The Home
"...I must admit, out of all the things I expected to hear in both my life and unlife, the news about the Wound at Courscant is nearly unthinkable," Vectivus said to an impassive Number Two. "For nearly a millennia my predecessors and successors plotted and schemed to destroy the Order, and yet it was through poor timing and a few people turning at the wrong time that one of the greatest disasters facing it has occurred."
"If I may, sir, what do you think of all of this? If only to be able to answer the inevitable questions Lady Ciaran will have," Number Two said.
"Hm...I will say that on one level I anticipated that the Order would face a reckoning at some point - between the manipulations of the rest of the Baneites and their increasingly insular nature, something had to break sooner or later. And to some extent I feel that such a reckoning deserved - I have never held the codes of the Jedi in high regard, I will freely admit. At the same time though I am fully aware of how much of a threat the Wound will be to everyone in the galaxy should it continue to corrupt the Courscant Order."
Before Vectvius could continue, a tone emitted from a speaker indicating someone wished to speak to him. With a nod to Number Two, his subordinate pushed the button to admit...
"...You are most certainly not Lady Ciaran," Vectivus flatly said to Priam as he entered the room.
"I'm well aware. She wished to apologize to you about her absence; as you can imagine she has quite a bit to attend to and asked to send me as her representative for this quarter's meeting."
"Duly noted...however..." Vectivus trailed off, staring at Priam.
"Is everything alright, Master Vectivus? I'm aware that as an android-"
"It's not the lack of Force presence...I'm merely confused about the necessity of the blindfold."
"...Chief Engineer Sair claims that it gives me 'solidarity' with Lady Ciaran."
"Do you believe her?"
"Of course. Why wouldn't I believe the woman who gave me my new body, even if I don't understand the necessity of a fair number of its new features in the slightest?" Priam's face never changed during that entire statement. "Now then, shall we begin?"
Cularin Facility
"You may not be as interested in this particular venture, but I for one am eager to hear about the secrets Cularin seems to hold."
"I appreciate that you are. From a financial standpoint I'm honestly not sure how valuable this system will be..."
Reward: Facility on Cularin
Manda Property
"...But by contrast I can only expect quite a bit of growth from the new property on Manda. I'm certain that our ties with the Baobab family will only serve to aid the both of us."
"It certainly never hurts to have such a wide-reaching merchant family as an ally instead of a competitor."
Reward: Property on Manda
Pantora Facility
"Lady Ciaran has expressed that she wishes to discuss the matter of Pantora with you personally when she has the chance. That is all I am willing to say for now on that matter."
Reward: Facility on Pantora
Cormit Facility
"I must admit, having the omnipresence of the Chiss military at Cormit is somewhat disconcerting. Up until now our facilities have largely stayed off the radar."
"Do you not trust the Chiss? They certainly have little reason to cross us at this point."
"I believe it's more getting used to the idea that we're not going to be left to our own devices like usual."
Reward: Facility on Cormit
Procopia Property
"Lady Ciaran seemed particularly eager for the chance to play the local houses against each other. I can only hope that she doesn't lose sight of the bigger picture while she does so."
"She really is Sith if she considers manipulation of others to be a form of entertainment. As her teacher I couldn't be any prouder."
"Please tell me you're joking..."
Reward: Facility on Procopia
Bothawui Base
"I think we both understand the value of Bothawui. Moving on."
Reward: Base on Bothawui
Coruscant (Corporate Espionage Program, Coruscant Enquirer, Aegis Security Expansion, Smugglers Dens, Regional Strongholds)
"Is she-"
"The Wound has altered her plans, she's already admitted this. However the fortifications in the Undercity are still quite valuable."
"I take it she's already expressed her concerns to you?"
"Yes."
Rewards: +50 information income, +25 investment income, tabloid rag set up on Courscant, +25 security income, +50 smuggling income, Controlled areas heavily fortified against attack
Kalee (Megafauna Museum, System Defenses)
"While the defenses over Kalee require repairs, the new museum on Kalee has provided us with an excellent location to house our Taozin and Lady Ciaran's new pet rancor."
"One trip to Dathomir later, and all of a sudden the Nightsister clan is extinct and Lady Ciaran has a pet rancor. Quite frankly I'm somewhat jealous of the life she leads at times."
"It's certainly a lot to keep track of...including making sure there's a transport that can actually contain a Rancor..."
Rewards: Megafauna museum opened, +50 investment income, potential to study contained fauna in more detail, Systemwide defenses set up around Kalee
Mandalore (Kyriemout Investments, Corellia-Mandalore Pilot Training Initiative, Agricultural Revitalization, MandalMotors Investments, Planetary Shield, System Defenses)
"For all of its talk of peace, Mandalore has become even more ready for war in recent days, has it not?"
"To some extent - there's no one planning on launching a new crusade, but there is certainly a much bigger impetus on creating defensive forces in the area. Trench was quite helpful in justifying it to the planetary government as well."
"It seems as though the New Mandalorians had forgotten an old saying: 'If you seek peace, you should prepare for war.'"
Rewards: Clan Skirata strengthened, Increased piloting capability of Mandalorian Guardians, +100 investment income, +50 income, dramatically increased output from MandalMotors, Planetary shields set up for Mandalore, Systemwide defenses set up around Mandalore
Lordran, Kiln (Agriculture Expansion, Industrial Expansion)
"Kiln is now functionally independent of any outside suppliers in the long term. Nothing more needs to be said or is worth talking about."
Rewards: +100 income, food situation on Kiln future-proofed, Increased output of all factories
Nar Shaddaa (Casino Franchising, Currency Exchange, Guardian Corps Recruiting Center, Sith Academy Reoccupation)
"I must ask, did you ever see the Nar Shaddaa Sith Academy for yourself?"
"I am afraid not. Its location was lost after the destruction of the Brotherhood of Darkness and the creation of the Rule of Two. Such things were considered unnecessary to the Baneites."
"And now?"
"Well, the Walkers are hardly Baneites, aren't they?"
Reward: +100 investment income, +50 "trade" income, Guardian Corps recruiting center set up at Nar Shaddaa, Evocii Mandalorians, Increased recruitment rate for Apprentices
Castell (Salvage/Recycling Teams, Aegis Security Expansion)
"The notes for Castell are almost entirely blank, barring one personal note from Ciaran that says 'So disappointed.'"
"Not every coup can end in a dramatic revolt against their leaders. Excellent work on that matter, by the way."
"I have to admit, it was quite easy to bring down Shu Mai. Speaking of which, Lady Ciaran wished to discuss the matter of succession with you when she had the chance."
Rewards: +25 salvage income, +50 Security income
Muunilinst (Mandalorian Guardians Financial Offices, Planetary Shield, System Defenses)
"It is good that the Guardians have proper financiers at their backs. Managing a galaxy-wide organization would be nigh impossible on their own. Fortunately for them, the Muun are eager for that kind of challenge."
Rewards: +50 investment income, financial offices for Mandalorian Guardians set up, Planetary shields set up for Muunilinst, Systemwide defenses set up around Muunilinst
Kashyyyk (Tarisian Ale Plant, Incom Expansion, KDY Expansion, Serv-O-Droid Expansion, Ecological Programs, Tradeport Construction, Exotic Creature Exports, Guardian Corps Recruiting Center, Planetary Shield)
"Lady Ciaran's notes cover the corporate expansions and added defenses to some extent, but the rest of it is just 'Mandalorian Wookies' repeated over and over again."
"I am honestly uncertain if the galaxy is ready to handle Wookies with Mandalorian training. I can certainly understand her sentiments."
Rewards: +50 income from exporting Tarisian Ale, +25 investment income, +25 investment income, +25 investment income, +25 investment income, +75 investment income, +50 trade income, +100 trade income, Guardian Corps recruiting center set up at Kashyyyk, Mandalorian Wookiees, Planetary shields set up for Kashyyyk
Taris (Karada Campus, Force Academy, Nekghoul Guide Contracts, Rapid-Response Fleet, Reinforced Planetary Shields, KDY Ion Batteries, Private Retreat, Guardian Corps Recruiting Center)
"For one this is a rather restrained set of investments into Taris. I'm surprised."
"Lady Ciaran was of the mind that she needed to focus her efforts into its defenses and the Nekghoul contracts."
"And her personal retreat-slash-tourist trap."
"...She claims that 'she had to do something fun this quarter.'"
Rewards: +25 Karada income, Increased ability of Nekghoul teams, Boost to Taris salvage roll, Rapid-response fleets set up in Tarisian space, Enhanced planetary shields set up over key locations, Ion cannon network set up across Taris, +100 investment income, Guardian Corps recruiting center set up at Taris
Naboo (Industry Investments, Amphibious Tradeport, Hydrostatic Bubble Engineering, Karada Medcenter, Porso Hill Base Reclamation, Guardian Corps Recruiting Center, Plasma-Fueled Planetary Shield, System Defenses)
"Naboo has certainly received considerably more attention by contrast. While the additional defenses and investments are to be expected, Lady Ciaran'swork with the Gungans has actually made planetary news and even some minor galactic networks have picked up on it."
"I must admit that she is onto something with the engineering skills of the Gungans. Their technology may look primitive at first glance, but it is surprisingly complex in places. Having their bubble homes become exports of Naboo will certainly help demonstrate that to the skeptics of the galaxy."
Rewards: +75 investment income, +50 trade income, +100 investment income, +50 Karada income, Porso Hill reclaimed as a secure location and production site, Guardian Corps recruiting center set up at Naboo, Mandalorian Gungans, Plasma-Fueled shield set up, Systemwide defenses set up around Naboo
Ord Mantell (Expanded Shadowports, Arsenal, Drydock, Barracks, Command & Control Facilities, System Defenses, Guardian Corps Barracks)
"Lady Ciaran must have been ecstatic to reactivate such an old fort."
"Admittedly she was quite interested in seeing such an old relic effectively come back to life. Especially given that the CNS military has already begun to centralize through it. According to statistics, it may even be home to more personnel then when it was first active."
Rewards: +75 smuggling income, +25 military income, central arsenal set up for CNS, +50 military income, central drydock set up for CNS, +50 military income, barracks for CNS military set up, C&C facilites for CNS military set up, Systemwide defenses set up around Ord Mantell, Guardian Barracks set up at Fort Garnik
Corellia (Kas'as Chen'ru Den Excavation, Drall Recruiting Center)
"No doubt Lady Ciaran was eager to see another expedition site going up, especially with the rumors of Old Republic technology and records hidden within."
"I can confirm that. While Corellia hasn't been noted as an important site during the Jedi Civil War or Dark War, she's still hopeful that something interesting can be found in the area."
Rewards: +25 salvage income, second roll for Corellia system set up, +5 Learning bonus from Drall
Sullust (Large-Scale Wiretaps, Sullustan Recruiting Center, Guardian Corps Recruiting Center)
"The Sullustans have already proven to be useful assets to both us and the Guardians. That is all that is worth mentioning this quarter. Moving on."
Rewards: +25 information income, Sullustans recruited, 10% bonus to smuggling income, Guardian Corps recruiting center set up at Sullust, Sullustan Mandalorians
Arkania (Large-Scale Wiretaps, Karada Research Complex, Guardian Corps Recruiting Center)
"I am surprised that there are even Arkanians willing to becoming Mandalorians with their ego."
"There's a surprisingly high number that have begun to join. I suspect that it is less out of loyalty to the Resol'nare and more out of proving themselves to the galaxy by serving with the Guardians."
Rewards: +25 investment income, +50 Karada income, Guardian Corps recruiting center set up at Arkania, Arkanian Mandalorians
Tibannopolis (Shadowport, Tibanna Gas Weapons Factory)
"There is still no coherent information on the nature of this 'essence transfer' ability as of yet, unfortunately. Aside from that Lady Ciaran was eager to note the completion of our own Tibanna gas refinery."
"As she should be. It is a valuable resource, moreso when you own a source of it yourself."
Rewards: +25 smuggling income, +100 military income, increased potency of weaponry
Lorrd (Guardian Corps Recruiting Center)
"The opening of the Guardian recruitment center on Lorrd was all that was of note this quarter. Moving on."
Rewards: Guardian Corps recruiting center set up at Lorrd, Mandalorian Lorrdians
Chu'unthor (Starfighter Complement, Karada Clinic, Archaeology Teams)
"The Chu'unthor has continued to have its facilities expanded. Lady Ciaran has expressed her hopes that the ship can now also be used as a mobile base for her archaeology teams."
"I cannot help but appreciate that in some regard."
"...I'm not sure I understand why."
"Even with the change in ownership the vessel is ultimately serving the same purpose - to gather knowledge and spread it to those who come onboard. I cannot help but find that somewhat intriguing in its own way."
Rewards: Chu'unthor gains starfighter complement for defense, Increased survival rate for Agents/Abysswalkers, Additional archaeology action
Yavin (Defense Grid, Orbital Trading Post, Probe Droid Supply, Ecological Explorts)
"Grenade fruit."
"Yes, Lady Ciaran-"
"The nature of it still amuses me to no end. I can only imagine the thoughts of one of my Sith ancestors who thought it would be a good idea to weaponize fruit. I simply refuse to believe something like that could have evolved naturally."
"Please don't start on that...I've heard enough of it from Lady Ciaran already."
Rewards: Defenses set up for archaeology facilites, +50 trade income, ability to expand station, Boost to archaeology rolls, +25 smuggling income, mass-produced grenade fruit
Thyferra (Aegis Security Facility, Large-Scale Wiretaps, Covert Karada Research Complex, Smuggler's Den)
"I was looking at the notes on the facility for Thyferra...is Lady Ciaran still planning on moving against Xucphra and Zaltin?"
"It is mentioned as a potential plan, though whether there will be available resources for it in the future is another matter at this point..."
Rewards: +25 income, defenses established, +25 Information income, Facility covertly built for the purpose of reverse-engineering bacta, +50 smuggling income
Mustafar (Aegis Security Facility, Large-Scale Wiretaps, Svivreni Crystal Mines, Blackguard Enclave, Salvage/Archaeology Teams)
"I still find it hard to believe that there's so many people on such a hostile planet. Especially a Force Order of all things."
"Really? I assumed you would be of the belief that the Force can be found anywhere."
"That it can. It can be found on blazing lava planets, and also in air-conditioned homes. I chose to live in the latter for most of my life, and did not regret it."
Rewards: +25 income, defenses established, +25 Information income, +50 mining income, secondary source of lightsaber crystals gained, Blackguard enclaves set up, boost to Blackguard rolls, +25 Salvage income, per turn roll for other benefits
Salvage Rolls
Arkania: 81 (+75)
Bespin: 20 (+25)
Corellia 1: 45 (+50)
Corellia 2: 7
Coruscant: 6
Dantooine 1: 7
Dantooine 2: 57
Lorrd: 19
Mandalore: 13
Muunilist: 56 (+50)
Mustafar: 74 (+50)
Nar Shaddaa: 31 (+25)
Oracle: 69 (+50)
Ord Mantell: 91 (+100 & Event)
Taris: 53 (+50)
Yavin 1: 70 (Artifact Value: Notable)
Yavin 2: 95 (Event!)
Yavin 3: 33
Other Rolls:
Blackguard: 47
Fullsuub: 40
Vianists: 73 (Low-Risk Pilgrimage Triggered)
Jerec: 65 (Discovery Value: Low)
1 District in Courscant Undercity taken over.
"In other news, we've received reports from our people within the Vianists that they made their way to the Tomb of the Third Barsen'thor on Chandrilla."
"Ah, do tell. Were they able to find anything of value there?"
"They were quick to note that the site appears to have become a Force Nexus, which is valuable intelligence in its own right. In addition there are a number of large Force crystals within the tomb and canyons itself, which - thanks to some intelligence provided to us - we know were the same crystals used to power the main cannon of the Devastation. Our teams have recovered some small samples, but initial reports haven't been very...cohesive."
"Meaning they have no idea how they would react in general."
"As everyone sensitive to the Force is eager to tell me, the Force is quite unpredictable. There's certainly potential for it to go through material analysis, but I'm not sure what we'd glean from it."
"Indeed."
"On a related note, Master Jerec has sent us a report on a species he has encountered known as the Killiks. He has reason to believe that the insectoid species may have had colonies in the known galaxy and has requested our aid in looking into it."
"A task I'm sure Lady Ciaran will enjoy as a distraction at a minimum."
"What else...ah, yes. Our teams on Ord Mantell managed to salvage a vessel dating back to the Cold War. According to the records we could find on it, it was a Fury-class 'interceptor' belonging to the Sith Empire."
"And this is of note because...?"
"Despite its age and designation it's quite a versatile vessel. It was designed to act as something akin to one of our courier vessels, only it was also capable of holding its own in heated battles. In fact it's been noted to be quite similar to the Scimitar to an extent."
"Interesting, but your argument for its use has already been defeated by its comparison to the Scimitar."
"Oh I agree. On its own it's not particularly unique or useful. But our engineering teams believe it could be used as a template for a modernized line of vessels based on its design and philosophy - of course they recommended that Raith be consulted-"
A loud tone suddenly went off from Vectivus' desk, indicating a priority message. Without a word Priam activated its projector, displaying an visibly flustered Brik (which made it clear how rattled he was given his Jawa features).
"Is something-"
He began speaking rapidly, and as the translator barely managed to keep up Priam tilted his head in confusion.
"...What."
"I'm sorry, what do you mean, 'you found a Massassi?'"
-----------
Yavin 4, Great Massassi Temple
2 Hours Earlier
"Hey boss," an expedition team member shouted to Brik as he examined the temple walls. "Found something in here that you might wanna see!"
As Brik made his way over to the man in question, he saw him hold up what looked like a very old sword that was in surprisingly good condition, inside a chamber that was covered in symbols Brik didn't immediately recognize. With a quick gesture, his subordinate handed the sword over to him-
The moment he touched it he could feel Dark Side energy thrumming within it, and he stumbled slightly and dropped the sword as he felt it try to reach out to him.
"You alright!?"
Brik darted upright and nodded in affirmation before taking out a datapad and writing down instructions. After he handed it over to the man (whose eyes started to widen as he looked it over), he made his way back out into the main hall, noting the archaeology team with him moving into the temple or taking recovered artifacts outside for safekeeping. As he looked around he suddenly felt an odd sensation in the Force, and as he tried to follow it he found himself face-to-face with what seemed like a perfectly blank wall. Curious, Brik brought out his scanner, though got no results. He then tried to reach out with the Force, and was surprised when the wall suddenly reacted, beginning to lower and reveal a doorway.
With a few quick gestures easily noticed by the gawking team around him, Brik and a small team made their way inside, entering a room that was almost entirely bare save for a large capsule that seemed to resemble Drepya's Oubliette, albeit considerably bigger.
"The hell...is that a stasis pod!?" one of the team members muttered. "What the hell's in it?"
Brik nervously moved closer, only for it to trigger a reaction from the pod, which began to open. On cue the team around him brought out their blasters and switched them to "stun," while Brik himself ignited his lightsaber.
Everyone remained silent but vigilant as the pod finished opening, though nothing seemed to-
Their eyes widened as a massive red arm grasped one of the capsule's sides, followed by another as the creature within rose out of it. While it had a humanoid form, it had a lizard-like shape and body, with its head resembling a snake as it looked around in confusion. The team quickly raised their blasters as it slowly made its way out of the capsule before its gaze fell upon Brik.
"You...Jedi?" it spoke slowly in a deep, guttural voice. Brik quickly shook his head no. "Sith? Do you...serve...Lord Exar Kun?"
Brik stared at the beast before quickly bringing out a translator and speaking into it. "Exar Kun died a long time ago. Who are you?"
It stared at him before it answered. "I am Kalgrath. Chosen warrior of the Massassi."
"That's impossible!" one of the team members shouted out on reflex, and that brought Kalgrath's attention on him. "You...your people...they were thought to be extinct..."
Kalgrath continued to stare at him. "I have been asleep for far longer than I was aware of. How long has it been since Lord Kun walked upon this planet's surface?"
"...Four millennia," Brik reported after a moment of hesitation.
Kalgrath remained silent, before he began to slowly walk towards the team, though not in a visibly aggressive fashion. They quickly parted around him as he made his way past them and out into the temple, and as they followed him he made his way outside, looking around the surroundings.
"I do not sense others of my kind," he said out loud as everyone caught up with him. "However, is this...?"
"Is this what?" Brik asked.
Kalgrath remained silent for a long moment. "I can sense that your words are true to some extent - Lord Kun is dead, and my people seem to be gone. Yet...why do I feel as though he is still here?"
Brik quickly glanced around at the rest of the team, whose eyes had all widened at the implications of Kalgrath's statement. "This needs to escalate to the boss. Now," one of them said.
Salvage Event Rewards: Crystal Valley of Chanrilla explored. Information on Killik species gained. Fury-class interceptor recovered. Blade of Naga Sadow recovered. Kalgrath reawakened.
--------------
"A living, breathing Massassi warrior!?" Vectivus said to the holoprojection of Brik, unable to hide his disbelief. "That's...I can't believe that there was one held in stasis, let alone one that survived the final battle on Yavin!"
"More importantly, you're absolutely certain that he seemed to sense the presence of Exar Kun somehow? Even if it was more of a feeling than an actual certainty?" Priam said to Brik, who nodded wordlessly in response. He quickly turned to Vectivus-
"Yes, of course I am aware of the possibility," the phantom said, noticeably annoyed before his demeanor shifted. "Exar Kun himself was nothing if not arrogant and prideful, and I'm certain that Lady Ciaran knows about him even better than I do at this point. Knowing how far he delved into the Sith arts...the idea that something of him has survived is hardly an impossibility. And quite frankly, an incredibly worrying one."
"I take it he wouldn't be as agreeable as you are?"
"If there was a 'classical' Sith, Exar Kun would fit that description perfectly. He would not take kindly to the concept of a rival of any kind...and I doubt that death would have changed that outlook."
"Duly noted...thank you for the report, Abysswalker Brik. It will be forwarded to Lady Ciaran ASAP," Priam said as he shut off the holoprojector and quickly called up Ciaran.
"What is it, I'm-"
"My apologies, Lady Ciaran, but this is quite important," Priam said before repeating the report to her. She went dead silent before she pointedly took off her mask and stared down Priam.
"If that report is even partly accurate...Send more ysalamiri to the Yavin site immediately. Under no circumstances are any teams allowed to leave the facility without some on hand. Everything this 'Kalgrath' said is now classified to our highest levels, and our teams heard nothing apart from his name and species."
"Understood. Speaking of which..."
"We had some things to discuss?"
"Vectivus says he wanted to speak with you about the other matters."
"...Right." Ciaran thought to herself for a moment before she spoke again. "Vectivus, I need some advice here. The deals with Pantora...they went well. They went very well, beyond my wildest dreams. Paponoida basically has a propaganda network ready to counter Palpatine's now."
"And you're wondering how far to go with it," Vectivus replied and Priam dutifully repeated.
"With everything that happened on Kalee it's now a bigger question than ever. So yes. There's also the matter of the Commerce Guild succession. I know I'm a valid candidate, but at this point I'm not sure a public position would be such a good idea."
"You could option Bribbs, who would serve as a decent figurehead. Or perhaps our own Priam?"
"Uh...what?" Priam replied flatly.
"The Separatists love their droids so much, it seems like a decent idea."
"It's not the craziest thing I've heard..."
"Both of you can't be serious!?"
"And finally, on a more upbeat note...I have a few names for a rancor I want to put past you. And possibly our taozin."
"Duly noted. Very well then..."
Pantora Network Vote:
-The deal with Paponoida opens up considerable opportunity...but by extension, considerable risk when it comes to challenging Palpatine in one of his most fiercely-fought battlegrounds - the propaganda war. When and how should it be used?
[] Immediate and all-out war. Time to start providing voices to those who see him as a tyrant.
[] Slow burn. Build up to it over the next few months, potentially setting the stage for it with other actions.
[] Last minute. Only really put it into full gear when the time is right to bring down Palpatine.
[] Write-in (subject to veto)
(This vote will also determine the ability for Ciaran to push her version of the events surrounding the Battle of Kalee)
Commerce Guild Succession Vote:
-With Shu Mai ousted the Commerce Guild will need a new leader. Who will it be?
[] Ciaran
[] Priam
[] Beolars Bribbs
[] Write-in (subject to veto)
Rancor Name Vote:
-The Rancor that Ciaran and Asajj "recovered" from Dathomir needs a proper name.
[] Juyo
[] Ulic
[] Marr
[] Adenn
[] Write-in
Taozin Name Vote (Optional)
-The taozin now in captivity on Kalee could use a name, though it's hardly necessary
[] Write-in (Requires 10 votes minimum to be counted as a valid name)
AN: It's been too long, have plenty of stuff to discuss. Will wrap up everything in a proper epilogue for this round and roll for troops tommorow.
