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

[Panory]

Checkmate​

Ahsoka Tano was bored. Master Skywalker had been invited to Lady Ciaran's estate once more to 'discuss further the events covered at Lady Ciaran's previous party' which was frustrating to Ahsoka, as she hadn't been invited and so had no idea what Anakin and Lady Ciaran had talked about. Since she was his padawan, Ahsoka had gotten dragged along, but since she wasn't a part of this ongoing conversation, she had to wait outside with the protocol droid. A protocol droid that steadfastly refused to even acknowledge her existence.

Imagining some affair between the two was entertaining for a moment, but Ahsoka had witnessed the almost terrifying fervor that Lady Ciaran showed in pushing her master and Senator Padme together. So the chance of Anakin and Lady Ciaran being a couple was pretty much zilch. Which left Ahsoka sitting on a bench in the hall, spinning her lightsaber in the air in front of her absentmindedly.

"Ah, you must be Master Skywalker's padawan." Ahsoka looked up to see who had addressed her. He was tall, with deep blue skin and dark hair. His outfit was clearly military in nature, but Ahsoka didn't recognize it as either Republic or Separatist.

Ahsoka pulled her lightsaber back into her hand and put it away as she stood up. "Yeah, I'm Ahsoka Tano. How'd you know who I was? I don't recall meeting you before."

"Mitth'raw'nuruodo, though I realize that's a mouthful for most. I go by Thrawn for simplicity's sake." He said, reaching out to shake Ahsoka's hand.

"Well it's nice to meet you Thrawn." said Ahsoka amicably.

"Likewise. As for how I knew who you are, the silka bead braid gave you away as a padawn learner, and of the Jedi Lady Ciaran would receive, Anakin Skywalker is the only one with a padawan that I'm aware of." said Thrawn, gesturing to the beads on Ahsoka's head.

"Wow. Not a lot of people really know what these are at a glance like that. You really know your stuff."

"The Jedi tend to prefer architecture as their primary means of art, which makes the crafts and the traditions behind them all the more intriguing as a window into their traditions and thought processes. Though I'm willing to admit I may be misinterpreting things. The art of the Jedi order is a field I've been meaning to look into for some time now." explained Thrawn.

"Art, huh? What are you, Lady Ciaran's museum curator or something?" joked Ahsoka. Thrawn chuckled as well.

"Hardly. My passion for art is just that, a passion. No, I'm a strategist by trade. I'm often assigned to duties such as clearing up the pirate fleets that plagued the CNS trade lanes." That certainly made sense of the military uniform. Ahsoka hadn't recognized it because it was CNS, a faction she obviously didn't see on the front lines of the war.

"Does the CNS have a big problem with pirates?" asked Ahsoka.

"Not at the moment, no. Without the need to divert forces to the war, we've been able to keep them quite in check, but piracy was rampant a few years ago. They still try smaller scale raids, but nothing requiring my personal attention. Which leaves me plenty of time to pursue pet projects and personal passions."

"Like art?" probed Ahsoka.

"Exactly. This for example," Thrawn hefted the small box he had been carrying. "is an artifact recovered on an exploration of Zeltron ruins. Like most things from the planet, it doubles as a form of entertainment, and this particular copy has the rules of the game etched into the case. It's a miraculous find, though I've been unable to fully experience it."

"Whoa. What's stopping you from enjoying it though? Is a piece missing or something?" asked Ahsoka.

"All the pieces are there, but games are meant to be played. And alas, I've yet to find someone willing and able to play a strategy game against me. Which is preposterous. Just because I'm a military strategist does not mean I possess some otherworldly knowledge of how to dominate a game I've never played before." ranted Thrawn. He didn't really raise his voice, but his tone made his frustrations apparent.

"I'll play with you." Ahsoka volunteered. "It certainly beat sitting around in this hall waiting for Skyguy and Lady Ciaran to stop talking about whatever."

"Wonderful. This is hardly the proper place for a game though." Thrawn turned to the protocol droid. "PR-1, if Lady Ciaran or Anakin Skywalker inquire as to her whereabouts, Ahsoka Tano is with me in the recreation room."

"Understood. I will inform Lady Ciaran and her guest once they conclude with their business." Apparently the droid wasn't mute, it just didn't like Ahsoka.

"Well then, if you'd follow me?" said Thrawn, and Ahsoka followed him down several halls and into a large room full of various games. Ignoring the men playing billiard, Thraw sat down and flipped open the box. Black and white pieces were lined up on both sides of the board, with Thrawn explaining the mechanics of the game as he had deciphered from ancient Zeltron.

"So I have to move the pawn first?" asked Ahsoka looking at the board intently.

"No, you can jump over them with the knight piece. Other than that play though, yes. I'd imagine most games begin with the pawns being moved." explained Thrawn. Ahsoka picked up a pawn essentially at random and moved it one square forward on the board that had been etched on the outside of the box.

Thrawn silently moved his pawn forward two squares with confidence. Ahsoka picked another pawn and moved it forward two squares after some deliberation. Thrawn calmly picked up his queen and moved it diagonally across the board.

"Chackmate." Ahsoka stared at the board, trying to contemplate what Thrawn had just done. Sure enough, her king was pinned down by Thrawn's queen with nowhere to go.

"Best two out of three! I was just warming up there." said Ahsoka, quickly resetting the board.

"But of course. I'd be more than happy to play as many rounds as you wish."

XXX​

Anakin exited the room after his talk with Lady Ciaran. As per usual, she had given him much to think about. He'd probably need to meditate for hours to sort out his thoughts. Looking around though, it appeared that he had a more pressing concern. His padawan, whom he had explicitly told to stay outside the conference room, was nowhere to be seen.

"Where's Ahsoka?" he asked the droid Ciaran had stationed outside the room.

"Ah, Thrawn invited Ms. Tano to the recreation room to partake in a game he acquired from a Zeltron trader. If you'd like I could take you to them." said PR-1.

Anakin sighed at his padawan's inability to follow simple instructions. "Lead the way then."

As the two approached the rec room, Anakin heard boisterous laugher and Ahsoka's shouts of frustration. "Agh, I almost had you that time! Best thirty-four out of sixty-seven, Thrawn!"

"Ahsoka, it's time to go." said Anakin before Ahsoka could finish resetting the pieces on the board.

"But Master, I'm this close to…" Ahsoka trailed off under Anakin's stare.

"I enjoyed our games Ahsoka. Should you ever wish for a rematch, you're welcome anytime." said Thrawn as he put the pieces off the board and then folded the board in half with them between to create the checkered box they were all stored in.

"Alright." said Ahsoka as she stood up. "But I'm gonna kick your butt next time Thrawn!"

"I'm certain your efforts will be valiant indeed." said Thrawn.


AN: I've had this idea of Thrawn playing chess with Ahsoka for a while. But I'm not sure if they have conventional chess in Star Wars, so Thrawn found himself an ancient Zeltron game that just so happens to be what we know as chess. Three more left before the discussion of what to put our omakes into becomes a moot point.

 

[BurnNote]

For old times sake

Padmé entered Ciaran's Coruscant mansion with a certain amount of apprehension. Not that she didn't look forward to seeing her dear friend again (or Anakin, it was an even chance for either), the war had kept them both busy and made these get-togethers regrettably rare. But the atmosphere of the place was strange, charged with a feeling she couldn't quite identify.

Ciaran's personal droid welcomed her at the entrance, and led her deeper into the house, towards one of the smaller rooms. The door opened, and she found Ciaran standing behind the counter. Not strange by itself, she occasionally did that, and she had a surprising talent for mixing drinks, not to mention foisting them on other people (Padmé could attest to that). But she wasn't mixing anything, she was cleaning glasses with a stained rag, and that was unheard of. She had a rich woman's disinterest in chores that Padmé, in all honesty, shared.

The second shock was Ciaran's clothing. It was... rugged. Well no, it was atrocious, and if it ever had any colour, it was now washed out and replaced with a dirty gray, except for sown-in patches of dirty brown.

The third shock of the evening was the lack of a greeting beyond a nod and a subdued smile. Normally an evening started with innuendo (non-verbal, perhaps) and went from there. Now, Ciaran just turned back to her 'cleaning', and Padmé cautiously made her way to the counter.

Ciaran packed away her rag, and then placed a glass with some unidentifiable fluid before her. It smelled like alcohol. It definitely smelled like alcohol. She took a careful sip, under the assumption that Ciaran had easier ways to assassinate her.

Yep, definitely alcohol. Perhaps there were trace amounts of other chemicals, but Padmé wouldn't be able to tell without a specialized lab. It felt like the sort of thing you'd get in an underhive cantina, she could almost smell the deathstick smoke. A short sniff told her that she could actually smell it, coming from Ciaran.

Her expression at the smell produced a small smile from Ciaran. Which was a relieve, a Ciaran that wouldn't take joy in other people's discomfort was a sign of the end times. Still, what was going on?

"I came to Corsucant to renew my liquor license. Apparently the things are only good for a few years, and only the original applicant can renew them. Not that it was honestly worth my time, but I was feeling... nostalgic? Melancholic? I felt the need to revisit that place."

Wonderful, that explained everything in the least helpful way. Honestly kind of a relieve, at least they were back in familiar territory with that.

"You own a cantina?"

"Oh several, and dozens of restaurants, but that one is special. It was the first. Not just the first cantina, the first business I ever owned. It's been about fifteen years now. I spent several years as the barkeeper down there."

"In the underhive? Weren't you only about fifteen back then?"

"Yes, and I believe I was fourteen when I took ownership of the place."

"Oh."


It was a part of Ciaran she'd never really seen, and couldn't really understand. Her parents were wealthy and influential, and even poverty on Naboo was middleclass in most other places. Somehow, she'd always assumed it'd been the same for Ciaran. She played the role of the socialite too well.


"So what now?"

"You drink, and I amuse myself by watching you drink. The stuff needs to be gone, and I have had enough of it to last me a lifetime."

Padmé was sure there was more to it, and also sure that it was important to Ciaran.

She lifted the drink. The second taste was just as bad as the first.

Third wasn't better.

Neither was the fourth.

By the fifth, her taste buds had given up, and it wasn't actually that bad.

The second cup was better, even if it was still awful.

At some point, she started talking. The atmosphere just demanded it. When did the music start?

Ciaran was a good listener.

The rest of the evening was lost in a gradual haze.

-**********************-

She woke with a pounding headache, draped across Ciaran in her upstairs bedroom.

That little bit of normalcy was a welcome relief after yesterdays weirdness.

"Hey Ciaran, what are you going to do with the cantina", she murmured very, very quietly.

"Hand it off to some underling. Already signed the papers", Ciaran answered, just as quiet. Ciaran was always considerate in these moments.

'And that said a lot about her', Padmé thought.



AN: I have decided that maxed boni is a worthy goal, and I have put my powers behind it.

 

[BurnNote]

Snips and Thrawn play games together

"Stop doing that."

"What?"

"Using the force to cheat."

"I'm not cheating, I'm just altering the rules."

"That's generally considered cheating."

"Oh, what do they know. Really, you should be grateful."

"I should be grateful for your cheating."

"Innovative rule application, please. Consider it training when for when you're up against force sensitives. And you're still winning two-thirds of the time. You're just peeved I've gotten better. And this way, I can tell Skyguy I'm training."

"A fair point, I suppose. Very well, I will consent to these new rules. As long as you don't resort to poisoning me or something like that."

"Lady Ciaran did suggest that."

Snips and Thrawn play more games together

"I lost."

"Oh yeah."

"For the fifteenth time today."

"Uhu."

"That is more than I have ever lost, in total."

"Sounds about right."

"How did that happen?!"

"Maybe you're just really, really bad at this?"

"No. You actually poisoned me, didn't you."

"Lady Ciaran was very helpful in picking out subtle and harmless one. I'm kind of amazed a philanthropist knows so much about poison. Probably from all the nasty people that tried to poison her. Don't worry, I'll treasure the pictures forever!"

"Of course she would install cameras. Very well, are you up for another game?"

"Yeah! I get white this time."


Snips and Skyguy play together

"I lost."

"Oh yeah."

"I lost to my padawan."

"Uhu. You're gonna pay up? You promised."

"Yes, I'll start you on the advanced forms. But how the hell did I lose to my padawan?"

"Maybe I'm just that good?"

"No."

"Rude."

"Don't get me wrong, you're pretty great. You're my padawan, after all. But you're not me either. So by the force, how did I lose to my padawan?"

"Well, if you're gonna be like that, I'm just going to visit Thrawn. Lady Ciaran promised me she'd give me some tips."

"It's her fault, isn't it?"

"Nooooooooomaybe? Ok, maaaybe a little bit. Just a little."

"What. Did. She. DO?"

"Calm down! Sheez. Nothing really. She just gave me a little bit of advice in respect to Thrawn, and I applied it here."

"What did you do?"

"I maaay have poisoned you, just a little."

...

"Hey Skyguy, are you ok there? Yeah? Uhm, I'll just go I guess. You can find me at Lady Ciaran's house. Remember we have a session tomorrow."

"Never should have let her on the same planet as that woman."

Snips and a Jedi Master play a game

"I lost."

"Uhu. Been hearing that a lot lately. Please, let me hear it some more."

"I made sure to watch for your 'unorthodox tactics'. So what did you do?"

"Dude, gimme some respect here. I don't need that for you. I've had weekly sessions with a total genius for years, and you haven't thought outside a rather tiny box in a looong while. So next time, try to be a little less insulting. Arrogance is unbecoming of a Jedi."



AN: A series of connected bits about the possible effects of associating with Thrawn and why Anakin maybe had a point in trying to keep Ciaran away from his padawan. At least as far as the Jedi are concerned.

Also, because I apperantly was unclear: She basically spike their drinks. The effect isn't particulary strong, just enough to give her an edge (the surprise helps just as much).

 

[Panory]

A Link to the Past
​

Tyro Torwin was often called a master of the Force. It wouldn't be empty bravado to call himself the best practitioner of the Blazing Chains techniques in the galaxy. But he had no delusions of his understanding being complete, or even rudimentary. The Blazing Chains was useful, but unlike many other Force sects, it saw the Force merely as a tool to be utilized for survival.

And for many years, that had been good enough. Torwin could laugh at the Jedi and the Sith for treating the Force with the reverence they did. He treated the Force as a mere tool, albeit a useful one, and he was just as strong as many Jedi Knights he had seen in action.

Then Lady Ciaran changed that. The Blazing Chains didn't typically use the type of Forcesight all Miralukans natively had, though Torwin had discovered it himself and implemented some form of it to shoot without looking. But the sheer ease with which she saw boggled his mind. Torwin had to concentrate and stop moving in order to see even muddy outlines of life. But Ciaran navigated as if her eyes worked perfectly.

That had challenged him, but the idea of Forcesigh becoming so natural was justified easily. Miralukans practiced Forcesight constantly since birth, whereas he had discovered it as an adult and rarely used it. It only made sense that they were more skilled with it than he. But when he discovered that Lady Ciaran, in fact most Force users, could glimpse the future through the Force, Torwin's belief in what the Force was shook once more. He himself had never experienced that, and no member of the Arcblade Fleet he had ever talked to mentioned it either.

Still, he could accept this. The visions as they were described were never set in stone, never perfect, helpful clues at best. The Blazing Chains ignored the Force as anything other than a way to move things with the mind. It made some kind of sense that a sect that looked at the Force in the opposite way would develop equal but opposite techniques.

Then came the biggest blow to his own non-faith. Darth Vectivus, a Sith Lord long dead, had taken form as a phantom of sorts, and still resided in his manor. Which Ciaran had somehow talked him into giving to her. So Torwin took a sabbatical, leaving his classes to themselves with only hope that they wouldn't crash the Oracle by the time he returned. The other revelations about the applications of the Force could be reasoned away, but this required personal verification.

"For the last time, I don't need a dental plan! I dead for all things sacred!" Torwin almost didn't believe his eyes. But if his senses were failing him this drastically, there was no real alternative but to treat this as real.

"I'm not here to make you sign anything." said Torwin. "I only wish to talk."

"What about?" asked the phantom of Darth Vectivus. "It had better not be that timeshare nonsense again. I can't leave the damn manor."

"Not that. The Force. Of what you are, and how it came to be." said Torwin.

"Usually we Sith put everything on a holocron for our apprentice to read once he kills us. It's a dumb tradition. I have requirements on most of my knowledge, but killing me isn't one of them. But in either case, why should I tell you?" said Vectivus.

"I am Tyro Torwin, Lady Ciaran's adviser on the Force. I am in charge of training those with the potential to use the Force in the Abyss Watchers." said Torwin. "But many techniques of the Sith and Jedi are foreign to me. I wish to learn, so that I may better understand what the Force is."

"Hah!" laughed Vectivus. "People have been asking that for millennia, and we're no closer to the answer. People thought they were onto something with mitichlorians, but those are just an indicator of the Force. A result, not the cause. If you want to know what the Force is, I can't tell you. And I'm pretty close to being part of it."

"I don't care about the theories, the ins and outs. I want to know what the Force is capable of. I've lived with it for decades, used in everyday, but I continue to learn of new ways it could be applied, with what seems like no limit. I mean, you're not dead! If someone had asked me even a month ago I'd have said the Force was not capable of such a thing."

"No Darth slapped on front of your name, no pretentious robes or philosophy. You're clearly no Sith of Jedi. What Force sect are you?" asked Vectivus.

"Blazing Chains raiders, former lieutenant of the Arcblade Fleet." said Torwin.

"Ah, the telepathic gun people, that explains it. The Unexplored Territories are a bad place to be if you want to steal everyone else's techniques. Sith and Jedi have known of 'Force Ghosts' as they call them for centuries. Anyone strong enough with the Force can do it pretty easily. But that's just a facsimile of life. A Force Ghost has your memories, but it doesn't have your mind. Just limbo, unable to parse new information. Can't even hold a conversation all that well."

"You seem rather well spoken." said Torwin.

"That's because I'm not a Force Ghost, I'm a Force Phantom. Instead of smashing myself into the Force to leave an imprint, I tied the Force to my soul, which I then tethered to something in reality. I'm not actually dead. Just on a kind of highly functioning life support." explained Vectivus. "There is no true way to cheat death. Prolong life, perhaps indefinitely, but no true escape."

"Still, even that is far more than I've ever thought of using the Force for. I simply redirect blaster bolts." muttered Torwin.

"Are you good at it?" asked Vectivus.

"What?"

"I asked if you were good at redirecting blaster bolts?"

"Perhaps the best in the galaxy." admitted Torwin.

"Then there is no shame in not knowing the limits of the Force. No one does, and any who claim to are lying, idiots, or both." lectured Vectivus. "We use the Force for what we need to. I was a businessman, and so I used the Force in ways that helped me achieve my goals. You were a pirate, and so you learned to use the Force in ways that made you untouchable on the battlefield. In a way, you have likely cheated death more times than I."

"Heh, perhaps so." Philosophical crisis resolved, Torwin thought of the chaos his classes had no doubt caused in his absence. "While I'm here, is there anything you wish me to teach to the Abyss Watchers' Force users? I'm in charge of teaching them, and since we technically hold the same position, you are too. Since you're rather limited in location, I can take any teachings you have back to them."

"I think I might have a holocron or two lying around. Not sure how useful my techniques would be though. I studied very basic things or very, complicated niche things with little in between." Said Vectivus.

"I'll see what I can work into the curriculum."

AN: We have hit the limit. Now for the real question, if we do one more,will @Dr. Snark react like a computer trying to compute the value of pi?

 

[BurnNote]

Employment Benefits Benefits

"Sir? Could I have your attention for a few moments."

The shade of Darth Vectivus turned from his pupils. He hadn't payed attention the man's approach, since the force presence was so weak.

"Yes? I'm afraid there's not much I can teach you"

The man just shook his head.

"No sir, this isn't about what you can do for me. Quite the opposite. I'm from Sentient Resources. You are an employee of the Abyss Watchers, and therefore entitled to certain benefits. First, please take this."

He handed the shade a number of pages. There was an awkward moment until he pulled his arm back out.

"I see. We shall consider how to deal with this. No matter. Could we head to a more private space? I dislike discussing financial details in the open"

The phantom felt a grin coming, this might be almost as good as the earlier meeting. And it might be nice to use his office again. He'd spent a lot of time there, when he was still alive.

They arrived, and the man spread out the documents across the desk. There were a lot of docuements, but it was also a rather large table.

"First, I have taken the freedom to open a banking account for your salary. I assume you do not already posses one. Sign here and here to transfer ownership. Please don't use your title, it would make things difficult. Oh. Hm, we'll deal with that later. "

Darth Vectivus just continued to stand. There wasn't much point in sitting down, and the man didn't seem to expect a response.

"As a member of the inner circle, you are entitled to a financial advisor. I currently have your assets in a broad, stable portfolio, but if you have other investment preferences, do inform me. I also invested the payment for the mansion, the contract is over there and the plain text summary next to it. Please take your time to consider it, and if you have any issues, do get back to us."

The man gestured towards one of the pages. Perpetual right of residence, and veto of visitors. Rather generous, given that he already agreed.

"Don't you think this is going a bit far? I can hardly use any of it, and I already agreed to grant her this place."

"No. We treat our employees well, as long as they treat us well. Secret of our success. And frankly, nobody with a brain would try to cheat an ancient, undead Sith Lord. Well, a sane, ancient, undead Sith Lord. The other kind would get mandatory therapy sessions."

"I admit I find the image rather amusing. How would you enforce such a thing?"

The man just shrugged. He seemed rather unconcerned.

"A task for the researchers. It's not necessary yet, but a good employee plans for the future. Now, since we are already on the topic of health benefits. You are not currently eligible for most of them."

Vectivus had to bite back a laugh. This really was golden. He should thank Lady Ciaran the next time he saw her.

"Sir, if you could restrain you mirth for a few moments? You lack a body, and so you don't have much on the way of health. However, another inner circle member has 'total body restoration in case of loss', and while the context is different, it was decided it should apply to you as well. We are currently working several different approaches."

"It is not so simple, else the galaxy would be flooded with ancient Sith. And I do not relish the thought of possessing some poor unfortunate merely to spend a few more years. Possession is never pleasant, for either party."

The man seemed rather unconcerned, despite the shade's angry tone.

"Oh of course, that was a concern. The leading idea is to show you various candidates, and clone the best fit. Hopefully that should avoid the interference of a mind. We have contacts to kamino, and a capable biotech lab. The basic tech is there. However, the feasibility studies are not quite finished, so I cannot tell you a timeframe. Additionally, this is a major project, so it requires the ok of Lady Ciaran."

It was an intriguing thought. He wouldn't get his hopes up quite yet, but it would be nice to walk the galaxy once more.

"You do realise the problems you will invite, should you succeed."

The man gave a thin smile, and nodded.

"I believe it's called a 'recruitment opportunity'. But yes, that is a serious concern. We do have a fallback, which I will not discuss because I'm not cleared for it, but apparently it's considered both questionably moral and questionably effective. But rest assured, we shall deal with the issue."

Darth Vectivus gave a laugh at this. Lady Ciaran had a knack for attracting audacious people, didn't she?

"You will deal with the most powerful Sith Lords in history?I must admit some doubt, there."

The man straightened at that, and looked the Force Phantom straight in the eyes.

"Sentient Resources ensures all employees get their due. We take our duty serious, and are very literal where contract termination is concerned. We can't enforce it right now, where this issue is concerned. I freely admit that. But that is merely another challenge."

And Darth Vectivus was willing to believe he'd truly try, and do better than expected, even if he wasn't quite ready to expect success. He was really starting to like this century.


AN: I like the idea that the most stone cold bastards in the company work in Sentient resources.
And of course the idea of an army of resurrected sith lords, with is the benefit of employment benefits.

A Link to the Past

Click to shrink...

Aww, you were faster.

 

[Semi-Autogyro]

Will the Real Ciaran Please Stand Up?​

The Vault, Location Redacted

The large room was quiet as a tomb, deep shadows adding a otherworldly gloom only broken by overhead spot lumas illuminating the various displays. A lone figure was standing in front of one of these filled with archived data steams, hands behind their back, intently inspecting the contents as they scrolled by. He didn't need to, as he had long ago memorized their content, but the room itself was a place that allowed him to better parse his thoughts.

At the forefront of these thoughts were about his mercurial employer, the one and only Lady Ciaran. The meeting that he had just came from to try and temper her expectations had, predictably, failed spectacularly in its intent. Ciaran was of uncommon brilliance and natural frontline commander, but as much as she had an intuitive grasp of tactics and strategy she had a habit of overlooking the importance of the logistical situation.

It was his duty to prevent any such oversights from happening again, which had led him here to the display containing various articles concerning Lady Ciarans' unsuccessful assassination. He knew that she had been lucky cultivating her philanthropic persona as it made her an unpalatable target. But luck was a fickle thing, and it was only a matter of time before Palpatine, the CIS, or another faction tried to eliminate Ciaran regardless of her public persona.

Assassinations were a lot like art, he mused to himself, as there was a motivation present beyond the killing just as a painting was always more than a mere medium on canvas. While currently he was able to ascertain the broad strokes of the style, the more subtle nuances present escaped his understanding. What was needed then was an advisor. None of the Abyss Watchers realistically had any sort of relevant experience, and what the Silencer and Ventress could provide was limited due to their...straightforward nature.

Returning his attention to the display, an early list of potential assassins the Watchers had compiled caught his eye. Pausing the scrolling text, he expanded the document with a gesture. A solitary name stood out. Curiosity piqued, he looked deeper.

Perfect.

In the darkened room, Thrawn smiled.

Two Months Later, Sundari Mansion, Mandalore

It was one of the unusual times that Ciaran was doing actual paperwork. Granted, it was PR-1 doing most of it, but the fact that she was bothering to doing it in the first place counted as a win in her book.

"What is next on the docket, PR-1?" Ciaran asked as she lightly stretched in an attempt to get some feeling back in her limbs.

"From 14:00 to 15:00 local time you have nothing scheduled other than a memo to find and annoy Duchess Satine" PR-1 responded, followed by the door chime.

"Come in!" Ciaran called out, glad for distraction from the insidious paperwork. Plus, Obi-Wan was off world and Satine wasn't nearly as amusing to mess without him present.

Thrawn walked in with a pair of data slates tucked under an arm, "Lady Ciaran, pardon my intrusion but I noted that your schedule was free and there is an issue that I feel needs to be addressed privately."

Thrawn rarely came to her, but when he did he felt it was of vital importance so Ciaran easily made the choice to clear her schedule. Ignoring the paperwork was a bonus!

"Allright. PR-1. Make sure we're not interrupted unless it is necessary." The protocol droid nodded before shuffling out and securing the door behind him.

Ciaran gestured to one of the chairs "Have a seat. What's up, Thrawn?"

Thrawn remained as inscrutable as ever as he sat down in one of the chairs in front of her desk. "Do you remember the assassination attempt on yourself, Lady Ciaran?"

"If you mean getting poisoned and shot, followed by waking up in a bacta tank with a head full of eyeballs? Then yes. What of it?"

"We have been exceedingly fortunate that there hasn't been another attempt on your life since then. I feel we need to take more precautions as the scope of our operations and enemies have escalated since then. To that end I have been stress testing our facilities over the last few months with the assistance of an individual who owed our organization a favor."

Thrawn handed her a data slate, which Ciaran started to peruse. On it images of the Oracles' Engine Core vied for attention alongside maintenance reports for a Decimator. The most chilling entry was a simple timeline when whoever Thrawn had hired had followed her security team and her around Coruscant, all the while writing down methods and opportune moments of taking Ciaran out. In rather vivid detail. At length.

Ciaran's' eyes narrowed behind her veil as she turned her attention back to the Chiss. "You are comfortable in vetting this individual?"

The Chiss handed over another data slate. "I am. We already have indirectly helped them, but they offered to assist without pay as recompense when I contacted them. My recommendation is to hire this individual as their abilities would be of great use to us in our ongoing and future endeavors both public and private."

"Oho~ That's high praise coming from you." Ciaran noted playfully.

"I was noted as 'killed' during one of their assessments." Thrawn stated blandly.

"Seriously?"

"Indeed." He indicated the second data slate. "Their complete dossier. It would be foolish not to hire them. The psychological operations they alone could perform would be well worth it. Not to mention their talents as a profiler, sharpshooter, bodyguard and years of experience working in the Corporate Sector."

A few minutes of reading later Ciaran admitted that she was impressed. All sorts of new schemes and ideas started forming to take advantage of this unique talent she needed, no wanted, to acquire.

"Will they accept the contract?"

Thrawn nodded. "Ultimately, yes. I have talked with them and their partner, and they are willing to join up soon as things calm down a bit around here."

"Great~ Thanks for bringing this to my attention, Thrawn." The Chiss gave her a short perfunctory bow and Ciaran thumbed her comm button. "PR-1, I need to schedule a private meeting."

Three Days Later, Sundari Mansion, Mandalore

Ciaran was eating breakfast when PR-1 notified that her guest had arrived. She ordered another setting placed, and a few minutes later an attractive human woman was escorted in to a spot directly across from her. "So are you in? We do offer excellent benefits."

The woman laughed as she sat down. "I don't know. Do they include breakfast?"

Ciaran smirked at the bander and gestured at the spread. "I'll take that as a yes. Help yourself!"

As the other woman filled her plate Ciaran had questions in dire need of answers, starting with: "How long will you need?"

"It depends. Usually it is observation for a month or so, just to see routine interaction on a day to day basis. Also it will include meeting most of your contacts, but that's something we'll deal with in time. I can do a rough imitation here, but I'll need to see everything for the most authentic replication."

A mischievous smirk was Ciarans' response. "Already trying to get in your bosses' pants! How scandalous~"

"You're paying me to do it, so it's more of a job perk in this situation~" The woman shrugged.

"Oho~ You're a fast study. So what do you need from me, other than my body~"

The woman gave a snort of laughter at that. "Not much, merely the time needed for a rather thorough interview."

Twenty minutes later Ciaran knew that this was going to be inordinate amounts of fun as she appraised her doppelganger, not bothering to surpass the impish smile that broke across her features and was flawlessly mirrored by the other Ciaran.

"Zam, I have a feeling that this will be the beginning of a beautiful friendship~"

Meanwhile, Jedi Temple, Coruscant

Anakin and Obi-wan paused mid conversation, a slight shudder running through the younger Jedi.

"What the force was that!?" Anakin frowned as he looked around for the source "It felt familiar..."

"Dread, an ill portent." Obi-wan stated as he collected himself. "Though not malevolent...more...confounding."

"I have a bad feeling about this." deadpanned Anakin, the sentiment in that statement echoed by Obi-Wans' concerned grimace.

 

[Panory]

It's happening again, isn't it?

Click to shrink...

Well if you insist...

All About Image​

"Are you sure the Abyss Watchers aren't related to the Sith?" asked Ahsoka. "Pawn to D-5"

"Oh, what's prompted this line of questioning? Do you think I'm secretly a Sith Lord?" said Thrawn as he confidently moved his own piece. "Pawn to H-3."

"Not you specifically. It's just that the Abyss Watcher's emblem seems a bit… Sith-y. Bishop to H-3. You should pay more attention Thrawn." Boasted Ahsoka as she removed Thrawn's pawn from the board.

"And you should take after your Master a bit less. Aggression isn't always the best strategy. Pawn to H-3. I'll be taking your bishop." said Thrawn calmly as his trap worked to perfection. It was good for him to play someone as tactically inexperienced as Ahsoka. Grievous had told him before that his plans were sometimes too complicated for his own good. "As to your allegations, I can honestly say that no living Sith Lord is in anyway affiliated with the Abyss Watchers. And the insignia serves a very important purpose."

"To look creepy? What does a black and red Tessek with too many face tentacles do for the Abyss Watchers?" asked Ahsoka, choosing to deal with the loss of her bishop by ignoring the game entirely for a bit.

Thrawn sighed heavily. While Ahsoka was decent conversation, the real reason he extended an open invitation was the simple joy of having an opponent who thought of more strategies than a droid could, even if they weren't always good strategies. "It's not a Tessek first of all. In truth I have no clue what exactly the image depicts. But black and red are strong colors. Red is fire, blood, passion, leadership, courage, strength, and similar themes, at least in the hues utilized. Black on the other hand is more ominous than red, creating fear of pending violence as opposed ongoing or concluded violence. It often symbolizes fear, strength, authority, etcetera. The two colors used also contrast sharply, amplifying the native effects of the colors. These meanings are of course not universal, but the number of cultures with similar sentiments attached to colors is intriguing to say the least."

Thrawn noticed Ahsoka's eyes glazing over, but he couldn't really bring himself to interrupt his spiel to berate her. "But I digress. The actual entity depicted on the insignia is rife with meaning as well. The Abyss Watchers may function as a general mercenary force for Lady Ciaran, and by extension the CNS as a whole, but originally Lady Ciaran made her fame as an information broker. The tentacles are likely a nostalgic reminder of her roots, reaching into everything to extract information, synergizing with the eye. A large number of sentient species that have some form of tentacled predator in their history."

"Remind me to not bring up art next time." muttered Ahsoka.

"Do you truly not see the meaning inherent in this? I wasn't kidding when I said my passion for art is instrumental in my successes as a strategist." chastised Thrawn. His disappointed tone actually seemed to draw Ahsoka back into the conversation.

"What do you mean by that? How does art help you win battles? I'm not doubting you, I'm just curious at this point." said Ahsoka, quick to defend herself.

"I'm sure you're aware of the adage that heralds knowling your enemy as the key to victory? A person's cultural history informs every action they make, and art is a window into that culture. Relics left by generations past to teach us how they thought, and the ideals they passed down to the present." Thrawn noticed that Ahsoka was still struggling to understand the concepts, and so decided that some hypothetical situations might be in order. "Take the people of Kaleesh. They're certainly fierce warriors, an knowing even the general approach they might take into battle would obviously inform your strategy. If you know they will play tricks and set traps, you'd proceed with caution. If you know they will charge recklessly, you'd set traps of your own. If they would cower behind fortifications, you'd settle in for a siege."

"I get all that, but how does art tell you how they'll attack? It doesn't seem like it would have much practical use." complained Ahsoka.

"You'd surely sing a different tune after looking at some Kaleesh artwork. Carvings at their holy sites depict glorious battle, great warriors featuring prominently with their foes fleeing before them. It's easy to see that theirs is a culture that sees battle as a chance at glory. If I were to face them in battle, I would attempt to draw them into a situation advantageous to my side by exploiting that. Drawing them out of favorable terrain by feigning a rout for example. Their culture would push them into pursuit to claim further glory from a cowardly foe. All according to a plan devised from some carvings."

"Whoa. I think I see what you meant." said Ahsoka, appropriately awed.

"I'm glad some of this is getting through to you. We'll make a proper art aficionado out of you yet Ms. Tano." chuckled Thrawn.

"How does that work with the Abyss Walkers though? They're a mercenary group that's only a few years old. They've hardly had time to develop a culture." said Ahsoka, now thoroughly engrossed in the conversation.

"Much simpler really. The emblem is worn into battle, where it can directly affect morale. The symbol of power inspires our men to perform better in the field, while demoralizing our foes by subtly convincing them that they stand no chance. I'm led intimidating than a red and black Tessek with too many tentacles." joked Thrawn, drawing a chuckle out of his opponent.

Just then, Thrawn's communicator rang, and he set it down on the table. The hologram wasn't Lady Ciaran, but a Tortuga woman Ahsoka had never met. "Ah, Cheriss. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

The woman, apparently named Cheriss responded nervously. "Ah, it's about the upcoming operation with Wesker. Lady Ciaran placed me in charge."

Thrawn nodded slowly. "Yes, thinking of it like that, I can see how your biology could offer certain advantages. I'm most disappointed that I won't be able to see some of my more sadistic plans in action for all the headaches he's put us through. I was looking forward to seeing him squirm."

"That's just it. I was wondering if you'd go over some of the strategies with me before the operation. I'm no strategist, and even if I was, you'd be a better one." said Cheriss.

"It would be my pleasure. I'll meet you outside your lab shortly." Hanging up, Thrawn turned to Ahsoka. "My apologies, but business calls. If you'd like something to work on, you were thirty-seven moves from checkmate with my current strategy. Less if you made any suboptimal moves." Thrawn left then, leaving Ahsoka to stare at the chessboard in frustration.


AN: In which Thrawn explains why out symbol totally isn't evil and gives Cheriss some pointers for her upcoming raid on Wesker. Tips which she apparently executes flawlessly. And hey! Ahsoka is getting less bad at chess! Everybody wins! Except Wesker, because fuck Wesker.

 

[Panory]

Total War​

Thrawn's patrol of CNS space was rather routine, with not even an errant pirate ship coming up on their scanners. In order to assuage his boredom, Thrawn had taken the opportunity to study Kaleesh art some more, a task aided by the fact that the Abyss Watchers employed many Kaleesh warriors. Any question he had could be asked aloud for an answer.

"If you don't mind Lieutenant, what purpose do these coins serve? I've seen them several times in other pieces, but I'm still not entirely certain what purpose they serve. At first I thought them some sort of funeral rite, but numerous depictions of the dead do not feature them." asked Thrawn.

"They are used for duels. One of them will be flipped at the person you wish to duel. The winner places the coin on the deceased afterwards, heads up if the fight was honorable, tails up if it was not. Those with the heads of the fallen are given a seat of honor in the afterlife, while those who turned their backs are condemned to shame for all eternity." explained the Kaleesh warrior, equally as glad for the break in monotony.

"Fascinating." said Thrawn, turning the holographic copy of the coin over and over to look at the three severed Kaleesh heads on one side and the scarred back of a Kaleesh warrior on the other. "Thank you for your insight. I shall have to reexamine other pieces in light of this information."

"Sir, we're detecting a CIS fleet!What are your orders?" Thrawn shelved the matter of the dueling coins and focused on the task at hand. It was unlikely the CIS would be idiotic enough to attack the CNS and draw them into the war as enemies. Likewise, the Republic wasn't underhanded enough to frame the CIS for such an infraction. Such a plan would be seen as an unnecessary risk. So attacking preemptively wasn't the type of plan Thrawn would need to pursue. Which left diplomacy.

"Open a communication line to the CIS flagship." said Thrawn. "Let's see why they've encroached on our space, shall we?"

The hologram that was pulled up was one of a fellow Chiss. Leaving their own territory was rare for the Chiss, and Thrawn knew of only one other besides himself. "Ah, Sev'rance'tann. What brings you into CNS space?" asked Thrawn, using the correct Chiss pronunciation of her name.

"Mitth'raw'nuruodo." said Tann in kind. "My ships and I were shipping supplies to the Null system. I'm sure you can see why that would require traversal through CNS space."

Null was a relatively unpopulated system sandwiched between the CNS on three sides and the Republic on the other, only affiliated with the CIS by virtue of being owned by Count Dooku himself. The supplies were likely meant to support the defense of the planet, which had been turned into a battleground by the Republic and CIS for bragging rights more than any tactical value. Letting the supplies go unhindered would likely prolong the conflict, but stopping them would shatter any illusion of neutrality.

"By all means, continue your delivery. Though my fleet will escort you through our territory. It wouldn't do for your fleet to be attacked by pirates while we're hosting you." said Thrawn. Neither side wanted a conflict here and now, but the difference was that Thrawn could afford one.

"I would be delighted by the additional safety. With all these supplies, we're hardly fit for battle at the moment." It was a bald faced lie and they both knew it, but appearance needed to be maintained.

"If you'd be willing, I would offer you an invitation to spend the journey through CNS space aboard out ship. It would be nice to hear what has happened in Chiss space since my departure, and I'm fairly certain you left after me." Frankly, Thrawn didn't care overmuch about what was happening at home since he still kept in regular contact with his brother, but it was a decent excuse to get Sev'rance Tann in front of his. Any information he could gather on her would be invaluable in case a conflict with the CIS did occur.

"But of course. It will be nice to reminisce. So few understand the ways of the Chiss." agreed Tann.

Which is how Thrawn found himself sitting opposite the CIS general, playing perhaps the most closely matched game of chess he'd had since finding the old Zeltron game. Tann had picked up on the strategies of the game quickly, and the two had been trading pieces evenly for a while now. While neither was truly at ease, both Chiss were glad for some way to kill time.

"So why does a son of the Eighth Ruling Family of Csilla leave his home to join some mercenary group?" asked Sev'rance, moving her rook out of harm's way.

"Numerous personal reasons, but the experience has never been dull or repugnant enough to turn me away." Said Thrawn and his bishop ran diagonally along the board, threatening one of her pawns. "I would ask the same question of you. Eighth Ruling Family of not, it is rare for a Chiss to integrate with the galaxy at large."

"The CIS movement stirred my heart with their ideals of freedom, and my mind with promises of power." One of those was an obvious lie. "Perhaps you should join the CIS Mitth'raw'nuruodo." Tann reacted to his set-up, positioning another pawn to take his bishop when it struck.

"I appreciate the offer, but the health benefits here are second to none. No other option really when thinking about myself. What is the dental plan like with the CIS?" joked Thrawn. He had right to be merry. By moving her pawn, Tann had left her rook exposed to Thrawn's other bishop, which swiftly removed the tower figure from the board.

"Perhaps it looks good when thinking only of yourself. But what of your brother?" Tann's twisted look of anger left no question as to the nature of the threat. Her pawn on the other side of the board moved into position to take Thrawn's bishop if he tried to withdraw.

"Have you ever heard of the third man to bear the title of Mand'alor?" asked Thrawn, catching Tann somewhat off guard by changing topics completely. The pieces on the board began to move independently of their conversation. "Sher Mand'alor same after the Second Mand'alor and is incidently the first man to hold the office whose name had not been lost to time. The First Mand'alor was aggressively expansionist, and the Second Mand'alor was more cautious and consolidated what the First gained."

Tann grimaced as another of her pieces was removed from the board. "What's the point of this?"

"Tactics, general, tactics. You see, Sher Mand'alor was the first of his office to enjoy war for the sake of war. He took an almost sadistic pleasure in breaking the opponent's will so completely that his foes would surrender, knowing full well that he would have them publicly executed. Even death was preferable to his tactics. His writings called the strategy 'Total War' and while I'm appreciative of him for keeping such an updated diary, his tactics were brutal."

"Sounds like a man to envy." said Tann.

"His tactics are actually awful. Burning any supplies the enemy leaves behind, interrogating captives publicly, etcetera. It was meant to inspire fear in the survivors more than actually kill them, and it was just as likely to make them fight all the harder, especially at first. Very little real world application. I would never use such tactics against a regular opponent. But an enemy? Someone who had personally earned my ire? The type of person for whom death is too good without first experiencing endless despair? That is the situation in which I would employ total war." said Thrawn.

"And do you have such an enemy?" said Tann, now cowed somewhat.

"Not yet. Believe me, they would know if I were to employ total war. Because it would be a slow process. Even if not absolutely necessary, I would strike down everything they hold dear, every ally they had ever had, until they were all alone in this galaxy with nowhere to run." said Thrawn menacingly. "It appears we've reached a stalemate." Tann looked down at the board, finally seeming to realize that her king was the only piece she had left. While the king was not in checkmate, any move Tann would make would result in being placed in check. The game was not over, but could never progress past her turn.

"And it appears we've reached the edge of CNS space. Thank you for the game." Thrawn said, standing up. As Tann stood up as well, Thrawn leaned in close and whispered into her ear menacingly. "I trust you've learned something today."


AN: Chiss chess! And Thrawn shows Tann why threatening his brother isn't just a bad idea, it's the worst possible idea you could conceive. Speaking of Tann, apparently her name doesn't follow Chiss naming conventions, so I just chose to interpret Sev'rance Tann as someone not familiar with Chiss naming conventions assuming that she had two separate names instead of one name with three breaks and her just rolling with it. Thrawn of course recognizes the mispronunciation.

 

[Dr. Snark]

Martial:

[X] Senatorial Protection Detail: It's clear from the events related to Seti and Bail that Palpatine is going to try and eliminate his political rivals by any means necessary. Supporting anti-Palpatine senators directly would be too obvious, but setting up a protection detail for Senators in general would not only give you the chance to protect the more vulnerable members but make you some money on the side. Chance of Success: 70% Reward: Security detail for Senators established through security company, additional income

Rolled 83 + 5 + 20 (Omakes) = 108 (Over 100 Success)

As it turns out, marketing a protection detail to a bunch of paranoid, easily frightened politicians went over very well with them.

Within a few days of announcing your "Senatorial Security Systems" (and burying the details of your ownership under a mountain of bureaucracy), Senators of all stripes have come to the SSS to hire on guards to make sure that they can feel safe in these trying times, what with all of these Separatists conspiracies, assassins, and assassination conspiracies.

The important thing is that not only has security been established for many different Senators-including a number of Palpatine's enemies-you've also managed to get your guards in locations where they can listen in on "unofficial" Senatorial debates and communiques without a problem. Having a finger on the pulse of Republic politics could definitely come in handy...

Rewards: Security service established among Senators, +100 security income, increased information on Republic politics

[X] An End To The Nightmare: You know where Wesker is. You know what he can throw at you. You've stopped his latest plague. It's time to end him once and for all so that he can never bring ruin to the Northern Rim again. Chance of Success: 70% Reward: Assault on Wesker's base planned and launched

Rolled 60 + 13 + 20 (Omakes) = 93 (Critical Success)

This ends here. (To be continued in mini-arc)

Diplomacy:

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

93 + 19 + 20 (Omakes) = 132 (Super Critical Success)

People are saying that what you've done in the name of peace is nothing short of extraordinary. (To be continued in The Tears of Caamas)

[X] CNS Integration Bureau: You and Satine can only visit so many planets at once, and the CNS is becoming increasingly popular. It might be a good idea to formalize a system of application to the CNS that could handle those requests themselves. Chance of Success: 60% Cost: 50 Reward: Application system formalized, per-turn roll for sympathetic systems to join CNS

Rolled 12 + 10 + 20 (Omakes) = 42 (Bare Success)

Honestly this was only a problem because everyone involved was busy with what happened on Caamas. Still, there's now a formalized application system in place for the CNS, and you're fairly certain that it will be very popular given what's been happening. Reward: Application system formalized, per-turn roll for sympathetic systems to join CNS

[X] The New Mandalore (CNS): A lot of people around the galaxy are frightened of the idea of Mandalore returning to the expansionist state it was in the days of old after Jango was declared Mandalore by the Guardian Corps. You might want to work with Satine on a PR campaign that shows Jango is not interested returning to that era. Chance of Success: 50% Reward: PR campaign to ease tensions with CNS/Mandalore initiated

Rolled 88 + 26 + 20 (Omakes) = 134 (Super Critical Success)

You were worried that this would be a problem before Thrawn tackled it. (To be continued in The Tears of Caamas)

Stewardship:

[X] Muunilist Reconstruction Efforts: Muunilist has been badly devastated by the war, which is concerning given that it's home to the Intergalactic Banking Clan, one of the most important financial groups in the galaxy. Helping the planet recover would not only make you look good but let you get more ownership of it and the gratitude of the IGBC. Chance of Success: 60% Cost: 100 Reward: Muunilist is given funding to reconstruct damage inflicted by the war, other potential benefits

44 + 10 + 20 (Omakes) = 74 (Success)

The Muun are overjoyed at the chance to rebuild their home after the fighting and bloodshed. (To be continued in The Tears of Caamas)

[X] Taris Refugee Initiative: Taris was once a thriving city-planet much like Coruscant before it was devastated during the Jedi Civil War. While the planet has begun to recover, it has remained mostly empty in comparison to your present state. This provides you with an opportunity to use it as a center for refugees to live on while the war plays out, and rebuilding Taris can only help you and the CNS. Chance of Success: 70% Cost: 100 Reward: Taris designated as refugee-friendly planet, other potential benefits

93 + 10 + 20 (Omakes) = 123 (Super Critical Success)

Economists around the galaxy have been calling what you've done on Taris nothing short of miraculous. (To be continued in The Tears of Caamas)

Intrigue:

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

Rolled: 50 + 34 + 20 (Omakes) = 104 (Over 100 Success)

Finally, you've gotten some answers. In some ways though...you wish you hadn't. (To be continued in Order 66)

[X] Explosions From The Past: Some of your teams have gotten word that a Nemodian excavation team has inadvertently activated what sounds like some kind of assassin droid that was stored in an ancient Hammerhead cruiser, and despite its age it's proven to be very effective at blasting its way through the Nemoidian outpost. If you could capture it before the Nemodians do, you might have a very valuable piece of technology available to you... Chance of Success: 60% Reward: Advanced assassin droid recovered

Rolled: 35 + 15 + 20 (Omakes) = 70

Once you sent your agents there to get a hold of the mysterious assassin droid they quickly learned why it was so successful at slaughtering the Nemodians in its path as your team was only barely able to bring it back intact after disabling it with several ion rounds.

The droid is quite frankly, something else. You're honestly not sure how it could be so old as according to Cheriss' cursory reports it's just as effective if not more so than some of the most advanced assassin droids on the market today. Then again, that's probably not too surprising since you're fairly certain you recognize the droid in question. If the records you've acquired of the Jedi Civil War period are accurate, the rust-colored droid you've captured is designated HK-47...one of the few you know of that has killed many powerful Force-users and was deadly enough to have been Revan's personal assassin droid.

Now, the only question is how to reactivate him again without getting everyone around killed like before...

Reward: HK-47 acquired in deactivated state

Lore:

[X] Form "Discovery Corps:" It's clear that you really don't have the time to go to all of these fascinating sites yourself, so it might be a good idea to form a branch of the Abyss Watchers dedicated to "exploration" and "archaeology." Chance of Success: 70% Cost: 100 Upkeep: 75 Reward: Additonal Lore action for archaeology

Rolled 10 + 5 + 20 (Omakes) = 35 (Bare Success)

This was also only an issue due to outside factors, namely your trip to Malachor which ended up taking up much of your time. Still the corps you've created are ready to move out at any time. Reward: Additonal Lore action for archaeology

Learning:

[X] Research Inhibitor Chips: Highly encrypted, extremely advanced, and definitely dangerous, the inhibitor chips you recovered from Kamino are one of the biggest mysteries in the entire war. It's an important project, but it will take a considerable amount of time and effort to break through engineering like this. Chance of Success: 50% Cost: 150 Reward: Learn details about inhibitor chips (1 Turn Remaining)

The research on the chips has finally finished...and when Var Zheen called an emergency meeting right after he told you that, you knew that something was very wrong. (To be continued in Order 66)

[X] Force-Friendly Cybernetics: Cheriss' research into her own frame has brought up the potential of applying similar technology to cybernetics to make it more compatible with Force users. The concept is already there, but it will need refinement for cybernetics. Chance of Success: 70% Cost: 100 Reward: Cybernetics developed for Force users [Takes 4 turns, locks actions for 2 turns]

Rolled 53 + 15 + 20 (Omakes) = 88 (Success)

While your scientists were confident that they could have gotten the research done faster with just a little bit more effort, they're still reporting that the new cybernetics should be finished in the next few months. (1 Turn remaining, no action lock)

Personal:

[X] 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 (Used on Journey to Malachor)

...It's time then.

[X] Journey to Malachor: A system that basically everyone in the galaxy has declared to be forsaken after the cataclysmic battle over Malachor V and the planet's subsequent destruction, you've been told by Vectivus that the spirit of Darth Traya may be able to be found on Malachor II in a Sith ruin. You're not entirely sure what you're going to find there...or what you might bring back should you choose to go. Chance of Success: ??? Reward: ???

Rolled 30 + 70 + 20 (Omakes) = 120 (Super Critical Success)

... (To be continued in Echoes of Malachor)

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.

[X] Silas Cata: Hell Hath No Fury: Silas has gotten a message from one of his many other grandchildren indicating that she has been enslaved by a Hutt, though he doesn't have a precise lead on her location. He's made it very clear that you're either helping him or he's going to start tearing a warpath through Hutt Space until he finds her-an option you're not keen on given your current relationship with the Hutts. (Uses Intrigue Bonuses, Silas Cata must be assigned to this action if chosen) Chance of Success: 70% Reward: Silas' grandchild located/rescued without causing an incident, ???

Rolled 82 + 34 + 20 (Omakes) = 134 (Super Critical Success)

Finding Silas' granddaughter in the hands of the most unfortunate Hutt ever to live, not to mention meeting one of your more...flamboyant cousins(side note: Cheriss' crush on him is adorable) made Silas' rescue mission very...interesting...

Rewards: Silas Cata gains 'Family Man,' 'Granddaughter: Larana Shayal,' 'Grandson: Galvin Thorn' traits, Cheriss gains 'Lovestruck' trait, +25 income from Borvo ripping off poor Yorvi Borvo's special partnership with Yorvi

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

Rolled 52 + 28 + 20 (Omakes) = 100 (Artificial 100 Success)

As expected, nothing with the Silencer is ever normal...(To be continued in Dark Sun)

New Bases:

Kashyyyk: While it's been some time since you've last worked with the Wookies your contributions to them have still been remembered and they would be willing to offer you the chance to purchase property on the planet if you choose. Cost: 100 Reward: Facility on Kashyyyk

You must admit that the mixture of advanced technology and woodwork is an interesting contrast, though you've been reassured that the facility you've bought is far tougher than it looks. Reward: Facility on Kashyyyk

Taris: The formerly great planet has suffered a lot of damage over the years, but that means it would be easy to buy property there and begin building up a base there yourself... Cost: 100 Reward: Property on Taris

Given what you just did for Taris, now was definitely the time to move in. Reward: Property on Taris

Base Upgrades:

Kaleesh Outpost:

[X] High-Grade Training Facilities: With the amount of people you've been bringing into the Abyss Watchers as of late, it's become clear that 'battlefield' experience simply won't cut it anymore if you want to keep your soldiers in peak condition. As such, Xruk has requested new facilities and staff to help train up your current soldiers on Kalee, where you can centralize your training programs. You tried to ignore how excited he was at the thought... Cost: 50 Reward: Normal troops automatically upgrade over time

Xruk has been overjoyed to centralize the training regimen of the regular soldiers with the aid of the new facilities built at the blacksite, and as you've heard he's been having excellent results with the new programs. You're just going to ignore how in his speech to inaugurate the facility he declared that everyone present was "equally worthless." Reward: Normal troops automatically upgrade over time

Oracle (Lucrehulk):

[X] Incom Fighter Customization: The Oracle's starfighters are currently a hodge-podge of ships you could buy or "borrow," but with Incom's support you could get some top-of-the-line fighters for the ship. Cost: 50 Reward: Starfighters based on Oracle more effective

Before your fighters were junk you either salvaged or got from the lowest bidder. Now the Oracle is stocked with a complement of Headhunters, tuned to be at top condition by Incom's staff, not to mention the fact that they've sent enough supplies to ensure that they won't be going out of service any time soon. At this point the ship's starting to become far more dangerous than one might expect... Reward: Starfighters based on Oracle more effective

Nar Shaddaa Property:

[X] Nightclub: While most nightclubs on Nar Shaddaa are dedicated to hookers and blow, your club would actually bring a level of class to the neighborhood, making sure that only the most well-connected (and very very rich) get inside. Cost: 100 Reward: +50 Nightclub income

An extension of the Orb of Phantasticora, the new nightclub has promised to add come class and dignity to your area, ensuring that only the richest can get in...so you can charge them crazy amounts of money for getting inside. Reward: +50 Nightclub income

[X] Wiretaps: Your casino is home to a lot of loose-lipped drunkards most of the time, it might be worthwhile to establish some wiretaps to see if they say anything interesting. Cost: 50 Reward: +25 Information income

As it turns out people boozed out of their minds are willing to say the most interesting things. Reward: +25 Information income

Castell Facility:

[X] Defense Grid: Always be prepared. Cost: 50 Reward: Defenses for facility established

Given recent revelations you're much happier having defenses for such a valuable facility. Reward: Defenses for facility established

[X] Trading Port: Castell is a major center of trade, and it would definitely be worthwhile to get in on that action. Cost: 75 Reward: +75 trade income

Setting up a trading port was child's play given your already significant influence on the planet, and the results are already speaking for themselves. Reward: +75 trade income

[X] Centralize Assets: You already have a significant number of assets on the planet, and with proper funding and planning you're sure you could centralize them and make even more money from them. Cost: 50 Reward: +50 Income

With Borvo's help, you've managed to centralize your assets on Castell much more effectively, creating synergy and removing redundancies where you can find them. Every credit helps, after all... Reward: +50 Income

Muunilist Mansion:

[X] Bank Investment: Given that this planet is home to the IGBC it would definitely be worth it to invest in some of their banks. Besides, you always did want to own one for yourself. Cost: 100 Reward: +50 Income from bank, further expansion options

Investing in some of the local banks has helped prop up the economy around the mansion there, aside from what you've already done for the planet of course. Reward: +50 Income from bank, further expansion options

Vectivus' Home:

[X] Agent Training Facility: You're hard-pressed to find a more clandestine location to train up your agents than the Home especially considering that they would have Vectivus himself to assist them. Cost: 50 Upkeep: 25 Reward: Agents improve over time

With Vectivus' help in designating a new expansion for a training facility, Tyro has marked the Home as a crucible of sorts, a trial for would-be Agents to become stronger with the help of Vectivus. You expect great things to come from this. Reward: Agents improve over time

4 Watcher Teams died to bring you this update.

AN: And done. As you might have expected the really fun things are going to be handled in their own interludes and such. It's going to be great, I promise you.

As for Silas, Panory did 99% of the work for me on that, so I decided to just link those and give Silas a shitton of new traits. Think of those two kids as "pseudo-hero units," giving their stats to Silas to make him more effective. They'll be credited properly if Silas' stat boost is applied to the proper fields.

Give me some time to update the front page with all of this, and stay tuned for the fun stuff~

 

[Satsuma Red]

'...I should like an appreciation of Coruscanti personalities. Are they not possibly for sale?...' – Our Good Friend.

Minutes from: IC 230/29







TOP SECRET

WO 800/437​

2.11./49/W.R/44.



G.


Some week ago our good friend instructed us to make a study into the possibilities of further surveillance of the clientele of SSS by any suitable means after all others had been expended by existing teams.

1 . The team concerned with the task have proceeded and achieved their goal. Our other team tasked with the monitoring of the intelligence have compiled a series of reports and minutes on items of interest at a senior legislative level and will continue to do so.

2 . There are several of note which are attached to this copy of the report for you to go over and address with our good friend and their circle.

3 . The team concerned with the task however faced minor trouble and have unfortunately 'died' over the course of the month. In addition two civilians whom we approached with regards to the task are now on Alderaan and should be back on planet by the end of the quarter before we part ways.


Your Friend,

C.

Its not the omake i said I'd do but eh. And yeah civil service and intelligence documents can be that short. I was surprised the first time I read a declassified one but there are some complete stonkers like 30-50 pages long.