Private An Invitation to Power

[Marlon Sularen]

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A N_I N V I T A T I O N_T O_P O W E R
A Day before the events of The Spoils

IMPERIAL CONFEDERATION
CHOLGANNA, OUTER RIM TERRITORIES

---

The summit Sularen called following the defection of FN-999 had yielded mixed results. While on one hand, he faced accusations from Amilia Visconti that he was solely responsible for the collapse of the Confederation, others, such as Admiral Zonill and Moff Tai En spoke about moving past the days of the Confederation and building something new. While Sularen shared their sentiment that the Confederation was effectively dead, he still wondered if they understood what it would take to ensure that the new Imperial faction they collectively raised wouldn't meet the same fate as its predecessor.

Having already begun setting in motion his plans to build a new Empire from the ashes of the Confederation, Sularen sought to find out whether or not Admiral Zonill and Moff Tai En understood what it took to secure the future of the Imperial cause and see if they were willing to act upon that knowledge without compromise or hesitation. Imperials were pariahs in this harsh galaxy, hated by the powers that currently dominated the galaxy, and no amount of caution and diplomacy would change that, lest they abandon what it meant to be an Imperial to cater to the whims of the Sith, the Republic and the Mandalorians.

Thus, an invitation was sent for Moff Tai En to join Sularen at his headquarters on Cholganna. There was much to discuss, and Sularen was certain that she'd be interested in being a part of his vision for the future. A future where a Final Dawn would be cast upon the galaxy as the Iron Sun would rise and never set again, a future where the constant cycles of failure were broken for good. A future where they got to dictate galactic affairs as they saw fit.

Soon enough, the Moff of Crucival would find the Supreme Commander waiting for her in a standard meeting room, seated comfortably at the head of a large rectangular table.

"Moff Tai En. Please take a seat." He said in a welcoming tone, gesturing for her to take a seat. "We have much to discuss about the future."

---

Tags | Mika Tai En​

 

[Mika Tai En]

AN INVITATION TO POWER

Location: Imperial Center for Military Operations, Cholganna
Objective: Identify opportunities to exploit emerging power dynamics and eliminate future rivals before they solidify.
Attire: Moff Uniform
Tags: Marlon Sularen

The doors did not open for her immediately. They waited—just long enough for anticipation to settle into the room before the mechanism finally gave way with a low, deliberate hiss.

Mika Tai En entered at an unhurried pace. Each step was measured, controlled, the sound of her boots striking the floor carrying just enough to draw attention without demanding it. The dark Moff's uniform she wore was immaculate, tailored to perfection, its severe lines softened only by the deep crimson lining of her cape that shifted behind her with quiet elegance. It was a relic of a structure that no longer truly existed… but that was precisely why she wore it.

Power did not disappear simply because others stopped believing in it. Sometimes, it simply needed to be reminded. Her gaze lifted as she crossed the room, settling briefly on Marlon Sularen.

Curiosity flickered quietly beneath her otherwise composed exterior. Sularen was not a man who extended invitations lightly, nor one who wasted time on theatrics without purpose. Whatever this invitation represented, it was not simply another attempt to cling to the remnants of something already dead.

Good. That made this worth her time. She came to a stop with deliberate precision, posture flawless, one gloved hand resting lightly at her side while the other brushed faintly against her belt—casual, controlled, intentional. Then, a slight incline of her head. Not quite deference. But close enough to resemble it.

"Supreme Commander Sularen," she began, her voice smooth and measured, carrying a quiet warmth that did not quite reach sincerity. "An invitation from you is… difficult to ignore."

The faintest hint of a smile touched her lips. There was something almost playful in it. "Especially in times such as these." Her eyes held his now—steady, attentive, just shy of challenging. Internally, the calculation had already begun.

Influence. Resources. Legitimacy. All things she lacked in sufficient quantity. All things he possessed. For now.

"I must admit," she continued, tone softening ever so slightly, "I was… curious what vision you might present. You have always had a talent for seeing opportunity where others see collapse." A pause followed—brief, deliberate.

Her posture shifted just enough to suggest openness, to invite the illusion of alignment. "And I find myself in a position where… guidance from someone of your experience could prove valuable." The words were chosen carefully. Balanced. A suggestion of submission without surrender.

Her smile deepened—just slightly. "At least… until I understand the full scope of what you're offering." There it was. Subtle. Sharp. Unmistakable to anyone paying attention. Mika Tai En did not bow. But she could make it look like she might. For the right reasons. For the right man. For the right opportunity.

And as her gaze remained fixed on Sularen, calm and expectant, one truth lingered quietly beneath it all—She had not come to follow. She had come to learn… just long enough to take what she needed.

Spoiler: Loadout

• Armor
  • Pulsiva Mk.II Bodysuit - Helmetless beneath uniform
• Weapons
  • Kurokage – Primary standard lightsaber – Violet blade
  • Yorukage – shoto lightsaber – Red Wine blade

 

[Marlon Sularen]

---

A N_I N V I T A T I O N_T O_P O W E R
A Day before the events of The Spoils

IMPERIAL CONFEDERATION
CHOLGANNA, OUTER RIM TERRITORIES

---

As expected, Moff Tai En soon arrived at the meeting room, greeting the Supreme Commander as she stepped in. To Sularen, Tai En was still somewhat of an enigma to him; she had once been a member of the Imperial Knights but had vanished sometime around the First Battle of Brosi and the Battle of Atrisia, only resurfacing during the last days of the Confederation as a changed person, mysterious but ambitious, offering her assistance to the Confederation at Lola Sayu in exchange for being elevated to a Moff.

Back then, Sularen was somewhat desperate and open to any support he could get to sustain the Confederation; however, times had changed, and the Supreme Commander was no longer restricted by the political bullshit he had endured during the days of the Confederation. Already, Moff Tai En had left a positive impression on Sularen during the earlier conference he had called, speaking about the importance of abandoning the failed Confederation and replacing it with something more effective.

Having already come to that understanding, Sularen had begun building the Final Dawn to replace the Confederation and continue its mission across the Tingel Arm, but to create an effective replacement for the Confederation, one needed to have effective and reliable assets at his disposal. While there was no doubt Tai En had the mindset, unlike individuals like Taregh Garon or Vorin Zonill, Sularen had yet to see Tai En in action, but that would be rectified soon enough.

"In a galaxy where conflict is rampant, there are always opportunities for those who are willing to seize them. Sure, the Confederation has failed, along with half a dozen Imperial regimes within the past two years, but each collapse offers insight into what to do to ensure the success of the next iteration. One must simply be willing to learn these lessons and understand what it'll take to build an Empire that will stand against the test of time," he responded.

"Back during the summit I called in response to FN-999's defection, you spoke about the need to abandon what had failed us and replace it with something more effective. I've also come to a similar conclusion: to cling to the ideals of the dead Confederation is to sign our death warrant, and so I've begun building something new, something that will succeed where the Confederation, its predecessors, and Imperial rivals failed."

"So what I'm offering exactly is a place within this new construct. An opportunity to play a key role in revitalizing Imperialism across the galaxy and building a new Empire whose power will eclipse that of the New Imperial Order at its height."

---

Tags | Mika Tai En​

 

[Mika Tai En]

AN INVITATION TO POWER

Location: Imperial Center for Military Operations, Cholganna
Objective: Identify opportunities to exploit emerging power dynamics and eliminate future rivals before they solidify.
Attire: Moff Uniform
Tags: Marlon Sularen

Mika Tai En did not immediately respond. Outwardly, she remained composed—posture flawless, chin slightly lifted, hands resting with practiced ease at her sides. But her gaze lingered on Marlon Sularen just a fraction longer than before, as though weighing not just his words… but the man behind them.

What did he see when he looked at her? A former Imperial Knight who had vanished when things became inconvenient? A political opportunist who appeared in the Confederation’s dying hours and secured rank through timing and nerve? Or something more… useful?

Her eyes shifted briefly, swept across the room. While it was empty now, not long ago she had been in one similar to this that was filled with former Confederation leaders. And what did they think? Upstart. Pretender. Unproven.

Good. Underestimation was a currency she intended to spend very carefully. Because if Sularen was right—and she suspected he was—then this was not a gathering of remnants. It was a foundation. And foundations could be shaped.

Her attention returned fully to him as he spoke of collapse, of lessons, of building something that would outlast the endless cycle of Imperial failure. There was no mistaking it now—this was not desperation dressed as ambition. This was direction. And beneath her carefully controlled exterior, something stirred.

Excitement. Real, unguarded, and sharp. He wasn’t clinging to the past. He was offering the future. Mika took a slow step forward, closing the distance just slightly—not enough to challenge, but enough to engage.

“Then you’ve already done what most in this galaxy refuse to,” she said, her voice carrying a brightness that hadn’t been there before. “You’ve learned.”

A small smile formed—genuine in appearance, energized. “That alone makes this… far more interesting than another gathering of ghosts pretending to still be alive.”

Her head tilted just slightly, a spark of youthful eagerness slipping into her expression now, almost disarming in its openness. “A new construct. A new Empire.” She let the words linger, as if savoring them.

“Not bound by the mistakes that crippled the Confederation… not shackled to the egos that fractured it…” Her eyes met his again, brighter now—engaged, intrigued. “You have my attention, Supreme Commander.” The title was deliberate. Acknowledging. Affirming. Useful.

She took another measured step closer, just enough to suggest investment—interest—alignment. “An opportunity to help shape something that could eclipse every failed regime that came before it?” she continued, the enthusiasm in her tone unmistakable now. “I would be a fool not to be excited by that prospect.”

And she was excited. Not for his Empire. But for what it could become in her hands. “Tell me,” Mika said, her voice softening just slightly, curiosity threading through it with almost eager anticipation, “what are the first steps?”

Her gaze held his—open, receptive, ready. On the surface, a rising figure looking for direction. Beneath it, something far more dangerous. Because as she waited for his answer, Mika Tai En was already imagining how those first steps could be redirected…

…and where they might ultimately lead.

Spoiler: “Loadout”

• Armor
  • Pulsiva Mk.II Bodysuit - Helmetless beneath uniform
• Weapons
  • Kurokage – Primary standard lightsaber – Violet blade
  • Yorukage – shoto lightsaber – Red Wine blade

 

[Marlon Sularen]

---

A N_I N V I T A T I O N_T O_P O W E R
A Day before the events of The Spoils

IMPERIAL CONFEDERATION
CHOLGANNA, OUTER RIM TERRITORIES

---

It was good to know that Moff Tai En was on board with Sularen's offer. Then again, she already had much to gain from joining the Final Dawn than from remaining independent. She had rejoined the Confederation during its final days as the Moff of Crucival, without the Confederation or a proper successor, it was unlikely she'd be able to retain her position of power on Crucival. But through the Final Dawn she would be able to retain her power, and if she proved herself to be a valuable asset, she might find herself climbing further to the top.

"Our first step would be to immediately begin consolidating our position by gathering assets, personnel and resources," Sularen said in response to Tai En's inquiry. "As of now, we only have Cholganna under our direct control, serving as our primary stronghold. But with you joining, we'll gain access to your world of Crucival as well," he added. "Furthermore, Mon Cala and Mahporeem stand as two other major Imperial strongholds left within former Imperial space, which hopefully we can recruit to our cause."

Sularen then paused for a second and then continued speaking. "Of course, building a new Empire will not come without obstacles. The Mandalorians have begun incursions into former Imperial space, the Wild Space Rebellion is still at large and a revival of the First Order is rising in the Unknown Regions, which might become our rivals in the pursuit of Imperial reunification," he proclaimed. "That is why we must act quickly and swiftly to achieve our goals and remain one step ahead of the enemy."

---

Tags | Mika Tai En​

 

[Mika Tai En]

AN INVITATION TO POWER

Location: Imperial Center for Military Operations, Cholganna
Objective: Identify opportunities to exploit emerging power dynamics and eliminate future rivals before they solidify.
Attire: Moff Uniform
Tags: Marlon Sularen

Mika Tai En listened without interruption, her expression composed, attentive—every bit the image of a willing and engaged subordinate as Marlon Sularen laid out the foundation of what he called the Final Dawn.

But behind her eyes, the calculus shifted. Cholganna… Crucival… Mon Cala… Mahporeem. A slow expansion. Measured. Strategic. And yet…A flicker of concern surfaced, subtle but present.

The Tion Sector.

Abandoned not in word—but in priority. Her gaze narrowed just slightly as she considered it. Sularen was not careless. If he was willing to loosen his grip there, it meant one of two things: either he had already taken what he needed… or he believed it no longer worth the cost of holding. Neither possibility was comforting.

Still, the larger picture remained intact. And far more enticing. Her attention returned fully to him, posture easing just enough to suggest growing investment rather than rigid scrutiny. "Then I would be your first," she said, a faint, pleased note threading into her voice. "Not merely a participant… but the first to stand beside you as this 'Final Dawn' takes shape."

A small smile followed—subtle, but undeniably satisfied. There was power in being first. Influence. Proximity. Opportunity. "I find that… appealing." She allowed the moment to breathe before continuing, tone shifting—just slightly—into something more thoughtful.

"Though I admit," she added, head tilting faintly, "I am curious about your willingness to loosen your focus on the Tion Sector. It is not an insignificant region to simply… deprioritize."

Not a challenge. Not quite. But close enough to test the edges of his reasoning. Her gaze held his for a heartbeat longer before softening again, the earlier warmth returning with practiced ease. "Still… the Tionese will be slow to trust another Empire. They have been burned repeated…your direction is clear. And clarity is something we have been lacking for far too long."

She stepped closer—not intrusively, but enough to signal alignment, commitment. "You will have Crucival," Mika said plainly. "And with it, my support." A brief pause followed. Then, quieter—more deliberate. "Though not all of my assets are so easily placed on a map."

Her expression did not change, but there was something in her tone now—something veiled, intentional. "I have… cultivated resources that exist outside conventional structures. Networks, individuals, capabilities that are best kept… unobserved."

A faint smile touched her lips again. "For now, I trust you will understand the value in discretion." It was not a request. It was a boundary—gracefully delivered. Her gaze shifted briefly, thoughtful once more.

"Mon Cala. Mahporeem." She let the names settle. "Do they know they are being considered for this new Empire… or are they still deciding whether they wish to remain relics of the last one?"

Her attention returned to him fully, curiosity sharp again—genuine this time. "Because if we are to move quickly," she continued, "we will need to know whether they are potential allies… or obstacles to be addressed."

Mika Tai En fell silent then, poised and expectant. Aligned, on the surface. Invested, in appearance. But beneath it all, her mind continued to turn—already weaving his ambitions into something that, in time, might no longer belong to him at all.

Spoiler: Loadout

• Armor
  • Pulsiva Mk.II Bodysuit - Helmetless beneath uniform
• Weapons
  • Kurokage – Primary standard lightsaber – Violet blade
  • Yorukage – shoto lightsaber – Red Wine blade

 

[Marlon Sularen]

---

A N_I N V I T A T I O N_T O_P O W E R
A Day before the events of The Spoils

IMPERIAL CONFEDERATION
CHOLGANNA, OUTER RIM TERRITORIES

---

As expected, Tai En quickly pledged herself, the resources of Crucival and any other assets at her disposal to Sularen's cause, which was already a good start. Having accepted the collapse of the Confederation and formed the Final Dawn on a blank slate, he had only Cholganna directly under his control, so having another world within his sphere of influence would greatly benefit him and the Final Dawn, expanding the operational range of his growing military force.

Then the Moff of Crucival inquired on why Sularen had withdrawn forces from the Tion Cluster, pointing out its strategic importance and how it's people might be hesitant to join another Imperial regime given how many times they had been failed by said Imperials. Furthermore, she asked whether Mon Cala and Mahporeem were aware that Sularen was building the Final Dawn and looking to recruit them to his cause. Once she would finish speaking, the Supreme Commander would soon offer his response.

"The Tion Cluster is too close to the Sith Order, who might still harbour a grudge against us for our repeated invasions of their Holy Worlds. Holding on to the Cluster would only invite retaliation, although I'm certain they would retaliate even if we minimized our presence in the Cluster. Regardless, concentrating our remaining forces around a defensible fortress world was the preferable choice over attempting to cling on to a dead nation's former territories, which would only leave us outstretched and vulnerable."

"As for Mahporeem and Mon Cala, no, they aren't aware that I've established the Final Dawn, nor of the fact that I'm seeking to recruit them to our cause. Although given the current circumstances and the fact that I'm the only one with a long-term vision for the future of Imperialism, they won't require much convincing to join the fold. Once Mahporeem and Mon Cala join us, we'll be able to operate on a greater scale across former Confederation territory and accelerate our plans for an Imperial resurgence."

---

Tags | Mika Tai En​

 

[Mika Tai En]

AN INVITATION TO POWER

Location: Imperial Center for Military Operations, Cholganna
Objective: Identify opportunities to exploit emerging power dynamics and eliminate future rivals before they solidify.
Attire: Moff Uniform
Tags: Marlon Sularen

Mika Tai En listened in stillness, her posture composed, her expression thoughtful as Marlon Sularen laid out his reasoning. This time, there was no flicker of doubt. Only recognition.

The Tion Cluster had been a prize once—strategic, symbolic, contested—but symbols had a way of becoming liabilities when clung to for too long. Proximity to the Sith, overextended supply lines, fractured loyalty… it was not a foundation.

It was bait. And Sularen, it seemed, had no interest in taking it. Good. Her head inclined slightly, a subtle acknowledgment of agreement as she absorbed the rest of his explanation. Cholganna as a fortress. Crucival as an extension. Mon Cala and Mahporeem as force multipliers.

Not a scattered remnant. A core. Her lips curved faintly, approval touching her expression—not exaggerated, but present. “Then you’re not retreating,” she said smoothly, her voice carrying quiet clarity, “you’re refining.”

A small step brought her just slightly closer into the conversational space, signaling alignment rather than challenge. “Let the Sith have their ghosts in the Tion Cluster,” she continued, a hint of cool dismissal threading through her tone. “If they wish to guard ashes, we lose nothing by allowing it.”

Internally, the thought sharpened further. And we gain time. Time to build. Time to consolidate. Time to surpass them all.

Her gaze lingered on him a moment longer before shifting outward briefly, as if already envisioning the expansion he described. Mon Cala. Mahporeem. Two pillars that, if secured, would shift the balance of power in their favor almost immediately. Or create targets. Either outcome had value.

“If they are not yet aware,” Mika added, her tone thoughtful but steady, “then we have the advantage of first contact. We shape the narrative before others have the chance to distort it.”

Her attention returned fully to him, that faint, engaged energy still present beneath her otherwise controlled demeanor. “And if your assessment is correct… they will see the benefit of aligning with strength rather than drifting among the ruins.”

A brief pause followed. Then, more direct. “Which brings us forward.” Her posture remained open, cooperative—every indication of someone invested in the shared objective. “We have a stronghold. We have the beginnings of expansion. And we have momentum, however fragile.”

Her head tilted just slightly, curiosity threading back into her expression. “So tell me, Supreme Commander…” The title came easily now. Naturally. Useful. “What are the next steps?”

On the surface, it was a simple question. Aligned. Supportive. Beneath it, something far more precise. Because as Mika Tai En waited for his answer, she was already considering how those next steps—whatever they might be—could be leveraged, redirected, and ultimately claimed.

Not away from him. Not yet. But close enough to matter. Close enough to learn. And close enough… to rise.

Spoiler: “Loadout”

• Armor
  • Pulsiva Mk.II Bodysuit - Helmetless beneath uniform
• Weapons
  • Kurokage – Primary standard lightsaber – Violet blade
  • Yorukage – shoto lightsaber – Red Wine blade