Faction To Swallow a Bitter Pill | Valyrant Prime

[Mira Athrani]

Valyrant [City], Valyrant Prime, The Outer Rim | The Sith Order
​

The Sith Order was a right mess. Not as karked up as the Eternal Empire that preceded it in this region though, or the Outer Planets Alliance before them, or the one before that... Mira was no expert on Sith, but with the amount of in-fighting she'd seen after practically just arriving it was obvious their number enjoyed conflict. Which suited her just fine. She'd been genetically built to kill people like them, so Mira understood precisely how they felt about one another. Even so, the thought of a world like Valyrant being strip mined or its people's will utterly broken in service of some self-serving blowhard really pissed Mira off.

After her escape from those karksons that'd made her and Dima ( Domina Prime ), Mira had taken to learning a great deal about Engineering. Something of a knack for it. Not as strong of a talent as she had for killing, but giving in to that would only give the dead chubbies. Mira liked the idea of them gnashing their teeth in whatever hellhole their spirits occupied. So the talent these Valk'elli had as both warriors and engineers sang to Mira. They had a great deal in common, and it would be a crime if the Sith annihilated them because of some resistance to occupation.

A nice sentiment to believe one could successfully resist, but the people were getting occupied. Just a fact they'd have to accept. Not one people did easily though. You had to make them see just how far gone everything was before the orbital bombardments began, and the landing of subjugation forces.

Tensions were high. The Sith had the planet embargoed and ultimatums made -- the sort no government ever tripped over themselves to accept. Unconditional surrender was a hard pill to swallow. If Mira had been in their shoes, she'd probably be an advocate for die fighting, herself. Circumstances, however, had her on the other side of the table. Not that it had been easy. There'd been enough xenophobic piles of poodoo she had to bribe or eliminate to get this opportunity; and even then it'd been partially because no one wanted to take responsibility for the collateral damage and loss of value of the planet in taking it. Why not leave the blame saddled on the alien?

Unfortunately for those festering sacks of slime, Mira had spent days and nights pouring over information in preparation for today's meeting.

Another beneficial attribute of Mira Athrani leading the charge? She was only one foot shorter than the average Valk'elli. Things would have begun poorly had a five six or even six foot tall person swaggered into the room and started making demands to someone two feet taller, twice the weight (in muscle mass), and probably several centuries old. Not that Mira would let them know she was older than a century either.

The seven foot tall, plated woman strode down the hallway toward the audience chamber of the Triumvirate. Two guards flanked her -- as much an escort as they were 'minders' of the alien that thought herself wise -- with broad shoulders and strong jaws. At least they hadn't tried flanking her with those bundles of sticks they called 'guards' or 'troopers' everywhere else. Mira could lift almost every one of them with one finger!

After she came to a stop, ignoring the fact she was standing before them as a humble petitioner before the 'rightful government' of Valyrant Prime, Mira's yellow eyes calmly slid over each of the Triumvirate in turn. They didn't look shaken or cowed. She could respect that. Hopefully that didn't mean they'd already decided on collective suicide in opposing the Sith military. "I have the honor of addressing the Triumvirate of Valyrant Prime." If they wouldn't give her the honor, Mira would seize it herself. "I am Mira Athrani. Engineer. Warrior. Tactician. The Sith Order has given me this one chance to convince you to join them willingly, and to spare your people untold suffering and damnation."

"Who are you to speak to us in this fashion, Daughter of Ruin?"

Mira rolled her forearm over, tapped her gauntlet and flung a holoprojection out into the middle of the chamber between them. The fleet that encircled Valyrant Prime at that very moment was displayed over a representation of the planet itself. The image quickly zoomed in as she began to speak. "Each of you should recognize what you are about to see here before you. A map of every emplacement, battlement, base, fort, and fortress on Valyrant Prime." With a wave of Mira's hand more indicators, now of troops, appeared. "You have advanced weaponry, much of your own design, and troops trained young in battle. You will fight long. You will not be deterred." Blue and red dots ebbed and flowed across the planet displayed before them. "And, in time, you will be crushed." The blue dots quickly began to dwindle as one then another line collapsed. The Sith Forces swarmed in toward their Command Post until nothing remained.

"The casualties will be enormous for the Sith. You will die knowing you took many with you. But your dead will dine on ashes as the Order sends reinforcements to lay claim to what remains. They will pick apart this planet like a carrion bird a ripe carcass. They will gouge out its flesh and leave nothing but barren rock in their passing. Nothing will remain of Valyrant Prime but the howls of the long dead over a forgotten rock left drifting in space." Mira tapped her gauntlet to let the display vanish. "They don't care how many are lost in claiming your world. They do not share your values. They would bomb your cities from orbit, if need be, and not be the least bit upset at a duel lost or honor not claimed by their own hand."

"You propose... an alternative?"

Mira spared a glance over to the voice of the Triumvirate that spoke this time. "I am not a diplomatic envoy sent to sell you to the Order. I am a Tactician. I see your fate as well as you do. I am a Warrior. I know why you would fight. It is better to die fighting than to live on your knees. I am an Engineer. I know your worth means more to the Sith as you are than as slaves. Join me and I will negotiate the currents of their demands. I will be Governor of Valyrant Prime. I will lead you, but you will lead your people. You will live as you have. There may be laws. Some may not be pleasant. But we can find a way for your people to remain proud of who they are, and what they can accomplish. I will do whatever it takes for your to flourish despite the hardships."

"And if you left? Why should we think another would feel as you do?"

The third of the Triumvirate spoke. The one in the center. The Battle Born with a gaze of granite and the muscles of a giant. "Then show them the error of their ways." It would very likely still be as foolhardy of a fight ending in their genocide, but if there was no other choice... they should go down fighting. That was why Mira was there -- to offer them another choice. Not a pleasant one. But maybe one they could swallow; long enough to show them the idea could work, at least, for the long-term.

The two on either side turned to look at the one in the middle between them. After a moment, the second -- the Seer among them -- spoke, "Give us time to discuss this proposal."

Mira gave a nod of her head. She paused to detach a projector and threw it into the air for it to display the map once more. "I'll leave this for you to review the troop numbers, ammunition count, and supply line factors taken into account." In case they thought she'd constructed a simulation with falsified data. They'd have to take her numbers about the Sith forces with a little faith, but they should be able to glean some truth from the fleet in orbit. With that she made a crisp, military pivot and strode back out of the room the same way she'd entered until she stood in the hall. The door shut swiftly behind Mira as she passed.

Dovie'andi se tovya sagain. Time to toss the dice.

 

[Mira Athrani]

Mira regarded one of the Valk'elli as they approached. An attache of some kind. The datapad in their hand was covered in organized notes from what she could catch sight of while they spoke. Had they been sent to try and ferret out information? Were they merely curious? Mira wasn't a counter-terrorist or some grand inquisitor able to pry out someone's secrets just by looking at them. She was, however, naturally suspicious given the circumstances.

Suspicious, and on guard.

Over the shoulder of the slightly shorter Valk'elli, Mira noticed a trio slowly, but steadily approaching. A curious bunch seeing how so many others were avoiding them -- which made the attache's presence an oddity when they had drawn near. These three, however, Mira understood. It was the way they held themselves. Their gait. The way they purposefully avoided meeting her gaze without seeming to be trying. An instinct breed into her from countless 'tests' bathed in blood.

When the blaster was raised, Mira side stepped as her hand took hold of the attache's wrist and pulled her out of the line of fire. The second shot passed between them again as Athrani swapped positions and released the Valk'elli's wrist so they'd stumble further out of danger.

"Stay out of this," Mira snapped as she darted across the intervening distance. The last thing she wanted was her 'escort' trying to be helpful.

A shove pushed one assassin into another. Mira pivoted and blocked the raise of a weapon from the third. Her foot snapped down and to the side against the inside of their knee. The second stepped in with their blade raised to cut her down. Step. Cross. She grabbed their hand and guided the blade down along their kneeling companion's neck.

A hand slid between their arm and body, and a sharp lift dislocated their shoulder. Strike to the back of the knee dropped them. Sharp twist of the neck; wet pop.

The first cast their blaster aside and lifted their hands before them. Force User. Mira lifted a knife hand before her as the wave of energy washed over her. Cries filled the corridor of people further back being tossed about; others forced to dodge benches or paintings thrown into the air. Athrani, however, stood as though rooted to the planet itself.

She rotated her wrist and gestured for the first assassin to approach.

They drew a dagger and lunged. Mira shifted into the strike; right hand snapped in toward the inside of their elbow, left clasped the hand. Their bodies collided. Blood bubbled between their lips.

Mira stepped back to let the man stop to their knees. Her yellow eyes regarded the blade turned back in on its wielder. They might survive, if they got medical attention quickly enough. If the reports on their physiology were as thorough and complete as they'd claimed.

"Should we report this?" one of her escorts asked as Mira strode back toward them.

"Report what? Did you think they'd welcome us as liberators? They were hasty." Mira regarded the door behind which the Triumvirate deliberated.

The other escort scowled. "Who was?"

Athrani didn't bother responding. She expected the next round of talks would be... decisive. Hopefully there wouldn't be too many more fruitless intrusions in the meantime.

 

[Mira Athrani]

The pungent aroma of burnt, organic matter wafted out into the corridor. Laughter peeled like thunder from within the confines of the room so near the seat of government of Valyrant Prime.

Inside, two figures sat on high-backed chairs with thick cigars secured between sharp teeth or when speaking nestled in the grasp of a mandible. One was almost a foot taller than the other, though their shoulder width wasn't much broader. The larger of the pair had less decoration to and wore less attire, but still had a dignified air about them. His was the loudest guffaw that sounded now and again.

"Visitor Athrani, I must protest. You were to wait near the audience chamber." A third drew short inside the room with their four-fingered hands upon their hips. Their voice was not as jovial as Mira's present company.

"Hm. Hm." Another puff of smoke was calmly blown free. "And why would I do that?" Mira leaned a bit to the side to roll her head around to fix the intruder with her yellow eyes. "I wouldn't have met someone half as brilliant standing out there in the hallway."

Mira's eyes briefly slid back over to the man with a small lift reminiscent of a smirk. Neither of their physiologies communicated in ways 'Humans' would understand. It was part of the reason Mira found this place so delightful, in fact. Despite their differences she had far more in common with the Valk'elli than she did Humans.

That's when the Minder's eyes took note of the room and the chalk writings on various boards around the perimeter. A soft draw of breath might have been a gasp. "You should not be in here. We must go. At once."

The cigar was slowly extracted and a slight wave of her hand given to her host as if to call for aide or ask what could be done.

"Don't be hasty," the deep voice sounded. "Mira here has been of tremendous help with my work. I should not like if she was run off."

"She has?"

With two slow nods, the male rose from his seat and made for one of the nearby boards. "See, here? Mira learned of an off-worlder scientist studying the same problem. They came up with one half of the equation, and I the other. Mira noticed that if combined together the solution presented itself! A lifetime of work done in a day. We couldn't not celebrate such an achievement."

"How-- You recognized these equations?"

Mira nodded. "I did." She began to rise from her own seat with a tap of the cigar over a nearby tray. "Theoretical physics isn't my expertise, but I remember what I see. It took a few minutes for me to recall where I'd seen something like this," her eyes lifted to indicate all the many other equations strewn about the room, "but once I did, I thought whoever was working on the problem would want to know what others had uncovered."

"And I did! Yes, once that piece fell into place connecting it all together was quite easy."

Mira shook her head. "As you say. You scribbled equations faster than most could fire a blaster." It was a good day to not be a chalkboard.

"Ah, well, Valyrant... thanks you, Visitor-- Ah, Mira Athrani. Forgive me for intruding, but this room is supposed to remain free of unscheduled guests."

With a chuckle, Mira extended her hand to the man. "My cue to return to waiting in the corridor." The one she'd acknowledge, anyway. "Pleasure to meet you."

The man's grip was strong for a scholar, but then Mira wasn't disappointed in the Valk'elli's fortitude as a whole either. "I'm sure we'll speak again. Still so much to discover out there, you know."

If she did become governor of a thriving world, Mira would appreciate the opportunity. A reason to escape the bureaucracy. Someone to talk engineering and the construction of new things rather than listening to complaints and avoiding riots. Wouldn't do anything to deter the assassins, but they didn't concern her. Much.

 

[Mira Athrani]

"Aila--" Mira started to ask the chaperone that took their job with a certain seriousness, but was interrupted by the chime of a communicator. "Athrani." There was only one place that'd call her right now, and they were standing on the bridge of a Destroyer in orbit. Not a social call.

"So you are alive." Promising start to the conversation. "Why is a defense platform in the capital city firing on my ship?"

Oh. Mira glanced over to the side to find Aila also on a call and having taken a few steps away. Same topic, different speaker? Delightful. "Is your ship currently in danger from this single defense platform, Captain?"

"A single platform is no match for my ship!" Expected heated response caused from implying they were weak.

"Excellent. For the time being, do not return fire as I will deal with this matter personally, Captain."

"You have five minutes."

Don't sigh. "It will take me five minutes to arrive on the scene, Captain. If the safety of your ship or crew changes, inform me immediately. And if I do not contact you in thirty minutes, you are free to settle the matter in whatever manner you see fit. Athrani out."

Aila's bold eyes stared at Mira as the channel was closed. "Thirty minutes? It will take ten--"

"Respectfully, Aila, we're not waiting on your special forces to gear-up and reclaim the platform." She lifted a hand to call the two escort-guards over from where she'd managed to ditch them outside the audience chamber. It'd been easy, really. One had to stay to ensure the government officials didn't skulk away, and the other had to stay to run and find Mira if anything happened. They should have sent more men if they hoped to keep her under their thumb.

"A situation has developed. Rogue defense platform firing at the ships in orbit." Big assumption it was rogue, but if this was a coordinated effort to kill Sith... it was damnably pathetic. Fair to assume an isolated band of rebels. "Aila," Mira turned to look at the well-built 'attendant,' "we'll need transportation. And a way inside that isn't the well-defended front door. We only have thirty minutes."

Narrowed eyes peered back at the woman suddenly making what some would consider demands. It was a challenging circumstance, and she wondered if the thirty minute timetable had been meant to force her hand as much as keep the Sith from doing anything 'hasty.' This could give a hostile force more information needed to attack Valyrant...

"Aila," Mila added patiently, "my simulation is not only thorough, but incredibly accurate. I can tell you precisely how many people will die every day should the Sith invade with the intention of pacifying your people. Whatever you hope to keep from me will not significantly alter the maths if we don't shut that platform down in the next thirty minutes."

"The power maintenance tunnel. Come." Aila picked up the pace off toward one of the landing pads.

Great. Now all they had to do was infiltrate an enemy fortification and shut down the guns in less than twenty eight minutes, or there would be very little of Valyrant left when the smoke cleared. Well, this had been one of the foreseeable scenarios, Mira had just hoped it wouldn't happen so soon.

 

[Omon Kaa / Darth Diem]

​

The Sith fleet started taking some fire from the long range ground cannons, not much force was used, but it was still an open attack on the Sith. Another salvo occurred, then another.

At this moment, several Sith Imperial droids, on each of the capitol ships, would start transmitting one same message.

<<Do Not Interfere-Do Not Interfere-Do Not Interfere>> the message was an obvious Sith Imperial encrypted Slice, something that not just anyone is able to perform. In fact, only another Sith would be able to do this.

Between the big cruisers and destroyers, a small vessel slowly floated in. Obviously being equipped with a cloaking mechanism, no one could tell for sure how long was it behind them. Observing.
As the small ship got closer and closer to the fleet, it was clear its a Shikkara Class Assault Ship. Tool of the Imperial Inquisitors.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

​

Darth Diem wore his usual Inquisitors uniform and armor, his helmeted and masked head was covered with a night black cowl, that was also falling down his shoulders and half of the back. He stood on the bridge of the Assault Ship, observing the fleet around him, and the place from which ground artillery was fired.
Moment later, 3 shadows appeared above them, covering the part of the fleet.

Three Afflicter Class Star Destroyers appeared out of hyperspace.

Right away the crew of Diem's Assault ship send the coordinates to them. Ships officer turned his head toward him, waiting for the command.

"Fire."
Omon's(Darth Diem) helmet philtered voice was calm and cold, his hands moving on to his back, as the officer send the order to the Afflicters. Seconds later, one of them opened fire from his lower hull, sending a barrage of aerial bombardment on to the exact place from which those ground attack's occurred.

The live feed showing the ground cannons on the ship screen, went white for a moment, as the lasers hit. Once the impact blast disappeared, there were only craters in its place. Nothing was spared.

Darth Diem knew about this "little" development on Valyrant Prime, about the negotiations between the Sith Empire and the Valyrant Triumvirate, or as Diem called them, Triarchy.
They were a conquered planet, but there was much civil unrest, and plenty of seeds for rebellious fruit to thrive. And so deep within Sith Empire, that was a problem.
However, beside these obvious things, Diem had a personal interest in the planet. For Valyrant was a major Tibbana gas exporter, something that he as a Governor of Binaros could use to his advantage.

Only few knew, that this Inquisitor was also a Darth Diem or Omon Kaa, Governor of a planet. His position was a very rare one. And his loyalty to the order went hand in hand with making sure his planet thrives. For he knew about himself, what he couldn't know for sure about others, and that was full and utter loyalty to the expansion of The Sith Empire.

His intelligence gathering team found out a lot about this Dravalan, Mira Athrani Athrani. The non Sith female who was probing the planet in search for her own rise within it. And he could respect that, ambition is never something a Sith would look down upon.
Her extensive scientific knowledge was also a big plus, especially for the planet that is so close to the Capitol. And though Diem was interested in the planet for its gas production, he also wanted to see how loyal would this person truly be? How sure in Sith dominion is she?

This incident right now, showed him that she undoubtedly tried her best to go with the Carrot approach. But.. Sith Fleet was attacked, no matter if by her designed, some random Valyrant rebels or an act of the Wills. That attack needed to be answered, right away. Thus he joined this little party prematurely.

I will be your Stick, Carrot.

Omon thought, while giving nod to his technicians, to slice in to every screen and comlink aboard the fleet around him. Once done, he started to speak to them.

"Greetings, brave Navy of the Sith Order. I am Inquisitorial Agent DDB1. I was observing the occurrences from a close by, and chose to intervene in your name. No one from this fleet will take any responsibility for the bombardment executed by the ships under my command." he looked at his technicians again, and the crew nodded, starting to work on their panels and keyboards. Hailing the Valyrant leaders in to the same call. Once having them, he continue..

"Triumvirate, act of aggression was carried out against the SIth Empire. It is in my Inquisitorial power to make the judgment call, and if see fit turn your government buildings to glass.
But I will take in to account the loyalty your people have showen to the Empire so far, and treat this incident as an anomaly. It seems that the negotiator send to you earlier, does have a strong stance on our mutual good relations in the future. Or I imagine she would not be so restrained.

But now, you will be dealing with a Sith, beside her. Await our arrival."

As the screens went dead, and comlink down, Omon turned around and started to walk with purpose to the hanger.

There, his shuttle, Tie Reaper was ready with his usual 5-men commando team. They did not wore any insignia on them. For now he is on Inqusitorial business, not Gubernatorial.
His wrist commlink blinked, and he lifted his arm to look.. image of a strike team, in front of a small assault carrier appeared. They were in a big hanger of one of the Afflicter destroyers. Troopers were also in a non Sith uniforms and armor, officer spoke to him.

"Agent. 3 strike teams are ready, as per your order. We will get close to the 3 Tibbana gas refineries, and wait for your signal." man lifted his arm in a salute.

"Do not destroy, unless I give you the go-ahead! Make sure your men understand this, commander. Because I will hold you personally responsible." after his words, the trooper just nodded, and the hologram disappeared.
This was just a precaution, in case the negotiations don't go as planed.

While sitting down in the Tie Reaper shuttle, he hailed the captain of the Mira Athrani 's fleet. And instruct him to send her coordinated just outside of the Valyrant City.

"Inform her that Agent DDB1 wish to meet. Before we together continue to the City." his thoughts went to the emptiness of space, as the nimble little shuttle burst from the small hanger of the Shikkar assault ship.
His masked face observed the many ships of the fleet all around him, slowly disappearing behind them, as they started dissention in to the atmosphere.

 

[Mira Athrani]

As the spiral of flame and smoke blossomed before their eyes, Mira had only one thing to say. "Tell me there was already a communication blackout in effect."

Her yellow eyes shone in the light of day as Mira stood on the landing pad. She'd already opened a channeled and demanded to know who had given the order to open fire the second the explosion erupted in the city. All that was left now was an outwardly calm demeanor that barely contained the inferno within. It hadn't been long before an Inquisitor decided to announce themselves... after "returning" fire on the platform. After putting every soldier and defensive position on full alert waiting for the expected invasion to begin; or perhaps a few more would find their patience at an end and also open fire, foolishly.

"It was necessary to curtail the attempted propaganda broadcast by the Commander of that battlement," Aila replied with surprisingly calmness given her display about the secret research Mira had seemingly stumbled upon.

Small mercies. It might only add fuel to the flames of conspiratorial murmurs, but better an unconfirmed truth than a misinterpreted one.

Negotiator, the Inquisitor had called her. The arrogant bastard. Inquisitorial authority to turn the buildings to glass. The unmitigated gall. Leave it to the Sith to complicate matters further by having the people down here question whether Mira could do half of what she'd implied.

"Aila, inform the Triumvirate I will require their answer upon my return. And add that my authority as governor only begins once I am recognized in that position; until then this Inquisitor can do as he pleases." Which was not entirely accurate, but time was short and the situation perilous -- they'd have to life with a little exaggeration. "The Inquisitors can only supersede a Governor's authority in the most dire of circumstances." Again, an oversimplification, but now wasn't a time in Civics.

The attendant gave a short nod before she turned to leave them to the hovercraft meant to ferry them to the Power Core. Now it would, apparently, be taking them outside of the city. Another slight -- intentioned or otherwise -- by this Inquisitor, forced to leave the city only to return to it. Well, it was better than the Sith dropping a Destroyer into the atmosphere to wag their-- "Get in the vehicle." Mira had no time for pleasantries with the two left in her merry presence.

As the vehicle swept toward the meeting place, Mira turned her darkened gaze out over the city. A karking Inquisitor had shown up. Shouldn't they have stayed in the shadows? Threatened a few children for saying something bad about the illustrious Emperor? Oh, she was aware that wasn't what they did, but her temper was far from beginning to cool. Somehow Mira would have to keep the people of this world from taking that explosion as a sign the Sith couldn't be trusted. There'd no doubt be reports of collateral damage as well later. Even if this did work, the threat of rebels would only be that much greater now. What would she do to convince them a response (immediate or future) wasn't needed? She tried to focus on that instead of what she would have liked to do to the Inquisitor's face.

Omon Kaa / Darth Diem

 

[Omon Kaa / Darth Diem]

​

The Reaper made its signature sharp U turn, before slowly landing on to the ground. Hydraulics pushed its back door down, and before they were on its half way, the 5 commandoes jumped out securing the landing sight.
Once the ramp reached the ground and steam burst through exhausts, masked figure appeared striding down the ramp. Once on the planet, Omon looked in to the skies, then remove his cloak and hang it on one of the ships bars.
He slowly knelt down, collecting the dirt in to his armored hand, observing its content while smushing it around his fingers. It was a good earth, even here, so close to the city.

"They are arriving Sir" one of the trooper pointed out at the incoming ship. But Omon felt them long ago, yet he still thanked his man with a nod. Lifting himself up, and cleaning his hands while observing the incoming small transporter.

"Stay here." he said in calm manner, while slowly walking toward the, now turning and parking, ship.

Somewhere around half way there, the Dravalan female also disembarked and touched the solid ground. Omon's helmet titled to side slightly, while observing her. His covered eyes traveled from her horns down to her feet.

Once both were on some meter from eachother, he spoke.. "If I only had thousand made in your image." Sith's head looked up in to much taller and muscular female. His arms slowly moved on to his lower back.

"I am Inquisitorial Agent DDB1. Pleasure to meet one of your kind, I must admit. Fascinating specie." he said with an honest voice, not letting her to answer, yet. But continuing right away, his head turning to the side, looking at the world around them.
"Are you mad at me? It is understandable, I know I would be. I was following your negotiations with some interest, I must admit. We had plenty spy droids posted within Valyrant City palaces and even households. Independant Planet this close to Jutrand would certainly not be left unchecked." he admitted to her. Even though those spy droids were posted long before he entered the Inqusitorium.

Darth Diem returned his gaze on to her, glancing as well all the faces of her entourage. Before making a small side step, so that his beck are turned to her, asserting his dominance with body talk alone.
But he did think her probing in to Valyrant were actually sound, so he had to give her credit for that part.

"All that you have done here, so far, is good. You tried to establish connection, a unifying goal, "Its Them, We should do This".. very good. Not being part of the Sith you can actually pull that off. However.." his helmet turned to side and up, looking the tall female in eyes.

"You do not allow laser barrages to hit your navy. That is the Sith Navy, those are soldiers indoctrinated in our beliefs. And you will look up to them, to be your first line of Planetary defense. I allowed 2 barrages, I intervened on the 3rd one. That is usually 3 attacks more then I would wait for.
As for the Triumvirate, and Valyrant Prime's "Advanced Engineering and Defense".." he paused for a second "..well, lets just say they don't mean as much as they use too. Sith Empire is not same as the one from 10 years ago. With our unraveling of Mors Mon to the Galaxy, among many other things, it is paramount for Systems and Planets to realize they are not dealing with same beast any longer."

Diem turned and waved his hand to his troopers, after which one of them ran to him, and took a big pack from his back, tossing it on the ground. After entering 4 digit code the pack opened, revealing small ingots of gold.
Young Sith then took a small holo pod and put it over the gold.

"On this holopod there are names of all the high officials who are corruptible, or ones who just need a gentle nudge toward it. This gold is for you to decide who you wish to pay, to get them on board with accepting the rule of the Sith. We do not need dogs, of course.. but anymore rebels stirring here, or any more talk against the Empire, and they will be introduced to the destructive power of the Dark Side." his voice went higher at the end. But return to low and calm, as he continued.
"As for my bombardment, I assure you it was utterly precise, only the artillery that was firing was destroyed. Anyone dying around it, should be considered a rebel and a traitor.

Be their Savior, Mira, once we go their together. Defend their rights and attack my actions.. but never forget in whose Space are you. In whose Empire this planet is. Through your defense, make them understand. That Order can live with one planet less, if it comes to that."

His head again tilted a bit, wanting to hear her perspective on it all. And undoubtedly berede him for the bombardment. But he knew that it had to be done. Sith Navy does not take kindly to not returning fire. They would have blame her for it in the end.


Tag : Mira Athrani

​

 

[Mira Athrani]

The lightly armored, seven-foot tall woman hopped out of the vehicle and stood beside it for a moment. Her eyes were on the figure wearing expected full-body armor for effect. She didn't bother to look at the two still in the vehicle before starting forward on her own. What need did they have to follow? An Inquisitor could make sure the Alien didn't do anything criminal in nature, and they rather not put their necks on the line of being charged in some criminal conduct themselves.

Apparently the man was a foot shorter than her, which would have amused her in a better mood. The sort of person she'd foreseen meeting with the leaders of this world and making demands of them believing a position of strength alone was enough. Perhaps he was more tactful than that. Mira would discover that quite soon.

Mira stopped before the man as he spoke. She made no sound nor shifted her body in any way at his vocalized opinions about her species. The man must have meant the Dravala. A subtle, but important mistake anyone could make especially since Mira had made it her 'official' species on record. It was easier than explaining 'genetic freak born of a Dravalan root.' Long as the Inquisitor didn't try picking up where Titan had left off, Mira didn't care how intriguing she might be to him.

Spy droids? Mira made a mental note to clear at least one place of any bugs. Sometimes you had to make tough decisions. The sort you couldn't afford to leave any trace of who had made which decision so it could come back to haunt them. Not that she planned on rebelling against the Empire, but people too obsessed with Order lacked the flexibility needed for proper command at times.

As he then turned into more prescient events, Mira's left hand rose to settle atop her hip.

"If the Navy is unable to withstand the barrage of a single battery it hasn't developed as far as believed." Mira hoped the man hadn't thought she would go out of her way to be polite. "After I had captured the rebellious commander I intended to hand him over to the Navy for public execution -- if the Captain desired it. It would be accompanied by the Triumvirate recanting their rogue actions, which would blunt similar uprisings. The Valk'elli will not be cowed by shows of force." Shame from the broken chain of command would have been a more potent weapon. Not even the Dark Side would deter these people if they chose open rebellion; everyone would lose, but none more than the Valk'elli themselves.

"Still," Mira lifted her hand from her hip, "I can continue leveraging you to demonstrate their need for me. It is best for the Empire to hand it a willing Valyrant Prime than a smoldering cinder. They have also come a long way in the past decade; the Empire will find great value in the designs and creations produced here."

While she would accept the gold -- never turn down a useful resource -- Mira had not done more than give it a single, short glance at its reveal. Corruption. Fear. Hallmarks of an Empire.

"I will convince the Triumvirate to accept me, Mira Athrani. You need not be concerned of any other outcome." Weighing the maneuvers on this battlefield were her problem. The Inquisitor was just another piece on the board. Not quite a welcome one, but Mira didn't waste time raging about the world not bowing to her whims. Much as she hadn't wasted time trying to attack the Inquisitor the moment they met -- that would have been exceptionally counter-productive.

Mira regarded the man openly. "Is it your intention to play the combative, hostile, and otherwise dismissive party?" He said she should be their Savior. Sounded like the man planned on being the quintessential Sith. Hopefully it wouldn't goad them so far as to result in chaos. Just enough turbulence to keep them off-balanced and contemplative of a world without a more... amicable governor. "And should I anticipate your continued presence for the foreseeable future?"

Omon Kaa / Darth Diem

 

[Omon Kaa / Darth Diem]

​

Inquisitor extended his arm, pointing toward the city gates, and allowing the "lady" to walk first, while he joined beside her. His Tie Reaper taking off the ground and slowly hovering some 20 meters to their side, while his commando unit walked in front and behind them. Accompanied by her people and personnel. It kinda looked silly, that they walked, while surrounded by so much security.. But Omon thought it prudent to talk, before they enter city gates.

"If the Navy is unable to withstand the barrage of a single battery it hasn't developed as far as believed."

"Oh the ships can take it, naturally. But Sith Navy personal are a different story." he interjected, while listening to the tall Dravalan female.

"After I had captured the rebellious commander I intended to hand him over to the Navy for public execution -- if the Captain desired it. It would be accompanied by the Triumvirate recanting their rogue actions, which would blunt similar uprisings. The Valk'elli will not be cowed by shows of force."

"That, would be an acceptable outcome for the soldiers. But I doubt you shared any of it with the Officers or the personal.. which is why to them, this was only seen as 'Sith Navy Taking Fire, And Not Retaliating'. But your plan for the aftermath, would be welcomed by the Navy, indeed." he admitted with his robotic muffled voice.

She talked about potential use of him, and the positives of planet being taken in one piece, which he of course supported..
"Oh naturally, I am here to help you get them without Order being forced to change the Planets topography. That is the only reason I was here. Though I 'joined in' bit prematurely, due to the attack." his arms again went behind his back, while the two walked slowly, getting closer and closer to the city gates. Who by now announced their arrival, and the ceremonial guard could be seen exiting the shield gates, to welcome them.

Not that they liked having an Inquisitor here, but Omon suspected just because of the fact Sith Ships were attacked, and suddenly an inquisitor is appearing, Triumvirate wanted to make sure they show they had nothing to do with the attack. Which was good for their plans.. bit of fear goes along way.

"I will convince the Triumvirate to accept me, Mira Athrani. You need not be concerned of any other outcome."

"Is it your intention to play the combative, hostile, and otherwise dismissive party?" He said she should be their Savior. Sounded like the man planned on being the quintessential Sith. Hopefully it wouldn't goad them so far as to result in chaos. Just enough turbulence to keep them off-balanced and contemplative of a world without a more... amicable governor. "And should I anticipate your continued presence for the foreseeable future?"

The guards salute them, as they all pass the gates, the Tie Transporter parking itself just beside the entrance.
Behind the walls, a slick looking city transporter waited them, while his commandoes and her escort took a small 1-man levitating standing pods, that Valyrant law enforcement uses.

The transporter started to go toward the city downtown, and political seat of the Triumvirate.

Omon turned his helmeted head toward her, and answered..

"I am not concerned, Mira. I'm sure you can do it, from all the reports I received." he nodded slowly, before answering the second part

"I don't think I'll go with combative and hostile, Inquisitor does not need to be any of those things to project power and authority. But I do think I'll be a bit dismissive, yes. My arrogance will make them worry." he smiled under the mask, as he did like the role of Inquisitor for these small pleasures. The fact that no one truly knows, what is an agenda of the 'Empires Shadow'.

"As for my presence here.. No, I doubt that will happen. Though that is something I cant really speak about, I can tell you that Inquisitors don't really stay put in one place, unless assigned to it. So I doubt you will be seeing me after the Valyrant Prime is secured."
He knew that she will be seeing him again for sure, only she wont know it. He will undoubtedly come here again, but as a Governor of nearby planet Binaros, not as an Inquisitor.

Valyrant Prime will be his partner, and customer of the services Binaros providing. Of that he had no doubt. Which will make all this rather interesting.

The troopers made a turn, in front of the big building, as their transported lazily joined in. The buildings looked very beautiful, he had to admit, while commandos opened their doors, and assumed the task of securing the perimeter around him and the Dravalan.

Before exiting, he spoke softly in to the commlink in his helmet "Do you see us Lieutenant?" asking the question to the officer on his command ship, who tracked them via very powerful optics aboard Shikkara Class Assault Ship.

"Image is clear Agent, once in the building we will have the feed from your helmet, and ping position from the bird-view. Over." his man answered back, letting him know that they are being tracked and monitored. In case anything goes wrong.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________​

Tag : Mira Athrani

 

[Mira Athrani]

Mira turned her head slightly to look over at the Inquisitorial Agent DDB1 as he spoke. Shared it with the Officers or personnel? Since when did Sith go around describing what they intended to do at length or why it would be done? Especially given the unrealistic deadline they tried to saddle her with -- as though she weren't the one in command of this expedition. Well, there was little point arguing it with this Agent, just as she'd felt there'd been little point standing around talking endlessly about something the Navy had no role in -- except to grin and bear it as a soldier must at times.

At least the man -- presumably -- accepted her intended follow-up might have been well received. So they weren't unreasonable, just of differing opinion. Mira could work with that. Hopefully.

The Agent was there for the purpose of securing Valyrant Prime intact? Damn political maneuverings. Here everything had begun so well, Mira had almost thought she'd managed to slip into a crack in the every overwhelming Sith Empire. All she'd needed was a day. A grunt was about the only response she afforded as they drew closer to the city once more.

The pomp and ceremony did grate just a little upon their arrival. There hadn't been quite so much when she'd come alone as a show of self-assurance and strength. Well, they probably did want to at least appear like everyone was on good terms given recent events. Some of the security might even have been intended to keep any civilians from lashing out before things could be settled.

While the two of them weren't at each others' throat, it was a relief to hear the Agent wouldn't be loitering. It would have been concerning if the Empire thought they needed to station a Minder here permanently before Mira had even formally taken the mantle of Governor. They could afford to give her a little time to draw out the rope to hang herself with, couldn't they? Not that she planned on taking them up on the opportunity. As strong and capable as the people of this world could be, they weren't ready to rebel. Would that even be a beneficial thing to do? The Kainites' campaign was hanging on, but it was difficult to say they were having great success at 'reclaiming' the throne -- and they had more military resources at their disposal.

As they stepped out of the transport, Mira paused without turning toward the man beside her. "The Triumvirate may require a ritual duel as part of their acceptance." She couldn't afford the luxury of thinking they wouldn't accept. "I would appreciate it if no one charged to my rescue if it happens inside the Chamber." The Agent had suggested Mira needed to be a little more transparent with her Sith partners, after all. To avoid misunderstandings. "They may wish to test my mettle as a warrior to put their pride at ease."

"Naturally, I won't hold it against you if I die. Wouldn't be a Governor worth remembering if I went down that easily." Mira's physiology -- like the Valk'elli -- wasn't best suited to smiling. Hopefully the tone of her voice was enough. It'd be good to know if the Agent had a sense of humor too.

Omon Kaa / Darth Diem

 

[Omon Kaa / Darth Diem]

​

As they were passing the tall gates of the ruling body palace, Omon noticed his companions face expression changed just for a small second, while he was connected to his ship. He must make sure not to slip up his "other" interest in to the planet, beside the Inquisitorial ones.

"Oh do not worry, they will only have the image feed, no sound. And though they are undyingly loyal, some conversations are not meant for just anyone. But the image feed, it is in case we are killed. My men will knew who will be held responsible." he smiled under his helmet, as they walked in to a lavish hallway, ornamented with expensive art, that lead in to the chamber of the Triumvirate.

"The Triumvirate may require a ritual duel as part of their acceptance." She couldn't afford the luxury of thinking they wouldn't accept. "I would appreciate it if no one charged to my rescue if it happens inside the Chamber." The Agent had suggested Mira needed to be a little more transparent with her Sith partners, after all. To avoid misunderstandings. "They may wish to test my mettle as a warrior to put their pride at ease."

"Naturally, I won't hold it against you if I die. Wouldn't be a Governor worth remembering if I went down that easily."

His mask covered face looked at her, as she spoke, then return its gaze back to the final doors that were in front of them. He stayed silant for a short moment, thinking about her words, and weighing in potential set backs of each outcome.
Then finally, while still looking forward, he answered..

"It would be indeed foolish if I tried to rescue you, while we are on "opposite" sides inside. However.. Sith Empire cannot allow one of their assets to simply be killed, duel or not. If you were a Sith, yes. Stronger prevails, so he or she could lose their life. But not someone who is under our protection. Finding and vetting new Gubernatorial candidate would simply take too long." his voice became lower, as they were closer and closer to the people inside the chamber..
"I sense Force around you, yet I cannot determine can you wield it or not. Simplest answer I can give you.. do not get to a point where you might lose. Or I might have to pull some kind of trickery to give you an edge again. But, looking at you, I am sure you will make a short work out of your opponent."

He stepped to side from her few steps so it looks as though they are not entering the room "together", as the guards, who should accompany them, stayed behind. Probably being ordered not to try and interfere with an Inquisitor, by their superiors.

The room was spacious, and many people was gathered in it, while the 'Three' sat at the head of them. Omon noticed worry and uncertainty on many of the faces.
Just at this moment, a green light on his forearm turned on, blinking 4 times then stopping. Signal that the troopers were at the 3 Tibanna gas refineries. But he had an optimistic view of the situation, and firmly believed that there wont be need of blowing them up.

The Dravalan will handle this. He said to himself, while observing her move to the other side of the room from him.

He looked at the Ruling Body, placing his arms on his back, observing each face slowly.. so they feel the pressure of the eyes they cannot see, but know are watching them like a Ingzan eagle watch his pray.

"I am Inquisitorial Agent DDB1, before anything else is said.. I want to hear from you that the attackers of the Sith Fleet are destroyed. My ships cannons used extreme precision, because we respect your people and culture. But if any of the Rebels survived, I want to hear it now." his robotic voice was compelling.

The Three looked at eachother, mumble few words, then answer.. "There was Two, according to our law enforcement responders. They.. escaped." middle one spoke, and surprisingly he spoke honestly.

Omon nodded, replying with a calm voice "I respect your honesty. I'm sure they wont elude you for long. It is crucial for our good relations to be so. But, I am not here to speak about those things.. She is." his gaze turned toward Mira, giving her the authority with his words. "She speaks for the Empire" would be the gist of it.

As he took few steps backwards, placing his arms over his chest, looking at the tall female.

______________________________________________________________________________________​

Tags: Mira Athrani

 

[Mira Athrani]

Mira turned her head slightly to peer down at the Agent. 'Under their protection?' Her mandibles flared slightly as her jaw opened. "Haa. Let me put it another way: if these people could stop me, then you'd do your Empire a favor killing me yourself, here and now." Went back to the whole false background and genetic mix-up, she presumed. All their time being genetically built and trained to kill Force Users hadn't been a mass delusion where one of the only successes of those experiments could only take on a grunt any other common rabble could touch. Perhaps she'd need to demonstrate this as much for the Sith as she did for the Valk'elli.

On the other hand, Mira understood the Agent's utilitarian stance on the matter. As simply a gubernatorial 'candidate' Mira held value to the Sith's purposes. What that would be if she failed in convincing the people of this world to bend the knee, though, she couldn't imagine. Perhaps overseer of the camp of the few that survived the mass slaughter? Tsk. That would be far more trouble than it was worth.

With a casual gait as though this meeting held no particular special import, the two of them strode into the room parted before the surprising number of witnesses gathered there. Appropriate, if a bit more notoriety than expected. Hopefully the blackout had been lifted and the airwaves filled with the broadcast of what happened here instead.

As the Agent made demand to know the status of the attackers, Mira stood with her hands at her sides and to her full height.

"My name," for their audience, "is Mira Athrani. And you are the proud warrior scholars of the Valyrant Prime. A people accustomed to claiming worlds and revealing the secrets of the universe. One that will not bow before another because they wish it. And yet I come before you now to become the Governor of your world for the Sith Empire." Her bright, yellow eyes scanned the crowd. "Imagine the wealth and resources of the Empire fueling your advancements. Imagine their fleets crushing piracy and thieves that would steal your creations -- the Empire will have a vested interest in ensuring your success in all things. There may be changes, but I will see they do not erase your identity."

"You would claim this title?"

Mira's eyes slowly slid back to the center at the ruling council. "I claim it." What they suggested was done in arrogance, she would affirm in fact. "And so that none will question my worthiness," her voice raised over the din of murmurs, "I will challenge the greatest among you."

"Jhiael, come forward."

Good. They were prepared. The sooner these formalities were over, the less likely another incident might occur.

A tall specimen a head and a half taller than Mira herself stepped away from the wall before her. The man certainly had his share of muscular development. And the dark gaze leveled at her as he stepped by showed what he thought of the challenge.

Noting the warrior stood to one side before the trio, Mira strolled across the center line to take up a position equal but opposite of him. It placed her closer to where DDB1 stood, though she didn't spare him a glance. This was her fight.

"Let the worthiness of this challenger be tested."

What probably needed no statement to others of this world was such a challenge ended in victory or death. Mira pivoted to present a side-profile to her opponent with a single knife-hand held up before her. "For the honor of Valyrant Prime."

The taller warrior grunted as he stomped a foot forward. "For her people."

"Begin."

It was a relief when the man opened with a massive wave of the Force flung in her direction. A true test then; and an opening move designed to crush someone too pitiful for actual combat. As the energy surged toward Mira, however, she scarcely seemed to move. Just as it sought to slam her through the wall behind her, however, the wave split in twain. Power crashed into a field that flared to life encircling the dueling area -- any witnesses that'd been in its path spared a sudden demise.

Mira darted forward the moment the wave split around where she'd stood. She launched into a series of punches and hooks the moment the distance closed; her opponent even managed to get a few steps in to close the distance despite her weathering such a Force Push. There was certainly power behind Jhiael's strikes and sturdiness to weather her own. Only a few strikes later, Mira leaped up and delivered a kick hooked around a defending arm to the side of the man's head. A Force augment to the blow sent him reeling to the side.

Almost immediately recovering from the blow, Jhiael shot lightning back the way he'd come.

With a step into the blow and both arms crossed before her, Mira felt the crackle of power as it danced over her arms and snapped at her face.

Twice the man sought to find some hidden reserve to throw more power at Mira. On the second attempt, she broke her block and shattered the connection between them. Both arms numb from the assault, the Dravalan woman shot forward. She came in low before delivering a arching kick up toward his chin.

Jhiael drew his head back to avoid the blow.

Both regained their footing at the same time. Jhiael stepped forward and tried to deliver a flurry punches, which Mira managed to side step each time. It wasn't long before a strike at the back foot dropped the man to one knee. Mira forced one arm to respond and sought to deliver her own strike to his face. Only it wasn't fast enough, and Jhiael managed a hook to her torso that caused Mira to stagger backwards a few steps.

This one didn't even need the full force of his body behind a blow for it to hurt.

Teeth clenched shut, Mira lifted her head to look at the man as he stood. His hand lifted only this time it wasn't a Push he tried. Not a physical one. Instead the room grew dark and then a red glow rose around the perimeter. It seemed to highlight familiar shapes and shadows. She recognized the psychological power almost immediately. Instead of the dropped jaw he expected, however, Jhiael got a grin.

For all the threats of endless torment and torture put on display before her eyes, there was one thing he hadn't accounted for. That the same horrors might be visited back upon him. Scenes and threats that would mean nothing to his mind, perhaps, except one... there was one thing from that accursed place that didn't need a frame of reference. It didn't need someone to understand or know it. Every mind knew this fear instinctively -- the panic of an overwhelming, formless evil. Domina Prime (Dima)'s shadow rose up from behind Mira in that shared battlefield of the mind; her tentacles rising and stretching forth toward new prey.

This time the surprise wasn't so short lived. The power being turned back on them and the blurring of reality and the memory of another bought Mira the chance she'd been looking for. A second where Jhiael's guard was down. Her fists began a series of strikes that staggered him back into the force field until he was pinned there. Then Mira took hold of an arm and heaved him over her shoulder to slam him back down on the ground like a toy.

Mira stood over the man with her burning yellow eyes staring down at him. Her teeth were parted as pants laboriously passed between them. "Fear. I know it well. I learned how to use it long ago."

Omon Kaa / Darth Diem