Skirmish Faldos: Identity Crisis [TSE vs OPA]

[Amaya Cardei]

A former First Order world, taken over by what was then the Outer Rim Coalition. A divisive planet split between, pro-Imperials and pro-Coalition forces, and now a third party the Independents. The Coalition itself is undergoing a change, something about becoming the Outer Planets Alliance. Word hasn't quite reached this end of the galaxy but the Undervine's been buzzing, even Cynabar's running the story on the Colichemarde. It's incited all sorts of chaos, riots, anarchy - parts of the planet have been taken by one side or the other. Local police forces are having trouble keeping it all under control, martial law has been instituted in some sectors. Makeshift barricades, duracrete walls all this in the middle of winter? Chit, and to make matters worse - it's an election year.​

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Candidates of various parties are vying for office, a unified Faldos is the one thing everyone on the planet wants. The question is how to go about doing it, and do it with the least amount of bloodshed. While pro-Coalition/Alliance forces sweep in to reassure the public that everything will work out for the better, word on the streets has it that the Sith Empire has sent several teams to tip the scales in the hands of the pro-Imperials. Meanwhile, there's the ever-growing Independent party and they're gaining momentum fast. Torching anything to do with the Coalition/Alliance and the Imperials. Make Faldos Great Again, is the slogan - but it's a chit-show, the pretty boy candidate is an absolute xenophobic, racist, bigot - you name it. Somehow the guy keeps getting more and more popular, it'd be in the best interest of everyone to get rid of this guy.​

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This is still just the icing on the cake. Faldos has descended into back-breaking poverty. Under the First Order, this place wasn't so bad, those First Imperial nexus knew what they were doing. Knew how to make a turd, a polished turd that thought it was better than the rest. Without them, things have gone sideways, the Coalition, Alliance whatever they're callin' themselves have a policy of non-interference, and that's left the rich to get richer and the poor to get poorer. ​

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So, tell me - which side are you on? Imperial, Independent or Alliance?​

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Strike teams and politicial influencers have arrived, from both the Sith Empire and the Outer Planets Alliance. Your goal as a member of one of these teams is to either save your political party, or sabotage the other. A seek and destroy, or seek and defend kinda outfit - but you gotta keep it lowkey. If a member of the Independent party catches wind they'll be there to ruin your day in a heartbeat. 'Sides you don't need that kinda heat on you. Both Imperial and Alliance affiliated parties are holding huge fundraisers down in the capital. Protesters will be out en masse, and the police are at their limits, gather key intelligence and find a way to your political party's headquarters and destroy propaganda from both your opponents and the independents. If you're a political influencer then you're probably gonna wanna be at these fundraisers, careful, Indie agents are everywhere and it's hard to say who you can and can't trust.​

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If you're headed into the big time political stuff, then get ready. The Imperial's got teams on the ground aimed at causing chaos, or wait - are those the Alliance's guys? Anyway, there's rumors of a huge raid aimed at the Spaceport, this is where all the money goes in and out of. Whoever's targeting it, knows what they're doing whether you're Empire or OPA, it's up to you to either rescue the people at the Starport or - take advantage and press the raid. I bet you a thousand credits, its these Independent nexus tryin' to distract from whatever dirty deed their boy is doin'. This is definitely meant to cause a loud scene so the guys in the Infiltration gig have an easy in, but for who? I'm not sure, if you're there to raid, you're gonna wanna eliminate everything in your way. There's a buck ton of Talons, and from what I hear, original First Order plates. That's right, the First Order had a money-making factory in these parts, while the First Order might be gone, their plates are worth some high galactic credits on the black market. Just, watch your fire and don't hit any of the civilians those Independent guys would feast on any misplaced shots. ​

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Another day, another talon - or credit, depends on where you are I suppose. There's money to be made and while all this is goin' on someone can stand to make a buck or two. Especially the Hutt Cartel, they're around here sellin' all kinds of things, weapons, drugs, you name it, they've got it - but thing is. These Faldos Union nexus makin' it hard for them to make their money. So, they're hirin' anyone Imperial or Alliance-aligned to run the Union off the planet for good. Thing is - there's a lot of poor folk around here and they could use the money or even the goods, like the clothes, medicene, even foodstuffs you find that stuff... You could still get good money, there's a lot of needy people in this Galaxy. A lot of greedy nexus out there willin' to make bank on that need, either way up to you - just be careful this planet is a hot mess just waiting for a spark to ignite the fire. ​

Here's the files, below are the candidates and what the Faldos Shadow Network managed to find. The more people supporting either Imperial or Alliance candidate, will help the outcome of the election. If the Imps and Allies have equal or not enough (at least five, or five a piece) people on the ground to help tilt the election one way or another then you can bet your bottom credit that Independent guy is gonna win for sure. Any of your people get caught, it'll make things easier for the Indies, I know I've said it before, but be careful - and good luck.

Spoiler: The Candidates

• Imperial Candidate: Lavinia Mors, a one-time sector moff with the First Order turned Imperial propaganda master. She was born on Courscant but raised on Bakura and ended up meeting a young Natasi Fortan during the One Sith. As you can imagine Ms. Mors made good on her connection as the First Order rose in power. She's a favorite in the Imperialist party on Faldos. She's smart, and charismatic, word has it she used to be FOSB as well but that's a rumor, right? At any rate, she's married and has two children, both boys and promises to bring back a lot of the First Order's old policies and she's got the money to do it. Even with the background that she's got, Ms. Mors has been working with a lot of different charities, building up the good will. As bad as the First Order was - people could at least afford to see a doctor, but right now? All the people with money are really hooked on her lines.
• Alliance Candidate: Crix Cor, heck of a name, huh? At any rate, Cor's got that aura of wisdom about him. Got an ability to keep the people calm and talk to them, and when he talks its like he's just talking to you. The man was part of the Republic and the Galactic Alliance before the War forced him out. Some folks pegged him for a Jedi, another just for a lightsided kind but he's definitely got the space magic that much we know. What we don't know is what he was when he was with the Republic and the Alliance, some gather he was some sort of General, others think he was some sort of pilot. Whatever he was, don't seem to matter all that much - and as far as we can tell, he ain't got a wife or husband, no kids to speak of. What he doesn't have is the kind of money his opponent has, but he's got the heart and the ideas that are really reachin' out to the poor folk on Faldos.
• Independent Candidate: Ethanrael Carcenth. Four years ago, this guy was an absolute nobody but now? You can't go anywhere in Faldos without seein' him on the Holo or some other network. All this man does is spew hatred and that's sayin' something when you have a former First Imperial as one of your prime candidates. Gets his money from the criminal underworld, the man's left more alien bodies than anyone's ever seen him and his gang the "Faldos Union," own every racket there is to own. Money rivals that of Ms. Mors, and some even say he's got more than her. Anyway, these Faldo Union nexus run around with white armor - no, not the Stormtrooper kind. Some kinda fabric, keeps them safe from a lot of things though. At any rate, he and the Independents have gained a lot of popularity, careful if you go near them - these guys are brutal, tough, the ones that get off on causing harm to others. Far as we can tell, the man isn't married but he's got a honey, lady by the name of Allenare Ivanschu, but all we know is that she's from some dirt town on Tatooine.

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[Eye of Solomon]

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The white uniform and shawl made Sith-Imperial diplomatic agent Kaellize Capcas stand out among the dreary-garbed members of the Pro-Imperialist party of Faldos, notwithstanding the bionic eye that occupied her left eye socket. Her short blonde hair had been combed back and greased to a brilliant shine, any imperfections stricken from her immaculate wardrobe in preparation for a meeting with candidate Mors. Though officially, Agent Capcas wasn't supposed to be on Faldos, she was supposed to be on another diplomatic assignment for the Dark Council in another quadrant of the galaxy.​

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A sham, a misdirection for those snooping about in the Empire's business. ​

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In reality, she had been sent as a first-strike to aid Lavinia Mors in attaining the candidacy. To aid in this task, the Empire's jackbooted thugs in the nearby sector had pledged their brawn to Mors as political agitators. Though more commonly known as the Children of the New Order, this particular brand of extremists preferred to refer to themselves as Stalwarts. Many of them were former veterans of the First Order, left stranded and tempest-tossed after the collapse of their government and subsequent anarchy that swept into the region. Organized and violent, they are more than eager to commit acts of violence against those that oppose the rise of Imperialism on Faldos, even if they agree with the bigotry and xenophobia of the Independent Party's Ethanrael Carcenth.​

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Glancing at her Chrono, Agent Capcas continued to wait for the others to arrive.​

 

[Griet van Vliet]

Objective: infiltration
Location: Pro-Alliance fundraiser
Allies: OPA
Enemies: Sith, indies

The main reason why Pro-Alliance sympathizers hired VPN was to run the campaign's financial show, but Griet didn't come to Faldos until the campaign was nearly ending. It was a busy season that spanned all of Wild Space: she could feel something was off, especially with teams trying to get on the financial trail of the Children of the New Order. For now, the firm itself did not donate anything, but some workers may have done so on a personal basis. Nevertheless Griet was just manning the register for the attendees' donations, keeping an eye out for the other parties' agents and reminding would-be attendees that any donations in excess of a certain threshold require disclosure of the donor's identity. I cannot let the Alliance down, even after Pantora: hopefully no Pantorans at the fundraiser, if any, would realize just why their planet was attacked, she thought, while waiting on other Pro-Alliance influencers.

 

[Colton Renth]

Location: Faldos Slums
Objective: Exploitation
Allies: TSE

Colton had arranged for an audience the ranking member of the Hutt cartel on Faldos he was gonna the cartel an offer they couldn't refuse he and his legionaries would take care of "Faldos Union," for them and in return the cartel would supply imperial forces at a steep discount and give imperial information and intelligence on the movements and other useful intel about the other factions. He entered the cantina were his contact had set up the meet he wore some confiscated armor looking more like a well-trained bounty hunter than an imperial soldier he waited the appointed spot. After several minutes a shifty-looking Aqualish, approached "Why Colton old friend it's been a long time. "Too long, how ya been." as the Aqualish, sat down the table with him the had casual conversation during which the Aqualish, discreetly slipped a note with a set of coordinates and time and password, they continued their casual conversation for few more minutes Colton down an ale headed out.

(2 hours later)

Colton stood outside the Sk'ton shipping company the walked knocked on the door, a thin slide open at eye level "whata ya we're closed." can gruff voice Colton calmly stated the password he been given earlier A snort and the slit slammed closed could hear several locks being undone and door creaked open, and rather large Aqualish, said down the hall 3rd door on the right. Colton made his way and open dorr to fins a vibrant nightclub a variety of scantily clad females from several spies and an assortment of shady characters a Bothan escorted to table were a very shady human woman sat he Colton sat she smiled "So, what is big strong imperial gonna do for me." she asked sensuously with smile. "I'm not here to flirt, lady, the deal is this My boys and I will deal with the Faldos Union for ya, in exchange, the empire get first dibs on best weapons and so on, and 60% discount on all other good you supply aswell and useful information about the factions here on Faldos." The woman laughed and replied sternly "25% at best." "40%" he countered "30%," she said gruffly "done," he replied and offered his the shook on the deal and shared a drink as handed a datapad with the cartels most updated intel on the union and said, "I want this send a message cross us and you'll pay dearly." "That dear lady is my specialty," he replied with a smile before heading out to join his squad

 

[Caedyn Arenais]

Objective: Investigate rumors of a raid at the Spaceport.
Inventory: Caedyn's Jedi Armor, Bo Staff & Lightsaber.

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Caedyn Arenais had come to Faldos, not because the Outer Planets Alliance required his support, but because it was his duty and responsibility nowadays to keep the peace and seek to retain Order wherever it was within his power and ability to do so. Growing up on Commenor, the young Jedi Knight had seen both the good and the bad sides of politics; his parents Kay-Larr and WolfMortum had established a flourishing world built on principles of peace and justice in the Galaxy, but where there were beacons of the light, so too was there those who seek to spread the darkness and the Sith Empire had eventually set their eyes upon his former home world. This was how Caedyn had grown to become wary of politics, and learned that in times such as the changes that the Outer Planets Alliance were presently undertaking, there would be trials and turbulence ahead that would require the assistance of the Jedi of Svivren.

Master Coren Starchaser had sent word ahead to the Enclave regarding the growing concerns around Faldos. There had been rumors of sabotage and rebellion underlying the coming elections where the Outer Planets Alliance were seeking to strengthen their presence there. Imperial ties to the former First Order were strong, remnants of the once great imperial power in the western regions of the Galaxy still remained and they held fast to the old ways of the former government dictatorship; All the while a third discrete but also vastly biased party had taken to the political stage and in all the competition, the ability for the local security forces to keep order in the largely populated sectors of the world, were dwindling. It was enough to incite concern for the Jedi, and seek to come to Faldos in the hope of preventing any further disarray to an already unstable situation.

Arriving upon one of the Outer Planets Alliance transport vessels, Caedyn had set off to distance himself from the political center of the world, enroute for the Spaceport which would be his focus of investigation. As a Jedi Knight, he wanted nothing to do with the political happenings themselves, the influence of the Order he felt was best left far and clear from any political entanglements. It was the rumors of potential criminal activity that had captured his interest, and in such deeds, would justify his intervention if that was necessary. Nearing the Spaceport, Caedyn hadn't taken any precautions in his choice of attire, looking every part the member of the Jedi Order and carrying his lightsaber upon his hip, his Bo Staff across his back. While some may have preferred a more subtle approach, there was a certain presence about the Jedi that would hopefully deter others from resorting to any ill-intended, or violent behavior.

Sith Muse​

 

[Coren Starchaser]

The Outer Rim Coalition was evolving. The larger powers that me were gathering their power, protecting the Outer Rim. The Jedi Covenant, small as it was, was beginning to feel some reignition with the new Enclave on the other side of their turf from Sullust. And during all of this, the Sullust Home Guard was doing what it could to help protect the Outer Rim. Following Sisio, following Zoph, the Rim was fired up. They were figuring that the Core was nothing but trouble.

And between the Core and the Sith? There was enough trouble that the Rim, the newly minted Outer Planets Alliance, didn’t want, nor need to be involved with the Core. Even Starchaser knew that the move from Sullust to Coruscant was cursed from the beginning. It lead them to the Sith. It wasn’t good, but one thing was for certain, the Sith came to the Rim, to the Outer Planets, and were turned back. The citizens on the Rim, they lived by their ships and their guns, and it was nothing to shake a stick at. The arrival of a Sullust marked CR-90 in orbit followed by the deployment of a landing craft brought Coren Starchaser and a few Sullust-based Partisans down to the planet.

“Alright, so we’re going to do what we can to keep an eye open, there is an election on Faldos, and this is a time where the OPA can really shine. Crix Cor is our person, we’re going to see if we can run some interference on it. And keep them Sith spawn away from our people.” He looked at his team, two smaller fire teams, plain clothes, smaller hold outs and vibroweapons, aside from him and the other fireteam leader, another Jedi. They were hopefully going to be joined on the planet by some of the Enclave. New kids on the block would always be helping, but for now, the Covenant had deployed two Jedi over here to assist. Coren because there were Sith, and a Padawan hoping to learn to support the more Underground Partisans. Seemed a good mission to learn.

“When we land, Shield Team, get eyes on Cor, Sword we’re going to be blending, and watching for the Sith. And Sword, we’ll be hoping to link up to the Enclave.” He felt the ship shudder as they entered atmosphere. “Load up.”

Sith Muse Caedyn Arenais

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

It'd been a while since Valessia had set foot on Faldos. At least in any official capacity that is and as she set foot inside the Imperialist party's office, she had to admit, it felt good to be working the political angle again. "Valessia Brentioch, former Minister of Affairs with the First Order and currently the Representative of Trade for the Sith Empire. I'm here to speak with Ms. Mors."

"Yes, of course, she's been expecting you."

Valessia gave the secretary a sweet smile and a nod of gratitude. Last time she saw Lavinia the woman was nipping at Natasi's heels, and back then? She wasn't the only one, any political figure wanting to make a splash within the First Order wanted to be seen with the Grand Moff. Mother of the Empire and all that, and this election was as important as ever if the Sith wanted to gain a foothold within the newly minted Alliance this was where it was going to start.

"Right this way Ms. Brentioch." The Secretary was a woman, a petite blonde with hazel eyes she looked to be in her late twenties at best. She was slender with almost no hips to speak of. They were hidden under a hideous shade of red that made her look like a walking rag. As they approached the door to Ms. Mor's temporary office Valessia slid the woman a holocard. "Please see me later, we'll have a chat about your clothing. After all, if you're going to remain with Ms. Mor's office you're gonna have to step it up."

A wink for good measure as Valessia entered the office.

 

[Elena Lowe]

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OCTAVIA YVES ~ The Assassin.
LOCATION: FALDOS SPACEPORT
FACTION: IMPERIAL
NEARBY: Caedyn Arenais
EQIUPMENT: A-180 BLASTER, PURE-CORTOSIS BLADE, 2X STILLETO KNIFE, FOSF MK1 ARMOUR,

The night air was cold, and the neon lights reflected off the puddles of water that pooled on the quiet streets. From above, Yves watched a group of travellers disappear around the corner, bustling to get out of the wet and heading towards the spaceport a few blocks over. When all was quiet once more, Yves fell to street level, dropping to the ground behind a pair of bins in a darkened alleyway.

Stepping out onto the street, she squinted into the sheets of rain. Nothing yet, but he couldn't be far away. Yves leaned against the wall of the alley, a gloved hand reaching up to her helmet, flicking a switch to light up the night in technicolour. A whirr and a click followed, and a moment later she was provided with a bright, if saturated view of the street.

Standing still in the dim, her form melted into obscurity as her armour subtly adjusted its colour, temperature and reflectivity, until her profile simply melded into the wall behind her. She was camouflaged, at least from afar.

A singular set of footsteps echoed from up the street, lighting up Yves' HUD in response. Her target was approaching. He was armed but alone. A costly mistake. With backup she would have thought twice about pursuing him. But alone, alone he was vulnerable.

She would get good money for this, it wasn't every day this kind of opportunity came along.

The footsteps grew louder, and Yves checked her weapons, crouching low. He wasn't far off now. A little closer and she would spring out. It would only take a few seconds.

Behind her, the sound of a door. Yves spun, her eyes widening as a broad man stepped out from the backroom of a bar, a hefty slug-thrower aimed at her face.

"You're one of them Imps aren't ya? Well I don't appreciate your kind slinkin' around here like Womp Rats, so you'd better scram before I- Hey!"

He stumbled back as Yves rammed into him, batting away the gun with her hand and delivering a knee to the stomach that doubled him over. She yanked the rifle from his grip, but as she did he leaped forward, sending both of them to the ground and rolling out into the street, the gun flying out of her hand and skittering across the dark pavement to rest in the gutter.

They grappled for a few moments, but the man was strong, and soon he was on top for her, raining punches and elbows onto Yves' face and neck. With her armour they did little damage, but one particularly savage blow sent cracks spider-webbing across her visor, and the night returned to its darkened, dim state. Grunting, she rolled, shifting the balance enough to reach for her thigh and rip her blade from its magnetic holding, slamming it into her aggressor's side. He gaped at her as inky blood rushed from the wound, and she pushed him off, leaving him to die there as she stood and brushed herself off.

Yves' head turned, spying the Jedi ahead of her, only a few metres away. She drew her pistol and turned to face him, stepping over the body of the man and calling out.

"Would you happen to be Caedyn Arenais?"

She raised the gun.

 

[Miel Tevv]

Allies: OPA, Griet van Vliet
Enemies: TSE, Eye of Solomon, Valessia Brentioch
Equipment: ELG-3A Blaster Pistol, Encrypted Comlink, Flask of Sullustan Gin

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"Really its just a matter of practical sense," Miel chattered away casually to his fellow fundraiser patrons in flawless Bocce, "The Sith may try to paint us all as backwater yokels just because we're decentralized but our aurodium still spends. Trade agreements with the Commodity Supply would put Faldos on the map. What do they offer? Nothing but empty promises of security and protection from a distant empire that they'll never be able to keep."

These were exciting times on his homeworld and Tevv dearly wished to return. On planets where existing Partisan presence was already on the ground there had been no marches. Simply a recruitment surge. For the first time in SoroSuub's history there were manpower shortages. Whatever this changing shape of the Outer Rim Coalition came to be, Sullust was one of its many faces.

"Besides Lavinia is an out of touch bureaucrat," he scoffed, "Cor is a man of the people. He's a war hero, for Force sake!"

Despite Sullust's vast coffers Miel knew he could never hope to outspend the agents of Bastion. Instead he had chosen to focus his resources leading up to this election on supporting Crix Cor's existing grassroots infrastructure. By taking advantage of support from the regional HoloNet comm center on nearby Praesitlyn their message of multiculturalism and self-determination was at least reaching the people. Whether it was making a difference was a matter for the exit polls...

 

[Malsifera]

Spoiler

Location: Faldos, Capital
Side: Imperials
Post: 1

---

Prior to arrival​

Nar Shaddaa was one of those places where you could always find something if you knew where to look. All the scum and villainy gathered there, kept together as one dung heap under the rules of the Hutt. Not exactly the place where Sith were abundant, and thus a far away home for Allysari, but one that offered interesting opportunities. One of those, as she had discovered during an investigation coupled with some good ol' Sith interrogation - read, torture - and some slicing, was that the Hutt had taken an interest in Faldos. An unfamiliar name, but nothing that couldn't be discovered. Some research had revealed that the planet laid on the far end of the known galaxy. All the way on the other side of the Empire's influence. Far from the Hutts too. She had raised an eyebrow at this odd interest. Why would the Hutt be interested in a backwater planet so far away? A voice in the back of her mind whispered the most obvious answer: business opportunity. Hardly worth the attention of the Saaraishash... until the sliced computer provided some other interesting information. Pamphlets, pictures, messages. Political rupture. ​

It seemed that the Hutt had decided to join this little game. Or rather, allow the mounting chaos between overzealous activists and protesters to attract the attention of all the law-runners. With them too occupied to maintain order, the Underworld could quickly gain a foothold on that planet. Before the end of the political warfare, they'd have stretched their tendrils wide enough for their corpulent pestilence to rot the very roots of the planetary system. An unstable planet would crumble down and pretty much become a second Nar Shaddaa. While it was not so much Allysari's concern what happened to planets so far away from home, the question rose nonetheless: did the Empire truly want the Hutt to hold that firm a grasp on yet another planet? Even if it laid at the other end of the known universe, the opportunity to take out a few Underworld key figures involved with those plans was far too great to let it pass the ever watchful eyes of the Saaraishash.​

Outside of Spaceport​

By the time she had docked at the planet's spaceport, Allysari had caught up on the current affairs. Three active political factions; Lavinia Mors representing the only friendly side in the masses. That's where she had to be. Even before she went to search for the Hutt opportunists and other possible key figures of coincidence, she had to figure out where this former sector moff was seated. And unlike most Sith, being Saaraishash, she could not simply contact them with the expectations of being received like an aristocrat. No, even in a situation such as this where allies lurked in the shadows, her allies were better off not knowing they were being watched guarded. And the best way to do so, other than hiding her Force connection, was to dress up like a rogue. Almost pirate like. A girly white dress covering a pair of leather shorts, chest protected by a reinforced bodice, a couple of belts to make everything look unstructured while granting her a spot to attach her lightsaber, and knee-high boots. To protect her legs. And for stomping, obviously. Most of it was then covered by a rugged leather coat which was short of reaching her knees. Sufficient to pass as an adventurous type. Sufficient not to attract too much attention. And light enough not to feel weighed down in combat. ​

Now all she had to do was to find her way in this unfamiliar place.​

 

[Caedyn Arenais]

Objective: Investigate rumors of a raid at the Spaceport.
Inventory: Jedi Armor, Bo Staff & Lightsaber.

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Caedyn Arenais wasn't much to look at in the sense of intimidating and experienced looking Force Users. He was arguably one of the younger Jedi Knights of his generation, and the fact that he hadn't been formerly Knighted but the title had been self-appointed, didn't help his over-all confidence in his abilities. He was ever the humble and considerate type, yet an authoritarian presence was something that he struggled to convey and so as the Steward of the newest Jedi Enclave to hit the holonet spotlight, he still felt he had a lot to prove, and progress to make before he could do so. Especially living under his fathers shadow.

In his lacking of confidence however, Caedyn had his faith to carry him through, and in most things he relied upon the Force to guide him. Growing ever closer to the Spaceport, the Force called to him, like a nagging whisper upon the edge of his mind, cautioning him and causing the young Knight to reconsider his present safety. Faldos was a highly active world due to the recent political climate, so it wasn't overly surprising that there'd be company nearby, and yet this was a feeling of suspicion, paranoia and looming danger as he rounded the next corner and stopped dead in his tracks.

"Would you happen to be Caedyn Arenais?"
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Caedyn stared back at the woman, armed and holding a firearm pointed directly at him. It was never an easy feeling, nor one you got used to, staring down the barrel of a gun. His anxiety kicked in and those fight or flight mechanics caused a moment of apprehension, a pause for which he didn't expect and left him momentarily speechless.

"That would be me, yes..." He replied, his voice quiet and cautious as he eyed the stranger. His awareness of the situation frighteningly present, feeling the weight of his lightsaber attached to his hip, his Bo Staff strapped over his back, and finally the body of the wounded man barely clinging to life in the street further behind his assailant. Perhaps it was a foolish choice to admit himself, yet lying wasn't in his nature, and this woman seemed very intent on targeting him, and him alone.

"I would very much appreciate it, if you lowered that weapon..." he added, not actually expecting the woman to comply with his request, though taking the chance all the same. Anything to avoid a firefight in the street, and the male behind her needed immediate attention.

"Let me help that man...".

Kirie NPCs​

 

[The Fool]

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Location: Outside Spaceport
Allies: OPA fellas
Enemies (such a harsh word): Malsifera

Salko wasn't sure he was the right man for this type of job. Being on his ship always fell better, if not - the casinos on planets made it up to him. But fundraisers? Imperial ones at that, too? He couldn't pass up the opportunity for some free appetizers and champagne. He'd left his crew back on the ship knowing it would be better if he ran this solo and have the crew ready for take off if he messed up.

Which he would, of course. As always.

It all started with a failure when Salko got lost just outside of the spaceport while looking for this fundraiser. To his fortune (or chagrin), he made out an incredibly familiar face in the crowd - Trin Kahn, also known as Bloodlust Trin. Captain of a scary pirate crew in the Outrim. He wondered what the hell was she doing out here with no visible escort. Well, he might as well find out. Maybe she even knew where that fundraiser is.

Slithering through the crowd, Salko approached the woman ( Malsifera ) and cleared his throat.

"Well, well, well. Fancy seeing ya out here in the open, Trin." he grinned stupidly and chewing on a pink gum. "You here for the free appetizers the Imps got? Shit, me too."

 

[Keva]

Keva was a child of politics, not in the usual sense. She was quite literally conceived so as to fuel politicking: and she liked to humor herself and believe that it made her exceptionally adept at such matters. But being a speechwrite was absolutely within her capabilities, all it took was diluting her own personal goals for the Galaxy and applying to those more linguistic than herself.

Whilst some of the trash was willing to throw their messages over the holonet, Keva was not. She took a loud, inflammatory, and overly intense approach. Gathering various Imperial supporters, a rally was set up. Her speech blasted out by one of the various human rabble:

“-we mustn't allow trash and degenerates to lead us. The empire offers safety, a chance to be apart of something wider! Finally we can break free from these shackles and return to the way things were!”

Wasn’t quite as inflammatory as Keva would’ve liked, but a few strong words would hopefully be enough to rile the opposition up, of course: making it loud enough would hopefully distract enough for Keva to enact her true mission: the destruction of enemy propaganda.

Miel Tevv

 

[Elena Lowe]

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OCTAVIA YVES.
LOCATION: FALDOS SPACEPORT
FACTION: IMPERIAL
NEARBY: Caedyn Arenais
EQIUPMENT: A-180 BLASTER, PURE-CORTOSIS BLADE, 2X STILLETO KNIFE, FOSF MK1 ARMOUR

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Yves shook her head, ignoring his request. Unwavering, she held the blaster, her eyes briefly flitting right and left. No hidden enemies were emerging out of the gloom, at least not yet. Undoubtedly, if they were not already coming, they'd be on their way soon. The agent had half a mind to shoot him then and there, but perhaps there was another way.

Eyes front, she took a step towards him. She searched his expression, but found it hard to see properly past the cracks in her visor, so she tapped a few keys on the side of the helmet and the faceplate retracted, revealing Yves' severe face, her dark, glinting eyes, and a few tufts of close-cropped hair.

Speaking again, now without modulation, Yves stepped closer again, her boots scraping against the ground as she walked, until she was only a couple of metres away from the Jedi.

"That man," she said quietly, "is nothing."

Yves continued, her face impassive, her mouth a hard line.

"My orders are to ambush you, to kill you and to take your lightsaber, leaving your corpse lying here as a message."

She adjusted her aim, the blaster now pointed squarely at the Jedi's head, with the agent talking past it.

"However, if you comply with me now, then I will spare you, and simply take you in to collect my reward. No doubt a man of your... Reputation, is of better use alive than not."

Nodding towards him, she went on, rain running down her armour and puddling at her feet.

"Move the wrong way, and I will shoot you. Call out, and I will shoot you. Start by handing over your weapons. First your saber, then your staff, then hand me your communicator. We wouldn't want your Jedi friends interrupting us. Speaking of which-"

The agent turned on her heel, firing two successive shots into the fallen figure behind her. They echoed into the night air, and the man lay still, his smouldering jacket quickly extinguished by the falling rain.

 

[Amaya Cardei]

tap, tap, tap

Select holocommunicators will be alerted with the following message:

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We just got word that Carcenth has thrown the gauntlet, wants to have a debate with Cor and Mors. His boys in the Union been real quiet like - that ain't good they're plannin' somethin' y'all better get out there and keep them folks safe. If y'all are at the Spaceport, best get ready somethin' is rollin' down there, best we can figure they got slicers and thangs set up ready to take stuff down. We'll try to keep you updated, FSN out. ​

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Lavinia had been expecting Valessia and honestly, she could've gone another ten years without seeing the woman. Valessia was a woman who had always been more concerned about lining her own pockets than about anyone else. Appropriate then that she was a Sith, or at least with them. Still, this was an opportunity to not only take Faldos back into the Imperialist ways but to help bring money back into rebuilding the First Order. "Send her in," Lavinia said after a moment of mental preparation. "Valessia, so nice to see you again."​

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Valessia smiled, naturally of course and greeted Lavinia with a warm enough tone. "Lavinia it's been years, you look well."​

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"Yes well, nothing short of a good skincare routine I assure you."​

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A tight smile in return as Valessia got straight to business. "While that's lovely to hear, I'm sure you're well aware of why we need to win Faldos."​

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"Oh, I know why I need to win Faldos, Valessia - what's in it for you?"​

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"A little bit of this and a little bit of that, you see not only will this help all Imperials, but this will increase the Sith Empire's influence in the area." Influence meant money, and that meant power. "We remind them of Natasi's sacrifice and how much she would so much dislike seeing this planet in its current state, the Coalition has been here for years now and what have they done?"​

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Lavinia scoffed, "while we could use that - you'll only end up inciting the bloody independents."​

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"But you're not here to bring Faldos under the thumb of an Empire, you're here to bring order. Do you have anything on the independents?"​

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"Yes actu-"​

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A secretary interrupted to say there was a call from Mr. Carcenth. Lavinia looked at Valessia before allowing the call to come through.​

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Meanwhile.​

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Cirix Cor was out speaking with the people, "Faldos can be a strong and independent nation without relying on Imperial money, or the hate of the Union-backed Independents." He spoke to the people and not the press, he was in the marketplace somewhere near the Spaceport. "I'll admit the First Order did stabilize the region, but in the end, they showed us who they really here, fascist." ​

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"Faldos can be the beacon of hope in these dire times, is it going to be easy? No. Will we see changes instantly? Probably not, because let's be honest the kind of changes we need are changes that will take time to truly see. Yet, are those not the best kind? Are the best rewards not worth waiting for?" He smiled and looked at the people who had gathered. "Faldos is more than just a former Imperial world, you are a generous people who give what you have. You're hard workers, all of you, and while we may not be the richest in the galaxy. We know that with hard work and dedication you can achieve anything."​

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"Give us your tired, your poor - your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. The wretched refuse of your teeming stars. Send these, the homeless, the tempest-tost on the solar waves to me. I will lift my lamp and guide them, I will show them the golden door and they shall hunger no more." He quoted an old poem and the people cheered.​

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Then in the distance, a slow clap but the tone was easily recognizable as it mocked him. "Boy, you sure are a sweet talker ain't you?" Mr. Carcenth, "tellin' these folks anything they want to hear."​

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"We all know that the only way Faldos can do for itself, is to put Faldos first. Get rid of these aliens, dirty rotten aliens - nuthin' but criminals anyhow. We'll make Faldos great again, we'll be Human-only and the best in the Outer Rim."​

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"Mr. Carcenth how wonderful of you to join us," Cor remarked.​

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Carcenth nodded, "it is wonderful of me to grace you with my presence, yes, but why don't you, me and little lady Imperial have ourselves a talk?"​

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"A debate?"​

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"Sure."​

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Carcenth looked at the crowd, then at Cor. "Y'all can meet with me at the Diplomat Hotel."​

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At the Starport it was business as usual... ​

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Until a series of explosions erupted and men dressed in white rushed out from the smoke. They grabbed anyone who didn't look human and hauled them away. The shot at anyone who attempted to help, killing them on the spot. Thermal detonators were tossed to create obstacles and prevent people from getting through. ​

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[Malsifera]

Location: Faldos, Capital
Side: Imperials
Post: 2
Frenemies? The Fool

---

"You here for the free appetizers the Imps got? Shit, me too."​

It was unexpected. A man walking up to her. Mistaking her for someone else? A certain Trin. The name vaguely rung a bell as the notorious pirate had surfaced up here and there in Hutt business - then again, what name didn't? - but other than a vague link towards the Outer Rim, Allysari could hardly remember who exactly she was to be. The Outer Rim was a while away from where she usually worked her magics. Now, the Witch wouldn't be much of an operative if she couldn't improvise on the spot. Shooting him a brief glare like she disliked being disturbed out of the blue, she maintained a hard stare for a couple of seconds before speaking up with a bite.​

"No. Unlike some, I have actual business here. A score to settle with old rivals who think they can hide on this planet."​

Breaking eye contact, her eyes scanned the crowd to see in which direction the crowd was going. Ears trying to filter out most of the noise to pick up a couple of valuable cues about who they were booing and who they tried wooing in this political amok. From what she could pick up, they seemed to raise their fist at 'Crix Cor' and complain about 'yet another politician with ruling with only charm and words', already believing the man would not do good on his words. As far as the operative knew, he was the one who could win the masses in the most genuine of ways. But that also meant he'd put up bad blood with anyone harbouring a dislike for an 'honest and hard-working living'. In any case, she concluded she had no business in that direction and the chances she'd find a tavern worth its salt on information in the vicinity didn't seem like it either. She'd have to dig deeper underground still.​

"That road's leading to the Alliance. Seems you won't find your appetisers in that direction, pretty boy. Unless you want to overeat on boredom?"​

After she had heard his reply, she'd break away from the droning crowd and step into the shadows. Seeking quieter areas in hopes to find some place where she could slice her way into a proper map or better, find a ticket to Underground paradise. Whether this sympathising stranger would follow her was of lesser concern to her, though she wouldn't deny a helping hand when it comes to taking down the Hutt's infiltrators. Other than them being a threat to the Empire, who knew what else they intended to take for their own grubby good.​

 

[The Fool]

Location: Capital, Faldos
Allies: OPA fellas
Friend. Clearly: Malsifera

The bubble gum balloon popped loudly when Trin retorted coldly. Salko wasn't sure what he expected. If he went by how she got her alias, there was nothing surprising in her attitude. A cold blooded schutta. Well, but who wasn't one these days?

"Naw, ain't heading to the alliance. Actually-" he said and casually followed her. There was something wrong in her body language but what really wasn't wrong in a pirate's life. It's a downhill road of a profession. Or so he believed. "I will help you settle scores with whoever if you help me out first."

Salko moved up in front of her and produced two tickets for the Imp's fundraiser. Really good fakes. Top OPA quality of fraud.

Baron Victor Maximilian Montreux and Baroness Ophelia Lorelai Montreux of Tion.

Some minor nobility but affluent enough to participate in an Imp fundraiser on the other side of the galaxy. He couldn't read or even spell their names so he let her do the reading on the tickets.

"OPA got me workin' on gatherin' some info on the Imps, even do some shenanigans 'gainst them. Get their candidate off the race. Good cash." Salko grinned like an idiot as he kept on chewing his gum. "Got a contact for the attire and all, nearby. After all, we can't show up as spacer trash there, can we?"

Wow, he really was terrible at this job.

 

[Caedyn Arenais]

Objective: Investigate rumors of a raid at the Spaceport.
Inventory: Jedi Armor, Bo Staff & Lightsaber.
Kirie NPCs

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Someone had given this person orders to shoot him on sight, and to collect his weapon as evidence? The surprise on his face would be evidence enough to describe the lack of belief in how quickly he seemed to have made a name for himself in the Outer Rim. Were the Jedi that strongly hated in these parts of space?

This Yves character seemed very intent, and well trained. Adding to his surprise however was the fact that she seemed to issue him an ultimatum, in that he surrender himself and hand himself over willingly. Either she was trying for a promotion, or she seemed to think that these orders of hers were flexible. Either way, Caedyn wasn't going to argue with a few extra seconds of life, to consider his options there.

And then she made a very poorly chosen mistake. She turned her back on Caedyn and instead fired two final shots into the wounded man, putting him down for good...

The Force cried out to him at the sudden anticipation of a life unnaturally taken, and Caedyn read her movements instinctively well, drawing upon the flow of energies around him to fasten his movements and allow for a swift draw of the Bo Staff from over his right shoulder. Already connected, the long staff came sweeping out with the strength of his right arm guiding the beam of metal towards Yves' side, the arm that held the blaster.

He hoped to sway her aim, and the Bo Staff was nothing alike your average non-fatal weapon. This was a blunt instrument forged in Vur Tepe, alchemized and strengthened in the lightside of the Force, the will of Ashla. For such a light weapon, the impact would carry a significant weight of force behind it, and for Yves' to evade the hopeful strike, she'd need to have eyes in the back of her head were she to land those shots fired and simultaneously save herself from the blow.

 

[Eldaah Aderyn]

Misdirection: Rescue or Raid
Objective: Observe for the moment
Allies: Kirie NPCs
Enemies: Caedyn Arenais Coren Starchaser

Lounging in the receiving area of the spaceport, Eldaah looked all the world like a young female traveler heading deeper into the interior. Travel bag at her feet, headphones plugged into her datapad, dressed in tight fitting trousers and blouse, Force presence shrunk down to avoid detection by any other Force users in the area. Her eyes were supposedly glued to whatever video she was watching on the datapad, but she was observing all of the comings and goings around her.

The rumor of an attack on the spaceport had caught the attention of the Sith, and in these politically charged times, it was deemed necessary to control the ebb and flow of violence. Or, if not able to, to cause some chaos that would inevitably be blamed on the opposition to the Sith's chosen candidate.

A scuffle caught her attention, a young woman dressed in security gear and... a Jedi. Younger, likely either a Padawan or recently promoted Knight? She contemplated if she should intervene but then the explosions began. The raid had begun. Well, she thought, reaching into her travel bag for her lightsaber and for something special, the party had begun.

 

[Malsifera]

Objective: Infiltration
Location: Faldos, Capital
Side: Imperials
Not the worst: The Fool
Post: 3

---

Rather than to offer a map, the man stepped before her and flashed two tickets. She eyed them with a hint of scepticism, listening to what he had to say. He'd offer his services in return for hers. A trade running in his favour, if you asked her, but not necessarily a useless one. At least, if the man proved capable enough. He was also an OPA member, meaning he was... well, not a Jedi or Rebel scum. Still nothing better in the eyes of the Empire, but an operative such as herself had long since learned to blur a few lines and categorise 'opponents' differently. She, unlike the general perception of the Sith, made a difference between 'dark black' and 'light black'. A superficial categorisation akin to 'evil' and 'lesser evil', really, as it hardly mattered - in the end, all those who stood against the Empire had to fall eventually. Some simply were given a little more time than others.​

"You're either a fool or a mad genius", she eventually said, still eyeing the tickets intended for Baron Victor Maximilian Montreux and Baroness Ophelia Lorelai Montreux of Tion. The fact that he intended to infiltrate the Empire was both a boon and a curse - she'd be looking to find her way inside her own HQ eventually, needing to infiltrate considering her position within the Empire, and this man literally offered her a ticket to do so. At the same time, she would also bring him into the dragon's den that she was supposed to protect from inside and outside harm. A tricky decision, but not one which necessarily was impossible to deal with. And lastly, there was his greed for coin. That, at least, was something the Empire could provide if it would be a means to... alter his goals.​

"Fine, have it your way, Baron Victor Maximilian Montreux.", she eventually agreed. "Just make sure I don't regret this and have to add you on my hit list."​