Dominion [Black Sun] Unlimited Power || BSS Dominion of Makeb

[Velzari Tharn]

U N L I M I T E D
P O W E R

O B J E C T I V E - 1
T O B O R R O ' S - F O L L Y​

Vibe: combat, pillage & plunder, hostile takeover

The Toborro's Folly Mine is a monumental scar on one of Makeb's massive floating mesas. Tethered skyhooks and drilling platforms disappear beneath the cloudline where they scour the planet's core for some of the most valuable minerals in the known galaxy. Local Hutt Lords stubbornly resist forming an alliance with Black Sun. Make them an offer they can't refuse. Help seize control of the mine's orbital docking spire to earn more street cred with the syndicate.

O B J E C T I V E - 2
C L O U D S I D E - C U L T I S T S​

Vibe: investigation, social networking, force users

Cloudside Resorts is one of the premiere vacation sites in all of Hutt Space. Enjoy spectacular views surrounded by luxury or investigate rumors sold to Black Sun infochants about Cult of Gethul activity. These fanatics worship a mysterious Force entity that legends claim slumbers deep underneath the planet's surface and only through the destruction of Makeb might it be awakened. They must not be allowed to succeed. Think of the lost profits!

O B J E C T I V E - 3
T H E - W O R L D - I S - N O T - E N O U G H​

Vibe: underworld politics, worldbuilding, criminal negotiations

Underlord Velzari Tharn has gathered another meeting of Black Sun's Vigos in the throne room of an old Hutt palace on Makeb to discuss next steps after their failed gambit against the High Republic. The Underlord believes that this world holds the key: isotope-5. Light as shimmersilk but stronger than durasteel—it could revolutionize the syndicate's weapon programs and give them a fighting chance against the galactic powers. Imperial delegates from the Core Worlds seek an audience after hearing rumors of kalkite alternatives for their top secret Project Stardust.

O B J E C T I V E - 4
B Y O O​

Talaos City is the affluent banking capital of Makeb with a vibrant night life and many diversions for our kind of scum. There is a local festival ongoing in the public square which can be used as cover for all kinds of criminal activity. Or take an airspeeder to visit one of the many floating mesas on Makeb, some of which even host their own scattered plantation settlements.

 

[Gra’Tracyn Varad]

THE IMPERIAL TREASURER
AGGADEEN IN THE GALACTIC EMPIRE vol. I
Issue #5 w/ Open​

Aggadeen was the first to reach the currently besieged planet of Makeb, not due to a particular fondness for engaging with the criminal factions that complicated the development of trade and commerce policies, but rather because this potential meeting could swiftly turn into a trap.

Bankers could easily be replaced by numerous officials within COMFEAR or COMLIT, while the Emperor and others held far greater significance for the survival of the Galactic Empire.

Thus, his shuttle had landed on the platform adjacent to the Old Hutt Palace, where a multitude of armed freighters appeared to jostle for space, each adorned with the insignia of a different vigo. However, Vigo Salon Loghain was too preoccupied with organizing his next event to be physically present, although Aggadeen intended to send him a report since he was an Imperial leaning insider within the Syndicate.

Within the old Hutt palace, a testament to extravagant opulence, gold plating adorned every surface, reflecting the dim glow of lamps that cast long, sickly shadows.

The aroma of spiced wine and deathsticks from the previous meeting had been supplanted by the heavier, cloying scent of exotic oils mingled with a hint of decay. It was a venue of ostentatious power, crafted to impress and intimidate, yet Myi remained unfazed.

As he navigated through the crowded throne room, his gaze swept over the faces of the gathered Vigos. His movements were deliberate, his posture rigid as he approached the foot of Underlord Velzari Tharn throne. He neither sought permission to speak nor offered any form of greeting.

"I am the representative of the Imperial Treasury, The Empire has much to discuss if you are willing to parlay" Aggadeen stated, his low voice cutting through the hum of the crowd. He paused, allowing his words to settle over the room, his gaze resting on the Underlord.
​

 

[Velzari Tharn]

B L A C K - S U N - S Y N D I C A T E
T H E - W O R L D - I S - N O T - E N O U G H​

​

Voices spoke in low tones throughout the throne room as Vigos, Imperials, and invited guests chatted amongst themselves about Black Sun’s next move. At the head of the chamber sat the syndicate’s leader, Prince Velzari, who needed no introduction before the assembled agents of darkness. He skipped the unnecessary formality and instead addressed the group en media res, presuming each of them understood the purpose of their presences.

“Black Sun is in need of an upgrade,” he opened, furrowing his ridged brows behind steepled fingers.

“An advantage. An upper hand. The Republic is bound by ethics and petty morality. We are not. Against them, Black Sun are like gods. We know only the bounds of our own machinations. Our only limitations,” he said grimly, “are the limits of our… creativity.”

A sly smile spread across the Underlord’s face. In his mind, a delicious plot was coming together and Velzari loved when two birds could be swiftly killed with one well-thrown stone. “Thanks to the intelligence we gained from the Imperial Confederation on Lexrul, we know that Makeb is abundant in a rare material known as isotope-5.”

It was ultralight yet incredibly durable. And aside from the Hutts, there was little standing in Black Sun’s way of claiming the deposits for themselves.

“Before the Confederation’s failure to capture the Sith Holy Worlds, we promised them exclusive rights to Makeb’s minerals—namely, isotope-5. But times are changing. Black Sun now sees just how weak these… pretenders are. These false Imperials are traitors to the true Emperor, Lord Solipsis.” A rare show of reverence on part of Velzari would prove the level of respect he held for Darth Solipsis and the Galactic Empire. After all, few markets compared to that of Coruscant’s—and it was a sea of Imperial banners that flew over Galactic City now.

Velzari pressed on, before whispers grew to unwanted chatter.

“Black Sun no longer recognizes our deal with the Imperial Confederation. A better deal is on the table. Our clients in the Core are far hungrier and stronger than our neighbors to the east.” Richer, too. Oh, the credits—Velzari could practically smell them. The Galactic Empire was stable enough to afford Black Sun’s entanglements. If nothing else, Solipsis’ military leaders wouldn’t fail to pay their debts…

He gazed upon Imperial Treasurer Gra’Tracyn Varad with interest. The Empire’s willingness to parlay was refreshing and assuring. A great deal would be made here today, one way or another.

“The bounty on Makeb can be shared with the Empire, once these disgusting slugs have been driven from its surface,” Velzari said. The Underlord’s arms were outstretched as if embracing a physical manifestation of his plan. “In return, we ask that the rest be used to bolster our weapons, reinforce our armor, and plate our ships. Imperial engineering is second to none and can certainly be compensated for by a fair exchange of raw materials.”

Tags: @ the Vigos | Gra’Tracyn Varad | OPEN
​

 

[Bodek Karsin]

'Ironclad' Gozanti Freighter Refit
On Objective 1
_______________________________________________

​

The Ironclad came out of Hyperspace on the assigned approach vector. She was one of several ships sent to 'convince' the Hutts to bow to Syndicate will. This was not the sort of task she'd been intended to perform. This was a corporate ship, sent to make deals and buy scrap. Scrap which Second Life Astromotive could use for its own product lines.

But times had been stranger than Bodek could ever have imagined.

Now he was a provisional Enforcer for the Black Sun. A criminal, with a new caste. It was all a twisted compromise, a way to prevent his homeworld of Madrus from being infiltrated by outside agents. The rub? He had to become the corrupting force himself. A new caste which Madrus had never seen: A criminal caste. Authorized to perform illicit materials trade on behalf of the Black Sun.

Strange times indeed.

Even in its service with the old Empire, the Gozanti had not been intended as a front-line warship. At best, a protected freighter or oversized gunship, landing supplies and reinforcements on the battlefield.

But in the service of criminals, freighters and support vessels often turned to piracy. Or, as in this case, improvised warfare.

At least she was a tough bird.

"Light up all targets. Notify our allies that we are in position."

His crew quickly worked their consoles. The first test of their acumen as criminal agents and asymmetrical warfighters was about to begin.

​

Velzari Tharn Gra’Tracyn Varad

​

 

[Isur]

Objective 1

Why would people live like this? Bird people. Sure. Birds. Always birds. They liked the sky. Was Makeb a bird planet? Isur did not like birds. They stole fish. And some of his best friends ate birds and ended up in a tornado. That ended by way of chainsaw. So many times. But was Makeb bird people? Feathers. All around?

Isur wasn’t sure. What Isur was sure of the fact that he was getting paid.

The Hunter had dropped him and a few of Delphos’ other brute squad members off while it kept something called a holding pattern. Apparently if they needed out, they could call. But Isur wasn’t certain they’d need that. As they made their way to the detonation area, a spot in one of the mining rigs that could stop their whole operation, he looked around.

As they turned a corner, there was a bird! Without even grabbing for his axe, Isur ran forward. “Bird!” He shouted as he grabbed at the other being just as they slapped one of the alarms. The next few seconds ended the bird’s life fairly quickly. The few after that? Saw Isur ripping the alarm control from the wall, throwing it to the ground and smashing it.

“Hate birds!”

 

[TK Olraen]

OBJECTIVE 1 - OPPOSITION
Bodek Karsin Isur
​

Stars of Hope Initiative Pathfinder frigate 'Endymin'
Makeb Low Orbit

Makeb space needed help frequently but today was a quiet one. TK had the bridge almost to herself; she was letting the bridge crew rotate through other work or take breaks, take some downtime pending the next call. Unwilling to spend more time in the captain's chair than necessary, she leaned on the back, paging through a new Fallanassi scriptural commentary that tried to weight degrees of non-intervention. Knowing the writers - the Fallanassi community was far-flung but small - and knowing who they were shading or praising implicitly, the book was almost like a gossip letter from home. (Like any insular niche community, the Fallanassi thrived on gossip.)

The first distress call of the day lit up the appropriate panels. She could hear people moving in the ship corridors, bridge crew coming back; they'd stayed close. She took her seat and slipped the holo book into a side pouch.

The call didn't have any government tags attached. Independents, civilians, criminals, whatever. Someone needed a hand desperately. Black Sun was attacking them: a frigate, assorted other ships, and some ground forces. As a pacifist, TK maintained a different toolkit than some, but help was clearly necessary.

"Context?" she said.

"Hutt Cartel-controlled exotic mine on one of the big floating landmasses."

Unease ran around the bridge, not at the idea of helping cartel people but because of the risks involved. Not every patient liked being patched up, but not every patient carried disruptors. But they'd provided support to dangerous people before: evacuation, distraction, medic droids, whatever was practical. This was a seasoned crew and TK felt they trusted her to keep them safe in moments like this. She took a look around the bridge, took a straw poll from their gazes and expressions, and ran with it.

"Cloak and take us down. Let's see what we can do."

 

[Hakar Scaleback]

Velzari Tharn Gra’Tracyn Varad

"Our bessst mindsss have been ssstudying thisss isssotpe-5, your excellency."

Hakar tasted the Imperial treasurer's scent with his questing forked tongue. Fine silks were submerged beneath a coarse wookiee pelt shawl draped across broad shoulders. Aurodium jewelry on his neck and fingers gleamed brightly enough to match the opulent Hutt decor.

"We do not fully comprehend itsss propertiesss," the trandoshan admitted, "But a sssingle microgram could power a datapad for a century. When refined into fuel, the dessstructive potential isss...breathtaking."

He activated a holorecording of the most recent Black Sun weapons test. Isotope-5 fuel rods detonated with enough force to crack one of Makeb's floating mesas in half. Holographic debris scattered over the throne room in every direction.

"Thisss is but a fraction of the power we offer your Emperor...for a modessst price."

Despite his public support for the Underlord, Hakar held reservations about sharing this potent resource with the Empire so freely. Paranoia was so common for his species, but constant suspicion helped keep him alive in the galactic underworld.

 

[Gra’Tracyn Varad]

THE IMPERIAL TREASURER
AGGADEEN IN THE GALACTIC EMPIRE vol. I
Issue #5 w/ Hakar Scaleback Velzari Tharn ​

Aggadeen settled into the chair provided for him, lightly tapping his gloved fingers on the armrest in a manner that was both intentional and unhurried. His gaze swept across the throne room as whispers circulated regarding the Underlord's announcements and future plans for the syndicate.

It appeared that the Imperial Confederation was not the valuable ally it had portrayed itself to be, and the Empire was significantly more advantageous to them.

This was further validated when the Underlord presented substantial tribute to the Galactic Emperor, aiming to convince him that the presence of criminal elements should be embraced rather than suppressed, in order to restore some stability to the Core Worlds.

His eyes wandered over to the holographic display that Vigo Hakar Scaleback had activated as it clearly showed isotope-5's potential as a potent weapon with the destruction of one of Makeb's mesas.

There was no sign of being swayed by either the spectacle of power or the anxious awe it evoked. His demeanor remained expressionless as there was one detail that the Syndicate was forgetting about or perhaps purposedly omitted from the conversation, that the planet of Makeb was highly volatile and likely to collapse from intensive mining operations.

"An impressive demonstration," he remarked, breaking the silence that enveloped the room. "However, the Empire remains unconvinced by mere isolated displays of destruction." His gaze flickered momentarily between Underlord Velzari and the Trandoshan before returning to focus on the syndicate leader.

"We do not aim to dismiss the potency of isotope-5. Nevertheless, what holds greater significance than its capacity for destruction is its ability to support industry, supply chains, and governance. In the absence of order, power devolves into waste." He permitted a silence to linger, allowing the implications to settle among the gathered vigos. His hands were clasped together in front of him, a subtle indication that he was neither here to plead nor to show off.

"If the Black Sun Syndicate intends to substitute one Imperial authority for another, the criteria are straightforward. We must ensure that the planet will not be excessively mined to the point of total collapse. Additionally, we need to guarantee that prospective shipments of this resource can proceed without any interruptions or diversions."
​

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Objective 3 //:
//: The World Is Not Enough //:
//: Velzari Tharn //: Hakar Scaleback //: Gra’Tracyn Varad //: OPEN //:
//: Attire //:

There was no fanfare for the Princess when she arrived. Like any political figurehead, she was here to negotiate if need be, but her role was support. In recent talks, some agreements had already been made, and she had spoken with the Prince of the Underworld — a title most fitting for the Falleen.

She listened as she took her seat, a leg crossed neatly over the other, hands resting in her lap. The turn of events didn't surprise her. The Confederation's attempt at invading the Holy Worlds of the Sith had ended poorly. They thought they would catch the Sith off guard, but instead were met with fortified defenses.

The thought made Quinn smile. Sith intelligence had proven sharper than those who assumed themselves superior, with the Emperor's own agent orchestrating much of it. Quinn had been at their Gala when they were still playing at friendship, all while preparing to strike.

Thankfully, no incident had occurred that night, only the unveiling of their plots.

While Quinn was part of the Sith Empire, she cared little for the Holy Worlds themselves. In her eyes, it was only a matter of time before the King of Korriban turned on them. His appearance with the Diarchy brothers, celebrating their claim to destroy war by the means of war, which aimed at the destruction at the Sith, was still sickening.

But politics was a strategy. For now, they had a common enemy.

She sat with the Black Sun, lending her presence while they negotiated with the new rulers of the Core, the Galactic Empire. Quinn shifted in her seat, eyes following the terms laid out. The display of Isotope-5 caught her attention. She had known of its strength, but seeing it firsthand was different.

A hand rested at her jaw as she studied the reaction from the Empire. They were shrewd and clearly recognized the value of partnership. Quinn's thoughts sharpened. This was a power she wanted one day, but she knew she didn't yet have the leverage. More pieces had to fall into place before she could make a move.

For now, she would watch and learn.

Her curiosity lingered on the Galactic Empire itself. She had only heard pieces of what they were, but now she had reason to look closer. Fortunately, her own family already had ties to them. After these talks, it may be time to make that call home.

 

[Velzari Tharn]

B L A C K - S U N - S Y N D I C A T E
T H E - W O R L D - I S - N O T - E N O U G H​

​

The Empire’s focus was on stability over the raw power of isotope-5, a perfectly natural looking glass to peer through when your nation is built on vengeful domination and war. Ensuring that Makeb isn’t mined into oblivion wasn’t exactly characteristic of the Imperials, considering their attacks on worlds like Cademimu V were launched with the intent to destroy everything that resisted them. By now, word had spilled even beyond the shadowfeeds and DarkNet boards.

But if sustainability and well-patrolled Hyperlane routes were paramount to the deal, Velzari had no qualms with capitulating.

“The isotope is incredibly potent, even in small doses,” he reaffirmed. “Even between the Empire and Black Sun, its extraction rate will be quite low. After all, it’s most dangerous above ground.” Not to mention that few players in the game even knew about the material, let alone where to find it. Then there was the matter of safely refining, packaging, and shipping the stuff. Velzari predicted there would be far more buyers out their than competitors flocking to Makeb, which naturally meant an increase in piracy, privateering, or bounties placed on the cargo.

Luckily, the syndicate’s most recent exploit in the Hapes Cluster saw to it that most pirates beyond the borders of Hutt Space were now working on Black Sun’s dime. Velzari anticipated little adversity—save, perhaps, for what remains of the SIA… or disgruntled Confederates. Both, however, ought to be more afraid of the True Empire’s wrath should they kick the hornet’s nest.

“Regulating our facilities is not a concern, Treasurer Myi. Black Sun is more than the Vigos and spice lords you hear on HoloNet News. We are also bankers and investors, moguls and industrial magnates; we have the manpower, equipment, and expertise required to ensure Makeb is mined to your satisfaction.”

A nod to Hakar Scaleback came next, seeing as the scaly Vigo was not only one of his five Majores, but an irrefutable kingpin of all things piracy.

“There is no significant presence of Alliance forces in the sectors between Hapes and the edge of the Imperial Core. The pirates there work for us. I can assure a safe and unimpaired flow of isotope-5 to your territory.” Velzari rarely made guarantees or promises, but this matter was one he had no doubt about. With the Sennex and Lorrel Raiders swearing fealty to Queen Mother Aurellia and by extension, Black Sun, all that remained to fear was the GADF navy—and considering the crumbling state of Alliance forces in the Core, Velzari doubted that they could spare any ships to patrol a seceding border sector.

There would be no problems large enough to break sweat. A fact that the Underlord was glad Princess Quinn Varanin could hear in the flesh.

He only offered a small glance in her direction as she slipped into a chair among the Vigos. Her presence boded well for the budding relationship between the Sith Empire and Black Sun. Exclusivity of Makeb’s riches was a lucrative—and incredibly restricted—provision that Velzari wanted to see die along with the deal he struck with TIC. Unless the Empire demanded a similar arrangement of monogamy, Black Sun would happily sell isotope-5 to the Sith as well…

A mental note was made: the Prince and Princess must speak again, soon. There were deals to be struck.

Tags: @ the Vigos | Gra’Tracyn Varad | Hakar Scaleback | Quinn Varanin | OPEN
​

 

[Jerec Asyr]

O B J E C T I V E - 3
T H E - W O R L D - I S - N O T - E N O U G H​

Vibe: underworld politics, worldbuilding, criminal negotiations

Underlord Velzari Tharn Velzari Tharn has gathered another meeting of Black Sun's Vigos in the throne room of an old Hutt palace on Makeb to discuss next steps after their failed gambit against the High Republic.

Jerec listened and learned and thought uncomfortably of certain obsolete business arrangements with certain interests in a certain Imperial Confederation. He weighed his exposure and liabilities. Involvement with Black Sun carried such risks innately. To make matters worse, he knew zilch about the isotope-5 game and isotope-5 in general. He'd only recently heard about Maker's floating whatevers. As an unusually well-travelled person he found his ignorance embarassing. He smiled and nodded along with the Underlord and with Hakar Scaleback at appropriate points and had very little idea what was actually going on. If pressed he could defend himself ably in terms of the substantive and productive crime he was actually up to. But it would just be an excuse. He was very unprepared for this meeting.

 

[TK Olraen]

OBJECTIVE 1 OPPOSITION

The helm officer implemented TK's course orders and slewed the frigate to a halt above the edge of the floating landmass pertaining to the mine.

A quartet of small shuttles burst from the cover of the frigate's cloaking device.

The shuttles surged to the mine and set down at suitable points to take in fleeing miners and cartel associates. Some attempted to take control of the shuttles and were dissuaded from doing so.

Four more small shuttles launched. The first four lurched back into the air and headed for hyperspace so as not to betray the frigate's shifting position.

 

[Isur]

Hate birds. Birds flew. Karkarodons could not fly. Birds could deliver messages over long distances. That was a problem. Birds were a problem. And now birds became people and could talk?

Isur was having none of that. As the alarm still sounded, the Karkarodon was stomping on the wreck that was once the alarm signal. The crew that was dispatched with him were watching as the large, strong Karkarodon was stomping the ruins of a metal switch into dust. They heard his grumbles and growls. Something wrong with birds. By this point, most of the Hunter crew knew of Isur’s oddities and paid it no mind.

The larger Herglic, the second mate of the Hunter, tapped Isur on the shoulder.

“We need to keep going. There are more birds ahead.”

And that seemed to snap the shark out of his tantrum.

Grabbing his axe, he ran forward. They had charges to explode this structure with, but Isur was damned if he was going to give the explosions the joy of the kills.

 

[Mauve du Vain]

Objective 2 - Cloudside Resorts

Mauve leaned against the railing and took another sip of her wine before asking the penultimate question, "You know, I heard the funniest thing yesterday over brunch. There's some sort of song here, rumored to be the most beautiful in the galaxy."

The Gran's eyes widened, all three of them. "You have heard of the sleeping song?"

"Well... of it, at least. Why? It can't be real."

"Oh, it is."

"What, better than that Bith Pro-Jatz singer?" Mauve raised an eyebrow.

"Better."

"Better than the Ithorian Choir?"

"Impossibly so."

"Oh, I just heard them live, that seems a tall order to pass."

"And yet..."

"Hm. Well, I am not sure if I can believe you Mr. Angora." She took another sip of her wine.

"Hearing is believing?"

Mauve shrugged a shoulder. "Maybe."

The Gran smiled. "That could be arranged."

 

[Isur]

Shuttles were launching, and heading his way? Isur did not hear any of that. But the Karkarodon was here to cause chaos. That was his role on the Hunter and whenever he flew with The Madclaw . He understood it well. As he ran down the hallway, he slammed his wan-shen into various items, breaking them for the sake of breaking them.

He was never a smooth operator. The scars and blood were there to show it, and with this number of teeth? It wasn’t like he had another choice.

Turning a corner as the noise started bringing people to him, he growled. Hefting his axe, he swung it at the first gun, separating the arm at the elbow and the gun fell to the floor.

Throwing a hand up, he caught a pair of other guards in stasis before trying to rip a panel off the wall with the Force, as it failed to budge, Isur growled out in frustration, dropped the stasis and ripped the panel off the wall, hurling it at the two.

 

[Bodek Karsin]

'Ironclad' Setting Down on Platform
Objective 1
______________________________________________

​

The message came up from Brak Dornis, the Cargo Master, as the Ironclad lowered down within safe range of the platform. "Walkers deployed, Captain. They should be mobile in moments."

Bodek touched the intercom to reply, "Good Work. Don't shoot at anyone we don't have to."

Then he looked up at Serna and Korda, "That goes for both of you, too. I don't care if they want to evacuate personnel. But keep an eye out for the mother-ship. They might decide to take a shot at us after they've got their personnel out. Prep two concussion missiles, just in case."

Serna and Korda both acknowledged their orders, and Bodek touched the intercom again.

"Deploy the marines so that they can advance with the walkers, provide support," he ordered.

The twenty marines were Madrugar warrior-caste members who'd volunteered to change castes for the good of Madrus. They were all criminal-caste now. Nobody was even sure entirely what the Criminal Caste was meant to be. Only that it would face the brunt of the corrupting influence of Black Sun.

No...

It would become that influence. They were the conduits of corruption, on the vain hope that somehow they could limit its effects.

But when vain hopes were all you had left, you grasped them.


TK Olraen

 

[TK Olraen]

The first wave of small evac craft vanished from the bridge's sensor screens, and TK felt an unexpected little spike of panic. Had they been destroyed?

"Flight A made the jump, Commander," said commscan, and that was a relief. "Flight B almost loaded. That Gozanti just put out vehicles."

TK got a pair of electrobinoculars and went to the bridge's side viewport. Their angle on the mine kept shifting as they maneuvered under cloak. "Looks like at least two walkers, maybe quite a few more. Fifteen or twenty foot soldiers. They're not firing at the Flight B shuttles and I can't tell if they're going for them. Give me the pilots."

"Ma'am."

"Flight B, Stormie." Not the first time she'd accidentally gone by callsign instead of protocol when under pressure. That was a habit that needed fixing. "First hostility from the new troops and walkers, lift off even if you're not full. Anything strange—"

She broke off at a rattling sound.

"Local exotics," said commscan. "Floating gravel. Too small for sensors."

But if enough of the gravel cloud got compressed and shifted around the hull, it could reveal the frigate's location. Cloaked or not.

"Full stop. Helm, drift us with the gravel if you can. By sound even."

Bodek Karsin

 

[Bodek Karsin]

'Ironclad' on Platform
Objective 1
______________________________________________​

"Major Mattock reports the marines are deployed," Jelka Norv told him from the communication station, "he says the opposing evacuees are behaving hurried and skittish."

Bodek sighed, "That will only make their evacuation less efficient. Tell the Major I'm coming down. Have Brak find me a flag of truce."

Not long after, Bodek Karsin was standing on the platform in his armor, with a holstered weapon, and carrying a white flag emblazoned with the symbols of the Madrugar Marine Marauders: a gold hand with a black star at its center.

He walked past the formation of marines. He walked past the four walkers which were formed up and ready to march. He walked across the expanse of unoccupied platform between himself and the facilities he was meant to capture. Facilities where shuttles were frantically evacuating individuals to escape the wrath and enslavement of the Black Sun Syndicate.

He paused a respectable distance from the shuttle evacuation, holding the flag.

"I AM BODEK KARSIN, ENFORCER OF THE BLACK SUN SYNDICATE. I COME UNDER A FLAG OF TRUCE," he shouted, "TO PARLAY. WHO IS IN CHARGE AMONG YOU?"

He stood there seemingly without a care in the world. If it occurred to him he might be shot down or taken captive, that realization was not reflected on his face.


TK Olraen

 

[TK Olraen]

From the bridge, TK watched developments through her electrobinoculars. It looked like a flag of truce - toward the evacuees, who had no remaining relevant hierarchy, and more interestingly toward the shuttles of Flight B, who were almost full. Delaying their escape wasn't worth the possibility of a useful connection, but...

"Ops, you've got the bridge. I'll go with Flight C and talk."

---

Three empty shuttles from nowhere replaced three full shuttles. As miners and Hutt cartel people streamed into the new berths, TK came out in a space suit, helmet sealed. She approached Bodek Karsin and his truce flag. She was unarmed.

"I'm Commander TK Olraen," she said. "Stars of Hope Initiative, nonpartisan humanitarian ship responding to a distress call."

 

[Bodek Karsin]

Objective 1
On the Platform
___________________________________

​

Bodek waited for a while.

He had not expected an instantaneous response, unless the enemy chose to gun him down.

Frightened and confused worker populations were often disorganized in times of emergency. And an invasion by the Black Sun Syndicate surely qualified as such. Not everyone could be expected to be as orderly and disciplined as the Madrugar. Living in isolation had forced them to choose between Order and Chaos. Only one of those led down the path to survival.

They had chosen Order.

Other civilizations had not been forced to make the choice. So they were... highly variable.

In time, though, a new batch of shuttles came down. With it, a leader.

Bodek regarded them, sensibly helmeted. He had decided to use the atmospheric generator of his suit so that he didn't need to deploy his helmet. Seeing someone's face clearly could aid in negotiations, at least if they were being held between near-humans.

Though, if Bodek had appreciated how sourly his face looked to others most of the time, he might not have bothered leaving it unfettered.

"Captain Olraen," Bodek guessed, not being entirely sure of this person's actual rank, "is there anything I can do to make your evacuation more efficient? I have offloaded my marines, so we can take up a substantial number of workers onto our Gozanti, taking them up to your mother ship... which I have thus far been unable to detect.

Alternatively, the Marines could be deployed to help your evacuees to move emergency supplies out of the facility. Food, medicine, clothing, personal effects. Our walkers have cranes, if there is any heavy cargo that needs relocating. My people will not rob anyone of their possessions. Well... other than the facility itself."

Only his sour-serious countenance could possibly suggest that he wasn't joking. Bodek had been ordered to claim the facility. So he intended to claim it. He had no interest in harming its occupants.

Of course, the Madrugar were yet novices in the art of criminality. Cruelty seemed a terribly inefficient means of getting anything done. It was much more sensible to help the current occupants evacuate so that he could take control of the facility without undue hassle.




TK Olraen