Gonna Need A Bigger Ship

[Kahlil Noble]

Dubiety had been growing steadily in the Sith. His influence, his powerbase. And hopefully, his available weaponry. That's what brought him to the Nathema Orbital Complex this day. He stepped off the shuttle, wearing a simple Sith robe for the first time in a long while. His brown hair trailed down his back as his hazel eyes gazed about the receiving area of the Complex.

He stepped through with his staff in hand, the red gem gleaming somewhat as he walked. [member="Vanessa Vantai"] was the contact he was searching for, and she was told of his arrival. Though, him still being a Knight it was unlikely she'd be here waiting. Some leg work would be required for him most likely.

 

[Onrai]

For the first time, a Zamboni Zambrano had stepped foot on Nathema. Vanessa had made many invitations, encouraged large portions of the family to get involved and otherwise invested into the research and development she was showcasing. Molecularly bonded armor, the diatium capacitance array... as well as of course the various beam weapons she had developed for use by Sith ships. Kahlil had come for reasons not entirely clear to her, but she had hypotheses forming already about his rationale.

Two bloodtroopers would wait for him. Crimson-armored and fitted with lightsabers of their own, they would prove a foe for the Sith if he attempted to make trouble. That said, Vanessa was soon in arriving to meet one of the Emperor's children. She was wearing a simple Imperial grey jumpsuit, having decided to take the route of informality for as long as she continued to spend time at the Complex.

"By the immortal gods of the Sith… a Zambrano has actually come to my humble little corner of the Sith Empire. How intriguing." She smiled. "Well, you likely already know who I am. What I do. The question is, though - what is it you seek?"

[member="Kahlil Zambrano"]

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"I wouldn't look too far into it. I'm hardly a Zambrano of any notoriety. Just another Sith among the Empire." Kahlil offered [member="Vanessa Vantai"] a kind smile, his arms clasped firmly behind his back. He had given a simple nod to the crimson armored guards. An odd choice, giving soldiers access to the weapons of the Sith. But a Lightsaber was perhaps the strongest weapon that can be used, so it made sense in the long run.

"I've come to branch out. As I grow in strength so too does my need for a larger powerbase. What better place to start then with my own ship?"

 

[Onrai]

“The dynasty hasn’t been the most appreciative, truthfully.” Vanessa said as the bloodtroopers backed away. “I have known Kaine since he was a young Sith. I even assisted him at one point during the previous Sith Empire in administrating a portion of it, as I do now, but on a grander scale.” She replied. “I suppose my methods of gaining the support of my lessers have not exactly endeared me to the more traditionalist Sith unwilling to learn from our past.”

She looked at [member="Kahlil Zambrano"] and smiled. “The question now is what you require. Do you want a ship, or do you have one you wish to be refitted?” She asked. His reasons for building up his powerbase were not important - she would soon determine how willing he was to act for the greater benefit of the Empire than any individual.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"I know barely anything about ships unfortunately. But I'd rather have a fresh ship. Cutting edge. So many these days try to cling to the old, but the Empire needs the new." His eyes traveled from [member="Vanessa Vantai"] to the shipyard itself, looking over the various ships in their state of being built. He understood none of it, having spent far too much time in his books. "And with that I'll also need a crew. I'm not sure where to start on either side of that, hence why I'm here."

 

[Onrai]

“I see.” She said, pondering over things. Here a young Zambrano was trying to convince her to make him a ship as well as provide him with a crew. Clearly he had little to offer aside from a distant blood relationship to the throne, though Vanessa cared little for the Imperial power struggle anyways.

“Well... I can provide you a ship. I can also provide you a crew as well. The question is, why should I do it? Can you provide me a reason to help you?” She inquired. “Excluding the fact that you’re a Zambrano and I would thus be currying at least some small favor with the Imperial throne by assisting you.”

[member="Kahlil Zambrano"]

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"I've already told you my name means nothing. As one of many children of the Emperor you gain nothing for the throne." Kahlil shrugged his shoulders. He had already explained this fact to [member="Vanessa Vantai"] just a couple minutes ago. A frown now settled on his lips as it quickly became apparent of her seeing him as nothing more than a Zambrano. A shame. "I've nothing to offer someone who has as much as you do, asides from the usual payment. But you seem to want more than that. So why don't you tell me what you want."

 

[Onrai]

She sighed, able to sense Kahlil’s displeasure. “I’m sorry. Shouldn’t have been so presumptious, Kahlil.” She gave a small frown. “Let me ask you a question. What do you know about the Sith Empire that preceded this one? The one of Moridin, and Ashin Varanin, and Mikhael Shorn, and other such Sith as that? Have your history teachers let you know about the past?” She was calm in inquiring about this.

“All I ask from you in exchange for the ship and crew I am prepared to give you is your loyalty to the Empire. One day, your father is no longer going to be Emperor. I say this not with threats or schemes on my lips, but as someone who knows her history - an Emperor or Empress’s reign never lasts forever. Your father is a capable leader, moreso now than during his first reign, but one day he will be killed, be too infirm to rule, or will give up the position. And on that day, the Empire will be at its greatest risk.”

She motioned for Kahlil to walk with her as she continued. “What was once a tenuous alliance will result in a mad dash for power, the various lesser Sith attempting to claim their own prestige in the void Kaine will leave behind. Eventually, as it always does, the Empire will fall into warlordism and factionalism. And while we are busy fighting each other, the Jedi and their puppet factions will steal our territory and resources. When that day comes, I want you to assist me in bringing an end to the warlord factions and reuniting the Empire so we can determine an appropriate new leader.”

[member="Kahlil Zambrano"]

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"Should my father fall there will indeed be a number of Sith running to claim the title for themselves. So many unworthy, so many attempting to claim it just because they can." Kahlil idly stroke his chin as he listened to [member="Vanessa Vantai"] offer her proposition. It was one he agreed with. If the Empire fell with it's Emperor, well. There'd be no place left for the Sith to continue their existence as the strongest in the Galaxy.

"I agree, but I have my own stipulation on it." A faint smile took the Zambrano's features, a hint at either the overwhelming confidence or arrogance he had. "If such a time comes, if I have the power and influence I plan to gain you support me to take my fathers place. Not through war, but just from having the largest influence it would be impossible to deny my claim."

 

[Onrai]

“That depends on your capability as a leader, and how you are able to effectively grow your influence base and lead what you possess to victory.” She replied. “If I feel you aren’t ready or suitable to have the position of Emperor, then it reasons that I wouldn’t support you.” He said. “But if you are able to build yourself from nearly nothing and treat those who are loyal to you in the appropriate manner, I will certainly support you assuming much of the Empire feels the same.”

She smiled, then slowly offered her hand to him. “Do we have a deal?”

[member="Kahlil Zambrano"]

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"I would ask nothing more than that." Kahlil reached out, taking [member="Vanessa Vantai"] 's hand in his own for a firm shake. "If I am not ready to take the mantle, I would not expect you to support me to take it. I want a strong Empire, not one weak but loyal to me." Though even if a time came, it was unlikely he would give up on taking the mantle for himself. But he had no desire to weaken the Empire at the same time.

"So, tell me about the ship."

 

[Onrai]

[member="Kahlil Zambrano"]

"I should point out that of the ships I could offer you, I intend to offer you an example of one of the finest warships I have available." She said. They would head over to one of the complex's transparisteel windows outlooking towards the shipyards integrated into the complex. "Do you see that large ship coming together, to the middle right of the second row of drydocks? That's a Sovereign-class battlecruiser. The most powerful battlecruiser available to any individuals within the Sith Empire, though I have hardly made over half a dozen as of yet. That unit's currently unnamed, and I am willing to offer it to you upon completion for your personal use. With it you can subjugate the enemies of the Empire." She smiled.

"If you take it, I will have to dub this ship the Princehood prior to transferring it into your service. A powerful vessel - built around the most powerful beam weapon capable of being fitted in a ship of that size. Only dreadnoughts fit a more powerful main gun."

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"A powerful ship, though I don't much like the name Princehood. I am here to set myself apart from my brothers and sisters born under the Emperor. Such a name only emphasizes such a fact." Kahlil rubbed the back of his neck as he spoke, peering between [member="Vanessa Vantai"] and the ship. A powerful ship would be the perfect place to truly begin. A sign of his strength. Well, soon enough it would be. The time it would take to finish would be more than enough for the young Sith to grow strong enough to call it his own.

"But, I would like it."

 

[Onrai]

[member="Kahlil Zambrano"]

"Superb. I will also provide you with wings of Eightgun assault fighters and Forge interceptors. The former has the most firepower of any fighter available to the Sith, while the latter is the most maneuverable, albeit not the fastest, interceptor. These two designs were responsible for the destruction of Rogue Squadron during the Battle of Corellia, a small victory within our overall retreat. I'll also supply you with heavy bombers and everything else you'll need to deal with targets up to dreadnaught class." She said.

"In a couple of months, you will have a warship of unparalleled power, capable of destroying almost any Silver Jedi or Republic craft. I expect good things from you."

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"I certainly look forward to it." Kahlil smiled wide, bowing his head in thanks to [member="Vanessa Vantai"] . It certainly wasn't cheap to get such large ship as this. But, there was more to be done here, and the later was far more important to the young Sith then getting the ship itself. "Now, about the crew. Is there anyone you recommend? I look forward to seeing them so I might know who I'm trusting to carry out my orders."

 

[Onrai]

"I have sway within two fleets and dozens of smaller units, including squadrons and irregular units. We can get you a crew of skilled men and women to man your ship and keep it at peak operating capabilities. My treat. I'll even provide you with some of my Dark Trooper units for use in boarding vessels and performing ground operations." She was investing a lot in him - but while she was also making him strong, she was providing herself with safeguards as well. Were he to try and double cross her, or otherwise turn against her, the crew and the Dark Troopers would bring him in line.

There was little way this could harm her.

[member="Kahlil Zambrano"]

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"A greatly appreciated gift. Are there any here now I could speak to? I'd very much like to know what I'll be working with." There was no doubt in Kahlil's mind that [member="Vanessa Vantai"] only offered him troops that would be loyal to her and her alone. It would have been a foolishly one sided deal otherwise. But, he was a servant of the Empire, much like the Lord before him. While eventually he would replace those soldiers with his own if they could not be converted to his side, he had no issue with her installing her own fail safes. He figured the ship probably had some literal ones as well.

 

[Onrai]

[member="Kahlil Zambrano"]

At the moment, no - the naval complement available for transfer is quite minimal right now as most of the new ships are in early stages of construction. I'll simply go over my fleets and find superfluous crew members to combine into a single organized unit you can then use." She said. After all, it did seem to be the easiest way to do things. At least with regards to the goings-on here, that was for sure.

"Most of the crew you will have will be veterans of the Commenori enforcement. Their morale is a bit low given they are still recovering their numbers from the assault on the CSA during the insurrection, but they have skilled combat experience. You'll find them quite effective against enemy forces."

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"Very well. I suppose I can wait to speak with them. But, then I've no reason to linger any longer." Kahlil scratched his chin then, again peering to the ship being built. It had been a productive meeting, but if there was nothing further it was time for him to take his leave. With a swift bow of his head to [member="Vanessa Vantai"] he turned back from wince he came, towards the shuttle he had arrived on.

 

[Onrai]

[member="Kahlil Zambrano"]

Vanessa did not attempt to alter the speed of the Sovereign’s construction. Why would she want to? It would look poorly upon DCMM’s production line for such a ship to be delayed. Upon the vessel’s completion, Vanessa would contact Kahlil and let him know his ship was ready. Its systems had all undergone full testing and were ready for operation wherever the Sith chose to go. A fine flagship for his personal fleet.

When he finally arrived, Vanessa would be waiting for him. “Glad to see you returned to pick up your new ship. She’s waiting for you, but I’ve left her name undesignatee. Your choice.”