Private Forging Imperial Bonds

[Marlon Sularen]

F O R G I N G_I M P E R I A L_B O N D S

DARK EMPIRE
NYRIAAN, MID RIM

​

Throughout the past few decades, Marlon Sularen had built quite the list of rivals and enemies, some of which had faded into obscurity, others who remained active with some even bouncing back and forth between both statuses. Most recently the Warlord of the Empire had found himself under the captivity of some of his oldest rivals within the Core Worlds in the form of the Corellian Confederation and the Forgotten Sons, both seeking to subject him to their twisted and deluded form of justice for whatever crime they thought Sularen had committed. While he was imprisoned, the Imperial Warlord took the time to reflect on what lead to his situation and what he needed to do in order to avoid, and naturally came to the obvious conclusion that he had ignored his many rivals while leading campaigns against the Galactic Alliance.

Now that he was back within the Empire, Sularen sought to retaliate against those who had imprisoned and tortured him, from the two Jedi who captured him, to the Corellians who sought him out and the Corellian Belters that had imprisoned and tortured him for all those weeks. No longer could the Warlord of the Empire allow people and organizations to directly undermine and challenge him, especially while he had vast responsibilities within the Dark Empire. During his absence, so much opportunities had risen that the Empire could have taken advantage of, opportunities that he would have stepped forward to take advantage of without hesitation, but now that would no longer be the case. With Sularen at the helm of the Imperial Military, the Empire would regain it's lost momentum while those who stood against the Imperial Warlord would be annihilated into oblivion condemned to fade into obscurity and irrelevance.

However if Sularen was to succeed in dismantling his rivals and defeating the Alliance, the Warlord of the Empire would need allies both inside and outside the Empire in order to more effectively handle the many obstacles he would face in this endeavor. Having heard of the recent exploits of the new Moff of Nyriaan, Evner Braxiatel upon his ascension to the Moffship of Nyriaan along with the fact that he had been among the party that had freed him, the Warlord sought to approach him first, viewing his commitment to the Empire and willingness to fight on the frontlines as qualities that would make him both a trustworthy and reliable associate in his upcoming campaigns.

Thus, Sularen would head for Nyriaan, soon arriving at the Imperial headquarters on the tropical world eager to meet with Moff Braxiatel so that they could discuss about the many topics and ideas that the Warlord had in mind. If everything went as planned, it would only be a matter of time before Moff Braxiatel could be convinced to be brought into the fold.

Tags | Moff Evner Braxiatel ​

 

[Moff Evner Braxiatel]

NYRIAAN
Imperial Headquarters

​

Moff Braxiatel admitedly didn't know much about Marlon Sularen until he was rescued. Of course, he knew the Warlord's reputation, the myth created by the Dark Empire and their legion of propagandists. But he never got the interest to investigate the man behind the stories until now. Using his credentials as Moff, he eagerly prepared the Warlord's profile before his unexpected visit. It wouldn't take much research to see Sularen's basic ideological contradiction, which is part of every other Imperial not resolutely embracing the Imperial Cabal: the contradiction between the Sith and Imperial ideology. Order and chaos, fighting within every Imperial's mind to achieve hegemony over the other. Before his research, Braxiatel knew for a fact Sularen fought at Tython, alongside Despot Korvan, where the Imperial ideology suffered a fatal blow from the Sith. It clearly marked the downfall of the values shown in the New Imperial Order. Looking at it with the vision of today, it only made sense the Sith participated, by action of neglection, in Korvan's death. Rumors running deep for the ones who saught them also corroborated this information. In the moment of battle, what side did Sularen take: the Emperor's, or the Empire's?

When the Warlord's shuttle finally arrived, everybody was to follow the meticulously planned pattern: a committee consisting of five commandos would escort him to the Moff's headquarters, where every piece of technology that could record their conversation was not only kept offline, but turned off and unplugged from their source, the walls as thick and sound-proof as one could get. There was no art, no decoration, no mere sign of luxury inside the Moff's office, but a place that would match the most secretive, cold ISB base. There were no windows, no red carpet, nothing that would resemble a livable place. Just a brutish, rustic room with unplugged cameras, holoprojectors, a climatizer -Nyriaan was 40 degress celsius on average, after all-, a table stuck to the floor with an unplugged terminal at its side, a chair made of steel to support Moff Braxiatel's heavy armor without breaking, and a weapons locker behind the chair, made to blend with the walls, almost imperceptible.

This time, a gesture simply wasn't needed to dismiss his troops, they left the moment the Warlord was secured within the Moff's office. Evner seemed to scan Sularen's face. Instead of taking initiative, or greeting the man, the Moff waited in silence for the Imperial to present himself, his intention and needs. The Moff, a warrior by nature, was indeed very intolerant against the two-faced words of politics. He, as the Warlord could perceive, couldn't care less for presentation, or making his visitors well-accomodated.

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Marlon Sularen


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[Marlon Sularen]

F O R G I N G_I M P E R I A L_B O N D S

DARK EMPIRE
NYRIAAN, MID RIM

​

As Sularen took his seat facing Moff Braxiatel who remained seated behind his desk, he took a few seconds to examine the room, taking note of it's cold, simple and brutish layout. Moff Braxiatel himself was no different, offering no greetings or even taking the initiative by speaking first, instead sitting in silence as if he was waiting for Sularen to speak first. Judging by the Moff's facial expressions it was clear that he was the type who didn't care about pleasantries and went straight to business, an admirable quality which Sularen often tended to respect in the field of politics and business. Thus, the Warlord decided to take the initiative.

"Thank you for receiving me, Moff Braxiatel." The Warlord began, speaking in a cordial but professional tone. "I assume you are the type who dislikes small talk, so I'll get straight to the point. But first i must ask you a simple question." Sularen added. "What do you know of the Old Empire first established by Irveric Tavlar?" It was a simple question, but in order for Braxiatel to be included in his plans, the Moff needed to know what was at stake and understand the lengths he would need to go in order to ensure that the mission would be completed. Given his reputation as a "Soldier-Moff", Sularen knew Braxiatel wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty but nevertheless it didn't hurt much to be transparent with the Moff of Nyriaan, especially when such transparency might create a strong atmosphere of trust between the two Imperials.

Tags | Moff Evner Braxiatel ​

 

[Moff Evner Braxiatel]

NYRIAAN
Imperial Headquarters

Old Empire, he said. For a moment, merely seconds, Evner seemed to reflect about this. His face, bruised and hardened by time, adopted a more stoic, pondering appearance. The Warlord asked if Braxiatel knew about the Imperial Order. He didn't. He didn't simply know about the Order, he lived and breathed the Imperial ideology since childhood. The Imperial Revolution made possible for a farmer to be Emperor. The New Order gave life to places destroyed by the Sith Empire of old. And yet, how is it possible that such brilliant, shining New Imperial Order came, itself, to ruins? The Sith they were so wary dominated their society's ideology once more. Irveric Tavlar, Rurik Fel, Carlyle Rausgeber, Lucien Dooku, Erskine Barran, Willan Tal, Sahar, Despot Korvan and the other heroes of the revolution behind the legendary eight, they were all gone. Alive only in imperial ideology, the only thing that remains. The only thing that will forever remain, unbroken.

Every work, every sacrifice, every effort the Moff puts in being the best one can be, he does for the New Imperial Order. For the Empire Reborn. For Imperialism. For the bright guiding hand of order to overcome the omnipresent shallow threat of chaos. It took a minute for the Soldier to answer the Warlord, his voice composed, yet emotional. Nostalgic, but burning with hope for the future to come. For the Empire to come.

"I was born in Prefsbelt. The first time I've fought for the N.I.O. was in the Siege of Muunilist. I've fought in Prefsbelt, Bastion, Dantooine, Helgard, Byss, that I remember of, during the Civil War. I've served Imperator Tavlar, and Imperator Fel after him. Followed Despot Korvan's lead when the Dark Empire was formed. I was on vacation when he died in Tython", the Moff took a deep breath, his face controlled, but his eyes burning of uncontrolled rage, with hints of disgust. If the Warlord made an effort to scan the Moff's eyes, he would also sense a drop of shame. The death of Despot Korvan showed Evner the real threat, that all those hide behind: the internal threat. The Chaos of the Sith ideology, trying to destroy the pure order of Imperialism. It was the last time the Moff ever went on vacation, or anything similar. "Never more", he whispers, more to himself than to the Warlord. Seconds later, his composed look came back. Braxiatel looked deeply into the Warlord's eyes, almost as to scan his reaction.

"You were there when the Despot died." it was no accusation. It was merely a statement, with a hidden question: what actually happened in there? The Moff's determined eyes penetrates the Warlord's, as he waits for the answer.

Marlon Sularen

 

[Marlon Sularen]

F O R G I N G_I M P E R I A L_B O N D S

DARK EMPIRE
NYRIAAN, MID RIM

​

For the Imperial Warlord it was quite interesting to know that Moff Braxiatel was a veteran of the Empire having fought at countless battles throughout the Third Imperial Civil War and beyond. Judging by the Braxiatel Doctrine that the Nyriaanan Moff had written, Sularen could further infer that Braxiatel was a Tarkinist judging by his disdain for the more federalist Pelleaonists who preferred a more relaxed and decentralized method of ruling compared to the harsh totalitarian and heavily centralized approach of the Tarkinist. Nevertheless even though Sularen often considered Tarkinists as somewhat extreme, they were fiercely committed to the ideals of the Empire and thus made them trustworthy especially within the Dark Empire.

After talking about his service in the Old Empire, Moff Braxiatel shifted to another topic asking the Warlord of the Empire if he was there at Tython where the former Despot Korvan had met his demise, or more precisely stating that Sularen had been at Tython while subtly inquiring on what exactly had transpired above Tython during that Battle. "I was there at Tython yes." Sularen responded speaking in the same professional and cordial tone that he had maintained since the beginning of his conversation with the Nyriaanan Moff. "Although i believe what you really want to know is what exactly transpired on Tython. Correct?"

Tags | Moff Evner Braxiatel ​

 

[Moff Evner Braxiatel]

NYRIAAN
Imperial Headquarters

The Moff tried to analyse the Warlord. He seemed to be a pragmatist, not merely bound by ideals, but by opportunity. It would explain the amount of movement and gambles he made before his shameful arrest. Would this figure be trustworthy, serving the Empire to further its ideological hegemony over all others, even if he himself was ideologically thin and shallow, or would simply push his own agenda to be the de facto leader of the Dark Empire? The Empire was passing through an era of extremes where, soon enough, no one would be able to not take a side. Which side would Sularen take, when confronted by this fact? The harsh, highly sacrifitial path of change, or the lazy and burocratic path of opportunism?

For now, the Soldier-Moff realised, it would be much more proper to keep this man near himself, for better or for worse. "Yes", such a brief response, but with a comeback that would prove where Sularen's loyalties really lies. Even if the soldier's face was cold, his eyes concentrated but calm, Braxiatel was eager to know it.

 

[Marlon Sularen]

F O R G I N G_I M P E R I A L_B O N D S

DARK EMPIRE
NYRIAAN, MID RIM

​

As Moff Braxiatel offered his brief response, Sularen saw through his facade. This was a probe to determine where Sularen's loyalties truly lied, to determine whether he was a true Imperial loyalist or an opportunist making a play for power. Of-course this was to be expected from a dedicated Imperial who had grown up on the most hardliner Tarkinist world that was Prefsbelt IV, a man who had come to style himself as the "Soldier-Moff". It was ironic, where once Sularen would have clashed with such individuals in the past given his past affiliations, they now found common ground with a common goal.

"It was a harsh battle" Sularen began. "The Alliance had us outgunned and outnumbered with a large battlegroup centered around their Flagship Star Dreadnought, the ANS Mon Mothma. What little progress we mad initially was quickly brought to a halt under heavy fire." The Warlord further explained. "In order to give us an opening to break through the enemy formation, Korvan whose ship had already suffered extensive damage chose to sacrifice himself for the Imperial cause in order to enable the Imperial Fleet to gain the upper hand and secure the space above Tython."

Of-course this was far from the truth, however Sularen knew that as a staunch Tarkinist if Braxiatel was to know the truth of Korvan's demise then it would only shake his belief in the Dark Empire and perhaps even make him question his loyalty like General Dezorath Barcu had done prior to the Battle of Coruscant, and frankly another defector was the last thing Sularen wanted especially if he were to triumph against the Alliance in the Core Wars. What the Warlord of the Empire needed was a trustworthy ally he could rely on in order to execute his many plans, projects and operations against the enemies of the Empire.

Tags | Moff Evner Braxiatel ​

 

[Moff Evner Braxiatel]

NYRIAAN
Imperial Headquarters

For a brief moment, the Moff seemed to consider what the Warlord said. He continued looking to his eyes, his cold look at its peak. No, that simply wasn't the case. Korvan's "sacrifice" only helped the Sith destroy their ideological enemies - what would be the last remains of the New Imperial Order, diminished to ashes with the Despot's ship. Even if that were the truth, Moff Braxiatel would refuse it, disown it. If the Warlord isn't going to admit it, then this means he must press him further.

"Bantha crap. Some idiot can believe it: I don't." , the Moff arched his back to get near the warlord, his eyes still confidently looking to the Warlord's ones, as if to suck the truth out of him, even if drying his soul was the price. Irritation could be noted in his voice, but it was a drop, to be diluted by the coldness of his tone. "Spit it out. I already know it".

The Warlord mentioned the New Imperial Order. His admission of guilt -of seeing whoever was ordered to fire against Despot Korvan's ship- would be the sacrifice that would seal their alliance, if that ever came to be. Evner himself didn't believe the Warlord would be capable of doing such thing, at least not personally: he might as well have a past filled of opportunism, but he lacked the balls to do it. His grandiose aura was hiding something, and Braxiatel felt, at that moment, that he needed to know more of it.

Marlon Sularen

 

[Marlon Sularen]

F O R G I N G_I M P E R I A L_B O N D S

DARK EMPIRE
NYRIAAN, MID RIM

​

It was interesting to see the Moff of Nyriaan's reaction to Sularen's statement. It was not surprising to the Warlord that Braxiatel would not be easily convinced about the story of Korvan's demise. The Moff was born on one of the harshest and most hardcore worlds under the Old Empire, staunchly loyal to Imperial ideals and given the circumstances he was born in, most likely heavily Anti-Sith. While part of Sularen wanted to spill the truth, tell the Moff Braxiatel what really transpired at Tython in order to create atmosphere of trust and transparency, the other part wanted to continue to withhold that information in order to test the Soldier-Moff's convictions and see how far he would be willing to go to get the truth he desired so much.

"I would use my words more careful if i were you" Sularen responded speaking in the same professional tone which was now less cordial and now more neutral lacking any sort of expression. "After all, many brave souls of the Empire were there to witness the whole event. To call those who have witnessed and have come to believe what happened at Tython 'idiots' is quite insulting to the sacrifices they have made in service of our Empire, don't you think?" Sularen further added.

He made sure not to deny or confirm whether his story was true and leave such a matter somewhat ambiguous. Perhaps by withholding the truth and testing Braxiatel's convictions, he would be able to learn more about his personality and further determine how trustworthy and reliable the Moff of Nyriaan could be.

Tags | Moff Evner Braxiatel ​

 

[Moff Evner Braxiatel]

NYRIAAN
Imperial Headquarters

"Not if they're wrong", the cold, harsher tone of the Moff fitted well with his expression. His eyes were a mirror of his unbreakable determination, almost proportional to his lack of political maneuvering and ability to flourish his words. The Warlord still didn't clarify the question, but used his ability to deflect the matter to Braxiatel's lack of respect. It was, certainly, a sound strategy for a disguised intrigue between two bureaucrats, but it seemed that Sularen missed the point: no politicking would be able to penetrate the Soldier's thirst for the truth.

"The Sith are known for their magic. You were from the NIO, you know it. Imperialism shouldn't be dissolved in the cult the Sith propose. It will not. And that's why you're going to answer me: because with your answer, you are taking the side of our Dead Emperor, or of the Empire Reborn, and that will show if you're a TRUE Imperial.", it was the ultimate gambit: knowing if Warlord Sularen would be willing to expose himself and his lack of action for the betterment of the Dark Empire, or hide in the shadows of excuses he knows full well aren't real. His voice was rispid, almost resentful. Neutrality, the Moff knew full well, was ultimately taking the side of those who harm the Empire.

"You know my position. No need to hide it, Sularen." ​

Marlon Sularen ​

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[Marlon Sularen]

F O R G I N G_I M P E R I A L_B O N D S

DARK EMPIRE
NYRIAAN, MID RIM

​

As Sularen mostly expected, Braxiatel further pressed the issue desiring to get the truth out of him. Even though Sularen held greater authority then him he spoke in a resentful tone, determined to squeeze the truth out of the Warlord of the Empire. The Moff of Nyriaan was imperious and extremely persistent, both qualities that could be of great use for the Imperial cause especially when dealing with the true enemies of Imperialism that lurked within the Core Worlds. While Braxiatel's hardliner Tarkinist stance could prove to be somewhat of a problem for the Imperial Warlord's plans , his extreme dedication to the Imperial cause was something that could be easily exploited and molded to suit the long-term plans of Warlord Sularen for the success and longevity of the Empire.

Thus with a heavy sigh, Sularen proceeded to open his mouth and tell the truth. "Very well then, Moff Braxiatel. You shall have your truth." the Imperial Warlord said. "Korvan's ship did take extensive damage and he did end up ramming his ship into the enemy fleet in a last-ditch effort to give us the upper hand. Although most of the damage inflicted from his ship was inflicted by my fleet." Sularen explained. "In the height of the Battle, a member of the Dark Side Elite boarded my Flagship and gave me specific instructions to open fire at Korvan's ship, said it was the Emperor's direct order." the Warlord added.

"I hesitated to give the order but neither the Dark Jedi or the crew did. Before long my ship was firing it's primary batteries not at the Alliance Fleet but at Korvan's ship which had already taken the lead of the broader Imperial formation." Sularen finished. "Why the Emperor gave the order to kill Korvan? Most likely to cement his control over the Empire and get rid of someone who held near equal status within the Empire second only to himself with a vast amount of influence over the Imperial portion of the Empire."

Tags | Moff Evner Braxiatel ​

 

[Moff Evner Braxiatel]

NYRIAAN
Imperial Headquarters

​

Yes, Moff Braxiatel knew about the death of Despot Korvan by the Sith. He even knew those were the actions of weak-willed imperials, commanded by Solipsis and his cult of wizards to serve their mess of an ideology. Warlord Sularen words' were a confession of the worst crime anyone could make. No, not genocide, massacre or anything like that. Those, while often mistakes, could be backed up by Imperial Ideology under the right circunstance. No, the gravest crime there is concerns only ideology: treason. Betrayal of the Dark Empire, but worse, betrayal of Imperialism itself. For a moment, Evner was seduced by the thirst of revenge. The need to put things right, once and for all. He was certain he could take a blaster pistol from the compartment behind him and shoot the Warlord until his weak body relented the same way his will did that doomed day. Sularen was unprotected, with no resistent armor to shield him of any injuries. He was right there, waiting for justice.

But no. That was not the time to take action. The Warlord's ship was there, and there were clear records of his visit to Nyriaan. Furthermore, the Moff was still relatively alone, with no allies of his own to act swiftly. He knew he had to turn into something he isn't for the good of the Empire Reborn. He had to get colder, with far greater attention to his actions. There was no room for soldiers in the Moff Council, nor in the higher ranks of the Dark Empire. He'd have to be another beast all of his own.

This rationale was as long as thirty seconds, of which the Imperial quietly scanned the Warlord's expression with an unbroken face. His adamant mannerisms suddenly changed to a more calm, controlled movement and tone. While his posture was still as tight as ever, something in him did change. "I see. And what do you think of it, Admiral?"

Marlon Sularen ​