Private What It Takes to Be Seen

[Daedalus Tarkin]

WHAT IT TAKES TO BE SEEN

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Tags: Marlon Sularen
Location: Corulag

Daedalus Tarkin gasped himself awake, startling himself from sleep for the third night in a row. Rest had been evading him since he arrived on Corulag, but even more so after coming to the Sienar facility. His amenities were comfortable and he was well taken care of by the staff, but there was something lurking in periphery of his mind’s eye. Dade thought initially that he was just nervous to be meeting with the Warlord of the Dark Empire, Marlon Sularen himself, but that surely wasn’t it. He was anxious, as most men would be, but not fearful.

“Director Tarkin?” a voice called from outside his room, a small private quarters with native Corulag design and simple Imperial decor. The voice belonged to Rupi, a young Selkath engineer from the Corulag Academy sent to shadow him on the Sienar project. “The Grand Admiral is arriving soon. Should I prepare to receive him?”

“No,” Dade replied in a voice that was still deepened by sleep. He rubbed his eyes and tried not to snap at the poor girl. “We’ll greet the Grand Admiral together. I only need a moment.”

A small part of him wanted to spare the girl from having to welcome such an imposing member of the Empire’s upper echelon alone, but his true concern was avoiding Sularen’s scrutiny should he send a civilian in his stead. Today was about earning favor and securing future contracts for both the Tarkin Initiative and Daedalus Shipwrights. The Empire has always taken good care of its bedfellows and compatriots, no matter the iteration. In short, it had better be him there when the Grand Admiral arrives.

With a stifled groan, Dade swung his legs over the edge of his bed. “I’ll meet you by the turbolifts on level four,” he said to Rupi.

Dade began the arduous task of donning his Imperial uniform with a sigh. First were the fitted pants and matching gaberwool tunic. Then, he donned a pair of polished boots, a black belt with an officer’s disk, and his kepi. Next came his rank insignia, designating him as a director, and lastly a pair of code cylinders that were slipped into his breast pockets. With a dignified nod at his reflection in the mirror, Daedalus bade his quarters goodbye for the day and stepped into the corridor.

The walk to the turbolifts was quiet. Dade slipped into his thoughts as he walked the hall, considering the various projects that the Tarkin Initiative had prepared. Repulsorlift tanks, Force nullification fields, particle rifles - Sularen would have his pick, and Daedalus would ensure results.

 

[Marlon Sularen]

W H A T_I T_T A K E S_T O_B E_S E E N

DARK EMPIRE
CORULAG, CORE WORLDS

Tarkin. That was a name Sularen was well familiar with, and one he distrusted and despised. Even now as he stood as one of the most powerful individuals within the Dark Empire, Marlon Sularen still could not forget the many humiliations he had suffered from, including one at the hands of Vandar Tarkin, a member of the Tarkin family and once the self-proclaimed High Moff of Eriadu. Vandar Tarkin was what Sularen considered to be apart of the Imperial Old Guard, arrogant pompous and unreasonable Imperials who rejected compromise and reason and showed no hesitation in isolated Imperials who they deemed were not "Imperial" enough.

However for the sake of the Empire, today all of that would have to be set aside. This new Tarkin, Daedalus Tarkin had reached out to the Empire seeking to gain it's favor and secure contracts for his Imperial-aligned Corporations, indicating a clear desire to see to it that the Empire's agenda was properly pushed forward even in the face of the heavy opposition it faced. As the de facto Supreme Commander of the Imperial Military, Sularen had found it appropriate to be the one to met with Daedalus Tarkin and begin talks with him to truly determine whether he could be of great use to the Empire or would end up being a nuisance like Vandar Tarkin was.

"Sir, we've arrived at out destination" the pilot of the Shuttle called out. Before long, Sularen's Stealth Shuttle emerged from hyperspace arriving in orbit of the Core World planet of Corulag, quickly descending through the atmosphere as it came into view of Tarkin's facility. Eventually once clearance was secured, the shuttle would come to rest of one of the landing pads enabling the Warlord of the Empire and his entourage of SpecNav Commandos to pour out, walking down the ramp as Daedalus Tarkin arrived to greet then. Today was going to be a very interesting day.

Tags | Daedalus Tarkin ​

 

[Daedalus Tarkin]

WHAT IT TAKES TO BE SEEN

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Tags: Marlon Sularen
Location: Corulag

The iconic crimson thread of Grand Admiral Sularen’s uniform was unmistakable. He walked with an iconic gait that emanated power and dominance. They were flavors that Daedalus found unnecessary for senior staff such as himself to observe, but he understood the value of showcasing for the underlings. Civilians especially required a certain finesse to keep in line.

“Grand Admiral,” Dade said with a bow. His aide, the Selkath Rupi, bowed in unison. “It is an honor. Welcome to Corulag.” Despite being a Core world behind the Alliance’s faltering border, Corulag had remained more or less devoted to the Imperial regime, albeit quietly and tastefully so as to avoid the ire of the Senate and GADF.

For all the Alliance grovels and moans about Imperial decree, they have a grip made of iron all the same.

“I think you’ll be pleased with the adjustments Rupi and I have made here. Sienar Fleet Systems has cooperated fully with my recommendations and requests. I predict the facility will become a major component of Imperial research and development in the near future.” Bolstered by personnel from the Tarkin Initiative and supported by young minds from the Corulag Academy, it was virtually impossible for the Sienar facility to not make great strides in the name of the Empire.

It was no Anteevy station, mind, but Daedalus had high expectations for Corulag.

He gestured for Sularen and his commandos to accompany them into the facility. “I imagine you’re interested in the projects that we aim to pursue here. I’d be happy to answer any questions you have.”

 

[Marlon Sularen]

W H A T_I T_T A K E S_T O_B E_S E E N

DARK EMPIRE
CORULAG, CORE WORLDS

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As Sularen exited his shuttle with his usual entourage of SpecNav Commandos, he was greeted by Daedalus Tarkin who spoke highly of his operation here on Corulag, even speaking of how it could become a major component of Imperial research and development in the near-future. While this could be true, Sularen knew well of the methods employed by the Galactic Alliance. If the Strategic Intelligence Agency even caught a whiff of Tarkin's operations here, the Alliance wouldn't hesitate to set Corulag ablaze as they had done before at Kuat and Byss beforehand. At the very least Corulag's close proximity to the frontlines at least gave the Empire a means to protect these facilities from the Alliance so at that was somewhat reassuring.

"Let's just hope the Alliance does not catch wind of your operation here, Director Tarkin." Sularen answered. "They have a habit of using 'excessive' force to solve even the slightest problems they encounter." the Imperial Warlord added. "Nevertheless i do look forward to see what projects your orginization has been working on, so by all means lead the way" Sularen finished as he and his men followed Tarkin into the facility, with the Warlord of the Empire eager to see what the Director had in store for him.

Tags | Daedalus Tarkin ​

 

[Daedalus Tarkin]

WHAT IT TAKES TO BE SEEN

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Tags: Marlon Sularen
Location: Corulag

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Tarkin placed his hand over his chest in a reassuring gesture. "We are careful here, of course, so as not to attract unwanted attention," he said before glancing at the staff. "But the almighty Alliance would have to stoop rather low to raze a civilian facility staffed with students. I do not believe they would sacrifice their already questionable reputation." His confidence could be misconstrued by some as a fatal flaw, but Daedalus knew their enemy well; the Alliance had only survived as long as it has by perpetuating a facade of unity and peace to its citizens. Murdering them would generate bad publicity, and the Empire was certainly more than capable of spreading such news to the masses should it occur.

Besides, the Tarkin Initiative's real research was undergone on Anteevy, and the Neo-Mandalorians were luckily too numbskulled to value scientific advancements. They were more likely to destroy the facility outright than to steal technology as the Alliance would, but Dade was doubtful the Neos could even find the Anteevy lab, let alone demolish it.

"Sienar Fleet Systems is an advanced manufacturer, as I'm sure you know," the director said as they walked. "The Palpatine and Fel Empires owe their TIE fighter designs to Sienar, and soon, so too shall our present Imperial navy. With the help of the Tarkin Initiative, Sienar - and other nationalized corporations - will have the proper tools to produce a vast array of armaments." One such armament was the new TIE Emulsifier, a tough iteration of the popular Imperial starfighter that had the potential to serve as the Dark Empire's mainline starship, pending the warmaster's approval of course. The business of the day was showcasing this new prototype, and if the opportunity were to arise naturally, offering the direct services of the Tarkin Initiative as a premier component of the Imperial military industrial complex.

With the recent Corporate Interest Guild embargo against the Empire, nationalization of resources was becoming an increasingly necessary endeavor. Many organizations and industries would naturally resist or even refuse to comply, but Daedalus knew that the benefits of being in the Empire's pocket far outweighed the risks.

 

[Marlon Sularen]

W H A T_I T_T A K E S_T O_B E_S E E N

DARK EMPIRE
CORULAG, CORE WORLDS

As Sularen addressed his concerns about the Alliance's potential discovery of his operation here, Tarkin simply responded by claiming that the Alliance would not hesitate to risk their reputation by targeting a civilian facility staffed by Students. While there was a chance that might be true, Sularen was far too familiar with the Alliance and their methods to be completely certain that there wasn't even some sort of risk here. After all the Alliance could just discretely send in the Jedi to shut down this operation regardless of the risk. If the Jedi had no issue sending children to fight their battles then there was a possibility they wouldn't have an issue with targeting students.

Setting the topic of the Alliance aside, as both men began to walk through the facility, Director Tarkin began to speak about the history of Seinar Fleet Systems and it's potential value to the Empire along with his Tarkin Initiative. With the Corporate Interests Guild having launched an embargo against the Empire, any Corporations who were willing to align themselves with the Empire were welcome as it would only push the Empire one step closer towards building a self-sufficient economy while also building up a rival group of Corporations that could further undermine their influence within the galactic economy.

"I do look forward to see what Seinar Fleet Systems and the Tarkin Initiative have in store for the Empire." Sularen responded. "After all we can always make use of more friendlier corporations that are more in line with Imperial values instead of the pursuit of profits. Loyalty to the Empire rather then Loyalty to Credits. It's quite a shame much of the more larger corporations in the galaxy think so highly of themselves that they have become delusional enough to think themselves as above the Empire. But nevertheless their days are numbered" The Warlord explained.

Tags | Daedalus Tarkin ​

 

[Daedalus Tarkin]

Tags: Marlon Sularen
Location: Corulag

​

"Indeed they are," Dade concurred. "It is a reminder of how weak-willed the galaxy has become, and how necessary an Imperial Core is to the betterment of civilized systems." He could see the faces of CEOs and chairpersons in his mind. Their smug visages and fat egos made him sick. Sienar was one of the few that held onto order, stability, and, above all else, loyalty to the Empire. There were others, no doubt, but they were threatened by the apparent insularity of the Dark Empire. Dade couldn't fault them, try as he might; it was dangerous business to ally yourself with those that the major galactic stakeholders deem an enemy.

But with things going as planned on Scipio under Tarkin's Moffdom, the tide of galactic commerce may yet turn in the Empire's favor.

Dade cleared his throat, looking with curiosity at the Grand Admiral. "I'm eager to know what assets the Empire desires, Admiral Sularen. Surely there is a wishlist, for lack of better words. Sienar and the Initiative are productive assets, but we are merely tools. What designs can we make a reality for you?"

He could show the Grand Admiral tanks and starfighters and armor kits and blasters, but it was all a shot in the dark without proper direction. Granted, most of Dade's best work was born in the shadows of the Empire. Experimental technology rarely sees the light of day until the moment it is unleashed upon the enemy. But with millions of credits and his reputation as an innovator on the line, Tarkin could hardly sit back and allow his imagination to run rampant.

 

[Marlon Sularen]

W H A T_I T_T A K E S_T O_B E_S E E N

DARK EMPIRE
CORULAG, CORE WORLDS

After briefly expressing his disgust for the greedy corporations that had sought to sabotage the efforts of the Empire, Daedalus Tarkin then proceeded to inquire on what assets the Empire required for it's war effort, offering resources at Seinar Fleet Systems and the Tarkin Initiative to see these designs for new assets realized. In all honesty, the Empire was in urgent need of a complete modernization, as most of it's military assets were mostly comprised of outdated surplus equipment from the old Empire.

While Sularen had his own projects in mind to fulfill the demands of the Imperial Navy through his own Imperial-aligned Corporation SularenCo, there was still some room for Seinar Fleet Systems and the Tarkin Initiative to make some contributions to the Empire. After all if Sularen could split the burden of modernizing the Imperial Military amongst various Imperial-aligned corporations it would allow the Empire to bring it's military technology up to date far sooner then expected, ensuring that they would always remain on par with their rivals from the Core Worlds.

"Now that you ask, there are some projects for certain technologies that I've been envisioning, although most of them having yet to leave the development phase." Sularen began as he offered a response to Director Tarkin. "One important project that i have been toying around for a while has been the creation of a more standardized line of starship weapons components mostly to replace the older assortment of weaponry that most of our warships have been equipped with." the Imperial Warlord explained.

"Perhaps your corporation might be best suited for such a project considering my own corporation, SularenCo already has it's hands full with a variety of other projects for the Imperial Military. The perfect way to begin a mutually beneficial partnership between us."

Tags | Daedalus Tarkin ​

 

[Daedalus Tarkin]

Tags: Marlon Sularen
Location: Corulag

​

A faint smile touched Daedalus' lips. "The Tarkin Initiative is eager to design these new starfighter components for the Empire. I shall send word to the station chief at our Anteevy facility to begin development right away, once our contract it cemented and project constraints are provided." Dade would see to it that the Dark Empire is armed to the teeth with the industry's most advanced weaponry and defense platforms, just as his family had done for the New Imperial Order beforehand.

From what he'd seen thus far, it appeared that the vast majority of the NIO's military assets had been absorbed into the new Dark Empire, bolstered by what they could reclaim from warlords and remnant cells like the IMP. With proper support from corporations like Sienar and Kuat Drive Yards, uglies and legacy assets would become nonissues. Dade maintained respectful focus on the Grand Admiral, but his mind was already racing through schematics and diagrams. He could see the numbers swirling, calculations and measurements coming together.

It would be glorious.

 

[Marlon Sularen]

W H A T_I T_T A K E S_T O_B E_S E E N

DARK EMPIRE
CORULAG, CORE WORLDS

Sularen was glad to see that Tarkin and him were in full agreement, committed to the common cause of advancing the agenda of the Empire. It was somewhat refreshing considering the last time the Warlord had met a member of the Tarkin Family, he had left the meeting room humiliated and insulted decades ago. Perhaps even if Vandar Tarkin even dared to resurface the Imperial Warlord could use his ties to Daedalus Tarkin to snuff him out and even seize the assets of Vandar Tarkin on Eriadu including the military equipment lent to him by the Old Empire, assets that would be put to better use for the Imperial cause under the Dark Empire.

However even though Daedaldus Tarkin and his Corporations were in a position to provide the Empire with the vital resources it needed, one issue that lingered in the mind of Sularen was that of logistics. Given Corulag's position within the borders of the Alliance, it would be extremely difficult for the military equipment produced there to be sent towards the Empire, especially given that the Alliance had strongly fortified all border worlds surrounding the Empire's Deep Core holdings. Even though Tarkin was enthusiastic to contribute to the war effort of the Empire it was vital that his contributions weren't quickly destroyed and nipped in the bud by the Galactic Alliance.

"There is however one more topic i wanted to raise, Director." Sularen began. "How exactly do you plan on delivering your products to the Empire?" Sularen inquired, getting straight to the point. "While i have no doubt about your capabilities to provide us with a high quality product, one thing that cannot be overlooked is the logistics of how those products will be transported to the Empire with little risk of discovery or destruction at the hands of the GADF who throughout the entire war have taken steps to strengthen their presence in worlds surrounding the Imperial Deep Core, which includes Corulag."

Tags | Daedalus Tarkin ​