Faction Talking Ship (RTL)

[Vera Tillian]

YUMFLA, SUSEFVI
INTERSTELLAR MERCHANT-CAPTAIN'S GUILD HALL

"Don't be daft," the portly merchant-marine officer said, sipping on a glass of wine. "The Star Destroyer model has been effective for a thousand years."

Vera snorted, shaking her head, uniform cap held neatly at her side. "Just because tactics and technology are slow to evolve doesn't mean they're perfect. Tacticians and naval architects need to evolve and think creatively."

The man snorted into his wine glass with a shake of his head. "It's the perfect complement of focusing firepower while minimizing the target profile."

"Only from the front!" Vera replied, tapping the table with one finger. "The sides and aft are very vulnerable." The man shook his head in disappointment, standing up, and departing the small club room. But Vera's mind raced over the possibilities.

The League needed to be flexible and adaptable. It was one of the core tenets of the Rescue Service and its mission, but that didn't mean the rest of the League was equally versatile.

TWO DAYS LATER
INSTELLAR MERCHANT-CAPTAIN'S GUILD HALL
LIBRARY- THEORETICAL FORUM
STRATEGISTS, NAVAL ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS, SHIPBUILDERS

Vera adjusted the gold braid on her shoulder, tucking her cover under her arm as she moved to the small lectern at the center of the room, while the soft blue glow of holobanks filled the room. She inserted a datachip, uploading the open-source intelligence they had gathered on the ships of the known enemies of the League- the Sith Order, the Final Dawn, the Empire, the Brotherhood of the Maw. Some were... less open-source than expected. But the Underground and their sensor arrays were some of the most effective sources of intel. And the Final Dawn had brought their flagship into the system, which had given the League a wealth of information.

Vera activated the holoprojector and pulled up the library modules from past naval actions, dating back as far as they could, stretching back almost as far as the Clone Wars, but focusing primarily on the recent past. It was time to rethink everything from the ground up.

The old New Republic had their New Class Modernization Program, developing new ranges of ships to fight the Imperial remnants and Yuuzhan Vong. The League would have to do much the same and bite the bullet on the cost. She wasn't sure how effectively the Service could transition to a war footing, at least with the current ships, but they would have to. She knew designs had been in progress for some cruising cutters, which would probably be accelerated, given the circumstance. They could buy time for the defense forces to mobilize the heavy warships.

But that's how it all came down- money vs. time vs. ships. The more cynical or, the more naive, could view all wars in terms of economics. There was a limited amount of resources in the galaxy. Each warring party had access to only a certain amount of resources.

The League, in this instance, had the advantage in terms of economics but lacked the built-up early military forces the various Sith Imperial affiliates possessed. It was time to start turning the League's assets- finances, independence, and creativity, into tangible resources.

"Thank you all for coming," Vera said into the small microphone. "I appreciate all of your interest and willingness to engage with this challenging situation. Several years ago, the League held a conference to invite the people of the Outer Rim to build the Dream of the Rim. This is a less official but similar version of the same concept, although somewhat more grim. You are all aware of the recent developments rimward- Terminus is occupied, the Kathol Republic under siege, and Elrood cut off from us by a resurgent Sith Empire. The GA is keeping the Maw busy in the north, but with the Empire, we may be on our own to hold the Rim."

She paused for the murmur of conversation to quiet after that statement. "So we are here to look to the future and anticipate what we may be up against to prepare against it. I have gathered the open source intelligence from all recent naval engagements engaging the primary Sith and Imperial factions and uploaded them into a simulator for us to run scenarios with different variables and technologies. Our goal is to develop a coordinated architectural and strategic plan, utilizing the League's diversity and creativity in a way that we can translate into a new series of ships. CorelliSpace and SoroSuub primarily construct our current defense forces, so representatives from both have been invited, as well as other manufacturers, as well as academics and professional spacers."

A display flickered to life- indicating the Dolstan system. "We had eyewitnesses present at Dolstan aiding the Mandalorians when the Sith attacked, giving us some indication of their tactics in combined arms naval assaults that we may eventually face."

 

[Xitli Sacul]

Xitli was cynical, receiving anonymous invitation usually meant his rivals had found a ditch for him to die in, but it seemed they had done that anyway.

The mission was cursed, from assassination plots and pirates to eldritch horrors Xitli had faced less danger in his illustrious career than he had in a couple of short months.

So what the hell? If he died in a ditch, at least he could say it was at the behest of his Guild Master. A death worthy of rememberance. The first Avali to travel beyond the veil in nearly two centuries, they couldn't take that away from him.

So he came prepared, with a dozen Satorian security personnel running combat drills through the Chico's hull. Engineering retrofitting Couatl maintenance droids with rudimentary weapon systems. Plasma torches especially were surprisingly effective. He even polished his spear, so he could look his best if the need arises.

Everyone else? Well they performed their duties with the same dedication Satorian's were famous? Infamous for, regularly reporting suspicious activity to his console.

Now, what Satorian's consider suspicious was problematic. Sometimes he felt like a glorified caretaker, with 99% of reports being as mundane as a Satorian failing to turn up to their duties on time, or bringing a 'pet' onboard.

Section three was still isolated, condemning a dozen of his crew after someone brought aboard a as of yet unidentified creature. He only heard descriptions, of a multi-limbed creature rampaging through the halls, with claws designed to disembowel it's prey, and a maw upwards of 50 razor sharp teeth.

Why on earth his security chief brought it onboard he was yet to discover, but neighbouring Satorian's continued to report hearing noises, and several Couatl's had already been lost.

At the very least, no one could say his life was boring. The Chico dropped into Susefvi's gravity well short of any traffic. A dozen, no maybe a few hundred ships many looking like freighters transporting goods and materials along the Rimma Trade Route. Most looked armed, retrofitted with Point Defence Systems and other illegal modifications.

Well... At least this time they were trying.

"Master. Our translators are holding up. Local security forces are asking we identify ourselves."

This was a common occurrence, the Avali phased out transponder codes decades ago and those they had equipped to the Chico were far outdated. Maybe someone hoped it would trigger an attack, but thankfully most species had evolved a sense of caution.

"The Chico. We are an Avali Science Ship, received an invitation from QSS to a trade conference."

"Chico. Please standby for further instruction."

"Ready shields." Xitli sighed

An Hour Later...
​

Xitli stood amongst a crowd of sentients, more than he could ever recall having ever met. He was joined by a small retinue of armed Satorian's, and a single Couatl who had been retrofitted with a translator and necessary software.

His eyes were glued to the display, watching events unfold. It was quickly apparent that the invitation was genuine, and Xitli could, perhaps relax and enjoy the opportunity to establish a lucrative trade with this Rimworld.

Their control of the Rimma Hyperlane would certainly boost his portfolio significantly. Perhaps, being the first Avali beyond the veil would finally find fruit.

 

[Vera Tillian]

Xitli Sacul

Vera stepped back away from the lectern, watching the holographic display replicate the intelligence they had from their Mandalorian allies at Dolstan. She had reached out to some of the League connections who might have more information, to see if they could flesh it out further or provide firsthand accounts, but she didn't know if they would arrive.

"What we see particularly interesting in the Sith activities on Dolstan is how closely intertwined their naval forces were with the invasion forces," Vera began, pausing the replay to highlight what they understood about the opening.

"It was a rapid reversion to realspace followed nearly immediately by a ground assault, coordinated to focus on spaceports and population centers. The Jedi on the ground report that the defenses were disrupted by a mass mental assault conducted by the Sith in charge."

She paused to let that sink in. "How well that will apply in space, I cannot guess. So, are there ways of designing ships to protect against that?"

 

[Shuklaar Kyrdol]

​

Tag(s): Vera Tillian | Xitli Sacul

Equipment​

• Armor:
  
  • Beskar'gam
    
    • Shoulder mounts:
      
      • NML-02VTB Nano missile Launcher
    • Back mounts:
      
      • A-03S Verpine Shatter Autocannon
      • MML-02S Miniaturized Missile Launcher
        
        • 8x Cretanr'ika-lcass Guided Plasma Micro-missile
        • 8x Striilir'ika-class Brilliant Micro-missile
    • Left Vambrace:
      
      • CP-03V CryoBan Projector
      • PC-05V Plasma Caster
      • TBP-01V Tractor-Pressor Beam Projector
    • Right Vambrace:
      
      • METL-02V Micro Energy Torpedo Launcher
      • MML-01V Miniaturized Missile Launcher
        
        • 2x Cretanr'ika-lcass Guided Plasma Micro-missile
        • 2x Striilir'ika-class Brilliant Micro-missile
• Implant:
  
  • 'Rammikad' Enhancement Package
  • 'Gar Tkiriyr' Neural Interface
• Weapons:
  
  • 2x M-06S 'Skirata' Mra'jitr
  • Bes'phatir
  • DP-02 Class-D Heavy Disruptor Pistol w/ 'Kyrayc Sur'haai' 1-4x Short Range Optics System
  • FL-01 Verpine Shatter Flechette Launcher w/ 'Kyrayc Sur'haai' 1-12x Medium Range Optics System and UPC-06 Underbarrel Plasma Caster

​

Strill Securities Beviin-class Heavy Star Destroyer hunting parties were not a common sight. The larger vessels were usually on their own as flagships of smaller capital ship groupings or escorting larger capital ships. With several unknown and hostile groups and their warships now plotting through space the company worked in, hunting parties of Beviin-class Heavy Star Destroyers were being deployed to be ready in the event they were needed to support a larger fleet action, or to support a grouping of smaller capital ships that needed the extra firepower.

Ca'tra b' Nau was the lead ship of one of these three ship hunting parties. Shuklaar hated having to reallocate assets when they weren't needed. In the old days, he'd have called Mereel Kote to drop him and maybe Ragar off at this meeting. Times had changed. Empires had fallen and the sorts of threats that lurked out in the deep dark void of space that he'd seen in the days that the CIS had fallen had all but changed his mind. That said, three Beviin-class Heavy Star Destroyers was also a dramatic statement, and there were times where it paid not to understate things.

"Kal, don't start a war while I'm down there," Shuklaar half-joked over the comms as the Vuhyr'galaar gunship he was aboard made its way planet side. This was apparently partially amusing to Ragar Nihut'tyr and a few of his Vornskr Mirshir-Jurkad Rammikad. Kal "Beskar'ika" Netra was famed Breshig fleet admiral Skaran "Beskar" Netra's youngest son. He'd proven himself as a competent, if aggressive, commander. Many had drawn comparisons to his father, which had led to his moniker. Shuklaar wasn't looking to crack any skulls here, however.

Kal Netra, ever his father's son, didn't miss a beat beat and answered with, "You haven't paid me to start a war, alor." Shuklaar couldn't help but chuckle. Ragar on the other hand let his approval be known with a bemused speaker distorted snort. "You'll be the first to know if the shooting starts, though."

"That's if we don't start the war down there," replied Ragar. He must caught the pointed look that Shuklaar had immediately sent his way, because he amended his statement slightly, "They have a lot of jetii. You know how they can be." Ragar patted his 'Ysalamiri Birikad' Nutrient Frame for emphasis, "Ret'lini."

"Har'chak, Rag'ika," sighed Shuklaar. "I know I sure as haran don't pay you to start wars."

"Just to finish them, alor," intoned Ragar, his buy'ce ever so slightly inclined in a knowing fashion. Shuklaar snorted, but nodded. Remembering vividly when they took on the 501st to cut the head off the New Imperial Snake. It was some time ago now, but it felt just like yesterday to him and he doubted Ragar felt differently on the matter.

Though Mereel had a penchant for timing, comedic or otherwise, he very much doubted that their pilot had very much to do with their timely arrival. Shuklaar's HUD alerted him to their escort fighters peeling away for their final approach. "Then don't if you can help it. The RTL's good for business. We've worked with them before, and I'd like to in the future," he said, the dull thunk of the gunship's landing gears settling on the pad punctuating his sentence.

No sooner than the ramp had settled did Ragar's rammikade bound down. "Understood," intoned Ragar, sincerely, before he followed them out.

Armored and heavily armed Mandalorians tended to make most uneasy, but security to their credit seemed unfazed. They were directed to where this meeting was being held. As he entered, Ragar and the others staying outside, Shuklaar moved to a space that seemed less occupied and studied the holo display, playing over in his mind what he'd heard Vera Tillian say as he was entering.

Space ports and population centers. It was fairly standard fare for both the Sith and the at the time breakaway NIO. From his understanding the Empire's tactics were not particularly revolutionary in that regard either. The mental assault on force users was new, however. Insofar as he was aware in anycase, and he wasn't, really. He knew few force users and had fought alongside fewer. What he couldn't quite understand is how this invasion force managed to land so unmauled in the manner they had. With the Sith fleet as large as he was led to believe, he could believe that they could screen the invasion from the defending naval forces, but what of ground side defenses?

The question however, was about defending against the mental assault of hostile force users in space, or even if such things could function in space. "I don't make a habit of questioning the capabilities of force users. We prefer to use Ysalamiri, but I know Lucerne sells a device that's supposed to shore up mental resistance. Never used it, couldn't tell you," Shuklaar said, after waiting a moment to see if anyone else was inclined to speak. Even with their highly economical molecular lining method, their highly limited quantities of void stone were not nearly worth brining up, and especially not worth drawing attention to. Ysalamiri, and the torpedoes they'd nearly depleted their aforementioned stocks on, were about the only ways he knew of. Who knew, maybe he would learn something from this.

 

[Vera Tillian]

Shuklaar Kyrdol Xitli Sacul

So some of the Mandalorians had come to the meeting, Vera realized, feeling some of the tension ease out from her shoulders. That would be helpful. They had more experience directly against the Sith in numerous engagements and produced more than a few small arms in use by the League defense forces.

"Lucerne Labs, correct?" Vera asked, pausing to make notes on a datapad. "That is Gir Quee 's company, yes? And I know little of the capabilities of Force sensitives either, but something that can help boost mental resistance will be of great use. Maybe it's a technology we can integrate into flight suits or helmets of some sort."

Or perhaps it was something that could cover an entire ship? It would take some more research, indeed, and more than a little bit of ingenuity and creativity.

 

[Shuklaar Kyrdol]

​

Tag(s): Vera Tillian | Xitli Sacul

Equipment​

• Armor:
  
  • Beskar'gam
    
    • Shoulder mounts:
      
      • NML-02VTB Nano missile Launcher
    • Back mounts:
      
      • A-03S Verpine Shatter Autocannon
      • MML-02S Miniaturized Missile Launcher
        
        • 8x Cretanr'ika-lcass Guided Plasma Micro-missile
        • 8x Striilir'ika-class Brilliant Micro-missile
    • Left Vambrace:
      
      • CP-03V CryoBan Projector
      • PC-05V Plasma Caster
      • TBP-01V Tractor-Pressor Beam Projector
    • Right Vambrace:
      
      • METL-02V Micro Energy Torpedo Launcher
      • MML-01V Miniaturized Missile Launcher
        
        • 2x Cretanr'ika-lcass Guided Plasma Micro-missile
        • 2x Striilir'ika-class Brilliant Micro-missile
• Implant:
  
  • 'Rammikad' Enhancement Package
  • 'Gar Tkiriyr' Neural Interface
• Weapons:
  
  • 2x M-06S 'Skirata' Mra'jitr
  • Bes'phatir
  • DP-02 Class-D Heavy Disruptor Pistol w/ 'Kyrayc Sur'haai' 1-4x Short Range Optics System
  • FL-01 Verpine Shatter Flechette Launcher w/ 'Kyrayc Sur'haai' 1-12x Medium Range Optics System and UPC-06 Underbarrel Plasma Caster

"That's correct," nodded Shuklaar. A subtle gesture in fullbeskar'gam with his buy'ce still on. "As far as I understand it has to make contact with skin, particularly near the head. So yes, I'm sure it can be integrated into a helmet or arm-flight suits." Though he'd been party to the inner workings of many a ship, it was still not an immediate understanding for him that almost all crewmen onboard such ships did not in fact wear armor during the course of a standard duty rotation.

"Ship wide protection becomes...expensive, exotic and esoteric. Usually in that order. Question is, how far are you willing to go. Most of the time it isn't just something you can shut off when you want your own force users to be able to operate. It's something that affects our operations constantly," he added, speaking of course about the company's own travails of both having to defend their almost exclusively non-force user employee base against increasingly prevalent and deadly contact with hostile force users and also having to occasionally work with force sensitive clients.

Then it hit him. If the objective was only stopping dar'jetii" then perhaps some sort of alchemical solution or force imbued technique could be used. He'd be lying if he said he understood how any of it worked, but had a working understanding of how the company's Gar Strill detector array worked. Perhaps a similar technique using some sort of light side powered shield? Haran that might just be dini'la enough to work. "Speaking of esoteric, have you considered some sort oif force imbued or alchemized solution? A light side powered shield of some sort perhaps? We use thaissen crystals in a detector array we procude, perhaps something similar can be achieved with some other force sensitive material?"

 

[Xitli Sacul]

Xitli observed, absorbing what information he could gather. A group of heavily armoured mercenaries entered the ring, many seemed to avoid them, creating a bubble that pushed through the crowd towards the human that had addressed the merchants gathered here. His attendants, already on edge, honed in on the group keeping a close eye on them.

"Centlalia nican ca"

There was a collective nod from the Satorians, with many of them going off on their own to pursue their interests, a technically minded species he expected many of them would make purchases or find something they could reverse engineer. At the bare minimum, they should stay out of trouble. Meanwhile, Xitli could act independently without fear of subterfuge from his political rivals.

As he approached the armed mercenaries and Captain Vera, he adopted a Mesmer taking on the appearance of a human.

Spoiler: Mesmer

"Excuse me." Xitli trilled, "But may I interject?"

Vera Tillian | Shuklaar Kyrdol

 

[Vera Tillian]

Shuklaar Kyrdol Xitli Sacul

Vera tilted her head to one side, considering. "That would certainly be esoteric," she admitted. "And quite a challenge. It is an avenue worth exploring, at least."

She made several notes on the datapad, pursing her lips in consideration. "We'll have to research that and see what we can pull off. I can't guarantee anything will come of it, but there are possibilities."

A human she didn't recognize approached, one she hadn't seen before, and she inclined her head. "Of course, you can certainly interject. This is an open discussion forum."