Private Reaffirming Allegiances

[Marlon Sularen]

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S H A D O W _ H A N D _ I N I T I A T I V E

FINAL DAWN
CARIDA

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Kenth Berik. Leader of the Famed Pro-Imperialist Private Military Company known as the Adjudicators and once considered as one of Sularen's Main Allies along with Grand Moff Vel'alari. Sularen had recruited him as part of his Shadow Triumvirate , a failed attempt at creating an organization to challenge the Galactic Alliance and in the wake of the Byss Crisis and Sularen joining the Maw , Sularen's Shadow Association was essentially dissolved with most of Sularen's supposed allies having turned their backs on him most notably Heath Valhoun and Vel'alari herself. However Kenth Berik had remained undecided. From what the Grand Overseer knew , the Imperial Mercenary had split loyalties and could easily be manipulated into siding with Grand Moff Vel'alari or worse Moff Haskler and his New Imperial Cronies. But Sularen would not tolerate that. Kenth Berik was his oldest ally after the betrayal of the Zweihander Union and the Grand Overseer intended to ensure that he remained on his side.

Thus , Sularen had invited the Imperial Mercenary to met him at his homeworld of Carida in a half-abandoned Core Imperial Outpost which was slowly being occupied and renovated by the Final Dawn as a potential base for Sularen's Minutemen , an Underground Milita which the Grand Overseer had begun to slowly build-up throughout the Core on Worlds with significant amounts of Imperialist Sympathizers such as Carida , Epoch and Prakith which were slowly falling under the influence of the Final Dawn. Here Sularen would ensure that Berik would remained aligned with him , and if possible , recruit him into his growing Hand of Judgement which he and his Adjudicators would fit in perfectly given Berik's previous experience as a ISB Agent from his days in the Core Imperial Confederation. With Berik's help , Sularen could even recruit more ex-CIC Officers and create and further expand his Shadow Hand Initiative. However all of that depended on this one meeting , and the Grand Overseer was determined to ensure that Berik would remain on his side.

Thus , Sularen remained seated in a refurbished meeting room waiting for the arrival of the Imperial Mercenary. Hopefully , he could be convinced to stay on his side as his support was critical to Sularen's future plans especially regarding Moff Haskler and his ambitions regarding the Core Worlds. What happened here would have a big impact on Sularen's Plans and it was imperative that everything proceeds just as Sularen had planned , otherwise it could be a huge step back to the Grand Overseer's Plans regarding the Core Worlds.

Tag | Kenth Berik ​

 

[Kenth Berik]

Location: Carida
Objective: Meet with Sularen
Tags: Marlon Sularen

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Kenth felt cold. He didn't know why but the sight of his homeworld didn't fill him with the same vigour it once did, instead he felt uneasy as he was escorted through the abandoned facility. Perhaps the Allaince takeover? No it was something else, something he couldn't put his finger on. Despite this he hid it, never breaking the steely expression of a veteran imperial officer. He distracted himself by thinking to what reason he had been summoned to his homeworld. The last face to face meeting he had resulted in his revelation of the Final Dawn so Kenth knew from the outset that this would be more than a simple assignment.

As they approached the meeting room Kenth halted in his foot steps, catching the eye of one of the crimson coloured storm troopers that escorted him. "The Grand Overseer is waiting for you inside sir." he said but Kenth paid no attention. In an almost routine and methodical fashion he first, pulled up his cavalry boots, straightened his uniform, adjusted his rank plaque and finished it off by centering his officer cap. Regardless in any situation, looking your best was half of the battle.

Kenth proceeded to walk into the room, leaving the two crimson troopers outside before either could comment on his uniform. As he walked he gave Sularen a quick salute before coming to a stop. "Grand Overseer." he said in monotone voice. "Not the norm for us to meet in person sir." he continued. Despite sensing something else was on today's agenda he continued with a line he said to most regular clients. "What proxy war or deniable military action do you need the Adjudicators for today?"

 

[Marlon Sularen]

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S H A D O W _ H A N D _ I N I T I A T I V E

FINAL DAWN
CARIDA

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After a few minutes of waiting , Kenth Berik finally arrived at the Outpost entering the room and giving a quick salute to the Grand Overseer before speaking.

Grand Overseer. Not the norm for us to meet in person sir. What proxy war or deniable military action do you need the Adjudicators for today?

The Grand Overseer smiled and motioned the Mercenary to sit down. "Please , take a seat Captain. We have alot to discuss." The Grand Overseer then paused for a few seconds before resuming. "To answer your question Captain , there is indeed an assignment i have for you , but first i wish to discuss about the current state of our relationship especially in the wake of my Exile from the Core Worlds , Vel'alari cutting ties with the Association and essentially most of our supporters backing out most notably Heath Valhoun and the Elysium Empire. In the wake of these unfortunate events , you and your Adjudicators are some of the few groups that have remained somewhat supportive of my cause after the events of Byss and i wish to keep it that way. But first i wish to re-evaluate our relationship to ensure that we can remain on the same page here before discussing about any missions or assignments."

The Grand Overseer then paused again , reflecting a bit on his past mistakes. Despite all his efforts to secure power in the Core Worlds , the Alliance had eventually turned on him , stripping him of nearly everything he worked hard to build up , depriving him of his Throneworld , most of his Corporate Assets in the Core and he was powerless to change what had happened , the Alliance was too powerful to confront and in the wake of him joining the Maw he lost what support he had left from his allies especially Vel'alari and Heath Valhoun who backed out from the Sularen Association when Sularen revealed his ties to the Brotherhood of the Maw , in which both Vel'alari and Valhoun had been highly opposed to. Just like the Directorate before , Sularen's own allies had abandoned him , all except Kenth Berik and his Adjudicators. However with Intelligence Reports regarding previous contact between Kenth Berik and Julius Haskler whom the Politorate had identified as a potential threat to the Plans of the Grand Overseer to the Core Worlds , the Grand Overseer feared that Kenth Berik would soon follow in the footsteps of Valhoun and Vel'alari although this time , he would ensure his allies remained on his side for good.

Then the Grand Overseer continued speaking. "In recent times , i've been made aware of a meeting between you and a New Imperial Diplomat known as Julius Haskler , the leader of a New Imperial-aligned group known as House Haskler and i wish to know the full details of that meeting. While i know you might want to keep the details of that meeting confidential , these are troubling times and i simply wish to know if the Adjudicators are still willing to support my cause and that of the Final Dawn that being the establishment of a Pure Neo-Imperialist Government in the Core Worlds and the complete destruction of the Galactic Alliance. However this will bring me into a potential conflict with Haskler and the New Imperials , especially since the New Imperials have grown more hostile towards the Maw in the wake of Talvar's assassination which could be a problem for your Adjudicators especially if you made some sort of deal with Haskler already as it might force you to side with either me or Haskler and betray one of us in the process which is something i wish to avoid."

Tag | Kenth Berik ​

 

[Kenth Berik]

Location: Carida
Objective: Meet with Sularen
Tags: Marlon Sularen

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At the grand overseer's motion Kenth took a seat. Breaking his calm demeanor he winced, still fealing the wounds from the station in Csilla's ruins. Most of the scars were hidden under his uniform save for the left of his face where a bandage sat from the bottom of his jaw up to a 2 centimeters below his eye. Things could have been worse though, as he could've easily ended up dead like many of his men. Sularen began talking once he was sat firmly in his seat.

Hearing the names of Vel'alari and Heath Valhoun nearly made him chuckle. Memories when they were just a few scheming Imperial officers with little influence or power, they had all certainly had risen, albeit now for differing factions. Vel'alari's defection was more than expected, and Kenth had at a time pondered joining her, the destruction of Csilla was something else entirely. The Chiss had always been friendly to the Imperials and so when this Final Dawn struck Kenth knew this was a different, purer bread of Imperial, it both worried him and intrigued him enough to stay on side for now.

Heath Valhoun, Kenth always knew he would defect. His Elysium Empire are to focused on themselves and that was made clear from the start. The association and him were a means to an end for both sides. Of course it made sense Sularen now brought Kenth's own loyalty into question, betrayal breeds mistrust. What shocked Kenth the most was when he brought up Julius Haskler, the New Imperial diplomat that he had some dealings in. He had hired Kenth to kill some Anaxsi leaders yet the task still hadn't been complete, Anaxes was too fortified. Kenth was surprised Sularen knew of the dealings yet at the same time he almost expected it. Sularen was a man with eyes and ears everywhere, his Politorate were everywhere in the association.

"Mr. Haskler was simply interested in acquiring my services for his own gains, as many individuals have. As a mercenary I was bound to meet the man regardless of hostilities." he said plainly. "I met your admiral Sevenar while I was in the employ of the Zweihander Union after all, back when they were your major threat." he continued, reminiscing the early days. Kenth of course left out the diplomats offer on joining him in New Imperial space. It was always good to have a route out in Kenth's line of business and he had many options. "You bringing me here is a sign. You need loyalty now more than ever, which means something big is coming up, isn't it?" he said answering sularens question with one of his own, Kenth knew Sularen would likely not tell him, he was as of now a loose link but anything to buy a bit of time to see where Sularen stands in the Final dawn.

Kenth couldn't help but feel cold. Was it something on the scale of Csilla? Korriban? Or was it Sularen's own plot for or against his superiors, Kenth couldn't tell as Sularen hid it well, expected of an Imperial office of his stature..

 

[Marlon Sularen]

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S H A D O W _ H A N D _ I N I T I A T I V E

FINAL DAWN
CARIDA

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Mr. Haskler was simply interested in acquiring my services for his own gains, as many individuals have. As a mercenary I was bound to meet the man regardless of hostilities. I met your admiral Sevenar while I was in the employ of the Zweihander Union after all, back when they were your major threat."

Sularen was unsatisfied with Kenth Berik's response although he did his best to hide his dissatisfaction with his Statement. While Berik was a Mercenary and technically could still accept contracts with other parties without intervention from the Final Dawn as he was only affiliated to them through Sularen , he was still an ally of the Final Dawn and a valuable asset to potential operations in the future. Should individuals like Julius Haskler convince or manipulate Berik in turning against the Final Dawn , depriving Sularen from an important asset critical in strengthening the Hand of Judgement and advancing the goals of the Grand Overseer. While Sularen could only guess what Haskler sought to gain , he knew that what the Exiled Anasxi sought somewhat contradict his own plans , one way or another whether it be Sularen's Short or Long Time plot.

In addition , the mention of the Zweihander Union reminded Sularen of how Berik had joined him in the first time. The Caridian Mercenary had sided with Sularen and his associates over a Government that had already made deals with Berik , something Sularen feared would happen to him if he wasn't careful enough. Fortunately , Sularen had some contingencies to deal with a hypothetical betrayal of Berik although the idea of Berik betraying Sularen still worried him although what the Mercenary said next somewhat reassured him Sularen...for now. Perhaps there was still a way to keep Kenth Berik away from the influence of people like Julius Haskler and Vel'alari and a way to keep him aligned with the FInal Dawn , aligned with him.

"You bringing me here is a sign. You need loyalty now more than ever, which means something big is coming up, isn't it?"

"Yes indeed. In a few days , the Brotherhood of the Maw will launch a major incursion in the Core Worlds with me spearheading the Naval Assault through the Maw Irregular Fleet. Sooner or later we will invade the Core Worlds proper and this is where i seek your help. In recent times i have begun to assemble a new Clandestine Elite Paramilitary Force known as the Hand of Judgement which will be utilized to combat the enemies of the Final Dawn where our Main Armies can't. Already the Politorate has designated many possible recruits which will make perfect soldiers for the Hand of Judgement , but we are still in need of a candidate that can lead the Organization , someone trustworthy , loyal to the ideals of the Final Dawn , highly efficient and capable of doing whatever is necessary to get the job done and you Kenth Berik , are one of the very few individuals that can reach that criteria."

Tag | Kenth Berik ​

 

[Kenth Berik]

Location: Carida
Objective: Meet with Sularen
Tags: Marlon Sularen

​

As Sularen spoke Kenth allowed himself to lean back on his chair, absorbing every word that came out of Sularen's mouth, the mans words both troubling and intriguing him. The core was going be besieged and deep down Kenth always knew that would be the plan, the status quo broken, a new order rising from the ashes. These would be turbulent times for a mercenary, shareholders would cut ties, alliances broken, sides to choose. It was never easy. That's when Sularen mentioned the Hand of Judgement, a name which caused Kenth to raise his eyebrow.

Kenth had remained loyal to Sularen and to him it was a blur between the credits he provided and the fact he had worked for the man for a long time. But when Kenth heard what he was asked, nay, offered to hold great power in the organization he was troubled. Maybe the young and eager officer he was when he started out would beg for this opportunity yet now he was conflicted.

The concept of an Imperial core had drifted away in his mind and Kenth himself had clung to the remnants of his past. Even as the opportunity showed itself to him he was distrustful. In truth he was tired. He yearned for the peace and stability of Imperialism but the continuous wars, the death of his men, the crimes he committed. It weighed heavier than ever on him.

"You give an interesting proposition sir." he said plainly. "I'm guessing such a role would warrant a change to my retirement plan" he said with a chuckle, a pathetic attempt at a joke but it shed some truth to it. These days Kenth dreamt of settling down somewhere nice, picking up a job as an instructor at a naval academy. Regardless, the position was a great opportunity, to rise above the others around him and perhaps be rewarded for his long service. He would of course be shaking off his position as a mercenary.

Kenth would gage his answer on the next answer he would ask Sularen."It is an honour to be considered for such a position yet there is one thing I must ask. Do you really trust the Final Dawn? The Sith?" he said eager for a response. "They are deceitful and only caring about themselves. They destroyed Csilla, what's stopping them from targeting Byss, or Carida?" he rambled on. He keenly remembered his duel with Dakrul, and the evil nature of the dark side.

 

[Marlon Sularen]

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S H A D O W _ H A N D _ I N I T I A T I V E

FINAL DAWN
CARIDA

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'It is an honour to be considered for such a position yet there is one thing I must ask. Do you really trust the Final Dawn? The Sith?They are deceitful and only caring about themselves. They destroyed Csilla, what's stopping them from targeting Byss, or Carida?"

Sularen raised an eyebrow as Kenth Berik asked him about whether he trusted the Final Dawn and the Sith. When Sularen first encountered Solipsis in the Unknown Regions when trying to find out what Derix Tirall was doing there , he was promised many things , Revenge against his enemies , things that had been denied from him not to mention that Solipsis's vision perfectly aligned with Sularen's own vision of the Core. Devastating the Core and providing it with a Clean Slate , killing the past and bringing forth a "Pure" Order throughout the Core although Solipsis's vision was on a Galaxy-wide Scale compared to Sularen who kept his plans restricted to the Core.

However Sularen knew the true Nature of the Sith having witnessed it a few years ago when he had allied with the Confederate Sith Lord , Credius Nargath only for him to betray him and convince many of his own subordinate officers within the Imperial Directorate to abandon Sularen's cause and form the Zweihander Union under Credius. While the Sith were untrustworthy , the Final Dawn wasn't as Sularen had begun to expand his influence within the Final Dawn through his Shadow Hand Initiative , a Deep State Operation in which the Grand Overseer hoped to consolidate more power while further serving the interests of the Final Dawn and the Brotherhood of the Maw. Through his Shadow Hand Initiative , Sularen hoped to be able to prevent a Second betrayal from the Sith and ensure that Solipsis's Promises were fulfilled to avoid a repetition of how Sularen's deal with Cedric Grayson Played out.

Thus Sularen looked at the Caridan Imperial Mercenary and gave his response. "You're right Berik. The Sith are deceitful and manipulative after all they did convince me to join them. I'm aware of the possibility of being betrayed by the Sith once more and this is where the Final Dawn comes in. Through my position as Grand Overseer i've been building a network of assets through the Shadow Hand Initiative , a Clandestine Deep State Organization embedded deep within the Final Dawn itself. It is through the Shadow Hand Initiative that i intend to ensure that the Promises Darth Solipsis made to me are fulfilled one way or another."

"The Hand of Judgement is one of many assets within the Final Dawn that are part of the Shadow Hand Initiative , which will not only be utilized to advance to goals of the Final Dawn in the Core Worlds and the Galaxy at large but also to be utilized as a means of further expanding the Shadow Hand Initiative's reach and act as a possible safeguard against any sort of betrayal from the Maw. I assure you Captain. Through the Shadow Hand Initiative worlds like Byss and Carida along with Loyal Imperialist Worlds will be spared from the Carnage that the Maw will bring forth to the Core Worlds. One way or another."

Tags | Kenth Berik ​

 

[Kenth Berik]

Location: Carida
Objective: Meet with Sularen
Tags: Marlon Sularen

​

Kenth let himself lean back in his chair while Sularen spoke and let out a slight grin as he lamented about loyalty and betrayal. All of his previous schemes and goals had hinged on the loyalty of his peers and each time his peers chose to betray him for one reason or another. Kenth now sat in their position and it felt as if he had a level of power and control over the coming events.

As Sularen's response came to an end Kenth thought to himself briefly, now was the time to decide and whatever decision he chose would change everything. If he were to refuse, his contract with Sularen would promptly end and he would likely become a target, loose ends and all that. If he accepted he would be burning his ties with all of his other allies, Vel'alari, Haskler and for a time his home of Carida.

"The galaxy is changing Grand Overseer." he said calmly. "I've always like my odds as a mercenary, being able to take either side but its clear with the Maw that one must now choose a side." he said before pausing. He winced as he reached over to his shoulder patch which displayed the symbol of the Adjudicators and he ripped it off before sliding it over to Sularen. "You have my allegiance." Kenth finished.

"Of course there will be certain semantics with my men but I'm sure that can all be ironed out at a later time." he said thinking to himself. His men of course remained one of his priorities and if he was to take the leap he wasn't going to leave him behind.