Private Pillars of a New Order

[Marlon Sularen]

P I L L A R S_O F_A_N E W_O R D E R

EMPIRE REBORN
ZAKUUL, UNKNOWN REGIONS

The Imperial Forum of Zakuul had ended inconclusively. The conference aimed at gathering the various Imperial factions and working towards Imperial reunification, had failed to yield any significant results other then highlighting the vast differences between the various Imperials across the galaxy and showing how much of an extensive and arduous task it would be to successfully bring forth a proper Imperial resurgence in the galaxy. To Sularen, the current state of Imperialism reflected what he had seen countless times before, in the Galactic Alliance Senate and even in the Brotherhood of the Maw - There was simply too many different branches of Imperialism.

Everyone had their own vision on what a reunited Empire should be like with their own separate plans and ideas already in place. There was no unity in thought, no singular vision, and that was a fatal flaw that compromised the possibility of an Imperial reunification. If the Empire was to be reunited and endure the many challenges it would face, there needed to be a singular vision beyond achieving mere understandings and compromise. Furthermore, there needed to be a group of dedicated people who were willing to push that vision forwards and see to it that it would be realized. Sularen had been in enough meetings where agendas were set, and plans were drawn but were rarely acted upon. Now those agendas and plans needed to be redrawn but this time with a proper course of action in mind.

Thus, once the main talks of the Forum had ended, Sularen had invited two attendees to meet him in one of the antechambers of the Palace on Zakuul where the Forum was being held. These two individuals were none other then the Imperial theorist Doctor Torgath Warsaw and the Imperial mercenary leader Kroeger. Both men possessed unique insights concerning the future of Imperialism and now Sularen sought to make use of those insights to chart to guide the future of Imperialism into a direction where the reunified Empire would be able to endure and even outlast those who would oppose it.

Once both Doctor Warsaw and Commander Kroeger entered the chamber and took their seats, the Lord-Executor spoke up first after taking his seat. "Doctor. Commander. Thank you for coming here today. There is much to be discussed concerning the future of Imperialism and i'm sure you are both eager to actually make some progress after the latest discussions surrounding Imperial reunification"

Tags | Laurento Sahai | Kroeger ​

 

[Laurento Sahai]

Marlon Sularen Kroeger ​

The Imperial Summit on Zakuul commenced without major incidents, especially when compared to other public gatherings throughout the galaxy. Unlike previous events, there were no mass casualties or physical altercations involving foreign dignitaries over perceived offenses.

However, the summit could not be deemed a success for the Imperial agenda, as the most vocal participants were representatives from the Sith-aligned and Force-aligned factions, whose chance to uphold the legacy of the New Imperial Order was largely impossible for they did not understand the Sith-Imperial schism of yesteryear.

His inquiries, though relatively harmless, piqued the interest of the former Lord Regent of the Dark Empire, Marlon Sularen who extended a formal invitation via an encrypted holonet channel for a meeting with him and another individual Kroeger , an Imperial Mercenary-Commander who at least had the strength to publicly declare that they would not collaborate with the Sith or dark-side aligned individuals.

Warsaw arrived without much fanfare and promptly took his seat at the table. He might have not had armies or fleets at his command but science was the key to any major superpower and he would represent the Tarkin Initiative well in this regard.

"Indeed...Regent Sularen. The Summit was not the finest hour for the Imperial Cause and one hopes that we will be able to bring back serious discussion on the reconstruction of our Empire through logistical planning and core message rather than service to the various force-orders." He expressed with a fatigued expression. Having some semblance of a plan to restore the Empire by prioritizing logistical reorganization and emphasizing scientific progress over the reliance on mystical forces.

​

 

[Kroeger]

THE SPIRE, ZAKUUL
ASCENDANT ORDER
902 ABY

D E M O N
IRON LEGION
'THOSE ONCE LOYAL'
Marlon Sularen | Laurento Sahai

THE FIRE RISES
​

For all the trouble he stirred in the assembly of the Empire's sons, he seemed to have garnered some form of popularity. Hardly anything that was typical of the man in his current standing of the political arena. He was abrasive in nature, a stratocrat by any definition and a hardliner. If he was to more overtly sound his belief, he'd somehow find less and less friends in that room. But even so, he took upon the invitation by a name familiar but not a man he'd ever encountered in the flesh.

Sularen. A fixture in Imperial politics for decades, but hardly one who'd amounted to much of anything. Whilst he'd always seemed to maintain a paultry fleet at his command, his machinations had been, to this point, fruitless in nature.

Warsaw at this point was a name more prominent to Kroeger. Being one of the many industrialist lords of war on the Directory of the Trade Federation. He'd employed his weapons not to the extent of Tambor's, a but a good deal. He entered much the same way he had the assembly, his tanker's jacket strewn over his bodyglove and darkened Archais Brushstroke fatigues, the sleeves of his coat brandishing the insignia of the Iron Legion on his left side and the 1st Armored Assault on his right.

He sat at the table, taking a rather relaxed posture against the back of the chair, rolling his shoulders with the faintest hum of servos from his cybernetics before he ashed the end of his cigarette into the ashtray set near his end of the table.

"Logistical planning and messaging won't solve it alone, Mister Warsaw." He said before he drew from his cigarette.

"You know that as well as anyone, else you wouldn't be in the business you're in." War.

"But I assume, Mister Sularen...you came with a plan of your own. Or at least the faintest idea of one. Though admittedly, I know well about you...for all the wrong reasons. Imperial, yes...but one thrown out of any lot you've tossed in with. You've fought with the old Order, the Sith...what do you even believe? Or is it all just ploys for power. If so, I can't say I'm hardly interested in the conversation. Using our shared Imperial identity for little more than power grasping makes you a Sith in all but the brooding aura, black armor and red saber." He said, cigarette meeting his lips once more before he motioned a hand for the man to speak.

"But I digress..."

 

[Marlon Sularen]

P I L L A R S_O F_A_N E W_O R D E R

EMPIRE REBORN
ZAKUUL, UNKNOWN REGIONS

Sularen clasped his hands forwards as both Doctor Warsaw and Commander Kroeger offered their thoughts on Sularen's invitation, with Warsaw being receptive to the idea of formalizing a proper plan for the reconstruction of the Empire while Kroeger cited Sularen's past record and questioned his beliefs. Once more both men had brought up valid points, another reason for why Sularen sought to enlist their aid. Warsaw possessed valuable insight that would come in handy when it came towards building up the proper foundations for the new Empire, while Kroeger was perceptive enough to see through the lies of those who claimed to follow the Imperial ideology despite not adhering to Imperial beliefs.

"I believe in reason and order above all else." Sularen responded, addressing Kroeger's question about his beliefs. "Yes that might sound like a joke given my past service to the Brotherhood of the Maw and the Dark Empire. But i always seen the Sith as a means to an end, a tool to be wielded against the Jedi and then discarded whenever they had no purpose. People have told me that the Sith would not tolerate it and betray me first, but history has taught us that they can be defeated, rather easily as proven by Solipsis's New Sith Order's failures and the successful Kyber Dark Operation during the Third Imperial Civil War." he continued.

"However you are also correct in assuming that i desire power, only because that power would grant me the authority to act on my beliefs, in bringing reason and order to places poisoned by the corruption of irrational and chaotic forces such as the Galactic Alliance or the Diarchy. Without power and authority, how can we even advance the Imperial cause or even triumph against those who seek to undermine us?" Sularen added. It was vital that Kroeger knew exactly where he stood on the matter of beliefs and power, so that there could be a proper understanding between them which could hopefully facilitate further dialogue between both individuals.

"Setting aside this talk of beliefs and power, first i would like to ask both of you men a simple question before i can dive deeper into my concepts and plans for Imperialism. What do you envision for the reunified Empire?"

Tags | Laurento Sahai | Kroeger ​

 

[Laurento Sahai]

Marlon Sularen Kroeger ​

Torgath leaned back in his chair, his index fingers tapping thoughtfully against each other as the commander began to voice his own thoughts on the matter. His expression remained unreadable for now but it did not convey disinterest in the message that an empire required foresight and military industrial strength over mere logistical concerns.

The three men at the table were fundamentally different, the mercenary Kroeger was direct, acting more than he spoke rhetorically, while Marlon Sularen 's response though composed carrier a hint of knowledge that had been adapted over his long career from empire to empire on the galactic map.

Torgath had to admire the man's dedication to the imperial cause, even though his career in the various imperial militaries was not particularly outstanding. "I do not disagree with any of your assessments," he said simply, his gaze shifting back and forth between the two men before he spoke up again.

"Both of you have made your positions clear at this meeting table and at the summit. Commander Kroeger, you desire integrity and clarity in action. Lord Regent, you desire order as well as the means to enforce it. That seems fair, I suppose. I aspire to construct an empire does not collapse under its own idealism and the sense of superiority over others, but acknowledges that there will be problems and embraces them." He leaned slightly forward, fingers folded.

The New Imperial Order had plenty of problems with rebellions popping up, the Moff Council having its power plays and the Imperial Knights being the the rogue element of the state whose power and influence over the ordinary officers made the system ungovernable without an Iron Emperor to command it all.

"As for what I do I envision? A technocratic empire. Regional Governorships appointed based on actual results and efficiency. An Imperial Navy not designed for conquest but for deterrence until the Empire can actually be established properly with all the actual economic foundation under it." He casted a simple glance over to the Lord Regent before continuing.

"Political power delegated through verifiable merit, not bloodlines like the Fels or force ability and a leader who can breach the difference between all personal ideologies to form a collective union with Imperial Characteristics. A political committee if you will of the brightest minds within our hypothetical empire, though important decisions that need a rapid response such as declaring war against another power will rest solely within the hands of the Executive be they Emperor, Supreme Warlord, Technocrat, Despot..." He explained with a few hand gestures to get the point across.

​

 

[Kroeger]

THE SPIRE, ZAKUUL
ASCENDANT ORDER
902 ABY

D E M O N
IRON LEGION
'THOSE ONCE LOYAL'
Marlon Sularen | Laurento Sahai

THE FIRE RISES
​

He was still, nursing his cigarette as the other two spoke, sat lazily in his seat with a lofted brow perched above his burning red cybernetic photoceptor embedded into his now metallic orbital, all of which buried beneath the tightly woven bandages that conformed to his face. "One of you is more concerned with the means and another with the end. In truth, Empire is what? The means of peace and stability within the Galaxy. None of that can exist whilst the warring creeds of light and dark still act as a pervasive presence within the Galaxy. So I ask then if it is the intent to rip asunder this crumbling Galactic Order...or is it to carve what little can be sought amongst the stars to cultivate this 'dream' of Empire." He asked, he pressed the cigarette between his lips again with an idle puff of the stimulant herbs.

"The former would require a long, painful and violent length of time by which the state is over extended...and no doubt compromises would have to be made which would ware at the foundations, much like the old Order." An irony that he'd given its moniker to the New Imperial Order. "But the latter would be...an isolated enclave at best, still likely reviled by much of the Galaxy. A more idealistic image, sure...but an easy foe. Regardless, a substantial amount of resources is required to cultivate any of it. Resources the three of us pooled together can come close to mustering." He explained.

 

[Marlon Sularen]

P I L L A R S_O F_ A_N E W_O R D E R

EMPIRE REBORN
ZAKUUL, UNKNOWN REGIONS

It was interesting to get more insight from Warsaw and Kroeger about what they envisioned for the future of the Empire. Nevertheless Sularen was getting closer towards his true objective especially as Kroeger spoke about the three of them bringing their resources together to cultivate either of the two paths for the reunified Empire that he had previously outlined. Now he just needed to pitch them his plan for how that vision could be cultivated. "The Imperial Confederation has the potential to emerge as not only the next dominant Imperial power but as the proper successor to the New Imperial Order." he began.

"However given the nature of it's formation and it's current structure, the Confederation requires some guidance. A hidden hand to steer it into the right path, that will ensure that the Confederation can reach it's true potential and succeed where both the Dark Empire and the Empire of the Lost both failed. It is the best opportunity we have at the moment to bring forth a proper Imperial resurgence across the galaxy and dismantle the current galactic order that has been long dominated by the New Jedi Order and the Sith Order for over two decades now." He explained as he leaned forwards in his chair.

"With our collective resources we can serve as that hidden hand, along with other individuals who might share our unique views about the future of Imperialism in the galaxy." He added. Sularen had made his pitch and now all he needed was to hopefully get both Warsaw and Kroeger onboard with his concept or at least receptive enough to it.

Tags | Laurento Sahai | Kroeger ​

 

[Laurento Sahai]

Marlon Sularen Kroeger ​

Warsaw recognized that his concept of a technocratic empire would not gain widespread acceptance among the more skeptical and power-driven factions of the Imperial Cause, as much of the essence of Imperialism is rooted in strength derived from order. However, a breakdown of order inevitably occurs when personal ideologies distort its meaning, allowing individuals to amass resources and create isolated warlord territories.

He was content to listen to other's viewpoints and merely watched as Kroeger responded with a brutal simplicity of a man who'd long since grown weary of theatrics and theoreticals, having laid bare the price of action and the steeper cost of inaction.

"A centralized influence. Directed guidance. A coalition of strategic minds to shape the Confederation from within without declaring ourselves its masters. That's the essence of what you're proposing, isn't it?" He allowed the question to hang in the air, but didn't wait for a confirmation from Marlon Sularen .

"There's precedent. The Jedi did it. So did the Sith. So do the megacorporation's even now, in half the galaxy's economic corridors."

Another pause. Another tap of his finger.

"But if we're to model ourselves on such methods," he continued, "then we must ask the necessary questions. What happens when the hidden hand disagrees with itself? When our aims begin to diverge when the Confederation becomes a major power? Who arbitrates between vision and necessity, between ideology and outcome?"

​

 

[Kroeger]

THE SPIRE, ZAKUUL
ASCENDANT ORDER
902 ABY

D E M O N
IRON LEGION
'THOSE ONCE LOYAL'
Marlon Sularen | Laurento Sahai

THE FIRE RISES
​

He couldn't help but scoff to Sularen's remark, a slow sway of his head in disapproval. "To compare this 'Confederation' to the New Order is delusional best...outright disrespectful at worst. The fact they refer to themselves as such indicates little confidence in the system. I know not even spearheads this faction...but I am a stranger in Galactic affairs, sadly. Do any of who have repour with their leadership?" He inquired, lofting a brow before he took in a long draw of his cigarette.

"The way of the shadow hand is a largely Sith tactic. Going back millenia to the schemes of Hego Damask and Sheev Palpatine in founding the first Galactic Empire...but one must not shirk the tactics of the enemy in their effectiveness. My Iron Legion can not wage war beyond putting down pity revolts and fighting border skirmishes. It is parasitic and deceitful in nature...but certainly bears its fruit if executed correctly. However, as Sularen is more than aware, its failure in action is devestating." He explained.

"But what then would this 'shadow hand' you seek to play even aim to enect and sway on the Confederation?" He asked.

 

[Marlon Sularen]

P I L L A R S_O F_ A_N E W_O R D E R

EMPIRE REBORN
ZAKUUL, UNKNOWN REGIONS

Both Warsaw and Kroeger brought up valid points when it came to Sularen's plans to act as a "hidden hand" for the Imperial Confederation, outlining the potential flaws that would come with implementing such a strategy to ensure the Confederation's success. It was of-course not surprising that they would seek to test the very concept of Sularen's plan to see if it was viable in the first place, but at least they were interested in it and were willing to entertain it instead of simply shooting his idea down.

Thus, Sularen first turned to Warsaw to address his concerns about potential ideological divide. "Disagreements within the hidden hand will be inevitable, that is for sure." he began. "However that does not mean it will be ineffective or useless. Rather, when the hidden hand disagrees itself it is a sign of evolution. This isn't about blind unity, it's about strength through purpose. When we diverge and disagree we simply find which ideas can win and have those ideas define the course of our future actions until they are no longer effective in which the process starts over again." he explained. "All that matters is the results, how they will reshape the Confederation into a true resurgent Empire and ensure it's survival in the long-term."

Then Sularen moved to address Kroeger's objections. "You are right, Kroeger. The Imperial Confederation is nothing like the New Imperial Order. But it has the potential of becoming something greater. All that it requires is a guiding hand that can properly mold the Confederation into a proper resurgent Empire in all it's glory and efficiency." he began. "As for what i intend to enact and saw on the Confederation. I think I've already made myself clear on that point. I intend to reshape the Confederation into a true and proper resurgent Empire that can successfully dismantle the current Galactic Order that has been long dominated by the Sith and Jedi in order to bring true peace and stability to the galaxy."

"However, the most important question that must be addressed is how we can accomplish such a monumental objective?After all it is easy to draw up a plan or devise a scheme, but the execution of such plan or scheme must be flawless or flexible in order to ensure it's success no matter what obstacle will present itself to undermine it."

Tags | Laurento Sahai | Kroeger ​

 

[Laurento Sahai]

Marlon Sularen Kroeger ​

Warsaw could see that the three of them shared vastly different views on the matter at hand, which was exactly his previous point in that the Hidden Hand would disagree with each other and potentially expose their schemes for increased power within the Confederation. He did not want to repeat himself so remained silent as Marlon Sularen finished speaking.

One might expect he would speak up soon after words in response to the former Lord-Regents questions though he did not in order to allow both himself the Commander time to think and reassess their conversation moving forward.

"Divergence of thought does not necessitate disorder. It can, as you say, yield evolution. But evolution is not inherently progress. It is just change neither good nor bad until qualified by outcome and that outcome is our ability to overcome said disagreements for the benefit of the entire Empire." His eyes followed the contours of the holographic map before them before settling on the Lord-Regent once more to get the point across.

"I support your ambition to shape the Confederation. Subtlety has always been the Empire's sharpest edge. But the architecture we build must outlast its architects. And therefore our plan must be modular, efficient and resistant to sudden changes which can only be accomplished by subsuming the Confederation's industry and military projection into our control. Total Reliance" Warsaw explained with a small movement of his index fingers on the table.

Knowing that if the three of them could imbed themselves into the power structure of the Confederation then it would be quite easy to dismantle the previous powers and construct a new empire using the shell of the framework left behind.

​

 

[Kroeger]

THE SPIRE, ZAKUUL
ASCENDANT ORDER
902 ABY

D E M O N
IRON LEGION
'THOSE ONCE LOYAL'
Marlon Sularen | Laurento Sahai

THE FIRE RISES
​

He nodded, leaning back into his seat as he crossed his arms over his chest. "A plan doesn't have to be flawless...it has to be executed with conviction." He said in reply to the pair. "Student of war you claim to be, you should know well of that. There can only be so many variables seen to in the planning phase that take no account of ulterior interests, subterfuge, intervention..." He explained.

"What you need is the desired end state and the right people positioned in the right places. No plan has to be perfected to the exact detail, it is better to paint in broad strokes and compartmentalize as best as one can manage." He explained. He seemingly had experience in this sort of conspiracy before.

"But this goes no where if there is no unified image and vision for what is the end state. Who is that reigns of command, who governs the worlds, to what extent does military command play roles in government and to what extent planetary representation has sway over the direct leadership. As well, its tolerance of the sycophantic force cults. The Imperial Confederation is built upon weak morals and principles, the foundational skeleton of false heirs. They will work with Jedi and Sith openly to suite their means, of that I can guarantee. These people are hollow of ideological conviction. To them, the uniforms and flags are identity and nothing else. But if we do not see agreement in what the Imperial is...then this talk is pointless." Kroeger iterated."

 

[Marlon Sularen]

P I L L A R S_O F_ A_N E W_O R D E R

EMPIRE REBORN
ZAKUUL, UNKNOWN REGIONS

Already, Doctor Warsaw was ready to throw his full support behind Sularen's project within the Imperial Confederation, adding the vital fact that the foundation that the Imperial trio would build within the Confederation would have to outlast their creators which would have to start by establishing absolute control over the Confederation's military-industrial complex, a process which Sularen had already begun through his position as the Supreme Commander of the Confederation's Armed Forces.

Kroeger further added on to Warsaw's statement by also emphasizing the importance of having a unified image and vision for the end goal of this project along with having a proper understanding of what it truly meant to be an Imperial. There were more valid criticisms about the Imperial Confederation, although those criticisms were exactly why Sularen was here with Kroeger and Warsaw : to address these flaws within the Confederation and transform the Confederation itself into a proper Imperial regime.

"My position as the Supreme Commander of the Confederation's Armed Forces already places us in a perfect position to bring their Military under our control. We will just need to place individuals who can be counted upon into key positions in order to properly shape the Confederation's Armed Forces to our designs. As for it's Industry, there are a variety of Imperial-aligned Corporations that will be more then willing to join our project. Their loyalty is to the Empire first and profits second, and as long as our project can guarantee the long-term survival of the Empire and it's proper resurgence as a dominant force in the galaxy, they will all join the fold without question." Sularen said responding to Warsaw's statements.

Then came the time to address Kroeger who so far had challenged many aspects of Sularen's projects, a challenge he welcomed as it served as an early test to prove whether his plans could truly work in the long term. "Then let's address that issue immediately." He responded simply, addressing Kroeger statement concerning the importance of having an agreement amongst the three men about what the Imperial identity they would shape would look like. "What does it mean to be an Imperial?"

Tags | Laurento Sahai | Kroeger ​

 

[Laurento Sahai]

Marlon Sularen Kroeger ​

Warsaw's gaze remained fixed on the illuminated outlines of the map before him, as Commander Kroeger 's voice resonated throughout the chamber. He was undoubtedly the most seasoned among them regarding actual physical combat and troop deployment, possessing a deep understanding of the New Imperial Order during its reign as the preeminent power in the galaxy.

His eyes subtly shifted towards Marlon Sularen , whose hands were perfectly clasped in front of him, and they twitched slightly at the inquiry, "What does it mean to be an Imperial?" This was a profound question, both fundamental and essential for the preservation of this empire.

He finally broke his silence, his voice calm but piercing with clinical precision.

"An Imperial can mean many things, Supreme Commander Sularen. It all depends on if said Imperial follows the ideology of the New Order or one of the Warlord States that have existed from time to time even within the New Imperial Order. Though if you want a straightforward answer then they are the stewards of order within a chaotic galaxy, the architects of a singular vision not beholden to any currents of populism or spiritualism that often plagues the galaxy and leads to so many wars."

He leaned forward now, the faint hum of the holographic projector casting pale blue across his features, sharpening the intellect behind his eyes.

"I believe an Imperial should focus on efficiency more than dogma. Though more to the Point, Commander Sularen. Who are the major powers within the Confederation that could disrupt our agenda moving forward. It is essential to build a database on them before we can act on anything."

Warsaw sat back again, folding his hands once more.

​