Private Ultimatum

[Marlon Sularen]

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U L T I M A T U M

FINAL DAWN
ESSION, CORPORATE SECTOR

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A New Era had begun. With the Destruction of Exegol and the subsequent collapse of the Brotherhood of the Maw along with various other galactic powers, the geopolitical landscape of the galaxy had changed, with the balance of power shifting in the favor of democratic and light-side aligned powers such as the Galactic Alliance and the Rimward Trade League with only the Sith Order in the Southern Outer Rim left to challenge them.

However with this change, there were many who assumed that they would be free to walk freely throughout the former territories of the many defunct powers of the galaxy and operate as they saw fit. Among this group of individuals and organizations, was a corporation by the name of the Zero Corporation. Formed from the remnants of a defunct galactic power known as the Zweihander Union and led by an Ex-ZU Admiral by the name of Tristan Evore, they had begun to expand their business across the galaxy, which included former Mawite Space.

Their antics would eventually catch the attention of one of the most powerful Splinter Groups of the Maw, the Neo-Imperial Junta known as the Final Dawn especially as they set up research and manufacturing facilities on the world of Schesa, which was under the de facto control of the Final Dawn. Not only was this a violation of the Final Dawn’s territorial integrity, but such a violation had been committed by a Corporation with strong ties to a faction that had previously betrayed the High Regent of the Final Dawn, and as such this issue was something that could not be ignored or tolerated.

As such upon learning of this information, the High Regent of the Final Dawn, Marlon Sularen sought to take matters in his own hands recognizing the threat the Zero Corporation’s operations on Schesa posed to the Final Dawn’s long-term goals. Thus he headed for the Company’s headquarters on Ession in order to confront it’s treacherous CEO and put an end to a dark chapter of his past once and for all.

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A Single Battlecruiser emerged from hyperspace arriving in orbit of Ession, marking the arrival of the High Regent to the planet. On the bridge of the mighty warship, the High Regent sat calmly in his command chair gazing at the Industrial World that stood before him. Standing beside him as usual was his subordinate Colonel Rackham, who was scrolling up and down on his datapad regularly checking on the many projects and operations. “Your shuttle is ready, sir” The Colonel informed Sularen.

“Thank you Colonel.” the High Regent said in response. He then stood up and proceeded to leave the bridge. “The Ship is yours Colonel.” Sularen before exiting the bridge. “Make sure any unpleasant surprises are dealt with accordingly” he finished. Soon enough a single Shuttle would emerge from a small hangar on the side of the base of the bridge tower, headed towards the surface of Ession, escorted by a Squad of TIE Terminators.

As they approached the headquarters of the Zero Corporation, Sularen seated in a chair behind the two pilots in the cockpit of the Shuttle proceeded to speak up. “Inform the Zero Corporation of our imminent arrival, and that High Regent Marlon Sularen would like to meet with their CEO to discuss matters of great…importance,” he ordered. The Pilots nodded as they proceeded to relay the High Regent’s directive to the Zero Corporation’s Headquarters, patiently awaiting a response as they closed in on the facility.

The Zero Corporation would leave Schesa either through diplomacy or by force, although how they would leave was up to them now, and if they were wise they would choose the former option rather than the latter. For too long had the High Regent allowed their treachery to go unpunished, and now he would put an end to their misguided ambitions, once and for all.

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Tags | Tristan Evore ​

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[Tristan Evore]

R E V I V A L
HIGH LORD OF ESSION


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Marlon Sularen. Now that was a name he hadn't thought about in a very long time. Of course, he'd heard of the exploits of the former Directorate boss but that wasn't his business. There was a reason he didn't engage in the Second Great Hyperspace War and had been content to leave the execution of military strategy to Isla Draellix-Kobitana but Sularen wasn't it. No, he just simply couldn't stomach the idea of deploying Essionian assets half way across the galaxy to fight a war while a resurgent Sith threat brewed at his borders.

But that didn't mean he didn't care about what the Final Dawn had done.

From the days of the Zweihander Union, Evore held a strong connection with the Chiss people. The destruction of Csilla was a gut punch that made even the four-hundred year old Anzati warlord pause. Though, his intel suggested Sularen at the time was but a cog in a machine ran by the rouge Imperial Warlord Derix Tirall - a man whom he'd encountered some five decades ago following the Core Imperial Confederation's sudden and inexplicable collapse. The High Lord sighed. Did any galactic government he served ever survive longer than two decades?

He brushed aside the thought. There were bigger issues to worry about than his past.

He'd imagine Sularen wasn't paying a social visit, and with a heightened sense of humor had quickly prepared a short meal for the two to enjoy as they discussed whatever proposal he felt important enough to park a battlecruiser over one of the most heavily defended worlds in the Corporate Sector. "Funny how they forget" he mused to himself as a bantha steak was placed in front of him.

Marlon Sularen ​

 

[Marlon Sularen]

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U L T I M A T U M

FINAL DAWN
ESSION, CORPORATE SECTOR

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Upon receiving clearance to land on the landing pad located at the top of the Corporate Headquarters of the Zero Corporation, Sularen's Shuttle would soon come to rest on top of the Shuttle, with the High Regent soon emerging from it, flanked by a squad of his Elite Raptor Commandos. After a few minutes, he would eventually arrive at the designated meeting location, a single conference room where the so-called High Lord of Ession awaited him.

Soon the doors leading into the Conference room would open with the High Regent proceeding to walk through escorted only by 2 Raptors as the rest would remain outside the room, their presence was vital to the personal security of the High Regent especially in case something unexpected occurred. As Sularen entered the Room, he spotted the former Zweihander Union Admiral calmly seated at his side of the table with a meal already prepared for the two of them.

"Well, well, well. It's been a while Admiral Evore." Sularen said as he took his seat. "I see you have been very busy lately, especially with the recent establishment of this 'Zero' Corporation' of yours."

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Tags | Tristan Evore ​

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[Tristan Evore]

R E V I V A L
HIGH LORD OF ESSION


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He hardly looked up as Sularen entered. There was no need to. No need for formal introductions or even greeting pleasantries. They knew each other for the better part of four decades at this point, and in a galaxy where communication was instant and constant such paltry things as "Hello" mattered little. But he did seem to roll his eyes at the presence of armed guards. Not only did Sularen park a battlecruiser over a civilian world - a neutral world mind you, but he also had the nerve to bring armed security to the office of that planets elected ruler.

He was making a terrible impression.

"I hope you don't mind that I've already started" He finally began, wiping his mouth with a cloth as he playing touched his half-eaten bantha steak. With a slight gesture of his finger, music began. A soft, calculated tempo that more indicative of the host than the guest. "After nearly two centuries in active military service, most of which was under Imperial governments, you gain an affinity for order. I've developed quite the taste for predictable music" He explained while gesturing for Sularen to sit.

"You don't need those by the way" He pointed at the guards. "I have no intention of displaying aggression or otherwise I would've shot down that battlecruiser you parked over my planet hours ago. But I didn't. I'm not inclined to start hostilies and therefore the Commonwealth of Ession welcomes you." He didn't skip a beat. "But for official purpose, any attempt to establish a permanent Final Dawn base or embassy or even send a ship here without our permission will be rebuffed"

"Now, why are you here"

Marlon Sularen ​

 

[Marlon Sularen]

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U L T I M A T U M

FINAL DAWN
ESSION, CORPORATE SECTOR

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After Sularen, sat down. Evore pointed out at how the presence of his guards was unnecessary, speaking at how he could have had the High Regent's Flagship shot down over Ession if he wanted, although he refrained from doing so for the sake of averting a war between the Final Dawn and the so-called Commonwealth of Ession. The idea that Evore could destroy his Flagship, amused Sularen as it made him chuckle when he spoke about doing such. In addition to this statement he spoke about how he would not allow the establishment of any base, embassy or the movement of warships at Ession without the permission of his Commonwealth, which immediately reminded the High Regent of Vandar Tarkin , the Self-Proclaimed High Moff of Eriadu, who had made similar statements and threats against the High Regent.

Regardless, Sularen simply shrugged Tristan Evore's statements off. If the Final Dawn would take an interest on Ession in the future he would not hesitate to establish a formal presence regardless of the High Lord's Opinion. While the man had welcomed him and was willing to tolerate him, the feeling wasn't mutual, especially after his previous betrayal decades ago. Heck Evore should have considered himself lucky that Sularen was willing to negotiate rather then show up at Schesa guns blazing in order to forcibly expel the Zero Corporation. But it was clear that the man had not yet taken the hint, especially with his attitude, and as such Sularen would make sure to remind him of the gravity of the situation.

"You know damn well why i'm here, Evore." Sularen said shifting his tone to a more stern and authoritarian one. "Your facilities on Schesa." Sularen continued. "I don't know when you set up shop there or how, but what i do know is that you are yet again trying to undermine me." Sularen then took a small pause before resuming. "If you didn't know already, Schesa belongs to the Final Dawn and i could care less about your opinion on the matter. To set up research and manufacturing facilities there is a gross violation of the Final Dawn's territorial integrity and i personally will not stand for it. As such my demands are clear. You will relinquish control over these facilities to the Final Dawn and all your employees and workers there will also be transferred to us."

"If you accept then i will refrain from taking any further action against your Corporation as long as you respect our boundaries. If you refuse i will simply take control over those facilities by force as well as detain your personnel and then simply send my agents and proxies across the galaxy to simply dismantle this poor attempt to reconsolidate the remnants of the Zweihander Union. You should be glad i even sought to negotiate with you first Evore and that i am demanding so little from you, especially after what you and your peers did to be all those years ago and i suggest that you carefully consider what you say next"

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Tags | Tristan Evore ​

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[Tristan Evore]

R E V I V A L
HIGH LORD OF ESSION


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Sularen hardly changed. Arrogant, egotistical - really just full of himself - he attempted to back Evore into a corner which just made the Anzati laugh, quickly setting down the fork and knife he was still holding.

The Zero Corporation. That's why he came. It had nothing to do with the fall of the Ashlan Crusade or the discussions regarding the reestablishment of the Corporate Sector Authority. No, it was personal. And stupid. "No" He hardly looked up at Sularen as he took a drink of fine Essionian wine.

"I mean come on!" He blurted out with a sense of exasperation. "Out of all the things you've could've been you choose not to be fucking for real. Who the hell do you think you are or more importantly, who do you think I am?"

The Anzati rose only to grab a datapad from a nearby work station. "I am not Vandar Tarkin and I do not make empty threats. Nor will I run and flee to the Tingel Arm like Derix Tirall" He threw the datapad towards Sularen, which contained confidential information regarding a fleet of Final Dawn warships gathered at the edge of the Tingel Arm, purportedly under the command of the rouge former High Regent. "No, I am not Yularen Nova and I will not blockade O'reen"

The monologue contuined. "I am something very different. You see me as a threat when you should see me as your possible savior" He threw his hands up for dramatic effect. "You want access to corporate facilities on Schesa. Fine. Take them but after I withdraw the technology I designed from them. You want the workers? I mean good luck, they are not slaves. Most of them are former solders. Some are intelligence operatives. Some still are...different. II trained them and I promise you they will not break"

Tristan sat back down at this point and fixed his uniform. "You want too much. You are overstretching your resources and your supply line is a spaghetti string waiting to be snapped in half by the Galactic Alliance or maybe even the Rimward Trade League" He paused. "You presume to know everything. You are drunk on power and you wield it like an axe when it should be a surgical knife" Another pause. "But I can help you. Afterall, I may have left the Directorate but I wasn't the one who betrayed you. And you and I could accomplish so much together if you let the past die"

Marlon Sularen​

 

[Marlon Sularen]

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U L T I M A T U M

FINAL DAWN
ESSION, CORPORATE SECTOR

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Sularen listened calmly as Evore responded to his statement, giving the High Lord of Ession his time to finish his rants before he could move forward. While he did make some valid points such as how the Final Dawn was already overstretched and how he wasn't like previous individuals who had severely wronged Sularen on a personal level such as Dracken Pryce and Vandar Tarkin. Regardless there were a few flaws in his argument, in the sense that he thought that he could simply withdraw the technology and workers present there and that they could accomplish many things together if the High Regent let the past die.

Normally, Sularen would have preferred to seek a compromise if literally any other corporation had set up operations on Schesa instead of the Zero Corporation. However what Tristan Evore had done was nearly unforgivable and if he thought that both the Final Dawn and the Zero Corporation could accomplish a great many things together, he first needed to understand that he would first need to atone for the many wrongdoings made against the High Regent. After all, he was among many factors that led to Sularen's reputation reaching rock bottom as he was exiled from Byss and forced to join the Maw in order to regain what had been taken from him.

"If only you understood the real impact of your betrayal, Evore." Sularen said in response speaking in the same tone as before. "You speak of not betraying me and yet you still partook in a conspiracy to usurp the Directorate from my control, forming the perverted entity that was Zweihander Union which didn't even last half a decade as it was slowly consumed by the false ideology and corruption propagated by Nargath and his cronies." Sularen said, making it clear he still held alot of contempt for the Zweihander Union. "The only reason the Final Dawn is vulnerable today is precisely because of your treason and the wrongdoings of many other individuals, which prevented me from successfully returning to the Core Worlds and putting down the Galactic Alliance in the midst of the Third Imperial Civil War. Now i have to deal with the New Jedi Order running around freely in former Maw Space and potential "hunt" against me from the GADF."

"Because of people like you, i have been deceived, betrayed and swayed by false promises countless times throughout the past decades and i intend to put an end to it by undoing all those wrongdoings. Cedric Grayson promised me the Corellian Sector, Solipsis promised me revenge against those who deceived me and the entirety of the Core Worlds and the Deep Core. I intend to make sure all the efforts i made into ensuring those promises were realized will not be in vain, and i will not stop until every wrongdoing against me has been corrected and those promises fulfilled." Sularen proclaimed.

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Tags | Tristan Evore ​

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[Tristan Evore]

R E V I V A L
HIGH LORD OF ESSION


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The High Lord dropped his fork and knife as Sularen revealed his true colors. He scoffed. Of course. The poor High Regent was still insecure, still angry, still emotional. How illogical.

"Well...I would be remiss to note that you never approached me about the possibility of remaining aligned with the Directorate. Afterall, we rarely had any communication with each other during those days. Nagarth offered me something more than power" He replied icily. "Respect. Honor. Integrity" He wagged his finger at Sularen as if scolding a child. "I mean four hundred years of serving Empire after Empire and what did I walk away with? Nothing"

Not that he expected Sularen to understand. The High Regent was focused on gaining power for himself. Why? Truth be told, Tristan couldn't tell. "Not everything revolves around you, Marlon. I did what I did for me. And for the most part, it paid off" He said gesturing around the room. "Grayson promised you the Corellian Sector. The so-called Voice of the Maw offered you the Core. But what did you promise yourself? I think that's what you're missing here. You keep relying on others, you project and you blame but the only person who controls your destiny is you"

"And also" A pause. "I am definitively not the reason the Final Dawn is struggling. That'd be the fault of Derix Tirall for relying on religious fanaticism to fuel a military crusade. The Church of the Dark Side is full of pompous, self-righteous crusaders who owe no one. The deck is stacked. The rules are rigged" Another pause. "Welcome to the death of the age of reason"

"You have a choice. You can either allow your hatred and anger blindside you again and ruin any chance you have of consolidating power or you can sit down and negotiate" The Anzati then did something he rarely did: publicly display his muted force abilities by pulling a bottle of wine out of a cellular and sitting it on the table. "There is another option, but I trust it won't be nessecary, yes?"

Marlon Sularen​

 

[Marlon Sularen]

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U L T I M A T U M

FINAL DAWN
ESSION, CORPORATE SECTOR

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As Sularen expected, his statement was once more rebuffed by Tristan Evore. It was already clear at this point that this man would not back down and as usual try to force a settlement then benefited him more at the expense of the High Regent and the Final Dawn. However the High Regent would stand his ground. He would either get the Zero Corporation to leave Schesa either through diplomacy or by force. He was determined to ensure that the integrity of the Final Dawn would be maintained, even in the face of an individual like Tristan Evore.

"Power." Sularen said. "I promised myself to gain more power." Sularen repeated, responding to Evore's earlier question about what he had offered himself. "We live in a Galaxy of Chaos, Evore marked by endless warfare and destruction, and full of various groups and individuals who seek power. There are two ways to survive in this galaxy. Either you can become a follower and hide under the umbrella of larger factions or you can seize power for yourself and carve your name into the stars, do something that is truly meaningful in this Chaotic Galaxy." Sularen proclaimed.

"Granted i did become a follower, making deals with Cedric Grasyon and Darth Solipsis, but they all served a purposed, a means to an end. I intend to finally establish myself at the head of a force to be reckoned with in this galaxy, to finally gain the respect and recognition that has been denied from me and re-shape the societies of the Deep Core and Core Worlds as i see fit just like i have done with certain worlds in the Unknown Regions such as O'reen." Sularen added, outlining his true intentions to Evore "However i cannot do all of this as long as i am plagued with issues such as the Jedi running around freely in our backyard and Foreign Corporations establish themselves on my worlds without prior consent from me."

Sularen then paused for a few seconds before proceeding to continuing. "If negotiations is what you seek, then i will make one final offer. Hand over all t he assets and personnel your 'Zero Corporation' has stationed on Schesa, and i will consider partnering up with you. Think of this as atonement for your previous wrongdoings against me, the first step towards true reconciliation and 'letting the past die' as you previously said. Either you can accept this, or you can condemn your Corporation to an unnecessary demise. This is unnegotiable." Sularen said, leaning back into his chair and crossing his hands as he awaited the so-called High Lord of Ession to respond.

This would be his final offer, and should Evore accept it, then perhaps there was a chance Sularen reconciliate with him just like he had done with Haon Hafey, but if he refused then Sularen would have no choice but to expel the Zero Corporation from Schesa, and ensure their complete and total eradication from the face of this galaxy. The Fate of the Zero Corporation now rested in the hands of Tristan Evore, and what he would say next.

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Tags | Tristan Evore ​

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[Tristan Evore]

R E V I V A L
HIGH LORD OF ESSION


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What exactly did he not understand about negotiation? That was the problem with all Imperials, so arrogant and egotistical. So overconfident. It was the primary reason why every Imperial government the galaxy ever suffered under fell, including all those he personally had served in. No matter, what was done was done. There would be no further negotiation, unfortunately unless said negotiation took place at gun point.

"Okay" was his only response to Sularen's demand. Truth be told, he hadalready extracted the resources he needed from Schesa and his presence there was straining his resources. Not to mention the fact that a plush defense contract with the Galactic Alliance was on the table. Giving Sularen the scraps of Schesa in order to satisfy his inflated ego was a complication to be sure, but not one he was terribly upset about.

"But"

The Anazti formed a decrepit smile as he turned to face the so-called High Lord. Surely the man knew by now that nothing was free? "The Final Dawn will be barred from operating in the Corporate Sector without my express permission"

"In exchange, I will give you my facilities and personal on Schesa. And you will be granted limited access to my facilities in the Redoubt" Another pause. "Tis fair, wouldn't you agree, Marlon?"

Marlon Sularen​

 

[Marlon Sularen]

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U L T I M A T U M

FINAL DAWN
ESSION, CORPORATE SECTOR

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Sularen smiled as Evore finally conceded to his demands. Atleast he had some sense of rationality or atleast was unwilling to risk open conflict over such a remote planet at the edge of the galaxy. In addition to giving up his assets on Schesa, Evore had additionally granted the High Regent, limited access to his facilities on The Redoubt, which could potentially work to his advantage. While the Essionian High Lord insisted that Sularen refrain from operating within the Corporate Sector without his permission, such a term was of no concern to Sularen as he already held little interest in the Corporate Sector.

"I do believe this is a fair deal, Yes." Sularen said in response. Of-course the lifespan of this agreement would depend on how the Zero Corporation treated the Final Dawn in the future, but for now both Sularen and Evore would atleast be able to pursue their separate agendas without any conflict of interest. While the mere exsistence of the Zero Corporation still bothered him, as long as they weren't actively trying to undermine him, then whatever they did was of little concern to the High Regent.

Once Schesa was fully secured, the High Regent would be free to finally shift his attention towards the meddling New Jedi Order and take decisive action to end their antics in the Unknown Regions, bringing the Final Dawn one step closer to it's ultimate ascension.

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Tags | Tristan Evore ​

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