Anti-Sith League - Chapter 1: Compatriots In the East

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] [member="Aela Talith"] [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] @All others

Tegaea nodded in agreement with her wife’s words.

“Firemane’s fleet building has proven highly successful with the Coalition. Even though the needs of the Alliance will naturally be different, we are ready and willing to work with you to provide ships, equipment and arms. Our shipyards over Dac are capable of producing any level of ship desired.”

“As for overall strategy, I concur that striking the strategic targets of Sith shipyards, industry and other such installations is highly useful. The Sith fleet, though it contains some very powerful vessels, has generally performed below expectations. I know that the Alliance has many crack pilots as well which can also help.”

“The assault on Lujo which I understand will be beginning soon from what you’ve said sounds interesting. Do you intend to keep the planet? Doing so will be drawing their wrath, but giving up the planet will not create as great an impression in the minds of observers.”

 

[Jacen Voidstalker]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

"We can't hold it,"Jacen replied, shaking his head. "Everyone knows how you win a war. You destroy the enemies fightability in the most direct way possible, you work inside their operational tempo," Jacen added drawing a large circle then a small one inside it quickly with his finger.

"We break the morale of the Sith, we try and stop them building ships. Territory isn't a game we can win. Yet."

 

[Zonia Kalranoos]

As the discussion continued, Tionne exchanged looks only with [member="The Revenant"]. Gabe seemingly enjoyed the serving of tea and cookies offered, as he ate almost in a child-like manner. It was almost entertaining to see someone who had spent an aeon in the back of Wrath's head appreciate such down-to-earth pleasures. At the mention of Lujo, Tionne diverted her gaze to [member="Jacen Voidstalker"] and then to Firemane couple. Voidstalker was sometimes just too blunt, an ultimate result of a career spent in the army.

"Lujo is a distraction." Thanewulf said, raising the holopointer to trail up from Fondor - "Our true target is Khomm, eventually."
The Hapan took a sip of tea. A bit too sweet for her taste.

"If Khomm falls, we sever the Panatha arm. The Sith would lose a handful of planets including Atrisia, Belgaroth and Taloraan. We open the western front." she finalized, before turning her attention to [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]. Indeed, Kashyyk lay on the way to the Core, which was under the Republic. Judging by prior experiences, not for long.
"The access to southern reach via the Expansion Region may not be blocked anymore, Lady Kerrigan."
The redhead turned leftwards, to [member="Ember Rekali"]. He was somewhat the stuff of legends.
"Our scouts tell us of wardrums on Mandalore and eyes on The Parlemian Trade Route. Is there any truth in these rumours?"
Finally, grey eyes fell upon the [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] - "If you are not aiming for the Core in the long run, then why extend your influence over Saleucami?"
A valid question, since their acquisition brought them at the doorstep of the Hutt Cartel.

[member="Aela Talith"] [member="Quinn Byrne"] [member="Vassara Raxis"] [member="Tegaea Alcori"]

 

[Ashin Varanin]

"The Mandalorian clans are divided, to say the least. Death Watch recently struck Manda'yaim. Some clans are taking sides in relation to the Republic's internal schism, mostly as mercenaries. The Mandalorian population at Roche and our longtime Verpine allies, not to mention the Mandal Hypernautics facilities in that system, mean that there's significant Mandalorian interests there. Interests that the Chancellor threatened, and now the Republic is moving assets into the system to counter the clans. Rigel Larraq's personally commanding one of the largest warfleets in history, and he's twice the naval tactician I am.

"Bottom line, there'll be a bloodbath there, since you ask. I'm here as Aliit'buir of Clan Rekali and a friend to the Coalition, not as a Mandalorian Field Marshal. Clan Rekali is remaining neutral in both conflicts for now. Our primary enemies are the Sith. But events could go in any direction, and I'm no prophet.

"I can speak to Saleucami a little as well, as it happens. I was there, allied with Coalition forces. A Sith cult had set up shop, and the locals needed it gone in a serious way. So we made that happen. Worlds in that area are always requesting protectors, Jedi Thanewulf. They've been living next door to the Hutts, the Black Suns, and the Red Ravens for years and years."

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

The militaristic nature of the Galactic Alliance made itself known as soon as the meeting began, starting off with a lavished presentation on how they would proceed to assault the Sith - complete with laser pointers! It all made the humble Grandmaster to rub the back of his neck. If he'd known such fancy presentations would make an appearance, he would've prepared one himself. Part of him felt as if he was out of his depth, and he immediately regretted not asking his wife to accompany him. He took solace in knowing the young padawan at least was enjoying herself, tinkering away with his lightsaber.

In any case, the meeting went on. The Mandalorians were mentioned, which prompted the Clan Father to speak. When Saleucami came up, Thurion leaned forward in his seat and settled his elbows upon the table, hands clasped together in front of him. "What [member="Ember Rekali"] says is true. We went there answering the cries for aid. It also put us closer to the Hutts, as you've said. We needed to make sure their influence was kept in check." The Grandmaster pushed back his chair and stood up, then stepped over to the holomap showcasing all known factions and organisations in control of territory. "Here," he pointed to the world of Ziost. "After our defeat at Ziost at the hands of the Primeval, we've since shored up our defences all across our Northern border. We're keeping them at bay, and from spreading any further South and East. In recent time, however, Primeval activity has noticably diminished and we are slowly reallocating resources to the West."

He turned to face [member="Tionne Thanewulf"]. "Sorry for the lack of fancy gadgetry," he commented briefly.

[member="Tegaea Alcori"] | [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] | [member="Vassara Raxis"] | [member="Quinn Byrne"] | [member="Aela Talith"]​

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Jacen Voidstalker"], [member="Ember Rekali"], [member="Tionne Thanewulf"], [member="Tegaea Alcori"], [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]


Listening to Voidstalker and then Tionne, Siobhan was a left a bit confused about what the Alliance's strategy was, since they seemed to contradict one another in her opinion. Suffice to say, she disagreed strongly with Voidstalker's opinion on how to wage war, but restrained herself from arguing the point.


"So, you do actually want to invade and hold on to a Sith planet, in this case, Khomm, to wage a conventional war. As opposed to merely hit and fade attacks? Asking since I'm getting mixed signals here regarding both your intentions and capabilities," she said a bit tersely.


"If you actually intend to, then taking Khomm, AE's old cloning planet, could be a sound strategic move for a start, for the reasons outlined before by Ms Thanewulf. As for the Mandalorian situation, my thoughts echo those of Aliit'buir Rekali." Siobhan's Mando'a was rather rough and heavily accented, but she managed to say the title without mangling it too badly! She did not comment on the Primeval, though personally she felt like invading them. Word was they were experiencing a civil war, which was a good opportunity.


"If events give us the option of opening up an eastern front - I suppose you mean an assault on Onderon - then that's an opportunity to be grasped if we're in a position to attack with superior strength and allied support. But that's a what if and I don't deal in those. Right now, the question is, what aid do you request for the western offensive?"

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] @All others

One might have thought that Tegaea would be privately chiding Siobhan for being too blunt. However, this time she did agree for the most part.
She had little to add at this point and so nodded her agreement to let the Alliance delegates reply.

 

[Zonia Kalranoos]

"Onderon is one possibility, yes." the redhead retorted to the Firemane couple as she sat down the cup to the table - "If Roche falls, you will lose one last hyperlane gateway to the Republic. There will be very few other ways how to deliver anything to the allies. Captain Raxis, am I correct?"
Thanewulf glanced across the table to the mysterious Warden [member="Vassara Raxis"] who knew more about space travel Tionne could not learn in ten lifetimes. For as long as she could remember, the Hapan Jedi detested faring across the galaxy. Quite ironic really, since she served as Jedi Watchman which included extensive trips across the known universe.

"If there are any hidden aces the Underground and the Wardens have up their sleeve, now would be the time to flash them." the Jedi finalized before turning her attention back to Siobhan and Taegea, since they were the only two people with money in the room. Wars were costly and sponsors were few. [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] was around for long enough to know this well.

"Depends how much of risk you are willing to take. There will be losses - in men, equipment and vessels. I am not sure how will the financial market respond to Firemane so openly supporting the Alliance. In the eyes of the business world, we are still terrorists."

Tionne's lips stretched into a thin line when her focus shifted to [member="Tegaea Alcori"] - "Mrs.Alcori, I take you've already assesed the risk, given your readiness to aid us. I'm just warning once again...that there might be indirect costs. You may lose contracts with others...who are not so sympathetic to our cause."

The redhead motioned to Jedi Marshalls [member="Aela Talith"] and [member="Jacen Voidstalker"] once again. Finally, they were given the opportunity to act their rank, to partake an active role by leading the Alliance to glory. They ascended in the hierarchy not because they spent years in meditation near a pond on Ossus, but because they responded to threats in the most vigilant of ways.

"What do you need, Jacen?" the Hapan inquired - "Master Talith, you spoke of a fleet?"

The neutrality [member="Ember Rekali"] spoke of was an opporunistic concept in open war. Neutrality reeked of mercenaries whom Sith paid by looting the Core Worlds. Surely, the Coalition could vouch for this man and his honor. Nothing would prevent Rekali from relaying the contents of negotiations to the clans. Perhaps his allegiances would shift when surrounded with Sith and his warmongering kindred. For now, she refrained from voicing her doubts. The Mandalorian Aliit'buir was [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]'s guest.

"The Host Lord was proclaimed dead, with many warlords vying for power. If you leave a pack of vornskrs in the same cage for some time, they begin gnawing at each other." she spoke metaphorically - "The Alliance will be willing to give them a final prod or two. Consider it a standing offer, Master Heavenshield."

All of this time, one attendee remained silent, meekly sipping his tea and crunching his biscuits. Without a doubt, the rest of the entourage probably wondered why [member="The Revenant"] was even here. Hardly any recognized the face of Wrath, since scant few have lived long enough to remember.
"As for what do we want..." voiced the redhead mysteriously, her steel gaze now fixed on Sionoma - "What do we want?"

Every now and then, Tionne glanced to [member="Quinn Byrne"] and how she fiddled with the lightsaber. Two things concerned her; the girl accidentally cutting her head off and the fact that Thurion preferred the girl's attention on a menial task rather than offering any input in the matter. While most would've found his fatherly poise charming, Tionne thought of it as rather demeaning. But she kept her mouth shut and just smiled and left the art of complaining to the Galactic Republic.

 

[Ashin Varanin]

Ember grunted. In the context of the ginger's comments on Roche and the Perlemian, her silence spoke volumes. "Relax, kid. My clan controls the Daragon Trail for a good chunk of the way through Mando space. Decent security, decent tariffs, trade stations, monitoring, emergency interdiction, patrol craft, all manner of joy. Sure, there's a surcharge on Republic shipping, but it's nothing egregious. Long as nothing comes through that'll cause problems for me and mine, the Daragon Trail stays open so far as it's in my power. Should go without saying that if the Republic tries using that route to strike at Mando-held worlds, there'll be issues.

"But we're talking today about taking the fight to the Sith, and Clan Rekali is always in favour of that. We've lost way too much to Sith over the years. Too many good lives, including my wife and all my children but one. That's why my Clan and I fought them at Dac, Dromund Kaas, Ziost, Morellia, Telos, Saleucami, Coruscant, Echidna, Mayferria and Myrkr. Among others. So when I'm talking about neutrality, I'm talking about between the other Clans and the Death Watch, and between the different factions inside the Republic. I'm not talking about the war against the Sith. Matter of fact, I'd love to see the Alliance do half what I've done against the Sith with my own two hands, or last half as long. That'd bring me an awful lot of joy."

 

[RC 212]

[member="Tionne Thanewulf"]

Vassara had been paying attention quite intently. At the point where she was addressed she smiled and spread her hands a bit across the table, laying them flat.

"There is many, many ways to move materials and troops. As Mr. Rekali has said, he does have his own route in. There's also a network of Shadowports set up by the Underground. Smugglers could move it for a fee or some favors if I call them in."

There was something she was missing. Ah yes! Now it was her turn to pitch. Opening a front was a good idea, but it would need to be supplemented. Hit and fade tactics were her forte. It was what she had done her whole career against the Sith.

"I know Mr. Merill has some secret ways in and out, if you can find him."

He was a slippery captain, so conspicously absent and secretive Vassara had only met with him once in the past year.

"I'm taking volunteers for a different front. Couple Masters, couple Knights, Couple Padawans. Following the blow the Alliance struck at Coruscant I feel we should press the advantage. Whilst you conduct operations on large scale, I plan to wage an Underground Campaign against Sith Temples and places of learning. To throw them into dissarray. If you have any suggestions as to volunteers, I'll hear them now."

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Tionne Thanewulf"], [member="Tegaea Alcori"], [member="Thurion Heavenshield"], [member="Ember Rekali"], [member="Vassara Raxis"], [member="Jacen Voidstalker"]


Beneath the table Siobhan gave her wife's hand a squeeze. Presumably the Countess was aware of the fact that she was not being that tactful. Or she was wondering whether she'd be in trouble with wifey after the meeting was over! "What Ms Thanewulf says about Primeval tallies with what Firemane's intelligence service has ascertained. Primeval committed horrible atrocities on Mirial, their realm has been thrown into chaos. It's a fortuitous time to march against them," Siobhan said calmly, impassively.


She took another sip from her glass, finishing it. Tio's claim that the business world saw the Alliance as terrorists perplexed her given how many respectable companies such as Salacia, Silk Holdings, MandalMotors and Firemane were doing business with it, but she made no mention of that.


"Firemane doesn't make deals with Sith, so I'm not concerned about losing contracts. I can't assess the state of readiness of the Alliance military, but Firemane and its subsidiary ARGH can provide a variety of weapons designed to combat Force-users, Sithspawn and the like. Along with armoured vehicles, war droids and so on. Likewise our shipyards can build warships for the Alliance fleet,"while saying this she passed a note over to Tegaea, who was probably the only person able to read Siobhan's terrible handwriting. Protocol droids classified it as an obscure dialect instead of an unknown language these days. The words 'mention the Barsen'thor?' were scrawled on it in Eldarai.

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] [member="Tionne Thanewulf"] @All others

Tegaea read the note, and having spent many years getting used to Sio’s handwriting she could read it naturally by now. She nodded slightly.

“I can also reveal to you that the Coalition is nearly finished construction of a ship, one which I like to think will be more than a match for anything in the galaxy. We call it the Barsen’Thor. I cannot give any further details until it is officially ready for combat, but it is a weapon I believe can surprise the Sith if we require it.”

“As Siobhan says we are more than capable of providing arms and armament for any size of force at very good rates. We wish to see the Sith defeated, same as you all. If we can help contribute to its downfall we can.”

 

[Gabriel Sionoma]

​

He caught the eye of the particular red head, suddenly self conscious towards the notions that he was just sort of there. Without having taken part in the conversation. Inhaling, as scent was as much a part of taste as taste itself, he took a bite of the cookie and set his tea down.

"When Jedi Master Voidstalker asked me what I would do, given my wealth of knowledge in regards to the One Sith, I told him Khomm or Dulvoyinn holds the most strategic value in terms of single invasion and it's potential effects to cut off the supply to Panatha, along with the rest of the western arm. Lujo holds very little value in strategy and I suspect the One Sith Hierarchy will see this." He sighed. "The Planet was originally a means, more or less, for embassy between the One Sith and the Fringe. But, they may perceive this as a move of the naive, young of war, inexperienced. This will be the first of many attacks against the One Sith and we will set the tone with an attack that they will likely determine as little value beyond the implication that we are within range for such. A good thing for us. It is always an advantage to be underestimated. And until now, the One Sith has had no reason to fear their own downfall. Relentless spread since Manaan, their arrogance will be their undoing."

Pressing a crumb beneath his index finger and thumb, he looked towards Jacen. "The Marshall is right. This will be a battle won in the mind. Set the tempo with the One Sith. Attack Lujo, follow with Khomm. And as I suggested some time ago, use the planet as a point of departure to strike directly to the heart of the domain." He of course wasn't talking about the capital. He was silently referring to Tython, the location housing the tower of the Eye and conduit to the Dark Lord. Strike the Eye, strike the Dark Lord. "Boots on the ground, it is increasingly difficult to match against the One Sith. Between Sith Alchemy and the Legion Yun'Do, they have consistently overwhelmed republic forces. Even with naval superiority, it has done very little. Kashyyyk, for instance. An utter annihilation of forces in the sky yet on the ground, the Republic still lost." He raised an eyebrow and took another bite of the cookie. "By all means, use that weakness to advantage. But the trick is in the first push, showing the One Sith that they can, in fact, be hurt. By taking from them as they have done for so long, without consequence."

He looked towards Siobhan. "So to answer your question: This is far from a conventional war. History has shown that conventional won't work."

 

[Jacen Voidstalker]

Jacen offered just a subtle nod in Gabriel's direction. It was enough to show appreciation at his wisdom and Jacen was glad one of the attendees was of a similar mind.

"But speaking of the conventional..." Jacen said, sliding a datapad onto the table. "The least we could ask for is an increase in scouting and military activity along their eastern front. Get them good and nervous."

He passed for a moment, turning the datapad in his hands. "Now we could spend all day bringing up TaskOrgs and trying to work out how to slot coalition forces together. However I don't think we have the right audience or enough time. Now this datapad has the sum total of several man years worth of effort in wargaming. It contains information on our estimation of Sith forces as well as statistics on the capabilities of our own forces. I'm willing to pass this over, but I need assurances that this will be handled appropriately for the very highest military classification of data. A breach of this and we're fethed," he said, his voice dropping in tone as he tried to convey how serious this was.

"Your military should be able to study this and insert their own forces into the simulations to work out where they can be most effective, though there are some ideas already."


OOC/ short one and reasonably vague on details.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Jacen Voidstalker"]


Siobhan's features betrayed little, looking as impassive as ever. One did not need to explain to the former Sword of the Protectorate how important maintaining secrecy was. For the time being, it seemed quite vague to her what the Alliance actually wanted from the Coalition and Firemane.


Still, she restrained her tongue. "The Coalition appreciates your willingness to share this data. I've spent most of my life fighting Sith and I can vouch for the others in our delegation," she said seriously. "It'll be treated as strictly classified and only accessible to the highest levels." Ms. [member="Mirien Valdier"] was efficient at keeping secrets.

 

[Jacen Voidstalker]

"Excellent," Jacen said. "Who's putting themselves down as custodian for this in transit?" he asked. A small paper file was produced, headed with the GADF insignia. It had handling instructions and several lines for signatures. Already it could be seen that Jacen had signed the information out of a redacted location on Sullust.

"Just sign here please and we'll send the decryption details remotely once it's back at a secure location.

"Now what we're really, really going to need is every able Jedi warrior to come to Lujo. There are at least two locations steeped in the darkside we need to clear out to send a message to the One Sith. We want them to know that we stand together and that we can hurt them."

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

"I'll do it," the Grandmaster spoke up after several minutes of silence contemplating what the others in the room were saying. "And I will stand and fight with you, Jacen. We cannot allow Lujo to become another failure to beat back the Sith. They have remained unchallenged for too long." He then proceeded to sign the datapad before handing it over. "As for your request, we will resume building our strength for the inevitable invasion of the Eastern front. We'll have to coordinate with the Republic, but rest assured we will do our part," he added while offering the Jedi Marshall a fleeting smile and a touch on his shoulder before returning to his seat.

Much to his amusement, he found that [member="Quinn Byrne"] was still busying herself with the repairs of his lightsaber. Watching her he could see her mind at work and how very focused on her task she was that he doubted she'd listened to anything said since the meeting began. While assured of [member="Tionne Thanewulf"]'s annoyance at this, Thurion couldn't help but feel he'd spared the girl from a discussion that dealt in the loss of sentient life. It was not intended as demeaning towards her youth; it was simply a natural reaction as a father of two. Force knows he wouldn't want Nina or Théo to have to bear witness to such talks.

Rather than assume his seat, he instead walked around the table to sit down beside the padawan. "Find anything interesting?" he asked softly to not disturb the meeting.

[member="Jacen Voidstalker"] | [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] | [member="The Revenant"] | [member="Tegaea Alcori"] | [member="Vassara Raxis"] | [member="Ember Rekali"] | [member="Aela Talith"]​