Malice And Mayhem: A New Era Of Naval

[RIP Carlyle Rausgeber]

Admiral Carlyle Rausgeber waited impatiently at the end of the docking ramp. There was so much to do, and so little time. The Galactic Alliance could strike at any given moment, and the officer wanted to be ready for that time. However the military needed its oversight. Carlyle personally believed that the military, and its intelligence wing, the FOSB had targeted him due to his previous history with Tanomas Graf. However, the army would send its officials, and Carlyle would show them what he had been working on.

"Welcome to mining camp delta four." The admiral began, his voice was dry. Behind him phrik was being loaded into crates, ready for deployment. Above it all, in low orbit above Valhalla, the FIV Malice, one of the more advanced models of resurgent-class star destroyers being produced. "The plan for this tour, is simple. First the phrik mines, then the kyber repository, and finally, you will be able to watch operations on board the vessel." Carlyle said, "Apologies, but we're on a tight schedule to finish this vessel."

[member="Halle Ren"]

 

[Hansen]

Halle Ren,
Mining Camp, Delta Four.

From behind a veil of steam emitted from the Upsilon shuttle's ramp Halle strides forth with unabated purpose and confidence, a smug grin spreads across her face with Sulfuric yellow eyes settling on the now Admiral Rausgeber. Carlyle's blood might find its warmth sapped in the presence of such sheer Dark Side energy radiating from Halle. Behind Halle a black and red BB unit follow loyally behind; Her small companion 'Niner' holding a sealed cup of cooled chocolate milk for his master. "Spare me your feigned apologies Admiral Rausgeber." Halle's left-hand waves dismissively of that gesture, the other clutches tightly at Anariel clipped to a black leather belt around the waist. "Tell me Admiral, did you use droids or organics to mine the Phrik? I am curious." Halle halts in front of Carlyle, Niner peeks out from behind Halle's legs at the Admiral, bashful in the presence of such an esteemed military officer. Niner had also grown weary of the two's constant bickering and conflict which did not seem to ever abate. Halle's haunting visage casts a glance over the shoulder to Niner with a cocked brow. "What in the name of Ren are you doing?" Niner hastily corrects himself, rolling into a more neutral posture and making an innocent whistling noise. Halle's gaze looks back to the weathered Admiral, expecting an answer.

[member="Carlyle Rausgeber"]

 

[RIP Carlyle Rausgeber]

The admiral tried to keep himself composed. At this stage, he simply assumed it was some sick joke for Supreme Leader, or whoever ran the Knights of Ren to send her of all people to act as the oversight committee to his brand, spanking new ship. Already, Carlyle could feel that he was probably going to have a brain haemorrage before this was all over. Nonetheless, the officer put on a brave face. He wouldn't give her the pleasure of a smile. But a more, well, stoic disposition. Standing tall, he began to explain himself.

"The mine is staffed by both droids and organics." Carlyle announced,"As per employment policy," It had always been the prerogative of the First Order to provide as many jobs as possible to the subjects of the Unknown Regions. It gave people, who would otherwise waste away with no proper purpose, with new drive, motivation and wages. "The mine we are at is a deep shaft one. Droids exclusively perform the exploratory work on the lower levels of the mine, and continue its expansion. Organics then work inside the shafts, to sort the phrik from the dirt, and then send it to the surface for processing." Carlyle said, "In order to build this ship, we have taken one of these refineries and put it to work, ensuring the phrik we have is custom fitted."

[member="Halle Ren"]

 

[Jarven Zexxel]

[member="Carlyle Rausgeber"] | [member="Halle Ren"]

"Felicity. I. Don't. Want to."

"Jarven, must I remind you why you're in trouble THIS time? I'm certain that, eventually, you'll learn that your behavior will only serve to keep you stuck on the bottom of the totem pole."

"No, no. I don't need a remin---"

"21 injured. $15,000 in property damage. Chaos and panic in the streets!---"

"That was the droid's fault, not mine!!"

"You're the one who reprogrammed the droid!"

"To open the door, not run off and commander a speeder! You know how surprisingly sentient those mechanical buggers can turn out to be..."

"If we were holding you accountable for its direct actions, you'd be gone. However, we're being gracious and only extending your probation 'til we know you've learned a lesson. You're the low man on the totem pole and we want you to handle this job because there are far more important things to do than listen to Rausgeber dodder on about his new pet ship. Oh, and please do your job by the letter, this time. As always, we will be monitoring and we know how to get around your little microphone trick, now."

Jarven hung his head in defeat and replied,

"Received. Jarven out," and he hung up.

___________________________________________________________________________​

​

Now, he was here with the rest of the entourage. Some were here to be conducive, others to glean new concepts they hadn't thought of and others were here to be a pain in the side of Carlyle's project. There were plenty of things to spend money on and a lot of it would be freed up if this project were to be stopped and undone. Jarven had never been the fleeter type, so he was out of his element. The biggest stake he had in this topic was that he had to make sure that the design was as secure as possible.

On the topic of phrik, a query popped to Jarven's mind. He spoke up, saying,

"Speaking of mining procedures, this ship order has proven to require an exorbitant amount of phrik. I would hope, Admiral, that every precaution was taken to avoid tipping off the GA spy network that an abnormal amount of phrik was being moved for a big project, such as this. Maintaining discretion will be our best defense until we've been able to get as much as out of this ship as possible."

 

[Ara Zambrano]

She stood in the back, away from the rest of the group, glaring miserably at the operation around her. She was not the type to enjoy a tour of a simple mining facility, nor to observe projects in preparation for war. She itched to be in a sparring or training room with her master, working on the skills that she could use to benefit the order. She shifted impatiently and forced a polite smile onto her face as another member of the small party turned to questioningly look at her.

Crossing her arms over her chest, she pulled her crimson and black cloak back around her shoulders, comforted by the weight of the fabric on her shoulders, and the weight of the two hidden blades she always carried. She was only here by order of her master to inspect the operation and report back on any potential security concerns. It was a test for the Disciple, not the Admiral or his team. She knew that in her tenure with the First Order, she would be expected to work along side the different branches of the military and navy, this was simply one of those times. And so she sighed and shifted and listened.

There was another of their order, up ahead, in the front of the group. She hadn't met the girl personally yet, but her aura had given her away the moment she'd approached. Ara made a mental note of her appearance, chuckling quietly as the girl challenged the admiral almost three times her age.

She raised her eyebrow as another member raised the question of security and spy networks. She took a step forward, listening with honest curiosity as to the answer. Deciding to add her own opinion on the topic, she tagged along with his train of thought. "How are the organics vetted and their discretion secured? Surely a project as large as this runs, the risk of drawing unwanted attention, and those who could be convinced to reveal its details for little more than a few credits. As he insinuated," She nodded in the direction of [member="Jarven Zexxel"], "Surely the GA has spies deployed in preparation for the upcoming conflict. What precautions have you taken in regards to your workforce?"

[member="Halle Ren"] | [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"]

 

[Zmej Ren]

Another being appeared in tow, and albeit not radiating signature to match Halle’s in power or darkness, any attempts to brand the newcomer something different than another Ren would be in vain. With plates of armour peeking through the black robe here and there, there was no doubt about the figure’s allegiance. Draped in mystery, the Ren sported her new protective suit, a symbol of pride of sorts – her reward for faithful service. Although she had met the admiral when he held the rank of commodore, Zmej refused to acknowledge any familiarity. With her visage entombed behind an expressionless mask, she silently approached from behind, observing the two without speaking a word.

Many rumours surrounded the strange relationship between [member="Halle Ren"] and [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"]. Witnessing the increasing tension between the two first hand, Zmej Ren had also found herself wondering why Halle always happened to be around Rausgeber’s projects. Even now, again, as if drawn to the man, the blonde disciple was there, ready to offer her insight and maybe display childish behaviour most unbecoming of someone bearing the title of the Supreme Leader’s Hand. Perhaps the on-going gossip held a grain of truth.

Not that Zmej cared; indeed, the plate clad disciple of Ren valued results over anything else, thus as long as things remained within limits and did not impact efficiency, she saw no need to put an end to whatever was going on between the duo. Results also presented the very reason for her attendance. Rausgeber was an ambitious man, and like many ambitious beings, he required precious resources for his projects. Phrik was a rare commodity – and as such, the dark disciple wanted to ensure it wouldn’t be wasted.

“Congratulations on your promotion, admiral Rausgeber,” stated the distorted voice of Zmej Ren as she smiled behind the mask. While hard to say, hints of sarcasm peeked out here and there, though such impression could easily be blamed on the helmet’s vocabulator.

“Before we proceed, tell me what you know about phrik.”


[member="Ara Ren"] [member="Jarven Zexxel"]

 

[RIP Carlyle Rausgeber]

Carlyle examined the rest of the group with quiet contempt. Here they were, questioning his vision, his security, and his genius. He however did take on board the question about organics. It was correct to assume that a project of this size needed at least some operational security. But the other question, on what Phrik was. That was something of an affront? Did he seem like a geologist, or a moron? Of course he knew Phriks capability, ergo he was here, watching the mining of it to assist his personalised star destroyer. Were the Ren all this dense? Or was it something to do with their youth?

"On the question of security, our close colleagues in the FOSB have given me assurances that the men and women working on this project are acceptable, and model citizens of our nation." Carlyle said, pausing, "Even if one of them were a spy, it would be a fruitless gesture on their part, because they don't know what they're building." The admiral added with a wry smile, "All we have told these miners is that the First Order has demanded a large shipment of Phrik. For what purposes, they are unaware of." The officer said, "No one can clearly see the Malice above, so as far as they're concerned, it's simply the ship carrying the Phrik undergoing some maintenance."

He then turned to Zmej, "Phrik is the armour of choice for the Mandalorian barbarians, it is highly resistant to lightsabers, and other weapons." Carlyle said, "It is also exceedingly rare, and is a light weight metal." Carlyle said, "That is all I know of it, and all I care to know."

[member="Zmej Ren"] | [member="Ara Ren"] | [member="Jarven Zexxel"] | [member="Halle Ren"]

 

[Pharazon Draken]

[SIZE=11pt]Pharazon was not entirely sure why he and the 189th Grenadier Company had been assigned to an apparent Phrik mine. He of course knew that this was a highly strategic location, and of the great financial and industrial importance for the sole reason that it was a Phrik mine. However, Pharazon had long since stopped questioning why he ended up in strange places and guarding important and experimental things, or why he seemed to be once again involved in the machinations and planning of one Admiral Rausgeber. Now that his command had been expanded to two hundred pale armoured, disciplined, and loyal stormtroopers, Pharazon was not longer simple a small platoon commander defending a small section of a base. Now he was a slightly more important company commander in charge of a larger number of defensive areas, yet, Pharazon was still puzzled by his deployment once again under this Rausgeber. He thought rather wistfully that it might be because this Admiral [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]recognized[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] his abilities, but he knew in the cold logical computation areas of his brain that it was likely just cosmic chance. Regardless, Pharazon was now directing the security for a large portion of this seemingly rather important mine close by the Admiral’s side, accompanied by his former command of 4th Platoon, now under Lieutenant Cain’s command trailing a short distance behind the group.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]As he silently to those observing this streamlined presentation, not so grand as the last Pharazon had witnessed, he took comfort in the fact that there was a rather large and advanced Star-Destroyer of some description in orbit above the mine. Hopefully those space rats will ensure that my deployment here is as swift and efficient as possible… [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Pharazon mused as he observed the entrance to the mine shaft and its organic and droid workers milling in and out. Pharazon knew little about mining operations, his only experience with them coming from his uncle that had managed his family's mineral holdings back on Hapes. He knew less about Phrik, though he was not so unintelligent or uneducated to not know the significant value and applications of this particular metal. Thus he knew the value of it for a variety of military applications, he was not entirely appraised of the Admiral’s plans for the metal from this mine, but Pharazon suspected that it was no simple mining operation. He was using it for something important, and that Star-Destroyer in orbit may very well have something to do with it. Pharazon could not be sure of course, he was not so high in the command chain that he knew the strategic goals of the First Order or this Admiral, but he knew that even he could think of the applications for Phrik armour on a starship.[/SIZE]

As he directed his silent and imposing stormtroopers and reviewed reports and various messages over his helmet and vambrace computers, he could not help but notice that he was once again surrounded by mysterious and rather ominous Ren. With a quick glance from his skull like helmet visage, Pharazon could see that the two that had been at Rausgeber’s previous presentation were both present, including the one behind the… incident, that had left the then Commodore and his presentation rather out of sorts. At least it is not fething hot here… at least not here, outside the mine… [SIZE=11pt]he mused once again as he kept pace with this decidedly less ostentatious presentation with his great strides. He also noticed the voice of the one he knew only as Ara from the back of the group over his helmet’s amplified sound pickup, and took careful note of her current [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]attire[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]. He suspected she had been a Ren when he had first met her, but now he knew for sure. Continuing his vigil, Pharazon dismissed thoughts such as those, he had a job to do and now in his higher profile position he was determined not to let Admiral Rausgeber down.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]He kept his mouth shut, not being so bold to directly ask questions once again, but continued his learned habit of observing and analysing what he saw and what he made sure to listen to and overhear from the presentation. Pharazon knew little about mines and their daily operations as well, but he knew he would not want to be one of the flesh and blood workers within it. He cared little for the Admiral’s assurances that droids were doing the most dangerous deep work. However, once more he knew his own fears of being underground were clouding his judgement, a combined organic and droid workforce with appropriate support and maintenance facilities was an efficient way to efficiently ensure near continuous mining of this most valuable resource. He was more comforted by the Admiral’s assurances of the loyalty or at least inability of the miners to completely betray the operation. Pharazon and his stormtoopers, and other military personnel could protect this facility from military threats, but beyond purging the workforce could do little to defend it from treachery.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]He smiled under his helmet as the Admiral rather brusquely dealt with the question concerning his knowledge of Phrik. At least he was not going to have to sit through a geological or [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]metallurgical[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] lecture on duty. Pharazon loved to learn and was capable of quickly assimilating new information, but did not want to do it surrounded by Ren. Halting and affixing his posture to its regular ramrod straight configuration, he hoped he might be able to glean at least a hint of the specific purposes of this Phrik even if he had to draw it out from implication or other cues from the participants and mastermind of this tour.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt][member="Carlyle Rausgeber"] | [member="Halle Ren"] | [member="Jarven Zexxel"] | [member="Ara Ren"] | [member="Zmej Ren"][/SIZE]

 

[Zmej Ren]

“I very much doubt your ship will engage in lightsaber duels, admiral.” Zmej Ren commented, now positively amused. Although [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"] was not wrong, quite the opposite, he had stated the reasons of why phrik shouldn’t be used in such quantity himself. Phrik was rare, very much so. In fact, phrik presented one of the major components her armour’s been made of. Although making an excellent material to construct weapons and armour from, adding the very same ore into hulking space vessels bordered on insanity. Not that it wouldn’t do its job, for the material truly showed nearly indestructible qualities, but anything dressed in a fitting phrik suit presented a primary target for the enemy.

Emperor Palpatine’s empire made the same mistake twice, constructing technological terrors never seen before, only to give the ragtag terrorists massive targets they could not ignore. While the idea of encasing a ship in phrik was not inherently wrong, the First Order could not toss all of its resources at one project, as the loss of it would be devastating, rapidly decreasing the supply of limited material. Where Rausgeber saw an indestructible warship with him as its commander, Zmej saw thousands of armoured suits and resources that could be used on training more special forces and equipping them adequately. However, for the difference in opinion, the pale skinned Ren had no intention of relieving the admiral of duty. Not yet, at least. Only once his ship kissed the ground would she personally ensure his head rolled at the Supreme Leader’s feet.

“How do you intend to prevent another incident when one of the enemy combatants pulls down the entire ship? How can it resist devastating energies summoned by the Force? Prove your project is more than a colossal waste of precious resources, admiral.”


[member="Pharazon Draken"] [member="Ara Ren"] [member="Jarven Zexxel"] [member="Halle Ren"]

 

[RIP Carlyle Rausgeber]

Carlyle felt his blood run cold at the reference to the FIV Wrath. The ships destruction and the loss of her crew were something unforseeable. Something no one had the foresight to see. Carlyles blood then ran hot. As if he was about to lose his pride and joy, the Malice to some Galactic Alliance terrorist. However, he knew the calculated risk of the question from the Ren. He knew that the wrong answer, or one given from a less than professional stand point would result in his head on a pike. So rather than rush in, red blooded and angry, Carlyle instead decided upon a more cautious approach.

"The loss of the FIV Wrath and Captain Gudderian were unforeseeable." Carlyle began, "And I assume you are asking what recommendations have been made in order to ensure this ship does not fall into the same traps." Carlyle continued, "From the data we retrieved from the Wrath, it's shield circutry was simply overwhelmed by the amount of atmospheric lightning and other events, causing a rupture in the power system." Carlyle said, "Though one must also add that the Wrath had been caught up in a low orbit bombardment of Alliance positions," he promptly added, "But the Malice holds within it a secondary reactor, meaning that even if one reactor is ruptured, it doesn't mean the others will be." Carlyle said, "As soon as the Alliance tries as it might to pull down the Malice, it will leave."

[member="Zmej Ren"] | [member="Pharazon Draken"]

 

[Hansen]

Halle Ren,
Mining Camp, Delta Four.

Halle looms behind Zmej with Niner rolling behind the young Disciple. Halle's most heavy and unrelenting gaze remains on Admiral Rausgeber, who she found to be little more than a supremely confident and arrogant Naval officer. Despite the Irony of her inward accusations of arrogance, Halle's thoughts like Zmej's turn to the sheer waste she sees in constructing significant parts of this vessel from Phrik. It best destroy an entire fleet of enemy ships, they had learnt their lesson with the FIV Wrath and it atleast appears to Halle through the force and words spoken that Admiral Rausgeber understands how to avoid a repeat of that incident....And if not well, there wouldn't be another even if Carlyle managed to survive his own ship being sundered with the power of the force in such a way. "With the force as a weapon, nothing is impossible. Remember that Admiral, lest you and this 'Malice' meet a similar fate to 'Wrath'". Halle's body turns away from Carlyle without so much as waiting for a reply, and extends a hand demandingly towards Niner.

[member="Carlyle Rausgeber"] [member="Zmej Ren"]

 

[RIP Carlyle Rausgeber]

Carlyle turned to regard arguably the youngest Ren with disdain. At this point, it was almost the norm for the two to meet whenever Carlyle was unveiling projects. His eyes were slits. Unlike the other guests here, he would not spare the rod, and spoil her. The child. Carlyle barred his teeth, and breathed in deeply before beginning to unload. He knew deep down, the Ren would strike back. But he didn't care. She needed to be lowered a peg. She was nothing more than a child. A petulant brat with no semblance of cordial behaviour.

"Perhaps it is then the perogative of the Ren to shut down hostile force users then?" Carlyle asked, casting a glare over Halle. "Can you not sense the force and the presence of your fellow dark siders?" he asked, his voice dripping with venom, "Or perhaps, are you incapable, unable and simply inexperienced enough to perform such tasks?" His eyes focussed on her, like a hawk on its prey. He continued on his way, "Perhaps my vision blinds me to the faults of the Force." he admitted, the Force, up until the death of the Wrath had been somewhat an abstract concept to the officer. "But perhaps your arrogance, and inexperience disallow you to fully appreciate that." The admiral then, with one dismissive swish of his cape, continued down the path he was on, "Come on, we best see the kyber refinery next." Carlyle said, "That'll hopefully be more interesting than the phrik mine." he added.

[member="Halle Ren"] | [member="Zmej Ren"] | @Pharzon Draken | [member="Ara Ren"] | [member="Jarven Zexxel"]

 

[Hansen]

Halle Ren,
Mining Camp, Delta Four.

"It is difficult to describe colours to the blind." Halle gives the shake of head, seizing some mealbread from Niner and stuffs it between her lips and takes a bite disdainful of the taste. Halle pivots in boots over right shoulder in Carlyle's direction and offers up only a shrug. "For all my 'inexperience' I can still snuff the life out of those who oppose the First Order." Halle continues to bite at the mealbread held in right hand, and steadily the taste grows on her albeit it is not one she could ever become accustomed to. How she tolerated it in her life as a Stormtrooper Halle could not recall. "Kyber crystals are such stubborn things..." Halle passes the comment to Zmej with a slight smirk, visibly tapping at Anariel hooked on the belt suggestively. Halle had long struggled with the will of Anariel's Kyber Crystal for its connection to its previous owner is most strong and the crystal itself strongly bonded to the light side of the Force. But it would learn to serve its new master entirely in time, as Halle herself learns to draw from the innate power that dwells within. That is, if Halle manages to outlive her own arrogance.

[member="Carlyle Rausgeber"] [member="Zmej Ren"]

 

[RIP Carlyle Rausgeber]

Carlyle rolled his eyes, what an arrogant child. The most petulant of them all. And worst of all he couldn't be rid of her. No, not at all. She wasn't some snooty ensign, or barely competent commander. She was, in her own words, the eyes and ears of the Supreme Leader. Dear karking Gods, what had Carlyle deserved to be inflicted with her. Was this chance? Or was it some cosmic force binding together to give the officer the most narcissistic, stuck up nemesis ever? He couldn't quite decide.

"Power does not override experience." Carlyle drily added, "You may strike me down now. But experience adds infinitely more." Carlyle said, "Experience allows someone to understand whom to kill." Carlyle said, "You may have the power to kill, but experience, and more importantly wisdom taken from experience allows one to perform better. Be better. And most importantly, be more efficient." The admiral said, thought that was enough pearls of wisdom from the officer.

He lead the group through the phrik mines surface. Dozens of workers walked around them, eyes taking stolen glances at the admiral and the group before scurrying away to their duties. Heavy machinery loaded crates of phrik plating up from the ground, and into the shuttles, destined for the Malice. The whole facility was fenced off, with guard towers, bunkers and even armoured elements present to deter attack. Beyond them, in a large, empty open cut mining pit sat a large warehouse, with several smoke stacks. "This," Carlyle announced, "This is where we manufacture our kyber crystals. Turn them into weapons of war."

[member="Halle Ren"].

 

[Ara Zambrano]

The Disciple's eyebrows winged up, her mouth curling into an amused smile as she watched the Admiral go back and forth with the young Ren. She didn't disagree with either of them, but found the entire situation absurd. She had never met either of the Ren accompanying their group, but she could tell from their auras and their words that they were determined, devoted, but also, in the case of the youngest ([member="Halle Ren"]) possibly too dependent on the Force to work for her. She shook her head and chuckled out loud, winking at the nearest trooper.

She followed along with the group in the back, content to stay out of the childish bickering that was happening at the front. She was here to observe and ask questions about security, not debate the merits of such a ship. If the Admiral wished to waste a large amount of resources armoring his ship and the Order chose to let him, it was not her place to question it. Not this time.

She garnered that the Admiral's last ship, the Malice, had been lost in battle with the Galactic Alliance and that the Admiral was on thin ice with the two girls as a result. As they approached the Kyber Crystal operation, she took note of the security measures, nodding once in approval. She was curious as to their defensive systems. Even their small group was accompanied by the ivory armored Stormtroopers the Order was well-known for and she could see many of the same patrolling and stationed at various strategic locations around the operation.

"Tell me, Admiral, what defensive systems do you have in place in case of an attack? I see the fortifications and presence of our troopers, but what do you have in place in the case of an affront by a Force-user? As you said, you do not have to ability that we do," She nodded to her companions as her mouth pulled up into a smug smile, "Perhaps having a Ren on this operation would be to your benefit." She glanced at the younger Ren mischievously, knowing already who she would suggest for the job, if for no other reason than to watch the Admiral react.

@Carlyle Raugsgeber | [member="Zmej Ren"] | [member="Pharazon Draken"]

 

[RIP Carlyle Rausgeber]

Carlyle turned to face the older, more, well, more polite Ren. It was an important question, one that did deserve a considered, honest and frank answer. "Infiltration of this site would be rather difficult." Carlyle said, "Docking procedure and vetting at spaceports would mitigate their ability to intermingle in society." Carlyle added, "But even then, this facility is top secret, and the stormtrooper garrison here, is armed with anti-force user counter measures, like biological weapons and sonic rifles." He said, "Any Jedi who comes here, dies here."

The Admiral continued on his way, there was a large road that lead down to the kyber refinery, winding down the pit, until it reached the bottom facility. "Little to no one knows what properly goes on down here." Carlyle said, "Our mutual friends in the FOSB have ensured that the kyber crystal shipments are only known by the twenty five engineers aboard the Malice who are currently installing them." Carlyle said, "Other than that, only the FOSB, myself and a select number of High Command know of this ships upgrades."

As they continued, transports moved past them, carrying large crates of kyber crystals, carefully sealed for the protection of those outside. The volatilty of them, and their ability to absorb and then amplify so much power was something the FOSB and Carlyle had been made aware of during the earlier phases of construction.

[member="Ara Ren"] | [member="Zmej Ren"]

 

[Hansen]

Halle Ren,
Mining Camp, Delta Four.

"That is why I have the order of Ren, to guide me in my pursuit of our enemies, good Admiral." Halle begrudgingly accepts Carlyle's wisdom, not because she finds it contestable but because it comes from the Admiral. Halle's sulfuric yellow eyes meet the gaze of the miners brave enough to cast glances at the group of dignitaries, searching for signs of sedition or treachery. Halle's gaze finally finds itself falling upon the Warehouse in a deep recess cut into the Earth. "Impressive.....Most Impressive." Halle's gaze shifts over towards Carlyle with a subtle smirk. "I trust the security bureau have assets onsite then?" Halle presses the question to the admiral, searching for an answer. Halle's right-hand idly fondles at Anariel clipped to belt with a carabiner while left hand crudely stuffs mealbread angry between her straight and pearl white teeth. Carlyle might find her overly keen eating of the mealbread a microcosm of her character; A hungry predator obnoxiously gnawing on prey. Halle couldn't help but wonder with simmering eyes on the Kyber Factory what manner of power could be exerted by such a sheer concentration of the crystals. One needed look no further than the Death Star for an answer.

[member="Carlyle Rausgeber"]

 

[RIP Carlyle Rausgeber]

"You are correct." Carlyle said, he was somewhat amused, but also wary that the Ren seemingly backed down. He found it difficult to read them, and for that, he felt constantly on his toes. Particularly with Halle. Nonetheless, Carlyle decided that rapproachment of the Ren would probably be the best course of action, "We have two platoons of FOSB, special forces stationed down there, along with a full military work force, able to switch from the labours of the factory to combat within an instant." Carlyle added, casting a small smile at the group, he turned and continued on his way, there was still some way to walk.

"The kyber crystals we have here, were purchased from, funnily enough by the Galactic Alliance." Carlyle said with a small grin, it had been a coups of ingenuity on the part of the FOSB. "Through several dummy fronts and companies, we had a small group of smugglers front up the credits for mining permits on Lothal." Carlyle said, "When time came to deliver, the agents involved, met with the smugglers on Ryloth." Carlyle's smile then took a more twisted turn, "However, our successful partnership ended there." he turned and gave Halle a menacing look, "No loose ends." He added, a smirk forming on his thin lips, "Should the Alliance, and their opulent bureaucrats decide to investigate, they'll find a money trail leading to Kamino and our degenerate cousins in the Remnant."

[member="Halle Ren"]

 

[Hansen]

Agent Totallex
Mining Camp.

Jaina shoulders some antique DC-15A Blaster Rifle standing behind the group of dignitaries amidst the miner who occasionally crosses the court. Invisible to the naked eye; her own spheres scan through the crowds of workers and hawkishly wait for the slightest evidence of treachery or suspicious motive. Jaina's neck rolls around and cracks quietly within the confines of black helmet. Holographic visor featuring a motion tracker that she closely studies; Nothing out of the ordinary there. Jaina's visor mode switches to Thermal and her gaze pierces through the walls of surrounding buildings. Nothing, nothing but the boring monotony of mining administration and distant whine of powered tools. Jaina finds these sounds irritating even protected from the hazardous air pressure such tools created. Jaina keys the commlink with Carlyle Rausgeber after receiving a report from one of her team providing overwatch for these dignataries. "Admiral Rausgeber, this is Crimson One. Splinter Team One is prepared to provide security for a factory visit on your go-ahead. I'll accompany you on the Gondola, over." Jaina's head whips around searches for weapons amongst the many hands of employee; Military and Civil alike. None are above suspicion for the cold scion of Ventor.

[member="Carlyle Rausgeber"]

 

[RIP Carlyle Rausgeber]

"So, any investigation would be fruitless, and hopefully would lead to some sort of," Carlyles commlink buzzed, and the admiral reached down and retrieved it, he listened to the FOSB agents words. He had worked closely with her for quite some time, ensuring security at the kyber refinery and the mining camp was adequate. Although it was much above her, the officer provided Carlyle with constant updates as to the security and progress of her collegues. Through their brief, albeit effective encounters, the naval commander saw her as more of an adjuctant rather than a guard. The admiral nodded, "Understood, appreciated."

Carlyle turned back to his guests, "Apologies if I have at all bothered you, I had to receive a security update from our FOSB benefactors." Carlyle said, "Security, must always be tight, like a Twi'lek dancers stockings." Carlyle added with an amused smile, "But nonetheless, let us press forward." Carlyle said, continuing down the path. They were nearing closer to the refinery, and its size soon came into view. The building was several stories high, with smokestacks that easily doubled the buildings height. Turrets, and heavy blaster emplacements stuck out of the walls, like pin in paper. The building itself was made of primarily duracrete, but with durasteel supports and beams. Outside, FOSB troopers, armed and attired in the black stealth armour, marched up and down, patrolling.

[member="Jaina Ventor"] | [member="Halle Ren"]