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

[Dr. Snark]

Excerpt from Private Memoirs of Mitth'raw'nurudo:

When I told my colleagues about the fact that the Voss genemods seem to have had no effect on me in regards to gaining sensitivity to the Force, many of them responded similarly. They offered me their sympathies, and admitted that the process was experimental and unpredictable to begin with, but that I should not be concerned with the failure.

While such words are understandable, even this "failure" presents opportunity. True, my closest colleagues may be aware that I am still not Force-sensitive, but many others are not aware of that fact. So I shall tell them the truth. They will learn that "Thrawn has been genemodded with Voss DNA, a species that is precognitive and natrually sensitive to the Force." Those words will spread and disseminate through the ranks, and as rumors inevitably do they will travel outside of the Watchers.

And of course, the truth in rumors is often distorted. So those words will - with only the slightest amount of guidance - be twisted into the phrase "Thrawn is capable of seeing the future." After all, many of my allies and opponents alike are already of the belief that my abilities border on precognition as it is - and in the heat of battle, how could a foe tell the difference between a skilled tactician and an actual precognitive?

So I will let those words spread. And in time they will become a weapon far more powerful than any starship.

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

Kalee, Ausez Megafauna Museum and Research Landing Pad

"Careful, careful!" a worker shouted as he led a team that was moving the rancor recovered from Dathomir towards its new home. "Do you want to piss that thing off!?"

The rancor growled as if in agreement, and as his handlers nervously continued to lead it off, Asajj watched them go before noticing Saato approaching her.

"It's good to see that the recovery went smoothly."

"Yes, though he was slightly uncooperative at times, I will admit," Saato replied, and Asajj noticed that she seemed...unsettled, for lack of a better word.

"What seems to be the matter?"

Saato looked at Asajj with a face that showed she had no idea what was going on. "Ah...Lady Ciaran sent us a message about the rancor's new name..."

Asajj facepalmed. "Just...just tell me what it is."

Saato nodded slightly before bringing out a datapad. "Um...according to her his name is now 'Lord Deathmittens Esquire the Third,' or 'Mittens' for short."

"Of course-"

"Ah...I wasn't finished, Sister," Saato clarified as Asajj looked at her with deadened eyes. "He is...apparently...also to be given the titles 'First of His Name, Keeper of Kalee, Former Deacon of Dathomir, He Who Arises in Might, The Black Foe of the World, Ambler of the Abyss, Alleged Tender Lover, Possessor of Many Titles, Yes You Do Have To Say the Whole Damn Thing Every Time," with that Saato looked at Asajj, who herself looked like she wanted to die. "T-that was in there, I swear! Then 'Purveyor of Cuddles, and Official Abyss Watcher Mascot, Long May He Reign, Abundantly May He Be Adored, and Forever May He Be Remembered."

"...Are you done?" Asajj asked in a monotone.

"Y-yes."

"I'm going to kill that woman myself the next time I see her..." she grumbled.

"I-is this normal for her?" Saato asked nervously.

"Unfortunately...yes," Asajj grumbled as Saato looked at her in a mixture of confusion and fear.

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

Luxus Resort, Naboo

On the surface, it seemed like Ciaran had arrived at her resort to do the usual celebrity things; spend lots of money wastefully, lord over people by flaunting her wealth, the usual gossip rag material.

In reality though, once she had arrived in her soundproofed room, Ciaran had almost immediately toppled onto the room's bed and slept the better part of a day away. By the time she got back up she was refreshed, but could still feel the pressure of everything that had happened recently.

She was nearly killed once again, this time without a convenient medical facility to heal her.
She learned about the Wound at the Jedi Temple, a nightmare of a problem that would massively complicate all of her plans.
She had single-handedly brought an end to the Nightsister clan and killed Talzin out of desperate necessity - and used the Dagger of Mortis on a living being for the first time.
She had finally brought in Obi-Wan and Anakin on the plot against Palpatine - not to mention whatever had happened to Anakin himself that made him so...different.
And of course, there was everything about the battle of Kalee - not to mention that explaining it away to Zsjni was the definition of pushing her luck (and even then she was positive that the woman only relented because there wasn't enough evidence to do anything else).

Really, it seems like with every day that passes there's some new disaster or crisis that threatens to ruin everything, a frustrated Ciaran thought to herself as she rolled over in her bed, trying to sleep but unable to fully drift off. Is it too much to ask for the galaxy to not throw some new problem my way every other day? I thought that trying to assassinate the damn Supreme Chancellor who is also a Sith Lord would be enough-

Her train of thought was cut off as she heard her comlink go off. With a groan, she brought it out and activated it, not caring what the other agent on the end would think. "What is it?" she snapped at them. "In case you didn't know, I'm on a break. Do Not Disturb."

"Ah...well, Boss, this is the kind of issue you specifically told us to inform you about immediately no matter what," the agent sheepishly replied.

Ciaran groaned. "Fine, dammit. What is it?"

"Uh...well, and again, you specifically told us to call you about this...but apparently Senator Amidala is...wearing an engagement ring?"

Ciaran's eyes widened under her mask as she bolted upright, the exhaustion she had felt completely vanishing. "Where?"

"Ma'am!?"

"Where is she tell me immediately"

-----------

While she had gotten a burst of energy from the news, there was no denying that Ciaran was still incredibly exhausted - not physically, granted, but definitely mentally. But still-

"Oh Padmeeeeee~"

The look of sheer terror on Padme Amidala's face as she turned to see Ciaran made the surprise "visit" to her home completely worth it. "L-Lady Ciaran!" she squeaked out, very conspicuously hiding her hands behind her back. "S-so good to see you! What brings you here!?"

Ciaran's grin could only be described as "malicious;" she didn't even say a word as she continued to stare at Padme, just continuing to smile...

"L-listen, I appreciate you stopping by but I uh...have...important Senator things to do. Very important a-and time-consuming! C-can you come back later? Please!?"

She looked at Ciaran pleadingly, but found no signs of mercy. As she began to understood the inevitability of what was about to happen, her shoulders sagged as her hands drifted out from behind her back - and sure enough, she was wearing a ring on her finger. It was honestly quite simple-looking; a steel band topped with a bright blue sapphire, but...

"He finally did it," Ciaran said, not even bothering to hide the glee in her voice. "So how was it where did he propose how long were you in shock details woman I need details"

As she nagged for details, Padme's face continued to become redder and redder. "I-it was on the fields not too far from here, it was quite lovely, and that's all you need to know," Padme said firmly, though the effect was ruined by her clear embarrassment.

"You know what this means, right?" Ciaran said, her grin going from "malicious" to "feral."

"Noooo-"

"Bach."

"No no no-"

"Elorette."

"Not! Happening!"

"Party."

Padme's response was to shriek in terror, recoil in fear, and tightly shut her eyes as she waited for the inevitable. She continued to brace herself until she started to hear Ciaran cracking up, at which point she opened her eyes and started glaring at the now hysterically laughing woman.

"Y-you - you really thought-" Ciaran couldn't continue speaking after that, having doubled over in a massive and uncontrollable fit of laughter. "I can't-" As Ciaran continued to howl with laughter Padme continued to glare at her "friend" in exasperation. It went on for what seemed like a solid minute before she finally started to recover.

"Are you done?" she said flatly as Ciaran's laughter finally trailed off.

"Yeah, yeah I'm good," Ciaran said between chuckles as she finally recovered. "Ohhhh, believe me, you have no idea how much I needed that. But still. We are going to have a bachelorette party, and you are going to enjoy yourself. Just not right this second," she said as she regained her posture and flashed a now considerably less sadistic smile.

"I'm still not interested, but that doesn't matter, does it?" Padme said with a long sigh.

"Nope!" Ciaran said gleefully before her face noticeably softened. "But in all sincerity, if ever there was a time to have it, it's definitely now."

Padme tilted her head slightly in confusion before her eyes slightly widened, followed by her shoulders noticeably sagging. "That...I understand that part, at least."

"We might as well enjoy ourselves while we can, right? After all, we have no idea what tomorrow's going to look like," Ciaran pointed out...and to her surprise it seemed like Padme's eyes had locked onto hers, even with the mask in between.

"...You sounded tired just now," Padme said quietly.

Ciaran's response was to chuckle mirthlessly. "That obvious? I must be slipping."

The room went silent after that comment before Ciaran shrugged and turned to walk away, waving behind her as she went. "See you later, then! I'll let you know when everything's set up...if I feel like it~!"

As she left she only barely noticed the loud groan of exasperation Padme let out as she made her way outside, then started heading out into the fields, not particularly caring about where she was ending up. After a minute or so of walking she eventually stopped and let herself topple back onto the soft grass, enjoying the feeling of the light breeze and bright sunny day. After a moment she reached out and-

Hey. Asajj. You there?

The rancor came in today. I hate the name. And the titles. Especially the titles.

Knew you would, Ciaran shot back as she grinned lightly.

*sigh* What's wrong? If that's the best comeback you have then I know something's happening with you.

Just...needed a breather is all. Wanted to know how you were doing.

...Clearly something is wrong. Where are you? And are you on spice or something?

Ciaran cackled to herself slightly. Cut me some slack. A lot's been happening and I thought I could use a bit of a break to get myself back in the game. Sue me.

That had better be all it is. You know what's-

I know, Asajj, Ciaran shot back, not even trying to hide her ire. After that, things went silent before-

...You do realize you may not ever get the chance to run away like this...at least not for a long, long time.

Course I do. That's why I'm enjoying it while I still can.

Once again, things went silent before Ciaran reached out to Asajj. Hey...so what do you plan on doing after all of...this?

...You must be joking.

I'm not. Honest.

Hmph. You seriously expect me of all people to trust in your honesty?

Asajj went quiet for a long moment.

...I don't know. I admit, the idea of "afterwards..." Well, I didn't think there would be an "afterwards" for me for a long, long time. ...Besides, you're asking a Sith to have thought about plans for the future aside from "gain more power" and "kill anyone who you think has wronged you."

Ciaran let out a laugh at that. Point taken.

Still, I don't think there is going to be an "afterwards" for people like us, or at least not the kind most people would want. There's always going to be some trial we have to overcome or some enemy we have to defeat.

...I hate that you're probably right.

No you don't. If there wasn't anything you had to deal with you'd be complaining about how bored you are and how you wish something exciting would happen - that, or you'd go out on some adventure going on nothing more than a fleeting rumor. Much as the rest of the galaxy would believe otherwise, peace isn't in your nature.

Mmm...you know what? That's honestly fair. But you do know I'd drag you along with me given the chance.

Much as I wish otherwise, yes, I do know. At this point I've given up on trying to get you out of my life anyway.

Even if you did, I bet it wouldn't be more than a day before you started to miss me.

Tch.

Once again the world went silent save for the sounds of the breeze rolling across the Naboo plains until-

While I am thinking about it...Skywalker. You must have known what happened to him.

Honestly, no idea, Ciaran replied as she sat back up, stretching out a bit before heading back towards the resort. I'll admit that I helped him start with...whatever he did, but after that I really do have no idea.

Surely you must at least have theories. I could feel...it when he arrived in the Kalee system. It was...

He felt like power. Like looking into the Force itself. That sound about right?

Yes. That is the only way I could describe it myself.

Again, I don't know. I've known he's had incredible potential for a long long time now, but even with my influence I wasn't expecting...that. Ciaran shook her head. The closest idea I have from what happened before he left and what he told me is that he went through some equivalent to the Trial of the Dark Spirit, but usually facing your inner demons like that does not cause you to practically radiate with the Force afterwards.

Says the woman who faced off against an echo of one of the most dangerous Sith Lords in history.

I don't think that trial usually involves facing a Sith Lord that also doubles as the embodiment of your innermost fears in single combat. Er... Ciaran tilted her head. Actually, he did that before he showed back up at Kalee, so yeah, I really don't know what happened.

How-

Mortis.

That - you...really don't have a better explanation, do you.

Nope. Most of the things that happened there by all rights and logic should have been impossible. Not to mention the Dagger I got from there that also shouldn't exist and shouldn't be capable of what it is. When Asajj didn't have a reply, Ciaran shrugged. Anyway, I'm sure you have things you'd rather be doing, so...go do those things, I guess. This is so much more awkward when you can't just hang up a comlink-

Just shut up already, and don't talk to me again unless it's important.

Ciaran shook her head and smiled to herself as she headed back to the resort, trying to enjoy the brief moment of respite while it lasted...

Genemod Results: Thrawn has gained the "Voss' Foresight (False)" trait.

AN: *falls out of carbonite freezing chamber*

My eyes - I cant see - no wait, it's gone now.

Okay. Time for the real talk. I did not mean to go on such a long hiatus. I did not mean to keep breaking my promises about this update coming Real Soon Now. I'd like to have some convenient scapegoat that I could say "this is what kept me away for so long," but really, it was just...life. Not even in a bad way - I'm definitely in a better position than I was before the hiatus - but there's just been a lot of stuff keeping me away. That's ending now, Force help me. I'm back, and once I get some sleep/come back in about 8 hours-ish I intend to stay back. Even if it takes me another several months to write another update (it shouldn't, circumstances are changing in a way that should keep me from feeling burnout right now and I'm going to make a very concerted effort to really get back in the game), I don't plan on going into radio silence again.

But uh...even when I was vaguely checking in I could see you crazy bastards were still writing omakes like crazy. Could someone get me a list of them so I don't have to trawl the thread? It'd help get me back in the game. (And for the record, the ones I have been seeing are quite excellent). Also point out what needs updating on the front if I miss something (that's also going to be fully updated after sleepytimes).

Okay, all that aside, specific update notes:

-Just because Thrawn can't use the Force doesn't mean he won't find a way to spin his situation into his advantage. Really, a guy like him doesn't need precognition anyway...
-I know the rancor name with all the titles technically lost, but they were too hilarious and in-character not to use, so I threw them in with the winning name. You're welcome!
-Consider the crit for "Annoy Padme" to be a setup for The Bachelorette Party to End All Bachelorette Parties. We'll see how many details I actually include when that rolls around...(not for censorship's sake or anything, but because the omissions would be way funnier)
-Honestly I wasn't trying to make that conversation at the end between Asajj and Ciaran so...uh...real? For lack of a better word? Guess it's true what they say about writers putting their feelings into their work or something. Huh.

 

[Publicola]

Map: Abyss Watcher Assets & CNS Space
As of Turn 29 Results​

Spoiler: Turn Narrative

Whew. In the second quarter of Year 16 (19 BBY), Lady Ciaran was busy.

In business matters, Lady Ciaran ousted Shu Mai and took over the Commerce Guild, invested through Mungo Baobab to acquire Hoersch-Kessel Drivework, and incorporated the IRIS Network with Baron Papanoida. Oh, and she finally received those backdoor access codes to the Republic Treasury from Kal Skirata, so that's the biggest windfall in the galaxy dropping into her lap.

In military matters, Lady Ciaran personally saved Honoghr despite Palpatine's assassination attempts (on her life and on her character), led the strike team to kill Mother Talzin, ordered the assassination of Armand Isard, and ensured the defeat of Admiral Trench in the Battle of Kalee.

In matters of the Force... Lady Ciaran gained the support of Obi-Wan Kenobi, Tholme, and Anakin Skywalker. She also directly recruited Quinlan Vos, the Jedi spy with psychometry, as well as Celeste Morne, the Jedi Shadow newly awakened after four millennia of hibernation. Oh, and she learned that there's a Force Wound at the center of the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, so she may need to organize the evacuation of the most densely populated planet in the galaxy. No biggie.

For the Abyss Watchers directly: Lady Ciaran ordered the construction of new bases on Cularin, Pantora, Manda, Procopia, and Cormit (a trading post in Chiss Space). She invested heavily in Kashyyyk and Naboo, expanded our latest facilities on Mustafar and Yavin, and drastically increased defensive spending on Coruscant, Mandalore, Muunilist, Taris, Naboo, and Ord Mantell, along with most other Abyss Watcher bases across the galaxy.

As for the Council of Neutral System: the new arsenal and command center at Fort Garnik on Ord Mantell has already proven useful, along with the recent standardization of CNS militia forces. Even so, recruitment has slowed somewhat. Notable new members include Dorin (center of the Baran Do Sages), Cyrillia (headquarters of Serv-O-Droid), Roche (homeworld for Verpine engineers), Jedha (center of the 'Guardian of the Whills' Force sect), Honoghr (homeworld for Noghri assassins), and Bunduki (center of the 'Followers of Palawa' Force sect), along with the Andoan Free Worlds and the rest of the Kathol Outback.

Spoiler: For Reference

Searchable galaxy map.
Sector Maps (from Star Wars: The Essential Atlas) for the Expansion Regions, Mid Rim, and Outer Rim.
Imgur Album: Star Wars Galaxy Maps (all end-of-turn maps side by side)

Index: Council of Neutral Systems
Sorted by Region: Sector: System
Only includes new sectors added this turn.
Sectors already affiliated with the CNS can be found here.
​

Deep Core

Spoiler: Deep Core

Lialic sector
- Constancia: homeworld of Constancian race (orange telepaths), [NB: childhood home of Gamine (anti-Empire activist) and Sharlee (battle-armor specialist), site of Outpost 8 (Sharlee's base) and Zeltron colony (red empaths)
- Fex: purple moon of Sha Qarot, crystalline surface and ecology, homeworld of Fexian skullborer species (tree-dwelling predators)
- Kalist VI: mountainous deserts, site of Kalist Base penal/labor colony [NB: Imperial-era political prison, childhood home of Dak Ralter (Rebel pilot)]

Core Worlds

Spoiler: Core Worlds

Tanjayan sector
- Bolenia: agriworld, homeworld of hillspinner species (massive creatures, terraform landscape to make hill-homes)
- Darada: home of Jev Sunrider (Jedi Watchman c. 4000 BBY) and Nomi Da-Boda Sunrider (Jedi Grand Master), site of ancestral Sunrider Estate
- Tanjay IV: sector capital, homeworld of Tanjayan race, home of Nemrileo irm-Drocubac (pro-CIS Senator murdered by Shu Mai in 22 BBY)

Colonies

Spoiler: Colonies

Baronos sector

Kilbanis sector

Kliap sector

Berrun sector
- Berrun: site of ancient Republic penal colony, resort world that hosted Galactic Games in 33 BBY
- Kattada: home of Mia Ikova (anti-Palpatine elected planetary governor), site of Haleoda Spaceport, smugglers' den on Commenor Run

Xobome sector
- Resht VII: headquarters of House Salaktori (chapter of Bounty Hunters Guild, preeminent chapter for most elite bounty hunters)
- Hino CXI: unexceptional agriworld in a densely packed solar system with hundreds of planets, dozens inhabitable

Belter sector
- Uquine: headquarters of Uquine Shipyards (TriAstra Belter tractor-beam ship), home of Tepha Leonis (agriculturist) [NB: Force-sensitive children]

Inner Rim


Expansion Regions

Spoiler: Expansion Regions

Mondress sector

Vardoss sector

Hijoan Space sector

Neshei sector

Sarla sector

Carvandir sector

Deadalis sector
- Dorin: homeworld of Kel Dor race, childhood home of Plo Koon (Jedi), center of 'Baran Do Sages' Force sect (meditation), site of Jedi Enclave

Ryborean sector


Axion sector
- Arkinnea: homeworld of Yuru race, site of 'Hidden Temple' (Jedi outpost), under CIS occupation
- Axion: Colicoid colony world, R&D facilities run by Colla Design (designed W-series droidekas, droid tri-fighters, buzz droids), CIS 'Foundry' world

Serathrace sector

Harron sector
- Reytha: massive agriworld, known for Reythan berry juice export, headquarters of Teks Granaries, site of Yeere Spaceport
- Tarhassen: sector capital, headquarters of Tarhassan Security, [NB: home of Zazana Renkel and Edbit Teeks (CIS and Republic spies, in love)], CIS member

Harron Marches sector


Cyrillian Protectorate sector
- Cyrillia: homeworld of Cyrillian race (tall reptiles), headquarters of Serv-O-Droid Inc. (utility droids, e.g. DUM pit droids and TT-8L gatekeeper droids)
- Prazhi: homeworld of Zexx race (long-lived tusked humanoids), trade hub
- Sarrahban: homeworld of Sarrahbanian race, mining planet rich in ytterbium (explosive compound used for laser cannons), neutral!

Parcelus sector
- Parcellus Minor: jungle planet rich in tzeotine (flammable resin), [NB: recent/imminent CIS orbital bombardment causes combustion of planet...]

Venzeiia sector

Mid Rim

Spoiler: Mid Rim

Vorc sector

Abaar sector


Taldot subsector

Roche sector
- Roche: asteroid field, homeworld of Verpine race (starship engineers), headquarters of Roche Industries (droids) and 'Slayn & Korpil' (starships)
- Va'art II: jungle moon, homeworld of Taozin species (Force-invisible bugs with lightsaber-resistant armor), can be converted into taozin nodules/amulets

Talcene subsector

Romintine sector
- Romin: homeworld of Romin race, childhood home of Elsae and Eldewn Sarvool (Force-sensitive twins), site of Cloudflower Wall (now defunct)

Tennuutta sector

Eucer sector
- Euceron: homeworld of Euceron race, site of Great Dordon Caves (hosted Galactic Games of 26 BBY) formerly controlled by Commerce Guild

Maldrood sector
- Abhean: headquarters of Republic Fleet Systems (ancient shipwright, affiliated with Jedi, produced Aurex-class A-Wing tactical strikefighter) [NB: nationalized c. 22 BBY], site of Abhean Shipyards (massive orbital drydock, built Chu'unthor praxeum-ship), CIS foundry world
- Besh Gorgon: site of heavily-armed 'The Wheel' space station (casino & smuggling den), thriving black market in Tirefin spice (drug)
- Centares: heavily urbanized trade hub and resort world on Perlemian Trade Route, site of 'Rubyflame Lake', CIS foundry world
- Ganzik: orbital shipyards run by Mesen Corporation (light spacecraft, e.g. SCT Scout Craft)
- New Holstice: hospital world, homeworld of 'memory moth' species, site of 'Jedi Monument to the Fallen', neutral!


Lambda subsector
- Algara II: homeworld of Xan race (heavily bureaucratized), headquarters of Algar Mining and Prosperine Entertainment, site of Club Prosperine (resort)
- Ando Prime: homeworld of Talid race, rich in vonium, headquarters of Elesa Mining Union, center of 'Order of Dai Bendu' Force sect [NB: pre-date Jedi]
- Andosha II: Aqualish colony world, home of Gorothin Vagger (Senator), capital of 'Andoan Free Worlds' (Republic loyalists)
- Argus: site of Celestial School of Spaceflight Engineering [NB: forced to close by Emperor Palpatine for unknown reason], home of Professor Maggis
- Mon Gazza: shadowport and major trade hub on Llanic Spice Run, spice mines controlled by Galactic Spice Mining Guild, site of pod-racing circuit
- Rintonne: sector capital, urbanized industrial planet, home of Rasit Brun (anti-CIS Senator)
- Thape: [NB: original center of 'Order of Dai Bendu' Force sect (grey-aligned, non-confrontational, merchant-monks, fifth day of week named 'Benduday')]
- Zolan: homeworld of Clawdite race (changeling), childhood home of Zam Wesell (bounty hunter), center of 'Mabari' sect (Jal Shey warrior-knights),

Herdessa sector
- Herdessa: sector capital, home of Shea Sadashassa (anti-Palpatine Senator), headquarters of Herdessan Guild, neutral!

Daimar sector
- Daimar: lush trade hub on Corellian Run, major economic & military rival of Rodia, home of Alet Komain (Senator, dislikes Onaconda Farr)
- Ooo-sek: Rodian colony world, homeworld of yo'uqiol species (man-sized Venus flytrap), jungle planet used to train Rodian bounty hunters
- Radnor: homeworld of Radnoran race, half of planet devastated by bioplague in 27 BBY, saved from follow-up invasion by Jedi (Obi-Wan...)
- Ragna III: homeworld of Yuzzem race (Wookie-caliber strength), forest planet

Vendusii sector
- Vendusii: sector capital, mining economy, sole source of 'Vendusii crystals' (multi-use, value depends on quality levels "001-999")


Tren Space sector (Freestanding Subsectors)
- Nopsin: Tren colony world, headquarters of Tren military
- Opitha Tren: homeworld of Tren race (resilient blue-skinned humanoids), capital of Tren Space,strongly order-driven society

Freestanding Subsectors
- Mhatma V: home of Shantee Ree(celebrity), natural preserve for 'attack stohls' species

Iskallon sector (Freestanding Subsectors)
- Iskadrell: homeworld of Iskalloni race (blue-skinned cyborgs), isolationist slavers, sole hyperlane to galaxy links to Brevost (Expansion Region)

Terrabe sector (Freestanding Subsectors)
- Jedha: moon of NaJedha, [NB: homeworld of Jedi Order], center of 'Guardians of the Whills' Force sect, site of Temple of the Kyber, rich in kyber crystals

Wild Space

Spoiler: Wild Space

Kadok Regions sector
- Guiteica: homeworld of Bitthævrian race (warlike), rich in yttrium, feldspar, & Bal'ta'ran crystals, conquered by Republic but prefers isolation/neutrality


Bakura sector
- Bakura: homeworld of Kurtzen race, headquarters of Bakur Mining Corporation and Bakur RepulsorCorp, center of 'Cosmic Balance' religious sect

Shiritoku Spur sector
- Abran: resource-rich asteroid field, site of B'Knos mining colony
- G'rho: Chandrila colony world, homeworld of Ilwizzt race, agriworld rich in juvica, site of Boku Settlement (crimson ore mining colony)

Pacanth Reach sector
- Bunduki: Epicanthix colony world, center of 'Followers of Palawa' Force sect (anti-Jedi, study midichlorians, developed Teräs Käsi martial art)
- Panatha: homeworld of Epicanthix race (humans with genetic immunity to Force mind tricks & telepathy), sector capital with mining economy

Trilon sector
- Rattatak: homeworld of Siniteen race (best navigators), childhood home of Asajj Ventress, site of The Cauldron (gladiatorial arena) and Castle Ventress

Mastare sector

Outer Rim

Spoiler: Outer Rim

Belderone sector
- Belderone: sector capital and trade world on Salin Corridor, site of Kuat Drive Yards factory, headquarters of regional anti-piracy fleet (funded by Ciaran)
- Lola Sayu: volcanic planet, site of 'Citadel Station' (Republic-designed prison for incarcerating rogue Force users)


Antemeridian sector
- Antemeridias: sector capital and trade hub on Perlemian Trade Route, site of Loronar Defense Industries factories (starship production)
- Krevas: homeworld of Krevaaki race (crustacean spiritualists), home of Vodo-Siosk Baas (legendary Jedi Master c. 4000 BBY, taught Exar Kun)
- Temako: headquarters of Keizar-Volvec (sublight engines, repulsorcraft), CIS foundry world


Kessel sector
- Formos: smugglers' den at terminus of Kessel Run hyperlane, site of Formos Spaceport
- Honoghr: homeworld of Noghri race (assassins), site of ancient Rakatan temple and Sith Academy [NB: site of impending CIS bioweapon spill]
- Kessel: homeworld of energy spider and bogey species, site of Spice Mines of Kessel (prison) [NB: site of Celestial-made biomechanical galaxy map]
- Oba Diah: homeworld of Pyke race, headquarters of Pyke Syndicate (spice) [NB: killed Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas and imprisoned Valorum's aide Silman]
- The Maw: cluster of black holes, site of Sinkhole Station, center of 'Mind Walkers' Force sect [NB: Celestial-made prison of Abeloth 'the Mother']


Grohl sector
- Calast: orbited by massive Golan Space Colony, trade hub and refueling/repair/supply station along southern Triellus Trade Route
- Felacat: homeworld of Felacatian race (changelings, baseline form has super-reflexes, shift to powerful 'cat' state when stressed), under CIS siege
- Sucharme: childhood home of Kligson (Cuy'val Dar), headquarters of Grohl Liberation Front (anti-CIS), agriworld invaded by Trade Federation pre-Naboo



Tarabba sector
- Glova: former precious-metal mining colony, now major agriworld, site of Orchid Hotel and Drepplin Starport
- Skustell: homeworld of Ongree race (diplomats), childhood home of Pablo-Jill and Coleman Kcaj (Jedi Masters), waterworld [NB: with treasure cave!]
- Utapau: homeworld of Pau'an (long-lived) and Utai (miners) races, home of Tion Medon (Chairman), sinkhole-cities, neutral [NB: under CIS occupation]


Kathol sector
- Aaris III: homeworld of Aaris race (revert to savagery), jungle planet, site of 'Place of Kastays' [NB: contains 'Plaque of Victory' omnicidal Sith artifact]
- Brolsam: Fefze colony world, fertile agriworld and artists' retreat
- Charis: major industrial planet, trade hub near Gandle Ott on Trition Trade Route
- Corjain: Svivreni colony world, resource-rich mining planet
- Gandle Ott: terminus of Trition Trade Route, heavily populated industrial center, site of Jedi chapterhouse and Corellian Merchants Guild offices
- Kal'Shebbol: Twi'lek colony world, pastoral agriworld (chollas and rice), major trade hub on Trition Trade Route, site of Kal'Shebbol Starport
- Kolatill: resource-rich factory world, headquarters of Ikas-Adno (speeders), Kal'Shebbol Transport and GandleMotors (repulsorlift vehicles)
- Oon Tien: homeworld of Jarell race ('hired muscle'), mining planet rich in gemstones and ore
- Pembric II: resort world for criminal underworld, major shadowport & smugglers' den, site of asteroid belt rich in hfredium ore (starships)
- Sebiris: homeworld of Sebiri race (hunters), site of Stone Temple (Celestial-built ruins), jungle planet rich in poisons and medicine
- Tanquilla Beach: asteroid mining facility-turned-shadowport, black market and smugglers' den, headquarters of Spang's Repair Shop
- Torize: heavily populated volcanic planet, industrialized trade hub, headquarters of Kazellis Corporation (light freighters), orbited by many shipyards


Dalicron sector

Seitia sector
- Barkhesh: lush agriworld, site of Great Temple Valley [NB: ancient Sith compound?]
- Cosmatanic Steppes: solid ground suspended in gas giant atmsophere, headquarters of Archaeological Association, site of Archaeo-Prime (space station)
- Manpha: homeworld of Shawda Ubb race (amphibians), [NB: childhood home of Rappertunie (Max Rebo Band musician)], site of Shanpan Spaceport
- Sil'Lume: asteroid field with 800,000 catalogued, site of 24 Tredway (asteroid base & family estate of Axton Tredway, Jedi Knight married with children)

 

[Barondoctor]

Dueling with Devan​

"In terms of ways people have reacted to previous surgeries I've done? This is a new one on me," I quipped, looking across the sparring area at my opponent: Devan For'Deschel.

She stared back at me, blue eyes daring me to give an insult she could channel into making her lightsaber form even more precise. "Yes, my new left arm feels just like the old meaty one, both in the Force and in terms of physical senses." She brushed her blazing red hair out of her eyes. "I'm the Mistress of Lightsabers for the whole Almas Academy. Personal instruction is a gift. I'm thanking you," she said, a flurry of powerful blows coming at me seemingly without effort.

I spent considerably more effort blocking them, calling on the Force for might to empower my Djem So form, somewhat surprising because I don't cut an imposing figure. I'm not even two meters tall and while I might be stronger than I look and stronger than I might seem? There's a galaxy full of species better set up to do the big hulking brute thing.

"Djem So. My predecessor was a Wookiee and he was a peerless master of the form," she said, clinical in tone as I might have been about normal pre-surgical blood tests. "Granted, you're way stronger than I'd have thought. Perhaps Master Qel-Bertuk was right about bringing you and Knight Thel-Tanis. If nothing else, you've taught me a valuable lesson on re-examining my personal biases: Consular Jedi are in fact capable of fighting." She parried my attempts at attack and countered. "Not as well as dedicated battlemasters, maybe," she continued, her attacks continuing to keep me on the defensive.

"Matukai training," I revealed, an acknowledgement that I had one part training from hell and one part a Force-powered leg up in the strength department. "Did Master Qel-Bertuk even see our faces?"

Devan laughed, closing down her lightsaber. "Long before you ever got here. Acknowledging that you were here meant he could start focusing his visions on scenarios with the two of you present. There's something going on he's been playing cagey with. Something about the Unifying Force connecting us all. I'll admit I'm a bit more focused on the present. My surroundings. It's what makes me Mistress of Lightsabers rather than Mistress of The Entire Academy, granted, but I'm good with this. I'm good at this."

"Anything out of the ordinary going on around here lately?" I asked. I wasn't very good at the whole future-sight thing, but I'd done a bit of the whole detective-work thing, and anything big enough to get the Almas Jedi to call in outside help tended to leave...what I'm going to call past-echoes. If the Force were an author I'd call it foreshadowing. The Force is a lot of different things to a lot of different people, but I don't think I'd ever heard of anyone who said it had a personality, that it bound people into a destiny. Hell of a corny pick-up line if the Jedi were into that sort of thing.

"You mean other than the recent kidnapping of several Jedi by a dark-side cult? The holding of the captured Jedi in the fortress of an ancient Sith Lord responsible for developing Sith Battle-Lords, a sort of Force Bond that made the beneficiary Sith more resilient and capable of transferring injuries to nearby bonded individuals, as well as guaranteeing loyalty among Sith more commonly known for stabbing each other in the back?" Devan responded.

I blinked. "That would be the weird uneasy feeling I got from the planet on the way in. Why is it Jedi love putting academies on worlds with dark side nexuses? Almas, Tython..."

"The better to watch the Dark Side and ensure it does not grow strong. We get many Tarasin from their irstats. Fascinating people. Perhaps you should ask one of them. For now? Start again," For'deschel commanded.

I lit my lightsaber, focusing my strength on moving quickly, Ataru form now. The change seemed to startle Devan and I managed to put her on the defensive. "The Tarasin might know more?"

"They are connected with the Force, this planet, and the natural world. If anyone would know about things going on here, it would be them," The Mistress of Lightsabers clarified. "Shuffling between Forms," she observed. "Still trying to find your own. We can work on that."

I don't know that I'd ever been more violently thanked for a successful surgery in my life, but by the end of it I'd actually started to develop my own lightsaber style that embraced both Ataru and Djem So, using Matukai-enhanced speed and strength to be fast against slower enemies and strong against weaker ones.


A/N: Still haven't established the impending doom. Still haven't met all the players or had characters figure out what's happening.

(In OTL, Palpatine sends a disposable pawn I'm calling Darth Garth to wipe the Almas Academy off the board. Garth Ezzar, Sith Warrior, brings on pirates and mercenaries and does the job before eventually biting off more than he can chew and dying at the hands of The Player Characters. That's right, this was connected with an Adventure Path / Module for an old edition of a star wars roleplaying game. Given the lack of Anakin on hand and Dooku's loyalty being questionable at best, it's possible Darth Garth might be more heavily relied-upon by Spicy Sheev.)

 

[Stardust&Scotch]

I'm not going to mince words; these are both really damn good. +10 for both, and you'd better finish that trilogy so I can canonize them!

Click to shrink...

As requested, so delivered.

---

Conversations with Dead People
Part III




Home

A long-dead Dark Lord of the Sith was an invaluable resource, one of which Lady Ciaran had made excellent use. Now, after stalling for a time with Ciaran by giving her further Makashi lessons (if she really intended to face his Master, she desperately needed it) Dooku found it to be his moment to try and make use of this resource. He entered a conference room of sorts, in which two men were waiting for him, one an utterly unremarkable and unmemorable humanoid, the other …

"Welcome to my Home, my lord," said Darth Vectivus, a phantom of the Force that offered a wan, yet unthreatening smile. "It is an unexpected pleasure, but an appreciated one."

It took Dooku a moment to recover his wits. But only a small one. "Appreciated? Do you mean to tell me that a Sith specter gets lonely?"

"I could hardly feel lonely these days given the Abyss Watcher presence here. No, it's the intelligent conversation. Whenever Lady Ciaran is away, I find it to be … lacking." After a moment, the phantom turned. "No offence meant, Number Two."

"None was inferred, sir."

Dooku raised a hesitant eyebrow. "Your … aide?"

Vectivus wiggled his spectral hand back and forth. "For lack of a better term, yes. My state of existence preserves my intellect, but," he passed his hand through the table and back again, "the trade-off included my ability to materially affect anything. So Number Two handles the necessary physical details for me."

"He seems very unperturbed by serving a Force ghost," Dooku observed placidly.

"He seems very unperturbed by much of anything," Vectivus replied. "I should know; Lady Ciaran decided to test the limits of his calm once, when she didn't have any of her friends or employees around to harass. She did not detect a limit before she lost interest, which I did not previously think possible."

"Your aide not having a limit?"

The smile turned wry. "Ciaran losing interest in bothering someone." The thought was so alien to Dooku's mind that he barely noticed the sentence's continuance. "Number Two," Vectivus turned to regard the man, "I don't believe you'll be necessary during this little get-together." With a nod, the man departed, and closed the door behind him.

"He needn't have left," Dooku said, thankful as he was for the unsettlingly stoic man's absence.

Vectivus shook his head. "It took most people weeks if not months to become comfortable in his presence, let alone ignoring it as if it were part of the furniture, as he wished. And I don't believe you require additional discomfort at this time."

"I don't find myself to be especially discomfited."

"Physically? Perhaps not," the specter allowed. "However, I can sense the turmoil beneath your calm veneer even without using the Force. I cannot imagine this to be an easy or pleasant experience for you."

Dooku blinked. "I'm afraid I don't understand."

Amusement spread across Vectivus' face. "Indeed you do not. There are a great many things you do not understand, my lord, and that has plagued you all your life, hasn't it?"

Dooku became very still. "I don't take your meaning."

"Don't you? You could not find the answers in your Order or in your ancestry, and when you left one Order to look in another, comprehension still eluded you. You are smart enough to know when you do not know something, yet incapable of believing that you don't know where or how to find the information you desire. It pains you far beyond any physical harm to conceive that Dooku, Jedi Master, Count of Serenno and Dark Lord of the Sith, could need help. And because of that pain, you have found nothing. Yet you could not live with your own failure, and where did that bring you? Here. To me.

"Or am I wrong?" the phantom stared impassively.

Dooku was silent for a moment. Then, "That is the second time in as many days that a Force ghost has presumed to know me better than I know myself," he growled. "What leads you to believe you know the first thing about me?"

"I have asked our mutual apprentice for information about you in the past, and I am an intelligent man with more time on his hands than most any other soul in the galaxy. I have had plenty of time to think about what she told me," Vectivus finished pointedly. "And I think I know what you are trying to find the answer to."

"Pray tell."

Vectivus merely arched an eyebrow. "Now what kind of mysterious specter would I be if I simply gave you the answers you're looking for?"

Dooku ground his teeth. "A helpful one."

Vectivus let out a barking laugh. "You clearly haven't spent enough time around Ciaran if you think it would be that easy to find out what you want to know."

"Or you've spent too much time around her," Dooku huffed. "I don't need this." He turned towards the door.

"You need it more than anyone I have ever met," Vectivus appeared in front of him, "and I have been alive a good deal longer than you, and dead for longer than that. Even now, with answers in reach, you cling to your ego as if it were your entire identity. Does that sound like a person that does not need to be taken down a peg or two?"

Dooku bristled. "It isn't 'ego' to be disinterested in leading questions and needling answers. It's knowing that if I want or need those, I can simply talk to a physician."

"At your age you probably should be regardless, but that's hardly the point."

"This isn't what I came here for. This isn't what I need." Dooku made again to leave.

The specter wasn't having it. "And you think that you'll find what you need in your lonely castle under Sidious' thumb?"

He stopped.

"You've walked away from your Order, forsaken your oaths, to try and find what you need, and when you couldn't do that you turned to a man you didn't understand and hoped he would help you find it. Did that work out for you?"

Dooku was silent for what felt like an eternity. Finally, he whispered, "no."

"So why would walking away and turning to Sidious work out for you this time?" Dooku recognised the question as rhetorical. "Sit down," Vectivus gestured at a chair. "You're an old man, and not meant for standing on your feet all day. Having been an old man once myself, I won't think less of you for being in a seat."

The pause held for a long moment, before Dooku took the chair. "Thank you." Even if the specter had been around Ciaran too long (and Vectivus clearly had) it never cost anything to be polite.

"In the interest of politeness," Dooku only just managed to keep his self-satisfied smirk internal, "and curiosity on my part, why do you think you're here?"

"I believe I am here to align myself more firmly with Lady Ciaran. I received advice from someone I trust," and he could only say as much because he knew Qui-Gon would never conceivably be able to hear of it, "that she, and her shadow advisor, if you'll forgive the pun, could be of use in my mission."

Vectivus gently drifted about the room. "I assure you that every conceivable pun about my existence, and a few that were not, has already been voiced by our mutual apprentice. Often. If it offended me, she would not have free reign of my Home. So, to better understand what it is you seek from us, what is this mission of yours?"

"To save the galaxy."

"…well, you certainly don't lack for Sith ambition. Save it how?"

This, Dooku was more comfortable with. "The Republic is hopelessly, irretrievably corrupt. It is poisoned by greed and cowardice, collapsing under its own bureaucratic weight and held aloft only by one man making himself the sole pillar of the system. It cannot be fixed or reformed. It is time to start over."

"I assure you that I have heard your Confederacy pitch, and I am unmoved by it. The Republic you describe is, but for your master's consolidation, point for point the same Republic I lived under long before any of you. It is the same Republic that Revan nearly overthrew. It has survived for thousands of years regardless of dilletante Sith Lords attempts to bring it down. What makes this so different?"

Dooku tilted his head. "None of those dilletantes made themselves the unifying figure and sole political power in the Republic. Feel about him as you will, but he's far smarter than any Sith Lord that has attempted to overthrow the galaxy before."

Vectivus nodded. "Point taken. But that still doesn't answer the question: how do you intend to save the galaxy?"

"Starting over."

"Yes, I have heard that statement before. I am dead, not deaf." Vectivus offered a pointed, if neutral gaze from the head of the table opposite Dooku before he went back to floating about. "Leaving aside for the moment that you would be starting over with the same bureaucrats answering to the same man, is overthrowing the Republic really your mission, your goal?"

"Making a better world, better worlds, a better galaxy, is my goal."

"And you don't see that goal and your present course as diametrically opposed?"

It brought him short. "…I didn't used to. I thought that with my help, my Master and I could reshape the galaxy as we saw fit."

"And you don't see your vision and his as diametrically opposed?"

That answer came far more easily. "I do now. He cares not for the marginalized worlds I wanted to champion. He cares not for the people who suffer while the elite – Senators, businessmen, and Jedi alike – sat in ivory towers and got fat and complacent. He cares not for the betterment of the galaxy. He cares for nothing but power, and he would burn the entire galaxy, planet by planet, down to the ground and then destroy the ground too if it meant he would be Emperor of the ashes."

"And this is not you. Not what you wanted."

Dooku shook his head vigorously, disgust for his Master evident in the motion. "No."

Vectivus stopped moving around the room, and 'sat' next to him. "Then what do you want?"

Well. That was the point, wasn't it. What did he want, really? "…I…" Being at a loss for words was a foreign, profoundly unpleasant sensation for him.

"Take your time, my lord."

Honesty, real unfiltered honesty was hard, after a lifetime of suppressing it. It took a vexing amount of time and effort to voice it all. "I never wanted to fight the Republic or conquer the galaxy. I wanted to fix it. I wanted to be recognized and celebrated for my part, I admit. But rule is the Sith's dream, it is Sidious' dream, not mine. All I've ever wanted was to make it better, the way I know it can be." He looked at his hands, wrinkled and liver-spotted, firmly holding one another on the table. To look anywhere else would be too much right now. "And…yes, some admiration would have been nice. Not the fawning the Nemoidians do, bootlicking practically embedded in their DNA, not false praise from the Geonosians, condescension dripping from every buzz and click. Honest admiration from intellectual, powerful peers. Just a little, just once."

"You have that in Lady Ciaran."

That got him to look away, up to the specter's face. "…you think so?"

"Let's not pretend that she is not every inch as intelligent or ambitious as us, or that she is not quickly surpassing us in power."

"…those are true, but also not what I meant."

"I understood what you meant. And yes," Vectivus nodded firmly. "Ever the consummate politician, she'll couch or dodge or evade or faff about if confronted directly about it, but it is profoundly obvious. Besides her, well, obvious personality quirks, she is a polite, respectful and considerate ally. But there are few of her allies she genuinely admires. You are among them."

"I suppose I had never really considered it. Only that she would use me for her purposes, as I have others for my own."

"She can do both. She is a talented woman. But clinging to such ego will do you no good, and help you not a whit in your goals."

"You think I should let go of my ego altogether?"

"Hardly. Where would any of the people in my Home be if they had dismissed their ego? No, I think it is time that you let off the mantle you've spent so long trying to wear." The point approached, and Dooku knew it. "You are not the savior of the galaxy. You are not the champion of the Republic. You are not the leader of the Confederation. You are not a Master of the Jedi Order. You are not Tyranus, Dark Lord of the Sith. What are you?" For perhaps the first time in his long years, he felt at peace with himself. He was truly serene.

And he was ready. "I am Dooku. And that is enough."

---

Two people leaned against a wall, with a third standing nearby, looking down the hall towards the conference room. "They've been in there for a long time," Ciaran noted.

"This is accurate," Number Two replied.

"How many hours did you spend trying to find a personality in him?" Asajj side-eyed her.

"More than I'd like to admit. But you shouldn't talk about him like he isn't here," Ciaran half-attempted politeness as she gestured at the man across the hall.

"There isn't anything there to be here, Ciaran," Asajj returned.

"Is politeness an unknown language to you?"

"Yes," came the immediate reply.

"…okay, I opened the door for that one."

"Practically held the door open for me," Asajj nodded.

"Master Dooku is emerging," Number Two spoke.

Both of them stopped bantering to look down the hall. If he hadn't said as much, they would hardly have noticed Dooku's exit. His Force presence felt far more similar to theirs now than it had when he arrived, and the air about him suggested that a massive weight had been lifted from him. As he approached them, Number Two simply passed by him, returning to his master, and Asajj began to make herself scarce. "No, Asajj, please. We have much to talk about, and a great deal I have to make amends for, and I would like to speak about it with you, if you are willing." His former apprentice paused for a long time, before giving what to Ciaran felt like a very reluctant nod. Unmoving from her deliberately casual pose on the wall, Ciaran reached out-

Will you be alright?

I'm always alright.

For a Sith, you are a terrible liar.

To you, I am a terrible liar. To everyone else…

Asajj?

Yes. I will be okay. This has been coming for a long time, and I need this. Perhaps as much as he does.

I can help you avoid him if you want.

I think this is more important than playing with the rancor again.

I can help you kill him if you want.

While I would appreciate the help, I know you need him alive.

Not like I need you.

…I appreciate how honestly you mean that. It means a lot. But I don't think I need him dead…right now.

You change your mind, I'm there.

I know. The exchange, lasting mere moments, ended with a smile so small and so soft that Ciaran almost missed it. Asajj gave her former master a less reluctant glance than before, and then she moved down the hall to a different room for their talk.

Before he made to follow, Dooku looked over. "Lady Ciaran, if you have not already, begin putting together a list of people. Your best minds, your best leaders, people that can be trusted. Then start gathering them. The time has come for us all to talk about what comes after the Republic dies."

Unthinkingly abandoning her casual pose, Ciaran stood far more alert. "It doesn't sound like you're suggesting an intellectually stimulating dinner party."

She was nearly bowled over when Dooku let out a warm chuckle. "If that is how you wish to preface the gathering, by all means do so." Then the amused warmth faded. "But know that it is not something to consider or engage with idly, as if it were far off."

"You bring bad news, don't you." It wasn't a question as she crossed her arms in front of her.

As he walked away to follow Asajj and leave Ciaran with her own thoughts in the deep silence of the hall (and Number Two's 'company') he pronounced half-over his shoulder, "I bring you grave news, my lady. The war has begun to end."



-fin-

Spoiler: Author's Notes

Well. This took forever to write. And it didn't used to be nearly 3k words jesus christ what did I dooo.

Finding a balance between two old men, with wry senses of humor, loads of Dark Side energy and cutting insight, made it tricky as shit to not just write them, but distinguish them from each other. I found it helped a lot to imagine Darth Vectivus, played in this film by Charles Dance, as drier and a bit more willing to poke the bear (bit more like Tywin Lannister, lbr, because he is the best character in television history do not @ me he just is) and Dooku, at this point in the arc, as more introspective and yet still a little defensive, like a crab losing its shell.

Also: I won't stop shipping it and nothing you say or do will make me.

 

[Dr. Snark]

RNS Resolute, Deep Space
Meeting Room

As the stars outside slowly drifted by, Yularen idly tapped a finger on the table he was sitting at. His hair was visibly greyed from the combined stress of leading the Resolute and her associated forces while simultaneously organizing an army under the Supreme - no, Sidious's nose.

The moment that Yularen had learned the truth that man ceased to be the Supreme Chancellor in his eyes.

As he waited for his guests to arrive he started to muse on how the others were holding up. Rex had either been drilling with his troops or in some simulator or other. Yularen wasn't sure how much sleep the man had been getting, but it couldn't have been much. As for Ahsoka, if she wasn't training with Rex she was pouring over after-action reports, information on fleet movements, and any scrap of intel Yularen could get his hands on. Leading the Resolute to Kalee had been a much-needed morale boost for everyone, and she was already trying to locate more opportunities that they could use to expand their forces.

Before he could fully start to process Anakin's...situation and everything going on with it, his train of thought was interrupted by the sound of the door opening. His eyes met Obi-Wan's as the Jedi Master entered the room and wordlessly sat down next to Yularen. His expression was contemplative and distant; Yularen suspected the only reason he wasn't starting to have grey hair himself was because of the Force flowing through him and even then...

"Tholme shouldn't be any more than a couple of minutes," Obi-Wan said, breaking the silence. "I can't say for sure why he was being so coy - for lack of a better word - about the reason for this meeting, though."

"I wish he wouldn't be since we both have enough to deal with as it is," Yularen said, sighing deeply. "Organizing our forces, Sidious' plans, the list goes on and on..."

"Very true. Though I can safely say that at the very least Anakin isn't on that list anymore for what little that's worth to the both of us. I don't know exactly where he is right this second, but last I spoke with him he was on Naboo for reasons I'm sure you're aware of. At least now he's actually responding when I try to reach out to him."

Yularen shook his head slightly in exasperation. "Even when he's not present he continues to be...Skywalker. I don't know where he went or what happened to him but at least he could-"

His comment was cut off as the door opened again, admitting Tholme into the room. He held his cane in one hand and a nondescript cylindrical container in the other - judging by the way he was holding it its contents seemed to be rather light. "My apologies for being late, gentlemen," he said as he entered the room, "as well as for being so secretive about why I wanted to speak with the both of you." With that he took a seat across from Yularen and Obi-Wan, placing his cane and the container against the respective sides of his chair.

"The lateness I understand, the secrecy less so," Yularen flatly replied. "Given circumstances I can hardly think of a reason for it."

"It is because...I wanted to discuss a matter that others aboard this ship would be more burdened by than anything else," Tholme responded before Yularen could continue. "There is another subject I wanted to discuss at the same time that is less...complicated," he said as he tapped his container slightly, "but it can wait." He leaned forward slightly, clasping his hands together in front of him. "We need to talk about what happens after we defeat Sidious."

"Surely that is a matter for Bail, Padme, and company," Obi-Wan said, his tone even and calm. "As important as our roles are going to be in the coming days, none of us should be the ones who decide what should become of the Republic once the time comes." As Obi-Wan finished responding, Yularen nodded in assent with his words.

"An admirable response, and one fully expected from the both of you," Tholme responded. "And it is one that under normal circumstances I would agree with without reservation." His eyes narrowed. "But there is one very significant reservation I have in regards to that plan. Our mutual friend...for as long as her goals align with ours." He glanced between Obi-Wan and Yularen, both of whom remained silent after Tholme's statement. "We cannot ignore the obvious signs. Ventress being associated with her is cause enough for alarm in its own right, but the fact that she was able to discern the true nature of the Clone Wars when none of us could is as impressive as it is unsettling. Not to mention that she has a mole of some persuasion high enough up in the Separatist chain of command that she was able to gain actionable intel on the assault on Kalee."

"As much as I agree with everything said, we also cannot deny what she has done both for us and others associated with her," Obi-Wan countered. "We could have easily been left in the dark as you alluded to, and quite frankly she placed a significant amount of trust in all of us when she revealed Sidious' identity. And while I will certainly admit seeing Ventress alive was shocking to put it mildly...I could sense that she had changed, perhaps for the better. She was at the very least also willing to trust us with the fact that she was still alive."

Yularen had brought a hand up to his chin, idly rubbing his beard as he pondered the dilemma himself. It was certainly an unenviable situation - Ciaran had ties to people and organizations that were dubious at a minimum, and she knew far too much about everything to be fully trusted. At the same time though, the fact of the matter was that her assistance so far had proved to be nigh-invaluable...and something that would cost them more than her to spurn. No doubt it was an arrangement she was more than pleased with. Still...

"I trust your judgement, Master Kenobi," Tholme said as he leaned back slightly, "but my point is that afterwards she may very well be an enemy as dangerous as Sidious himself were she to turn against us, if not moreso given how much intelligence we share with her by necessity. It is not a problem that can be solved satisfactorily right now though, and I genuinely hope that my concerns turn out to be little more than paranoia on my part. But we do need to keep that in mind as we move forward. But, that aside, I did also want to speak with you both about another matter that I suspect neither of you are going to be pleased with either."

"Come now Tholme, you were getting my hopes up for a moment there when you told me that it was less complicated," Obi-Wan dryly replied. "I was hoping that for once we were about to hear about a stroke of good luck instead of whatever it is you're threatening to tell us about."

"Luck has nothing to do with this, for better or worse," Tholme said as he hefted the container onto the table, setting it down and turing the top to face him. "It's more because I know you both - and especially you, Master Kenobi - well enough that you personally will not enjoy what I'm about to tell you." Before either man could respond he hit a switch on the container. "The people under our command are frightened, confused, and facing a situation that by all accounts seems hopeless." Tholme reached inside the container and seemed to grab onto something that Yularen couldn't see. "They need something to believe in, something greater than themselves to be inspired by if the Republic has failed them." As Tholme moved his hand back Yularen saw that he had a roll of faded red cloth in his hand, which he laid on the table in front of him and slowly spread out, revealing it to be an old banner marked with a pair of fleurs-de-lis.

"If ever there was a time, this is it. It is time for the Army of Light to be reborn."

The banner was old and ragged, its colors faded. But if anything it only served to give it a sense of gravity that it would not have had otherwise. The room went silent as Yularen and Obi-Wan processed what Tholme was showing them.

"...Master Tholme. Please tell me you are not implying what I think you are," Obi-Wan said quietly, his eyes glued to the banner.

"Look around you," Tholme softly replied. "Who else could lead us? Master Yoda has left to who knows where. The rest of the Council is either being corrupted or has scattered."

"Surely you could, Admiral-"

"He is a great leader, but not the one we desperately need." Tholme nodded towards Yularen. "I mean no offense."

"None taken, but even so..." Yularen closed his eyes in thought. "I am no expert in the history of the Jedi. But I am well-versed in military history, and the fact is that the Army of Light was explicitly disbanded so that the Jedi would not become more powerful than the government they swore to protect." He reopened his eyes, staring down Tholme. "Are you certain we aren't simply tossing aside a principle-"

"What 'principle?'" Tholme interrupted. "A Sith Lord is in control of the Republic and Separatists. Every minute, every second, thousands of people continue to die on countless worlds to further his ambitions, treated as little more than kindling to continue fueling the flames of war." He jabbed a finger at the banner to punctuate his point. "The Army of Light - the first Army of Light - was created a millennium ago to protect a Republic that could not protect itself from the Sith that were hellbent on destroying it. Now, more than ever, the galaxy needs the Army once again. I won't deny that we are embarking down a dangerous path given the power we would be gathering for the sake of protecting the galaxy." Yularen went silent at that as Tholme turned his focus to Obi-Wan. "That is why I do not trust anyone with this power other than you, Obi-Wan. Were it anyone else I would have doubts barring perhaps Master Yoda himself. But not you."

Obi-Wan did not respond, continuing to stare at the banner and visibly pondering how he should respond.

"It is not because of your skill, charisma, or anything of the sort. It is because I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you have the strength to set aside what we are going to build once all is said and done."

The room went silent for a long moment, and then...

"Well then...when you put that much faith in me, I suppose I don't have much of a choice in this matter, do I?" Obi-Wan said softly as he slowly moved his hand across the banner.

"Frankly...no," Tholme said. "But I thank the Force that the choice was in your hands."

His eyes locked onto Obi-Wan with a fierce intensity.

"What are your orders, Lord Kenobi?"

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

The Oracle, Ciaran's Office

Ciaran looked over the reports on how the aftermath of the Battle of Kalee was shaking out on her personal computer and mulled over its contents. To her relief it looked like Palpatine had taken her bait according to some reports from Dooku, who had mentioned that he had in fact started a hunt for the traitor(s) in the Separatist ranks. Dooku was only too happy to use the opportunity to kick off a wild goose chase, but he freely admitted that he could only string Palpatine along so far before he caught onto the game. As for the newly-minted IRIS (Intelligent Reporting for Intelligent Sapients) Network that was being set up with Paponoida, so far it had been working exactly as the pair had planned. While there weren't any heavily critical articles being run on Palpatine as of yet, the name at least was already starting to spread far and wide to Ciaran's approval.

She was still waiting to hear back from Abysswalker Alicia on the situation on Coruscant; while she'd been initially assigned to protect Padme the news of the Force Wound had warranted a dramatic change in priorities. Any information on any potential effects it was having on the planet would be invaluable, let alone the general unrest on the planet with the war dragging on for yet another year.

Still-

Whatever thought was in Ciaran's mind vanished as she felt a disturbance in the Force seconds before her computer lit up with a high-priority alert. Quickly activating the nearby comm unit, she shouted out "What's going on!?"

"There's a vessel that just jumped in - it must have been only a few kilometers away from the Oracle at most - it's currently-"

The voice on the other end trailed off, but before Ciaran could demand a response it came back again. "...Ma'am...I'm getting a transmission from the ship requesting landing permissions. The IFF..."

Before he could finish Ciaran realized she felt a very familiar presence coming closer. "Permission granted. In fact I'll be meeting our visitor personally." She cut off the call before any response could be heard, yanking off her mask before beginning to storm through the halls of the Oracle towards the hangar bay.

It seemed like only seconds before she practically burst through the doors to the hangar, and sure enough there was Anakin, idly leaning against his fighter and glancing around as R2-D2 stood by him. The astromech droid let out a few beeps as Ciaran approached the pair, catching Anakin's attention as she made her way over, the rest of the area rapidly emptying as the crew realized they were seeing something they definitely should not have been.

"Hey there. Don't mind me, I was just taking things in. Been a while since I was in-"

"What in the hell do you think you're doing here!?" Ciaran hissed out. "And do you mind explaining why exactly you decided to hyperspace in so close to the ship without warning!?"

Anakin blinked in confusion before he shook his head and smiled ruefully. "Oh yeah, should have explained myself first. Sorry, I was honestly kind of in a hurry. I've had a lot to do, as I'm sure you of all people would know."

Ciaran shook her head in exasperation. "Whatever it is, there'd better be a damn good reason for you coming here. I'm going to need to scrub the ship's sensor and camera logs for one just in case..."

R2 beeped in clear annoyance as Anakin gave him a playful glare. "Well, I'd say it's a good reason," he said lightly before his face hardened and his eyes locked onto Ciaran's. "I know this is a bit unorthodox, but I wanted to put in an application, and I figured you'd be the one person who could cut through a lot of red tape for me."

Ciaran stared blankly at Anakin, blinking a couple of times in shock as she processed what she'd just heard. "I'm...sorry...are you saying-"

Anakin nodded. "Might as well say it out loud - I'd like to apply for a position in the Abyss Watchers, if you're still hiring that is."

The hangar went silent as Ciaran stared blankly at Anakin. "You're serious."

"Completely." Anakin let out a sigh and shrugged his shoulders. "Fact of the matter is that you're basically leading everyone against Palpatine at this point, and I'm not ashamed to admit that I'd be much better off working with you more directly than independently like Obi-Wan and Yularen are."

"And...the 501st? Your Padawan?" Ciaran asked, still slightly in shock.

"I'm not going to abandon them or anything - if they need me, I'll drop everything to go help them," Anakin confidently replied. "But I've talked it over with Ahsoka, and she's definitely proven she and the 501st can handle themselves without me - hell, if I had the right to I'd have Knighted Ahsoka myself at this point, but given that I've exiled myself from the Order, well..." He tilted his head slightly. "Actually, I do need to tell Obi-Wan that I said that...another thing on the list I guess."

"You do realize that if, if, you were hired on..." Ciaran grumbled before shaking her head in exasperation. "You know full well about the company I keep-"

"I know, shades of grey, spare me the lecture," Anakin responded. "And it's not going to dissuade me. My mind is made up, the only question is whether or not you're going to accept my request or not."

Ciaran closed her eyes and pinched her brow, letting out a sigh before opening them again and staring down Anakin. "This...this is because of whatever you found on your...journey, isn't it?"

"Partly, I won't deny it."

She continued to stare at him, trying to find even the slightest bit of hesitation or concern...but saw none. Her stare down also gave her time to properly think about what he was saying and one thing was clear immediately - having someone as strong in the Force as him, to say nothing about his military and engineering accomplishments...it would be an incalculable boon to her efforts. But...

"I get the feeling this would be a temporary arrangement until our mutual problem is dealt with?" Ciaran said, having calmed herself down with her internal analysis.

"Yes. Once that's over I really won't have a reason to stay." There was zero hesitation or doubt in Anakin's response.

Ciaran thought this over for a moment, then let out another sigh. "There is...so much that will need to be done. I can't promise anything immediately, but I'll see what we can do here." Without waiting for a response, Ciaran immediately turned and began to walk away. "Get yourself unpacked, I'll send someone to escort you to a room at least. Asajj is never going to let me hear the end of this..."

"Your prompt acceptance is appreciated, Lady Ciaran."

She froze in her tracks. The voice she had just heard was not Anakin Skywalker's. It was a voice that she had only heard once before...

She slowly turned to face Anakin, and...

"Is something wrong?"

There he was. R2 let out a low whine, clearly as confused as Anakin.

"...Who was that I heard just now?" Ciaran said quietly, trying to sense what had happened. But all she saw in her Force vision was the same blinding light Anakin always seemed to emit.

Anakin folded his arms. "You only heard me. Who else would it be?" The words were light, but Ciaran could detect a hint of firmness in them.

"...Right. Of course." Ciaran started to turn away again, though as she did she notice one other detail that unnerved her.

Anakin's shadow did not match his current appearance.

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

"You regain your freedom, and yet you sign it away once again at the first possible opportunity."

"I'm not signing it away. I can do far more good working with her than on my own. That and I know full well what happened when I tried to take matters into my own hands."

"Do you truly believe this alliance you are pursuing will be as temporary as you wish it to be? She is no fool and is fully aware of what we are capable of. Given a chance she would undoubtely alter the deal to her benefit."

"Something I'm admittedly familiar with if my memories are accurate...but yes. Besides, if she tried - which I doubt she would - I know she's Darth Traya. Does that make me feel better?"

"Your mockery is unwelcomed, but your point is well made. However, that does raise an equally as important question. You have spoken with confidence, but I wish to hear it once more before we go down this path. Do you know who you are?"

"Of course I do. I am Anakin Skywalker.
[-------------]I am Darth Vader.

I can't change who I am or what I've done. But I can change things here and now. That's what matters."

AN: After a long delay, the saga continues. I'm so sorry for basically vanishing on everyone and really glad to be back. There'll be a longer-ish post after this on what exactly happened, but if you end up skipping it just know that some things happened in my life that basically killed my desire to write, and while it came back after a bit it's been a fighting effort with my mind to return. But, the Force willing, I plan on staying.

No, Episode IX did not have anything to do with it, don't worry. I actually did manage to enjoy the movie adaptation of Dark Empire. If you're wondering how that's possible, I had just prepared for it to be messy in advance based on early reviews, and I did not walk away disappointed. I will at least allow one meme post per poster because I know the exact one you're probably thinking of, and it's 100% fair. I was honestly more amused when the reveal of Rey's parentage hit, given how I'd been one of the people saying how Palpatine having kids of any kind would be a silly idea. Even now I doubt I'll be hearing the end of that one...

Anyway, update comments. I'd planned for this to be a thing the moment Yularen's forces started being a thing. It will probably have massive conseqeuences for everyone down the line, but so would overthrowing a Supreme Chancellor because he's a Sith Lord, soo...

Oh. Right, of course. You're probably more concerned about everyone's favorite hater of sand and what's going on with him. Well if you're surprised by what he's decided to do...I've basically been foreshadowing it from the start of my run. Don't look so surprised. As for what's going on in his head...well.

Well.

I could tell you directly, but it'll be much more interesting to explore it in-story. For now, let's just say that accepting the darkness within himself after vividly experiencing memories of the future have caused a...unique psychological reaction.

Yes, I will stat him up soonish.

Yes, he will be stupidly overpowered because anything less at this point would honestly be out of character.

With all that said, once again I deeply aplogize for me vanishing off the face of the earth, especially in such trying times, and I'm honestly, truly glad to be back. I can only hope you enjoy this as much as you've enjoyed what I've written before now.

 

[Dr. Snark]

Serenno, Dooku's Mansion

"Tyrannus. I would hope you have a proper explanation for what occurred at Kalee. While resistance to the attack was certainly anticipated, there is no denying that the former Admiral Trench's plans were somehow compromised. Such a failure at this stage is unacceptable - while we may be able to recover from it we have lost valuable resources and shown far more of our hand than initially anticipated. Bear that in mind before you provide me your answer."

"There is only so much I can say in this regard, my lord, since you took direct control of Trench's forces. I do however, have reason to believe that someone within the upper command of the Separatists in some capacity is not as loyal as they claim to be-" Dooku's words were cut off as he started to feel the Force gather around his neck.

"If you are telling the truth, then you are a fool. It is because I took direct command that this breach in security is so dangerous! Do not tell me your forces are so easily swayed away from what they believe they are fighting for. I demand an answer, Tyrannus."

Ciaran had provided a scapegoat for him to use since the two of them had fully expected this conversation to happen, but now it was time to see just how well the lie would hold. "I believe using Trench himself in this operation may have been the cause of this. I trust you are familiar with the Hyper-Communications Cartel, and more importantly where they are based?" The pressure around his throat began to fade slightly, though Dooku knew that the lie was not yet strong enough. "Trench is no hero to the peoples of Ando. All it would take is for one singular person to intercept the wrong communication, and they would have ample reasons for both intervention and vengeance. The reason we did not notice this sooner is because whoever this informant is did not have reason to act until Trench was ordered to attack Kalee."

Everything went silent save for the static of the hologram, but Dooku could still feel the pressure around his neck...until it slowly started to fade away, though the aura of dread emanating from Sidious' hologram did not let up.

"This informant found a cause to betray us for once. Given how dangerous the information in question was, there is no reason to assume they will not do so again, especially since they have succeeded."

"I assure you, they will be found within the month at most."

"See to it immediately. Though at this point it is but a symptom of a far more vexing problem, and one that will no longer be tolerated." There was a pointed pause before Sidious spoke again. "Our initial methods of dealing with Ciaran and her interference have proven to be insufficient. No doubt she wishes to be seen as a more serious player in the galaxy, and so she will be treated as such. However, we must be cautious - it is now clear that she is far more capable - or at least well-informed - than either of us gave her credit for in the past."

"Speaking as someone who personally trained her, I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment my lord." This was not a pleasant line of conversation, but it was one that both he and Ciaran had anticipated would come up given recent circumstances. Republic Intelligence's fall was - for all intents and purposes - a declaration of war, and the Battle of Kalee proved that it was one that she could continue to fight. "She has been ambitious, to be sure, but has enough talent and mettle to continue honing herself. And I have no doubt she has been hiding the extent of her growth given how much she values secrecy and subterfuge." A careful balancing act. At this point denying the obvious would be a dead giveaway, but equally as important was masking the nature of her ability to fight back, at least to some extent.

"In that light, it would seem that the usefulness of the Separatists is waning."

Dooku raised an eyebrow at that, genuinely confused at this turn in the conversation. "Surely the war continuing is still furthering our goals, my lord?"

"While that may be so, the risks it is bringing are beginning to outweigh what gains we can take from it. The Separatists are still important parts of our plans for the immediate future, but the massacre at the Jedi Temple has already achieved much of what we wish to accomplish. The Jedi are scattered, distrustful of both each other and their precious Republic, and have lost much of their ability to interfere. Turning the Republic against them is only a matter of time, and with them fearful of such powerful enemies, the people will need a savior. A...protector. One we will be happy to provide to them."

"Your point is well-founded my lord, but I cannot simply walk up to those under my command and order them to stop fighting. Many of them have access to the same commands that would shut down - or in this case reactivate - the droid army. They are still convinced this is a fight they can win."

"I am well aware of such an issue, Tyrannus, and that this course of action cannot be accomplished in but a day. I assure you, though, I have already begun to set events in motion that should persuade them to act in our best interests."

"...I certainly trust in your judgement, my lord. Though I would certainly hope that I would have some means of escaping such an unfortunate end." There was no other way to describe it - this was bad. This was very bad, and unfortunately Dooku had no logical counter to Sidious' plan. Not to mention that he had something, almost assuredly multiple somethings, in mind to accelerate things, and Dooku knew full well he was not about to be let in on the details.

"Do not worry, my apprentice. You will be properly rewarded for your considerable efforts when the time comes."

Before Dooku would have been oblivious to the veiled meaning of those words. Now he only had confirmation that Ciaran was right when she told him how disposable he was. "I thank you my lord. I am glad that everything we have been working for is coming so close to fruition."

"True as that may be, do not let yourself become complacent. There is still much to be done." With that the hologram finally went dead...

And Dooku was left alone with his thoughts in the deep silence of his manor.

---

"Greetings, young one. You do not need to speak, I trust you know exactly who I am. Or at least now you truly understand.

Oh yes, I can see it in your eyes. The distrust, the anger, the hatred. I will not deny that I have dabbled in forces that some may call 'evil,' but I trust you know that such labels are used by those who are either too self-righteous to notice their own evils, or too afraid to understand that which contradicts what they hold dear...even as it corrupts them from within.

That is why I am here. I could not help but be moved by your cunning, your tenacity, your nobility. Your willingness to stand up and proclaim to those who call themselves your betters that their path is the wrong one. And yet, they would deny your words. Label you a as 'murderer' and 'traitor' to protect themselves from the truths that they do not want to face.

I wish to help you in this righteous struggle, young one. You have already taken the first steps that will lead you to powers that will force them to understand, to make the truths you so nobly fight for undeniable. But this road is all the more difficult if you do not have the proper guidance.

Ah. I can see it once again in your eyes. You would blame me for this course of events as well. And yes, perhaps I do bear a small part of the responsibility for them. But I know that you understand, that when faced against such enemies, especially those that have so deeply entrenched themselves...

...there is only so much that can be done before one is forced to resort to far more uncivilized means.

Is that not enough for you?

...

Good. I can tell that it is not. You know better than that, and I expected nothing less. I assure you, if nothing else, that I was speaking the absolute truth about my guidance. I am admittedly an old man, and one day I will perish and fade away. It would be a tragedy if all I knew went to waste, especially with such a bright pupil sitting before me. I can see that the hatred in your eyes is still there, and that is good. It has already given you great conviction. And it is plainly obvious that it still does, even now. But you have yet to truly learn just how powerful it can make you.

And one day, should you strike me down with that hatred...

I would welcome it.

For it would only serve to prove that I had taught such a marvelous student.

You do not need to speak. Actions are far more important as you are certainly aware. All you have to do is bow your head. Just this once. And I assure you that you will become strong enough that you will never need to do so for anyone ever again.

...

Then, it would be an honor to have you as my pupil...

Darth Veritus."

AN: It's funny, really. Such a skilled and potent Force user, one that would have made for a perfect Sith, or at least Inquisitor...

...and yet she just faded away after the dust settled before she even had the chance to grow. Tragic, isn't it?

The Anti-Palpatine Report will be coming later. It's going to need a few revisions.

 

[Dr. Snark]

Excerpt from Reports #150281: Palpatine Counter-Action Report VII (Submitted by Central Command, Compiled by Thrawn):

ALERT: Major revisions have been made since previous report.

Lady Ciaran,

I will be blunt: Dooku's recent news has been of the gravest possible import. While it is pleasing to see that he has in fact followed through on his promise to align himself with us, it would seem that at least part of the benefits that would have come with it are now null and void. Based on the conversation he reported to us I have good reason to suspect that if Palpatine is not aware of his betrayal already, he is already taking steps to remove him from the equation. Such an action would inherently mean cutting him off from the various intelligence sources he could have provided to us.

I do not place Dooku himself at fault for this, mind; this is a unfortunate consequence of other actions that we have already undertaken - and more importantly, the actions we were forced to take. We may have been able to have the Battle of Kalee written off as Trench going rogue, but I trust you understand what exactly that action represents from Palpatine.

That aside, what concerns me the most about what Dooku told us is the admittedly vague "means" Palpatine referred to for beginning to end the Clone Wars. The ramifications of the various alliances made as part of the Council of Neutral Space potentially ending is worrying enough as it is, but of even greater concern is the implication that Palpatine is about to - or already has - organize units within the Republic military that will report directly to himself. Even if we were to succeed in eliminating Palpatine quietly, said units will either have been given contingency orders or simply be loyal enough to attempt to avenge his death. I have no doubt that these forces will also be extremely skilled both in terms of unit and commander quality as well, so we cannot ignore this threat.

In this light, I have decided that the previous format of the Counter-Action Reports is outdated, and will now be sectioning them into three relevant categories: Military, Stabilization, and Assassination. I am aware of the grim news of the Force Wound at Coruscant, but I will be the first to admit that I am far from an expert in esoteric matters such as that. To that end, Master Vectivus will be authoring a fourth section detailing relevant information on the Wound.

As concerning as all this recent news has been, I believe the news of Palpatine moving against the Separatists - while understandable given circumstances - may prove to benefit us in the long run. There are sayings among many cultures about cornered prey turning on predators when they are unable to flee. There is a distinct possibility that we may be able to use that sentiment to our advantage even if a decent amount of the Separatist leadership does not realize it.

Note: Assets detailed below are not necessarily solely dedicated to their relevant categories, but are sorted in terms of where they are expected to be most useful.

Military Challenges and Relevant Assets:

As of right now we have little information to go on for any probabilities of success or failure in regards to the forces Palpatine is currently organizing, and as such none will be printed in this present report. This is not a sign of victory, however; it is a sign that we require more information to act on in this regard. In general though, the more assets we have in this category, the easier it will be to achieve our aims in terms of stabilization as well. It will be far easier to handle negotiations when there is a Venator in orbit of the relevant planet, for example. If nothing else, these forces will ensure our survival until we are ready to act.

Of immediate concern are the supercapital ships Malevolence and Pride of the Core. Both assets are closely affiliated with Palpatine and are expected to act on his behalf in any circumstances. I have already been considering plans for dealing with both but have only been able to get so far with the other areas I have been needed in.

Relevant Assets:

-Abyss Watchers-affiliated:
--Oracle Fleet: Between Sienar's modifications to the Oracle itself and the now military-grade fleet supporting it, the Oracle Fleet is a powerful asset for any endeavors we undertake in space.
--Invisible Hand: Now that it is capable of leading a fleet on its own, the Invisible Hand is a powerful vessel in its own right. Though it is merely a single ship, even if Sienar's refit has made it far more dangerous than any others of its class.
--Arkanian Legacy: If push comes to shove we will likely be able to encourage the Arkanians to provide the ship's services for whatever ends.
--Chu'unthor: As a warship its value is rather limited. I doubt it would be useful in a battle, but given its sheer size and past history it may be able to serve as a potential evacuation vessel for the Jedi if things become truly desperate.
--Decimators: Prototype heavy tanks, viable as heavy support for a full-on assault on a location if necessary.
--Grievous Qymaen: Now that we have ysalamiri, Greivous Qymaen's leadership capabilities and prowess as a warrior will be a valuable asset. He is by far most suited for direct combat as should be patently obvious. (My apologies for the corrections and no offense meant to Qymaen. Having referred to him as Grievous for such a considerable amount of time has caused some slips of the tongue.)
--Jango Fett: Having the Mand'alor present gives us quite a bit of pull with the Mandalorian Guardians, to say nothing about his connections to other Mandalorian mercenaries/recluses/what have you or the capabilities of his partner Zam Wessel. Of course he will have ysalamiri support should he be needed for any assassination actions.
--Thrawn: To be blunt, this is where I am by far the most useful.
--The Foundry: Our weapon of last resort. If all else fails, we can use the production capabilities of the station to simply drown Palpatine in an unending droid army. As always though I must remind you that this will cause considerable instability in the galaxy if used.

-Council-affiliated:
--CNS Military: Now that the local military has proper support, funding, and command structure, they can assist in not only stabilizing Council space in the event of a collapse of the Republic government, but if push comes to shove we may be able to use them as support against Palpatine. Possibly.
--Bothan Spynet: The Bothans are certainly considered to be the best spies and intel gatherers in the galaxy for a reason; simply look at our own Master Terrek for proof. While relaying Palpatine's true identity to them is far too risky, they certainly have enough intelligence and the willingness to share it with us (for a price) to consider their contributions worthwhile.

-Republic "Loyalist"-affiliated (named as such due to being loyal to the governing body over its leader. However I have been hearing curious reports from them in that regard - nothing potentially compromising, but it will be investigated further):
--Kal Skirata: Skirata's deserter network is still going strong, and our nano-droids have ensured that any troopers that have joined him do not have the biochips implanted within them. To say nothing of our sabotage on Kamino. Between them, the Null ARCs, and the potential assistance of Miss Tur-Mukan they are a strong asset in our favor. I am somewhat uncertain as to Ovolot's usefulness in the long term, but I cannot deny that her ability to produce an antigen to FG36 is well worth it.
--501st Legion: One of the most prominent groups in the Republic military and that has been at the front of many key battles during the war. Having them on our side is not only excellent for having more numbers but the propaganda value cannot be denied either.
--212th Airborne: While not quite as prominent as the 501st, ensuring the unit under direct control of General Kenobi is fully subverted is a considerable boon to their efforts.
--Wullf Yularen: While his skills as an admiral are impressive, the real coup with him is the amount of access he has to Republic intelligence networks as well as a long list of private contacts. To say nothing of him taking the initiative with his own subversion operations.
--Ahsoka Tano: I would hope her insight - or more specifically, how said insight led her and the Resolute's forces to Kalee - will make placing her on this report justified.
--Obi-Wan Kenobi: I cannot stress how much of a boon his presence will be to our efforts. Whatever potential threats he may bring with increased knowledge of our operations are thoroughly outweighed by both his skills as a general and charisma as a negotiator. Quite frankly he could be placed in any category on this report without issue, but he will be placed here for conveniences' sake.
--Tholme: I will freely admit that with the relatively limited reports on him I cannot be quite as confident here as with anyone else, but according to the reports from Yularen he has been of great assistance with their subversion efforts. I must caution you though in that regard; he has a keen enough mind to find ways to peer behind the curtains as it were without raising suspicion. Remain vigilant, lest we have a repeat of the issues with Miss Thel-Tanis.

-Separatist-affiliated:
--Dooku: With him in play we now have the maximal amount of intelligence into Separatist movements. While at this point direct control of their military is not possible, the intelligence benefits alone are invaluable.

Probability of the survival of the Abyss Watchers for the next year: 90-100%
Other probabilities not added due to insufficient information

Stabilization Challenges and Relevant Assets:

This is something of a esoteric matter, if you'll forgive me saying so. It is impossible to fully predict how the populace of the galaxy will react once the news of Palpatine's true identity and the sheer breadth of his actions becomes publicly known, but it is safe to say that massive unrest - especially among planets that were the most devastated in the war - is functionally guaranteed.

In that regard I cannot say for certain that the Republic in its present form will be able to survive such an event. While such sentiments have been voiced previously I am of the mind that we must now consider the continuation of the current government to be a secondary objective, rather than a primary one.

Relevant Assets:

-Senate-affiliated:
--Anti-Palpatine Coalition: Consisting of Senators such as Mon Mothma, Padme Amidala, Bail Organa, and so on, with our aid they are now a significant force within the Senate. While Palpatine still has considerable influence within it, the coalition is now far more capable of stalling any of his measures and providing potential political stability in the aftermath of our mission. Should continuation of the current government not be viable, many of them are popular enough leaders that could help reestablish some form of order in the aftermath.

-Council-affiliated:
--CNS "Government": With the completion of the assembly hall on Taris and the fact that many prominent CNS leaders have begun meeting there to discuss mutual defense pacts and the like, it is now clear that should the Republic collapse in its entirety we will be able to build up a legitimate government in that situation. Given that the collapse scenario is now more likely, I will also note that the Northern Rim would be the least affected due to these efforts thanks to the heavy economic ties between planets in the region.
--IRIS Network: Palpatine's greatest weapon by far has been his propaganda. With the Pantorans helping us coordinate our own efforts to counter it, I am of the mind that this is now a battlefield we can start fighting on in earnest.

-Unaffiliated:
--Seti Ashgad: He is now acting as a shadow leader for the Anti-Palpatine Coalition and is doing what he can to support them. He is also helping direct Incom's movement of materiel from Fresia to Taris. Given his past popularity, he may make for a decent rallying point in the event of a Republic collapse.

Currently the Separatist leadership is headed by various corporations who would happily sell out their supporters in exchange for their lives (barring the Commerce Guild). While there is a Parliament that could provide stability, they are currently an impotent force in comparison. Supporting them would ensure stability in the Separatist bloc - so long as it is extant when the time comes. Given the legitimate grievances many Separatist systems have against the Republic, it may be worthwhile to keep them in play for as long as possible for stability purposes.

Probability of continuation of the Republic Government in its current form: 10-20%
Probability of ensuring galactic stability in the event of a Republic collapse: 30-40%

Assassination Challenges and Relevant Assets:

Simply put, this section is largely unchanged from previous iterations. No matter what, eliminating Palpatine is the single highest priority in our operations.

With Anakin Skywalker formally on our side and the reports of his combat aptitude, I believe we have a significant chance of success in direct combat, but there is only so much I can extrapolate on without direct reports on Palpatine's combat abilities. Not to mention that we have been ignoring a critical issue of coordination among the assassination team. While its individual members are skilled in their own rights, we must assume the worst: namely that Palpatine will be able to separate its members and handle them individually or have support capable of countering some of them.

Furthermore, with his increased focus on our actions, the element of surprise is now less of a factor, if not one that has been removed entirely. When we attempt to end his life, he will almost certainly be ready for us at this point.

Relevant Assets:

-Abyss Watchers-Affiliated:
--Agent Teams: Force-trained commando units. While skilled against conventional targets, Palpatine himself is likely far out of their reach. Still, with several Walkers on hand, Sair's new devices, and their clear talent in asymmetrical warfare they are a valuable asset nonetheless.
--Abysswalkers: At this point we have enough Walkers skilled in a large enough variety of fields for me to actively consider them an asset in their own right. While their abilities may be varied each could potentially play a key role in the battle to come.
--SSS: We have an in at the Senate with them and with the additional training they've been given they should be able to hold the line until potential reinforcements arrive. Placed here due to being more relevant in the context of an assassination operation.
--Tyro: Skilled in the Blazing Chains enough that he might be a viable asset, but I question how effective he'll be against Palpatine himself or potential acolytes. Still, I've heard that he is still striving to improve himself even now, so he has hardly lost his skill.
--The Silencer: A skilled warrior to be sure, and with ysalamiri support he would be deadly to any Force-using opponents. Now that he is formally registered as a clone trooper he would be a much more effective infiltrator. Equally as viable in a military context if necessary.
--Asajj: One of the two people we can reliably trust to possibly confront Palpatine himself if necessary; given her continued increase in abilities she stands a far better chance against Palpatine.
--Ciaran: My previous comments on your abilities stand.
--HK-47: Between his refurbished frame and Miss Sair's upgrades, HK-47 is now a quite useful weapon in our arsenal. I am uncertain as to whether he could kill Palpatine on his own, but if his record against Force users in his prime is any indication he is quite a valuable asset.
--Anakin: I am uncertain as to the context of some of the reports I have heard on him, but from my understanding he is by far the strongest combatant we have available. I would like to say more but recent events seem to suggest I require further context. The only reason he is placed here instead of under Republic "Loyalist" assets is due to previous comments from you. Even then though, I greatly recommend caution in your interactions with him. Even my brief observations of him have been somewhat...unnerving.
--Celeste Morne (Pending asset): By far the most unusual asset we have, and that is truly saying something. I cannot speak to her combat abilities as of yet, but if she is as skilled an operative as she claims we may have found the ultimate "ghost" operative. Records on her are nonexistent in any system we have access to, and no one in the galaxy will recognize her facial features by extension. I must caution that said benefits will by definition degrade with each mission she is sent on as data is gathered on her, so once she is active I encourage using her as effectively as possible in that timeframe.
--Other Assets: The codebreaker continues to provide us with valuable information, and our research into the taozin and ysalamiri continue to provide dividends for countering Force users.

-Republic "Loyalist"-affiliated:
--Quinlan Vos: His skills as an operative and combatant are certainly impressive...though the former worries me considerably. I have no doubt that every time he is used in a mission, he will be gathering information on us just as much as he would on our enemies. Ensure that he knows only what he needs to.
--Jedi Sentinels: Given their actions in Operation Excision, we can confirm that they will act against the wishes of the Council if they deem it necessary. That pragmatism makes them both useful and far easier to manipulate. Of course, we need to be sure that they do not learn too much, but if they deal with a loose end for us then that would hardly be an issue.

Probability of successfully assassinating Sheev Palpatine: Unable to fully determine, currently estimated to be at 40-60%

---

Lady Ciaran,

Quite frankly there is only so much I can tell you about how to handle this Force Wound on Coruscant. While it is hardly the first as you would certainly know, there is little to no information on how to mend one in a short timeframe - as in, shorter than several hundred years. More often than not, the solution to their existence has been to simply condemn the system in question, but obviously that is somewhat less viable when the system in question is the current capital of the Republic.

Despite - or perhaps because - of how long people have lived on the planet, it still holds many secrets despite the sheer number of beings that live on it. Leaving the Wound as-is could have terrible repercussions that neither of us can even begin to comprehend, to say nothing of the fact that it has formed in the heart of the Coruscant Order.

Personally, I am of the mind that the survival of the Coruscant Order is irrelevant in the current state of affairs, though I will freely admit that my words should be taken with the consideration that they are coming from a Sith Lord, if an undead one. But it is my honest belief that the galaxy will be better off if the Jedi become fully disentangled from Coruscant and galactic politics by extension, even if it causes instability in the short term. The Jedi inherently attract conflict and rivalry from the Sith, and even if we are victorious at the end of the day I do not expect that to change. What can be done is ensuring that the rest of galaxy isn't caught up in the next inevitable conflict - after all, what spurred them to be so destructive was the fact that destroying the Jedi has been synonymous with destroying the Republic up to this point.

However, I admit I am getting off-topic. Right now we simply do not have enough information to even begin considering a plan for dealing with the Wound. The best lead we have that I am currently aware is the Jedi Archives at Ossus. With the news that we have unrestricted access to the area, there is no reason not to search through its archives and see if there is any information in old texts that could aid us. I am certain that at least some information has been lost to the ages, and it is as good a place to start as any. If there is not information on a ritual there, there are almost certainly going to be records that could point us in different directions. I have also seen various reports on the oddities of the Cularin system, which seems to be a Force anomaly in its own right. I am aware of how mad this sounds, but it may, and I must stress may, be possible to somehow replicate its disappearance and simply displace the Wound until a future point where it can be more easily contained (preferably contained to the Jedi Temple itself). For that to work though we would need to understand how that displacement happened to begin with. Or perhaps there is something else within the system that could aid us.

As a final note: I am certain it has already crossed your mind, but if Palpatine gets truly, truly desperate and becomes aware of the Wound, I am certain he would attempt to merge with it much like Nihilus did millennia ago. One final curse for the galaxy as a whole. That cannot be allowed to happen.

-Vectivus

Probability of mending the Force Wound not added due to insufficient information

Current Probability Of Successfully Achieving All Relevant Directives: 8%

AN: Changed the format based on the new things that popped up in the last turn and also based on @Publicola's version of this in Abyss Gazes Back with his blessing (and because it makes it easier to parse information honestly).

Some comments: First, while the military aspect has a noted lack of information, do not forget that the whole Darth Veritus thing is not something anyone aside from Palpy himself is aware of yet. In reality that assassination success chance is now lower because of it.

Second: As Vectivus said, take his...well, take on what the fate of the Coruscant Jedi should be with a fair bit of a grain of salt, as well as his opinion of the future of Force-users in general. Normally I wouldn't say that twice, but I'm 100% aware of how much of a flame-baiting topic that always is.

Third: Yes, the overall success chance has gone down since last turn. Just to be clear, the news of the Wound kinda sorta tossed a wrench into the gears. Just a touch.

That should be all for now unless you guys have more questions/recommended changes (since this is the first major compilation of information since the hiatus, I fully expect that I may have missed a detail or two somewhere). Rumor Mill should be up tomorrow or Monday-ish, since a lot of what's normally folded under that has been handled during these past 3 updates.

Also, as much of a meme as it may be...

We're in the endgame now.

 

[Soulful100]

@Dr. Snark Here's the first set of meta achievements! Different format to differentiate them from the "normal" achievements, also will be in sets of 8 instead of 16.

Spoiler: QM Take Over Image

Oh, and have a bigger version of the final achievement image cuz I like it

 

[Dr. Snark]

Galactic News:
Battle At Kalee: In a stunning act of warmongering a rogue group of Separatist ships lead by the feared Admiral Trench attempted to assault the Kaleesh homeworld of Kalee, failing only due to staunch resistance from Council forces. Despite repeated assurances from the Separatist leadership that Trench was acting on his own initiative, many in the galaxy are skeptical due to the large amount of materiel Trench had access to during the assault.

Scandals Rock Republic Intelligence Alongside Assassination of Its Director: Recent evidence of Covert Ops troopers firing upon clone troopers has rocked Republic Intelligence, with many calling for massive audits and vastly increased transparency within the organization. The branch has been sluggish to respond as it has also been dealing with the fallout of the sudden assassination of its director Armand Isard, with unconfirmed reports indicating a rogue Covert Ops trooper may have been responsible.

Silver Cross Begins Relief Efforts on Honoghr: While the Separatists have continued to deny responsibility for the destruction on Honoghr, relief efforts have now been formally organized by the venerated Silver Cross organization. They have been leading a team of independent researchers and specialists to help combat the spread of the bioweapon, which has been seeing slow but steady success.

Underworld News:
The Hunt for Galen Erso Continues: While the bounties on Galen Erso are still standing, the fall of Republic Intelligence has forced the client in question to inadvertently reveal himself as Orson Krennic, as his clear inexperience with dealing with the underworld has left a noticeable trail back to him. While news of this has deterred some would-be hunters, others are still continuing their search for the man.

Mysterious Contracts Spreading Among Paramilitary Groups: Recently word has been spreading that various paramilitary groups have been more closely aligning themselves with the CNS, with the Lok Revenants notably participating in the Battle of Kalee. For now the reasons behind this remain quiet, however those who are more "in the know" suspect that the Abyss Watchers are attempting to marshal an army similar to Maul and Savage for some yet-unknown purpose.

Organization News:
The Jebble Box is Opened: While heavily classified, news that the legendary Jebble Box not only contained a powerful Sith artifact but a living, breathing woman from over 4000 years ago has made considerable waves. While the woman in question, Celeste Morne, is currently attempting to readjust to the new timeframe, the researchers aware of her existence have been frequently asking her questions and running tests with her permission, wanting to know more about this ancient warrior.

Mysterious Disappearances Tied to COMPOR Rallies: Abysswalker Olie has reported an alarming trend in recent missing persons reports on Coruscant; namely that many of these people were either last seen or recently seen at COMPOR rallies, and were noted to be fervent supporters of the organization's ideals. While normally this would not be be newsworthy in and of itself, the location of the disappearances and corroborations from other locations with a notable COMPOR presence indicate this may be a matter worth looking into.

The Return of Qymaen jai Sheelal: To the shock of many amongst the organization, especially those who have been familiar with the man since becoming aware of him during the Huk-Kaleesh War, the former Grievous has announced that his title no longer suits him and has respectfully requested that he be referred to by his actual name: Qymaen jai Sheelal, or Qymaen for short. Many Kaleesh members have openly suggested that "Grievous" has already ascended to the ranks of the Kaleesh pantheon, leaving behind Qymaen as his still-living body. The man himself has refused to comment on the matter.

The Hunt for Ancient Knowledge: While the reasons are heavily classified, archaeology teams across the galaxy have been ordered to focus their searches on lost information, especially on Force anomalies. An expedition to Ossus' archives is currently pending due to highly successful interactions with the local populace, while other teams have simply shifted their efforts accordingly.
ADDENDUM: Archaeology teams on Yavin IV have been exempt from this order due to [REDACTED]

----------

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

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

EMERGENCY ALERT

PRIORITY ONE

POI "BARRISS OFFEE" HAS ESCAPED FROM INCARCERATION

CURRENT WHEREABOUTS UNKNOWN

INFORMATION ON POI IS TO BE FORWARDED DIRECTLY TO LADY CIARAN AS SOON AS REASONABLY POSSIBLE

FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE TERMINATION REGARDLESS OF CIRCUMSTANCES

AN: And we are just about back! You'll probably be seeing more changes to the front pages as I sweep out the cobwebs, but everything should be ready to go by the time we get properly back into the swing of things. For now, rejoice that it doesn't take you a full minute to scroll down it now that I've had the genius idea of using collapseables for it. (Past Me, why didn't you do that sooner!?)

But now is the time for the return of a thread tradition: for you all to flood me with potential actions and for me to nearly lose my mind as I try to parse all of them

If anything was suggested before/during the hiatus I would politely ask that they are either quoted at me or reposted so I don't have to go searching for them.

 

[Dr. Snark]

Reminder: 24-hour moratorium on voting

BBY 19, Third Quarter

Current Treasury: 514
Current Income: 16629
Current Upkeep: 4549

Spoiler: Martial Actions

Martial: With Palpatine having made his intentions clear it's now more important than ever to strengthen your military assets.

Pick 2:

[] Black Ops (Republic): Given that you're now on the same side as Dooku, it only makes sense that you should prevent a Republic victory by any means necessary and keep the Separatists in the war for as long as possible. Chance of Success: 85% Cost: 50 Reward: Republic war effort damaged (Autonomous Action)

[] Mercenary Work: Jabba's offered to hire on some of your mercenaries for work within Hutt Space should you ever require additional credits to make ends meet. Chance of Success: 70% Reward: Income from mercenary contracts (Autonomous Action)

[] Let's Vary Piracy, With A Little Burglary: While it would be awkward if you attacked a CIS planet at this point, there's certainly plenty of planets in Republic space worth targeting. Preferably ones that would slow down the Republic's war effort and buy you much-needed time. Chance of Success: 70% Cost: 50 Reward: Loot, selected area destabilized and potential recruit for the CNS (Autonomous Action)
-[] Write in

[] Hyperspace Lane Pirating: A step beyond just targeting a system or two, this would be launching a series of pirate raids on a hyperspace lane in the galaxy. While the Republic is fully aware of how important these lanes are, the loot would be incredibly valuable if you pulled it off. Chance of Success: 60% Cost: 100 Reward: Selected lane heavily pirated, loot
-[] Write-in

[] Becoming A Pirate Queen, One Piece At A Time: While you've been making sure that any pirates in CNS space are swiftly dealt with, it could come in handy to expand upon your current privateer fleets and recruit some of the independents. There's probably a lot more around with the fall of Black Sun... Chance of Success: 80% Cost: 100 Reward: Pirate fleets continuously expanded (Autonomous Action)

[] Reigniting the Chains: While it's been some time since Tyro was Adacap of the Blazing Chains, you're fairly certain that he would still have considerable pull among the fleet if he got back into contact with them. Given that you could always use more people for the fight against Palpatine tracking down the fleet could get you some powerful allies. Chance of Success: 60% Reward: Blazing Chains fleets located and contacted

[] Semi-discriminate Piracy: Since you don't want the Republic to gain an advantage in the war, why not let your pirate fleets loose on a raiding spree, letting them steal what they can from them? Chance of Success: 70% Reward: Looting income (Autonomous Action)

[] Anti-Slaver Actions: The fact of the matter is that slavery is one of the most hated institutions in the galaxy outside of Hutt Space. It would certainly earn a lot of goodwill if you were to deal with some of the more prominent organizations (not affiliated with your Hutt allies)...and the loot would certainly make it worthwhile. Chance of Success: 70% Reward: Assaults launched on chosen slaver group, loot
-[] Trandoshan Slavers: They have been attacking the Wookiees, and since you have a number of business arrangements with the Wookiees that makes the Trandoshans a very obvious target.
-[] Thalassian Slavers: They're operating in the Northern Rim, which is entirely owned by the CNS at this point. Show them that they are not wanted.
-[] Senex-Juvex Slavers: Would you look at that, this slave group in Republic space is also home to a number of pro-Palpatine nobles! Launching a raid on them and exposing them to the galaxy would be quite the scandal...

[] Preying Mantises: The Mantis Syndicate chapter of the Bounty Hunters Guild specializes in large-scale anti-piracy operations. How perfectly convenient, given the CNS's interest in fighting pirates around the galaxy. Extend an offer of support in exchange for a cut of the loot. Chance of Success: 60% Cost: 100 Reward: +50 Military income, per-turn loot roll, CNS space secured against pirates (slightly increased odds for CNS recruitment), Mantis Syndicate added as anti-Palpatine asset

[] Maladian's Creed: The Maladians are some of the galaxy's most feared assassins, with a reputation of taking on targets up to and including Jedi Knights and succeeding in killing them. You could certainly use people with that particular set of skills. Chance of Success: 60% Cost: 150 Reward: Maladian Assassins available for hiring and as anti-Palpatine asset

[] Making Inroads In The Republic Military: Now is a good a time as any to begin dechipping and potentially subverting different groups in the Republic military. Any clone not chipped means one less clone that will try to kill you once you make your move, and of course you can always use more support when the time comes. Chance of Success: 60% Cost: 100 Reward: Chosen group targeted for dechipping/subversion
-[] Rahm Kota's Militia: A group that conspicuously has no clones among their number. Given Rahm's distrust of the clones and the militia's loyalty to him subverting them should hopefully be simple.
-[] The Wolfpack: Led by Master Plo Koon, this unit specializes in high-risk extractions of friendly forces. Has been merged with the 44th Special Operations Division, a unit comprised of special forces troopers forced to fight in conventional battles.
-[] Rancor Battalion: A clone group tasked with ensuring the safety of Kamino's cloning facilities. While they took considerable casualties in the battle for the planet, they could still have their uses.
-[] Galactic Marines: An elite unit led by Master Ki-Adi-Mundi and armed with the most advanced tech the Republic has to offer. The only catch is that their leader is rather...uncompromising. He may have to be dealt with.
-[X] 41st Elite Corps: A group lead by Master Luminara Unduli - the master of Barriss Offee no less - that specializes in operating in exotic environments and counter-insurgency tactics. (Targeted by Yularen)
-[] 412th Regiment: The group of clones that your sabotaged chips made their way to, they are specialized in defensive battles and have a reputation for placing the lives of civilians over their orders.
time is running short for them
-[] 38th Armored Division: A unit that Anakin and Obi-Wan have served with previously, noted for their ingenuity with armored vehicle modifications and a significant walker compliment.
-[] 44th Auxillary Divison: A heavily bloodied unit that has seen the most vicious battles in the entiretely of the Clone Wars. Also notable for being commanded by Nick Rostu, a former subordinate (but not Padawan, notably) of Jedi Master Mace Windu.
-[] Clone Force 99: An irregular group of "defective" clones that have been sent on suicide mission after suicide mission...and yet have consistently succeeded at them every time. Normally you would not bother with a unit as small as them but given their skillset it may be worth it.

[] The Brothers X: X1 and X2 could prove to be serious problems if they're allowed to act against you given their Force sensitivity and who knows what other things the Kaminoans have done to their genetic code. Figure out a way to either subvert or kill them so they don't have the chance. Chance of Success: 40% Reward: X1/X2 subverted and/or terminated

[] There's No Machine That Can Stop Us: Granted, you do have some of the best fighters in the galaxy under your command but 90% of the time they don't really work together in a single fight. So, why not set up a room in the Foundry to act as a high-intensity training zone for some teamwork lessons? It would also make for some excellent recruitment footage if nothing else. (Starts mini-turn)

[] Hunting Malevolence: The Malevolence is still making its way through the galaxy and conspicuously seems to be taking paths through CNS-related trade lanes. While the Pride of the Core is hunting it down, given that Palpatine is in effectively direct control of both ships he can easily drag out the chase for as long as he wants and have it end wherever he pleases. That needs to stop, and the first step is to better narrow down both where the Malevolence currently is and where it is going. Chance of Success: 60% Reward: Malevolence's course better tracked, plans for dealing with the Malevolence and Pride set up

[] Arms Funneling (Separatists): Now that you and Dooku are formally on the same side and Palpatine's decided to sell out the Separatists, it would be worth it to assist the Separatists with their war effort more directly (or at least as direct as you're willing to get). Even with the amount of factories they have churning out battle droids and the like, the Separatists would hardly turn down any extra materiel for use in the war effort. Chance of Success: 80% Cost: 150 Reward: Separatist war effort strengthened (Autonomous Action)

[] Write in

Spoiler: Diplomacy Actions

Diplomacy: Palpatine may think that the walls are closing in on you. If anything though his actions are letting you find more and more people to bring over to your side...

Pick 1 Regular Action, 1 CNS Action, 1 Force Order Action:

[] Between the Light and Dark: While you have a number of Force users on your staff right now it might be worth looking into getting into contact with other Force using groups in the galaxy that aren't necessarily aligned to the Jedi or Sith and see if you can gain something from contacting them. Chance of Success: 70% Reward: Contact with chosen organization established
-[] Disciples of the Whills: A group of Force worshipers fiercely protective of their home of Jedha, they occupy a planet that is rich in both historical artifacts and valuable Kyber crystals.
-[] Tyia Adepts: A pacifistic philosophy practiced by the Revwiens, it emphasizes the value of all life and acting with honor.
-[] Baran Do: A reclusive order of Kel Doors who spend the majority of their time contemplating the nature of the Force, supposedly awaiting the "proper time" to act. Also they apparently can throw lightning around.
-[] Fallanasi: A mostly female group of pacifistic Force users that have unique abilities to beguile their foes.
-[] Zeison Sha: A group of Force users that are extremely skilled at telekinesis. The only problem is that they are incredibly isolationist, so studying them further will require direct contact.
-[] Followers of Palawa: An isolated group of Force users in the far west of the known galaxy, they have developed a number of techniques that are explicitly designed to protect against Force users.
-[] Dagoyan Order: A monastic sect based on Bardotta, they specialize in meditation and strengthening one's connection to the Force.
-[] Jal Shey: A sect of nomadic diplomats and philosophers from the Indupar Crown Worlds, who specialize in the esoteric art of Force Imbuement.
-[] Almas Academy: An academy in the Cularin system that trains Jedi in an unorthodox style, emphasizing closer relationships with teachers and fellow students as well as ensuring that any student goes out into the galaxy on a "quest" to ensure they understand the galaxy they want to protect.
-[] Tython Jedi Order: The quickly-growing offshoot of the Courscant Order that is on the verge of a complete schism from them, given Riphath's work with them they might be more willing to speak with you by comparison.
-[] Order of Shasa: A Maanan-based group that has sworn to protect their homeworld, and more importantly have trained themselves to use the Force to see through deception and enhance their telekinetic abilities.
-[] Write-in (Subject to Veto)

[] CNS Recruitment: There are a number of systems nearby that don't particularly lean one way or the other in the war; maybe you could persuade them to join the CNS instead? Chance of Success: 80% Reward: Recruitment drive in selected area for the CNS (Autonomous Action)
-[] Nouane Allied Region: Between their ties to Arkania and the IGBC, Nouane and its neighbors are already inclined to view the CNS with favor. The fact that they lie in northern Inner Rim between two of the biggest hyperlanes in the galaxy - both the Hydian Way and the Perlemian Trade Route - is all the more reason to persuade them to join.
-[] Southern Rim: With the already considerable amount of planets and sectors in the Southern Rim joining the CNS, it might be worthwhile to have a more concerted effort take place here and clean up the borders.
-[] Techno Union Worlds: With worlds like Hypori, Mechis III, and a dozen other foundry worlds affiliated with them and the shift in leadership, making a move to get some of these valuable industrial planets in the CNS would hardly be unwarranted.
-[] Write in

[] Calling In A Favor: A few years ago one Ferrus Olin left the Jedi Order, telling you that he would help you if needed. Well it is about time to call that favor in; get in contact with him and see if you can get the support of him and anyone he knows outside of the Order for the fight against Palpatine. Chance of Success: 80% Reward: Ferrus Olin contacted

[] The Roaming Jedi: Telling the Council about Palpatine's true identity is a recipe for disaster, but there are certainly other Jedi in the galaxy that aren't a part of the Order you could contact for aid. You've always gotten the odd report from your Silver Cross camps about the occasional Jedi stopping by to help refugees, so it wouldn't be too difficult to track some of them down. If anything, this is now increasingly critical due to the Wound forming on Coruscant. Chance of Success: 70% Reward: Jedi outside of the Order contacted

[] House Of Killers: Given that you're going to be dealing with a lot of high-profile targets in the Republic, it might be worthwhile to get some outside help as it were. Use your reputation and funds to establish a bounty hunter chapter of your own so that you can gather these people together for your own ends. Chance of Success: 80% Cost: 150 Reward: Watchers bounty hunter chapter established (Autonomous Action)

[] If Angels Were To Govern Men: You know what Senators hate? Losing a chance at reelection. Leverage your political power and your friendly contacts in the Senate to see if you can't get those Silver Cross subsides to be a touch more substantial. Chance of Success: 60% Reward: Increased subsidies for Silver Cross

[] Keeping An Eye On The Future: Honestly, you weren't expecting Chewbacca to be such an important figure, but the visions you had of the "Vader timeline" seem to indicate that he would have been a major player in galactic events. While you're not sure if that's still going to be the case given everything that's happened, there's certainly no harm in making sure your people keep a closer eye on him... Chance of Success: 90% Reward: Chewbacca placed under heavier surveillance

[] Fly on the Wall: The Ghostling Nest of the Assembler is an Intelligence asset the Bounty Hunter's guild has been using for years, the location of which is only known to Master Hunters like Jango. The entire thing is apparently a massive brain for the Assembler and it is able to provide accurate and up-to-date date information on targets all over the galaxy through, if the tales were to be believe, it's network of little bug-spies. Regardless of the accuracy of these claims it would be an invaluable ally to have on your side. Chance of Success: 60% Reward: Ghostling Nest contacted

[] Jedi, Leader, General, Spy: Skirata has pointed out an incredibly valuable target for potential subversion: Jedi General Arligan Zey, the de facto head of the Republic's commando teams who has a position that is semi-independent from the rest of the Republic military. He's been known to conflict with the mainline Order especially after the Temple Massacre so he's an incredibly valuable target for subversion with minimal risk. With news of the Wound, getting in contact with him sooner than later is increasingly paramount - given the state of the Coruscant Order, there's an increasing chance he may try to go to ground. Chance of Success: 70% Reward: Arligan Zey subverted

[] Call To Order (CNS): Taris has served as an unofficial capital for the CNS, and now it has an Assembly Hall to prove it. But the Council of Neutral Systems remains a fairly ad-hoc confederation heavily dependent on your and Satine's efforts to sustain it. Getting enough people together to start creating more formalized treaties and so on wouldn't hurt, especially given that it might need to step up if the Republic does in fact fall. Chance of Success: 70% Reward: CNS becomes a more stable political organization, increased CNS recruitment

[] Write in

Spoiler: Stewardship Actions

Stewardship: Many wars are won by how many credits one side can bring to the table. And for a war like this, you're going to need a lot of them...

Pick 2 Regular Actions, 1 Free Sienar Action and optionally 1 other Sienar Action:

[] Sienar Custom Vessel: Now that you've partnered with Sienar you can request customized ships from them for a price. You can either send them a plan of your own, or give their engineers a base concept and let them work out the details. Chance of Success: 90%
-[] "Humanitarian" Transports: A line of ships that could be used to ferry wounded from system to system, the fact that they would also be fitted with experimental stealth systems is purely to make sure that they aren't seen by any pirates or what have you, obviously. Cost: 150 Reward: Humanitarian/Stealth Transports designed/produced
-[] "Rescue" Ships: VTOL-capable ships about the size of the Scimitar, these vessels would be heavily armored rapid response ships that can quickly rescue people from potentially hostile environments. What are the rapid-fire guns for, you ask? Why, you might have to defend yourself from predators or raiders or something! Cost: 100 Reward: Rescue/Assault Gunships designed/produced
-[] "Archaeology" Ships: Given how important/profitable archaeology has become for you, this ship would assist with your efforts with on-board research labs and excavation gear so that your teams could quickly scour a site. Why does it have a stealth system and high-grade weapons? Because there are thieves and scoundrels who could try to steal valuable relics from you! Also never mind that the excavation lasers could also double as powerful armor-piercing weapons. Cost: 150 Reward: Archaeological Cruiser designed/produced
-[] Scout Vessel: A relatively cut and dry suggestion; these would be ships specifically geared toward surveying. For once there's really no other subtext here. Cost: 100 Reward: Advanced Scout Ships designed/produced
-[] Shoni Escort Ships: A...unique design from Grievous named after the spear his people use, this diamond-shaped ship is heavily armored and well-armed, serving as a heavy escort ship...though according to Grievous it could also be used to board ships by ramming it into them and allowing the pilot/boarder to enter the ship that way. Raith is confident that it could work, though he's said that you'd have to be insane or suicidal to try and use the ramming method given how dangerous it could be. Cost: 100 Reward: Shoni Escort Ships designed/produced
-[] Mobile Hospitals: The idea is that you would have a ship that could touch down on planets and act as a field hospital without the need for setting up a prefab building. It'd be a difficult engineering challenge, but fortunately Raith loves those kinds of challenges. Cost: 150 Reward: Mobile Hospital Ships designed/produced
-[] Hyperlane Recon Drones: There are always more hyperlanes to be discovered, but the method for doing so is inherently quite risky. Instead have Raith put together drones that could do that job for you and potentially locate hyperlanes you can use to your advantage. Cost: 100 Reward: Hyperlane Recon Drones designed/produced
-[] Dedicated Starfighter Carriers: While ships like the Venators certainly have the ability to carry large amounts of fighters, it wouldn't hurt to have a design that was primarily dedicated for rapid fighter deployment and recovery for various situations. Cost: 150 Reward: Dedicated Starfighter Carriers designed/produced
-[] Next Gen Troop Transports: The Republic LAAT is certainly no easy target but it does have a number of flaws that could be quite troublesome for you given the kind of scenarios you might need to drop troops into. You know that Raith loves showing other people up so see what he'll make when he's put up to the challenge. Cost: 150 Reward: Next Gen Troop Transports designed/produced
-[] Modernized Fury-Class Interceptor/Transports: One of your teams on Ord Mantell has uncovered a Fury-Class interceptor/transport of the Resurgent Sith Empire. In function it could be compared to the Scimitar, except four times the size and potentially more heavily armed and armored. Modernizing a ship like this would be an interesting challenge for Raith, and they would be very useful for deploying elite teams to where they need to be ASAP. Cost: 150 Reward: Fury-Class Interceptor/Transport modernized/produced
-[] Write-in (High concept or other design, subject to veto, cost determined by GM)

[] Contact Ship-builders: If your efforts with Sienar are any indication you might have a bright future available to you in the starship industry; but you're going to need to get in contact with the producers first. Chance of Success: 70% Reward: Contact with chosen corporation gained
-[] SubPro: Despite the fact that they have produced high-quality products like the NovaSword fighter you acquired from Durge, they have been dealing with an unfounded reputation for shoddy workmanship. Sounds like they could use a popular investor.
-[] Mon Calamari Shipyards: the Mon Cala of Dac specialize in high-quality livable starships, and would be a powerful ally for CNS military readiness as well as the Abyss Watchers organization.
-[] MandalMotors: A company based out of Mandalore itself that specializes in heavy-duty warships like the Keldabe battleship. All they're really lacking in is proper funding.
-[] Write-in

[] The Return of Galactic Sushi: Bringing in the Ithorians means that you have some of the greatest agriculturalists in the galaxy to call on. You also have a number of agriworlds and other farming areas (like Taris) that could use their aid. The solution seems obvious, doesn't it? Chance of Success: 60% Reward: Agricultural output increase in CNS space

[] Silver Cross PR Blitz: Your organization is popular enough, sure, but there's nothing like a massive PR blitz to make sure that donations and sponsors are constantly coming in. Chance of Success: 70% Reward: Increased income/decreased upkeep for Silver Cross (Autonomous Action)

[] "Tax" Loopholes: While Palpatine may have cost you quite a bit of funding you do have a potent counter-weapon: The Muuns. Set your Muun accountants, legal teams, and what have you loose on Palpatine's new acts and find as many exploitable loopholes to keep you from fully paying his "taxes." Chance of Success: 50% Reward: Noticeable decrease in investment penalty

[] "Tax" Evasion: Forget loopholes. Sure Palpatine's probably watching for the slightest sign of your "illegal activities" but you know that he's not as omniscient as he thinks he is. "Misplace" funds through whatever means necessary to avoid these "taxes" and spite Palpatine. With Skirata's backdoor now in your possession, making sure said funds stay out of Palpatine's notice should be considerably easier. Chance of Success: 70% Reward: Significant decrease in investment penalty

[] Treasury Auditing: Now that you finally have access to Skirata's backdoor, it's time to let the Muuns loose on the Treasury's systems and see what they can find buried away within it. It might even give you leads on the new plans Palpatine ominously mentioned during his recent talk with Dooku, and you can also quietly start backing up records in case he tries to burn down the Republic economy on his way out. Chance of Success: 70% Reward: Locate potential dirt on Palpatine or find leads on other projects

[] Medical "Battlefleet": Now that you have the ability to build ships over Taris, take advantage of it and build up a fleet of medical ships for Karada and the Silver Cross that can act as galaxy-wide emergency responders. Despite the name it mostly wouldn't be a battlefleet. Mostly. Chance of Success: 80% Cost: 200 Reward: Medical "battlefleet" built (Autonomous Action)

[] The Swoop Bikes Will Fly Again: Now that you have the racetrack and the swoop bikes for it, it's time to reopen one of Taris' most prized sporting events: the Galactic Swoop Racing Circuit. Send invitations far and wide for the grand reopening and help put it back on the map. And hey, you never know who might end up signing up for it... Chance of Success: 70% Cost: 100 Reward: GSRC reopened, potential for other rewards

[] Giving Causality A Migraine (Incom): While it was a small benefit from the highlights reel of you looking into the future, seeing that enhanced Headhunter design is a very welcome benefit to you...if you can get the design put together enough for Seti and Incom to work on. And hey, you never realized how much you wanted to cause a temporal paradox until you had the opportunity! Chance of Success: 70% Cost: 150 Reward: X-Wings designed 20 years early, the thrill of causing your very own temporal paradox

[] Tales of the Old Republic: Diversification is the key to success, and the entertainment Industry is one of the most important pillars of the galactic economy. You will enter this world with a saga that will always be remembered: The Saga of Revan, and you will spare no expense to bring this wonder to life (otherwise HK might try to kill the people involved for disrespecting one of his favorite masters). The fact that the excuse of getting extra documentation or filming in real landscapes you gives you the justification to enter many places usually forbidden to the general public is a nice extra. Chance of Success: 70% Cost: 200 Reward: 'The Saga of Revan' produced, potential to access restricted areas during filming

[] Relocating The Foundry: The Foundry is currently in an extremely vulnerable position given that it's in the middle of Hutt Space and the war is raging around it - all it would take is one ship to accidentally stumble into Nanthri and it would all be over. The best plan your people have come up with is to strap gigantic hyperspace engines to it to move it to the Kiln through some of the hyperlanes the Claatuvac Guild provided information on and avoid detection, but it's going to require a lot of credits, both to get the parts and to bribe people into not asking questions about where said parts are going. Chance of Success: 40% Cost: 400 Reward: Foundry discreetly moved to the Kiln

[] Treasury Copypasta: The backdoor to the Republic Treasury also means that you can observe everything that is going on within it. Perhaps it might be an idea to feed a small program into it to copy all data of the treasury and regularly update those records... just in case a certain someone tries to wipe it all as a farewell gift on his way out. A functional economy is important, or so you have been led to believe. Chance of Success: 50% Reward: Abyss Watchers (and the CNS) gain a complete backup of all Republic Treasury data

[] Write in

Spoiler: Intrigue Actions

Intrigue: The game of cat and mouse is becoming more and more vicious, especially now that it's clear Palpatine is seeing you as a legitimate threat to his plans.

Pick 3:

[] Lots Of Plans, Lots Of Wrenches (Republic): The Republic winning at this point would mean that Palpatine would achieve his success conditions. Send some agents to help stall GAR offensives and make sure the Republic doesn't get a clear advantage. Chance of Success: 80% Cost: 50 Reward: Republic war effort damaged (Autonomous Action)

[] Grassroots Movements: Rile up protests, sponsor anti-government media, do whatever it takes, but stop Palpatine from getting any more influence any way you can. Chance of Success: 80% Reward: Palpatine's influence stymied (Autonomous Action)

[] Legacy Of Damask: Settling in on Muunilist has given you the opportunity to take a closer look at Hego Damask's old properties present on the planet. While Palpatine has moved to ensure that they are not for sale, it shouldn't be too hard to get teams in and see if there's anything left there. Chance of Success: 95% Reward: Hego Damask holdings investigated/looted (Autonomous Action)

[] Information For A Price: Since you're now committing yourself to making sure the Republic will win any time soon, why not sell some information to both sides and make a profit off of it in the meantime? Chance of Success: 80% Reward: Income from selling information (Autonomous Action)

[] Delicious Bacta: You may nominally be on the same side as the planet's corporations but that doesn't mean you aren't willing to target them. It just means that a little more subtlety is required. Chance of Success: 70% Reward: Data on bacta products stolen from Thyferra

[] Ball Busting: The Coilcoids have proven to be one of the most effective suppliers for the CIS, giving them droidekas, buzz droids, and tri-fighters. Though with the capture of droideka blueprints from Metalorn, you're now angling for a shot at getting your hands on the infamous Scorponek Annihilator Droids, which will make the heist much more difficult. Chance of Success: 40% Reward: Coilcoid technology stolen

[] The Spice Must Not Flow: If you want to ensure a successful heist on Colla IV, you're going to need a distraction. And wouldn't you know it, Kessel is supplying the Coilcoids with invaluable spice trade, and the Hutts want them off of that planet. If you were to say, destabilize their presence there and give the Hutts the chance to make a move, it would pull away enough security from Colla IV to give you a better chance at getting away with the heist. And if the Hutts manage to take over in the chaos, well you are business partners anyway... Chance of Success: 70% Reward: Distraction caused on Kessel, Coilcoid security forces diverted (Autonomous Action)

[] Public Relations Vaccination: While you did manage to deal with the Sith blackmail there's still a possibility that new incriminating information on you could be found. Preempt that by spreading a mix of truth and lies about you before debunking it all, making it that much harder for any actual dirt to be used on you. Chance of Success: 90% Reward: Increased defense against any incriminating evidence on you (Autonomous Action)

[] Strike Palpatine's Inner Circle: It's time to go on the offensive. Chance of Success: 40% Cost: 150 Reward: Targeted member/group discredited/neutralized/etc
-[] Saro Sanuo: The Deputy Chancellor who seems to be connected to the Granta Omega fisaco a few years ago. While he's not that important in the grand scheme of things by comparison, having a different individual in the Deputy Chancellor's seat could make the inevitable transition of power easier to handle...
-[] Sate Pestage: Effectively Palpatine's No. 2 according to the reports. Dealing with him would mean that Palpatine would no longer be able to direct suspicion onto him or have a spokesperson to draw attention, among other benefits.
-[] Terrinald Screed: Normally one admiral alone wouldn't be enough of an issue, but since Screed is the leader of the Home Fleet and since all of Coruscant's defense ships report to him...that makes him a far more important target.
-[] COMPOR: A pro-Palpatine, pro-human, anti-pretty much everything else organization headed by Palpatine's most fanatically loyal followers. Not only would dealing with them be a significant blow to Palpatine's ability to rally people, but given that you're 75% non-human (ish) there's definitely some poetic justice to be meted out here.
-[] Supreme Chancellor's Aides: Given that there's approximately a 99% chance that there's at least some Sith acolytes among them? They may not seem important enough at first glance but that's kind of the issue right there.

[] Test The Waters: Given the manhunt for Galen, Dooku's plots in the past, and the instability Maul and Savage recently brought to the underworld, it can't hurt to send out some feelers to figure out who would be stupid or crazy enough to try and kill you...and then have them dealt with just to be sure. Chance of Success: 60% Cost: 250 Reward: Potential threats in underworld located and terminated

[] Definitely Not Available for Hiring: The fall of Republic Intelligence has had the unexpected side effect of revealing the man beind the hunt for Galen: Orson Krennic. Honestly his methods are so comically transparent and unsubtle that he'd almost be worth completely igoring...if it wasn't for the security risk associated with having people trying to track Galen down. Having someone either take care of him for good or at least dissuading him wouldn't be the worst idea. Chance of Success: 80% Cost: 100 Reward: Krennic's manhunt called off, one way or another (Autonomous Action)

[] The Hunt for "Truth": Bariss Offee has escaped from prison. Barriss Offee, the ex-Jedi who orchestrated one of the worst terrorist attacks on the Jedi Temple in recorded history, whose actions directly led to the Temple Massacre, and a woman skilled with nanodroid bombs that are nigh-undetectable by their victims unless they're actively made aware of them. You know damn well who's behind her escape, and that also means you need to track her down now. Chance of Success: ??? Cost: 200 Reward: Barriss Offee tracked, ???

[] Hyper-Communications Hot Potato: The good news: Palpatine seems to have bought your and Dooku's lie about the Hyper-Communications Cartel having a mole that sold out Trench. The bad news: You now need to create that mole while Palpatine is giving his direct attention to the situation at hand to ensure that Dooku's cover doesn't get blown too early. All that being said, if you can pull this off properly and pin the blame on its leadership, you can ensure that it comes under your direct control and get you one step closer to total control over the Separatists. Chance of Success: 30% Reward: HCC mole created to distract Palpatine, potential to ensure more direct control over the HCC

[] The COMPOR Affair: Reports have been coming in from multiple worlds that people who strongly support COMPOR and its ideals have mysteriously vanished, with no known clues to their location as of now. Given how widespread this appears to be and COMPOR's direct ties to Paplatine, this definitely bears looking into. Chance of Success: 50% Reward: COMPOR disappearances investigated, ???

[] Write in

Spoiler: Lore Actions

Lore: Now more than ever you need to understand more of the Force - for your sake and for the sake of others within the Watchers who can use it.

Pick 1 Regular Action, 2 Archaeological Actions, 1 Force Study Action:

[] 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)

[] Incorporate Luka Sene Techniques (Force Study): The abilities that you've learned from the Luka Sene aren't exactly flashy, but between their improved ability to use Force vision in combat as well as the more engineering oriented ability for them to see energy fields, there's definitely plenty your Agents can learn from. Chance of Success: 80% Reward: Luka Sene abilities taught to all Agents (Autonomous Action)

[] 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.
-[] Tyia Adepts: A pacifistic group of Force users based on Revyia, they are extremely skilled at healing in general.
-[] Voss Mystics: These Force users have extremely powerful foresight to the point that their visions are regarded as fact.
-[] Jal Shey: A sect of nomadic diplomats and philosophers from the Indupar Crown Worlds, who specialize in the esoteric art of Force Imbuement.
-[] Altisian Jedi: They have some ability called "essence transfer," and if it means what you think it means...
-[] Write-in (Subject to Veto)

[] Archaeological Expeditions: There are very famous sites in the galaxy that are dying for someone to lead expeditions to...and potentially locate Force-related artifacts. Chance of Success: 70% (80% on planets with a *) Cost: 50 Reward: Expedition to chosen location launched
-[] Korriban: The origin world of the Sith, this planet would contain plenty of artifacts for those that can withstand the wildlife and the immense influence of the Dark Side.
-[] Outer Rim (Dxun, Telos (IV))*: A pair of worlds closely associated with the Jedi Civil War era, they are home to Sith and Jedi ruins respectively.
-[] Hutt Space (Manda, Tatooine)*: These worlds contain various libraries and such that would make for interesting material to steal examine closely.
-[] Duro*: The Valley of Royalty is listed as another Wonder of the Galaxy, and contains an incredible (if varied) collection of data & historical artifacts. Sounds like a good place for "research."
-[] Centerpoint Station*: Something about the station caused your Shatterpoint abilities to react to it...maybe you should look into why that is more specifically.
-[] Sith Worlds: A generalization of worlds in the Northern Rim that are dotted with Sith ruins, artifacts, and who knows what else. Could be dangerous. Would definitely be profitable.
-[] Kathol Outback: An isolated area of the Outer Rim, the region is rumored to be home to a powerful Force sect, but you don't have much more to go on besides that.
-[] Prakith: According to Vectivus this planet is home to the tomb of Darth Andeddu, but the catch is that it's also home to a fanatical cult bent on protecting the tomb of their "god-king." Still, maybe there's something worth finding there...
-[] Belsavis: The planet has a long history of serving as a Republic prison and has infrastructure rumored to predate even them. There's certainly more to be found here.
-[X] Ossus: Home to an ancient Jedi Archive dating back to the years of Exar Kun himself (which has become suddenly quite relevant). With the amount of local support available, your teams have already begun setting up an expedition into the Archive. (Free Action)

[] The Secrets of the Corellian Jedi: The Corellian Jedi are hiding something about the New Sith Wars and you don't like being told "no" for an answer. See if you can appropriate whatever records they're hiding and figure out what's so important about it. Chance of Success: 30% Reward: Corellian Jedi records investigated

[] The Mysteries of Cularin: Under normal circumstances you'd simply hand off examining a system to on-site archaeology teams, but times have become desperate and Cularin has enough oddities that would make a more thorough expedition worthwhile. Maybe you can figure out something related to its displacement, maybe there's some artifact or something buried away on one of its planets, but there's a chance - even a slim one - that there might be something that could help you seal the Force Wound. Chance of Success: ??? Cost: 100 Reward: ???

[] Write in

Spoiler: Learning Actions

Learning: Beating Palpatine means throwing things at him he wouldn't expect. Good thing you have a diverse set of people willing to cook up new and crazy ideas to give you an edge.

Pick 2, or pick only one Research action and halve its time:

[] Analyze Chiss Archives: Instead of going after the locations of anomalies you've gathered in the past without anything to go on, you could cross-reference them with the Chiss archives to see if there is enough to go on and it won't get too many people killed. Chance of Success: 80% 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: Increase Karada profits, officially produce high-quality gear, increase troop survival rate

[] Develop Improved Medicine: The Karada Corporation needs to develop new types of medicine instead of just producing legal knock-offs of what already exists. Either by providing variants specifically designed for specific species, improving on already existing types of Medicine or similar products. Chance of Success: 70% Cost: 80 Reward: Increase Karada profits, officially produce high-quality medicine and medpacs, increase troop survival rate

[] Materials Research: There are quite a few odd materials and minerals in the galaxy that you might be able to work with to produce unique weapons and gear for your troops if you looked into them enough. Chance of Success: 70% Cost: 50 Reward: Selected material analyzed for usage in weapons/armor
-[] Cortosis: The favorite metal of anyone fighting against lightsaber users since it can cause said weapons to short out, though it's quite brittle on its own. Definitely worth looking into.
-[] Agrocite: A material used to boost turbolaser fire, but you've heard rumors that the Wookiees have used it in their bowcasters to make them even more powerful weapons.
-[] Ionite: As expected by the name this material can be used to neutralize energy fields. Surely there's more that can be done with the material.
-[] Beskar: The material that makes up the famed armor of the Mandalorians. That's useful on its own but maybe there's more you can do with it?
-[] Hiridu: A crystal that can significantly boost communications signals by proximity alone. Maybe there's other aspects of it that haven't been discovered yet.
-[] Hibridium: A material that apparently can act as an alternative to stygium for cloaking, though it also has a bad habit of exploding when ships go into hyperspace. Maybe there's something else that could work?

[] Anti-Force Research: There are some esoteric creatures and substances in the galaxy that could blunt Force usage but they're difficult to recover and hard to research due to their nature. Chance of Success: 50% Cost: 200 Reward: Anti-Force subject researched [Takes 2 turns]
-[] Senflax: Apparently this is a neurotoxin of some variety that can be used to damage Force users in particular. If you could develop a decent delivery system you would have a very powerful tool to use...
-[] Drethi: A winged creature that somehow has a venom that is more deadly the more powerful its victim is in the Force. If you could figure out how it worked...

[] Analyze Commando Gear: Despite his grumbling Skirata was willing to part with a few sets of clone commando armor and weaponry. Have your research teams look into them and see what they can reverse-engineer from them. Chance of Success: 60% Cost: 150 Reward: Commando Gear reverse-engineered [Takes 2 Turns]

[] Nanodroids, Son: Var Zheen has been ecstatic over the effectiveness of the nanodroids in general and firmly believes that with enough time and a lot of credits he could potentially modify them to do...well who knows what the mad Givin has in mind... Chance of Success: 50% Cost: 200 Reward: Potential applications for nano-droids researched [Takes 3 turns, locks actions for 2 turns]

[] Mass Genemodding Program: You've had the genemod specs for a long while now, but getting a mass-modding program available has been difficult due to a lack of resources and facilities. However the rebirth of the Arkanian Legacy has given you an opportunity: setting up a program with Adascorp could make genemodding your forces a much more viable option in general. Chance of Success: 70% Cost: 150 Reward: Genemodding program for troops initialized

[] The Force Within A Blade: Var Zheen and Cheriss have both been curious about the forcesaber you recovered from Lehon and want to see just what makes it so special, just how it is infused with the Force. Of course, they have basically nothing barring stories and myths about it to go on, so it's going to be much more difficult for either of them to figure it out. Chance of Success: 40% Cost: 200 Reward: Forcesaber analyzed [Takes 3 turns, locks actions for 2 turns]

[] Giving Causality A Migrane (Foundry): Instead of having the potential blueprints sent to Incom, Cheriss has suggested that she could hijack one of the Foundry's drone production zones to help prototype the enhanced X-Wing. The bad news is that you couldn't get the ship sent into mass production with Incom, but the good news is that you'd have quite the ace up your sleeve... Chance of Success: 70% Cost: 150 Reward: X-Wings designed 20 years early, the thrill of causing your very own temporal paradox

[] Karada Medical Innovations: The Karada Corporation has grown to be one of the galaxy's largest and most successful medical corporations, primarily known for its strong presence within the CNS and strong ties with the Silver Cross. With the combination of plenty of in-house talent and contacts with other pioneering groups like Adascorp, it would not be hard to kick-start a cutting-edge divison of Karada that could focus on new medial innovati0ns. Chance of Success: 70% Cost: 200 Upkeep: 50 Reward: gain +1 Learning Action (Medicine)

[] Svivreni-Shard Engineering Inc.: The Svivreni are present at a siginificant amount of Watcher faclities and have provided considerable support with the mining and study of materials. You've already seen how skilled the Shards are through Cheriss alone, and you've recently opened direct ties with their homeworld. Setting up a dedicated division where both of these groups could work together would be a significant boon to your research efforts, and could provide you with tech that could give you an edge. Chance of Success: 80% Cost: 200 Upkeep: 50 Reward: gain +1 Learning Action (Materials)

[] Midichlorian Metadata: You might not put much stock in the connection these microorganisms have between their presence and someone's ability to use the Force...but there is enough of one that it can be traced scientifically. Between Karada's various branches and Silver Cross blood drives, your teams can pour over the medical data and cross-reference it with individuals that have displayed unusual abilities to more effectively track down potential Force-users...and by extension, potentially deny them to Palpatine. Chance of Success: 70% Cost: 100 Reward: improve Abyss Agent recruitment, prevent Force Users from future recruitment by Palpatine's Sith acolytes

[] Write in

Spoiler: Personal Actions

Personal: You have to get stronger.

Pick 3:

[] Physical Training: At this point you're on par with your stronger associates, but you know that you have to keep improving. Chance of Success: 70%
-[] 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. Asajj is, and while she has been willing to train you could have sworn you saw her grin slightly when you asked. Reward: Martial Increase, pilot training
-[] Martial Arts Lessons: The fact of the matter is that Jango Fett is one of the best martial artists in the galaxy, and you could certainly learn quite a bit from him. ...If he asks why you haven't picked it up sooner, you can point out that the Silencer isn't exactly "teacher material" in the slightest. Reward: Martial Increase, martial arts training
-[] Stava Lessons: Alternatively, your misadventures on Honoghr have given you the chance to learn the Noghri martial art they refer to as "Stava" - a style that relies on speedy takedowns and endurance fighting. It would certianly suit you, especically given your ability to amplify those aspects with your Matukai training. Martial Increase, martial arts training
-[] Form V (Shien/Djem So) Training: Brute force fighting didn't seem like it would work for you, but that was before you figured out how to punch through steel with your bare hands. Now it and Form V are much more viable options for you, so why not lean on Anakin so you can get some training in the form? Reward: Martial Increase, Form V training (Takes 2 Turns)
-[] Form VII (Vapaad) Training: A highly experimental - and based on what you've seen previously from Bulq's corruption, highly dangerous - form that apparently relies on the user to tap slightly into the Dark Side to empower themselves and attack at blistering speeds. Honestly from the sounds of it you're already "using" the form in some sense, but with Quinlan around maybe you could find some new aspect you're missing? Reward: Martial Increase, Form VII training
-[] Write in

[] Force Training: You've certainly gotten stronger, but Mortis has taught you that you still have a long ways to go.
-[] Blazing Chains (Advanced): Now that you actually know how to properly use Blazing Chains, Tyro has offered to put you through the higher-level training of the technique should you so desire. Chance of Success: 60% Reward: Advanced-level Blazing Chains techniques learned
-[] Shatterpoint (Organic(?)): Unquestionably the most difficult thing you could attempt to train on right now; you're still trying to figure out why you can't see shatterpoints on living beings. Your breakthroughs in the Matukai techniques have finally given you some insight on the matter, if you have weak and strong points then so would others by logical extension... Chance of Success: 50% Reward: ???
-[] Telekinetic Lightsaber Control: No, you're not doing this just because Kreia could and you want to be able to do the same! Why does no one believe that!? Chance of Success: 80% Reward: Telekinetic Lightsaber control learned
-[] Force Cloak: Invisibility. No other details needed. Chance of Success: 60% Reward: Force Cloak learned
-[] Force Illusion: Exactly as advertised. Chance of Success: 70% Reward: Force Illusion 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 halved

[] Personal Tutoring (Apprentices or Agents): With some extra dedicated time, you can substantially increase the skill of your Force Users and thus improve their odds of promotion. Chance of Success: 80% Reward: This turn, +30% Apprentice promotion chance and/or +15% Agent promotion chance

[] Construct A Holocron: ...It wouldn't hurt to try making one right? After all you do have Vectivus around and surely he can help. Chance of Success: 80% Reward: ???

[] Design a Custom Blaster: You've been using a holdout pistol up to know but your fight with Savage shows that a meager blaster isn't going to cut it. Work with your people to design a blaster integrating that lava crystal you picked up ages ago to see if you can make something with a bit more kick to it. Chance of Success: 70% Reward: Lava crystal-enhanced blaster installed

[] Exorcising Exar Kun: It's been over four millienia since his death, but you've learned that Exar Kun - or at least some part of him - still persists in the ruins of Yavin 4. This was the Sith Lord whose actions directly led to the Jedi Civil War, and was noted to be one of the most feared Sith in history. Unfortunately for you, there's only one weapon in the galaxy that you're aware of that can make sure he'll stay dead this time. Chance of Success: ??? Reward: ???

[] The "Secrets" of Sair: Recent disucssions with the Shards have helped you realize how little you know about Cheriss - or at least how little you know about the period in between her leaving her homeworld and joining the Walkers. That first suit of hers was able to fool you after all, so odds are there's a good story there! There's two reasons you can think of for why you haven't heard it yet: either she's holding out on some deep, dark secret that will change your perspective of her forever...or she just flat-out didn't think to tell you about it in the first place. ...Sadly, it's probably the latter. Booooring. (Free Action, no bonuses) Chance of Success: 100% Reward: Backstory expansion for Cheriss

[] Annoy Padme Bachelorette Party (Free Action, no bonuses): It will be done. It must be done. Chance of Success: Yes. Reward: Considerable Entertainment

[] 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 3 & 1 Genemod, Uses Hero Unit's Full Stats:
[] Under The Knife: With the facilities of the Arkanian Legacy at their disposal, the Arkanians can easily genemod anyone you want to go through the process. Chance of Success: 70% Cost: 100 Reward: Selected Hero Unit genemodded
-[] Choose 1 Hero Unit:
--[] Silencer: No response as usual.
--[] Galen: Somewhat put off by the Arkanians but is fully aware of how the mods could benefit him.
--[] Mungo: Somewhat baffled by the concept but is understanding of the potential benefits.
-[] Choose 1 Genemod:
--[] Balosar: A species that has incredible intuition, allowing them to read emotions or detect incoming threats. (Diplomacy, Intrigue)
--[] Bith: A craniopod species with exceptional mathematical ability, Bith do not sleep but need a mere 4 hours of waking meditation each day. (Learning)
--[] Chiss: Thrawn's species, red-eyed and blue-skinned with above-average night vision and inherently fit bodies. (Martial, Intrigue)
--[] Echani: The progenitors of the Silencer's Thyrsian species, they are fierce fighters who believe in the concept of communication through combat. (Martial, Lore)
--[] Epicanthix: A species that is almost completely human save for inherent Force-sensitivity and innate resistance to Force techniques that affect the mind. (???)
--[] Firrerreo: A gold-skinned species that boasts considerable regenerative abilities. (Martial, enhanced lifespan)
--[] Gand: An insectile species of humanoid, Gand are extraordinarily durable and have the ability to regenerate lost limbs. They are also able to see ultraviolet light, and can 'store' sleep in order to stay alert for weeks at a time. (Martial, Intrigue)
--[] Gurlanin: Natives of Qiilura, this species descended from ambush predators is not only capable of shapeshifting into the form of nearly any other humanoid race, and camouflaging themselves perfectly in nearly any environment, they are also naturally attuned to the Force. This is all combined with a 700-year lifespan, as well. (Intrigue, enhanced lifespan, ???)
--[] Jenet: Natives of Garban, this rodent-like race boasts a high degree of agility and dexterity, along with an exceptionally precise memory, verging on eidetic. (Martial, Learning)
--[] Kel Dor: Natives of Dorin, the Kel Dor are innately sensitive to the Force, and specialize in telepathy and weather control. (Lore, ???)
--[] Lyunesi: Natives of Ryoone, Lyunesi are a fragile species with unparalleled talent at linguistics and communications (Diplomacy)
--[] Miraluka: Your own species, able to see through the Force despite a lack of eyes. The Arkanians have admitted that they're not entirely sure what will happen if that mod is used due to the species' natural connection with the Force - sure it worked on Asajj, but "reliable results" and "the Force" don't tend to go together very well. (Lore, ???)
--[] Ogemite: The feather-crested natives of Ogem are natural traders with a gift for logistics and occasionally smuggling. (Stewardship)
--[] Pau'an: Natives of Utapau, they can see well in darkness but their most notable trait is their extremely long lifespans. The Arkanians have noted that this genemod will extend a recipient's life span by about 20 years as opposed to regular genemods. (Intrigue, enhanced lifespan)
--[] Sephi: A pointed-eared species that is not only long-lived but also have a natural affinity for working with machinery. (Learning, enhanced lifespan)
--[] Svivreni: A short, stout furry species known for their hardiness, and their natural talent for geology. (Martial, Learning)
--[] Tarasin: Natives of Cularin, this species has a strong natural affinity for the Living Force. (Lore, ???)
--[] Voss: A species that has a natural disposition for foresight with the Force. Much like with the Miraluka genemod, the Arkanians have noted that there is a possibility someone given this mod could develop Force sensitivity despite the past failure with Thrawn. (Lore, ???)
--[] Wookie: Natives of Kashyyyk, Wookies are unbelievably strong, and surprisingly good at engineering. (Martial, Learning)
--[] Zabrak: A tough species that is extremely resistant to physical pain. (Martial)
--[] Zeltron: An incredibly attractive species that uses pheromones to gain an edge in social conversations. (Diplomacy, Intrigue)

[] 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, ???

[] Silas Cata - Welcome To The Family: While Oki could be a valuable member of the Watchers given her shapeshifting abilities, she's not exactly well-trained in the arts of impersonation, infiltration, etc, etc. Silas wants the chance to spend some 'family time' with her and help her learn the ropes. (Uses Intrigue Bonuses, Silas Cata must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 60% Reward: Oki gains "formal" subterfuge training, ???

[] The Silencer - Legacy of the Moon: While the Silencer's time with the Sun Guard has proven fruitful (the betrayal notwithstanding), Grievous has floated the idea that you also send him to train with the Echani as well in the hopes of giving him a different perspective on his martial arts. At least this time you know the Echani aren't Sith cultists. (Uses Martial Bonuses, The Silencer must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 50% Reward: The Silencer trains with the Echani, ???

[] Cheriss Sair - The Culmination of a Dream: Cheriss has the design for her project - a 'frame' that would contain a humanoid pilot much like her body contains her Shard self. All she needs is a lot of money to pay her research teams and some time with the Foundry, and she can begin working on it in earnest. (Uses Learning Bonuses, Cheriss Sair must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: ??? Cost: 300 Reward: Cheriss completes her design, ???

[] Cheriss Sair - The Art Of The Droid: Granted, Cheriss' new mechu-daru abilites certainly speak for themselves but it couldn't hurt for other members of your organization to learn about them in more detail. Sadly, since she is currently the only one within it to fully master the ability, she'd have to commit to teaching this for the immediate future. (Uses Lore Bonuses, Cheriss Sair must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 80% Cost: 150 Reward: Cheriss teaches mechu-deru to Agent teams, ???

[] Cheriss Sair - An Unrestrained Mind: While you're unwilling to use the Foundry for mass production, you're certainly willing to let Cheriss have access to a production line for prototyping new droids. At this point it'd probably be the best idea to simply let her build whatever comes to mind and see if you can make it practical or at least useful in some fashion. (Uses Learning Bonuses, Cheriss Sair must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: ??? Cost: 150 Reward: Cheriss prototypes...something, ???

[] Thrawn - A Scholar's Passion Project: One of the Wonders of the Galaxy is Space City, a mostly abandoned colossal space station that is not only effectively a floating museum but is rumored to be home to ancient Jedi libraries. Thrawn is more concerned about the 'museum' aspect though, and has politely mentioned that if you could give him time and (admittedly significant) funds he would like to take teams to the city and expand its collections. While there would be a base established there in some capacity, it's rather obvious that Thrawn considers that to be an afterthought. (Uses Stewardship Bonuses, Thrawn must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 50% Cost: 200 Reward: Space City reclaimed as both museum and base, ???

[] Thrawn - Most Curious Individuals: Thrawn has brought up a captain that he believes is an individual of interest, and that has given you an idea - why not let Thrawn dig into various military records around the galaxy and see if he can find other "interesting" individuals that could be brought into the fold? (Uses Martial Bonuses, Thrawn must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 50% Cost: 100 Reward: Thrawn goes on a talent search for people of interest, ???

[] Grievous - One Last Ride: While Grievous is more than happy to see Kalee properly brought into the galaxy and given the chance to modernize, he feels that it also means that the age of the Kaleesh hunter is largely coming to an end. He doesn't want it to end quietly though, and has requested that he have the chance to go to Vendaxa with as many of his hunter brethren as he can possibly muster for what he describes as "the greatest and final hunt of the Kaleesh." (Uses Martial Bonuses, Grievous must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 60% Reward: Grievous goes on what he terms "The Greatest Hunt," ???

[] Asajj Ventress - Homecoming Trip: While it's been years since she's been on the planet, Asajj was once the de facto ruler of Rattatak, ruling from the creatively named Castle Ventress. While she's not particularly interested in regaining rule over the planet for various reasons, she has expressed a desire to return there to see if there is anything she has left behind as well as potentially converting the castle into a facility for the Watchers. (Uses Martial Bonuses, Asajj Ventress must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 50% Reward: Asajj reclaims her castle, ???

[] Asajj Ventress - Journeys Of An Exile: Fact of the matter is that you just don't have time to go contact every Force sect in the galaxy to speak with them or learn their techniques or whatever. In light of this Asajj has volunteered to go visit some of the groups...though while she'd never say it outright she'd like to be able to gain practical knowledge (usually involving new ways to kill things with her mind) from whoever she visits or at least not have to go through hours of scholarly discussion to gain their trust. Odds are any kind of "scholarly discussion" involving Asajj wouldn't work anyway knowing her... (Uses Diplomacy Bonuses, Asajj Ventress must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 60% Reward: Asajj contacts designated group, ???
-[] Disciples of the Whills: A group of Force worshipers fiercely protective of their home of Jedha, they occupy a planet that is rich in both historical artifacts and valuable Kyber crystals. Asajj notes that they are much like the Nightsisters in that they are militantly protective of their home, though she believes that given that their home is now a CNS member they might be open to negotiation.
-[] 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. Asajj never said it outright but she has taken quite the interest in that particular ability, and she's noted that their Sith heritage would mean they wouldn't reject her.
-[] Zeison Sha: A group of Force users that are extremely skilled at telekinesis. The only problem is that they are incredibly isolationist, so studying them further will require direct contact. As Asajj has pointed out, it might actually be better for her to go in case things get violent.
-[] Followers of Palawa: An isolated group of Force users in the far west of the known galaxy, they have developed a number of techniques that are explicitly designed to protect against Force users. While information on them is rather scarce due to their isolation, Asajj is admittedly curious as to what these techniques actually are.
-[] Order of Shasa: A Maanan-based group that has sworn to protect their homeworld, and more importantly have trained themselves to use the Force to see through deception and enhance their telekinetic abilities. They're noticeably independent from the Jedi in many ways and Asajj doesn't think there would be any issues with contacting them.

[] HK-47 - Beneath Scum And Villany: As it turns out Nar Shaddaa of all worlds is home to a compound that once belonged to Revan himself during the Cold War era, and HK-47 was entrusted with passcodes to said compound. Have him lead a team there to see what remains after all these years. (Uses Learning Bonuses, HK-47 must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 60% Reward: Revan's Nar Shaddaa compound accessed, ???

[] HK-47 - Can't An Assassin Droid Assassinate People?: Yes. Yes he can. (Uses Intrigue Bonuses, HK-47 must be assigned to this action if chosen)
-[] Write-in targets, chance of success will vary depending on target

[] Jango Fett - Remains Of A Past Hunt: A few years ago Jango was sent on a mission to the planet of Kholma by none other than Count Dooku himself to prove that he would be the ideal template for the clone army. He ended up fighting a dark side cult and destroying the citadel they were based in, but given who they were there might still be something worth finding in the wreckage... (Uses Lore Bonuses, Jango Fett must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 60% Reward: Kholma compound investigated, ???

[] Jango Fett - Fett's House Of Killers: If you don't have the time to set up a chapter of bounty hunters with your own resources, Jango has pointed out that by sheer reputation alone he could easily get one set up - so long as he had the credits to do so. (Uses Diplomacy Bonuses, Jango Fett must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 90% Cost: 150 Reward: Jango sets up bounty hunter chapter for you, ???

[] Talesan Fry - You Killed My Father, Prepare To Die: The current leader of the Corporate Alliance, Passel Argente, was the man responsible for the deaths of Fry's parents. While he has so far largely kept his mouth shut about the matter, he's quietly admitted that he wants the chance for revenge. He doesn't want Argente dead (likely due to Obi-Wan and Siri's influence), but he does want to see him brought to ruin. Dooku's idly mentioned that he just doesn't care about Argente anyway, so maybe there's a chance for some payback. (Uses Intrigue Bonuses, Talesan Fry must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 60% Reward: Talesan gets his revenge on Argente, ???

[] Talesan Fry - That Boy Needs Some Therapy: To put it bluntly, Fry is not in a good headspace right now, having sealed himself in his Box and effectively isolating himself from society. While his newfound paranoia is entirely warranted to a degree, it's gotten to the point where it's going to be a headache to deal with. Maybe you should get some therapists over to the Box. Or get him to at least say hi to Obi-Wan or Siri. Or something. (Uses Diplomacy Bonuses, Talesan Fry must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 40% Reward: Talesan gets therapy for his paranoia, ???

[] Galen Erso - Unparalled Mind: There are few minds in the galaxy greater at material analysis than Galen Erso, so having him work on something would be an incredible boon for your material research - though he's not going to be working on weapons tech directly or indirectly (you have other people who could do that anyway if you really need that done). (Uses Learning Bonuses, Galen Erso must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 70% Cost: 50 Reward: Chosen material analyzed by Galen, ???
-[] Write-in

[] Galen Erso - Heart Of Kyber: With increased funding, access to your advanced laboratories, and a supply of kyber crystals to analyze, Galen can now set out on his life's work to understand the potential applications of kyber crystals. All he needs is approval and the money to do it. (Uses Learning Bonuses, Galen Erso must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 40% Cost: 300 Reward: Kyber crystals analyzed by Galen, ??? [Takes 2 Turns, Galen locked to this action until completion]

[] Mungo Baobab - There And Back Again: If there's one thing Mungo loves, it's exploring strange new worlds and seeking out new opportunities among them. Give him some support and let him do his thing and the both of you will be better off for it. (Uses Learning Bonuses, Mungo Baobab must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 70% (80% on planets with a *) Cost: 50 Reward: Mungo-led expedition to chosen location launched, ???
-[] Outer Rim (Dxun, Telos (IV))*: A pair of worlds closely associated with the Jedi Civil War era, they are home to Sith and Jedi ruins respectively.
-[] Hutt Space (Manda, Tatooine)*: These worlds contain various libraries and such that would make for interesting material to steal examine closely.
-[] Duro*: The Valley of Royalty is listed as another Wonder of the Galaxy, and contains an incredible (if varied) collection of data & historical artifacts. Sounds like a good place for "research."
-[] Kathol Outback: An isolated area of the Outer Rim, the region is rumored to be home to a powerful Force sect, but you don't have much more to go on besides that.
-[] Belsavis: The planet has a long history of serving as a Republic prison and has infrastructure rumored to predate even them. There's certainly more to be found here.

[] Mungo Baobab - Mergers And Acquisitions: With everything happening you personally don't have time to handle your bigger deals with some of the larger companies in the galaxy, so why not have Mungo approach them on your and the Baobab Merchant Fleet's behalf? (Uses Stewardship Bonuses, Mungo Baobab must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 70% Reward: Chosen company contacted, ???
-[] Write-in

[] Quinlan Vos - Psychometrist Police: One in a hundred Kiffar possess the talent of psychometry, the ability to pick up vision's of an object's past by merely touching them. Quinlan's psychometry is highly advanced thanks to his Force sensitivity, but even a minor talent is an exceptional force multiplier for an investigator. Ask Quinlan to return to his homeworld and recruit Kiffar for the Abyss Watchers and/or for CNS law enforcement. (Uses Intrigue Bonuses, Quinlan Vos must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 60% Reward: Kiffar investigators recruited, ???

[] Quinlan Vos - Temples of Infinity: Apparently, Quinlan Vos saved the galaxy (and your life by extension) a few years back. The Nightsisters of Dathomir had seized a 'Star Temple' containing a hidden 'Infinity Gate', originally built by the ancient Kwa to transport people and things instantly between planets without the need for hyperspace. At the time they sabotaged the Prime Gate to unleash its unspeakable power to incinerate Coruscant, but Quinlan Vos managed to counter-sabotage the Gate and cause it to unleash its power against itself. However, his brief time inside the Kwa ruin gave him flashes and visions of other locations of Kwa Infinity Gates, and how to use them. Reactivating a nigh-untraceable teleportation network would be a godsend if you both could get it online. (Uses Lore Bonuses, Quinlan Vos must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 50% Reward: potential access to the Infinity Gate network, ???

[] Anakin Skywalker - What Could Be: Anakin has politely noted that if he had enough time and resources, he could provide you with some designs he...would have been familiar with? You're not sure exactly how the tenses would work with that but still. Chance of Success: 80% Cost: 150 Reward: "Prototype" design(s) created by Anakin, ???

[] Anakin Skywalker - Liberation Drive: While he has been focusing on bettering himself, Anakin has quietly admitted that he would certainly not object if he was personally dispatched to deal with any slaver groups in the galaxy. Chance of Success: 70% Reward: Assaults launched on chosen slaver group, loot, ???
-[] Trandoshan Slavers: They have been attacking the Wookiees, and since you have a number of business arrangements with the Wookiees that makes the Trandoshans a very obvious target.
-[] Thalassian Slavers: They're operating in the Northern Rim, which is entirely owned by the CNS at this point. Show them that they are not wanted.
-[] Senex-Juvex Slavers: Would you look at that, this slave group in Republic space is also home to a number of pro-Palpatine nobles! Launching a raid on them and exposing them to the galaxy would be quite the scandal...

[] Anakin Skywalker - Still Much To Learn: Anakin has incredible strength in the Force, but he will be the first to admit that he never had the chance to fully hone it in the ways your Walkers and the like have been able to (not that he knew about them but the comparison still tracked). Helping him master those abilities may not make him stronger in the Force at this point, but they would certainly empower him in other ways. Chance of Success: 90% Reward: Anakin masters designated Force ability
-[] Write-in (Must be available to Agents/Ciaran)

Free Action:

[] Select any action from list above

Autonomous Action:

[] Select any action tagged with (Autonomous Action) from list above. Action will be automatically completed but will have reduced rewards.

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

Priam: [] Write in
The Silencer: [] Write in
Silas Cata: [] Write in
Cheriss Sair: [] Write in
Thrawn: [] Write in
Qymaen jai Sheelal: [] Write in
Asajj Ventress: [] Write in
HK-47: [] Write in
Jango Fett: [] Write in
Talesan Fry: [] Write in
Galen Erso: [] Write in
Mungo Baobab: [] Write in
Quinlan Vos: [] Write in
Anakin Skywalker: [] Write in

Watcher Support (20 teams available, 1 Point per assigned team): [] Write in

[] Begin Palpatine Elimination Operation: The time has come. Palpatine has to die. But be aware - what you are comitting to will change the galaxy forever one way or another.
Current Probability of Success: 8%
Operation will commence after all other actions this turn have been resolved.
All assets will be committed to operation or go dark depending on function.
There will be no turning back once this option is chosen.

AN: And We. Are. Properly. BACK!

I meant to get this out sooner, but parsing through everyone's actions took a lot longer than expected. I definitely did not get sidetracked since the end of July by marathoning a certain game that came out for research purposes. Definitely not. Nuh-uh.

For reference, Grievous, Quinlan, and Anakin not being on the genemod list is intentional. Grievous out of pride, Quinlan out of paranoia, and I would hope that I don't need to explain why Anakin wouldn't exactly be keen on the idea of going onto an operating table unless he has to. Ditto with the Zygerrians no longer being a thing since they got destroyed/neutralized in canon anyway.

The 44th SOD was merged with the Wolfpack since both units are commanded by Plo Koon anyway. Just makes sense.

And finally, as discussed previously, base voting will be handled in a separate session after this from hereon.

Time for you lot to get back to plotting~