Private Rekindling Old Connections

[Marlon Sularen]

R E K I N D L I N G_O L D_C O N N E C T I O N S

IMPERIAL CONFEDERATION
CHOLGANNA, OUTER RIM TERRITORIES

​

The galactic balance of power was shifting once more. For over twenty years, the galaxy had been dominated by the Galactic Alliance and the Sith Order following the simultaneous collapse of over half-a dozen galactic governments but now the emergence of new galactic powers had changed the game. Already multiple conflicts had erupted as the galaxy would shift from a bipolar to a multipolar system, a true clash of civilizations as newer governments sought to assert themselves while the Old Guard found themselves on the defense. Among the newer galactic governments that had emerged to challenge the galactic status-quo was the Imperial Confederation, formed from the remnants of the Dark Empire, the Empire of the Lost and other isolated Imperial Remnant groups such as the Risen Empire and the Mahporeem Imperial Remnant.

Naturally with the shifting nature of galactic politics, the Imperial Confederation had to face it's fair share of rivals and enemies such the rival Imperial government known as the Galactic Empire, led by Darth Solipsis making major gains in the Core Worlds and the Deep Core along with the now belligerent Sith Order, whom it had provoked with their invasion of the Thandon Star Cluster. For the Confederation, unless the Sith's presence close to Imperial territory was eradicated along with Solipsis's cult of Imperials, the Imperial Confederation could never truly cement itself as the galaxy's next dominant superpower.

Thus seeking to further strengthen and elevate the Imperial Confederation in the midst of this galactic powershift, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Marlon Sularen would quickly move forth to make use of some of his old connections starting by seeking out two individuals, Box Mattox and Anguis Dux, the former being the head of a Mercenary Company while the latter operated his own Paramilitary Force that had been sponsored by the Dark Empire. With their aid along with others Sularen hoped to reconnect with and recruit, the Imperial Confederation would be able to extend it's power projection abilities across the galaxy advancing it's cause and ensuring that it could face more success in it's future endeavors.

Having already invited both Mattox and Dux to the Imperial Center of Military Operations on Cholganna, the Supreme Commander now had to simply wait in his office, carefully reviewing reports given to him by the Imperial Security Service about ongoing developments across the galaxy that could be of great interest for the Imperial Confederation, on his datapad. In time both Mattox and Dux would soon join him and their conversation today would play a key role in the future of the Imperial Confederation and it's growth and hopefully do so in a positive manner for the Confederation.

Tags | Anguis Dux | Box Mattox ​

 

[Anguis Dux]

Tag: Marlon Sularen

"His excellency thanks you for your... discretion," the hologram of the translator droid gesticulatory wildly in the typical Huttese manner to portray the magnanimous nature of his obese master.

Dux was glad that his silver faceless helm blocked the disgust curling its way across the features. How he despised these vile creatures. So sure of their power they dared to waste their physical gifts. To surrender your body to excess because you were content with what power you had?

"You have your famine," Hissed Anguis Dux, so-called Viper Commander, "The eyes of the Outer Rim will be turned far away from your affairs. You have your chaos, your destruction, you death. Now you have your debt."

It's slimy surgically elongated and forked tongue licked its grimy eyelids before nonsense babbled from its drooling lips.

"His excellency has already forwarded payment to your accounts. Under your suggestions, of course."

"Instructions," the word spat from Dux's mouth like venom, "Instructions. Not suggestions - my dear Huttese friend - instructions. If you wish for your reign to be long and prosperous you would do well to heed the words of your peers: a cordial relationship is worth its weight in Aurodium. Do not degrade. Do not besmirch if it brings you to no end."

The silence that followed fell for so long it felt like the lifespan of a star could pass by in a blink.

Then the Hutt laughed. "His excellency thanks you for your good humor. Very rarely do his brothers and sisters share his patronage in the art of jest."

"I was once told my humor rivals that of a certain holonet stand up comedian," Dux said dryly, "In response I told him a joke so funny one could consider... quite killer."

The Hutt squinted.

"Your payment has been confirmed. His excellency bids you farewell," with that it slithered around, about to leave to the frame of the holo projections.

"One more thing Hutt," Dux held out a finger.

The creature stopped, glancing back.

"On Tython," Dux began, "after I had sent the agri-virus code to you, I was unfortunately intercepted by an Alliance agent. The pain of their beating was little compared to the mewling mess they considered an interrogation. The satisfaction I received razing that excuse of a black site did not cover the cost of the time I lost. So many plots, so many opportunities acts of terror passed me by. Such was the hubbub of my temporary imprisonment that I almost forgot to ask for payment. You... wouldn't happen to know anything about that would you?"

"His excellency deplores this most erroneous-"

"Shush now little hutt, another lesson. If you're going to stab a partner in the back, have patience not to glut yourself on the rewards so soon." He tilted his head ever so slightly, a hiss curling from his vocoder. "Patience always pays in the end… and gluttony?" His thumb brushed the recessed detonator switch on his vambrace. "Gluttony always ends with a bang."

The holoprojector flickered once as the room behind the Hutt erupted into fire and thunder. The image dissolved into static as Viper Commander lowered his hand, the faint reflection of the blast dancing across his silver mask.

"Sir, we're transmitting clearance codes," the voice of his shuttle's pilot, "We'll be landing shortly."

Dux hummed as he strode into the cockpit.

"In a good mood sir?"

"An excellent one, thank you Captain," Dux nodded,

"Viper-6 remains on standby, should I instruct them to proceed with infiltration?"

"No... have them maintain their holding position. The Imperials are replete with arrogant fools and maniacs," he would know those types best of all, "But one of the few things they lack in, other than subtly, is blatant stupidity. Should they choose to cut the serpent's head off, its body is still capable of crushing them with its death throes. They may burn the body but the blood and treasure lost in such an endeavour is one they cannot afford."

The moment they made touchdown Dux made straight for his destination. He didn't stop to admire the massive walkers that towered overhead, battalions of jackbooted stormtroopers on parade march, or the shriek of the TIE-Fighters above. All this raw might, inconsequential to what his evening talks might bring.

​

 

[Box Mattox]

​

The Rathtar came out of hyperspace at the assigned coordinates.

The ship- an assault carrier owned by the Battleborn Mercenary Company- did not arm its weapons. It took no posture of hostility, despite this being a hostile galaxy.

Especially lately.

Instead, a single shuttle detached from the main craft. Specifically, a large Tac Pod, of the sort that used to be issued to Corpsec for the policing of their business domains. In fact, the Battleborn used to operate out of a Corpsec ship named the Gorskin, before the events of the galaxy had forced them to expand or die.

Now, that single Tac Pod maneuvered towards the agreed-upon meeting place, seeking clearances necessary for the final rendezvous.

Once that was granted, the Tac Pod would land, and a singular grizzled old warrior would disembark.

An Arkanian Warbreed, seldom seen in the galaxy.

But well-known in certain circles.

Box Mattox proceeded to the meeting place, armored but unarmed. This wasn't the sort of client you met with a blaster rifle in hand.


Marlon Sularen Anguis Dux

 

[Marlon Sularen]

R E K I N D L I N G_O L D_C O N N E C T I O N S

IMPERIAL CONFEDERATION
CHOLGANNA, OUTER RIM TERRITORIES

​

It wasn't long before both Anguis Dux and Box Mattox had made their arrival to the Imperial Center of Military Operations, quickly making their way towards the Office of the Supreme Commander. Once both men had entered the office and taken their seats, the Supreme Commander clasped his hands on the desk and leaned forward, eager to begin the conversation that be the first of many steps taken to strengthen the Confederation and undo it's recent defeat at Brosi.

"Commander Dux, Captain Mattox. It's nice to see you both, i hope your trips here were pleasant." the Supreme Commander began. "Setting the pleasantries aside, I'd like to get straight to the point." he added. "In the past I've enlisted your service for various specific missions and operations, and in every case you have both excelled in those tasks especially when confronting hostile opponents who stood in the way of said mission and operation." Sularen explained.

"However back then i had made use of your services on a case-by-case basis. The reason I've summoned you both here is because i wish to discuss a more permanent contract between your respective organizations and the Imperial Confederation. Should you accept this permanent contract you will be granted full access to the Confederation's military arsenal along with your own permanent base of operations within Imperial space along with any other assets you will require to accomplish the task i provide." the Supreme Commander further explained.

"Before we move further, I'd like to know your thoughts regarding this proposed permanent contract."

Tags | Anguis Dux | Box Mattox ​

 

[Box Mattox]

Box Mattox glanced to the other guest at this meeting. 'Commander Dux,' he'd been called. It was someone he did not recognize, and he immediately wished he'd brought one of his unit's intelligence officers with him, posing them as an adjutant.

Well... this Dux was clearly someone who commanded a formidable mercenary force, else he'd not be here negotiating for a large contract.

Box looked to Sularen, who set pleasantries aside quickly. That was good. Nobody in this room was a socialite, he assumed.

"Good to see you, Grand Admiral. The trip here was uneventful. As for the proposal...

In principle, there is nothing objectionable about the arrangement. And the Battleborn are honored to be considered. That having been said, it's the specifics that usually hide a noose."

Box was characteristic in his bluntness.

"Mercenary forces are often used to absorb casualties. There's an acceptable level of that sort of thing. We understand we are used in cases where an employer doesn't wish to expend their own forces on a task.

But there is also an excessive level of that sort of thing. Usually, this balance is handled by simply refusing to work for employers who abuse us on suicide missions.

A long-term contract obviates the possibility of dropping an employer, however. We'd be locked in, regardless of circumstances. We either stay and get abused, or we leave and ruin our reputations.

So... I'd need an escape worked into the contract. Not only a bonus paid for each of my men who are killed in battle, but also a clause allowing us to withdraw our services if we suffer 50 percent or more casualties during the course of the contract.

Also, any of your equipment we use on campaign is not guaranteed to be returned in good condition. War is chaos, and we're not an insurance company. We're a mercenary company."

He spread his hands, "If that works for you, then I'd say the Battleborn are prepared to be an Imperial asset for as long as you want us. "



Marlon Sularen Anguis Dux

 

[Marlon Sularen]

R E K I N D L I N G_O L D_C O N N E C T I O N S

IMPERIAL CONFEDERATION
CHOLGANNA, OUTER RIM TERRITORIES

​

Sularen listened as Box Mattox bluntly stated that he did not oppose the idea of signing a long-term permanent contract with the Supreme Commander of the Imperial Confederation, although naturally he wanted guarantees especially when it came to high-risk operations and suicide missions that had the potential of devastating his forces. He sought out bonus pay for every casualty of battle plus the permission to withdraw from the contract if they suffered more then 50% casualties in battle. Mattox did further add that any equipment his men would use were not guaranteed to be returned in perfect condition but then again that was a small sacrifice to pay for the services of a well-established and capable mercenary company.

"I will agree to your requests for bonus pay and the possibility to withdraw from the contract should your company suffer more then 50 percent casualties after an operation. However i should note that i have zero intention to abuse you and your men to preserve my own forces. My intention is to make use of your services to bolster the Confederation's power projection abilities in future military engagements. In most cases, you and your men will find themselves fighting alongside my own forces within the Imperial Armed Forces. So the risk of your men being pointlessly thrown into the meat grinder is already minimized." the Supreme Commander said, accepting Mattox's request and giving him reassurances to his concerns concerning the contract.

Then Sularen turned to face Anguis Dux and proceeded to address him. "And you, Commander Dux? I have yet to hear your thoughts about the contract along with any requests that you might want to add specifically for your men. After all i wish to secure the best possible deal which would see the interests of the Confederation advanced, your pockets filled and the needs of your men are taken care of, for the sake of mutual satisfaction."

Tags | Anguis Dux | Box Mattox ​

 

[Anguis Dux]

Tag: Marlon Sularen

Dux remained silent and still the entire time, the only sign that he was even alive was the slight tilt of his faceless helm. His legs stayed crossed, his fingers interlocked. An eternity seemed to pass until he spoke; more like hissed.

"I will not relegate my forces to the meat grinder. I could, I am more than capable of mustering the manpower, but I won't simply because I do not wish so. If you must have cannon fodder may I suggest your stormtrooper corp?" his fingers began to tap a tattoo into the armrest. "However - as you've seen in the past - rear line espionage and sabotage is my preferred canvas to paint; be it the splash of assassination, the dabbling of a suicide bombing, and a few brushstrokes of engineered famine. Therefore it disappoints me that very few of the Galactic powers are interested in being patron to my artwork. Only the Sith came close though I found their payment methods far too... queer for my liking. Vile viscera and alchemic abominations do not make a good replacement for cold hard credits."

Dux finally stood up, his hands extended out his sides like some showman.

"However, in a Galaxy of dullards, it seems that the Confederation has once more drawn my attention. Out of all my past clients and patrons, only your superiors have me legitimately considering a more permanent contract. Though much like my venal friend here, I do have a few stipulations," he held out a finger, "The option of continuing to take other avenues of employ simultaneous to the Confederation. Of course, Viper Group will not peruse contracts which endanger the Imperial Confederation or its interests. I am sure that your superiors are more than capable of mustering the remittance I require but this is simply adding variety to my operations. My men have a tendency to grow fat and lazy suckling on the same teat for too long."

"And the secondly, more minor and humble ask," he paused, "is the ability to keep my finger on the pulse of any superweapon program the Imperial Confederation is working on. I am not only a commander of men but also a weapons engineer when it comes to operations that demand a more mechanical persuasion. Why offshore my work to some scientist in a cave who has the self-destruct codes hidden away somewhere when I could do so myself? I will be able to refine your designs in return of incorporating some elements of your prototype into my warmachines, that of course I would be willing to sell to you at a discount."

​

 

[Marlon Sularen]

R E K I N D L I N G_O L D_C O N N E C T I O N S

IMPERIAL CONFEDERATION
CHOLGANNA, OUTER RIM TERRITORIES

​

It was good to hear that Commander Dux just like Captain Mattox was supportive of the prospect of a permanent long-term contract with the Imperial Confederation. To Sularen that was a good first step towards ultimately gaining access to their services for the Confederation. Then there was Dux's own conditions for the contract with the Confederation. First, Dux and the Viper Group would be allowed to pursue other contracts as along as they didn't undermine the Confederation or it's interests. Secondly, Dux wanted to get involved with any sort of superweapons program pointing out his proficiency as a weapons engineer, which could come in handy for the Imperial Confederation even though they had no concurrent plans of developing superweapons.

"I am more then willing to accept your requests, Commander." Sularen said in response. "Although i must add that as of now, the Confederation has no current plans in developing superweapons, but as a compromise we can always use your talents in other ways such as our ongoing plans to modernize our military arsenal." the Supreme Commander added. "As for adding variety to your operations, i can assure you well you will be given a wide variety of tasks and be facing a wide variety of adversaries throughout the duration of the contract."

Then Sularen proceeded to take out a small holomap and place it on the table, with it soon displaying a map of the Imperial Confederation including all the major worlds it currently controlled. "Now that we have agreed upon the terms and conditions of our contract, I'd like to move towards the topic of accommodations." the Supreme Commander continued. "As i said earlier, the Confederation is willing to provide you with your own base of operations where your men can train, rest and get resupplied in-between missions. You will be able to choose any planet within Imperial space from which this base will be established along with any other special facilities and resources you would need for your base." he further added.

"As for the construction of the base, the Confederation is willing to fully cover that area that is unless you are willing to take up the monumental task yourselves."

Tags | Anguis Dux | Box Mattox ​

 

[Box Mattox]

Dux seemed fond of dirty operations. That was fine with Box. He preferred more stand-up battles.

Box's brows arched as he considered what was being offered by Sularen.

A base, where he could receive and train replacement personnel. Essential if he was going to continue operating as a mercenary company throughout any extended conflict. Even the best run mercenary group was liable to suffer losses. Those losses needed to be replaced. The process of recruitment and training needed to be continuous, and that was expensive.

But now the Confederation was willing to pick up the tab. No small offer.

Of course, any fixed base would mean that if the Confederation wanted to destroy his company, they could do so in one fell swoop by striking a known location.

As Box had no intention of upsetting his employers, this wasn't a serious concern. But it was something he'd keep in the back of his mind.

"A generous offer," Box said. It was an offer that suggested the Confederation was truly serious about retaining his group over the long-term.

"I'll take a base on any world that no one else wants, if it has a breathable atmosphere. I don't want to find myself mixed up in Imperial politics. I don't want to discover that I'm sitting on top of coveted minerals. Or that someone else was promised the space. I don't want to be sitting on an invasion path, or in the middle of a hotspot for revolution. Not where my people are based. Training needs a controlled environment.

I don't particularly care which world. As long as it's an unwanted world."



Anguis Dux Marlon Sularen