Private The Griffin And The Warhorse

[FN-999]

APPROACHING VANDEMAR

All was silent inside the shuttle.
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Ahead, a massive Dyson sphere older than anyone in the Imperial delegation could possibly comprehend drew closer and closer into view. According to the confidential records the Baron had retrieved from Cathar a few months earlier, this artificial world, formerly known as Iokath, was home to a technocratic government that had hidden itself from the galaxy at large. The Vandemar government ruled with a doctrine very similar to the Imperial Government prior to its collapse, and the ISB agents who had written the Cathar records had advised sending a diplomatic mission to deepen ties between the two realms. However, before their recommendation could be acted upon, the Fourth Imperial Civil War had begun, splintering the ISB and tearing apart the Empire as a whole.

Now, the Baron and his entourage would be the first Imperial representatives in decades to travel to Vandemar. As he stood idly in the shuttle, he decided to occupy himself by recalling the reason he had came here.

Not long after meeting with fellow Imperials to discuss plans to support resistance on Galidraan, the Baron had received an invitation from Aurelian Sigsimund, Vandemar’s head of state, to meet with him on his world. Rumored to be over two centuries old and possibly much older, the man was even more of a wonder than the state he led. As much as the Baron would have preferred to meet with him on Borosk, he recognized that Vandemar was a much more powerful state and had graciously accepted the invitation. After all, securing economic, research, and security ties with such an industrialized world would bring nothing but benefit for Borosk.

At the same time, the Baron was no fool.

Just in case he was betrayed or if negotiations turned heated, he had an escape plan. The Star Destroyer Austere and the frigate Revanchist were stationed just outside the Vandemar system, and both ships could jump to Vandemar in under five minutes. While Austere drew enemy fire, Revanchist would pick up the Baron before leaping into hyperspace. However, it was more likely than not that the Austere would have to be sacrificed in order for the Revanchist to escape.

Hopefully, it wouldn’t come to that.

[We are now entering Vandemar.] called the pilot through the shuttle’s internal speakers.

The Baron took a deep breath.

As the vessel entered the Dyson sphere, the viewports were engulfed in light.

Aurelian Sigismund ​

 

[Aurelian Sigismund]

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IOKATH | HEGEMON'S SPIRE | LANDING PLATFORM

Aurelian stood on the primary landing platform of the Hegemon's Spire, the place from which he ruled, only dwarfed by the Fleet Spire on the world, otherwise a beacon of polished ferrocrete and impervium, blue and white lights emitting from it. The platform was a partly extension from the inside and huge enough to have room for a large frigate in size, it was massive. His blue cape hung from his shoulders, unmoved by the artificial weather and absence of wind in the hand-crafted world, his imposing golden armour was as polished and refined with ornaments and engravings like a piece of art, showing depictions of lightning and griffins.

Iokath was well protected, not only by remoteness and literal darkness, but also by its fleet and defensive systems. As they were mostly AI controlled, by the GEMINI systems which were directly controlled by the Hegemon, they would not react to the imperial presence at all. Crosschecking security codes and origins, the ships would stand down and let the envoy's craft pass.

All of the world passing by Nines windows would have been settled and structured, there was not an inch not devoted to a purpose but still it was surprising how much green there actually was, literal gardens, parks and forested areas could be spotted between larger buildings as well as on top of them. It was full of pretty architecture paired with functional technology.

On the platform, the Hegemon and Moff of Vandemar would await, hiss short but shaggy white hair moving when the engines of the shuttle set to land, his cape now moved by the burst of wind as well. An Honour Guard was accompanying him, on one side of the narrow walk to the platform stood a unit of Zakuulan Knights, their lightsaber pikes ignited and at attention, on the other side stood a unit of white clad soldiers, Stormtrooper-esque but in more sophisticated armour, also at attention.

Aurelian was as stoic as ever, his face carved from bedrock itself, the grey eyes like a storm of thunder. "Vandemar welcomes you, Baron. It is good to see you again."

FN-999

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[FN-999]

In an instant, the light of the barrier gave way to a thriving metropolis.
​

The Baron had no better word for it than elegant. All around him were massive classical buildings that rivaled those of Mygeeto and easily dwarfed Alge’s Old City in scale. He had anticipated that there would be a power imbalance between him and Lord Sigsimund, but seeing the latter’s realm in person really put it into perspective.

The shuttle set down on a platform next to an enormous tower, far larger than any building on Alge.

[Nines, it seems like Lord Sigsimund has come to meet you on the platform.] radioed in the pilot.

[Understood.] replied the Baron. [Stay here and keep the engines hot unless I say otherwise.]

“Well, let’s get moving.”

The boarding ramp lowered towards the ground, and as soon as it was fully extended the Baron and his entourage made their move. The Baron himself was at the front of the group, his hulking frame covered as always in a full set of stormtrooper armor. Next came two considerably smaller stormtrooper escorts and a pair of secretaries - one civilian, one military, each representing one half of the Borosk diarchy. Finally, the secretaries were trailed by two more stormtroopers.

The entire group stopped a few meters before Lord Sigsimund and his elite guards, standing at attention as their host spoke.

"Vandemar welcomes you, Baron. It is good to see you again."

“It is good to see you too, Lord Sigsimund.” replied the Baron. “We have much to discuss."

Aurelian Sigismund ​

 

[Aurelian Sigismund]

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IOKATH | HEGEMON'S SPIRE | LANDING PLATFORM

"We do, let us go inside."

Aurelian would step aside and gesture towards the bulkhead which lead out of the half-extended hangar, beyond the long connecting platform. He would wait for Nines to make the first step before falling in next to him and his group, the honour guard remaining where they were until commanded to do otherwise.

"I hope your flight was without trouble? We had frequent reports of pirate and marauder activity in the less charted areas of space between us and the former Empire's borders. Our ships are dealing with it whenever possible, but it would be bold to assume that every inch of darkness can be covered."

They would enter through the bulkhead, right into an air conditioned climate, not cool, not warm, but certainly more fresh air on the inside than on the outside. The corridor was similar in design to the outside word, pretty and technological. They would pass several cross-sections before entering an elevator which would carry them upwards.

"How is Borosk?" Aurelian was making small talk, he did not expand an elaborate or sophisticated answer until they had reached the more private atmosphere of the office they were going to. The Zakuulan was meeting for the first time with the man who made it from Stormtrooper to a planetary official, from the First Order to the Empire. It was a strong rise, inspiring, exemplary among those who had limited time.

The Hegemony would lead them out of the elevator and through a short, slightly higher in ceiling, corridor, the walls decorated with banners, battle standards, flags of units or campaigns, all had seen battle, they scarred, charred, burnt, in tatters, ripped apart, all were in some glass-stasis field to preserve them. It was difficult to say who all of them belonged to, swore allegiance to. At the beginning it was probably puzzling, other than the ancient Sith Empires banner, but then it went obscure again. Towards the end there were more recent banners, including one of the Empire of Kalidan, New Imperial Order, Vandemar itself.

The corridor led to another bulkhead, decorated with a golden griffins head and flanked by two white-armoured Knights of Zakuul who stiffened to attention as their master passed through them together with his guests. Behind was a large room, an antechamber which offered some open space and the first bits of comfort which could be noted, carpets, small cafe tables, couches in one corner. On the other was an open bulkhead to a room which purpose was difficult to define, mostly because it was covered by a trio of giants in golden armor who dwelled inside, very much alike Aurelian, just bigger.

He led them through a small garden like place, a bright light assuming the role of a sun above, not blinding but warming before he offered them seats at a great table on the other side. The exact number of chairs standing around it as the group needed.

"Please, take a seat. Can I offer any refreshments for now? Food will be served later."

FN-999

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[FN-999]

"I hope your flight was without trouble? We had frequent reports of pirate and marauder activity in the less charted areas of space between us and the former Empire's borders. Our ships are dealing with it whenever possible, but it would be bold to assume that every inch of darkness can be covered."

“We did not have any trouble.” replied the Baron. “Indeed, I have also been receiving concerning reports of pirate activity on the edges of the Empire’s former territory. Fortunately, Rear Admiral Platskin’s fleet has done a fine job keeping them at bay from Borosk to Mygeeto."

As the primary trading partner of Borosk following the Imperial collapse, keeping secure trading lanes with Mygeeto had been a top priority once Task Force Citadel had been formed. They had been greatly tested over the past two decades, but the fleet had gone a long way since it had first formed in those chaotic first days after Bastion was laid to waste. Thanks in large part to the leadership of Rear Admiral Platskin, a whole new naval doctrine had been formed. Led by the Retribution-class frigate and TIE Predator, a new generation of Imperial vessels had proven their mettle over the past decade, securing the stability of Borosk and its trading routes for decades to come.

But Borosk alone could not hold out forever. If it could, he wouldn’t have gone to Vandemar.

"How is Borosk?"

“It still feels like a small world, but it’s growing fast.” replied the Baron. “Almost too fast. Its capital, Alge, is approaching its natural limits and its population continues to swell with refugees from all over the former Imperial possessions. Without Moff Quentis - my civilian co-ruler - Borosk would have collapsed years ago. But, thanks to his contributions, we have managed to grow at a sustainable rate. In time, we hope to reclaim all that has been lost."

Before the Baron had realized, the group had arrived in some sort of reception room. They were directed to a large, ornate table, which much like almost everything else he had seen in Vandemar, was gilded in gold. Worried that his well-worn armor might stain the table if he rested his arms on it, the Baron took a seat and folded his hands neatly in his lap.

"Please, take a seat. Can I offer any refreshments for now? Food will be served later."

“I’m good, thank you.” replied the Baron. “However, the secretaries might take you up on your offer."

“I’d like a hot chai please.” stated the civilian secretary.

“Are there any local specialties?” asked the military secretary. “I’d like one of those, please."

The Baron watched wordlessly as his secretaries chatted among themselves and the stormtroopers fell into position. Lord Sigsimund seemed to be genuinely friendly, not only to the Empire but to the Baron on a personal level. Yet his paranoia was not easily broken, and the Baron would not risk removing his helmet. Nor could he risk accepting foreign food or drinks, even if he ate them alone on a separate occasion. There was still so little he knew about Aurelian Sigsimund, and especially given that so much about him seemed to come straight out of old legends, the Baron was wary of him. There was a silent divide between the pair, one that only time and familiarity would mend.

“So,” began the Baron, jumping straight to the point. “I would like to propose an economic and military alliance between our two worlds under the framework of the Imperial Military Protectorate.”

Aurelian Sigismund ​

 

[Aurelian Sigismund]

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IOKATH | HEGEMON'S SPIRE | AURELIAN'S ANTECHAMBER

Aurelian did not do anything in regards to the requests himself, he sat down at the head of the table, on a chair which seemed definitely able to carry him with little effort. It was not majestic, but beautifully designed in the simplistic but elegant style of the world. Instead a droid appeared and offered the beverages, including one certain 'Machine Spirit', which seemed to be a combination of coffee and cocoa, which was at home here and called like it because of its oily black color.

The Zakuulan appreciated how straight the former Stormtrooper got right to the point, a gentle nod offered in return to the proposal. He was sitting leaned back in the chair, his arms resting on the armrests while listening to the idea.

"That is what I had in mind as well. Establishing a network of safe-space among those remnants which are capable of holding their own worlds is needed to give each other the necessary aid and support required. Vandemar needs as much partners to rely on as any other world loyal to the imperial creed."

His tone was somewhere between neutral and friendly, his expression similar, offering genuine interest in the proposal itself. Aurelian wanted this and he wanted to explore what the other warlord saw in it, how far he was willing to go. They did not have much of a relationship yet and the Hegemon was not at all considering this an equal exchange in terms of resources and simple strength. Borosk was a worthy investment and this veteran too, but Sigismund needed to learn where Nines' ambitions and ideals lay.

"Militarily I am certain we are speaking about mutual assistance, shared intelligence as well as joint operations and coordinations to secure each of our territories and eventually beyond. What do you have in mind economically?"

FN-999

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[FN-999]

"Militarily I am certain we are speaking about mutual assistance, shared intelligence as well as joint operations and coordinations to secure each of our territories and eventually beyond. What do you have in mind economically?"

“I’ll let my civilian secretary take it from here.” replied the Baron.

Nines had always been a military man, and economics were of little interest to him outside the provisioning of supplies and salaries for the army. He owed a great deal to Moff Quentis and his financial expertise, without which Borosk would have collapsed many years ago.

“It’s an honor, Lord Sigsimund.” introduced the secretary, lowering his cup of tea. “I am Secretary Leo Paxton, representative of Moff Calkon Quentis, diarch of Borosk. According to official policy, one diarch must stay on Borosk at all times, so I am here in the Moff’s stead."

“In any case, our proposal for an economic partnership has two main points."

“One: technology sharing. Our intel has suggested that Vandemar is a cutting-edge metropolis, and now that we’re here in person, I see no reason not to believe it. Given the size of Vandemar and its many innovations, I can safely assume that you take R&D very seriously. We would like a piece of that, a chance to use Vandemar’s advanced technology to transform Alge - Borosk’s capital - from a metropolis to a megalopolis. In exchange, we will generously compensate you, both in credits and sharing some of our own technology. The Baron can explain better than I can, but I what I can say is that Borosk’s fleet is undergoing a complete overhaul, developing vessels on a limited scale that are faster, harder hitting, and more independent than any produced by the Empire in its prime."

Secretary Paxton paused to take a deep breath, and then continued.

“The second point is the creation of a new Imperial Bank to reduce our financial dependence on the independent stock brokers in Mygeeto. The previous Imperial Bank collapsed with the Empire, but with a 60/40 contribution from Vandemar and Borosk, we could rebuild a smaller but equally valuable, centrally run bank. By once again storing our money in our own institutions, we will be safe from volatility and jacked up interest rates. Furthermore, with military cooperation between Borosk and Vandemar, the Imperial Bank will gain security superior to that of all its competitors."

“The bank headquarters can be in Vandemar, Borosk, or both, we have no preference as long as branch offices are on both worlds."

Aurelian Sigismund ​

 

[Aurelian Sigismund]

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IOKATH | HEGEMON'S SPIRE | AURELIAN'S ANTECHAMBER

The Hegemons gaze moved to the secretary, Leo Paxton, whos introduction he offered a nod in respectful greeting in return. He valued the pragmatism of the ordinary people, delegating tasks to those who are better suited to attend them, to have a better expertise in their specific fields. Paxton and apparently Calkon Quentis were responsible for the civil administration and policies in Nines' area of influence. Rise as much as you like, but to have the guts and confidence to admit that others are more suited to certain tasks, is a feat Aurelian could truly respect in the Baron.

The Zakuulan listened to the elaboration of the secretary. He would agree blindfolded to the first statements Paxton made, that Vandemar had an edge in technology and the capability to help turn Borosk's capital into a prosperous center, improving its infrastructure and overall standards. A solid foundation for the wealth and living standards of the population is the key to growth and expansion.

But when he mentioned fleet technology, a minor shadow was rushing across Aurelian's face. He had ships at his disposal which were faster and heavier hitting than anything the late Empire could dream of. He had the GEMINI. Despite many differing opinions on droids and AI and Aurelians support of sentience over artificial intelligence, it was difficult to deny or oppose the power and opportunities these possessed. Not only that, they had been busy with cooperating with imperial engineers on new vessels, a new TIE line and escorts which were well on their way to proper production levels. For this point there was definitely the need to discuss matters in detail.

But he remained quiet as the secretary breathed to continue. Continue with an idea which Aurelian definitely fancied. The obnoxious Trade Federation was attempting to seize assets and opportunities in every camp and corner, trying to expand and reaching another pre-dominant position and stopping to use their currency was on the top priority list for the Hegemon.

"I will start from the end."

"I strongly support the notion to establish a bank. It gives us much needed independence and a currency we control gives us control, obviously. It is not an easy or simple undertaking, especially in regards to the previous disposition of the Empire to swallow what the Trade Federation and Techno Union fed it. We would require a proper value to base a bank and currency on, such as Auromidium, a factor of stability. We should not gamble with stocks and corporatism like the Alliance does, rather express control and stability."

"Then, Vandemar is more than willing to contribute to the development of Borosk and its capital Alge, to help expand infrastructure and living standards wherever possible through extensive investments and building projects. After inspection and selection of course. We will gladly contribute to your growth in this regard."

"As for the naval technology. I am a bit uncertain of what exactly you intend to offer to us. Maybe you can elaborate on that a bit more, Baron, so I have a clear understanding of what you want to exchange with us."

FN-999

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[FN-999]

"As for the naval technology. I am a bit uncertain of what exactly you intend to offer to us. Maybe you can elaborate on that a bit more, Baron, so I have a clear understanding of what you want to exchange with us."

“Certainly.” responded the Baron, taking the reins from Secretary Paxton.
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Briefly turning to the side, the Baron reached down towards his waist belt and withdrew two objects: a handheld holoprojector about the size of a small plate and a rectangular aluminum tablet, about the same size as a piece of paper. He then turned back to face Lord Sigsimund, placing the projector and tablet on the table in front of him. The Baron next pressed a button on the side of the projector, which proceeded to display above it the 3D image of a warship.

“This vessel is the Retribution-class frigate, a vessel designed to meet the needs of a reduced but enduring Empire. Its main strengths lie in its speed and cargo capacity. The Retribution-class is outfitted with four large aft-facing engines capable of propelling it forward at nearly 80 MGLT, giving it the power to pursue all but the fastest of corvettes and fighters. And should a Retribution’s captain encounter a vessel or fleet more powerful than itself, there is nothing on record larger than itself that it cannot outrun."

“Furthermore, the Retribution-class has a storage hangar with a capacity of 20,000 tons. For reference, two Retribution-class frigates can haul slightly more cargo than a single Star Destroyer at a fifth of the cost. The storage compartments are meticulously organized, with special sealed off and reinforced rooms for hazardous materials."

“Another unique feature of the Retribution-class is its tractor beams and docking clamps, both designed to either pull smaller ships into the frigate’s hold or pull the frigate towards larger ships for boarding action."

“The Retribution-class has been in service for over a decade, and it has been used most effectively in two functions: convoy raids and anti-piracy. In a raid, a Retribution-class can rapidly close in on a freighter, board it, extract the cargo and jump out of the system all before a larger ship arrives and gets within firing range. Conversely, a single Retribution-class is more than capable of running down a group of pirates, intercepting them and comfortably giving chase to all but the fastest and most agile of vessels."

The Baron briefly paused, clicking another button on the projector and remaining silent until a new image appeared.

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“This is the TIE Predator, the first Borosk-designed contribution to the TIE line. Possessing firepower, speed, and maneuverability equal or superior to that of the Galactic Alliance’s newest models of X-Wings, the Predator also comes with its own unique set of foils that when raised trade speed for maneuverability. It is a versatile dogfighter, but its most unique feature is its endurance. The TIE Predator is, to my knowledge, the most independent TIE yet, with a Class 1 hyperdrive and storage for nearly a month of rations. It holds up well under the elements, and can even cross the entire Braxant Run alone with fuel and rations to spare."

Finally, the Baron pressed a third button, and at once the holoprojector turned off, the image of the TIE descending back into the circular device.

Next, he grabbed the top of the tablet with one hand and slid it across the table, towards Lord Sigsimund.

“This tablet has the specifications of each vessel if you want to confirm what I have told you. What I am asking for, should you agree, is a one for one trade. For each product Vandemar licenses to Borosk, Borosk will license a product to Vandemar in return. Neither I nor Moff Quentis are picky, as long as your naval technology benefits us, which I have no doubt it will.”

Aurelian Sigismund ​

 

[Aurelian Sigismund]

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IOKATH | HEGEMON'S SPIRE | AURELIAN'S ANTECHAMBER

Aurelian looked at the two designs, connecting the tablet to the table which they sat and uploading the data into his own matrix. He did not actually open it on the tablet or table, but looked through the data as it was shown directly to him, reading through it in few seconds and inspecting the designs.

Rightfully so an with certain agreement from the Hegemon, Borosk understood to make a change to naval doctrine with the Empire in tatters and no massive financial and industrial power behind a mass-production of Star Destroyers and other ships of the line. The Zakuulan had come to the same conclusion, hence why he initiated a new TIE-series which would go hand in hand with these ideas and changes. But Vandemar and Zakuul were both not interested to use or purchase any of these crafts themselves, their naval doctrine remaining different from the Empires. Yet he was interested in something else.

"I see the value and improvement of these designs, the change in doctrine is certainly necessary. The remnants and warlords lacks the adequate funding to continue fleets of Star Destroyers while small ship activities in forms of raids and pirates are increasing. Both designs are excellent counters to either. They actually go very well with two of our recent designs. The TIE Titan and Scorpion." He would slide the tablet back, having changed the data on it to the two TIE designs.

"A bit more specialised than the Predator, the Titan is an interceptor ideal to hunt down or prevent enemy starfighters, bombers or corvettes from getting where they want to. Excelling at speed and in direct engagements. While the Scorpion is a surface attack, close air support and strike craft, having more serious armament to take out ground installations and escort ships or even damage larger ones. In conjunction with Retribution and supported by Predators, they would make an a quite potent strike force."

"What I would like to offer is license those two designs to you and to offer you a facility here on Vandemar to be used at your leisure for production. Further if willing, your engineers can get in contact with my Aresian Wrights and they can combine their minds to continue work on what would further suit the new doctrine."

FN-999

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