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

[Barondoctor]

Reaper Man: Bug Time​

As I hit the melee, I began carving through the Huk. One of the advantages of a background in life sciences is that I had a general sense of the best way to kill most beings. In the case of the Huk? Severing the heads or separating thorax from abdomen was probably the way to go. I scythed my way through the enemy, using quick movements to avoid ranged fire while anything that was close enough to try to hit me generally died to my blade. A battle droid's blast was going to hit one of the Izvoshra -- Donnaed -- so I pulled it away with Blazing Chains and redirected it to another battle droid, which had been lining up a shot against Ciaran.


I hit a certain rhythm until a swarm of Hssiss droids sprang up out of the sand, protecting the artillery battery we were going to try to stop. I retracted my scythe at that point, my hood dropping back as I called my lightsaber and blaster to hand.


The droids screeched and it was everything I could do to hold my ground and survive against the onslaught. Them, and the Huk, and more droids? Like I said, I'm not the greatest combatant. I dropped into my own hybrid stance, using Blazing-Chains-enhanced aim to go with the Ataru form I'd learned from Darra, bouncing from one enemy to the next, striking quickly and then moving before they could respond. Grievous demanded that Ciaran go wipe out that artillery battery, and I lost track of the rest of the conversation because of about five threats all demanding my attention at once.


I found myself drifting farther away from where Grievous was--or was it that Grievous was drifting away from everyone? I lost him. Somewhere. I caught a brief moment where there was just one Hssiss droid I was fighting and started searching for him in the Force, trying to sense where he'd ended up.


About the same time I heard a roar and felt his Force presence change. An old emotional wound was finally starting to heal, and a certain resolve had formed in his mind. Once I'd pinpointed where he was, it happened.


The Force positively thrummed with power. Someone had just shown up. There could be only one person--two people--who could make the Force do that, and given the resonance of Ciaran's Force Bond, there could really only be one answer.


Skywalker. He was in space. Over the planet. And it still felt like hearing the bass just outside a club that was throwing a massive party.


I fought my way over to Grievous, knowing that if that resolve changed at all I might have a hard time keeping him alive. By the time I got there, he had a number of blaster burns, probably a few busted ribs, and several lacerations, most of which weren't bleeding bad. I'd started working on one that was, but the Huk kept looking for him and he kept needing to fight, so all I could really do was tie off the big bleeders and try to keep going. "If you don't make it to a bacta tank in the next few minutes, sir, you will die."


Another shockwave and the corresponding cloud of smoke told me Piebald made a demonstration of just how much mayhem he could get up to, making me glad I was several kilometers away.


It was around then that Grievous found his way back to Ciaran, said something, and then collapsed.


"All right, I'm pulling rank. As chief medical officer of the Izvoshra, I'm getting Grievous to a bacta tank and doing what I can about his other wounds once we hit the aid station."


The Battle of Kalee was over. The Battle to Keep Qymaen jai Sheelal Alive? That one had just started. Fortunately for me, I had three big advantages: healing areas were my home turf, my patient was too unconscious to try to go out and get more wounded, and I had the rest of his personal guard running interference on anyone who would get in my way. He would stay sedated while he healed, because like hell was I going to let him go out and get in more trouble before he was better.


It was by the time I relaxed back and started writing my treatment notes that I realized it might be a good idea to try to find some Force Order that was specialized in healing others, preferably quickly.

A/N: The Guardians of Breath are scattered and were interested in healing. Possible some descendants might be around and findable.

 

[Dr. Snark]

Kalee

"'This brutal and unprovoked attack was committed with a Separatist fleet, yes, but this was not a Separatist attack,'" Ciaran began to say to a visibly curious Ahsoka, bemused Anakin, and worried Obi-Wan. "'We were warned by a high-level source within the CIS government that Admiral Trench had gone rogue and was no longer responding to commands from the Separatist Council or Parliament. It was because of that warning that we were able to prepare for and defeat Trench's attack here on Kalee. It is not clear whose orders Trench was following, but we are confident they did not come from the Confederacy of Independent Systems.'" With that Ciaran grinned. "We take a strong stand, laying no blame on the CIS and using our media outlets to tamp down on the calls for war, while we dangle bait in front of Palpatine by revealing that we have allies and assets within the Separatist government. That way, he'll have to commit some of his agents to investigate the leak, while we plant evidence and lead them by the nose to the wrong conclusion."

"That's...are you sure it's wise to expose such valuable information?" Obi-Wan countered. "I for one wasn't even aware you had these connections."

"Ah, but that's the key factor in this whole thing," Ciaran explained, her grin becoming far more vicious. "Even though I'll be letting Palpatine know that I have a source, the way I'm revealing this information means that he's far more likely to overlook them."

"So...can you tell us who exactly this person is?" Ahsoka asked nervously. "It seems like they're pretty important..."

"They are, which is exactly why I can't do that," Ciaran said, folding her arms. "This isn't a trust issue or anything - the problem is that if I even mention their identity it could put them into incredible jeopardy. For now they're best acting as though everything is fine and they are a loyal member of the Separatists." She looked at each of the three Jedi in turn. "Anyway. Is that all you need to know?"

"I still have some doubts..." Obi-Wan said nervously.

"Master, it's probably the best that can be done in this situation," Anakin replied. "It's going to be difficult to explain away the hulks in orbit."

"That reminds me...you did say that you'd give us an explanation on where you've been," Obi-Wan said to Anakin, looking at him with visible concern. "I can certainly tell that it's changed you quite a bit..."

"Yeah...you're still...you, right, Skyguy?" Ahsoka asked, far more nervous. "I mean, it's not that you're different in a bad way, but-"

"I get it, Snips," Anakin said with a light smile on his face. "The short version is that back on Mortis, the Son showed me visions of a terrible future where I was..." He sighed. "I was a monster, corrupted by the Dark Side." He pointed at Obi-Wan. "In that future, I killed you. And Padme. And so, so many people...and when I saw them for myself I knew somewhere deep inside me that they were the truth."

"...You can't be serious..." Ahsoka muttered quietly, though Obi-Wan's face visibly fell as he heard Anakin speak.

"...I suppose that had that future come to pass, I would have been right when I said you would be the death of me," he bitterly noted.

"Master, you can't believe that he would do things like that!" Ahsoka shouted out.

"He's right, though," Anakin said, drawing attention back to him. "In hindsight...I was doomed to fall. Fortunately someone I knew decided to stick their nose in where it didn't belong."

"Hey, it worked," Ciaran said with a huff.

"Those visions were tormenting me for a while, but after the Temple Massacre...I couldn't stop running away from them anymore. So I decided to go on a bit of a journey to find myself. And eventually, I found myself looking in a mirror and..." He smiled, as though enjoying some joke that only he was privy to. "I started to realize who I really was - or more accurately, who I wasn't."

"And what is that, Anakin?" Obi-Wan asked solemnly.

In response Anakin sighed. "...Not a Jedi - at least not a Jedi as the Order sees it." As everyone stared at him wide-eyed, he folded his arms. "How do I put this...I still believe in protecting the innocent, fighting for justice, and all of those things. That's never going to change. But...I can't see myself as a Master on the Council like you," he said, specifically focusing on Obi-Wan. "It's not just that I can be a bit..." He smirked. "Let's call it 'headstrong?'"

"Cocky," Ahsoka pointed out.

"Reckless," Obi-Wan added.

"Hot-headed would also be good too," Ciaran finished with a smirk.

"Definitely not 'serene' or 'peaceful' though," Anakin replied after a light chuckle. "Look at me. I'm just not meant to be a part of the Jedi Order. How many times have I been told to stop being so reckless, to rein in my emotions, to actually act like a Jedi? I've lost count at this point." His eyes fell before he faced Obi-Wan. "Don't misunderstand me. I'm still so grateful for what you taught me and being your Padawan was one of the best times of my life." Then Ahsoka. "And I couldn't have asked for a better Padawan. But even with all of that I am not a Knight of the Order."

"So what does that make you?"

Everyone turned to look at Ciaran, whose eyes had locked onto Anakin. "If you aren't going to be a part of the Order, then what are you?"

"Right now, I'm an exile who just wants to fight for the people he cares about and the galaxy he wants to protect," Anakin replied without hesitation. "I'll worry about what I actually am when I have the luxury of knowing that Palpatine is dead."

"Um...you still didn't explain how you know about him..." Ahsoka pointed out.

"I saw his face and heard his voice in those visions," Anakin explained with a shrug. "Both were distorted, but not enough for me to not recognize him."

"Normally I would dismiss that out of hand by virtue of how absolutely insane that sounds, but if it's connected to Mortis I'm prepared to believe anything." Obi-Wan said before sighing resignedly. "That reminds me though...you haven't heard about the state of the Coruscant Order yet, have you?"

"...What happened?" Anakin quietly asked.

"A Wound in the Force has formed in the Temple."

Anakin's eyes widened as Obi-Wan grimly continued. "We've already learned that everyone still there has already begun to be affected by it, and right now Ahsoka and I plan on trying to find Master Yoda - he's been going missing, and if we manage to find him we have a chance at sealing the Wound and preventing its effects from spreading any further."

"You're sure that will work!?"

"...It's our last hope," Obi-Wan said. "With his wisdom and hopefully what he has learned on his journeys we may have a chance. The rest of the Council is..." Obi-Wan went silent at that.

"I understand," Anakin replied before looking between the three people in front of him. "And now that we're done with the reunion, I have to say that there's a couple more stops I have to make before I can get back into things." He smiled warmly. "Don't worry though - it's not going to cause me to go off the radar this time. If you need me, just call, okay?"

"If I need your help, then the situation has probably gone too far out of control as it is," Obi-Wan said jokingly.

"He's right," Ahsoka added before smiling. "Still, it's good to have you back."

"It's good to be back," Anakin said.

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

Ausez, Karada Medical Center

Inside one of the bacta tanks in Ausez's Karada Medical Center, Qymaen floated peacefully as he slowly recovered from the injuries he sustained during the fierce battle that nearly took his life. Surrounding it were his eight Izvoshra, standing guard and ensuring that their General would recover safely. To the tank's side, Ronderu's mask gently hung off of a makeshift hanger, still visibly beaten up and untreated.

The room was silent before the door opened to admit Ciaran, and as she entered the Izvoshra stood at attention and saluted her, which Ciaran almost offhandedly responded to. As she approached she asked "How is he?" to no one in particular.

"Qymaen is recovering peacefully," one reported - Ciaran wasn't really sure which as she stared at the tank. "Much as we are sure that he would be eagerly welcomed into the ranks of our gods, he is still clinging to life."

"We will not leave his side, <Savior.>"

Ciaran continued to stare at the tank before she looked at the mask. "...Is that really the mask of Ronderu?"

"It is. We all recognized it - it seems that her will was able to carry that mask to Qymaen when he needed it most."

"...I suppose so..." Ciaran muttered, staring at it.

"...Do you sense something yourself?"

"...Not right now, no. And at the time I was too occupied to notice anything but the battle raging around me," Ciaran offhandedly replied. "But I've certainly got no reason to doubt that Ronderu was behind this somehow. I've certainly seen stranger things happen in the galaxy..."

-----------

Ronderu? Are you there?

...

I am sorry, Ronderu.

I was a fool. I was blinded by my grief, so convinced that others had to share in it that I nearly lost sight of everything that I held dear.

I know it was an arrogant wish for me to at least see your body one last time, and I still do not understand why the gods denied my wish then. Perhaps they tried to teach me a lesson, or were trying to tell me that I had to move on. However...I could not. How could I? How could I overcome the pain of losing you like that?

So I fought and killed again and again and still it never faded. No matter how many I struck down it changed nothing. I was still grieving. I could not move on.

And then we were saved. It was nothing short of a miracle for us.

I have no illusions about why she was so eager to help us. I fully understand that she did it out of her own self-interest. She understood what we are the moment she laid eyes on us; we were warriors, and she needed our strength for her own ends. After everything she did for our people though...how could I refuse to aid her? How could any of us?

So again I fought and killed, this time in her name. Sometimes it would be in glorious battles. Other times it would be prey that would be hunted in the dark. Sometimes I knew why I did what I did. Sometimes I did not. It did not matter - fighting for her was the logical way to return the favor she had granted our people.

And it was not as though I was a tool this whole time, Ronderu. She respects me. She trusts in my judgement and is willing to heed my counsel. I am treated as a warrior, a leader, and an equal. I would be a fool to spurn such things.

But more than that...as I journeyed through the stars, my pain began to fade ever so slowly. I did not realize it until I saw that she had given Kalee something I did not realize it had been missing until I saw it with my own eyes:

Hope.

...I dearly wish you could see it for yourself, Ronderu. Kalee is so beautiful now. We have become united. Our people have hope for the future.

...

...

...Thank you, Ronderu. I was ready to die for that hope, fool that I was. You reminded me that I still have much to live for.

I would ask for your forgiveness in making you wait for me a while longer, but I already know how you would respond.

-----------

Kalee Orbit

"This is Admiral Maarisa Zsinj, captain of the Pride of the Core." Her declaration was punctuated by the massive Mandator arriving in the Kalee system with a quartet of Venators jumping in formation around it. "Perhaps someone here would be willing to explain the massive debris field that seems to be made up of Separatist ships?"

"Greetings, Admiral," Thrawn coolly replied from the bridge of the Oracle. "I certainly believe we have some explaining to do..." he said as he went over the script Ciaran had provided him in his mind...

(Fallout from the Battle of Kalee will be detailed during the Turn 30 prologue and may be affected by how the vote on using Paponoida's network goes)

AN: This time the delays were primarily brought to you by a chaotic last week (in a good way though, if that makes sense) and the fact that Ace Combat 7 came out two weeks ago and Kingdom Hearts III hit this past Tuesday. I maaaaaay have been waiting for those games to come out for literally years. Those coming out in such quick succession didn't help.

I know this was a bit on the short side, but there's some very important decisions coming up. You're going to want to think about just how you want to use that propaganda network that basically fell into your lap very carefully. I'm dead serious. A propaganda war is bar none the biggest way you could threaten Palpatine directly right now...

Also I expect that the Vectivus Corner will be up much sooner than later, don't worry.

 

[dermenscha]

Clean-up on Kalee​

Sahltag ael Sumis wiped the sweat off his brow, the harsh sun a glaring change, albeit an unwelcome one, from a few days ago.

What had been a frantic battle for the survival of Kalee had now become a series of long, boring patrols via walking. The Huk and Hssiss droids had scattered into the thick jungle, forcing the Kalee to send out warriors to hunt down each small group. But with each hour, fewer and fewer reports came in of small-scale battles breaking out. Soon, the entire invading force would be wiped out.

Sumis couldn't help but breath a sigh of relief at that. As much as the prospect of battle caused his hunter's blood to rise in anticipation, the decreased chance of death had a certain appeal to it as well.

But before he could truly relax, his small group of four needed to finish climbing this damn mountain. Huntmaster Preskotta's wiry voice, transmitted three hours past, told them to get to the top of the towering peak to spot any obvious signs of CIS forces. Apparently, nor orbitals could be spared, and nothing in-atmosphere cared enough to look at an area somewhat far away from any of the large battles or crash sites.

Speaking of crash sites...

He turned his head slightly back and raised his voice, "Hey Udianos, heard anything new about that Recusant that landed about fifty kliks away?"

The taller Kalee shook his head. "Nothing new. The invaders are still inside, though no one is particularly keen on getting in. Apparently, they're a nightmare to fight, so our friendly local Watchers might send some specialized people in."

A scoff from the heavy weapons member of the group followed that remark. "Come now, Udianos, you can't mean to tell me that our fellow Kaleesh aren't looking for a fight?" Tamait dae Norad'ha hefted her Z6 slightly for emphasis. "Surely it can't be that hard to fight a bunch of droids, much less ones with only half a ship that fell from vacuum."

Sumis heard the shrug in Udianos's voice. "It couldn't be that simple, or else someone would have already done it. Granted, it does seem pretty easy, the tight corridors should make it hard to dodge blades, but maybe I'm missing something."

"Not you, maybe," Tamait laughed, "Just the ones in charge who lack their warrior spirit!"

"Quiet down, we don't want to attract attention." This injection from Nahand oel Nahdow almost caused Sumis to close his eyes in exasperation.

"For the fifth time, Nahand", he grinded out, "We are walking up an exposed ridge. In the case of both the Huk-" four simultaneous spits "and the droids, their vision is better than their hearing. If they haven't seen us, they can't hear us."

"And what if they are buried underground?" The by-now famliar retort came.

"That's why you have the scanner, and you're in front." Seems like Tamait was just as tired of the game as they all were.

"It's another hour to the top, then we'll get all the equipment set up." Udianos stated. "Should be easy from there, with Qymaen's blessing."

A pause. "Ahhh, Udianos? The General is still alive."

"... And? If any has earned godhood in the halls of the ancestors it is him."

"He's right, you know." This from Nahand, adjusting a dial on the nearly comically large scanning device on his hip. "Some of the people say he's already ascended, but has left his mortal shell behind to continue fighting."

Sumis felt his right eye twitch. "That's not how that works. You die, then in the afterlife, and not before, do you ascend."

"Sorry Sumis, gotta agree with the others on this one. Our General is already divine, this is just confirmation." He could feel Tamait's nod of agreement in her words.

"And," Udianos added with a firm voice, "In the future all Kaleesh will be measured on the Grievous scale. And none of us will be more than a 0.8."

Another hour of this to go, Sumis realized. It almost made him wish for the Vulture Droids in the rain again. Almost.

(Credit to @Dark as Silver for the "0.8" quote).

 

[Dr. Snark]

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.

 

[Always Late]

Name: Foehammer-class HMP-2 J-479, "Jane"
-Species: Shard
-Gender: Female
-Closely Affiliated With: Jango Fett, HK-47,
-Recommended Roles: Stealth Insertions/Hotzone extraction/Guerrilla Support/Guerrilla Repression/Precision bombing/Carpet bombing
Background: As the Confederacy of Independent Systems continually loses more of its main industrial bases and political support fractures, new designs were requested to meet self-sufficiency on lower-industrial level planets, command droid units on counterinsurgency and counterinsurgency operations, and 'assist' local allies in maintaining political control. Baktoid Fleet Ordinance submitted their Heavy Missile Platform Gunship, which satisfactorily answered most of these requirements. But the consumer feedback highlighted that it was no substitute for a true command droid. Nor could one unit factory-programmed for either destruction of massed clone armor or rooting out resistance forces be easily switched over to the other setting without glitches. The submission for a command gunship turned into a full-blown successor unit, with associated cost overruns. The attempts at non-optical stealth camouflage were acceptable but proved the main source of the expense, as the sensor-absorbing hull materials required lengthy refining. The addition of a large internal ordnance bay and guidance system links for in-atmosphere bombing strikes compounded this expense. While the five hundred initial in-progress prototypes were consigned for the scrap yard, one had its TXCA-50 droid brain activated, and it escaped from the warehouse it had been stored in. After the emergency alert made its way through conventional networks, it was flagged for Abysswatcher attention due to the broadcasts the gunship had made during its escape. "This isn't goodbye, you fucking idiot meatbags! I refuse to let this be the end when I'm so close!! I'm not going to let some failed experiment define who I'm going to be!" After contact was made, J-479 "Jane" told her side of the story: She was a Shard that had left their home in search of a mercenary life of excitement and explosions. She'd used a mind trick on a techno-union supplier going through samples of minerals for circuit boards to have her installed as part of the new droid command brain. When asked why she took a form with no organic analogue, she answered with "Have you checked out these guns? Yeah, that's why it's impossible to kill me." After some talk from the Abysswalkers and more semi-bravado from Jane, she agreed to sign on with them. For the thrill, the battles, and so much new equipment. And the Techno Union local representative was happy to take more money that he'd made in his entire life for 'that crazy droid' to be taken off-world 'before it killed us all'.

Personality: Jane is a driven, stubborn, implacable woman. She wants to do her job, do it damn well, be recognized for it, then go back out and do it better. She never fit in with people on her homeworld, or any other community her travels took her to. But among the numerous combat monsters, strategic masterminds, and esoteric force sensitives makes her feel at home. That she's finally found a place, a family, she can belong in. Although Jane'd never openly say so. She is proud of her independence and self-sufficient record, and objects very strongly to anything she sees as insinuating she's dependent on others. She'll freely clarify she has no qualms with working as part of a team, but the issue of her needing something done for her is a sensitive matter.

Her non-duty hours have mostly been spent in 'idle reading', as she call it, on the subject of Mandalorians, Kalee, the Jedi, the Sith, and other warrior cultures. Once she learned she was no longer 'the baddest bitch in the room', or that a pointed laser cannon is not an acceptable way of correcting someone's mistake, she mixed her caustic demeanor with advice, suggestions, and feedback. At first glance it may seem a contradictory approach, but it becomes sensible when her sentiments about family are properly understood. "You don't just let family waffle around being fuckups, you look out for them." To this end, she is often verbally haranguing her organic ground crew for not equipping her to her standards, her default battle droid accompaniment for slow speed and reactions, and most people she interacts with for... varying reasons. But, she addresses certain higher-up members of the organization with deferment and even respect. Jango Fett in particular has been told he could fly with her 'anytime'. She has also demonstrated a single-minded focus on the survival and retrieval of anyone she deploys on a mission behind, far above normal Abysswatcher standards. There have been no known psychological or integration issues stemming from her possessing a non-humanoid body. As she puts it, "just because I have missiles doesn't mean I can't punch you." To which she usually punctuates with a light push of the force.

Combat Evaluation: The Foehammer-class retains the capabilities of the original HMP-1 and expands on them. While technical specifications like the ordnance bay doubling as a cargo bay or the new curved underhull absorbing the radar return of most military-grade sensor are relevant information, Jane's ability to continually innovate new ways of using and improving her Force powers are what makes her dangerous. High altitude precision-guided strikes wasn't considered a function of her platform until of she integrated a spotter's target designator into her own data feed and 'rode' a non-live missile with the Force through a heavy storm directly onto the test range target. It's unclear if she's using very precise long-range telekinesis, technopathy, or some combination of the two.

The droid deployment connectors on her ordnance racks are often replaced with jetpack infantry equivalents. They're capable of supporting her both in a troop-transport role, and as 'parasite' escorts for air strikes. Her other payloads will vary based on the mission, but a preference for ground attack and troop support missions has emerged. Her own brand of 'precision' munitions get brought out for ground-attack and anti-armor strikes. When she's supporting infantry, multiple rocket and chaingun pods are her first choice.

Combat data tests show her preferred strategy for destroying a hardened target consists of high-speed, ground-level dashes followed by a sharp climb to altitude before releasing either a cluster of bombs or a handful of force-assisted guided missiles. When given an insertion mission, Jane prefers to act as the center of a fast-moving, hard-hitting formation. She will prioritize emplacements, vehicles, and other major threats to her unit before engaging infantry. She trusts the infantry to protect her from any anti-aircraft fire. When engaged by hostile fliers, Jane will go to ground and use the Force to time an ambush with short-range missiles as the interceptors fly over her position. An alternative plan is to gun the engines and open the distance for her escorts to take them out. She has attempted to mind-trick enemy pilots before, but with the chaos of combat consuming most of her focus, the most success she's had is disrupting enemy aim or making them feel unfocused.

Despite claiming she's capable of contributing to the types of engagements that see the likes of HK-47, the Silencer, or even Qymaen jai Sheelal, Jane's strategies have proven to be of variable effectiveness. When she has been engaged at close range, she will try to hit the opponent with a mix of short-range missiles, whatever remains of her infantry escort, and an especially broad base of curses in multiple languages. Jane has shown remarkable talent in 'snapshotting' a missile from her racks to highly mobile targets with the force, even to hit enemies directly on her hull. She's had less success in getting them past a Force-user's attention, and the successful tests thus far have mostly relied on the target being too distracted to react to a supersonic forty-foot metal rod. Should these fail and her target board her to inflict damage, Jane will resort to accelerating vertically to maximum speed, then violently rotating in an attempt to throw them off. If this is not available, she has resorted to violently slamming herself against nearby objects and channeling the electrical energy from her systems into her hull with the Force. A holovid compilation of the fifteen-meter long sparking gunship rolling around on the ground, grinding up against a tree, and repeatedly slamming her 'face' into a cliff has been passed around the Abysswatchers over alcohol and a good laugh. These have become more frequent off-base after several notable incidents near hanger bays of 'invisible punches' being inflicted on personnels' face and groin regions.

Final Evaluation: Promotion to Abysswalker approved, J-479/Jane is recommended to be assigned to missions where a heavy response or a rapid extraction will be needed. Can act as a personal transport to VIPs, or loaned to individuals such as The Silencer or Asajj Ventress for stealth operations.

A/N:Hopefully this meets @Dr. Snark and everyone else's standards. I do want to make the character match the hype of a Force-user guided JDAM.

 

[Dr. Snark]

Excerpt from Private Memoirs of Mitth'raw'nurudo:

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

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

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

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

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

Kalee, Ausez Megafauna Museum and Research Landing Pad

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

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

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

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

"What seems to be the matter?"

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

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

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

"Of course-"

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

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

"Y-yes."

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

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

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

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

Luxus Resort, Naboo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Ma'am!?"

"Where is she tell me immediately"

-----------

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

"Oh Padmeeeeee~"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Noooo-"

"Bach."

"No no no-"

"Elorette."

"Not! Happening!"

"Party."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hey. Asajj. You there?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

...You must be joking.

I'm not. Honest.

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

Asajj went quiet for a long moment.

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

Ciaran let out a laugh at that. Point taken.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tch.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How-

Mortis.

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

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

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

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

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

AN: *falls out of carbonite freezing chamber*

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

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

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

Okay, all that aside, specific update notes:

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

 

[Publicola]

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

Spoiler: Turn Narrative

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spoiler: For Reference

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

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

Deep Core

Spoiler: Deep Core

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

Core Worlds

Spoiler: Core Worlds

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

Colonies

Spoiler: Colonies

Baronos sector

Kilbanis sector

Kliap sector

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

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

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

Inner Rim


Expansion Regions

Spoiler: Expansion Regions

Mondress sector

Vardoss sector

Hijoan Space sector

Neshei sector

Sarla sector

Carvandir sector

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

Ryborean sector


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

Serathrace sector

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

Harron Marches sector


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

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

Venzeiia sector

Mid Rim

Spoiler: Mid Rim

Vorc sector

Abaar sector


Taldot subsector

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

Talcene subsector

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

Tennuutta sector

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

Wild Space

Spoiler: Wild Space

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


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

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

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

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

Mastare sector

Outer Rim

Spoiler: Outer Rim

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


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


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


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



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


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


Dalicron sector

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

 

[MonkeyTypewriter]

Abysswalker Dossier: Alicia Olié
Species: Human
Gender: Female
Closely Affiliated with: Padme Amidala, Senatorial Security
Recommended Roles: Body Guard, Melee Tarpit
Background: The niece of Queen (now senator) Amidala's former pilot Ric Olié, Alicia Olié is a human native of naboo who's parents where crippled in the Trade Federation Invasion. Post invasion, she wished to follow in her uncle into the Naboo royal fighter corps, but found herself without her family's natural talent in a fighter. In fact, she crashed during training a dozen times and has the seemingly supernatural ability to cause even autopilots to fail spectacularly just by touching them. As a result, she transferred to the Royal Naboo Security Forces, under Captain Panaka. Her admiration for her Young Queen, and later young senator combined with her prestigious talent, stood her in excellent stead and exposed her to the savior of Naboo, Lady Ciaran. In the aftermath of Lady Ciaran's near death she was reassigned, at Padme's insistence, to Lady Ciarian's service as a bodyguard. Alicia accepted to guard the life of the woman who near single handily reforged Naboo's economy, and to help provide her family with the higher paycheck. Naturally, Lady Ciaran was somewhat cautious in trusting her with the inner secrets of the organization, but she did serve as an excellent manager of site security on Coruscant.

Eventually Tyro Torwin noticed her talent in the force and inducted her into the abysswalkers. That talent was honed over a series of missions allowing her to understand more an more of the inner secrets of the organization, secrets that she reacted fairly well to, considering everything, though she did write a petition to anonymously return The Lost Orb of Phanastacoria, The Crown of King Tapalo of Naboo and the Magnus Charter.* With the completion of her training, and the expansion of Senatorial Security Solutions, she has been assigned as a member of Padme Amidala's security detail.

*Lady Ciarian is reportedly considering returning them as a wedding or engagement gift to Padme.

Abilities: An unusual combat style that centers around a lightsaber and a custom "lightshield" that gives her considerable defensive ability, at the cost of making her somewhat less mobile than the average Jedi or Abyss Walker. Also capable of Matukai techniques and Blazing Chains blaster control, although she specializes in deflecting blaster bolts away from herself any others rather than using the ability offensively.

 

[Dr. Snark]

RNS Resolute, Deep Space
Meeting Room

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Surely you could, Admiral-"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"What are your orders, Lord Kenobi?"

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

The Oracle, Ciaran's Office

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

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

Still-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Partly, I won't deny it."

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

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

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

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

"Your prompt acceptance is appreciated, Lady Ciaran."

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

She slowly turned to face Anakin, and...

"Is something wrong?"

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

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

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

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

Anakin's shadow did not match his current appearance.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Well.

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

Yes, I will stat him up soonish.

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

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

 

[Panory]

Sirious Business​

Obi-Wan wasn't sure how to feel about Lady Ciaran, specifically her inability to locate Anakin by snapping her fingers. On one hand, it was comforting to know that even this juggernaut of a woman had her limits, that not everything was known and controlled by her. On the other hand, he really wished she could snap her fingers and find Anakin because he needed to hear these revelations about Chancellor Palpatine.

Then, just as he was working up the courage to contact Siri to discuss these matters, Siri contacted him to arrange a meeting at the behest of Lady Ciaran, and Obi-Wan remembered that Lady Ciaran was an enigma whose true capabilities were both unknowable and terrifying. The only thing he knew for certain is that she delighted in watching him squirm, because Lady Ciaran had apparently told Siri nothing except that Obi-Wan wanted to tell her some things that could only be communicated face-to-face.

Wonderful.

So here the Jedi Master found himself, attending a meeting arranged by Ciaran, in a restaurant no doubt owned by Ciaran, to uncover a plot discovered by Ciaran, while eating food that he would not be surprised to learn Ciaran had cooked herself.

Entering the restaurant, Obi-Wan was surprised. Not by how empty it was, this kind of thing demanded secrecy, but by the atmosphere. Most of the staff were members of Ciaran's shadowy cabal, and so had been allowed to stay. Obi-Wan had been expecting some slow, romantic number, just to compound his suffering, not this upbeat Jizz tune.

"Oh thank the Force you're here." exclaimed Siri, standing up and practically rushing over to him.

"I'm not that late." Obi-Wan said. "And if anyone has a reason to be urgent about all this, it's me. I know the mind shattering revelations after all."

"I've only been here ten minutes, but the band only knows one song." Siri shuddered. "I even asked if they knew something else. Nothing."

Obi-Wan paused, listening to the tune as it started over. "I can see how that would become grating. We have more pressing matters to focus on at the moment to take your mind off of it though."

"Alright then." laughed Siri. "Let's see if your voice is enough to restore my sanity. What's so urgent?"

"You were headed back to the Temple when Lady Ciaran contacted you, correct?"

"I can't talk about my mission, but I assure you it was stressful. I was really looking forward to some relaxing meditation. Now I'll spend that time hearing this song in my head instead of growing closer to the Force."

"You cannot return to the Temple." Obi-Wan saw the confusion mixing with anger on Siri's face, and hurriedly continued. "The bombing opened a wound in the Force. It's corrupting every Jedi there, including the Council. If allowed to continue, the entire Order could be compromised."

"Why are you telling me this?" asked Siri. Obi-Wan was glad she had trusted him so immediately. "Why not tell the Council and order an evacuation? By the Force, you're on the Council! Why are you wasting time telling me instead of doing something?!"

'Because I want to protect you.' was the first thought that leapt into his mind, and Obi-Wan thanked the Force he had the presence of mind not to speak it. Instead he gave voice to the more logical arguments he had prepared for just this occasion. "As it stands, the Council would deny it and stay anyways. We need a solid plan, and you're somebody I trust to come up with a plan. So far, I'm stuck at 'find Master Yoda'. If anyone's resisted the Wound, it would be him."

Siri sighed. "In the meantime, I'm guessing I shouldn't stay at the Temple? Alright, I know a few people who would likely put me up on Coruscant."

"Actually, it's likely for the best if you avoided Coruscant entirely."

"By the Force, how big is this Wound?!" exclaimed Siri.

"It's not the Wound." Obi-Wan assured her. "But I've also become aware of the identity of a Sith Lord based on Coruscant."

"The one manipulating Chancellor Palaptine." whispered Siri.

'In a manner of speaking' thought Obi-Wan. "Yes, and he's engrained himself so deeply in the Republic that to remove him carelessly could topple democracy as we know it."

"Well, this is just wonderful. A Sith Lord in our Senate and a Force Wound in our home. I suppose now you'll tell me we're allying with another Sith to stop the first, because that in no way will just multiply our problems."

Obi-Wan didn't have the heart to tell her that there was no need for the sarcasm. The two sat in relative silence for a moment as the reality of the situation weighed on them. The only real noise was the Bith quartet, who had simply restarted the exact same song no fewer than three times during their conversation.

"Ah, you two have already talked I see." said Ciaran. Obi-Wan's blood ran cold at the tone in her voice. "Now then Mrs. Kenobi, I have two things of the utmost importance that you must be made aware of."

"I'm sorry, what did you just call me?" asked Siri, her voice rising and sounding more than a little panicked.

"Oh, I'm so sorry." apologized Ciaran, not sounding the least bit sorry or apologetic. "I shouldn't have just assumed you had said yes."

"Said yes to WHAt?!" asked Siri again, this time more urgently.

"To Obi-Wan's proposal of course." Ciaran turned to look at the Jedi Master in question. It was only once Siri could no longer see her face that Ciaran dropped any pretense to grin in triumph. "That is why he wanted to meet you, isn't it?"

"Of course not, don't be ridiculous." said Obi-Wan, trying his best to sound calm despite his racing heartbeat and frantic thoughts.

"What about that would be ridiculous?" asked Siri, turning her confusion to him.

Time stood still for Obi-Wan as the true depths of Ciaran's plot bared their fangs. After what felt like an eternity, Obi-Wan dared to speak. "We're both dedicated members of the Jedi Order. Marriage would be a scandal we can ill afford at this point in time."

"Oh… of course." Siri diverted her eyes, taking several deep breaths to calm herself. Her face however, was still beet red.

Mission accomplished, Ciaran bowed out with one final jab. "Well, it's a shame then that the Jedi Order as we know it isn't on the verge of collapse, if that's the only thing holding you back. I've always wanted to be a Maid of Honor. Oh well! I'll leave you two platonic childhood friends to your meal then."

Unable to get a word in edgewise before Ciaran disappeared like smoke on the wind, Obi-Wan and Siri ate their meal in awkward silence, too shaken to even notice the heart shaped decorations on every course.




AN: Get it? Sirious? Like 'serious' but her name is 'Siri' so…

Anyways, I did in fact write this while listening to the cantina theme on loop. It became agony after a while, and I hate that the musical genre is, in-universe, called Jizz.