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

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(Omake) Inner Peace Through Outer Means (Canon)
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    • Inner Peace through Outer Means​

    It was nice to be learning things again, even while I was working as the medic in Grievous' unit. It reminded me of moonlighting in the emergency room back on Byblos while I was going through my degree program. Work a bunch, keep people from dying, patch some wounds, wrap some strained joints, and then at night go learn things.

    Tonight? Tonight was all about figuring out the whole self-sense in the Force thing. Focus on my connection, find it, and figure out how to purge poisons from my system. I had tomorrow morning off, and I wanted to start with something easy. So I made a cup full of what I called hypercaf--cold-brew caf made with an energy drink instead of water. Most people either can't handle the taste or the jolted sensation afterward, but I have to keep up with a full squad of Kaleesh. We were up against a squad of battle droids armed with blasters that had been stripped of their lethal setting, per previously agreed training protocol.

    Of those who counted themselves among Grievous' unit, only I was armed with any sort of energy weapon--my fire blade. We'd left the other blasters back on the ship. Slugthrowers and melee weapons only, Grievous' orders.

    I sat in my tent, sensing how the hypercaf affected my presence in the Force. I called up my internal fire, realized that to my senses it was an odd red, where normally it was a warm golden color. I focused on changing the color back to gold, on disassembling the hypercaf and pulling it out of my system. It was then that I remembered my medical training. If I was successfully taking something out of my circulation, it would end up...going through my kidneys and into my bladder.

    A few minutes later I returned to my tent, the solution to that problem obvious if mundane. I wondered if Master Veskasa had a better way around it, but...huh. All right. That actually worked.

    I took a calm deep breath, and could have sworn I heard Grievous moving. I got out of my tent and noticed him on the edge of camp, waiting.

    I looked around for Donny. Ah, yep, there he was. But if Grievous was here, and Donny was there...

    I took a deep breath and attempted to contort my voice into the cry of a daylight creature here, the signal that something was wrong.

    Donny caught it right away and headed for me. "What is it, Rip?"

    I looked around. "Grievous has our six. Which means...well...he wants to see how we're reacting to what's in front of us. Which means clankers up ahead. Do what you can to get people on station and mess up the droids."

    Donny did a general survey of the area. "How the kark did you pick up that he'd gone? I'm on watch and I didn't see it. Aren't you supposed to be asleep?"

    Oh flarg. I didn't dare explain the whole Matukai thing. "It's my job to keep track of everybody in the unit. We've been in the thick of this stuff since I joined up, at least four major episodes a year, and we haven't had any fatalities. That's not luck, or by accident. As I understand it, it's the job of everybody else in the unit to be the most terrifyingly effective squad in the galaxy. It's my job to keep you all alive and healthy." Donny seemed to buy that. Good.

    "Right then, Rip. Keep your head down. We'll clear them out."

    I stared at Donny. "Like hell I will. Do no harm, nor by inaction allow it. Besides, they're droids."

    I walked away from that conversation with my hands shaking. Not the threat of combat. Look, that was a done deal. No. Danger sense, powers of persuasion, the ability to handle poisons...I was starting to move like a kriffing Jedi, or something. And I'd prided myself on being the sane one in Grievous' unit.

    A/N: Riphath still working on the whole Matukai thing. Also, yes, Grievous is exactly the sort of guy whose medic would end up with the nickname "Doctor Rip".
     
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    • Interlude - Vengeful Souls Pt. 1 - Lust For Revenge
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    • Oracle, Main Communications Room

    Under normal circumstances the Oracle's main communications room would be brightly lit with images of the galaxy and information on various non-classified activities projected throughout the room, various screens would be lit up with financial data and galactic news feeds scrolling across them...

    However as Asajj stood in the middle of it to begin her first real talk with Maul, the room had gone dark barking the barest minimum of lights. Despite the unnerving atmosphere Asajj calmly waited for her first real conversation with Maul after Talzin's...'treatement,' going over in her mind precisely what she would say to him, what she would and would not tell him about the galaxy, Sidious and his lackeys, and of course anything about Obi-Wan. At the same time, she also reminded herself of what Ciaran had said...

    "The reason you're talking to him instead of me is because he's going to trust a fellow Dathomirian far more than some random Miraluka. Now for the moment you're not going to tell him anything actionable; just get a feel for who you're speaking to. Don't just listen to his words, keep an eye on his body language, his reactions to words like 'Jedi' or 'Sidious,' and so on. Every little detail will give us that much more information on him. At the same time understand that he's probably going to be doing the same, so watch what you say and how you respond to him."

    Much as she didn't like to admit it, it was legitimately good advice - she didn't like to admit it but she was admittedly Ciaran's inferior in the fields of diplomacy and personal manipulation.

    Eventually the holoprojector lit up in front of her, showing her an image of a much more healthy-looking Maul, if only because he was now standing upright on humanoid legs of some kind. Standing slightly behind him and to his side was his brother Savage, who simply nodded as he saw Asajj's image come up in turn.

    "My mother tells me you may be able to assist me in my endeavors. Is that right?" Maul said, probing for information.

    "I should hope so," Asajj replied. "While I may not be able to aid you in person most of the time, I have far more valuable sources of information about Sidious, Dooku, and Sev'rance Tann."

    "And what of the Jedi?" Despite the static of the hologram, Asajj could easily make out the hatred in his voice as he almost growled out the last word.

    "I can certainly provide you information on them as well," Asajj said cautiously, cursing internally at how the conversation was shifting in that direction. "However surely you recognize that as long as they are unaware of your return to the living they are not a threat to you."

    "That is irrelevant. Sooner or later they will find out," he said with a dark smile, "and when that time comes I can have my revenge."

    "Surely you would rather focus your rage on Sidious," Asajj said calmly, noting that Maul seemed to slightly recoil at the mention of the name. "After all, did he not use you as a tool, leave you for dead, and immediately replace you with another disciple?"

    Maul was silent for a moment. "Are you trying to protect the Jedi?"

    "No," Asajj said immediately. "I am pointing out that there are others far more deserving of your wrath." Despite everything Asajj managed to stay relatively calm, resolving herself to ensure that Maul would not be able to turn the tables on her.

    "You have not suffered as I have. You did not have a Jedi cut off your legs and leave you for dead."

    "No, I had a Sith try to kill me after it was determined that my usefulness had ended," Asajj snapped, genuine rage creeping into her voice despite herself. "I gave everything to my former Master, and in response to my triumphs, my dedication, and my loyalty, it was determined that I simply had to die. I may have escaped with my body intact, but I understand what it means to suffer, and what it means to be betrayed. I know who is deserving of my wrath." Asajj stopped for a few seconds to let Maul digest her tirade before she spoke again. "If anything I am wondering why you are so obsessed with vengeance on the Jedi instead of on Sidious."

    Once again, Asajj could tell that Maul ever so sightly recoiled at the mention of Sidious as she began to understand for herself why that was the case. "...I see. I...apologize for misjudging you, Ventress," he said coolly as Asajj noted that was the first time he'd used her name in this conversation. "When my mother spoke of you I admit that I was uncertain, but now I understand that the two of us are quite alike."

    It took every ounce of willpower Asajj had not to overtly react to Maul's observation. "Of course, my dear Maul," she said, slipping back into her usual form of 'conversation' she would have with Obi-Wan and Anakin, "I am simply glad that we understand each other better. Now then, if you're willing to take my advice I would suggest getting yourself reacquainted with the galaxy before you begin anything in earnest; it has changed quite a bit in the last few years as you are no doubt aware."

    "That I am. Now then, in the future if I require information-"

    "You may contact me and I will do my best to provide you with what you need."

    "Understood. Farewell then," Maul said as the transmission went dark. Asajj stood in place for a moment, processing Maul's observation on her.

    The two of us are quite alike.

    It had been...she didn't quite know how long it had been since she had considered revenge on Sev'rance and Dooku but it hadn't been at the forefront of her mind until now. So why did it-

    Before she could process her thoughts any further Ciaran slapped her on the back of the head. She knew this because out of anyone she was the only person who would even dare to try.

    "What was that for!?" Asajj snapped as she whirled to face an impassive Ciaran.

    "That was to knock some sense back into you. Seems like Maul managed to get into your head," Ciaran commented neutrally as she visibly rolled her eyes slightly. "So what was it? 'Join me and we can rule the galaxy together?' 'You and I are not so different?'"

    Asajj gritted her teeth for a moment before sighing resignedly. "...The latter."

    Ciaran was silent for a moment. "...Okay, normally I'd make a pithy comment about how predictable that was but I can tell now's really not the time. So...why are you worried about it?" she said, prodding Asajj, who was silent for a long moment before replying.

    "...I realized that I still want revenge on Dooku and Sev'rance."

    "Okay."

    Asajj blinked confusedly. "You did hear that, right?"

    "Yep. Don't blame you in the slightest," Ciaran said flatly. "I'm not going to do the Jedi thing and tell you that 'oh, you should let go of your anger and forgive the bastards who stabbed you in the back,'" she said in an affected old man voice. "You have every reason to be angry. But - and here's the important thing - you've got other things in your life besides revenge, right?"

    Asajj was silent, simply choosing to shoot an annoyed glare at Ciaran.

    "Come ooonnn, this doesn't work if you don't say anything."

    "...Yes I do," she said, gritting her teeth and forcing each word out.

    "Exactly. Now then, would you say the same of Maul?" Ciaran asked, causing Asajj to consider the question.

    "...No," she said after a moment of contemplation. "Every time he spoke it was either of revenge or how he would pursue it. He seemed offended when I tried to shift the conversation away from the topic."

    Ciaran's took in Asajj's assessment, nodding to herself. "I take it you told him about Dooku and Sev'rance betraying you and that's why he told you that he and you are a lot alike?"

    "Yes. However there's something more you need to know."

    "I don't like the sound of that Asajj."

    "He might be persuaded to attack Sev'rance or Dooku, but I can guarantee he will never attack Palpatine of his own volition. Maul is simply too afraid of him."

    Ciaran processed that, swore under her breath, then began to pace around the room muttering to herself. "Perfect. That's just perfect. That damned witch let him loose and now l learn that he's not only a massive liability but he's also practically useless to my plans. Fantastic. Thank you Talzin, whatever would I have done without your 'help.' You've been just as 'helpful' as those bastards on Thyferra-" Ciaran shook her head, turning to face Asajj, who had done nothing save for raising an eyebrow.

    "Do go on," she said flatly. "I'm sure you could go on for several hours about how your brilliant plans are constantly under threat by imbeciles or something along those lines."

    In response Ciaran shot her a glare before breathing in. "Oh I could, but that would get us nowhere. Back to business: was Savage part of the transmission?"

    "Yes. He said nothing though."

    "Likely indicative of some level of subservience to Maul, good to know...how would you grade Maul as a threat in an intelligence sense? Manipulation, subterfuge, things like that?"

    "High. His questions were measured and precise, and he only showed any signs of trust after he learned about how I was betrayed."

    "Damn. I was hoping he'd be a dumb brute or still be crazy enough to be incapable of things like that. Future plans?"

    "I'm not certain, but given the chance and no other influence he'd target the Jedi at first. Though I'd assume Obi-Wan would be his top target."

    "Right then, need to make sure I know where Siri is at all times and up Satine's security detail then. At this point I assume straight up killing Obi-Wan would be unsatisfying for Maul. Anything else?"

    "...Nothing information-wise, but I may have an idea," Asajj said carefully. "I believe that he might be willing to assist me so long as it involves Sev'rance and Dooku."

    Ciaran looked at Asajj with a serious expression. "Dooku himself is right out. He dies and everything goes to hell; Palpatine would drastically up his timetable for Order 66 and the like without a pawn to directly control the Seps. But..." She brought a hand to her chin, contemplating Asajj's suggestion. "Sev'rance is another matter. She's not vital, but she is a Sith acolyte and would definitely be a problem given the chance," she said more to herself than anything. "At the same time she's a good enough commander that her loss would be felt by the Seps and the balance of power is shifting in the Republic's direction...hm..." She looked at Asajj. "This is personal enough for you that I want your opinion, if you have one."

    "I admit I would enjoy killing her, but if you decide now is not the proper time I can understand that," Asajj calmly replied. "For me vengeance is a desire, not a need."

    "Right then..."

    [] Give the order to have Sev'rance assassinated. She's too much of a liability for your future plans and she's certainly replaceable.
    [] Hold off on the assassination plan for the time being. Assassinating Sev'rance would cause too much instability as it were at this stage.
    [] Write-in (Is there some other target that Asajj could point Maul at?)

    AN: So Machines of War is definitely going to be the last interlude for rather obvious reasons. Anyway, I figure with a crit that high on the Maul action I'm going to give you the chance to...direct it as it were.

    Aside from that writing Maul was interesting, and having him work off of Asajj brought out a much different side to this interlude than I was initially planning. Not that I mind, honestly. Anyway, do the thing.
     
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    • [X] Give the order to have Sev'rance assassinated. She's too much of a liability for your future plans and she's certainly replaceable.

    It's not that she's a liability really, it's that she's just not important enough so why not let Asajj have her revenge?

    I get that it'll tilt the balance a little more in favour of the Republic, but at the same time she's not irreplaceable to Dooku or Sidious.

    Downsides are that it'll remind Dooku and Sidious we are still capable of being problematic and that it'll tilt the balance in favour of the Republic.

    Upsides are both of those and it'll make a nice reward for Asajj.


    In the end, Sev'rance is a pawn on this board, nothing more.
     
    [X] Give the order to have Sev'rance assassinated. She's too much of a liability for your future plans and she's certainly replaceable.
     
    [X] Give the order to have Sev'rance assassinated. She's too much of a liability for your future plans and she's certainly replaceable.

    see no reason too hold of on this
     
    [X] Give the order to have Sev'rance assassinated. She's too much of a liability for your future plans and she's certainly replaceable.

    Asajj could use the closure.
     
    I say take out Sevrance. Without her Palps got to figure out a wat to slow down the war effort but too much.

    That or Dooku will have to command himself.
     
    [X] Give the order to have Sev'rance assassinated. She's too much of a liability for your future plans and she's certainly replaceable.
     
    [X] Give the order to have Sev'rance assassinated. She's too much of a liability for your future plans and she's certainly replaceable.

    So long as it's blatantly obvious that Maul did it and not Asajj. Here's what I'm thinking. Maul takes care of Tann but we work in the background to ensure that Maul's secrecy is blown. This will alert both Palpatine and Dooku to Maul's continuing existence.

    Two things can come from this. One, Palpatine or Dooku will personally attack Maul and thus get rid of the problem and force them to react. Two, Palpatine will send a Jedi strike force against Maul which we can then help ensure their success with the least Jedi casualties.

    Either way this causes Palpatine and Dooku to react to something unforseen and not to just continue willy-nilly with their own plans.
     
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    [X] Give the order to have Sev'rance assassinated. She's too much of a liability for your future plans and she's certainly replaceable.
     
    [X] Give the order to have Sev'rance assassinated. She's too much of a liability for your future plans and she's certainly replaceable.

    Hopefully Maul will take all the blame and Ciaran will stay in the clear. For how could she possibly know that Maul is back from the dead?

    Now where do I get a dark cloak and a nice chair? Appearances are everything for a proper chessmaster after all.
     
    [X] Give the order to have Sev'rance assassinated. She's too much of a liability for your future plans and she's certainly replaceable.

    Let's keep Tweedle-dum and Tweedle-dee on their toes. Might as well keep them off balance and remind them the galaxy doesn't line up clearly to a board.
     
    Karugus said:
    Let's keep Tweedle-dum and Tweedle-dee on their toes. Might as well keep them off balance and remind them the galaxy doesn't line up clearly to a board.
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    Why is this a positive? If things aren't going according to their plans, wouldn't it be better for them to continue thinking everything's fine so that they don't try to adjust things back into their favour?
     
    [X] Give the order to have Sev'rance assassinated. She's too much of a liability for your future plans and she's certainly replaceable.
     
    On the one hand instability is bad, at least when it comes to setting up the stage to kick Palpatine in the nuts, but on the other hand right now the son of a hutt has the stage all to himself.

    Let's shake it up a bit, give him something besides us to worry about.

    [X] Give the order to have Sev'rance assassinated. She's too much of a liability for your future plans and she's certainly replaceable.

    Edit:
    Andres110 said:
    Why is this a positive? If things aren't going according to their plans, wouldn't it be better for them to continue thinking everything's fine so that they don't try to adjust things back into their favour?
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    It'll make them more cautious, wary. It'll show them that A. there's still shit going on they can't see, and B. that there are other people besides us gunning for their asses.

    The best time to stab someone in the back is when they're looking at someone else and all that.

    While yes it'll be bad that they're going to be refocusing their plans, they're already doing that, just with us as the focus.

    No reason for us not to put the attention on someone else for a while so we can get things in order.
     
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    [X] Give the order to have Sev'rance assassinated. She's too much of a liability for your future plans and she's certainly replaceable.
     
    Hmm. Seems like everyone says Tann should be assassinated. Okay then.

    [X] Give the order to have Sev'rance assassinated. She's too much of a liability for your future plans and she's certainly replaceable.
     
    [X] Give the order to have Sev'rance assassinated. She's too much of a liability for your future plans and she's certainly replaceable.

    Let's poke Palpy and Dooku!
     
    Andres110 said:
    Why is this a positive? If things aren't going according to their plans, wouldn't it be better for them to continue thinking everything's fine so that they don't try to adjust things back into their favour?
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    Because it's better to have them be reactive than proactive right now. And Sidious is too arrogant to realize there are other players in this game of his unless we spell it out for him.

    To them, this is a freak incident that they need to respond to rather than screwing with us for a bit. Not a calculated strike on their operations.
     
    Honestly, I think dispatching HK on a mission to target all the other acolytes except Quinlan Vos would be a good move during all of this. Then the jedi have their pawn in place and Sidious/Dooku have to go hunting for viable new Sith hires.
     
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