Open Flashpoint Eriadu Burning Fields

[Val Varthra]

Val nodded severely as Altair gave his orders and relayed each to her team via her phone. More news had come out since then. The New Republic had oddly struck out at the Alliance; but at least that meant two of their enemies were occupied with one another.

"At once, sir. I'll get my best agents on the case or go myself if I have to." Though the idea of personally hunting Jayna Thorne was daunting, she had to incur risks at some point in her career. "As to our reserves, there is better news on that front. The Empire is still in possession of fuel production and refineries on Kril'dor and Abafar. It won't be enough production to completely stave off what Thorne has done, but at least we'll be able to defend ourselves. I'll have the numbers for our Strategic Fuel Reserve sent over to your datapad, as well as our backup medical supplies, as soon as those numbers are available for the rest of our resources. It might be time to consider rations for civilian purposes to keep kolto and bacta for military purposes in the meantime."

About the time she had finished with her report, Dragur strolled into the camp looking less stressed and bothered than just about everyone else assembled under the tent's roof. Part of their fatigue derived from the nearby fire and the sweltering heat brought with it. But the news had taken something from all of them too. It was safe to say no one was getting much rest tonight.

Even so, her exhaustion did nothing to prevent Val from throwing a sideways glance at the newly arrived Sith Master and First Blade to the Empire. "Good evening, sir. Glad you could finally join us."

@Sreeya @Olwin @Phoenix @Mr. Teatime @LadyRen @Scoobert

 

[Varyn Atrix]

The bad news just kept coming. Varyn was still present for the ISB's reports about the things happening across the rest of the galaxy, and it was a disaster to put it mildly. Not that he said as much out loud because that wasn't going to help the situation. Perhaps going after Thorne's daughter was the best way, and his mind immediately began turning over possibilities in his head.

There weren't a lot of ISB Sith that he actually trusted, which would make things all the more complicated. Perhaps Nakoa. He wasn't technically ISB, but they had worked well together on their recent mission, and that was a huge step in the right direction at least. With him present here, it might even be worth discussing, particularly if Agent Varthra was here. Varyn didn't know her well by any means, but he'd familiarized himself briefly with who she was when they'd both been deployed on world.

I can assist in moving against the daughter, he volunteered, his helmeted head turning toward Varthra as he gave a nod. To be frank, it was quite within his wheelhouse, and he shifted over to where Varthra was standing so they might put their heads together a bit more quietly.

Of course, the entry of Draugr shifted the mood a bit, and a tension hung in the air with his comment and Altair's reply wasn't something that Varyn missed, his own body stiffening slightly as he half expected blows to start raining down.

@Malon

 

[Nakoa Singh]

Encryption shuffling sounded like a good idea, but Nakoa wasn't a coder and couldn't speak to it. He waved a greeting to Varyn, who he knew to be reliable. It was a little stiff a movement, but not for any personal reason. Being this formal and polite for so long for some people might be normal and easy, but for Nakoa it was a form of masking that took actual effort. He was already tired and irritable to begin with. Amber-golds turned to Quets'l'cotl as the governor spoke up again.

"No you haven't. Those shipyards ring the whole planet," he said with irritation tinging his otherwise flat affect. It was a nonsensical claim in a long list of attempts by the governor to make himself sound important. Nakoa refocused on the other discussion while Brandt gave him some subtle side-eye. Really it was Altair he was remaining polite for; Brandt and her crew were used to his snippets of blunt commentary.

Val's expansion to Singh's idea was met with a pleased nod. He listened carefully to Altair's direction and agreed with the premise he and Jasnah offered up. He was more into strategy than politics on its own, but breaking morale and focus were key either way. Vartha's commentary to Celeste forced Nakoa to stiffly stifle a chuckle with pursed lips. Kinda hot, actually.

Brandt and Nakoa left when asked without complaint, with Nakoa taking his Captain friend to get her bandages changed and sit the hell down for once in her life, offering passing soldiers some beef jerky. When they returned, it sounded like they had more logistics trouble now. That wasn't good, but he couldn't offer an opinion since he wasn't in on that loop. Instead, he addressed Varyn and the agent.

"Any intel on ISC droid factories? With supply routes, if you can," he asked while handing Varthra the holos she'd mentioned earlier. His job was a lot easier, in general, with a map. Or at least the suggestion of a map. There was an idea forming, but he needed data. He backed up again to leave them to their quiet discussion unless asked to participate. Draugr marched, armor shiny and notably well-rested, asking what was going on. Aaand Altair basically made the Councilor wait his turn. Kinda hot, actually. Nakoa was very interested in the answer to Altair's question.

@Sreeya @Olwin @Malon @Phoenix @Scoobert

 

[Darth Draugr]

Draugr seemed to not be the only one noticing how Altair ignored Draugr's question. Granted this was a time of war and a serious matter on the rat and what they'll do in response to the ISC, but it did not warrant disrespect to the only Sith Lord present. Draugr stood tall and cocked his head slightly as Altair asked his question, while still not answering Draugr's first. Altair was a formidable leader, but to show disrespect to Draugr, especially in front of other Sith, it was not a good look.

Ignoring it for now, the Sith Lord glared at Altair and then turn to Val, "Hm." Draugr caught the saltiness in her tone. Had they known half the stress Draugr went through on a daily basis they'd be a bit more gracious to be in his presence. "Empress wants to take trade routes. She has a few things she will look to order out later, but I did not come here on the Empress' orders." Draugr took a look at everyone still in the tent. He was very much more annoyed by how the Sith present were acting.

"I came because I am going to be fighting with you. Do not think the Council isn't going to do anything, I will lead with you on those battlefields and in those ships." Taking his eyes from everyone to Altair, "I want to hear more of these plans you have. I understand you wish to take Thorne's little princess hostage... we'll need more than just that." Draugr will handle the Sith after business is taken care of. Disrespect will not be tolerated, and they will come to find that out soon. But first, business. This war needed problems managed and the ones who'd know best would be the ones going through it.

@Sreeya @Phoenix @Malon @Mr. Teatime @LadyRen @Olwin

 

[Val Varthra]

Val straightened instinctively. She knew what was expected of her. Darth Dragur outranked everyone in the tent. She had to obey his order, even if it left a bad taste in her mouth. And a bad taste it left indeed. The Lord of the Sith was late and expected them to drop everything they were doing to bring him up to speed, wasting precious time. It was this very arrogance — the feeling that a Sith could just barge in and start making demands — that was beginning to wear thin on the Imperials who did not subscribe to their arcane religion.

Val spent the next five minutes recapping their meeting and plans thus far to the Sith Lord per his orders, deviating only once she reached the part about Emryc Thorne's daughter. "With all due respect, sir, kidnapping Jayna Thorne will be more than enough. Our intentions are not to harm Thorne. They are to bait this hypothetical mole — if one indeed exists — into getting sloppy and forging directly into an obvious trap set by Champion Singh." Here, she fought to maintain her composed countenance. It was the third time she was having to explain the wisdom of this plan to someone who should have the capacity to understand it. "If the mole does not exist, or if they resist our bait, we will still possess a valuable bargaining chip. One that might bring Thorne and the ISC to the table should that option need to be exercised. Atrix (@Phoenix) has already expressed an interest in this job and I intend to go with him."

Finally done getting Dragur up to speed, Val diverted her attention from the Zabrak Sith Lord to address the gathering as a whole again. Particularly Singh. "As to droids and supply routes, that is where solutions become more muddy. The fuel we are producing on Kril'dor and Abafar will not permit us to launch large scale offensives. We need to be smart. Strike small targets while keeping the bulk of our fleets back to protect the home systems." She set a small, circular device down on their makeshift desk between them all and used it to project a map of the galaxy into the tint, shading all of their faces in an artificial blue. "Our greatest advantage is here." She highlighted a route that led from Corsin, in the northern Empire, through Taris and all the way up to the Corporate Sector. "This is the Hydian Way. The most important trade route in the galaxy. With the orders I've just given, the Empire has locked down its section of this critical hyperlane and effectively cut the Corporate Sector off from the rest of the galaxy. Hold it shut long enough — and only let through those businesses who agree to play ball with us — and the sector will give up its pointless boycotts."

With a few more taps, a second line was highlighted in orange to distinguish it from the red of the Hydian Way. This new line ran from Tanaab through Rhen Var and Felucia, all the way up past Raxus. "We also have access to the Perlemian Trade Route which is commonly used by the Alliance worlds and the New Republic for trade goods. It's not a direct pipeline to ISC trade routes, but the ISC does send vital supplies to the Alliance that we might be able to pick off, raid, or at the very least destroy." A last line appeared in blue, beginning at Corellia and ending deep in ISC space. "The ISC mostly relies on the Corellian Run for most of its vital trade and ship movements. But since our southern territories have all fallen, we have no feasible way to plague the Corellian Run and hit their most vital transports. Malastare has a small hyperlane that connects to it, but unless we somehow manage to recapture it, we have few options in that regard."

Of course, she had no idea how they would even begin to reclaim Malastare when the entire south quadrant of the galaxy belonged to the Consortium now. But that wasn't her role. She was here to provide intelligence. Let the Sith make all the big plans.

@Sreeya @Scoobert @Wit @LadyRen @Olwin @Mr. Teatime

 

[Wodan]

Wodan had only been discharged from the medical station a few days before and was slowly making his way back to his small apartment on Eriadu from his debrief up north when the attack came and was repelled by the valiant forces of the Empire. He heard and watched it all through the holo relays as his shuttle blasted through space, arriving an hour or so after the final ISC ships had retreated from the system.

When he landed on the surface, he learned of the small gathering of Sith and Imperials, of course Altair was in the centre of it all, where else would his friend be. Dressed in civilian clothes, it was more than a hassle getting through the Imperial Checkpoints, having to show ID and his Lightsaber more than once before he was able to sneak into the tent, just behind Darth Draugr.

For a moment he hung in the shadows listening to all in attendance, trying to get a lay of the land before he spoke up. Wodan had some interesting things to say, some which would probably upset at least one member in the room and a fair few thousand throughout the rest of the Galaxy. Lieutenant Varthra seemed to be level headed and a good strategist and he approved of her plan, but before anything else could be set in motion, he had something to say.

Stepping out from the shadows at the edge of the tent, he entered the little circle, a fresh bandage covering most of the left side of his face. He purposefully locked gaze with Altair and gave his friend a smile and a nod, then his gaze shifted over Lord Draugr, Celeste, Nakoa, Val and Varyn before resting back on Altair a little look of ‘sorry bud’ evident in his eyes. “As much as this is all good and we are setting up plans as to what to do next. Kidnapping children, blowing up fuel depots, cutting off trade, etcetera we have a much more important matter to discuss first.” Turning first to face Draugr.

“No offence to Mi'Lord, but the Council has seemingly done nothing to stop our misguided Empress for underestimating and then declaring war on the Consortium. Yes you are here now and I trust you will lead us to many victories on the battlefield as you have in the past, but we need more than a Field Commander to win this war. Raze has not been seen in months and Anaris is inept and voiceless, we need someone who everyone both in this tent and on the burning battlefields of Eriadu, Corellia, Sluis Van, Bespin and across the Galaxy can trust and respect.” He continued turning to face each of the individuals in the room before resting on Altair.

“That is you my brother.” Wodan stepped up close to his friend, whispering to him alone. “I know you just became a King, Altair, but we need you to be an Emperor now.” Turning back to the group he took one deep breath, for this was treason, but at least to him it was a needed treason. “Altair has led us all on the battlefield to victories, against Jedi and Soldier alike. He has the loyalty of the Army and the Navy along with many of the Sith within our ranks. So before we take the next step in this war, I say we take the next step for the Sith Empire. That step is, Altair Din, Emperor of the Sith.” With that he turned and gave his friend a cheeky smile before kneeling before him.

@Sreeya @Scoobert @Wit @LadyRen @Olwin @Mr. Teatime

 

[Darth Draugr]

Draugr stood as Wodan began to speak, and he made valid points. The Empress was a problem, lazy and not fit for the role. Which was why Draugr had been in development of his plan to dethrone her. He was getting closer and closer to the job being done. Then Draugr's attention began to pan back to Wodan but this time a more heated look, he could see where this was heading. Then as Wodan said it.. he nominated Altair for Emperor...

After everything Draugr had done for this Empire, and for how long he has done it. The experience and prestige he held over the petty king. It was insulting to do such a thing. To nominate a lower rank before him to be Emperor. Draugr hadn't had a problem with Wodan before, but now.. seemed like he had a death wish.

As for Altair, Draugr figured he'd be competition eventually but not so soon. He'll need to dispose of him and quick. This was not how this meeting should have gone in Draugr's mind.

"No." Draugr stated as he stood with his anger growing and boiling. "No, Altair will not be Emperor..." Draugr grabbed his saber and would leave it disengaged for now, "... because I am going to be Emperor." He wouldn't start this fight, unless someone chose to be unwise and face Draugr in combat. The Zabrak was not going to be insulted by Wodan. He'll receive his consequences soon enough but for now Draugr had to make sure Altair stayed in his lane and bent the knee to the Zabrak.

@Braden @Sreeya @everyone else

 

[Altair Din]

Altair stared at Draugr as he implied that the kidnaping was the only plan made thus far. His face, unlike when he was younger, was calm and stoic. Anyone that knew him for years would see a marked change in him since several incidents drastically shifted his personality. He didn’t respond to the Councilor, Varthra already covering the topics. The tiefling followed along on the trade route ideas, “The Corporate Sector block will be effective, but only to a degree,” He explained, “Imperial sanctions were brought up in the Galactic Senate years ago, and since then most of these companies established countless headquarters all over the galaxy with the goal of roundabout access. There will be an initial recoil, but it won’t be a slam dunk.”

Nevertheless, it was a step in the right direction. Altair winced at the mention of the southern territories having fallen. That had all been under his jurisdiction, and he had to witness it all collapse. He barely held Eriadu, and he was still working through the weight of crushing defeat.

“If we have to adapt to surgical strikes, let’s make them count,” He said, “A strike team needs to be sent into Bothawui to disrupt their Spynet efforts. Data will be on Holonet, but their most protected data will be physically locked down,” He paused, thinking for a moment, “Also another team to Mon Cala to stir up problems between the Quarren and Mon Calamari. Assist the Quarrens in taking control of the shipyards and it may flip the planet without the need of a full invasion.”

Altair couldn’t get other ideas out before Wodan arrived. His brows furrowed, wondering what the man was about to do. He had seen that apologetic look before, and nothing good came after it. What happened next caused the first signs of emotion to appear on Altair’s face, his eyes wide and his jaw slack.

Again, before he could say anything, Draugr spoke again. He didn’t address the councilor for now, keeping his focus on Wodan. He crouched down, grabbed his friend by the shoulders and yanked him back up to his feet, “You will never bow to me, brother,” He said with a smile, “You will only salute,” Altair reminded him. He was Imperial through and through, and he would be that even if he became Emperor one day.

He looked at Draugr, “Our personal aspirations mean little while there is an Empress and a job to be done, so how about we focus on the task at hand?” Altair said icily, turning back to the map as if the entire dramatic display didn’t happen. He didn’t have time for theatrics right now. None of them did.

“Unless there is anything else, I will start executing on what we’ve discussed and I expect you to do the same,” Altair said as he looked across at Val, Varyn, Nakoa and all others assembled there except for Draugr.

@Malon @Braden @Scoobert @Mr. Teatime @LadyRen @Wit @Phoenix

 

[Val Varthra]

Val glanced between the two Sith. She had heard of the ancient struggle between the greatest among them for leadership and for half a second thought she was about to witness one firsthand. But Altair's response surprised her. He actually set any ambition he might have had aside for the greater good of the Empire. She had already suspected he was more Imperial than Sith by his willingness to be advised by multiple, disparate voices. Now she was certain of it.

"Your orders will be carried out, sir," she said, nodding slightly in respect. She had a long flight back to Serenno and would be working remotely with her agents in the meantime to post the missions for other Sith. But before she left, she turned to Atrix (@Phoenix). "Champion? Perhaps you can fly back to the Empire with me. We have a kidnapping to discuss."

And with that, she gave another salute to her superiors and exited the tent for her ship. The situation for the Empire was grim. But hope was not lost. There was still a chance for their Empire to survive if they got this right. This meeting had shown her as much.

@Sreeya @Scoobert @Mr. Teatime @LadyRen @Braden @Wit

 

[Celeste Stythani]

Celeste truly wasn't sure about the plan that involved kidnapping Thorne's daughter, questioning the purpose it would serve. As leverage? Well, potentially, but she was not assuming it would serve the purpose of luring out the mole. The Lieutenant General was having the last say in this after all and he was obviously agreeing, so Celeste raised no further questions. She was holding herself back in general, refraining from throwing something back at the ISB Lieutenant, only glaring at her for a moment. She was going to keep an eye on her. As the conversation was already quickly moving forward there was no need to outline what she had in mind for distracting the ISC, as the plans began to form on their own.

That was when her datapad announced a message with the slightest vibration against her thigh. She was about to pull it out when Darth Draugr walked in, bringing the conversation in yet another direction before another one squeezed his way in. She noticed Wodan when he entered, however wondered why he just watched for a moment. She was even more surprised to see him in Civilian clothes and as he suddenly chimed in, she just raised a brow at first. Her expressions were difficult to decipher as they were relatively calm expressionless without the raised brow, but as Draugr stepped forward her gaze flicked over to Altair, now more of her internal unrest shining through.

The air inside the tent was suddenly feeling thicker while a tension that was hard to grasp had been built up from 0 to 100. What actually both, Wodan and Draugr mentioned was...admittedly interesting, if not to say a rather treacherous revelation and it seemed like only thanks to Altair's quick thinking a potential explosion was averted. She had worked with the new, stoic, grown up version of the Tiefling before, yet she found his tranquility admirable, same as his immediate ability to set his own aspirations aside and focus on the matters at hand. The Sith obviously had a history of backstabbing and it was known that only the strongest survived, but in times of war all around, it was truly only a matter of time until nerves would be lost and more desperate actions would be committed. Celeste flatly and quietly exhaled, her muscles relaxing a little as she briefly met gazes with Altair.

Wodan was still having a point. Altair was obviously an indispensable asset and he had just proven again that he was fit to lead, yet they had to focus on damage control and prepare their own strikes. If Altair needed her, she would pounce, but as she now took out her datapad she realized that the message she had just received was from Vahliri and that the master wanted to talk. Celeste knew that Vahliri, too, wouldn't wait and she was also confident she already had a plan in mind. She glanced back up while the Lieutenant was about to leave, having just realized that the holonet was exploding and that time was ticking. "If you need me, I'll be ready" she adressed Altair directly before she respectfully inclined her head, looked across the little assemble one last time and headed out as well.

@Sreeya @Malon @Phoenix @Wit @Mr. Teatime @Braden @Olwin

 

[Nakoa Singh]

Nakoa watched Wodan's abrupt arrival and the following speech with a mostly flat expression, save for his eyebrows steadily rising higher and higher. He slowly turned to look at Draugr while Captain Brandt looked nervously between the various people in the room. Anger came off the Councilor in waves, drawing his weapon, and generally squaring up for a fight.

The Wrean silently wondered why Draugr even wanted the throne and if he had the power base or support required to stabilize an Empire. Altair, meanwhile, had been interrupted midway through planning and seemed just as shocked as everyone else by this strange turn of events. Right up until a wholesome moment with Wodan, followed by completely brushing off the entire concept of duking it out in some ill-timed dick-measuring contest.

He hadn't expected that any more than Wodan's speech, an ambitious and successful man prioritizing the here and now rather than a vague future. Altair'd considered consequence and reason before ego, the same thing a good commander did, even in reference to himself. He actually bothered listening to advisors of all sorts. It was the kind of thing that inspired loyalty.

A subtle smirk formed on Nakoa's face as he decided he liked the man and his pragmatic attitude. Nakoa straightened his relaxed stance and briefly met Altair's passing gaze. "We will make it so. I'll draft something for Mon Cala." "Aye, Moff Din!" Captain Brandt said, snapping sharp a salute that Nakoa passably mimicked. Brandt and Nakoa left the tent behind and gathered up crewmembers who'd been mingling with the infantry.

Nakoa helped Brandt up the Gunboat Diplomat's ramp again while she lightly slapped him across the arm. "Why are you like this?" "Hey, I tried! Didn't even swear." Brandt rolled her eyes. Still, the lighthearted moment didn't last long. The war had only just begun and there were already many things to deal with, with numerous setbacks. It'd be a challenge for the ages, a grand game with the entire galaxy as the board.

Wheels of fate spun with mortal plans, driven forth by demons' hands. What fun.

@Sreeya @Malon @Scoobert @Phoenix @Wit @Braden @LadyRen @Olwin

 

[Wodan]

All eyes were on the Firrerrian though not all for the best. He could feel the red glowing orbs of the Zabrak burning into the back of his skull, Wodan had no ill feeling towards Draugr whenever they had worked together it had been smooth and efficient and he didn’t doubt that Draugr would be better than Anaris. But he knew that Altair would be better than Draugr hence why he said what he had. White fangs slipped out of his mouth as Draugr began to front up towards his brother, even though Altair could handle himself Wodan would not sit by idly if the Zabrak was going to lash out first. The Dark Side began bubbling from both him and the Shard, but then Altairs hands landed on his shoulders.

The Darkness faded from his eyes and the fangs disappeared back behind his lips as the Tiefling pulled him to his feet. The smile on Altair’s face showed some sign of emotion behind those violet eyes, at least he had done that. But Wodan couldn’t help but feel defeated by the words coming from Altair’s mouth. The Tiefling and anyone else who was watching, which was all of them, would see Wodan’s shoulder sink a little as he turned away and back to the map of the Galaxy. “Yes, Sir.” He said, biting his lip, a mixture of frustration, anger and sadness in his voice.

He didn’t leave the tent however, shifting to the side away from most of the group as they went about their plans. Wodan had little to add to a public forum like this, perhaps later he would speak to Altair about his plans but for now, he would stand in the corner silent. Knowing he had perhaps painted the largest target in the galaxy on Altair’s back and the second on his.

@Sreeya @Malon @Scoobert @Phoenix @Wit @LadyRen @Olwin @Mr. Teatime

 

[Darth Draugr]

Draugr was shocked by the response Altair had given to Wodan's act of worship to the Tiefling. Draugr had no doubt Altair would make for a good Emperor but, Draugr believed he'd be the better leader. Altair would favor the Imps, where as Draugr would be sure to empower the Sith as much as he could, with the Imps becoming stronger because of it. Draugr was denied a fight with the Tiefling, and to seek one out here and now, he was sure the rest would retaliate.

Altair seemed to not care for the chase of the throne while there was a war. The Zabrak now understood that, for now, Altair would not be in his way for his plans. He'd become a problem later with the backing of the younger generation, but he was of no threat for now.

Draugr would clear his throat and icily look towards the group by the map, "I'll leave you to it then. Come to me if you have plans for the war on the Sith side." The Zabrak clipped his saber back to his belt and left the tent. Rage filled his core, Wodan had no idea what he had just done.. for now though.. it was time for new management.

 

[Jasnah Atreides]

Things were thrown into disarray for a while, first by the ISB's request for some members to leave, and then later on their return by the arrival of first Darth Draugr and then Wodan. And surprisingly it was the second that caused real waves, but calling for Altair to become Emperor. That had changed things, not only had Wodan put Altair in a tricky situation, he had painted a target on his own head by an act of open sedition against the Empress. No matter what happened next, he was a dead man walking, yet he did not seem like the sort to take a risk like that. What did he know, that she did not? Was he that confident that Altair would take up the mantle, which in her opinion might not be a bad thing.

And some of her concerns were justified when Draugr immediately drew his weapon and challenged Altair, after which came the biggest bombshell of them all. Not only did Altair shrug him off, brushing off his challenge like a childish tantrum to bring the focus back to what really mattered, Draugr just.....went with it. The Councilor, for the second time that she had seen with her own eyes, issued a rage fueled challenge to Altair and then backed down. That told her, and probably everyone else in the room, everything she needed to know. He either feared Altair, or had already accepted him as his superior. One way or another, Draugr had just lost.

So as Druagr left, she stayed to think. She had come here to help the Empire, but by association with Altair she might have painted a target on her own back, much as Wodan had. And she realized that she was okay with that. For the good of the Empire, this was where she ought to be.

@Sreeya @Mr. Teatime @Phoenix @Malon @Scoobert @LadyRen