certainly use your talents."

As the man set down the other case, Ventress looked at them both with an unreadable expression on her face before turning back to Ciaran.

"There must be a catch of some kind."

"There are none." Ciaran flatly responded. "I have nothing to gain and everything to lose if I tried to stab you in the back now." She gestured to the cases. "The choice is yours my dear."

The room went silent as Ventress moved over to the table, looked at both cases in turn, then closed her eyes in deep thought.

After a full minute, she opened them again.

Without any further hesitation she took the contract, signed it, and handed it to Ciaran.

"Excellent choice, my dear Ventress," Ciaran said as she smiled. "I assure you that you will greatly enjoy your new position."

Final Results:

-Due to the Republic learning about the Separatist invasion plan they were able to call in enough reinforcements in time to hold off the invasion. Both sides sustained heavy casualties, though the cloning facilities only sustained minimal damage due to defenses prepared beforehand. Due to this and good propaganda, the battle has resulted in a massive boost in Republic morale, though the Separatists still maintain a notable if diminished advantage in the war.

-Kal Skirata has begun to quietly spread word about the inhibitor chips to people he trusts to keep quiet about it. So far this number only includes himself, the Null ARCs, Walon Vau and Delta Squad.

-Jango Fett has returned to bounty hunting, dodging any potential publicity he could have gained from his actions.

-Asajj Ventress has decided to join the Abyss Watchers. This cannot possibly go wrong at all, no sir...

AN: Phew! That turned out to be longer than I thought. Anyway, like I said there probably won't be another thing like this for a long while.

Now uh, there's a lot of updates I need to do to the sheets so please don't expect the changes to that to happen for at least a little bit.

Edit: I lied, I did the edits while I posted the update. Enjoy having your Sith around~ (And other new traits for other people I guess)

Double Edit: This update has been slightly retconned to maintain in-quest continuity, nothing to see here, move along.

 

[Dr. Snark]

Galactic News:
Republic Victory At Kamino: Despite an overwhelming attack force from the Separatists, the Republic was able to maintain control of Kamino and prevent them from doing any meaningful damage to the planet's clone production facilities. This victory has resulted in a significant boost in morale for the Republic, who have managed to stymie the Separatist advance.

Satine Kryze To Represent CNS Diplomatically: According to recent reports from the CNS Duchess Satine Kryze has been designated as the official representative of the Council for matters of diplomacy. This announcement has eased tensions with the Republic and CIS as she has been working to reassure the galaxy that the CNS will not attempt to interfere in the war.

Underground News:
Synthetic Plague Returns: Reports from the Outer Rim have confirmed that the synthetic plague similar to the one encountered during Operation RESI has broken out in the region once more. However, this variant of the plague has proven to be considerably deadlier as the infectees have reportedly displayed increased intelligence, inflicting even greater casualties.

Rotta the Hutt MIA: Jabba has requested the aid of the Abyss Watchers in locating his son Rotta who has recently gone missing after an attack on his forces. While the evidence seems to point to the Jedi being behind the kidnapping, the crime lord would greatly prefer that this be kept quiet if possible and would only publicly accuse them if he had no other choice.

Organization News:
Asajj Ventress and Grievous Terrify Everyone: While the recruitment of two of the deadliest beings in the galaxy has been a massive boon to the Abyss Watchers, many of the grunts have gotten a lot more nervous with the fight-happy Kaleesh and the Sith assassin around, especially since Grievous has been trying to get the Silencer to spar with him whenever possible.

On Lookout For Would-Be Assassins: All members of the Abyss Watchers have been advised to keep an eye out for any potential assassination attempts on Ciaran. Reports of this are to be forwarded to the intelligence division immediately.

Asteroid Base Claimed With Trepidation: While the move into the asteroid base located during Operation RESI has gone smoothly, many of the people now working there have been rather nervous about being there due to the dim lighting, ominous creaking, and other slightly demoralizing factors. As such renovation teams have been dispatched to the base to liven it up and increase morale.

AN: Turn should be up relatively shortly after this.

 

[Dr. Snark]

AN: Officially declaring a 24-hour moratorium on voting so that people have time to suggest write-in options.

BBY 21, Second Quarter

Current Treasury: 854
Current Income: 1461
Current Upkeep: 1020

You've recruited Grievous, managed to get Ventress off of Kamino against all sensibility and the CNS is looking much better now that Satine is formally representing it. That being said, the synthetic plague from before has come back in an even more destructive form, Jabba and Jango have called in favors from you, and the war is still going on around you even if it's slowed down for the time being. So much to do...

Spoiler: Martial Actions

Martial: You'd think that having Thrawn and Grievous around would reassure your military advisors, except now they're worried that you're going to be doing even more audacious things to profit from the war.

Pick 2:

[] More droids!: You need to buy more. Now more than ever before! Chance of Success: 80% Cost: 60 Reward: 4-6 new groups of Battle droids

[] Black Ops: While the CIS advance has been at least temporarily halted it might be a good idea to make sure that they can't recover their initial momentum any time soon. Chance of Success: 75% Cost: 50 Reward: CIS war effort damaged

[] Mercenary Work: Jabba's offered to hire on some of your mercenaries for work within Hutt Space. After recent events, you made sure that said work would be under the radar so you don't have a repeat of the incident with Darra. Chance of Success: 60% Reward: 100 Credits, Increased Hutt Relations

[] Walking the Beat: While the worst of the pirate attacks on the CNS have been dealt with by Thrawn there are always more who will try to prey on the outer trade lanes. Destroying a few groups should send clear messages to them and the CNS that such actions will not be tolerated...and you might be able to loot pirate hideouts. Chance of Success: 70% Reward: Loot, Increased confidence in the CNS

[] Eclipsing the Black Sun (Go Loud): The Black Sun has been a constant rival of yours in the underworld and given the chance to recover they would certainly be willing to rekindle old hostilities. Send out some of your mercenary corps and make sure that they never get the chance. Chance of Success: 70% Reward: Black Sun scattered, loot

[] Write in

Spoiler: Diplomacy Actions

Diplomacy: The war is here, the diplomatic landscape looks particularly ragged and everything is going downhill fast.

Pick 1:

[] Peacemaker: Use your position to convince reasonable people on either side that the war is a terrible idea and economically as well as for the galactic society a complete disaster. Considering the details behind the war you are quite sure that its not going to do anything useful, BUT its likely to bog down minor conflicts here and there and improve your reputation once again. Chance of Success: 60% Reward: ?

[] Don't You Have Bigger Problems?: As entertaining as it was to have Obi-Wan and Anakin around their presence was symptomatic of an increase in Jedi paranoia when they clearly have bigger problems to worry about. Perhaps you should find a way to make sure that they stay off of your back so they can focus on more important matters. Again. Chance of Success: 40% Reward: The Jedi will leave you alone for the time being...again

[] It's Party Time!: With the current lull in the war now would be a good a time as any to host a "diplomatic gathering" with the Republic to "foster good relations" and "discuss potential diplomatic ties."
Read: You are going to go to Coruscant for a bit and persuade everyone you know to enjoy themselves. If there is any actual diplomacy done while you're there it will be an added bonus. Chance of Success: 90% Cost: 50 Reward: Enjoy a vacation, closer ties with Padme, Anakin, Obi-Wan, ???

[] Write in

Spoiler: Stewardship Actions

Stewardship: Borvo is as always busy keeping an eye on your finances, although the sudden drop in profits is making him VERY nervous. And hungry... his food bills have skyrocketed.

Pick 1:

[] Alternate routes?: The trade is going terribly due to most hyperspace routes crawling with military fleets, companies standing on different sides of the war and various other issues. You have to find alternative routes to at least get some of the trade you are involved in moving again. Chance of Success: 60% Reward: Trade/Investment Income penalty reduced by 5% from its current amount (Takes 3 turns)

[] You expect me to smuggle what?: Exactly what it says on the tin. Hire smugglers to bypass the blockades and get the trade flowing again. Not exactly cheap and quite unusual since most of the cargo is legal, but still. Chance of Success: 70% Cost: 100 Upkeep: 20 Reward: Trade/Investment Income penalty reduced by 5% from its current amount (Takes 2 turns)

[] Hey, Trade Federation! Do what you do best!: With that you don't mean trying to ruin themselves or being someones pawn but to let some of your partner companies trade with them or at least let their traders join their trade convoys. After all, trading is what the Federation does... official. Chance of Success: 70% Cost: 100 Reward: Trade/Investment Income penalty reduced by 10% from its current amount (Takes 2 turns)

[] War-Ravaged Recovery: The survivors of war-torn worlds don't usually thrive in the midst of the devastation wrecked on them. Fortunately, you have a very well funded humanitarian organization with a near-unlimited remit, and very close ties to a Council of Systems that just want to stay out of the war. Use your humanitarian funding to buy Neutral-produced goods and services for the refugee camps, negotiate regular shipments and trade deals to ensure a smooth recovery and reconstruction. Chance of Success: 60% Cost: 100 Upkeep: 20 Reward: Income penalty reduced by 5%

[] Deals with Sienar: You know full well that Sienar Fleet Systems produces some very effective products; after all the Scimitar was designed by them. Given that you would certainly be interested in customized, one-of-a-kind high performance starships it might be worth it to get in touch with Raith himself and see if you can negotiate a contract of some kind. Chance of Success: 60% Reward: Formal relations with Sienar Fleet Systems opened, potential for starship contracts, ???

[] Write in

Spoiler: Intrigue Actions

Intrigue: Gulan still can't believe that Operation Skyfall actually worked, though he's been particularly paranoid that someone is going to find out Ventress is still alive somehow.

Pick 2:

[] Lots of plans, lots of wrenches: Between the CIS war effort temporarily slowing down and all of the new information you've gained from Ventress, now might be a good time to stir up some trouble behind the scenes. Chance of Success: 60% Cost: 50 Reward: CIS war effort damaged

[] Sev'rance Package: Sev'rance Tann has actually reappeared again as one of the key leaders of the CIS military. Since she is Dooku's apprentice, it might be worth keeping an eye on her to see if she leads you to any useful information. Chance of Success: 60% Cost: 50 Reward: Sev'rance Tann tracked

[] The Count of Sereno: You know Dooku is a Dark Sider. You know that he's working for Sidious, the man behind this war. So the best way to find Sidious is to get as much information from his actions as possible. Given how thorough he was with your blackmail though...it probably won't be easy. Chance of Success: 40% Cost: 100 Reward: Count Dooku's actions tracked

[] The Hunt For Rotta: Rotta the Hutt, son of Jabba has been kidnapped, and apparently the evidence remaining at the scene indicates that the Jedi of all organizations are behind it. It sounds suspicious enough that Jabba has contacted you in the hopes of finding Rotta without directly accusing the Jedi. Chance of Success: 60% Cost: 50 Reward: Jabba's gratitude (by which he means trade lane access)

[] Operation RESI II: The synthetic plague is back and is now more dangerous than ever. You're going to need to get out there and find out as much about who is causing this as you can if you want to end this threat once and for all. Chance of Success: 40% Cost 100 Reward: New synthetic plague ended, information about plague creators gained

[] Eclipsing the Black Sun (Silent Option): Alternatively you could take the more subtle action when dealing with the Black Sun and use your information network to assassinate rising leaders and drain funds to choke them out by the roots. Chance of Success: 50% Reward: Black Sun scattered, loot

[] Write in

Spoiler: Lore Actions

Lore: While Tyro has appreciates that Ventress is a very talented Force user, he's less happy about the fact that she keeps slamming his trainees into walls...even if her methods have proven to make their training more effective.

Pick 1:

[] Tomb Raider: The starmap you got from your archeological expedition with Jerec has several planets or in other cases only systems marked on it with possible locations of other ruins, tombs or similar which MIGHT hold additional treasure or knowledge to be looted. Chance of Success: 60% Reward: ?
(Takes 2 turns)

[] Force research: The Force is interesting and despite claims to the contrary (especially those of the Jedi) it has not been fully understood, most likely not even sufficiently, and there are still tricks to be discovered here and there. Chance of Success: 70% Reward: Progress in researching new Tricks and Techniques (Takes 2 turns)

[] Research Alternative Force Schools: While the Jedi and Sith are the most well-known Force users in the galaxy there are certainly others that have mastered more esoteric techniques that could be useful to you. You already have information on them from the datachips so it shouldn't be too difficult. (Choose 1 below) Chance of Success: 70% Reward: Learn techniques from other Force users
-[] Jensaarai: A group of Force users that apparently follow a blend of Jedi and Sith teachings. Their unique ability is "ballistakinesis," which is basically hurling things at enemies at blindingly fast/lethal speeds.
-[] Luka Sene: They are Miraluka such as yourself who are more academics than anything else. They are skilled at Force vision, not only able to use it for combat and scrying but they apparently can sense energy fields as well.
-[] Matukai: A nomadic group, the Matukai have been able to use the Force to massively augment their bodies and push them to their limits.
-[] Write-in (Subject to Veto)

[] Homecoming Trip: Vectivus' holocron mentioned that his journey into Sith teachings began when he discovered that one of his asteroid holdings was suffused with the Dark Side, and that he later came back and converted it into a personal mansion to continue his research. Given how much your Force studies have benefited from his knowledge it might be worth trying to locate it and see if there is anything still there. Chance of Success: 50% Cost 50 Reward: ???

[] Write in

Spoiler: Learning Actions

Learning: Var Zheen is busy, busy, buuuussssyyyyyy! Too much havoc happening in the galaxy, too much to do as result! At least Cheriss is asking for replacement parts now...

Pick 1:

[] Investigate Anomalies: The maps gained from the Expedition into the Unknown Regions you funded noted several unusuall anomalies nobody could make any sense off. Perhaps your researchers can figure something out. Chance of Success: 60% Cost: 60 Reward?

[] Develop improved Medical Gear: The Karada Corporation needs equipment distinct from that of the competition, as few as there might be. Both for personal use and modified to personal preferences and to sell. Chance of Success: 70% Cost: 60 Reward: Bonus on any action to increase Karada profits, officialy produce high-quality gear [Takes 4 turns, locks actions for 2 turns]

[] Develop improved Medicine: The Karada Corporation needs to develop new types of medicine instead of just producing legal knock-offs of what allready exists. Either by providing variants speficialy designed for specific species, improving on allready existing types of Medicine or similiar. Chance of Success: 70% Cost: 80 Reward: Bonus on any action to increase Karada profits, officialy produce high-quality medicine and medpacs [Takes 4 turns, locks actions for 2 turns]

[] Analyze recovered research data and samples: The space station you and your teams raided and have now occupied actually had been properly cleared of anything useful and most data wiped beyond saving, but fortunately your researchers are quite capable of using the dead mutants as samples for research and its also not impossible to restore some of the damaged data. Time to bring everything to the Oracle. Chance of Success: 65% Reward: More information on the mutants, slight chance to get additional information on the conducted research

[] Develop Virus Library: With the galaxy being as big as it is and its population being as varied as it is there are bound to exist countless diseases, viruses and other even more unpleasant things. Develop a library holding various samples for further research. Chance of Success: 70% Cost: 100 Reward: Virus research for vaccines or bioweapons [Takes 2 turns, locks actions for 1 turn]

[X] Research Genemods: Some of your researchers are Arkanians. A species infamous for their love of genemodding, having created countless variations of their own species or often also genetically altering their own bodies. It might be of interest to conduct research into this since outside of specific species the knowledge is more theoretical than anything else or only usable on organism that haven't actually been born yet. Chance of Success: 70% Cost: 120 Reward: Genemod research (1 Turn Remaining)

[X] Research Inhibitor Chips: Highly encrypted, extremely advanced, and definitely dangerous, the inhibitor chips you recovered from Kamino are one of the biggest mysteries in the entire war. It's an important project, but it will take a considerable amount of time and effort to break through engineering like this. Chance of Success: 50% Cost: 150 Reward: Learn details about inhibitor chips (3 Turns Remaining, 2 Turn Locks Remaining)

[] Favor For Jango: Perfectly Normal Checkup: Jango has called in the first of his favors and has requested that his son Boba should go through a thorough checkup at a Karada facility. While he didn't say it outright, it's clear that he wants to know if he has one of the inhibitor chips in him as well. Chance of Success 80% Reward: Favor for Jango completed

[] Write in

Spoiler: Personal Actions

Personal: Well, what to do with your free time?

Pick 2:

[] Physical Training: While you are hardly incapable in combat the fact of the matter is that your subordinates are way better than you are at fighting...it might be worthwhile to learn from them in that case. Chance of Success: 70%
-[] Survival Training: Some of your subordinates have politely pointed out that while you may be a decent fighter you don't really have any advanced survival training in case things go really wrong. As unpleasant as the idea sounds, they might have a point, and Grievous would be more than willing to help you with it. Reward: Martial Increase, Survivalist training
-[] Strategy Lessons: Between Grievous and Thrawn you have some very skilled leaders under your employ, and you could hardly ask for better instructors if you want to learn more about how to properly command troops on the field. Reward: Martial Increase, command training
-[] Piloting 101: Sure you can fly a ship from Point A to Point B, but you aren't really prepared for a real dogfight if the situation calls for it. Ventress is, and while she has been willing to train you could have sworn you heard her laughing evilly later. Reward: Martial Increase, pilot training

[] Force Training: At this point from what you can tell your own personal training isn't going to be enough if you really want to get better at Force manipulation. You're either going to need outside help or in-depth recordings to really get anywhere new. Chance of Success: 70%
-[] General Training: Ventress is admittedly a far better Force user than you and you could stand to learn from her. When you asked she was willing to help but she has also stated that said training will be "excruciatingly painful." Surely she's exaggerating. Surely. Reward: Lore Increase
-[] Blazing Chains (Basic): Tyro's been around for what seems like ages now but you've never actually learned the Blazing Chains techniques from him. It might be about time to fix that. Reward: Lore Increase, Blazing Chains Style Learned

[] Personal attention/Increased Focus: Sometimes you just have to either keep an eye on your minions to ensure that they don't screw up or prepare more intensively for something that you need to handle personally. Chance of Success: 100%. Reward: Your stats + Force Sight bonus added to a action of your choice

[] Accelerate research: The research at Karada is going way too slowly. Dedicate your free time and some additional resources to speed it all up. Chance of Success: 70% Cost: 50 Reward: Research time halved, action lock time halve

[] Write in

Spoiler: Hero Actions

Hero Units: You've been gathering a lot of talented individuals under your command, and many of them have ambitions of their own that they may need your help with to succeed.

Optional, Pick Up To 2, Uses Hero Unit's Full Stats:

[] PR-1: Upgrades Required: PR-1 has been a valuable asset to you for a long time but the fact of the matter is that he's simply falling behind your more talented members in many fields. At this point it's probably worth it to search for upgrades to him to enhance his capabilities. (Uses Stewardship Bonuses, PR-1 must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 70% Cost 50 Reward: Upgrades for PR-1, ???

[] Silas Cata: Mind of a Scoundrel: While Silas has known quite a few other scoundrels throughout his life and your organization has many ties within the underworld, Silas has suggested that you visit a few seedy bars and do some talent hunting. As he put it you would never hear of the best scoundrels and there's no better way of finding them than the old-fashioned ways. (Uses Intrigue Bonuses, Silas Cata must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 60% Reward: Potential new employees located, ???

[] The Silencer: Legacy of the Sun: While the revelation of the Silencer's heritage hasn't affected the man that much, Grievous is convinced that if he were to learn from his people he would become an even fiercer fighter. You're not entirely sure if that's the case but having him train with the Thrysians might be worthwhile given their martial prowess. (Uses Martial Bonuses, The Silencer must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 70% Reward: The Silencer trains with the Thrysians, ???

[] Cheriss Sair: A New Body: Now that Cheriss' actual identity has been revealed and no one seems to be too concerned about the robotic Torguta running around Cheriss has floated the idea of constructing a more efficient, reliable, and less "squishy" body (in her own words). As an added benefit, she's also planning on experimenting with some other technologies that might have applications elsewhere. (Uses Learning Bonuses, Cheriss Sair must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 60% Cost: 50 Reward: Cheriss gains a new body, ???

[] Thrawn: The Art of the Mandalorian: Thrawn has come to you with a rather unusual request: he's asked for some time to locate Jango Fett and attempt to get the bounty hunter to train him in combat. While you've expressed your doubts Thrawn is confident that he can successfully approach the reclusive hunter, though the light in his eyes when he made his request suggests there's more to this than becoming a better fighter... (Uses Diplomacy Bonuses, Thrawn must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 50% Reward: Thrawn trains with Jango, ???

[] Grievous: Let the Hunt Begin: While he is certainly happy to work with you Grievous has requested the chance for him and a group of Kaleesh warriors chosen by him to go on a hunt. His destination: Vendaxa, a planet home to some of the fiercest predators in the galaxy. Well, if he thinks it's a good idea... (Uses Martial Bonuses, Grievous must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 60% Reward: Grievous hones his skills through his hunts, ???

[] Asajj Ventress: The Wisdom of Vectivus: While Asajj has joined up with you of her own will not only has she been very standoffish towards everyone but she has been loathe to do anything else besides constantly train, apparently so she can beat Sev'rance and Dooku one day. That being the case, she hasn't seen the Vectivus holcron yet, and you're fairly confident a woman like her could learn a lot from it (read: stop acting like a stereotypical Sith). All you have to do is find a way to get her to do that. (Uses Lore Bonuses, Asajj Ventress must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 50% Reward: Asajj begins studying the Vectivus holocron, ???

Spoiler: Bases

New Bases:

Naboo: Surprisingly the one spot that was offered to you to build a mansion is still unoccupied with your men bluntly confirming that it was made sure that the area is kept free for at least a few more years just in case you decide to buy the place. Its not far from Theed and in a particularly beautiful area. Cost: 200 Reward: Mansion on Naboo

Nemodia: While you might be playing the role of a neutral faction in the war the Trade Federation is still grateful enough to you for your past aid to mark a nice mansion on Nemodia for you to buy to "foster better relations." Fact of the matter is that said mansion would be on a planet where the TF has many droid factories... Cost: 200 Reward: Base on Nemodia

[] Write-in (Flat 200 Cost, Idea Subject to GM Veto)

Base upgrades: With how many credits you own it might be an idea to upgrade your bases a bit.

Coruscant Base:

[] Lower Level Salvage Teams: Coruscant is an old, old planet and even though it has been occupied for ages there are still valuable secrets in the depths. Aside from all of the garbage. Cost: 100 Reward: 25 Income (Salvage), per-turn salvage roll for other benefits

[] Write in: Stay reasonable

Kaleesh Outpost:

[] Blacksite: You have the absolute trust of the Kalee people and a large patch of land. Maybe you could build an out of the way location to build a small outpost for your troops on the planet... Cost: 100 Upkeep: 50 Reward: Increase in recruitment rate for all units

[] Write in: Stay reasonable

Oracle (Lucrehulk):

[] Ship Customization: The Oracle is a fine ship, but it could be better; having customized systems, weapons, fighters, and so on would make it a far more fearsome ship than would be expected. Cost: 100 Upkeep: 25 Reward: Increased combat performance of Oracle

[] Write in: Stay reasonable

Mandalorian Mansion:

[] Hidden Defenses: The usual protections, better safe than sorry and all. Cost: 50 Reward: Mansion defended against possible attacks

[] Beskar Iron Mine Lease: While the Death Watch are still being purged from Concordia there have been a number of iron mines already freed from them and the Mandalorian government is looking for investors. Having access to those metals might come in handy. Cost: 100 Upkeep: 50 Reward: Access to Beskar iron, increase in elite troop armor quailty

[] Mandalorian Guardian Corps: Getting Mandalorian warriors would certainly be a massive gain for you but you'll have to play it carefully since Satine will try to block any more aggressive propaganda. The plan is to start by sponsoring the formation of an organization rooted in Mandalorian warrior traditions but dedicated towards protecting Mandalore itself. Cost: 75 Reward: Guardian Corps formed, Mandalorian warriors begin to be reorganized

[] Write in: Stay Reasonable

Lordran, Kiln:

[] Build personal Retreat: Build a personal Retreat/Fortified Mansion on the planet to have a place to escape to in case of trouble in the known parts of the Galaxy. Cost: 200 (Takes 2 turns)

[] Droid Factory: With the required resources available now you can begin to build your very own Droid Factory on the planet to bolster your troops with new battle droids.
-[] Basic Droid Factory: Cost: 50 (Takes 1 turn) Upkeep: 20 Reward: +2 groups of basic battle droids per turn
-[] OOM Droid Factory: Cost: 60 (Takes 1 turn) Upkeep: 25 Reward: +2 groups of OOM battle droids per turn
-[] Super Droid Factory: Cost: 75 (Takes 1 turn) Upkeep: 35 Reward: +1 group of Super Battle Droids per turn
-[] Commando Droid Factory: Cost: 75 (Takes 1 turn) Upkeep: 35 Reward: +1 group of BX Commando droids per turn
-[] Spider Droid Factory: Cost: 100 (Takes 1 turn) Upkeep: 50 Reward: +1 Spiderdroid group per turn

[] Labor Droid Factory: Having labor droids around would not only make construction go faster but would certainly make maintaining all of the facilities on the planet considerably easier. Cost 100 Reward: Kiln upkeep decreased

[] System Defenses: Whether it might be some random scout or an entire battlefleet, but it would be reassuring to know that the system has some way to protect itself from intruders. Cost: 150 Upkeep: 50 (Takes 2 turns) Reward: Kiln protected against intrusion

[] Write in: Stay reasonable

Asteroid Base:

[] Defense Grid: The new base might be hard to find but it pays to be sure that it's guarded. Cost: 50 Upkeep: 25 Reward: Defenses for base established

[] Bio-Research Facilities: When it was last active this base was used for horrific biological experiments; while you have no interest in continuing them it would certainly be worthwhile to have your own research going on there given that most of the machinery you would need is already present. Cost: 50 Upkeep: 50 Reward: Biology research benefits, specialized facilities possible

[] Write in: Stay Reasonable

Free Action:

[] Select any action from list above

Hero Support (applies half the stats to a chosen action):

PR-1: [] Write in

The Silencer: [] Write in

Silas Cata: [] Write in

Cheriss Sair: [] Write in

Thrawn: [] Write in

Grievous: [] Write in

Asajj Ventress: [] Write in

Watcher Support (1 Point per assigned team):

[] Write in

AN: Aaand we're good to go, complete with a much cleaner format to make reading everything easier! But more importantly I've decided to introduce a brand new category of actions specifically for Hero Units because there are things that I want to do with all of them and I figure that would be a more interesting way of handling things. They'll be actions that will not only make your hero units better but will have other interesting things that could happen during them...

As I said previously, There is a hard 24-hour moratorium on voting now and in the future. This is so people have time to suggest write-ins for actions that might influence how plan voting goes. You can certainly suggest plans, just don't vote on them yet.

Anyway, enjoy discussing~

 

[Dr. Snark]

Martial: Pick 2:
[X] Walking the Beat: While the worst of the pirate attacks on the CNS have been dealt with by Thrawn there are always more who will try to prey on the outer trade lanes. Destroying a few groups should send clear messages to them and the CNS that such actions will not be tolerated...and you might be able to loot pirate hideouts. Chance of Success: 70% Reward: Loot, Increased confidence in the CNS
Rolled: 81+10=90 (Critical Success)

Since Thrawn was busy with other matters, it fell to the normal CNS commanders as well as the captains of the Oracle Fleet to carry out patrols. And as it turns out they were far more successful than initially anticipated. During operations with CNS fleets you noticed that they were using tactics that were clearly lifted from Thrawn and they were still just as effective when executed. Meanwhile, the Oracle Fleet was sent to deal with pirate bases and "repossess" whatever was found there before proper authorities arrived.

All in all piracy in CNS space has declined dramatically, and it has sent a clear message to any others who would try to replace them.

Reward: CNS space considerably more stable, +100 credits

[X] Eclipsing the Black Sun (Go Loud): The Black Sun has been a constant rival of yours in the underworld and given the chance to recover they would certainly be willing to rekindle old hostilities. Send out some of your mercenary corps and make sure that they never get the chance. Chance of Success: 70% Reward: Black Sun scattered, loot
-[X] Grievous
Rolled: 94+14=108 (Over 100 Success)

Slaughter. There was no other word to describe what Grievous had done.

Sending him on the hunt for Black Sun groups was admittedly a bit of a gamble as you were uncertain as to how effective he would be in an operation such as this. However the Kaleesh had taken to his mission like a fish to water, leading daring raids on known Black Sun locations, wiping out anyone who tried to resist his rampage with little to no casualties on his part.

You had anticipated that the Black Sun would be temporarily discouraged from reforming with this mission; after Grievous' rampage you're fairly certain they wouldn't even try for fear of bringing down his wrath again. That was just as worthwhile as what your teams managed to loot from the raided bases with a fervor you haven't seen since Naboo.

After all was said and done, the underground learned that they should fear Grievous and the Abyss Watchers.

Rewards: Black Sun thoroughly scattered, +150 credits, Free Base Upgrade, Grievous gains Terror of the Underworld trait

Diplomacy: Pick 1:
[X] It's Party Time!: With the current lull in the war now would be a good a time as any to host a "diplomatic gathering" with the Republic to "foster good relations" and "discuss potential diplomatic ties."
Read: You are going to go to Coruscant for a bit and persuade everyone you know to enjoy themselves. If there is any actual diplomacy done while you're there it will be an added bonus. Chance of Success: 90% Cost: 50 Reward: Enjoy a vacation, closer ties with Padme, Anakin, Obi-Wan, ???
Rolled: 47+5=52 (Success)

Seeing your old friends again was nice, though your trip ended up being a bit more eventful than you initally expected thanks to your efforts elsewhere... (To be continued in Ain't No Party Like A Ciaran Party)

Stewardship: Pick 1:
[X] Deals with Sienar: You know full well that Sienar Fleet Systems produces some very effective products; after all the Scimitar was designed by them. Given that you would certainly be interested in customized, one-of-a-kind high performance starships it might be worth it to get in touch with Raith himself and see if you can negotiate a contract of some kind. Chance of Success: 60% Reward: Formal relations with Sienar Fleet Systems opened, potential for starship contracts, ???
-[X] PR-1
-[X] Omake by Whumbly
Rolled: 8 Reroll: 87+16+10=113 (Super Critical Success)

At first when PR-1 had placed the call to Sienar he was mocked by a local executive and promptly hung up on.

An hour later he received a call where another man profusely apologized for insulting the venerable Lady Ciaran by proxy and extended an invitation to meet with Raith Sienar personally. Since he was on Coruscant and you were visiting the planet as well, you offered to have him join you at your celebration and host further talks there to which he readily agreed. (To be continued in Ain't No Party Like A Ciaran Party)

Intrigue: Pick 2:
[X] The Hunt For Rotta: Rotta the Hutt, son of Jabba has been kidnapped, and apparently the evidence remaining at the scene indicates that the Jedi of all organizations are behind it. It sounds suspicious enough that Jabba has contacted you in the hopes of finding Rotta without directly accusing the Jedi. Chance of Success: 60% Cost: 50 Reward: Jabba's gratitude (by which he means trade lane access)
-[X] Personal Attention
Rolled: 87+55=142 (Extreme Critical Success)

Jabba had told you that he was expecting Rotta back within a few weeks at most.

With your help, your teams had analyzed the crime scene and determined that the CIS had orchestrated the plot as well as where they were holding the baby Hutt within the span of a few hours. In addition, your extended investigations uncovered that the plot was being supported by one Ziro the Hutt in a play to gain influence.

Within the next couple of days you led an infiltration of Rotta's prison that went flawlessly, and had returned the baby to Jabba posthaste. Though he was eager to reward you at the time after you had presented Rotta and the information you had gathered on the kidnapping attempt, you explained to him that if you were given a few more days you would be able to ensure that Ziro could never threaten him again. Upon hearing this, he laughed deeply and agreed.

You neglected to mention exactly what else you'd be doing while you dealt with the Hutt on Coruscant...(To be continued in Ain't No Party Like A Ciaran Party)

[X] Operation RESI II: The synthetic plague is back and is now more dangerous than ever. You're going to need to get out there and find out as much about who is causing this as you can if you want to end this threat once and for all. Chance of Success: 40% Cost 100 Reward: New synthetic plague ended, information about plague creators gained
-[X] Silas Cata
-[X] The Silencer
-[X] Omake by Teron
Rolled: 15+41+10=66 (Bare Success)

Thanks to the Silencer and Silas, you were able to find out more about what this synthetic plague was. It turned out to be much more difficult than expected though. (To be continued in Nemesis)

Lore: Pick 1:
[X] Research Alternative Force Schools: While the Jedi and Sith are the most well-known Force users in the galaxy there are certainly others that have mastered more esoteric techniques that could be useful to you. You already have information on them from the datachips so it shouldn't be too difficult. (Choose 1 below) Chance of Success: 70% Reward: Learn techniques from other Force users
-[X] Luka Sene: They are Miraluka such as yourself who are more academics than anything else. They are skilled at Force vision, not only able to use it for combat and scrying but they apparently can sense energy fields as well.
-[X] Cheriss Sair
Rolled: 48+10=58 (Success)

Despite the fact that Cheriss wasn't a Miraluka herself, the Luka Sene were more than happy to accommodate her requests to spend some time at the school and learn more from them. While she was distracted by going through the Sene's archives she did learn more details about the various Force powers the school offered, and reported back with a number of recordings and such to help understand them better.

It's probably for the best that she went instead of you; you didn't want to run the risk of running into your parents again after all these years.

Reward: Luka Sene techniques now available for studying

Learning: Pick 1:
[X] Research Genemods: Some of your researchers are Arkanians. A species infamous for their love of genemodding, having created countless variations of their own species or often also genetically altering their own bodies. It might be of interest to conduct research into this since outside of specific species the knowledge is more theoretical than anything else or only usable on organism that haven't actually been born yet. (1 Turn Remaining)

The Arkanians have finally reported back to you with their results, and they were more than happy to point out that this research could not have been possible without you...in multiple senses of the term.

Based on their own experiments on you during your coma, the Arkanians have come to the conclusion that they could apply genemods to other species of similar "families;" for instance any Human could be genemodded with Near-Human traits. In addition, due to the fact that said mods would be comprised of newer, healthier biomass it would slightly "set back" the age of any recipient. The only catch was that this therapy would be quite expensive and would require specialized facilities such as the Verusch Labs or the newly acquired asteroid base. At any rate, the volunteers for the later experiments are reporting that the modding has gone quite smoothly, and can confirm that the process is perfectly safe.

Reward: Genemods now available for high-ranking troops/officers

[X] Research Inhibitor Chips: Highly encrypted, extremely advanced, and definitely dangerous, the inhibitor chips you recovered from Kamino are one of the biggest mysteries in the entire war. It's an important project, but it will take a considerable amount of time and effort to break through engineering like this. Chance of Success: 50% Cost: 150 Reward: Learn details about inhibitor chips (3 Turns Remaining, 2 Turn Locks Remaining)

Progress is continuing on the inhibitor chips, and your scientists are confident that they will have results by the end of the year. (2 Turns Remaining, 1 Turn Lock Remaining)

[X] Favor For Jango: Perfectly Normal Checkup: Jango has called in the first of his favors and has requested that his son Boba should go through a thorough checkup at a Karada facility. While he didn't say it outright, it's clear that he wants to know if he has one of the inhibitor chips in him as well. Chance of Success 80% Reward: Favor for Jango completed
Rolled: 17+15=32 (Success)

Seeing Jango show up in person to deliver Boba was an interesting experience, as was his reaction when Thrawn spoke with him. (To be continued in The Man They Called Mand'alor)

Free Action:
[X] Eclipsing the Black Sun (Silent Option): Alternatively you could take the more subtle action when dealing with the Black Sun and use your information network to assassinate rising leaders and drain funds to choke them out by the roots. Chance of Success: 50% Reward: Black Sun scattered, loot
-[X] Omake by Killerflood
Rolled: 85+15+10=110 (Super Critical Success)

While Grievous was on his rampage your intel teams were busy with attacking the Black Sun in their pocketbooks and their leadership, magnifying his efforts even further. Between the intel he recovered from his raids and their own successes, Gulan reported that not only did they steal a significant amount of credits from Black Sun accounts but in some cases they were even able to redirect funds, bolstering your own income while taking from Black Sun. They were also able to either assassinate up and coming leaders or just get them locked away by local governments, creating even further strife within the formerly great criminal syndicate.

Grievous' successes had meant that there was a psychological disincentive to reforming Black Sun, and with your intel teams' efforts they now also faced the practical issues of a lack of leadership and an almost complete lack of finances. After all of this, you're fairly certain that the name "Black Sun" will now be a footnote in history.

Rewards: Black Sun thoroughly scattered, +200 credits, +75 income from diverted funds

Personal: Pick 2:
[X] Physical Training: While you are hardly incapable in combat the fact of the matter is that your subordinates are way better than you are at fighting...it might be worthwhile to learn from them in that case. Chance of Success: 70%
-[X] Survival Training: Some of your subordinates have politely pointed out that while you may be a decent fighter you don't really have any advanced survival training in case things go really wrong. As unpleasant as the idea sounds, they might have a point, and Grievous would be more than willing to help you with it. Reward: Martial Increase, Survivalist training
-[X] Omake by SmallBurnyThing
Rolled: 90+10=100 (Artificial 100 Success)

After finishing with carving a bloody swathe through the Black Sun, Grievous was more than happy to help teach you the fine art of wilderness survival with the barest minimum of assets available to you.

Unfortunately for you, in his enthusiasm he decided that the best way to accomplish this was to train you on Kalee itself, hunting the same dangerous predators and surviving under the same harsh conditions that his people did. That being said, he turned out to be a surprisingly effective teacher for you; while he was certainly willing to push you to your limits he was also ensuring that you were learning the techniques needed for wilderness survival in general.

While your time on Kalee was unquestionably arduous and required you to be at your best every day, you learned quickly from Grievous and managed to fend for yourself for a few days when he sent you out on your own as part of his training (you never told him that thanks to your Force vision you knew that he was shadowing you just in case something happened). At his behest, you also ended up crafting your own ceremonial cloak and mask from a karrabac you ended up killing yourself, and while they aren't really your style they are surprisingly fond mementos of your time under the Kaleesh's tutelage.

Reward: Ciaran gains Survivor of Kalee trait, Grievous gains Instructor trait

[X] Personal attention/Increased Focus: Chance of Success: 100%. Reward: Your stats + Force Sight bonus added to a action of your choice
-[X] The Hunt For Rotta

Well this went well.

Hero Units: Optional, Pick Up To 2, Uses Hero Unit's Full Stats:
[X] Thrawn: The Art of the Mandalorian: Thrawn has come to you with a rather unusual request: he's asked for some time to locate Jango Fett and attempt to get the bounty hunter to train him in combat. While you've expressed your doubts Thrawn is confident that he can successfully approach the reclusive hunter, though the light in his eyes when he made his request suggests there's more to this than becoming a better fighter... (Uses Diplomacy Bonuses, Thrawn must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 50% Reward: Thrawn trains with Jango, ???
Rolled: 31+29=60 (Success)

Thrawn was able to take the opportunity presented by Jango's visit to speak with the bounty hunter...who turned out to be surprisingly receptive to him. (To be continued in The Man They Called Mand'alor)

[X] Asajj Ventress: The Wisdom of Vectivus: While Asajj has joined up with you of her own will not only has she been very standoffish towards everyone but she has been loathe to do anything else besides constantly train, apparently so she can beat Sev'rance and Dooku one day. That being the case, she hasn't seen the Vectivus holcron yet, and you're fairly confident a woman like her could learn a lot from it (read: stop acting like a stereotypical Sith). All you have to do is find a way to get her to do that. (Uses Lore Bonuses, Asajj Ventress must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 50% Reward: Asajj begins studying the Vectivus holocron, ???
-[X] Omake by Teron
Rolled: 88+32+10=130 (Extreme Critical Success)

It had taken a lot of convincing and some bald-faced lying about how the Vectivus holocron contained techniques that would help her beat you, but you managed to convince Asajj to study the Vectivus holocron in-depth. And she had...by locking herself in her quarters for close to a week straight. It had gotten to the point where people were wondering if she had died before she came out, and by all accounts she looked incredibly troubled when she did.

She then quickly requisitioned a ship and went on a month-long journey to two locations: a planet that was suffering from the effects of the synthetic plague and the location of one of your humanitarian camps. The reports on what happened there specifically were minimal as Asajj had insisted that she not be followed, but from what you had heard she had spent time fighting against infectees from the plagues and rooting out people trying to take advantage of your charitable efforts.

When she had returned, she still seemed uncertain, but she was noticeably more relaxed for lack of a better term. She was still certainly standoffish, but the reports from Tyro and his subordinates have indicated that she hasn't been lashing out at people as she had in the past.

You're not entirely sure what she heard from Vectivus or found on her brief journey...but if nothing else she's beginning to find her place in the Abyss Watchers. In the end that's all you could really ask for.

Rewards: Asajj gains Darth Vectivus' Teachings, Nightsister's Journey traits, Asajj better integrated into the Abyss Watchers

Coruscant Base:
[X] Lower Level Salvage Teams: Coruscant is an old, old planet and even though it has been occupied for ages there are still valuable secrets in the depths. Aside from all of the garbage. Cost: 100 Reward: 25 Income (Salvage), per-turn salvage roll for other benefits

While the teams there are not too enthused about going into the depths of Coruscant, you've paid and armed them well enough that there are only minor complaints.

Reward: 25 Income (Salvage), per-turn salvage roll for other benefits

Kaleesh Outpost:
[X] Blacksite: You have the absolute trust of the Kalee people and a large patch of land. Maybe you could build an out of the way location to build a small outpost for your troops on the planet... Cost: 100 Upkeep: 50 Reward: Increase in recruitment rate for all units

All you had to do was ask the Kalee to keep this location secret and they readily agreed.

The blacksite has become a new home for many of your troopers as well as a highly-regarded training facility in the Abyss Watchers. Between the Kaleesh teachers and the local environment being excellent training grounds in and of themselves, it is highly effective. So much so that Xruk has begun to spend more time there as he approves of the hellish training the planet requires of anyone there.

Reward: Increase in recruitment rate for all units

Mandalorian Mansion:
[X] Mandalorian Guardian Corps: Getting Mandalorian warriors would certainly be a massive gain for you but you'll have to play it carefully since Satine will try to block any more aggressive propaganda. The plan is to start by sponsoring the formation of an organization rooted in Mandalorian warrior traditions but dedicated towards protecting Mandalore itself. Cost: 75 Reward: Guardian Corps formed, Mandalorian warriors begin to be reorganized

This had required finesse on your part; you had to carefully manage the pitch to the government and the propaganda for it to make sure that the Guardian Corps would be received positively. Thankfully, you had the support of Prime Minister Almec, who quietly confessed to you that he understood how resurrecting the Mandalorian warriors of old would greatly benefit Mandalore itself and the CNS as a whole.

As such, the proposal went through the government swiftly and the newly established Guardian Corps have been receiving a steady influx of recruits and from your understanding they have been taking their status as the new generation of Mandalorian warriors very seriously. Excellent.

Reward: Guardian Corps formed, Mandalorian warriors begin to be reorganized

Lordran, Kiln:
[X] Labor Droid Factory: Having labor droids around would not only make construction go faster but would certainly make maintaining all of the facilities on the planet considerably easier. Cost 100 Reward: Kiln upkeep decreased

The construction teams on Kiln have greatly appreciated that there are now labor droids of all types to help them with construction and maintenance, and the factory should end up paying for itself in short order.

Reward: Kiln upkeep decreased by 40%

[X] System Defenses: Whether it might be some random scout or an entire battlefleet, but it would be reassuring to know that the system has some way to protect itself from intruders. Cost: 150 Upkeep: 50 (Takes 2 turns) Reward: Kiln protected against intrusion

It pays to be prepared. And now Kiln is beginning to become more prepared for any potential intruders by beginning construction of everything from turrets on the ground to defense stations.

(Completes next turn)

Asteroid Base:
[X] Bio-Research Facilities: When it was last active this base was used for horrific biological experiments; while you have no interest in continuing them it would certainly be worthwhile to have your own research going on there given that most of the machinery you would need is already present. Cost: 50 Upkeep: 50 Reward: Biology research benefits, specialized facilities possible

Reactivating the facility was tedious though worthwhile as there were plentiful facilities for your researchers to take advantage of. Some of the Arkanians have even floated the idea of more in-depth facilities to study the more esoteric creatures of the galaxy.

You also made sure to have some of the teams help liven up the base so it would stop resembling something out of a horror film and be more pleasant to stay on in general.

Reward: +5 to biology research rolls, specialized facilities possible.

AN: Phew...so all of that happened. The fucking dice decided to come back strong this turn, goddamn.

Anyway, you all can enjoy the loot and other things while I prepare the interludes. In order, they're going to be a self-indulgent thing that I've desperately wanted to do since I was handed the notes on the RESI plotline, more Thrawn and Jango goodness, and proof positive that there really aren't any parties in the galaxy like the ones Ciaran hosts.

Stay tuned, and give me a little bit to update the front pages with all of the things that have happened.

 

[Teron]

Borvo's Residence, Coruscant, a few days after Rotta was rescued

To say that the mission to rescue Rotta went well would've been an understatement. Not only was he quickly rescued and the involvement of the CIS was easily uncovered, but in addition it was also revealed that Ziro the Hutt supported the whole thing in an attempt to gain more influence in the Hutt Council and wealth. Of course, the local expert for Hutt politics is Borvo and being friends with him has its advantages.

Like right now for example as Ciaran is meeting him for dinner in the extremely luxurious dining hall of his residence. He was even nice enough to have the short table put into the room so they wouldn't be sitting at a distance of several meters away from each other... although his tablemanners are, as expected, quite Huttish.

"Ziro Desilijic Tiure, hmm? Trust me, you'd be doing the galaxy a favor by getting rid off him. You know... he once put a bounty of twentythousand credits on a singers head for speaking a word incorrectly. You know, 'granto chato' means 'remarkable' or 'incredible' if you talk about a person, but he said it like 'grantu choto' which means more along the lines of incredible idiot. Had him captured, brought to his penthouse and threw him out of a window of the sevenhundreth floor. Or that one time when... Moment..." Fortunately before he can get into any further detail about how much of a terrible 'person' Ziro is, hunger strikes as he stuffs his face with some Bantha-steak. An interruption that is long enough for Ciaran to be able to visibly roll her (uncovered) eyes which causes Borvo to laugh. "Huh... think you can imagine enough colorfull things about him. Would probably even all be true. So, why ask me when you could just ask your many spies about him?"

"Well, you are a Hutt and my neighbor. Why waste a few hours to collect more details about him from my employees if I can just ask you over dinner? After all, you are the expert." Good thing that Ciaran and her radiant smiles don't actually glow, but still... the effect is there if she wants to be pleasant. Which she sometimes genuinely is to her friends. To the amusement of Borvo. "Good point. So... Ziro is as the name allready says a Desilijic and an uncle of Jabba himself, what with being one of Mama the Hutts many children and therefore a brother of Zorba. Got to say, Zorba is weird one even though he is not very smart... even has hair and a beard. Something about genetic remnants from millenia ago. Moment..." And there goes another Banthasteak into the blackhole that is the averages Hutts stomach. There is a reason why Borvos part of the table is filled to the brim and Ciaran is just slowly eating her way through a few considerably more modest courses.

"Anyway, Ziro isn't as successfull as Jabba for example, but only few are so that would be a moot point. Normaly. The interesting part is that he is a Vigo of the Black Sun and considering what we just did to them and how we allready went up against them in the past he likely desperately needed any kind of additional influence and income due to his partners and contacts disappearing. Likely one of the reasons for what he did aside from the usuall greed. You see, framing the Jedi and riling up Jabba against them would've done the trick since he could've just seized what he owned once the Jedi would've been forced to take care of Jabba, but fortunately he had the bright idea to ask you for help first... what Ziro certainly did not expect since I can confirm that the Council and by extention the rest of the Hutt still think of you more as a businesswoman than what you actually are. Its probably only Jabba who is aware just how much influence you have."

Valuable or at least interesting informations, the quickest way to Ciarans heart as proven once again as she keeps smiling more and more. "That explains a lot. What would you suggest we do with him? I do have ideas allready, but I'd like to hear your thoughts." Borvos response of course being another laugh... and a disappearing plate of food. "My thoughts? On something that is not credits? You got heart, I'm flattered. Kill him. Anything else that does not result in him dying could be disastrous, since I bet that he has arranged some kind of precautions should he be imprisoned by anyone." Having said that Borvo swiftly grabs the next steak only to abruptly freeze and stare at Ciaran with a huge grin. "Talking about killing a Huttish crimelord as if it were the easiest thing in the galaxy. I'm proud of you. In a decade you have managed to do get to a point others couldn't even reach in centuries."

"Wish it was that easy. I did have more than a bit of help that ensured that I could actually ever leave the slums, but..." Ciaran doesn't even get to say further as Borvo interrupts her with very loud chewing. "I know, I know. Hego Damask, Jedi, Sith, the whole conspiracy behind the war, corruption everywhere and so on. Don't think that I'm not keeping track of what is going on. You never invite good old Borvo to your fancy secret meetings, but I am keeping track of what you are achieving. Its my legacy we are talking about here! I'm even neglecting my own operations for this, so... invite me sometime. No secret meeting or shady deal is complete without a Hutt being present." By the time Borvo stopped talking Ciaran was busy trying to surpress laughter, which didn't particularly work well as she was giggling by now. "Yes, Uncle Borvo. I'll call more often and invite you over."

Probably a response the Hutt did not expect as he spent the next few minutes laughing before, with great effort, changing the topic. "Now, onto business! I have taken a look at the funds we are diverting from the Black Sun and..."

 

[Dr. Snark]

Hidden Research Facility, Outer Rim

The halls of the clandestine facility were filled with the living dead, monsters reborn through twisted science in a sick parody of life.

And they were cut down in swathes as the Silencer moved through the facility, stopping only to reload as he pushed through the hordes of the undead.

"Looks like you're getting closer to a larger room, might be the control center that we're looking for."

The Silencer didn't respond, but simply nodded to himself as he shot the last of the infectees and advanced forward into what appeared to be a large control center filled with computers and viewscreens displaying various biological data.

"Yep, this is definitely the place. Now get a connection started-"

"Well, I must say I am impressed, though I would expect nothing less from one of Ciaran's people," a voice that came in over the loudspeakers said in a condescending tone. The Silencer quickly snapped his head around, searching for any potential targets or viewpoints. "Do not bother with trying to find me, I've already left the facility. But since you were likely to find more information about me despite my best efforts I decided I would rather introduce myself to you...or rather, to whoever is operating as your commander."

As the voice continued to monologue, the Silencer crossed over to one of the servers and placed a remote access unit on it, connecting it to the Abyss Watchers ship in orbit.

"Downloading now," Silas said.

"You see, if you push the galaxy hard enough, there will inevitably be forces that will push back," the voice continued. "Ciaran has been testing her limits for far too long, and as such I have taken it upon myself to remind her of the consequences of interfering with matters she has no place in."

At those words sirens began to blare throughout the facility.

"Dammit, I don't know what the hell he did, there's another room somewhere-" Silas' voice came in.

"However I am fully aware that words can only accomplish so much, so I will have to give you a more practical lesson."

Suddenly a deep, menacing roar echoed in the distance.

"Now then..."

The roar came again, closer this time.

"Let us see which is superior, you..."

The Silencer fixed his sights on a door that was visibly denting from the force of the creature's attacks.

"...or Nemesis."

At those words the monster finished breaking through the door and burst into the room. It was humanoid in shape and seemed to resemble a man with the gigantic coat it wore, but it's hideously mutated face indicated that it was anything but human.

"GRAAAAAAGH!"

Without hesitating, the Silencer quickly threw a grenade right at Nemesis' feet, though when it went off the monster was able to withstand the blast as it staggered backwards before beginning to advance on the Silencer. The mercenary opened fire with his assault rifle, but Nemesis was completely unfazed, continuing to advance despite the holes constantly being burned into its body.

"Wha-what the hell is that thing!?" Silas yelled over the comms.

Suddenly Nemesis stopped, reared back, and with a roar thrust forward with its right arm, fleshy tendrils coming out of the sleeves and attempting to grab a hold of the Silencer. He quickly rolled out of the way, switching from his rifle to a grenade launcher as he recovered. As he began to fall back he emptied grenade after grenade at the monster in front of him, which stunned him for a moment but still didn't seem to inflict any meaningful damage. However it did give the Silencer time to break away into one of the hallways, and he entered into a dead sprint.

"The target's too resilient to conventional weapons. Is there a reactor core nearby?"

"Are you cra-dammit all you're probably right," Silas' voice shakily came in over the Silencer's comms. After a few seconds Silas came back on. "Okay, got something here, uploading the coordinates to you now-"

A roar from behind the Silencer interrupted Silas, and the Silencer quickly glanced back to see Nemesis was now carrying what appeared to be a rocket launcher.

"Oh, you've got to be kidding me-" Silas said as Nemesis launched a trio of rockets at the Silencer, then returned to its menacing advance. The Silencer quickly wheeled around, whipped out his rifle and fired at the rockets, managing to shoot them out of midair before they impacted. With that, he continued running towards the reactor room as Nemesis continued his relentless pursuit.

A tense moment later, the Silencer managed to outpace Nemesis and reach the reactor room he was looking for. Quickly holstering his rifle, he moved to a nearby console and began to slice into it, priming the reactor to explode.

"Is the data recovered?"

"Oh, now you ask!? Well we've got everything we need from the looks of it."

The Silencer was about to finish his sabotage before he heard Nemesis' roar coming from the doorway. As it leveled his rocket launcher at him, the Silencer whipped out a pistol and shot directly into the launcher's barrel, causing the rocket in it to explode in Nemesis' face. As it roared in fury, the Silencer finished his work, and hit the button that would initiate the meltdown causing sirens to begin blaring.

"Warning, reactor meltdown in progress. Please evacuate the facility immediately," came a robotic voice over the speakers.

With that, the Silencer turned to the door he had come in through, which was blocked by Nemesis. Unfortunately for him the monster was content to remain there and began to throw its tendrils at the Silencer again, who continued to dodge out of the way. After it became clear that the monster was not going to move, the Silencer grabbed an incendiary grenade and threw it at Nemesis, igniting him in flames. It roared in a mixture of pain and fury as it tried to beat down on the flames consuming it before the Silencer launched another conventional grenade at him. Already off-balance, the blast caused Nemesis to stagger backwards, giving the Silencer a small opening that let him dodge past the monster and run as fast as he could toward the facility's exit. As re ran, he threw more incendiary grenades behind him, covering the hallway in flames and hopefully slowing down Nemesis.

"If you keep moving at that speed you should be just outside the blast radius of the reactor explosion!" Silas yelled over the comms. The Silencer sprinted towards the exit, the hallways of the research facility blurring past him as Nemesis' roar echoed distantly behind him. Finally, he burst out of the facility and continued to sprint until he heard the sound of a massive explosion behind him. On reflex he dived to the ground as the shockwave from the blast rolled over him, rattling his armor. Turning around, he saw that all that remained of the facility he was in was a large crater, with no sign of the monster he had fought.

"Mission complete." The Silencer calmly responded over his comms as he stood up and activated a transponder. "Requesting extraction."

-------

Mission Report:

Records retrieved from the facility have allowed us to determine that the synthetic plague has been created by one "Albert Wesker," a human, though no further data on him is currently available. While the data indicates that he may have been initially supported by the Separatists in the hopes of creating a biological weapon for them, it is currently unclear as to whether he is still receiving support from them. Analysis suggests that he is highly proficient in biological research and weaponization, as well as an ability to remain undetected. We are currently uncertain as to why he may hold a grudge against Lady Ciaran as we have no records of him or persons resembling him from any of our operations.

Recommendation: Subject is to be classified as a major threat, requesting additional intelligence teams to be assigned to this matter.

Rewards from RESI II: New plague ended, data on plague creator gained

AN: I had to throw in Nemesis somewhere. I had to. And that bare success gave me the perfect excuse to do it.

Hopefully you enjoyed this, the next interlude will involve much more talkiness and things not exploding. Should be a good wind-down.

 

[Teron]

Recent Messages

To: Ciaran, Xruk, OOM-9
From: Captain Kyral

Additional Starfighters required
I will be blunt, boss. The fleet requires additional starfighters since the pirates have once again proven that if they are capable of something,
then it is swarm tactics which our corvettes can't handle easily. To cut a long story short, we need more fighters to be able to better intercept hostiles.

I will send a summary of the last few battles that erupted upon discovery of pirate stations which should prove my point.

To: Var Zheen
From: Cheriss Sair
CC: Ciaran

Droids
Can you please send some into my lab? I have an idea and I need a few droids and parts to experiment on.
I promise I'll not break anything and leave everything like I have found it. Mostly.


To: Gulan
From: Borvo
CC: Ciaran

Black Sun Warehouse
The latest business report of our Salvage Teams has arrived and aside from the income from melting down scraps they have reported that they have stumbled over a Black Sun warehouse. Abandoned, of course. Send some men down there to meet the teams and see if there is anything we can turn into more credits.


To: Ciaran, Borvo, Gulan
From: Thrawn

Black Market Auction
I have been made aware of an auction that is to be held below the Commercial district. It appears amongst the objects that are to be auctioned are various pieces of stolen art ranging from paintings to highly valuable sculptures of Mandalorian origin. I suggest that we acquire those for the Mansion on Mandalore and the History Initiative. After I have been given the chance to study them, of course.


To: Var Zheen
From: Ciaran

Boba Fett
I want you to analyse the blood sample and medical results from him further. I am curious about his health and any genetical deviations from Jango Fett considering that he is unmodified clone. Look especially for any signs of possible clone degeneration.


To: Ciaran
From: Ventress

Training
Meet me on the Oracle once you are in the Mandalore System. We will train. This is not a request.


To: Ciaran
From: Borvo

Ziros Penthouse
Ciaran, my dear! Can I have Ziros penthouse once you have taken care off him? I bet it has a great view and I allready have ideas for it. Like throwing another party just for the Abyss Watchers!


84 unread Low-Priority Messages,
10 unread High-Priority Messages
24 unread Karada Messages

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"PR-1! I can't take this anymore. Sort through all of this and let me know if there's anything I need to look at personally."
"Of course, Lady Ciaran."

 

[Dr. Snark]

Karada Corporation Hospital

Sitting at a pristine desk at the front of a well-kept Karada Corporation hospital was a young Twi'lek girl, who had a look of disinterest on her face as she went through the usual bureaucratic work of filling out forms for recent entrants. While she heard the front door open and close again, she didn't pay the new visitors any real attention.

"Hello there sir or madam, how can I help you today," she droned out as she turned and looked at the new visitors-and realized with mounting horror that she had been blowing off Jango Fett. In full armor, no less.

"OhmygodI'msosorrry," was all the girl could get out for a moment as she began to stammer incoherently. As she tried to recover, the woman and child with her began to crack up. "It's quite alright miss, I doubt you get any visitors like us," the woman said.

"W-Well yes, but I was specifically told that Jango and the boy would be coming here, uh..."

"Zam Wesell," the woman introduced herself.

"Right." The Twi'lek receptionist glanced between the two adults. "A-Anyway!" she said, suddenly moving to her computer. "I-I'll get someone right away-"

"That will not be necessary."

Jango quickly turned to face the familiar voice and saw that Thrawn had entered the room, looking as composed as ever before he turned to the receptionist. "A doctor and room are already available for our guests. I will escort them there myself."

"Of course sir!" the girl said trying not to look too relieved. With that, Thrawn turned back towards the trio. Zam seemed curious, Boba seemed to be interested in Thrawn, and Jango was unreadable as ever due to the armor. "Under normal circumstances weaponry would not be allowed any further but exceptions can be made for individuals such as yourselves." He gestured towards the door. "If you would please follow me."

-------

As Thrawn arrived with the guests, the human doctor in charge of the examination glanced over the eclectic group, managing to contain his nervousness at seeing the obviously armed Jango. "Hello there, I'm Doctor Niguel," the man said, bowing slightly and turning to Boba. "And you are Boba Fett?"

The boy nodded, not saying a word. "Right then," the doctor responded, turning to Jango and Zam. "This shouldn't take too long; he'll be back in your hands within the hour."

"In the meantime," Thrawn said, turning to Jango, "may I have a word with you in private? Your companion can certainly stay here if she wishes."

Jango glanced at Zam, who gave a small but noticeable nod. "That's fine," he curtly said as Niguel lead Boba into the medical room.

-------

Jango seemed out of place sitting in the conveniently empty waiting room dressed in full armor as he sat opposite to Thrawn, who was comfortably seated with his hands clasped in front of him. "I must admit I am surprised. You seem to place a considerable amount of faith in the woman who was with you."

Jango crossed his arms. "She's a trusted partner. Now, what did you want?"

"Straight to the point then," Thrawn said, closing his eyes and leaning forward before opening them again. "If you would be willing, I wish to train under you."

The room went silent.

"You-what?" Jango said, clearly confused.

"I would like to learn from your techniques in the field of battle. I have become aware that my skills as a soldier require considerable improvement, and you are one of the most skilled warriors I am aware of and can reasonably approach." Thrawn leaned back slightly. "I should make it clear that this is a personal request and does not affect your current relationship with the Abyss Watchers should you choose to decline my request."

The room went silent again.

"What is it about me, then?" Jango calmly asked. "I know for a fact that you work with people like the Silencer, surely you could learn from one of them."

Thrawn's eyes bored into Jango with a fierce intensity. "While that may be true, none of them are quite like you. I may not know your full story but from what I have seen and learned about you...you embody something greater than the techniques of one man."

Jango visibly tensed up.

"The way you fight your battles. The way you hunt your targets. Regretfully, I cannot place it entirely into words but what I can say is that I can tell that they are aspects of something...more. And that, Master Fett, is something that no one else I am aware of represents."

Jango stayed silent for a long moment before responding. "You have no idea what you're asking for."

"But I would like to learn. Is that not enough?"

Unbeknownst to Thrawn, Jango closed his eyes in contemplation, a dozen different memories whirling around in his mind as he contemplated the Chiss' request. Then-

"I wouldn't go easy on you."

Thrawn smirked. "I would expect nothing less, Master Fett."

-------

Some time later after hashing out more specific details, Thrawn and Jango returned to the examination room where Doctor Niguel was waiting. "Right," he said, nervously glancing around as he pulled up a display of Boba's report on a screen. "He's certainly very healthy for his age and doesn't seem to be experiencing any-"

"Get to the point," Jango interrupted.

The doctor nodded, and changed the display to a view of Boba's skull, with a noticeably electronic piece highlighted in it. "...We did confirm that there was a chip implanted in him."

Jango didn't have any visible reaction due to the helmet, but Zam's face visibly fell at the news. "Can you extract it somehow?" Jango quietly asked, which caused the doctor to look nervous again.

"It's definitely possible, but he'd obviously have to go under treatment for some time and uh..."

"How long?" Jango demanded.

"U-uh, a-at least a day or two for the extraction, time for everything to heal from bacta injections, and to make sure that there's no side effects from the extraction."

Jango glanced at Thrawn, who nodded at him.

"Given the results of the examination, extracting the chip from the boy would be a perfectly logical extension of your request. All we would require is your permission," he explained.

With that Jango turned back to Doctor Niguel. "I'm going to let Boba know that he's going to be undergoing the extraction. After that, you're going to start immediately."

"Y-Yes sir!" the doctor stammered out.

-------

One Day Later

While Doctor Niguel had been nervous speaking with Jango, he was able to quickly and cleanly remove the inhibitor chip from Boba. The boy had managed to quickly recover from the extraction procedure and was expected to be cleared within the next few hours after some final check-ups.

In the meantime, Thrawn had requested that Jango at least give him a taste of his future training, and the two of them had been sparring in one of the hospital's physical therapy rooms while Zam watched over Boba's recovery. While most of the time the Chiss quickly ended up flat on his back, Jango was surprised to find out that his perspective pupil was far more adept than he was anticipating.

"The last time I saw you, you kept yourself out of the fight; now you seem much more skilled," Jango commented as he traded blows with Thrawn.

"After my time on Concordia I came to the realization that my intellect could only take me so far-" he explained, barely managing to catch a blow aimed at his gut. "-and I have been striving to rectify that."

"Still," Jango threw a punch which Thrawn managed to dodge, "learning from your people would have been much simpler."

"None of my people are Mand'alor."

As soon as Thrawn uttered that word Jango's attacks greatly amplified in intensity, and in a matter of seconds the Chiss was knocked flat on his back with Jango looming over him.

"Where did you hear that?" he asked, his tone icy cold.

"Vizsla used the term to refer to you shortly before you killed him, saying how you supposedly abandoned the title." Thrawn said as he gingerly sat up, aching from the blows Jango had inflicted in his fury. The bounty hunter turned away from him, clenching his fists in rage.

"I knew the word meant something, with the way Vizsla used it," Thrawn explained as he rose to his feet. "But at the time I didn't understand what it really meant. How it was not just a title, but a symbol. How it was something, someone for Mandalorians to rally around, that embodied everything about what it meant to be a Mandalorian."

Jango turned to face Thrawn, saying nothing.

"That's why I studied Mandalorian culture, their history, the ones they called Mand'alor. But words and records can only show you so much." It seemed as though Thrawn's eyes were beginning to light up as he gained momentum. "I wanted, no, needed to see it for myself. To walk with the man they called Mand'alor, to learn how he does battle, to learn what drives him."

The two men stared each other down.

"Even if he believes he is not one of their number," Thrawn said.

"...Why then? Why is it so important to you?" Jango asked.

Thrawn chuckled. "Call it my one weakness in life; an overwhelming desire to learn as much as I can about the different peoples of this galaxy. And if it means becoming a better warrior, that is merely an added benefit."

The room went silent again for a tense moment before Jango settled into a fighting stance. "If you really believe that, then you're going to have to prove it."

Thrawn responded in kind. "I intend to."

Results: Thrawn gains Mandalorian Training trait, Jango Fett favor completed, inhibitor chip in Boba Fett located and removed, Jango has begun to seriously reconsider his relationship with the rest of the Mandalorians
AN: Man, I had a ton of fun writing Thrawn for this; he was unquestionably in his element here.

Anyway, expect the fun interlude to come sometime this weekend.