Okay, just had the best idea/potential omake. I'm still working on the details, but I think the ideal plan here would be to blackmail va'hook into making a single vote against palpatine's interests, then have infiltrators impersonate/forge a note from vandron to Ishin. If we do it right, we could get COMPOR to assassinate a corrupt senator whilst outing themselves as undemocratic cultists. Bonus points if Va'Hooks vote is anti-palpatine rather than anti-republic.
This isn't a complete dismantling, but it cuts off palpatine's popular support, and does so in a way that isn't obviously enemy action.
1 Clone Commando Armor and Multi-Weapons, that would give a great boost to our Guardians and Seekers, and with the favours that Sikarta and his boys owe to us, this won´t be much of a problem to acquire
2 Droidekas, very effective in closed places like buildings and spaceships, plus the have those shield generators that we can repurpose, and given our relationship with the trade federation, we could get them easily
Hmm...I think I can swing Clone Commando armor/weapons being available for research/reverse engineering, but you'd have to take an extra action for Droidekas given how valuable they are.
Liberty still dies with thunderous applause, but at least the new regime is much better-looking than Palpatine's. Non-canon, +10.
Also I do apologize for the lack of updates, the dreaded writer's block has been hitting me lately unfortunately. I'll try to get something out soon-ish though.
"Observation: This door is locked." said HK-47, gesturing to a small door aboard the Scimitar. PR-1 was showing his new comrade around the Abyss Watcher's headquarters, including a tour of the more notable ships he might need to pilot one day. "Query: What lies beyond this door?"
PR-1 looked at the door in confusion. "I don't know." He admitted, tilting his head in confusion and interest. "I do believe that door has been locked ever since the Abyss Watchers acquired it. Due to the illegal nature of our method of obtaining it, contacting a professional has always been too tricky to bother. Scans indicated that it is a small room, no bigger than a closet, so there's really no reason to bother figuring out."
"Declaration: I am curious as to the contents of this closet. I will open it." said HK-47, stepping up to the door.
"Oh, that's really not necessary, and we should get moving on with the tour… oh." As PR-1 had been talking, HK-47 had ripped the lock panel off of the door. Kneeling down, the ancient assassin droid began tampering with wires in ways PR-1 couldn't even begin to comprehend. What resulted from the flying sparks and arcs of electricity likely broke a fair number of workplace safety regulations, but HK-47 slapped the panel back into place haphazardly and pressed the button to open the door.
The door slid open with a scraping that would have made PR-1 wince if he possessed the ability to do so. As scans had indicated, the room beyond was indeed a small closet, not much bigger than a single person. And while there wasn't a person inside, there was a droid. He looked like a 3PO unit, golden chassis dull from years of neglect behind the locked door.
"Oh my. How long has that droid been in there?" asked PR-1 in concern at the fellow protocol droid's motionless body. "Is it still functional?"
HK-47 examined the droid closely, raising its arm forcefully. The droid would no doubt require an elongated oil bath if he were still operational. "Observation: This droid is ready to be activated at any time, though a long period without maintenance means that function will be severely impaired."
"Well that's a relief at least. I was afraid we'd stumbled across an empty husk." said PR-1. "The shock would have been terrible for my circuits."
HK-47 continued examining the deactivated droid closely, poking and prodding and probing at its dull golden casing. "Observation: This unit is not a protocol droid. Hidden weapon compartments indicate a function more in line with my own."
PR-1 looked more closely at the deactivated droid. Try as he might, he couldn't spot anywhere a weapon might be hidden, even taking into account his own hidden defense mechanisms. That the droid looked almost identical to himself but was actually an assassin droid filled him with reservations. "I suggest we report this development to Lady Ciaran as soon as possible."
"Declaration: I will activate this droid to ascertain its purpose." said HK047, reaching around to turn the droid on.
"That is a most ill-advised idea!" panicked PR-1. It was futile though, as HK-47 had already activated the droid. It's eyes slowly lit up, and it groggily looked around. It made sense that start up would be slow after so long without use or maintenance.
"Request: Identify yourself." said HK-47 in a tone that brokered no argument. The droid looked around slowly, as if taking time to contemplate what it had been asked.
"You are not Lord Maul." it said, ignoring the question completely and shakenly raising an arm. "All intruders are to be eliminated." A hidden blaster fired from its wrist, but HK-47 was in far better shape than this almost defunct assassin droid. Reaching out quickly, HK-47 bent the other droid's arm into a ninety degree angle that fired harmlessly into the ceiling.
"Praise: You have good instincts. Criticism: And a poor mind to try that." Reaching around despite the protocol droid's feeble protests, HK-47 turned him back off.
"I figured something like that would happen. Honestly, what was the point of reactivating that droid in the first place?" huffed PR-1.
"Mocking: Your tour was boring. I'd rather be shot at." snarked HK-47, brushing past a flabbergasted PR-1 and leaving the Scimitar.
AN: It's short, but I had an opportunity to effectively halve my tuition, so that took priority. But now that's done, and I have plenty of ideas.
Once again, HK-47 proves why is more awesome than about 95% of current droids. Especially the assassin droids who seemed to have had a massive downgrade from anything from his time.
"Tranquil Fury: I must kill the meatbag who came up with such an atrocious design. Boast: I will be doing the galaxy a big favor by reintroducing proper Assassination Droids."
He's a one off prototype built by an absurdly skilled Sith engineer with access to a manufacturing facility that was fueled and controlled by the dark side, allowing it to create almost anything its controller could properly visualize.
Or, to put it another way: Revan was cheating as hard as he possibly could when he built HK-47
It's not that C-3PX is a worse design, it's just that he hasn't had maintenance in over a decade. He was actually designed by Maul using mechu-deru, a Force technique that gives intuitive understanding of machines, so he's probably one of the better assassin droids out there. HK-47 is better of course, but C-3PX is no slouch himself when he's working properly.
"Ah, Vice Chairman Amedda. What brings you out here?" the Chagrian turned to see a Chiss man in military garb approaching him.
"I don't believe I've had the pleasure of meeting you." said Mas, a slight tone of displeasure seeping into his question at being interrupted by some nobody.
"Ah, my apologies. I am Admiral Thrawn." said the Chiss man with a small bow. "I merely asked since it is so rare to see one of your importance away from the Senate, especially during a time of war."
Reassured that no impudence had been intended, Mas Amedda turned back to the sculpture he had been examining before he was interrupted. "Lady Ciaran arranged a meeting to discuss recent sanctions of the Republic and how they would affect the CNS. Obviously the Supreme Chancellor could not leave Coruscant, and my ship arrived a day early."
"And you've decided to spend your extra time here." said Thrawn knowingly. "I see you are a man of fine taste."
"Well, Mandalorian art has always been so closely guarded by their warriors or spread across all the planets they've conquered, it's impossible to see most of the time. As an appreciator of rare art, when I saw an exhibition for 'A Comprehensive Collection of Mandalorian Art, History, and Culture' I couldn't pass it up." said Mas.
"I see we are men with the same passion. I hope you enjoy the fruits of my labor." said Thrawn graciously. "It was quite difficult to get the Mand'alor to agree to this exhibition."
"You're the mind behind this?" asked Mas, skeptical, but impressed if it were true. "I believe I read a quite different name on the dedication at the entrance."
"Oh yes, the idea that a non-Mandalorian had put together such a collection of art didn't sit well with many. Agreeing to forfeit creative possession was the only way to get them to agree to let it be displayed at all." shrugged Thrawn, as if it were obvious. "I'm always surprised by the number of humanists left in the galaxy. Especially given that in terms of sheer capabilities, they're perhaps the most inferior species in the galaxy."
Mas Amedda found himself nodding along in agreement. He had long stopped counting the number of people who couldn't even be bothered with a veneer of politeness simply because he was not human. Even more frustrating was when they possessed some modicum of power, and taken it as a personal challenge to stymy him for no discernable reason. Still, his abilities had elevated him higher and higher in the Republic, and he found himself caring about them less and less. Still, he could sympathize with Thrawn's plight.
"Ah, listen to me complain, when you have it so much worse than I. My apologies." said Thrawn with a slight bow of respect and apology.
"What are you talking about?" asked Mas in confusion. He was Vice Chairman of the Republic, and he controlled Sheev Palpatine like a child controlled a sock puppet. The Chancellor was such an easy man to manipulate.
"Well, humanists, either vocal or not, are the reason you have not ascended to the seat of Supreme Chancellor. Why else would the Senate not elect the most qualified person to replace Valorum, if not because of his species?" asked Thrawn rhetorically. "It must chafe having to serve under someone so much less than you because some people are frustratingly close minded."
Mas Amedda had never thought of it like that before, and he mentally kicked himself for being so blind. "True, but one advantage of serving under someone inferior is that they may as well not even be above you." he said, justifying his position as Vice Chairman to himself.
Thrawn wasn't one to let that excuse sit though. "Ah, I see now. A masterful plan. Letting them think Palpatine has control over you, when in reality you're using him to destroy the humanists' base of power for when you oust Palpatine. Brilliant, truly. I never would have conceived of such a maneuver. It's clear why you've climbed as far as you have, even in spite of their machinations against you."
Thrawn suppressed a grin as he saw Mas Amedda fall for the ego stroking hook, line, and sinker. If it were this easy, he could see how Palpatine was manipulating Mas into 'manipulating' Palpatine to keep him docile. But if someone shook its cage, even the most docile animal would attack whatever was placed in front of it.
"You are a brilliant man yourself, to understand my plans so easily. I must insist you keep them to yourself however. Their success is dependent on their secrecy." said the Chagrian, easily taking credit for the idea Thrawn had given him.
"I shall take these details to my grave." Promised Thrawn solemnly. "If you'll indulge my curiosity though, I must ask how you intend to deal with the Commission of the Protection of the Republic? Such fanatics for Palpatine himself would be the first obstacle to your ascension, even if they weren't a group of humanist maniacs."
Mas Amedda would have winced if he had any less practice schooling his face to an expression of neutrality. How could he have missed such an obvious adversary. They were useful to Palpatine, but just because Mas controlled Palpatine didn't mean he controlled Palpatine's supporters, especially the humanist ones. Still, he couldn't let Thrawn catch on to his lack of preparation. "As my plans near completion, their secrecy becomes imperative. Should anyone who does not need to know discover my plans, they would unravel with ease."
"Of course, forgive my presumptions." apologized Thrawn. "Still, I must thank you for fighting for the rights of non-humans across the galaxy. Should you ever require my support, you shall have it. Now if you'll excuse me, I must return to my duties as Admiral. I hope you will enjoy the exhibition."
With that, Thrawn walked away, marveling at how simple that had been, leaving Mas to begin throwing together plans in his mind.
AN: Hey Sheev, our blue skinned, art loving right hand man is better than yours. Ha. Expect the second part of this tomorrow.
A/N: This is going to be long. Longer than the first or second installments. Totally worth it, I regret nothing.
A/N 2: 12k words. Longer than the first and second... combined. I regret many, many things.
Briefing the Boss -- The Inner Rim
"...a great help in consolidating Neutral Space around the Japrael and Trax sectors. Duchess Kryze has been quite impressed, and plans to offer Lux Bonteri an apprenticeship, to serve as her personal aide on future diplomatic missions."
"Do you think he'll accept?"
"I calculate an 92% likelihood that he shall."
"And the other 8%?" Lady Ciaran arched an eyebrow.
"That would be the probability that the Senator Bonteri gets the same idea and arranges for her son to serve as aide to herself."
"...Hmm. See if we can't encourage the boy to take Satine's offer. I'm glad the family is pulling their weight, but I'd prefer to see them working alongside our people than working on their own."
"I shall make a note of it."
"As for the others, what's the latest from the Gerreras?"
"Saw and Steela Gerrera arrived safely on Kalee and should be starting their first classes at the Academy in two days." PR-1 reported.
"Excellent. And the Invisible Hand?"
"Attached to the Oracle per your orders. Admiral Mitth'raw'nuruodo has arranged for one of General Grievous's lieutenants to serve as acting captain until either of the Gerrera siblings have graduated. Though he did mention..."
"Yes? There's only another minute or so till my three o'clock; come on, be quick about it."
"Hmm." PR-1 paused. "Did I ever mention who your three o'clock was?"
"...No?" Lady Ciaran had a sense of impending doom.
"Ah. My mistake. Your three o'clock, is in fact... me."
"Oh. Oh no."
"Also your four o'clock and five o'clock. And depending on how things go we just might skip dinner, as I've reserved your six o'clock as well."
"Blast it, PR-1! Again?"
"Indeed, Mistress. Again. As onerous as you seem to find these briefings, even you must acknowledge their benefits. The galaxy is quite large, and if I can contribute to provide inspiration or focus your efforts on the most--"
"Yes, yes, you've made your point. You were saying about Thrawn?"
"Indeed. I was to mention that before the Gerrera siblings departed, Admiral Mitth'raw'nuruodo made sure to spend several days debriefing both of them and some of the other Onderonian refugees on their knowledge of the Japrael sector and its neighbors."
"Oh?" Ciaran smiled knowingly. "And were there any artists, among that number?"
"Several, I'm told."
"And I'm sure Thrawn spent hours drinking the soup of every one of them."
"As you say. I understand, however, that a more significant proportion of the refugee population came from Ov Taraba, the leading university of Iziz, specifically known for educating diplomats. It was quite serendipitous, actually, for I had not yet informed Mitth'raw'nuruodo of my latest research project, when he commed me to tell of their availability should I call on them. The Ov Taraban faculty were quite helpful in my analysis of the sectors around Onderon. They even shared their files on the Hapes Consortium."
"...Haven't the Hapans had a closed-door policy for last thousand years or so?"
"Three thousand, actually, and the closed-door policy isn't quite as ironclad as you might think. Either way, it is fortunate that the refugees brought so much of Ov Taraba's archives with them, as they maintained records from even before the borders were closed. That was the final piece to ensure my survey of the Inner Rim could be complete."
Ciaran was impressed despite herself. Except... "Wait, 'Inner Rim'? Don't you mean, the northeast Inner Rim? The part that's closest to us?"
"No, Mistress, I mean the Inner Rim. All of it."
"But that's... that's absurd. How could you possibly cover the entire Inner Rim in a few hours? Forget about dinner, what about tomorrow's breakfast?"
"I dare say it's not quite as grueling a task as all that."
"Really? 'The Inner Rim. All of it'?" Ciaran parroted.
"Well, yes, but for good reason. The first being that, like the Mid Rim and Expansion Regions, the Inner Rim is full of many many boring systems that have utterly nothing to distinguish them. It's not quite as bad as that -- that Inner Rim has a much longer history with galactic civilization, so there's certainly more to go on -- but even so. With that realization in mind, shortly after my last sector briefing I connected with N-A9G, to request whatever cycles he could spare to do a 'once over' of the Inner Rim, to filter out the obvious cruft. Such as, if the only notable thing about a planet is a particular insect that's proverbial for a constant buzzing sound, then that is a planet I need not to examine more closely."
"That's really a thing?"
"Indeed, Lady Ciaran. May I take a moment to heartily advise against sampling the audio? The Ratitan whisperfly is proverbial for a reason, and I was quite sorely tempted to wipe my own memory-banks when I finally understood why."
"...I'll take your word for it. Thank you, PR-1."
"I would say 'my pleasure', Mistress, but in this instance it was anything but. But moving on. First, as always, the map."
"As you see, Neutral Space is in purple, with the various regions we will cover shaded in various colors. We will turn our gaze first on the Northern Inner Rim, then move in a clockwise fashion around the galactic spiral, ending in the vast Western Reaches. Any questions?"
Ciaran shook her head.
"We begin!" PR-1 seemed to vibrate with excitement.
J-8
Opila sector
- Fyrth: resource-rich asteroid field, sole source of opila lightsaber crystals (better for piercing/cutting)
Bilbringi sector
- Bilbringi VII: planetoid space station, site of resource-rich asteroid field and Bilbringi Shipyards (extensive drydocks, specializes in retrofitting/repair)
- Rondai II: pastoral resort world, used for low-profile business meetings, site of Ulta Center (high-security luxury conference rooms)
K-8
Voltare sector
- Aphran IV: trade hub on Namadii Corridor, idyllic forest world (woodworking & lumber exports), headquarters of Tadening Foodmakers
- Carratos: heavily urbanized trade hub on Namadii Corridor [NB: used by Fallanassi Force sect as refugee settlement after Imperial persecution]
The Whirl sector
Black Bantha Nebula sector
L-8
Waymancy sector
- Datar: homeworld of Ghostling race (ethereal humanoids) and Bayah species (trees), low-gravity planet, subject to routine slaver raids
- Ord Lithone: industrial planet, battle-droid factories formerly operated by Baktoid Armor Workshops (Techno Union) now abandoned
Marcol sector
- Barlok: homeworld of Brolfi and Karf races, major agriworld rich in ores, mining rights disputed between Brolfi Mining Guild and Corporate Alliance
- Tyberious: site of Tyberious Institute of Xenobiology (research facility)
Chagrian sector
- Champala: homeworld of Chagrian race, childhood home of Mas Amedda (Vice-Chair of Galactic Senate), heavily populated trade hub & resort world
Per Lupelo sector
- Drearia: fortress world & trade hub on Hydian Way, headquarters of Drearian Defense Conglomerate (weapons, esp. for Corporate Sector Authority)
- Paqualis III: heavily urbanized trade hub, childhood home of Corvastan Benelex, headquarters of House Benelex (retrieval, Bounty Hunters Guild)
M-8
Bogden sector
- Bogden: homeworld of ironwithe (durasteel-like plant) and renda bear (eats ironwithe) species, seismically active smugglers' den, populated moons
- Bogg III: moon of Bogden, site of Jedi chapter house and training facility, current home of Master Du Mahn and 'Soaring Hawkbat' clan (Jedi Initiates)
- Kohlma: necropolis moon of Bogden ('Moon of the Dead'), headquarters of Bando Gora (Force sect), site of Bando Gora citadel [NB: and Dooku's lair]
Mindor sector
- Taspan II: homeworld of 'Melter' race (energy beings), rich in meltmassif crystals (electrochemical weirdness), site of research facility (artificial gravity)
Ophidian sector
- Omonoth: asteroid fields mined by Adascorp, infested with exogorths (space slugs), site of wreck of Arkanian Legacy (former Adascorp HQ capital-ship)
- Caulus Tertius: lifeless planet that was once a Celestial colony world, site of discovery of 'Ophidian grotesque' sculpture
Silversisi sector
- Silversisi: site of ancient Library of Silversisi (derelict academy known for midichlorian research)
N-7
Nouane Allied Region sector
- Nouane: sector capital, economically isolated but politically dominant, known for libraries and tradition of statecraft (influenced Four Sages of Dwartii)
- Telerath: resort & banking world on Vaathkree hyperlane, headquarters of Telerath Interstellar Banking Initiative (customer service) owned by Adascorp
- Phateem: site of 'Halls of Knowledge' (abandoned Jedi library/artifact repository and 'Wonder of the Galaxy')
Shataum sector
-Kroctar: homeworld of Kroctari race, trade hub on Vaathkree Trade Corridor
Ryyk Nebula sector
- Myrkr: homeworld of Neti race (changeling plants) and ysalamiri species (Force negation), smugglers' den & blacksite (no Jedi), CNS member
Magataran Maelstrom sector
- Ubduria: homeworld of Ubdurian race, former capital of Ubdurian Trade Empire, devastated by Mandalorian Crusaders c. 4000 BBY
- Viamarr IV: agriworld known for subterranean fungal farms (known for Viamarr Blackroot exports), site of Velery Station (starport)
N-8
Paonnid sector
- Carest I: homeworld of Jiivahar race and thykar (massive conifer trees) species, resort/tourism world
- Nolar: heavily populated financial center and industrial planet, known for producing mining equipment, thriving black market
- Obroa-skai: site of Celebratus Archive ('Wonder of the Galaxy') and Jedi Academy (data analysis), headquarters of Obroan Institute and Aurora Medical
Six Sisters sector
- Eshan: homeworld of Echani race (genetically engineered albinos), capital of Six Sisters, known for Echani martial arts ('communication through combat')
- Thyrsus: homeworld of Thrysian race (genetically engineered warriors), headquarters of Sun Guard (Sith cult & mercenary army)
Larrin sector
- Asrat: headquarters of Holy Children of Asrat (faith that worships orphaned children), site of Holy Children temple
- Filordis: homeworld of Filordi race (opportunistic), heavily terraformed planet, branch offices of Metatheran Cartel (rivals of Trade Federation)
- Sab Rufo: isolated (poorly documented) world, site of Sab Rufo Academy (xenobiological studies), home of Obo Rin (sentientologist)
O-8
Eislomi sector
- Eislomi III: pastoral agriworld, chemical industry (exports 'cordioline trehansicol' anti-metalmite insecticide), site of HoloNet relay station (Vaathkree)
- Korda VI: homeworld of Kordan race (warriors), formerly associated with Death Watch, site of Jaster Mereel's tomb (battle where Jango's father died)
Pengalan sector
- Chrona: pastoral agriworld (bantha and primacale), rich in Chronamite (industrial chemical) mined by Corellian Chemical Corporation
- Hasiki: homeworld of Hasikian race, childhood home of T'Seely (Jedi Sentinel working in comm center of Coruscant Temple)
"... Now that you've taken a first glance, I would call your attempt to the Namadii Corridor in the far northwest. The Bilbringi Shipyards are not the largest in the galaxy; however, the asteroid field in which they are located is one of the most resource-rich fields you'll find anywhere. That means that the Bilbringi Shipyards will never run out of raw material for repair or retrofitting, and need not rely on external support. In addition, while each individual drydock is small enough to work on starships smaller than a cruiser, the docks are mobile, and can coordinate their efforts to work on different pieces of the same capital-class ship. In short, Bilbringi is perhaps the most versatile shipyard in the galaxy."
"Interesting."
"Next, we turn to a system due north of Coruscant. A decade ago, Ord Lithone was an industrial world dominated by Baktoid Armor Workshops. However, a few years ago, shortly before the war, Baktoid shuttered all of their factories on the planet, moving everything to the Outer Rim... and leaving Ord Lithone's economy in tatters. Even now, a few years later, the Baktoid factories still lie vacant and unused. If you're looking for cheap facilities to drastically increase our production of Baktoid designs, droids and vehicles, this would probably be cheaper than buying a new facility on Neimoidia. Probably less production, though, given that Neimoidia already has the vehicle factories set up for us."
"Hmm. Revitalizing Ord Lithone's economy would certainly boost our reputation with them and their neighbors."
"And that's a planet full of industrial workers who are still out of work and looking for a job."
"...I haven't yet made up my mind, but I should probably consult Borvo for this one. Remind me later?"
"Of course, Mistress. Now, the next planet to consider is Paqualis III. It's a fairly typical planet, for a heavily populated industrialized trade hub on the busiest hyperlane in the galaxy. By which I mean, give it another century and it'll be a new ecumenopolis. The specific item that drew my attention, however, was not the Paqualis economy, but was rather a single organization, and newly founded at that. House Benelex is the newest member of the Bounty Hunters' Guild, and it's already starting to establish a strong reputation in the northern Inner and Mid Rim. Unlike some of the other houses, Benelex is pretty thoroughly clean-cut: they specialize in kidnapping retrieval and recovery. I know you've been discussing a strike against the Zygerrian Slave Empire -- if you decide to go through with that, House Benelex would certainly be a key ally in that fight."
"True. Even if we don't... honestly, with what you've said, it might be worth it to contact them anyway. If we invested in Benelex, help them expand their operations to cover Neutral Space, Kashyyyk and Alaris Prime to deal with the periodic Trandoshan slave-raid, maybe to the northeastern Outer Rim... that's a lot of business and a lot of ransoms to take for profit. And if we were a part-owner, it'd give us an excuse to operate openly in Separatist Space...."
"I shall make a note of it."
"Thank you, PR-1. Now, what's next?"
"Practically the next system on the Hydian Way, actually. As you can see, Bogden is a rather odd planet, besides its distinctive flora and fauna --"
Ciaran cut in, "You mean, the plant that's as strong as durasteel, and the bear that eats durasteel for breakfast?"
"Precisely. For our purposes, Bogden is more interesting for its moons. Two in particular: Bogg III is currently the site of a Jedi chapter house, used to train younglings and Initiates. Kohlma, on the other hand, is a necropolis, a graveyard planet, that was the headquarters of the dark-side Force cult and terrorist group called Bando Gora. However, the Bando Gora seemed to vanish overnight about a decade ago, so it's quite likely they were killed off. Who knows how or why, though -- they were always a reclusive bunch. We might have our Discovery Corps pay a visit, to see if there's any records or artifacts left over."
"Might be wise to double-check and make sure the job was properly done."
"Indeed. Now, I've highlighted Taspan II, if only so you're aware that it exists. Taspan is rich in a particular type of crystal called meltmassif, which is basically the definition of an Anomalous Material. More than that, Taspan is also the homeworld of a kind of energy-being called 'melters', that live within and can apparently manipulate the meltmassif...?"
"Huh."
"My thoughts exactly, Mistress."
"...All right. PR-1, put a note on the system, 'Do Not Disturb', at least till we have a better idea of what to do with it."
"I shall."
"And remind me to discuss with Cheriss -- she might be familiar with crystal beings, or at least have an idea where to start."
"Yes, Lady Ciaran. If that's all...? We turn to our next system, Omonoth. There's very little here besides an exogorth-infested asteroid field, but that field has history. Specifically, during the Mandalorian Wars about four thousand years ago, the field was controlled by Adasca BioMechanical Corporation of Arkania, called Adascorp, which sought to exploit both the mineral as well as the biological resources of Omonoth."
"How do you mean?"
"They called it Project Dark Harvest. It involved capturing and genetically modifying space worms into weapons of war."
"...You're kidding."
"Fortunately for the galaxy, their plan backfired, though it's worth noting precisely how. At the time, Adascorp was administered from the Arkanian Legacy, a capital ship that served as mobile headquarters. The Arkanians brought the ship to Omonoth to host diplomats from both sides, to decide which would receive the new superweapon. During the negotiations, however, they lost control of the exogorths, which turned on and attacked the Arkanian Legacy, breaching the hull, venting the atmosphere, and exposing the crew to deep space. It was the middle of a war -- and the conflict with Mandalore would soon be succeeded by a far more devastating Jedi Civil War -- so the Republic deemed the ship unsalvageable."
"You mean..."
"Indeed, Lady Ciaran. The Arkanian Legacy remains there, to this day. And while salvage teams and scavengers have taken the most obvious or portable treasures onboard, the real prize has never been recovered. The Arkanian Legacy is a capital ship, even larger than the Chu'unthor but just as fully automated and thus requiring the barest of skelton crews to fly. It was designed to serve as Adascorp headquarters, which means it contains both corporate records as well as extensive research labs. Over its lifetime, it also became the preeminent symbol of Arkanian culture, so the ship was retrofitted with museums, concert halls, an entire university district, and even more scientific facilities. The ship's archives contain all of the Arkanians' cutting-edge genetic research, along with blueprints for all manner of long-lost Old Republic tech, medical and mechanical. And you're drooling again, Mistress."
"I want it."
"So I surmised. Naturally, retrieving the Arkanian Legacy would be a great challenge-- the asteroid field is still infested with space worms, to take the most obvious hazard. Also, it was the command deck specifically that was breached -- no living thing can survive direct exposure to hyperspace, so it'd be a suicide mission for an organic to recover the ship. But you could assign a droid to do it -- to infiltrate the Omonoth asteroid field, board the ship, fix any damage to the primary or backup hyperdrive, and fly it to a friendly shipyard in Neutral Space. Needless to say, the repairs would be quite expensive, but the prize...."
"A mobile headquarters for Karada, access to cutting-edge Old Republic tech, the undying gratitude of the Arkanian people... oh yes I can see how that might be worth the expense. All right, PR-1, you know the drill."
"Dozen notes, dozen reminders. Done."
"Excellent. What else do you have for me?"
"This next one has quite an odd coincidence. In the very same year that the Arkanian Legacy was scuppered, Adascorp decided to expand their corporate holdings to the banking planet of Telerath. Telerath has declined in importance somewhat, but it remains the primary financial center on the Vaathkree Trade Corridor, and has recently taken a second life as a major resort destination as well. Given your efforts with the InterGalactic Banking Clans, investing in Telerath might help you diversify your bank investments and give you additional leverage over the Muun Council."
"Interesting. Remind me to discuss this with Borvo as well?"
"Of course, Mistress. Still, I think you'll find Telerath's neighbor quite a bit more interesting. Long ago, the 'Halls of Knowledge' on Phateem were considered one of the twenty Wonders of the Galaxy, and rightly so. Phateem held the single largest Jedi Library and repository of Force artifacts in the galaxy. Of course, in the ten thousand years elapsed since, Phateem's star has faded as Coruscant took on increasing importance, and most of the artifacts have been moved to other temples and libraries -- on Ossus, Ilum, Kamparas, and Coruscant itself. Still, you might want to send the Discovery Corp to take a look, as the Halls remain as magnificent as when they were in active use, and given the sheer scale of it, there's sure to be caches and troves of artifacts that were not removed by the Jedi."
"Good to know -- not as high-priority as some of the others, but still near the top of the list."
"Indeed. As for the rest, I've highlighted Thrysus -- where The Silencer spent time training with that Sith cult -- as well as Myrkr, the planet that apparently looks 'spotted' when viewed through the Force. I've also highlighted Obroa-Skai, which we've previously discussed but bears repeating. Quite simply, Obroa-Skai is and has been the center of education for the entire galaxy, for nearly seventeen thousand years. The Celebratus Archive was founded in 16,747 BrS, nearly sixteen thousand years before the Ruusan Reformation, with the original mission of cataloging every piece of data about every known species in the galaxy. Since then, it's gained the reputation of cataloging every piece of data about everything -- every species, every planet, every nebula, every law passed by the Senate, every war and every battle, every visit made to the Unknown Regions and every visit from the Unknown Regions. In short, if it is or ever was public knowledge, you'll find it in Celebratus Archive."
"Whoa."
"That's not to mention everything else found on the planet. Given its reputation for learning, Obroa-Skai was chosen for a Jedi Academy to specialize in data recovery and analysis -- that's where most of the Order's Consular and Sentinel specialists are trained, in fact. Obroa-Skai is also home to the galaxy's preeminent schools -- the Institute for Archaeology and the Aurora Medical Clinic among them. Obroa-Skai is one of if not the jewels of the galaxy, and everyone knows it. Which explains why Obroa-Skai has never been touched by war. Even when the Sith Empire was at its strongest, even when Obroa-Skai lay on the front-lines of a raging war, even when whole planets were burnt to deny the Republic any slight advantage -- no one touches Obroa-Skai."
"...I see."
"To be frank, Mistress, I doubt it. Read the whole report a few times over, and maybe you'll start to understand just how deeply the planet is ingrained in the galactic subconscious. When a rampaging Sith battlefleet conquers every one of its neighbors to the northwest, takes a long detour around, only to restart their spree of subjugation with its neighbors to the southeast, with no explanation given or needed, just taken for granted that these omnicidal fanatics would leave Obroa-Skai alone...."
"Huh."
"Precisely."
"All right, I'll take my time reading about Obroa-Skai. Anything else?"
"That's all for the first region, Mistress. Though if it's any consolation, I doubt the others will take quite so much time."
O-8
Taanab sector
- Amfar: idyllic resort world, homeworld of redfish species, tourism economy in decline due to Separatist Crisis and Clone Wars
- Norulac: mountain planet, headquarters of Norulac Pirates, smuggler's den and black market
- Taanab: major agriworld, site of Jedi Agricorp branch, headquarters of Banthal Shipping, farms controlled by Arcon Multinode, TaggeCo, Core Foodstuffs
N-8
Zeemacht Cluster sector
- Koaan: steppe planet, site of Galactic Research Academy (massive underground library, e.g. records of all new planets discovered by Republic scouts)
- Tirahnn: heavily populated trade hub on Perlemian Trade Route, site of Great Fair (galactic bazaar), headquarters of Osaji Syndicate (smugglers)
Anthos sector
- Berchest: trade hub, site of Calius saj Leeloo ('City of Glowing Crystal', tourist destination and 'Wonder of the Galaxy') and Refugee Relief settlements
M-8
Orus sector
- Chazwa: major trade hub and smugglers' den on Perlemian Trade Route, headquarters of Hahz Fallone's Criminal Empire
- Hijarna: former Rakatan colony world, site of Fortress of Hijarna (constructed out of energy-absorbent Hijarna stone)
- Poderis: stormy island planet protected by massive 'shield barrier' windbreaks, aquaculture economy and smugglers' den
- Uphrades: ancient agriworld ('Granary of Coruscant') turned seismically-unstable lava planet due to Sith 'Desolator' superweapon
M-9
Darlonn sector
- Vurdon Ka: homeworld of Vuvrian race (pacifist insectoids with highly sensitive skin), agriworld and trade hub along Perlemian Trade Route
Adari sector
- Adari: homeworld of Adarian race (known for 'carbon-ice drive' technology), mining & industrial world, Adarian mining colonies around sector
- Sochi: resort world, tourism economy
N-9
Colicoid Sovereign Nest sector
- Colla IV: homeworld of Colicoid race, industrial planet, headquarters of Colicoid Creation Nest (droids, e.g. droidekas, Pistoeka buzz droids, trifighters)
Ktilac Regions sector
- Ktil: homeworld of Ktilac race (xenophobic), subsector capital of Ktilac Regions
- Nahsu Minor: homeworld of Murachaun race (hard-working), subsector capital of Ktilac Regions, pastoral agriworld
- Tocoya: homeworld of Tocoyan race (religious), subsector capital of Ktilac Regions, desert world, headquarters of Disciples of Davrilat (music-based faith)
Zaric sector
- Kloper: homeworld of Kloperian race (mechanics), water world known for high-quality engineering exports
Neshig sector
- Corvanni IV: highly urbanized high-tech trade hub near Colonies, headquarters of Gandalom Paramedicinals Inc. (pharmaceutical research)
Gelviddis Cluster sector
- Manress: homeworld of Stokhli race (nomads), light industry, known for producing Stokhli spray sticks (stun guns)
N-10
Sistooine sector
- Telti: industrialized moon of Sistooine, battle-droid factories formerly operated by Baktoid Armor Workshops (Techno Union) bought by MerenData
Sunrider sector
- H'ratth: lush planet, site of ancient Jedi Academy (specialized in healing techniques)
- Pavo Prime: oceanic resort world, site of Pearl Island Cainso, headquarters of Invisible Shell (Jenet crime syndicate)
"... Now then, the first item of interest is Taanab -- which, despite not lying on the Ag Circuit in the Core, is perhaps the single most significant agriworld in the galaxy. Virtually every galaxy-spanning agricultural corporation has holdings on the planet -- TaggeCo Restaurants, Arcon Multinode, Core Foodstuffs. Even the Jedi joined in, planting an Academy/chapter-house specifically for their AgriCorps members. There's practically no seismic activity, the planet is surrounded by weather-control satellites to ensure perfect growing conditions, free-range livestocks kept in check by droid sharpshooters... the entire world's a breadbasket, and they're unbelievably good at it."
"I'll take your word for it."
"Taanab's neighbor is somewhat less interesting -- Tirahnn is a major commercial hub along the Perlemian Trade Route, mainly known for hosting the Great Fair, an unceasing city-sized bazaar that showcases products from across the galaxy. It's also the headquarters of the Osaji Syndicate, a smuggling gang we've worked with a few times before. Next to Tirahnn, though, is another system that will interest you. Koaan is the site of the Galactic Research Academy, an underground library several kilometers long that serves as the headquarters of the Republic Astrogation Survey Team."
"They explore the galaxy for new planets and hyperlanes, right?"
"Exactly; and every one of those discoveries gets sent to Koaan for processing."
"Oh my."
"I thought you might like that. The Research Academy is less impressive than the Celebratus Archive only by reason of its relative youth. But it's still several thousand years old, and has access to all kinds of records that haven't yet entered general circulation."
"You know, after this I'm honestly torn if Obroa-Skai should be our first priority."
"Indeed, Mistress. Next on the Perlemian Trade Route, I've highlighted Chazwa, another vital trade hub with another smuggling gang we've had dealings with, though this one is run by the rather ambitious if inept Hahz Fallone. South of Perlemian, however, I've highlighted Colla IV, one of the biggest Separatist Foundry worlds in the galaxy, despite its location in the center of Republic Space. Colla IV is the homeworld of the Colicoids -- a vicious, emotionless, and brutally efficient insectoid race that happens to be some of the best droid producers in the galaxy. They designed the droideka, inspired by their own form--"
"That's what they look like?"
"As you see." PR-1 pointed to the report in her hand.
Ciaran opened it up and shivered at the image. Some things were just not meant to be. And her lead researcher was a Givin!
PR-1 continued, "The Colicoids recently released their latest product, the droid tri-fighter, whose three-dimensional combat routines make it an order of magnitude more effective than the vulture droids designed by Xi Char. Those trifighters also carry Discord missiles, a delivery system for their Pistoeka 'buzz droids', which are terrifyingly effective saboteurs able to dismantle a starfighter in seconds."
"...Sithspit that sounds terrifying."
"If it is any consolation, I understand the manufacturing costs are quite prohibitive, and once deployed they cannot be effectively recovered. So there are limits to their use. But yes, buzz droids were only recently introduced and have already proven quite effective for the CIS in battle."
"Well. I'm glad to hear they can't just swarm everyone, but still. Is there any way to entice the Colicoids to join the CNS? I know they don't have a seat on the Separatist Council, and that sort of technology would be remarkably useful...."
"Unfortunately, Lady Ciaran, it's quite unlikely. The Colicoids love violence; they live for it, and they don't need the excuse of a Council seat to throw their efforts behind Dooku's war. Perhaps if the CNS were forced to join the war, to participate in active fighting, then there might be grounds to appeal to them. But even that would be a long shot, and the Colicoids have such a vicious reputation that recruiting them would probably damage our reputation and our recruitment efforts with other systems."
"Blast. Well, keep me informed if you ever do find an opening, however unlikely. What's next?"
"The last item for this region is the Jedi Academy on H'ratth, an ancient temple known to specialize in Force healing techniques. Most of the Jedi Temple's healers spent at least part of their training on the planet. We might reach out to them, to share some of their knowledge with Karada."
"Especially if we recover the Arkanian Legacy, we might offer them space onboard to collaborate on medical research."
"Shall I make another note?"
"Of course. Was there anything else?"
"No, Mistress. Next we turn to the Hapes Consortium and its neighbors along the Trellen Trade Route."
O-9
Transitory Mists subsector (Hapes Cluster)
- Olanji: site of Olanji/Charubah shipyards (Hapan Battle Dragons, Nova-class cruisers, Stella-class frigates, Hertrinar bombers, Miy'til starfighters)
- Roqoo: site of Roqoo Depot, refueling/supply space station and trade hub on Hapan Spine (external hyperlane to Perlemian Trade Route)
- Terephon: homeworld of murg species, game world, site of Warro Field (starport) and Villa Solis (House Galney retreat), trade hub on Hapan Spine
Hapan Rim Worlds subsector (Hapes Cluster)
- Zalori: homeworld of Zalorian rock-lion (resembles ancient Mandalorian Basilisk-class war droid)
Corsair Outback subsector (Hapes Cluster)
- Stalsinek IV: homeworld of Stalsineki race, jungle planet, site of ancient temple rumored to contain a Fountain of Youth [NB: it does]
Interior Region subsector (Hapes Cluster)
- Farnica: known for chime-paintings (multi-media musical/painting/sculpture, e.g. Idyll) [NB: seized by Palpatine for his Mount Tantiss storehouse]
- Gallinore: homeworld of firedrake species, rich in rainbow gems (silicon-based life forms, usable as lightsaber crystals), site of multiple high-tech labs
- Hapes: homeworld of Hapan race, capital of Hapes Consortium, rich in ditanium, site of Palace of Per'Agthra, port of call for Star Home (flagship)
- Millinar: mythic planet [cf. Avalon of Arthurian legends), homeworld of Millinaran race (keepers of long-lost Jedi techniques), site of ancient Jedi obelisk
- Selab: homeworld of Selab wisdom-tree species (increase intelligence when consumed!), rich in crystal vein deposits
- Thrakia: homeworld of Thrakian race (intelligent insects with genetic memory-sharing), agriworld rich in ore deposits
Gateworlds subsector (Hapes Cluster)
- Zadaria: primary agriworld of Hapes Consortium, known for Zadarian brandy exports
Rifle Worlds subsector (Hapes Cluster)
- Algnadesh: former site of Algnadesh Ship Graveyards (long-lost legendary shipyards)
- Charubah: headquarters of Royal Armaments Guild (high-tech weapons, e.g. 'Gun of Command') and Olanji/Charubah (starships)
- Lovola: headquarters of Lovolan (service droids, e.g. R-10 household droid)
- Maires: homeworld of Mairan race (squidmen), water world, population prejudiced against Jedi/Force Users, friendly rivals with neighbor Vergil
- Relephn: gas giant orbited by hundreds of populated moons, mining/industrial economy, headquarters of House AlGray
- Vergil: industrial planet, headquarters of Vergil Mining Corporation, headquarters of House Thane
Lorelli Reach subsector (Hapes Cluster)
- Ket: homeworld of Ketton race, desert planet
- Lorell: former headquarters of Lorell Raiders, trade hub on Lorell Route (external hyperlane to Lesser Lantillian and Trellen Trade Routes)
- Sennex: headquarters of the Sennex Pirates (slave-trading fleet, considered 'worse than the Hutts')
- Telkur: site of major shadowport/space station on Lorell Route (external hyperlane)
O-9
Lesser Lantilles sector
- Haariden: homeworld of lava crab species, agriworld, sole source of titanite (versatile ore, e.g. for bacta production), civil war over mineral rights
- Porus Vida: lush resort world, known for museums, botanical gardens, and artistic culture
- M4-78: legendary droid planet, settled before 4000 BBY, briefly controlled by Sith... still independent?
Japrael sector
- Onderon: childhood home of Saw Gerrera, trade hub on Lesser Lantillian Route, site of Ov Taraba (university) and Unifar Temple (palace)
- Dxun: jungle moon of Onderon, site of Mandalorian Outpost (former HQ of Mandalorian Neo-Crusaders) and Tomb of Freedon Nadd (Sith nexus)
O-10
Airon sector
- Ambria: mining world rich in Luxum crystals, site of Sith obelisk, Jedi Enclave, and Meditative Canyon (light-side nexus) [NB: and base of Darth Bane]
- Ithull: homeworld of colossus wasp species (capital-ship-sized spacefaring wasps, corpses converted into Ithullian ore haulers, used to haul mutonium)
- Merson: headquarters of Merson Slavers (ally of Zygerrian Slave Empire), site of asteroid belt and wreck of Elegant Wake, controlled by CIS
- Stenness Node asteroid field: site of The Rig (converted dreadnaught), former headquarters of Crimson Nova (anti-Jedi chapter of Bounty Hunters Guild)
- Stenness: site of Stenness Hyperspace Terminal (space station along Whitebeam Run hyperlane), currently controlled by BolBol the Hutt
- Vo Dasha: barren moon of Taboon, original site of Bogga the Hutt's estate, currently serving as headquarters of BolBol the Hutt's criminal empire
Zel sector
- Virujansi: homeworld of borecrawler species, childhood home of Antoc Merrick, headquarters of Rarefied Air Cavalry, trade hub near Kashyyyk
- Zeltros: homeworld of Zeltron race (red empaths), heavily populated resort world, site of 'Paradise Oasis' cantina and complex
Gorse sector
- Cynda: moon of Gorse, natural preserve, rich in thorilide crystals (shock absorbent, used for turbolasers), massive reserves unmined & unexploited
- Gorse: industrial world rich in thorilide crystals (depleted deposits), headquarters of Introsphere (mining) and Transcept Media Solutions (surveillance)
Marasa Nebula sector
- Marasai: homeworld of Marasan race (marsupial cyborgs), technocratic agriworld, Marasan capital and colonies isolated from galaxy by Marasa Nebula
- Rasterous: industrial planet, site of orbital shipyard controlled by Kuat Drive Yards
N-10
Dartessex sector
- Calcoraan: acidic planet (oceans of chromyl chloride), site of Calcoraan Depot controlled by Count Vidian of Minerax Consulting
"... Given their historic isolation, much of the Hapes Cluster developed in slightly different ways than the rest of the galaxy, so there are a few more 'planets of note' per sector than usual. The first is Terephon, a resort world that is the main trade hub on the Hapan Spine, the external hyperlane that actually ties to Taanab."
"But their borders have been closed, for four thousand years. Surely Terephon would be a backwater by now?"
"Not as much as you think. Tell me, have you ever heard of a Gun of Command?"
"The mind-control weapon? Sure -- finicky and don't work half the time, but they're certainly distinctive enough."
"Those are manufactured by the Hapes Consortium, specifically by the Royal Armaments Guild on Charubah."
"...But their borders are closed?"
"As I said: not as much as you think. At both the northern and southern ends of the Hapes Cluster, there are hyperlanes that led to the rest of the galaxy, and both hyperlanes are dotted with shadowports for smugglers and pirate fleets to keep the Hapes Consortium connected to the rest of the galaxy."
"Huh."
"But back to the northern end of the Hapes Cluster, we also have the primary Hapan shipyards at Olanji, which supplies the Royal Navy with a wide variety of starfighters, bombers, and capital ships. Curving around the southeastern spiral, we find Stalsinek IV, a jungle planet known for an ancient temple, rumored to have a Fountain of Youth. Of course, we're talking about four thousand-year-old rumors, but I figured you'd want it pointed out, given what we learned about the Gree Enclave."
"Certainly!"
"At the center of the Cluster, you have the capital Hapes, known for the royal flagship Star Home that serves as a mobile palace complex, as well as Gallinore, known for its research labs. Also nearby are two planets of myth and legend. Millinar is apparently the center of an ancient Force sect, the keepers of many secrets and techniques lost to the ages. Selab is a jungle planet and reputed source of the wisdom-tree that's said to increase intelligence when consumed."
"...Are there any truth to those rumors?"
"Given the sheer quantity of records concerning Selab, I would say so, Mistress. Though it has been four thousand years, so the plant might have evolved or gone extinct in the interim. I can't say one way or the other for Millinar, however."
"Still, if we ever get a chance... put 'em on the list."
"Of course. Finally, in the southwestern end of the Cluster, we encounter the Telkur shadowport that's used by smugglers to move goods to and from the Consortium worlds. Telkur is also uncomfortably close to the Sennex Pirates base, a slave-trading gang that operates in both Hapan and Republic Space."
"Good to know -- smuggling to the Hapes Cluster is dangerous for more reasons than mere ilegality. Still, we have a lot of firepower we could bring to bear. And if we're waging war on the Zygerrians, a detour to wipe out Sennex might be in order. And given the proximity to Onderon, we would have direct access to those smuggling lanes.... PR-1?"
"Yes, Mistress?"
"Remind me to consult Borvo; this might be a bigger opportunity than I think."
"Yes, Mistress."
"What's next?"
"You're already familiar with Onderon, so next is the Airon sector south of it, which is positively brimming with items of interest. First, of course, is Ithull, which as you can see--"
"GAH!"
"I see you've already looked."
"WHAT THE FLIPPIN' FORCE-BE-DAMNED HELL IS THIS?"
"Ciaran?"
"WHAT? Oh, sorry, I didn't see you Asajj."
"I was -- why were you screaming?"
Ciaran took a deep breath. "This is why," she said as she pushed the flimsiplast across her desk for Asajj Ventress to see.
The Sith assassin only needed a glance. Her eyes widened, her back muscled coiled like a spring, her hand moved over the lightsaber on her belt. "I... see." Another deep breath, Asajj blinked and straightened. "I need... yes. Where is Tyro?"
"Mr. Torwin can be found in the training rooms. I believe he's just finishing another session with the Apprentices."
"Good. Time for sparring practice." Asajj moved intently out the door.
Ciaran watched her go, silently envying her friend.
"As I was saying, Mistress--"
"No. As I was saying..." Ciaran took a breath. "I mean, I'm sure it's going to be fascinating, so I understand why you thought to mention it. But why by the Builders did you feel the need to include images of it?"
"The process is quite fascinating, Mistress; I can explain it if you want. The colossus wasp is a large, space-faring creature that makes its nest in the atmosphere of the gas giant Ithull. It consumes asteroid and stellar radiation, as well as exogorths."
"You're telling me space worms are prey to this thing?"
"Certainly, Mistress. As Master Kenobi says, 'there's always a bigger fish.' Now, the colossus wasp can live for several hundred years, and grow a kilometer or more in length -- the largest on record actually reached three thousand meters, I'm told."
"Oh Force I'm going to be sick."
"The colossus wasp carapace is quite impenetrable, both to the vacuum of space as well as to most blaster and even small turbolaser fire. For that reason, when a colossus wasp dies, its corpse is converted into a freighter for the local ore miners. They land on the carapace, use a specialized drill to pierce the exterior, and suck out the viscera. Once the carapace is empty, they set up the command deck and crew quarters in the head, and use the thorax and abdomen for storage, setting up engines and fuel pods along the exterior. This provides so much room for freight, that there's quite a bit of demand for the carapaces. Some of the Stenness miners even try to poach the colossus wasps while they're still alive, though this-"
"Gah! PR-1, stop! Just stop! There are many important things in the galaxy, but this is one I absolutely do not need to know more about. Just... no. On so many levels, for so many reasons... no."
"If you say so, Mistress. Though I don't understand why this seems to distress you so unduly."
"You don't understand why I'm distressed at the thought of a kilometer-long, capital-ship sized predatory wasp?"
"...No?"
"All right, that's it. Your next upgrade will include some empathy subroutines, specifically for the humanoid flight/flight/freeze reflex."
"An upgrade?"
Ciaran sighed. "Of course that's the part you'd pay attention to. Just... move on, please?"
"If that's your decision, fine. The rest of the Stenness Node sector is still worth your notice. Specifically, the Stenness Hyperspace Terminal is a sizable trade hub that controls most of the hyperlane access through the area, and belongs to BolBol the Hutt's criminal empire. Another system in the sector is Merson, home of the Merson Slaver pirate fleet that has ties to the Zygerrian Slave Empire and to the CIS. Given how freely the Merson Slavers operate in the area, it's possible that BolBol has been defying the Hutt Council's declared neutrality and turning a blind eye to Separatist activity in his territory."
"Huh. Anything we can do about it?"
"That is not my area of expertise, but I suggest you bring it up to Borvo. After the incident with Ziro, Borvo has quite a bit of access with the Council, and they might be willing to hand over control of BolBol's operations to a more trusted associate."
"Which would give us access to the whole area."
"Precisely."
"Make a note of it, will you?"
"Of course."
"What's next?"
"The last item of interest in the Stenness Node region is Ambria. It's a relatively minor mining planet, but rich in a specific type of crystal used for lightsabers, that generates an ion field for use against droids or electric systems. The whole system has a remarkably rich history with the Force -- starting with an ancient obelisk that turned the planet into a dark-side nexus, a Meditative Canyon that serves as a light-side nexus, and a long-standing Jedi Enclave in between. It frankly reminds me of nothing so much as Yavin: an apparently isolated planet that was so powerful in the Force that it became the center of many key events in the history of the Jedi and the Sith. If we sent out Discovery Corps to take a look, who knows what they'd discover?"
"Good point. From what you've said, I wouldn't consider it a priority, unless we really needed to get our hands on those crystals. But most droids are so flimsy, that unless we needed to take out HK-47, I imagine a standard lightsaber blade would be just as effective. Was there anything else?"
"Two more planets, further along the Trellan Trade Route. Zeltros is a resort and pleasure world that's the home of the Zeltron race known for pheromone-based empathy. And Marasai is a rather insular technocratic agriworld that's the home of the Marasan race of cyborg marsupials."
"What? Just... marsupials? With computers in their heads?"
"Precisely, Mistress."
"You know what, I don't care. What's else do you have?"
"The next region stretches from the Trellan Trade Route, to the southern branch of the Hydian Way hyperlane."
O-11
Inner Cluster sector
- Cona: homeworld of Arcona race, resource-rich jungle (Duinuogwuin colony), headquarters of Arcona Mineral Harvest Corporation (Commerce Guild)
Pyrshak sector
- Manaan: homeworld of Selkath race, water world, sole source of kolto (proto-bacta), headquarters of Order of Shasa (Force sect)
Karkaris sector
- Truuine: Patrolian and Karkarodon colony world, isolated water world, site of abandoned Jedi Praxeum
N-12
Prindaar sector
- Antar IV: moon of Antar, homeworld of Gotal race (sensors), heavily populated trade hub, headquarters of Antarian Rangers, under CIS occupation
- Antar V: moon of gas giant Antar, Gotal mining colony world, rich in mineral deposits especially magnetite (iron ore), under CIS occupation
Elus sector
- Ailon: homeworld of Ailon race (militaristic faith), headquarters of Ailon Nova Guard (massive 1-billion-strong mercenary outfit) founded in 13,000 BBY
N-13
Iseno sector
- Ardru: headquarters of Denon-Ardru Mutual (mining/refinery megacorporation, formerly associated with the Mining Guild)
- Denon: ecumenopolis and ancient Rakatan colony, trade hub between Corellian Run and Hydian Way, HQ of Republic's Second Sector Army
- Iseno: heavily militarized industrial world, represented in Senate by Ronet Coorr (militarist, corrupt/bribeable, Loyalist Committee)
Callia sector
- Genon: former Killik colony world, repurposed citadel-hive serving as headquarters of Grappa the Hutt's criminal empire (formerly with Black Sun)
- Ord Vaxal: Republic penal colony [NB: imminent Jailbreak], homeworld of risp and trigha species, site of Khorma Weapon Market and Soren starport
Ronyards sector
- Ronyards: droid junkyard planet, rich in varium, headquarters of droid-planet religion [NB: possible colony of Abominor, extra-galactic droid society]
Pallis sector
- Chardaan: trade hub on Hydian Way and Shipwrights' Trace, site of Chardaan Shipyards (produce starfighters), base of Republic's 16th Sector Army
N-14
Itani Nebula sector
- Darknon Station: ancient space station in Itani Nebula, originally built in 4000 BBY, currently a derelict shadowport, hostel & smugglers' den
- Perithal VI: trade hub on Hydian Way, site of Institute of Starship Engineers campus (galaxy-famous technical academy)
Dargulli sector
- Yorn Skot: gas giant rich in tibanna gas, site of Yorn Skot Mining Station controlled by Saul Moegantz [NB: basically 'alien Lando']
"... The first item of interest is Cona, a jungle planet that's rumored to contain a colony of Duinuogwuin 'star dragons'. More to the point, it's also the headquarters for Arcona Mineral Harvest Corporation, a Commerce Guild member that controls quite a few mining facilities around Neutral Space and should be willing to support your bid to supplant Shu Mai as Presidente of the conglomerate. A bit further south lies Manaan, an aquatic world that supplies a cheaper, non-synthesized variant of bacta. Manaan is also the headquarters of a grey-aligned Force sect called the Order of Shasa. Like the Green Jedi of Corellia, the Order's primary focus is on defending their homeworld, which makes them a natural ally and a likely recruit to join the CNS."
"Even more now that we hold Onderon and have some leverage in the area."
"Precisely. The next planet of interest is Antar IV, headquarters of the Antarian Rangers paramilitary force that gives undercover support to Jedi operations throughout the galaxy. More interesting, the planet's been a major battleground in the war; it's currently under CIS occupation, but the early Jedi efforts to free the planet were so lackluster that quite a few of the natives are now skeptics of the Jedi Order. And speaking of those natives... Antar IV is the homeworld of the Gotal race, which are basically less muscular Wookies with two horns that can sensor electromagnetic signals in the area."
"...What kind of signals?"
"Every kind. A Gotal's horns are so absurdly sensitive, they've been known to pick up signals from more than ten kilometers away. Closer in, their horns are able to discern electrochemical differences between different emotions, making the Gotal natural empaths as well as preternaturally gifted hunters."
"Holy sithspit that sounds useful. As you said they're under CIS occupation?"
"Indeed, Mistress."
"So arrange their liberation, they join the CNS and we start recruiting...."
"Precisely. I've already made a note of it."
"Thank you PR-1. What's next?"
"Of course! Next up is Ailon, home of the Ailon race and headquarters of the Ailon Nova Guard mercenary corps, which--"
"Uh, PR-1?"
"Yes, Lady Ciaran?"
"This... this says the Ailon Nova Guard has a billion soliders."
"Yes, that's correct."
"That's not a typo? You're sure?"
"No, Mistress, it's accurate. The Ailon are a fiercely militaristic race; virtually every able-bodied being is a member of the Nova Guard, and every one of them trains religiously. I do mean that literally, in fact: the Ailon treat warfare as a form of religious expression."
"Well that's concerning."
"As you say. Though it is perhaps fortunate they're willing to fight for the Republic."
Ciaran considered. "Considering the Supreme Chancellor is a Sith Lord, I'm not sure I find that comforting. Hmm... they do resemble the Kaleesh. Given some of his exploits, I imagine Grievous might be a popular figure there. Perhaps we can send him to train or fight alongside them, try to build bridges. Perhaps we could contract with them to assist some of our operations -- help free Antar IV, or even join our strike against the Zygerrian Slave Empire? Lots of potential, especially if we can remove them from Palpatine's sphere of influence. PR-1, can you send a note to Grievous? He'll probably want to hear about this."
"Of course."
"What's next?"
"Really the whole Iseno sector, on the nexus of the Hydian Way and the Corellian Run. I've previously mentioned Iseno proper, which is represented by Ronet Coorr, the corrupt and pro-Palpatine Senator who sits on the Loyalist Committee. Denon probably deserves your attention more, as it is an ecumenopolis that is the preeminent industrial and commercial powerhouse in the southern Inner Rim. Further south along the Hydian Way, there's Chardaan and then Perithal VI, both known for starship engineering. More interesting, there's a bypass off this section of the Hydian Way that was originally its original route. It's called the Itani Run, and at the head of it is a four thousand-year-old shadowport called Darknon Station."
"...Hey, I remember that place, we did a refueling stop on our way back from Naboo. Pretty sure we actually parked the Scimitar in one of the unused docking bays until we finished constructing our Undercity hanger bay."
"Indeed, Mistress. Some of our agents have used it as a blacksite in other missions, which is where I got most of the information in the report. From what they tell me, Darknon looks pretty derelict, but most of that's cosmetic. The superstructure, though, appears to be in remarkably fine shape. It wouldn't cost much to buy, repair, and retrofit it as high-quality shadowport we could use for smuggling income, and for our Abyss Watcher operations in the galactic south."
"Huh. Thank you, PR-1. Remind me to mention it to Borvo -- even if we don't go for it, I imagine he might want to add it to his collection."
"Indeed, Mistress. Now, our next region actually covers three hyperlanes, all centered around the aptly named Corellian Trade Spine."
M-14
Prokreisha sector
- Vaklin: site of 'Temple of Imperfect Repose' (Jedi shrine) and Howling Ruins (cliff city), very friendly with the Jedi Order
Hadlress sector
- Hadlress: headquarters of Hadlress Defense Systems Limited (security systems) owned by Jasis Temm (corporate rival of Talesan Fry)
Mirak sector
- Mirak Major: heavily populated Republic world near CIS space [NB: imminent CIS geo-attack on planet's mega-volcanoes]
Koorivar sector
- Kooriva: homeworld of Koorivar race, childhood home of Passel Argente (Corporate Alliance), headquarters of Lethe Merchandising & Koorivar Fusiliers
M-13
Atzerri sector
- Atzerri: Gotal refugee colony, member of Association of Free Trade Worlds, site of Pemblehov Starport and Talos Medicomplex, thriving trade hub
Las Lagon sector
- Affa: trade hub on Shipwrights' Trace, heavily populated industrial planet, site of Cybot Galactica droid factory [NB: produced C-3PO's parts]
- Jenenma: industrial planet known for starship production, controlled by Pal-Nada (Force-sensitive Cerean crime lord)
Quarzite sector
- Aleen Minor: industrial colony world of Aleena race, site of Jedi chapter house, site of Aleen Classic (podracing event)
- Quarzite: homeworld of Belugan and Kage races, mining world with crystal caves, headquarters of Kage Warriors, site of Quarzite Skyhook and Subtram
M-14
Six Local Systems sector
- Beltrix III: industrial planet near Corellian Trade Spine, headquarters of Holstrum Talent Agency
Arkam sector
- Arkam XIII: wheelworld space station in Arkam system, site of the Holorepository (largest collection of lore outside Jedi Archives, curated by Atour Riten)
L-14
Caliginous sector
- Tomo-Reth: site of ancient ruins of Caliginous Automaton ('Wonder of the Galaxy': 50-meter-tall fire-breathing black droid built before 15,000 BBY)
Arakyd sector
- Mechis III: headquarters of Trilon (starships), automated droid factories (Arakyd Industries, Veril Line Systems, Genetech, SoroSuub, and Techno Union)
Givin Domain sector
- Yag'Dhul: homeworld of Givin race (math), childhood home of Var Zheen, site of Givin Shipyards (Wavecrest-class frigates), base of CIS First Fleet
L-15
Harrin sector
- Harrin: major trade hub between Corellian Trade Spine and Harrin Trade Corridor, controlled by CIS
- Qretu V: medical-industrial planet, site of Q5A7 Bacta Refinement Plant, controlled by Xucphra Corporation
Keller's Void sector
- Wroona: Pantoran colony world, home of Chi Eekway Papanoida (Senator), heavily populated trade hub, headquarters of Palestro's Wholesale Firearms
- Bestine IV: H'kig colony, water world known for oceanic-based shipyards (repair and frigate construction), site of Kestic Station shadowport
- Moorja: major agriworld (exports fenti beans & ruva grain), site of CIS research lab [NB: run by 'Doctor' tactical droid] and Avisio colony
Ukatis sector
- Themis: homeworld of Themian race, resource-rich moon with mining facilities (explosive ore for power source)
L-14
Jaso sector
- Thyferra: homeworld of Vratix race (logical hive), headquarters of Xucphra and Zaltin Corporations (bacta monopoly), base of CIS Third Fleet
- Tauber: trade hub on Rimma Trade Route, medical-based economy, headquarters and research lab of Neuro-Saav Corporation (produces cybernetics)
"... The first item of interest is Mirak Major, a heavily populated agriworld that lies on the very border between Republic and Separatist Space. While it's friendly to the Republic, it's too far from the major systems and hyperlane hubs to be easily defended, and the local Separatists have been quite vigorous in their saber-rattling to try to sway Mirak Major to join. It's quite possibly the CIS planned to follow through -- which, given some of the threats, would have been calamitous in every sense of the word. Thanks to the Caamas Ceasefire, that hasn't happened, at least not yet. I understand Mirak Major has been using the reprieve to reconsider its stance, and has lately been debating whether to petition the CNS for membership. Should that happen, the CIS might be inclined to launch its attack before we had a chance to accept the petition, so...."
"Got it. PR-1, dozen notes, all that. Make sure the Integration Bureau knows to fast-track anything we get from them. Also, see if we can't warn them, let them know to pass the petition along under the table, so their neighbors won't have time to respond."
"Of course, Mistress. Speaking of... well, you say 'neighbors', but it's really only one that's putting pressure on Mirak Major. Specifically, Kooriva, the homeworld of Passel Argente, Senator and Magistrate of the Corporate Alliance."
"Ah. Him."
"Indeed, Mistress. It is fortunate you reached out to Talesan Fry. With your backing, his revenge on Magistrate Argente shall be legendary."
"Oh, I am looking forward to it." Ciaran smiled, like a cat playing with a mouse.
For all his inorganic nature, PR-1 was very glad that smile wasn't directed at him. "Next, north of Kooriva lies Atzerri, a Gotal colony world along the Shipwrights' Trace. Atzerri remains loyal to the Republic, but it definitely belongs to the Rim faction skeptical of centralized power. It's a leading member of the Association of Free Trade Worlds, and has a thriving black market to prove it."
"Sounds like my kind of system."
"I thought so as well. Atzerri's neighbor on the Trace is also notable in its own way -- Affa is an industrial planet mostly controlled by Cybot Galactica. I do not remember it, but it was apparently on Affa that I myself was manufactured."
Ciaran's eyes lit up. "Oh! Oh my.... You mean to tell me, you have a homeworld?"
"I suppose so?"
"In that case, can I start introducing you as an Affan native now?" Ciaran didn't even try to hide her smirk.
"I don't understand why you would."
"But...?"
PR-1 was nonplussed. "I suppose it would be... accurate?"
"Excellent. 'Oh, hello, have you met my Affan friend?' Oh yes I like that. Say, doesn't this also make you 'Affable'?"
"No." Now PR-1 was on more solid ground. "No it does not."
"Fine then, be a spoilsport. I'm still going to enjoy myself. What's next on the docket?"
"Hmm... oh, I think you'll like this one. Arkam-13 is a wheelworld space station midway between the Hydian Way and Corellian Trade Spine. It's mainly notable for hosting the Holorepository, widely regarded as the galaxy's single largest non-Jedi archive of Force-related artifacts and lore. The collection is curated by Atour Riten, who apprenticed under Ebenn Q3 Baobab himself."
"...Who?"
"Oh, Mistress, you don't know?" PR-1 seemed almost distraught. "Ebenn Q3 Baobab is the, the most..."
"Stop." Ciaran had seen PR-1 get excited before, and it never boded well. "How long do you see this taking?"
"...To be honest, Lady Ciaran, if I start on the Baobab family I could probably keep going for hours."
"Then perhaps we should drop it until we have the time to do justice to this Baobab family, hmm?"
"Yes, Mistress. From Arkam-13, skipping past the Caliginous Automaton of Tomo-Reth, we come to our next notable world of Mechis III. Lady Ciaran, you remember Taanab?"
"Yes...?"
"Put simply, what Taanab is to agriworlds, Mechis III is to heavy industry. The entire planet is designed, tailor-made, for producing droids. Which explains why virtually every droid manufacturing company in the galaxy have subcontracted with Mechis III to use their facilities. Arakyd Industries, Cybot Galactica, Genetech Corporation, Holowan Laboratories, SoroSuub Corporation, Techno Union, Veril Line Systems, and a dozen other corporations of lesser stature. Droids are so common a sight that the planet can hardly be said to hold a monopoly, but I'd estimate that perhaps a fifth of all the droids in the galaxy were originally created on Mechis III."
"Wow."
"Indeed, Mistress. Shall I move on?"
Ciaran visibly struggled. "Sure, just... wow."
"I thought you might feel that way. The next planet on the list should be quite familiar to Var Zheen, as it is the homeworld of all Givin."
"Oh?"
"Indeed. The planet Yag'Dhul is a thriving trade hub, lying between Rimma and Corellian Trade hyperlanes. But it is the government of Yag'Dhul that is most idiosyncratic. It might best be described as an arithmatocracy, or a mathematical technocracy. Or mathematical theocracy, as skeptics say. The legislature is called the Body Calculus, and is comprised of the most revered mathematicians of each generation. The Givin are very serious about their math. It was in fact an elaborate mathematical model that led the Givin to secede from the Republic and join the CIS."
"Hmm. We should have Var Zheen take a look to try and poke holes in it."
"I'll make a note of it. I can't imagine the original calculations would still be valid, now that you've led the CNS to become a true force in the galaxy and the choice is no longer either-or between the Republic and secession."
"Perhaps we could have Var Zheen send his findings to the Body Calculus, see if they'd reconsider or be willing to join Neutral Space?"
"Indeed, Mistress. For the next point of interest, look south to Wroona in the Keller's Void sector. I've already briefed you -- and you've already met -- Senator Chi Eekway Papanoida, so you have some idea what opportunities exist, but certainly after our intervention on Pantora I expect Wroona would be very much inclined to join the CNS, especially given how all of its neighbors belong to the CIS. Neutrality would be an immense boon to their struggling economy, and we would only benefit from having a such a respectable foothold in the galactic south."
"Especially if Yag'Dhul is willing to reconsider as well."
"Precisely. Finally, we turn our gaze further north, along the Rimma Trade Route, to the medical center of the galaxy."
"You're exaggerating, surely."
"Not in the slightest. It may not be the center of genetic research, or cybernetic development, or any of the other branches of medical research we might speak of. However, Thyferra is, undeniably, the medical center of the galaxy, for it is the only planet supplying bacta to the entire galaxy."
"Oh."
"Indeed. Bacta is synthesized out of three ingredients, including two bacteria cultures only found on Thyferra. There are a number of bacta manufacturing companies on the planet, but the two largest are Xucphra and Zaltin Corporation. Xucphra is pretty universally despised, both for ratcheting up prices during the war and for practically enslaving the native Vratix population to work in their factories. Zaltin isn't especially innocent itself, but gets a lot of positive PR from the comparison with Xucphra. Given our investments in medicine, and the planet's monopoly on the most popular treatment in the galaxy, we should seriously consider whether we should try to gain a foothold on Thyferra, or whether we'd be better of trying to develop an alternative treatment."
Ciaran got a very intense look on her face. "...What if we didn't?"
PR-1 wisely knew not to interrupt her stream of consciousness.
"What if..." Ciaran struggled to articulate her thoughts, "The galaxy's been around for a while, and so has bacta. Unless we find some miraculous cache of Old Republic tech, or gain access to that Gree or Hapan 'Fountain of Youth', chances are we won't be able to come up with something better. Our best bet would probably be going with the bacta variant from Manaan."
"Kolto, Mistress."
"Which you said was cheaper, but probably less effective. So what if, instead of spending all that time and effort reinventing the blaster..." Now a smile started to dawn on her face. "What is we just stole it instead? Thyferra has a monopoly on bacta, you said, but it's synthesized out of bacterial cultures, and bacteria is tiny. Especially if Thyferra is producing bacta in such quantities to supply the whole galaxy, I imagine there'd have to be an awful lot of both ingredients around. How hard would it be to sneak in, steal a few samples, and bring them back to seed in a few different planets we control? We could involve the Ithorians to develop an ideal ecosystem for the things, just to ensure they'll remain plentiful."
"Err, Mistress... it's one thing to have the ingredients, but how are you so confident you'd be able to reverse-engineering the recipe?"
"Oh, PR-1. I'm pretty sure I won't need to. Bacta's been around for ages -- it'd be mind-boggling if someone hadn't reverse engineering the formula. The problem was, no one's had access to the ingredients before. Thyferra must have pretty impressive security protocols to keep the bacteria on site. Impressive security for a medical world, that is. They couldn't have anticipated Karada -- the first medical-research corporation run, not by doctors, but by mercenaries and smugglers and some of the greatest soldiers and infiltration experts in the galaxy."
"Ah. Yes, I think I understand now."
Ciaran didn't even try to hold back from laughing. "They don't stand a chance."
L-14
Vanik sector
- Vanik: headquarters of Republic Survey Corps and Republic Exploration Corps, site of the Republic Exploration Academy
Azurbani sector
- Kiffu: homeworld of Kiffar race (psychometry), childhood home of Quinlan Vos (Grey Jedi), former home of Tholme and T'ra Saa (Jedi Watchmen)
- Kiffex: Kiffar penal colony, site of Ven Karya Spaceport, headquarters of Kiffu Guardians, former site of Volfe Karkko's stasis-field and Anzati sanctum
Krenhner sector
- Patrolia: homeworld of Patrolian race (fish), childhood home of Robonino (bounty hunter) and Bannamu [NB: Abyss Watcher employee?]
- Terrelia: homeworld of Terrelian Jango Jumper race (agile), childhood home of Cassie Cryar [NB: Abyss Watcher employee?]
Penegelen sector
- Penegelen: site of the Penegelen Shards (fragmented ruins of an ancient Dyson Sphere built by the Celestials)
K-14
Biskar sector
- Biskar: headquarters of Biskaran Pirates (control space and hyperlane acess into Colonies region)
Pa Tho sector
- Pa Tho: homeworld of Pa Tho race (now extinct), site of Great Subcrustal Tubeway
Fennesa sector
- Fennesa: homeworld of 'mountain nerf' species, pastoral economy, headquarters of Grand Horn Ranch Corporation
J-14
Atrig sector
- Korbin: rich in kyrf (fruit), headquarters of Cross-Galactic Mining, site of Pleasant City shadowport (pirate haven and smugglers' den)
- Grillis: resource-rich asteroid field in Atrig system, controlled by Cross-Galactic Mining
Gyrlat sector
- Tasariq: homeworld of Tasari race, rich in tasar crystals, headquarters of Barimoq Industries (guns), site of Tasariq Crater ('Wonder of the Galaxy')
Niriktavi sector
- Taratos IV: homeworld of Niriktavi coral (medicinal effects) [NB: site of imminent CIS capture of Bant'ena Fhernan for bioweapon development]
Buoyant sector
- Buoyant: ancient Rakatan colony, artificial rotation, nature preserve & 'game planet' [NB: used by Darth Plagueis and Darth Sidious for early training]
J-13
Bamula sector
- Donadus: homeworld of Donadi race (meditative artists), headquarters of Chorran Shipjacker Gang
- Mindabaal: site of Mandabaal Royal Academy, headquarters of Mandabaal Customs (pleasure yachts), represented by Lord James Donovan in Senate
- Simocadia: homeworld of Mosciive race (stonecutter-sculptors), home of Sephani (Empress), lush crystal-mining planet rich in agrocite (amplify lasers), site of Ardana Shadex (giant stone automatons) and Library of Mosciive, neutral!
Seventh Security Zone sector
I-13
Freestanding Subsectors (Western Reaches)
- Jakku: homeworld of Uthuthma race, site of Sacred Villages and Consecrated Eremite, desert planet, rich in ores (bezorite, magnite, kesium gas)
I-10
Freestanding Subsectors (Western Reaches)
- Iol: barren planet rich in ores (esp. durasteel components), controlled by Tangan Industries, headquarters of Miners' Union
I-8
Freestanding Subsectors (Western Reaches)
- Oaka Prime: lush wildlife preserve planet, site of ancient Rakatan ruins
"... Our sixth region stretches from the Rimma Trade Route into the 'Western Reaches', the sparsely populated space due west of the galactic Core. The first planet of note is actually two -- sisters planets, Kiffu and Kiffex, orbiting each other as they orbit the same sun. Kiffu is the homeworld of the Near-Human race called the Kiffar, about one percent of whom are born with a natural gift for psychometry -- the ability to read the 'memory' of an object by touch. The most gifted Kiffar in living memory was also born with Force sensitivity, and became a Jedi. The story of Quinlan Vos deserves far more time than we can spare at the moment, but two points of particular note. First, by all accounts, Quinlan Vos has wrestled with the dark side all his life -- presumably thanks to the emotions he experienced through psychometry."
"Perhaps we might recruit him? Gray Force Users unsuited for the strictures of the Jedi Order are our specialty, after all."
"Whether we can recruit him, depends on the second point I would raise."
"And what's that?"
"Namely, that as soon as the war began, Quinlan Vos apparently forsook the Jedi Code and joined Count Dooku as one of his 'Dark Acolytes' -- serving alongside Asajj Ventress and Sev'rance Tann in fact."
"...Really. And I'm supposed to... he wrestled with the dark side all his life, only to lose himself just as soon as war broke out? How perfectly convenient."
"Indeed. Convenient as well that Quinlan Vos was originally taught by Master Tholme, a Jedi Watchman known for his skills in intelligence gathering. Gulan Terrek suspects, with a high degree of certainty, that Master Vos was sent to Count Dooku as a spy for the Jedi Order. Asajj Ventress has confirmed that Dooku suspects the same. However, Miss Ventress also confirmed that Quinlan Vos appears to be taking to his role with some degree of gusto, and might be in danger of actually falling to the dark side thanks to Dooku's manipulations."
"Hmm. Well, if nothing else, I'm glad you brought it to my attention. Vos might give useful intel on Dooku, but that could easily backfire if he's forced to remain in the same position. We might try extracting him -- but that'd lose a potential agent and might reveal our hand to the Jedi. Or we could intercept him on a future mission, offer support -- but if he's playing the role too well he might backstab us to reinforce his standing with Dooku. Or..." Ciaran paused as a thought struck her. "What if we made a play, not on Vos directly but on Tholme -- not the spy, but the spymaster? Jedi Watchman, trained as a Sentinel, who knows us and knows the quality of our intelligence operation? Yes, that does sound promising, especially if he's one of the rare Jedi who appreciates 'need to know'. PR-1 -- remind me to consult the rest of the Abyss Council. This will require a fair amount of effort and even more finesse."
"Yes Mistress."
"Was there anything else?"
"Nothing too particular, at least for Kiffu. The next system of interest is a rather isolated star best known as the site of the Penegelen Shards -- what appears to be the fragmentary ruins of an ancient Dyson Sphere, constructed by some pre-galactic civilization."
"You're kidding. You're kidding -- a Dyson Sphere! I though that was just a thought experiment, some technological fantasy. I didn't realize the tech for it actually existed!"
"It doesn't. At least, not today. But whatever race constructed Centerpoint Station in Corellia, or built the Maw of Kessel -- that race certainly did have the technology, and the Penegelen Shards would have been constructed that long ago."
"You're saying it was the Builders?"
"Or whatever race we now know by that name, certainly. But here's something else to consider -- if the Builders constructed a Dyson Sphere around one star... what's to say they didn't do the same for others? A Dyson Sphere captures all the light and energy radiated by a star and converts them into usable power -- if there were functioning Dyson Spheres elsewhere, there would be no evidence of it, only large stretches of inexplicably impassable space."
Ciaran's jaw started to drop. "That sounds like a textbook description of the Unknown Regions."
"Does it? I hadn't noticed."
"PR-1?"
"Yes?"
"I warned you what the consequences would be of using your Deception Routines in conversation with me."
"Yes, Mistress. Sorry Mistress. I had noticed, but wanted you to connect the dots yourself."
"Better. Unfortunately, this topic is definitely above my grade grade. Remind me to bring it up with Thrawn -- he might have a better idea of what this means, or what to do with it."
"Indeed. Shall we move on?"
"By all means." Ciaran gave a sigh of relief.
"Very well. The next point of interest is far more conventional -- Biskar is the home of the Biskaran Pirates, who plague hyperlane travels throughout the area, but apparently hold quite a bit of territory in the area, possibly extending into the Colonies or even the Core. They seem to be pretty good at information control, but some years back they put a blockade around Niele in the southern Colonies and tried to force a surrender. The pirates were interrupted and the siege was broken, but Niele is a well-traveled system close to the major hyperlanes."
"And if they tried to pull it off with Niele, perhaps they've done the same before, only without the interruption."
"Which means we really have no idea just how much territory they control."
"Blast, that is worrisome. It's on the other side of the galaxy, but given our track record with pirates, that might be one way to secure a foothold in the galactic south. Break the Pirates' hold on these worlds, succeed where the Republic failed, and they'd probably fall in line to join Neutral Space."
"As you say. I'll make a note of it?"
"Pass a note to Thrawn as well -- he might find it worth his time."
"Yes, Lady Ciaran."
"What's next?"
"Ah, yes, Taratos IV, a point of interest specifically noted by Var Zheen in relation to our Karada researchers. There's apparently a species of coral -- 'Niriktavi' coral, I believe -- that seems to interact oddly with bacta cultures. There's a number of researchers planning a joint expedition there -- let's see, we're sending two to represent Karada, one from Aldera Universal, one from First Republic Medical, one from Carosi Alpha, and two from Coronet Medcenter, including the team leader, a Ms. Bant'ena Fhernan, who originally observed the interaction. No one's sure if it will pan out --"
"But if it does, this might be a big break in reverse engineering bacta. Do Xucphra and Zaltin know about the expedition?"
"I'm sorry, but I don't have that information."
"...For such a joint expedition, it's safe bet they found out somehow. And if Niriktavi does unlock the secrets of bacta, I'm sure Xucphra at least won't let their monopoly end without a fight." Ciaran considered for a few moments, before looking up. "Better safe than sorry. PR-1, pass a note to Grievous -- make sure we assign a Guardian squad or two for security. We may need to assign more, at his discretion."
"Query: At whose discretion?"
"HK-47! What brings you here?"
"Statement: Training meatbags got tiresome. Exasperation: Especially after Xruk ordered me to only use the lowest blaster setting for motivation."
Ciaran interrupted before it could turn ugly. "HK-47, thank you for helping out. PR-1, that's all the orders I have for Taratos IV, though didn't you have any other items to highlight from the Western Reaches?"
"Not really. There were some points of interest on Jakku, but it's so remote and inaccessible I really doubt we'd benefit from expanding there. The rest you can read." With that, PR-1 turned and departed, obviously eager to remove himself from HK-47's company.
"Gratitude: There but for the grace of Revan go I. Statement: I grow impatient at training with the junior meatbags. Indignation: You promised that I would go forth and slay meatbags, and there's been a very distinct lack of either. Query: Do you have a mission for me?"
Ciaran followed HK-47's unique speech patterns as best she could. Just as he finished, a thought struck her. Well, technically it was less of a 'stray thought' and more of 'PR-1's programmed reminder notes', the first of which were set to be delivered whenever he finished the briefing.
This reminder was particularly timely. "HK-47... what do you know about exogorths?"
"Clarification: The space worm?"
"Yes."
"Statement: Enough to know they can be killed like any other meatbag. Query: Do you need me to shoot them?"
Ciaran smiled, like a cat playing with a mouse. Oh, this would work out nicely.
For all his inorganic nature, HK-47 was quite glad the smile was directed at him. This meatbag wasn't too bad, all things considered.
A/N:
I was midway through writing this when Panory posted his 'Tour' omake. I disagreed on one point: HK-47 and PR-1 should really be at each others' throats, at least to start. They have more in common than you might think -- especially with PR-1's self-improvement kick -- but that would be by no means obvious from a first impression, and HK-47 is notoriously dismissive of droids who look and act like PR-1. I did have an idea for how they might reconcile -- so the 'Tour' omake might still be canon, just later in the sequence. Perhaps HK-47 has been working all this on the Oracle or Kalee, and sometime later is brought to Coruscant for the first time where he's given the tour...
Anyway. Back to business.
So that was an omake and a half! Actually, comparing this to Panory's last two, it was more like an omake and twenty-two halves. Good grief why did I write all this in one go? I could have split it up for two or three or, you know, twelve times the omake bonus...!
Ah. Right. Now I remember why. It turns out the Inner Rim doesn't actually have a comprehensive list of sectors. Which means, to complete the survey, I basically had to trawl the wiki planet by planet, all in one go. I wound up sorting everything by quadrant, per the searchable galaxy map. But it mean that all of my notes were ready to be used, so I just started writing.
And writing, and writing. It did take most of the day to pull everything together. Fortunately, I'm a teacher, and Midwinter Break started this week. I'd say I need a hobby, but I'm pretty sure this qualifies. Plus, as mind-numbing as it can sometimes be, and even if not all of it can be used here, I'm getting a lot of ideas for my own quest plans.
Last item of business: I was dead serious when I mentioned the Ratitan whisperfly. Not about the audio (Thank heavens -- can you imagine the sound an insect would have to make to be galactically proverbial as 'annoying buzzing sound'? Yeesh). Rather I was serious about the fact that roughly half of the Inner Rim was added to the Atlas specifically to attach a location to various one-off Star Wars-y references. The Mid Rim was populated with meaningless planets to ensure every sector had at least one system apiece -- the Inner Rim was populated with... well, here's how the Atlas author put it: ""I wouldn't get your hopes up re alien homeworlds, beyond simple stuff like the Planetnamian species getting a Planetnamia on the map."
<sighs heavily>
There were a lot of Planetnamias in the Inner Rim.
You fucker, I do not have time to be reading this whole thing at 3 AM. Then again, one of my classes got cancelled tomorrow, so I'll have an extra hour to catch up on sleep... fuck it.
- Gallinore: homeworld of firedrake species, rich in rainbow gems (silicon-based life forms, usable as lightsaber crystals), site of multiple high-tech labs
Yeah, I can work with that. Honestly, you've given me a better idea for a BEE omake than I initially had. Sadly, we will no longer see Grievous ride one into battle against the Malevolence.
In my defense, this quest is pretty much the only exposure I've ever had to HK-47, so only one point of contention is pretty good in my book. I'll just handwave it by saying he was focused on C-3PX or something and didn't have the attention to spare to be a jerk at the moment.
I know you've been discussing a strike against the Zygerrian Slave Empire -- if you decide to go through with that, House Benelex would certainly be a key ally in that fight.
Weird. I'd actually be thinking that's what his next upgrades might be. Granted, I was thinking they'd be used to enable him to take advantage of the illogical thought patterns of organics to more easily manipulate and deal with them, but making him scared of collossal wasps is a pretty good reason too I guess.
I'm sorry but what? This is completely wrong. Quinlan Vos was still pretty openly in the Jedi Order during the Clone Wars, helping Obi-Wan track Ziro down after he escaped from prison. His only interaction with Dooku was trying to assassinate him, and that was well after Asajj had been ejected from Dooku's side.
I'm sorry but what? This is completely wrong. Quinlan Vos was still pretty openly in the Jedi Order during the Clone Wars, helping Obi-Wan track Ziro down after he escaped from prison. His only interaction with Dooku was trying to assassinate him, and that was well after Asajj had been ejected from Dooku's side.
Both versions are right, because this character follows a pretty different path in Canon and in Legends
In Legends, more specifically in the comic of Clone Wars, he was a Jedi sentinel that stayed with his spy network instead of becoming a general, but when that spy net was compromised by a traitor, he and the council faked his defection to the separatists, so he could act as a double agent in the inner circle of Dooku and hopefully find out who the other Lord Sith was.
This ruse was only known by his old master Tholme, and masters Windu and Yoda, (and eventually his lover Khaleen Hentz, and his former padawan Aayla Secura) they even had him fighting Agen Kolar, a member of the Jedi Council, so the whole thing looked more genuine.
He had to do many shitty things to get in the good graces with Dooku, and he end up becoming a triple and a quadruple agent, but he never fell to the Dark Side (but he was pretty close)
But I don´t know what version of the story will choose @Dr. Snark so is up to him to clarify...
Why is that surprising? Space worms aren't vicious fighters or anything. They survive by hiding and scrounging off "scraps". It's honestly not that scary or surprising they have a predator to be honest.
Why is that surprising? Space worms aren't vicious fighters or anything. They survive by hiding and scrounging off "scraps". It's honestly not that scary or surprising they have a predator to be honest.
At this rate, I worry that Dr. Snark will get a brain aneurysm from all this info dumping. We will have around 200+ actions to choose from next turn by the time the Interludes are finished. :lol
At this rate, I worry that Dr. Snark will get a brain aneurysm from all this info dumping. We will have around 200+ actions to choose from next turn by the time the Interludes are finished. :lol
"Ciaran wakes up. Something - is different. Something is missing. Than it strikes like a kicking Bantha - there is no Force anymore."
That's when the quest get's the multicross tag and Ciaran finds herself transported to Star Trek ...
Not sure if @Dr. Snark wants to canonize this, but I figured that the Gerrera siblings might appreciate some actual military education before they retake official command of the Invisible Hand, or whatever other assignment we might hand them. If he decides to do something else with them, I'll change this part to make sure the rest of the omake remains canonical.
Having read a whole bunch about Quinlan Vos, I also learned about the Anzati -- "drinking the soup" is their expression for "learning from another's memories and life." (Though for Anzati it's more literal -- they're basically vampires).
But you could assign a droid to do it -- to infiltrate the Omonoth asteroid field, board the ship, fix any damage to the primary or backup hyperdrive, and fly it to a friendly shipyard in Neutral Space.
Koaan is the site of the Galactic Research Academy, an underground library several kilometers long that serves as the headquarters of the Republic Astrogation Survey Team."
As much as I like the idea of sending our Discovery Corps to Obroa-Skai, I think Koaan might be a slightly higher priority. Think of all the private hyperlanes we could exploit! (Although, this might be more of a Intrigue than a Learning action. Though considering what we'd do with those hyperlanes, it might also count as a Stewardshp one....)
"The last item of interest in the Stenness Node region is Ambria. ... It frankly reminds me of nothing so much as Yavin: an apparently isolated planet that was so powerful in the Force that it became the center of many key events in the history of the Jedi and the Sith. If we sent out Discovery Corps to take a look, who knows what they'd discover?"
Namely: Darth Bane. This was where he first set up shop after the Brotherhood of Darkness got thought-bombed, which means it has the original Sith compound and some of the records of his plan -- which will probably contain references to the Revan holocron and the Telos holocron, as well as Bane's personal estate on Ciutric IV, and... lots of things.
The next planet of interest is Antar IV, headquarters of the Antarian Rangers paramilitary force that gives undercover support to Jedi operations throughout the galaxy. More interesting, the planet's been a major battleground in the war; it's currently under CIS occupation
The Antarian Rangers are not Force-sensitive, but they're good enough to work alongside Jedi for centuries and support them with logistics and intelligence. Given how unpopular the Jedi are at the moment (due to their bungling of the siege), we might have a chance to flip them into an asset for ourselves...
Given some of his exploits, I imagine Grievous might be a popular figure there. Perhaps we can send him to train or fight alongside them, try to build bridges.
It wouldn't cost much to buy, repair, and retrofit it as high-quality shadowport we could use for smuggling income, and for our Abyss Watcher operations in the galactic south."
@Dr. Snark: can we make Darknon Station a base purchase? I'm thinking 25 credits, considering its size (small) and current condition (decrepit). Or you could tie in some of the initial repairs with the purchase price, so it gives us smuggling income from day one
the local Separatists have been quite vigorous in their saber-rattling to try to sway Mirak Major to join. It's quite possibly the CIS planned to follow through -- which, given some of the threats, would have been calamitous in every sense of the word.
Yeah, someone in the CIS is going to use a geological superweapon, trigger the planets volcanoes and super-volcanoes to detonate at once. Fortunately, per canon, a clone admiral managed to arrange the evacuation of all 6 billion inhabitants before they all died, but that's a pretty sizable deus ex machina we could avoid if Mirak Major were to join the CNS.
"What is we just stole it instead? Thyferra has a monopoly on bacta, you said, but it's synthesized out of bacterial cultures, and bacteria is tiny. Especially if Thyferra is producing bacta in such quantities to supply the whole galaxy, I imagine there'd have to be an awful lot of both ingredients around. How hard would it be to sneak in, steal a few samples, and bring them back to seed in a few different planets we control?
@Dr. Snark, this would most likely be an Intrigue action, though the rewards would be mainly based on Stewardship (more income) and Learning (access to all kinds of research avenues, not to mention a lot of humanitarian goodwill with other medcenters and research hospitals, which means they might be willing to work with us on other projects...)
You're kidding -- a Dyson Sphere! I though that was just a thought experiment, some technological fantasy. I didn't realize the tech for it actually existed!"
if there were functioning Dyson Spheres elsewhere, there would be no evidence of it, only large stretches of inexplicably impassable space."
Ciaran's jaw started to drop. "That sounds like a textbook description of the Unknown Regions."
I like this headcanon. It also explains why the Celestials seemed to disappear from the galaxy so abruptly -- they all moved into their network of Dyson Spheres that lined the 'Unknown Regions'.
I was trying to lampshade a canon event that's about to happen, as well as explain why the CIS would go out of its way to destroy a scientific research team in the middle of nowhere. In canon, they kidnapped the 'lead researcher' I named, later forcing her to build bioweapons for them. But sending a security team or two should be enough to prevent that from happening.
