Public 'Handling' Axxian Unionists

[Moff TV-771 "Bishop"]

Location: The 'Trident' Lucrehulk-Class Battlecarrier, Axxia, Oversector-II, The Sith Empire
Objective: Dispatch protestors on Axxia and reopen major production centres

Axxia, one of the most densely populated planets in Oversector-II. As an ecumenopolis, it is filled with all types of people, human or otherwise, form all walks of life. They ranged from the upper class, of course, filled with only the most loyal Imperial citizens, all the way down to the common workers, who were indoctrinated into following the rule of the mechanical overlord, Grand Moff Aut-X . Of course, as a major planet at the fringes of Oversector-II, an influx of refugees, entrepreneurs, and travellers flood the apartment blocs and factories. With these necessary labourers come fanatical ideals. Ideals such as limited work hours per day, minimum wage, and, worst of all, Unions. Worker Unions.

TV-771 loathed three things in the galaxy: the Jedi, do-gooder lobbyists, and worker unions. The existence of the former could not be helped, the middle made the loathsome bureaucratic processes slow to a crawl, but the latter? TV-771 could handle the latter. Unions existed to protect the workers, but protect them from what? It was the Empire's job to protect the workers, as the workers ensured the industry and war machine functioned!

At least, that was the line of thinking that TV-771 worked on. A number of Unions, working in tandem, have begun general strikes across Axxia, hoping to force the local government to acquiesce to their demands. These actions have slowed production on the planet, and though the local government would more than happily meet these demands so as to reopen the factories, TV-771 will not so easily fall to these dissident rebels. It has sent out an order for mercenaries and bounty hunters across the galaxy, to deal with this issue in a more... clandestine manner.

Negotiation with these dissident rebels was never an option.

Tags: Cassian Tethus

 

[Cassian Tethus]

The Trip into the Sith Empire was... surreal at best. Tethus and his fellow Marines have heard of the stories given to them by their Queen Mother. How the, modern day Sith were an insult to what their forebears held dearest to them. They all heard straight from the mouth of one of the most powerful force users in the Galaxy, the Queen Mother herself. However, picking fights with major powers weren't on their to-do list. Getting a large enough ship, and enough crew and credits to join the Queen Mother in her escapade outside of the Galaxy. To rejoin the Bulwark. But- the dream was many years away.

Now, they had been hired as a Kill Team. Full Credit Payment to help put down some unruly workers. Tethus for his strategic mind, and his fellow Marines as reinforcements. The Force would of known that one Marine was enough to put an entire world in compliance. Bogo-Rai and Thearterra being the foremost demonstrations of this power.

In their ship, Proclaimed the "Might of Cathay" a badly damaged Shock Marine Chapter Vessel of one-hundred meters is was barely a match for the larger vessels located around the galaxy today but, its speed and agility made simply evading larger concentrations of fleets that much easier. Now, their new found employer a Tactical Droid by the designation of "Bishop" had hired them, and given them coordinates for a meetup point. Easy.

The Ship had soon thundered forth from Hyperspace just off to port of the larger Battlecruiser Vessel. A hail was promptly sent out toward the ship's Captain. An automated command code which deleted itself after transmission. Security was tough here. But- it was a quick few moments as the Chapter Vessel was tractor beamed into one of the larger hangars onboard. Onboard, the Kill Team readied itself for deployment.

​

Spoiler: Descriptions of the Renegades here:

"Sergeant Tethus's Standardized Mark II Power Armor, including the heraldry of the "Sons of Xzeench" Shock Marine Battlegroup"

Tethus had already ritually prepared his Power Armor for the task at hand, ensuring that all parts still functioned at an acceptable level, even without a proper Mechanic Power Armor of Catharian make was of legendary quality, and could go years without any sort of maintained to vital systems. But, Tethus made do with his own skills. Donning the standardized Mark II Power Armor, put into mass production a hundred or so hears before the War of the Blue Diamond of the Chiss and Catharian Hegemony. Though better variants existed, the only stockpile of usable power armor parts existed only in limited amounts outside of Catharian Space, only older Marks were usable. But despite its venerable age, it surpassed any other suit of armor in the Galaxy in sheer protective value, and mobility to compliment Tethus's superhuman physique. Alongside his Slug-Thrower Weapon, which functioned more like an automatic grenade launcher than a typical rifle.

"Infernus Marine Power Armor, Heraldry of the "Sons of Xzeench" Battlegroup"

Second came Infernus Marine Relius, the heaviest of his two Brothers. Of the same battlegroup as Tethus. The heavy weapons specialist of the group, equipped with the Second Best Infantry Power Armor there was on offer during the Hegemony's War with the Chiss Ascendancy. Equipped with a Missile Battery mounted above his shoulders, and a Slug Weapon similar to Tethus's it would make Relius a dangerous combatant in close quarters and long ranged missile attacks.

Last came Scout Trooper Tectus, Not of the same Battlegroup as his two Brothers but of another called "The Blood Marines". Scout Sniper, and specialist in Hit and Run attacks. Clad in the lightest variant of Power Armor on Tap, it still was far more effective than standardized plastoid armor used often by the Major Galactic Powers in the Galaxy.

​

​

____________________

​

The Trio soon exited their Chapter Vessel inside of the Hangar. Tethus first, clad head to toe in his Power Armor, with his helmet braced against his side with his forearm. His head was exposed, appearing visibly human with odd changes. Such as a unusually bright eye color and a complete lack of facial hair. It would seem that the Renegades fancied themselves as Soldiers first, and Mercenaries Second. Even then, the sight of these Three was magnificent to behold. They all came to stand in a line. With Tethus standing slightly ahead of his two Brothers. All in all, the Renegades stood in a V Formation, awaiting the arrival of their new found employer and temporary commander. Here, they awaited his call to battle. ​

Tags: Moff TV-771 "Bishop" ​

 

[Moff TV-771 "Bishop"]

TV-771 rarely went to meet its hired guns personally when they arrived, it was always better to put forth an aloof front to show to bounty hunters or mercenaries that they, in the grand scheme, were worthless to TV-771. These... augmented organics, however, were not the same as the common ilk. Their brutality was matched only by their efficiency, and TV-771 had no interest in being on their bad side. The Sith Empire was, after all, already locked in one brutal campaign, there was no reason to make enemies of this collection.

TV-771 entered the hanger of his favoured Battlecarrier, photoreceptors going from the strange craft landed in the middle of the room to the collection of large beings in armour. Large, as TV-771 realized upon approaching the group, was hardly apt to describe the lot of them. Each stood several heads over TV-771, their armour only adding to that tremendous bulk. It was fortunate that TV-771 had already handled the more subversive aspect of this coming mission, these mercenaries would hardly be inauspicious among crowds of 'protestors'.

The droid, flanked by its small retinue of guards, stopped before what it suspected was the leader of this group. The man, who had removed his helmet and placed it under his arm, was significantly taller than the tactical droid, and as such forced TV-771 to look up at his face.

"Greetings," TV-771 spoke in a decidedly neutral tone, "Am I to assume you are Cassian Tethus?"

Tags: Cassian Tethus

 

[Cassian Tethus]

Tethus stood forward. Giving a nod to the Tactical Droid. The servomotors in his legs and arms actuating in a perfectly fluid motion. He'd look slightly downward at the droid and his entourage. Engaging them all with a precise glance to ensure their capabilities. All Automated, and likely well armed and high-end if they were guarding a Moff. He'd speak to him in a calm, if professional tone, which sounded off with an authoritative boom. They were born and bred soldiers, not Mercenaries. Likely forced to take up the job after their Civilizations disappearance. ​

"Yes. I am the resident Commander of the Renegade Battlegroup of Marines. We have heard your calling, and we have come to accept your offer of temporary employment. I assure you, that the Credits that have been payed to us are well worth its price. If you could tell me more of the situation, and rules of engagement bestowed upon us. I would be grateful to hear the call of peace, or to ring the bells of battle."

He'd pause briefly before continuing on a unrelated topic after the Moff was finished responding.

"Your direct Superior Grand Moff Aut-X has previously contacted us. He had sent us a Gozanti Class Cruiser, of Old Republic make. I ask that you send him my thanks. He is difficult to reach on Comms you see. However, extended employment of our services from herein' will require the usual fee. If you wish to send us into battle with your Armies, I must double the usual fee for equipment and gear losses. If you require anything surgical, ask. And we shall answer."

He'd finish off with a statement, that would likely bring a chill to the spine of those around.

"We are your Angels of Death. Your will is our command. What is our Mission?"

:Tags:
Moff TV-771 "Bishop" ​

 

[Moff TV-771 "Bishop"]

"Unfortunately for you, and by that I mean immensely fortunate for me, I am not involved directly in the wars of the Sith Empire. You would have to speak to my superior, Grand Moff Aut-X if you seek employment of that sort," TV-771 droned tonelessly before turning and indicating back the way it came, "The job I have for you is of a far more... local sort. Please, follow me so we might speak in private and with visual assistance."

The droid then, still flanked by its silent battle droids, marched back the way it came.

Tags: Cassian Tethus

 

[Cassian Tethus]

Tethus followed the tactical droid. Remaining silent as he left behind his entourage of men. With an unseen nod and salute on their part to their Sergeant. They left him alone, knowing in their minds of his capabilities and the strength of this armor. Nevertheless, the act of asking one of their own to speak alone was a honorable notice, the trust put into a Shock Marine to believe him able to fight his way out of the thickest enemy formation.

Tethus remained quiet, absorbing the general layout of the ship he was on. Archaic in design yes, but with modern retrofittings which made is a capable warship in the field. It was an impressive feat of engineering, coming close to even the Queen Mother's Flagship herself, the Cathay Rahtai in pure ingenius retrofitting and craftsmanship.

Tethus carried his primary weapon, a slug throwing weapon of ancient design in a self-made side holster similarly to a conventional blaster pistol. It appeared to be the size of a automatic grenade launcher mounted on vehicles, and was very plainly decorated with tally marks marking out kills or deployments.

: Tags :
Moff TV-771 "Bishop"

 

[Moff TV-771 "Bishop"]

TV-771 led the way through the twisting, similar hallways of the ageing Lucrehulk. Barring the odd droid patrol or engineer wandering by, there was no sign of the massive crew complement or administrative staff acting under the tactical droid. This was, of course, on purpose, as TV-771 did not need its often inept droids to make it seem the fool.

The trek ended at another unmarked door, which opened to reveal a meeting room inside. It was fairly spacious, acting at a time as the room used to negotiate deals between the ship's officers and another party. Today, however, it would act as the briefing room for TV-771 and its hired guns.

Indicating towards the chair nearest to the door, TV-771 walked to the front of the room.

"The mission I have for you and your... company is fairly simple," TV-771's voice was as monotonous as could be expected. "My spies have instigated an incident between local Axxian police and a worker's riot."

The table at the centre of the room flickered to life, displaying a hologram of the event itself. Protestors, made up of aliens and humans alike, raised signs and chanted for a number of things. TV-771 didn't much care for the specifics beyond how it would affect its profit margins, but they seemed to be calling for 'fair work hours', 'minimum wages', and 'Union rights'. Such things were ludicrous to a droid, of course, but then again organics were far from logical.

Opposite the protestors was a line of Axxia Security Officers, beyond them a line of tanks barring the markings of Oversector-II. While the Axxian officers seemed to have control of the situation, the tanks kept their engines running and their laser cannons warm.

Someone within the crowd, an agent placed TV-771, hurled a bottled mixture of alcohol and petroleum at the line of officers, igniting three in the unholy concoction. Chaos erupted, blasters began flashing, and bodies soon filled the street, but that was not what concerned TV-771. The recording paused and the camera, which had likely been recording the protests, zoomed into the face of a young Twi'lek woman.

"Emi'rah, one of the ringleaders of these protests. Alongside Cal Feorrst and Abeen Murch, they are 'leaders' of these dissidents." Shots of an ageing Sullustan and a gaunt-looking man appeared alongside the panicked face of Emi'rah, "Emi'rah was not supposed to survive this last engagement. The fact that she still lives means the leadership of these rebels is still intact. The ASF refuses to raid the Union bases of operation, so it falls upon me; or more specifically, you."

The hologram flickered once again to reveal three buildings: a massive factory, what appeared to be a townhouse, and a storage yard. The first had obvious guards, in both worker's clothing and Security Force uniforms. The second seemed to be a quaint place, lacking the obvious guards of the first. The third, however, showed signs of being the most heavily protected. AAT tanks, with the logo of the Security Forces marked off, sat around the storage yard.

"All three of these leaders must be dealt with if order is to be restored. These three places are where we suspect they are hiding. This specific sector of Axxia is on the brink of total chaos. I cannot allow that to happen," TV-771 finished, turning to face Cassian, "If this job is acceptable for you, we may begin discussing your payment."

Tags: Cassian Tethus

 

[Cassian Tethus]

​

The Shock Marine Sergeant only peered upward toward the Holoprojection of his targets. His facial expression unchanging as he absorbed every detail, every single defining feature each of these individuals had written across their Rebel Faces. There was one thing Tethus hated more than peacekeeping actions. It was dealing with people who didn't know their place. He made a mental note to ensure that no one survives. Man, woman, or child that dares to affiliate with these rebels. They wouldn't know, but each person who stood as a guardsman to these traitors were slated to be cleansed in the fire of the Catharian Hegemony's Best Warriors. Many probably didn't know, but likely have heard of the rumors. The brutal efficiency of the Shock Marines in their campaign to annihilate the Chiss Ascendancy.

Tethus peered down toward the Tactical Droid. He'd wait until it were done speaking before speaking his peace regarding payment.

"We'll take care of them. Judging by the difficulty, I see only the third operation being of any grief to us. For the first two, I request our standard rate. 30,000 Credits. For the last, I ask for ten slaves of well-bred stock and martial prowess, male or female. Preferably half and half. We require them for the crewing of our vessel. Though, I must say. This job is of little difficulty to a full Tactical Squad. They'll all be eliminated within the day. I assure you."​

Tethus was seen reaching down toward his helmet, retrieving it from his side and placing it upon his head. Covering it with at least three inches of Catharian Homegrown Ceremite Poly-Alloy. He'd look down again, his voice booming with digitized splendor.

"Where do you need us first?"
:Tags:
Moff TV-771 "Bishop"​

 

[Moff TV-771 "Bishop"]

The credit amount was expected, and certainly within the abilities of an Imperial Moff, though the slaves were... unexpected. Perhaps one of the prison worlds with POWs would have the necessary subjects? It would require checking after the mission began...

The tactical droid had already organized and planned where it would need its blasters-for-hire, having hypothesized the potential outcome of all possible options. Of course, launching an assault against an urban, residential target first would be enough forewarning for the other two... The last was too heavily defended, and TV-771 still needed to organize its forces to support its mercenaries...

"You will move against the first target," TV-771 began, indicating to the factory, "Then, you will move against the storage yard before ending at the townhouse. An unmarked transport awaits you back in the hangar. It will take you to a safe house where one of my subordinates, OOM-71, will be awaiting your arrival.

The hologram of a commando droid appeared, the grey markings across its face and chest branding it as a Captain. TV-771, again, turned to face the massive organic, confident that they would succeed where battle droids had failed.

"There can be no survivors, especially not the targets. Do not fail me."

Tags: Cassian Tethus

 

[Cassian Tethus]

Tethus listened as his incumbent superior gave his orders to him. He obviously knew that the first assault would be quite trivial for him and his Brothers. He'd remain steady, listening to the monotoned droning that was the Tactical Droid's voice. He got his orders. Kill them all, and let whatever passed for their spiritual god sort them out in the afterlife.

He'd nod as the Droid gave his final warnings. "Leave none alive." Easy.

"Do not worry. They are only now living their last moments."​

Tethus would turn, facing toward the exit before moving out and then through it. Escorted by the Tactical Droid's localized guard patrol to the Hangar in which they came in from. There, his two brothers awaited their orders. The Infernus Marine, and the Scout Marine readied their weapons upon sighting their commander. A wordless nod was seen attributing to their Sergeant.

The larger Infernus Marine was seen loading readying his rocket pods and sidearm in preparation. The Scout Marine, clad head to toe in a far lighter variant of Shock Marine Power armor was visibly carrying his Sniper Rifle, and slugthrower Shotgun. A dangerous combination indeed.

With a wave of a hand, the two other Marines rallied behind Tethus. Their weapons primed and ready for battle. They traveled alongside the Tactical Droid's escort squad again toward the unmarked freighter. As they arrived, the Kill Squad rallied inside, one after the other into the the freighter. As the doors shut, and the OOM droid prepared to give its final briefing. The Squad shared a silent mumbled prayer.

Religion was frowned upon in the Catharian Hegemony. Viewed as a superstitious cancer that should be forever purged from the Galaxy. However, it was the Queen Mother who was their Goddess. Their leader, their eternal Empress. She was the one who gave birth to the Catharian Hegemony those 100,000 years ago. During the Unification of Humanity on Coruscant. It was through her, that the Hegemony had existed for these one-hundred thousand years. But now, she was all but lost to them. And all they could offer in their fealty was a mere prayer to watch over them, and guide their weapons.

______

Spoiler: A bit More Detail on Shock Marines

An anonymous message had reached the Moff 'Bishop' just as the Sergeant exited the building. Sent from somewhere in Chiss Space, or what remained of it after the scouring. It was a portfolio, created by Chiss hands on the Shock Marines and their extent and power. Whomever this anonymous sender was, was likely someone who had a horrible run in with the Hegemony's Shock Marines.

: Shock Marines were the Catharian Hegemony's Fist of Steel during the War of the Blue Diamond. They are Transhuman warriors, of Human or Cathar descent. Their martial prowess and tactical skill still remains unsurpassed to this day. They weren't bred like standard Clones of ancient Kaminoan design. No, they were literally born into the position. Orphans or children stolen by the Hegemony over its lifespan. We know little of the genetic alterations that were given to these would-be Super-Soldiers. But what we do know is that they were based off what they called "Their Queen Mother's" Genetic coding. What we know about the Queen Mother is that she was a Force User unsurpassed in power and skill. There were local legends predating the rise of the ancient Galactic Empire which spoke of these vengeful spirit who scoured entire worlds of life while keeping the force surrounding it intact and not deadened like Vitiate or Valkorion. She was literally the Anathema to the "Chosen One" of Jedi lore. However, with the sudden disappearance of the Catharian Fleet and their home system, we know nothing of her whereabouts anymore. I hope you can make use of this information, incase they try to betray you. They are extremely dangerous, with entire platoons of Chiss Soldiers rendered moot by just one Marine with a loaded weapon. Please, do not make the mistake I did. :

Whoever wrote this message spoke with a certain Chiss Prose. There were whispers of a Chiss Genocide in the Unknown Regions. But this was from someone who had hired or seen similar Marines in the distant past. It was a dangerous combination of course. But, information was information.

:Tags:
Moff TV-771 "Bishop"

 

[Moff TV-771 "Bishop"]

The pilot of the freighter was untalkative, being programmed for the singular purpose of flying ships, so the flight down was fairly quiet. Down below, in the middle of the Axxian Industrial Centre, chaos reigned. Axxian PDF troopers were intermingled with droids and security forces in a desperate bid to contain the increasingly chaotic and violent protest.

The pilot ignored all of this, however, and landed at the outskirts of a defunct storage district. Scavengers and those few tenacious animals that still called the region home scattered at the sight of the freighter, likely fearing security forces or worse.

The freighter landed with a screech of aged and poorly maintained metal, gases spewing forth from the landing gear before, soon after, filtered air blasted from around the ramp.

Light bathed the immediate area as the boarding ramp opened, pale and bright. It revealed a trio of hither-too unseen droids, each adorning heavy cloaks to hide the fact that they were, in fact, droids.

The middle one stepped forth, blaster hidden in the depths of its cloak as it peered up into the cargo hold of the freighter. It studied the figures each in turn, finding them neither acceptable nor unacceptable, as it lacked the means to form an opinion. In an instant, the droid identified the figures and drew back its hood.

The dark, aged face of a Commando Droid appeared, suddenly bathed in the bright lights of the freighter.

"Governor TV-771 informed my of your impending arrival. Please, follow me," OOM-71 said, its voice dead and toneless. With that, the droid turned and left with its entourage, returning to the darkness from whence it came.

Cassian Tethus

 

[Cassian Tethus]

Tethus had made a brief no-go for conversation onboard the freighter. He was only being taken to his job, nothing more, nothing less. He and his brothers prepared their weapons. Loading magazines, and giving a few murmured prayers. It seems faith was all that they had left. As the ship touched down, and the ramp rumbled open. Tethus was the first out, flanked eitherside by his two Brothers.

He said not a word, only nodding to the Droid as he began to follow. Weapons off safe. Any second now, a few of the more "eager" rioters would attack. Or they would not, it was a dangerous gamble no matter what. It shall be seen.

Moff TV-771 "Bishop"

 

[Moff TV-771 "Bishop"]

The district TV-771 had chosen to act as the safe zone for its mercenaries was chosen due to two primary reasons: its uselessness and its isolation. The district had fallen into disuse some twenty years ago, if the records were correct, due it being near neither a spaceport nor a major factory. Still, it was still within striking distance for any clandestine group hoping to, say, destroy a collection of rebels or protestors.

The commando droid officer who escorted Cassian Tethus and his brothers wandered the dark pathways seemingly at random, the only sound breaking the monotony of the silent night being their mechanical footfalls, which in turn were drowned out by the significantly louder movements of their compatriots.

It was down one such pathway, which was nestled between a pair of defunct storage buildings, that OOM-71 finally stopped. When its guards moved a large, conspicuously placed pallet, a door was revealed, likely once serving as a side exit to the greater building. It was as worn down as the rest of the building, but a faint light glowed from beneath it dilapidated seal.

The door opened with a muted shriek, revealing another commando droid armed to the metaphorical tooth with an array of weapons, stealth-oriented and otherwise.

"These are the mercenaries?" The commando droid at the door inquired, its voice betraying neither condemnation nor interested as it stared up at the large Marines.

"As per the Governor's orders. Is the briefing prepared?" OOM-71 responded in an equally disinterested manner, likely due to a complete lack of a personality module.

"Yes, Captain." The new droid stepped aside, allowing the group access through the illuminated doorway. OOM-71 didn't even look over to the Marines before entering the building, followed closely by its chosen entourage.

The interior, much like the exterior, showed signs of great wear and tear but had clearly been cleaned up during its conversion to a safe house. Computers, holotables, weapon racks, and everything a strike force of droids needed was present, and then some. A pair of Super Battle Droids flanked the doorway. Though larger than their commando cousins and bristling with weaponry, they were still dwarfed by the comparatively titanic Marines, though they showed no outward signs of noticing the newcomers. In fact, that seemed to be the prevailing case with all present droids. Only OOM-71 seemed to even notice they were present, and that was to direct them towards the centre of the room where a large holotable awaited them.

The commando nodded to the operator, a red-marked security droid likely dragged from the Axxian PDF to act as an intermediary between the organisation and the Governor's forces, who activated the holotable without a word. It flickered for a time, its age showing not just by the scuffs and scratches that adorned its face but in the grainy quality of the hologram that did appear. A Sullustan, adorned in flowing robes and great patches of a practised man of the military, appeared, his coal-like eyes glaring balefully ahead.

"Cal Feorrst was formerly a leader of the Oversector-II Security Force prior to the reactivation of Moff TV-771. He was retired in favour for greater droid integration and is said to hold a grudge against both Moff TV-771, the Governor's predecessor, and Grand Moff Aut-X," The droid explained tonelessly, "He is now organizing the rebel forces in the industrial district, and maybe the source of their PDF and Security Force assistance. He is currently utilizing the AxxTech Foundry as his base of operations. It is, however, under defended. Feorrst believes the Moff does not know where he is, that is an incorrect assumption. His termination is the most pressing, as he is preparing an armed revolution against the Droid Army, and may be able to draw the PDF and Security Forces to his side."

The droid deactivated the hologram and pulled a data chip from the console, turning to hand it over to Cassian.

"The Governor does not fear losing the planet to the rebels and is prepared to begin orbital strikes if they prove more financially viable. He would, however, like to avoid such occurrences if possible. If you are ready, one of my aides will lead you to the factory."

 

[Cassian Tethus]

The Marines marched behind the Commander Droid. Taking in the scenery of the drudgery that was this factory planet. To them, the air was slicked with the stench of plastics and fire. Not dissimilar to Bogo-Rai. It was the perfect battleground to unleash a single squad. But, Cassian did not make this fact known through the steely visage which was his power-helmet.

As the Marines marched through into the Safehouse, a few of them gazed upon readily with weapons at the ready seemingly expecting an ambush. But when there was none, tensions were eased quickly. Cassian marched forth, taking the Data Chit and placing it into a tactical hardcase located on his person. He listened to the Sullustan as he spoke. Taking in every detail.

"We'll leave none left alive. We guarantee that. Lead us to this Foundry."
​

Moff TV-771 "Bishop"