Ask Raxus Enemy at the Gates

[Otto von Bastion]

Raxus Secundus, Imperial Palace
​

The rhythmic tapping of his foot falls echoed through the halls of the palace. Being this many floors from the ground level was something normally reserved for Naval Flag Officers, ISB Directors, Army Generals or the Knight Lord Commander.

But today, today it was accessible to one Imperial Army Lieutenant, Otto von Bastion. He envisioned what this place may have been like even a few months ago. Before all that happened on Ossus, and the incursion by Darth Raze. Maybe he would have caught a glimpse of General Dram rallying the Moffs in support of the next big Imperial effort. Or seen the Lord Commander Varyn Atrix meeting to discuss the next evolution in the Imperial Knight's training. If he was truly lucky maybe he could have even heard second hand about a meeting with the legend himself Altair Din or the late Emperor Drast.

The reality though, was of an Empire on the verge of war, working to repel attackers from outside and within. For the halls seemed devoid of activity - likely the majority of ranking staff had been taken from the palace to help orchestrate the war efforts. Efforts he too was familiar with, having departed from his home world Murkhana in the wake of the attack on an Imperial installation housing an ambassador of some note.

He felt naked outside of his assault armor, his grey-green uniform felt foreign. Alien even. But it was time to show he can play both parts of the role that is required by an Imperial Officer. He stood tall, adjusted his rank plaque, made sure his cover was pulled down low over his face, and his boots had no defects as he squared up outside of the meeting hall door.

He had been told that important figures gathered today to discuss how the Empire would move forward in the wake of the Emperor's death. Unsure of who would be present he went over the list in his head once more Director Andor Senyn, Knight-Captain Meera Tumi, Commander Lopik Laz, Grand Moff Castor Pollux there might only be one of them present, they all might be there... They might just laugh him out of the room.

But he had to try, for not only did his family need the empire to survive, his planet needs the empire to survive, he needs the empire to survive and to endure.

If no one else cared enough to take the reigns, he was damn well ready to make it known that he will do what he knows how to do best - lead.

With that thought bouncing around in his mind, he removed his cover, stowing it under his arm and pushed the large door to the meeting room open. Entering behind it and half wondering if this was the dumbest thing he could have done, or if it would be what saved the Empire.

 

[Kalique Baize]

With the ongoing invasions of the Hutts and hostilities between their mercenary groups and the Imperial Forces, war was still raging all around. Decisions had to be made every second and even if Kalique been managing the Knights for a while now, after having received the official title, it had been somewhat different.

Slowly but steadily, she understood Altair even more than before...and she missed having him there as the Grand Marshall (@Sreeya), knowing she had always been able to rely on him because they shared a vision of what the Empire was and what it should be. Now with so many familiar, trusted faces gone and so much chaos and change on the horizon again, the power vacuums would soon fill up, too, and many things were still up in the air.

It was the reason why what remained off the Council and other high ranking Officers of the IAF, diplomats and ISB agents gatherer today - to discuss not only how they'd answer the threats they were facing right now, but the Empire's future. She was in her official new uniform, her lightsabers clipped to her belt as she knew the enemy was literally closing in and there were many important people in this room she had to protect.

With poise and grace, the Lord Commander now awaited Lieutenant von Bastion - a man who had requested to be heard in this meeting as well, and she was curious for his proposal. Due to her own past in the military and even more through Jon, she had closely worked with the military for years as well, yet it seemed like Lieutenant von Bastion was a rather new name amongst the potentially aspiring military leaders, so when the man entered the room and the chatting slowly faded, her emerald gaze was directed at him.

@Rimrald @Xorism

 

[The Storyteller]

THEME​

As director of the Imperial Security Bureau, Andor Senyn, knew that some in the Empire called his formation of the 'Moff Council' to be some kind of ambitious powergrab. Unlike him, these individuals didn't understand the alternatives. The Cipher Program was inbedded in more than just the ranks of their enemies. Andor Senyn had eyes everywhere and no one, not even Designation Control, knew the full span of his control.

Such was the way of the Imperial Security Bureau.

As Lieutenant Otto von Bastion opened the doors to the meeting room, he would find the director in his white uniform already seated. In front of him on the table lay a datapad and behind him stood an aide with a look in her eyes that betrayed a killer instinct you didn't usually see on mere clerks and attendants.

"Ah, the lieutenant from Bastion," he smiled, but also didn't. He looked at the ambitious trooper as if he had just read the man's last letter to his mother Alessandra on that datapad in front him. Had he intercepted all of the lieutenant's communications? Was his recent trip to the Cyborrean reach in fact pre-approved by what the lieutenant considered to be a mere back-room schemer? Director Senyn had this aura about him of always thinking five steps ahead of anyone else in the room. Not someone that would be easily convinced..

 

[Guinevere Delevigne]

Guinevere was nothing if not punctual, wearing the pristine colours of her station and promptly sitting between the Director and Lord Commander. The Empire was seemingly going through a series of ups and downs, the expulsion of the Sith had been a high point after the devastation brought against it by the ISC. Now after years of attempting to rebuild, despite all the criminal elements sneaking in to sabotage it, they had done so.

Now the Cartel was opportunist as they came, and she had no doubts that they would simply flee at the first sign of real resistance, which was why it was important to push back. But given the universal lack of direction given by the leadership, it was no wonder that with the emperor's disappearance and subsequent replacement, blood was scented in the waters.

The question remained about what to do with it.

@Rimrald @LadyRen

 

[Otto von Bastion]

Oh boy, looking between the faces present Otto inhaled deeply. Director Senyn, Overseer Guin, and Lord Commander Demici great...

Adjusting his collar the man would wince as bruised knuckles would show and a fresh scar crossing the bridge of his nose and landing on one cheek was present. Murkhana had not been kind to the Imperial forces charged with it's defense. Placing his cover on the table Otto would clear his throat. "Thank you Director Senyn, my family hails from Bastion. I myself am from Murkhana, my uncle Lord Lucious von Bastion is the monarch there."

Turning his attention to the rest of the present leaders Otto would make eye contact and nod respectfully. Moving a large wheeled holomap to the center of the group, Otto produced a red marker.

Striking the planets Murkhana, Mygeetio, and Ossus - all within Imperial domain. He would then point the marker to the already highlighted Hutt Space before beginning to speak. "The Hutts have cut us here, here, and here they've made us bleed -" he then circled the planets "-they will likely strike here next, in hopes to bleed us dry."

He stepped forward from the map, shrugging the issued grey-green overcoat off of his shoulders and placing them on the chair nearest his belongings. "I am more than sure you are all aware of this. I am also more than sure you all know we are in need of leadership, desperately." Otto offered as he planted both hands on the back of his chair and leaned forward.

Knowing the leaders present, as much as his access granted to their files and related accomplishments. He understood what he believed to be their limitations and ambitions. "We each are a part of this living, breathing Empire-" turning his gaze to each of them individually "-I do not intend to see this Empire suffer under the likes of the Hutts and I hope you all share this sentiment... I know my contemporaries have begun rallying our fleet resources, and our combined forces have begun to rally. But we need to ensure that our defenses hold strong." Placing his bands together and interlacing his fingers.

"We stand united right now, but we need to remain sure we remain united when the Hutts come calling..."

@Sreeya @Xorism @LadyRen @Eccles

 

[The Storyteller]

THEME​

While it seemed that the lieutenant corrected the director and thereby suggested that the information from the Imperial Security Bureau was incorrect, which was an embarrassment for sure, the director didn't seem to miss a beat in his reply. "Ah so you're saying you fled and abandoned your homeworld instead of defending it against a handful of the inferior species?" he said referring to the invasion of Murkhana by native primates from Kaldon Six. Murkhana had already send message that with the Empire so quickly and soundly defeated by so few, they would no longer accept them as their rulers and instead try their hand at self-governing.

The Imperial Security Bureau wasn't one to openly do anything, so none would be able to throw the director's own failures back at him. Such was the benefit of his position as the Empire's spymaster.

A shimmer of a smile appeared on his lips as he took the datapad that lay in front of him and lifted it up slightly so he could read whatever report it was currently showing. "I look forward to us abandoning the Imperial palace united, then."

 

[The Storyteller]

Pollux was silent because he was internally fuming. Multiple strikes across Imperial worlds were taking place at once and it became clear the Hutts hadn’t even mobilized their fleet yet. He bristled at the officer’s assessment of the situation - a dramatic and emotionally charged rallying cry that was better suited for his soldiers than a room full of seasoned executives.

Senyn’s comment caused his head to jerk in that direction. As Grand Moff, he was still getting information after the ISB Director received them. The revelation caused his expression to sour, but he would let von Bastion address it. His gaze fixed on the Lt.

“What are you proposing, exactly?” He asked curtly, “From where I’m sitting, you are here giving some kind of impassioned speech to tell us what we already know. I need people out in Hutt space sabotaging their fleets and their assets to prevent a full scale invasion. I need men out there breaking down their supply lines. I need people out there destroying our enemy, not telling us to hold hands and unite. So tell me, Lieutenant, what tactical and strategic move are you proposing so we can stop wasting everyone’s time?”

@Rimrald @LadyRen @Eccles @Xorism

 

[Otto von Bastion]

Not sparing a moment on Director Senyn's detached and demented take on his experience on Murkhana, Otto first chose to address the senior most official in the room. Seemingly the group was not interested in hearing how much of a patriot he was and of his commitment to the cause. Turning back to the holo-map "We keep the Seraph Fleet in place - Raxus is the jewel in our crown and losing Raxus would make any continued fighting damn near impossible. Sector Defense Fleets - bolster the eastern most sectors with ships from the reserve fleet, take any additional serviceable resources out of moth ball and place them among the western sector fleets. The Imperial Assault Corps - deploy full strength units to be ready for counter-assault in key sectors. Augment our remaining naval strike assets with Assault Corps forces and push them out to begin harassing key supply lines and raiding Hutt aligned planetary holdings. I should also think the Blackout Fleet can be employed in the same manner." Taking a breath and clearing his throat Otto would continue

"Should we have the chance, we should place Cipher Agents in positions wherein they can hamper organization of the Desilijic war efforts or stir up unrest in Hutt Space. Last but certainly not least, I believe any Imperial Knights that can be spared from current assignments should be sent to deal with any of those among us who fell prey to greed, and have fallen in league with the Hutts and their bribes... The kind of information a ranking official holds could sink this war effort just as well as the Desilijic Fleet showing up before we are prepared."

Taking a few steps from the map and back to his belongings at the table. Otto would scan the present faces and land on Grand Moff Pollux once more "Should our hampering strikes fail to slow their attack enough, should our defenses at home falter. We rally surviving assets in the western half of the Empire and form our defensive posture around the super laser facility on Dubrillion... That is what I would do." Otto finally concluded with his talk of planning. He wasn't sure if it was exactly the same plan Grand Moff Pollux or the other ranking members present had kicking around in their heads already. Frankly Otto didn't care, it wasn't his decision to make alone even if he was the one in charge. A good leader listens to their peers, and that was not a concept lost on Otto.

Turning his attention to Director Senyn, Otto would shoot the man daggers unless interrupted, saying "I unfortunately did not get the chance to defend my home world in earnest. A literal one ton simian blew it's way into the building in the blink of an eye, Director." Pausing to hold his gaze on the elder ISB Director. "I was rendered combat ineffective in the defense of the ambassador Knight Lann and I had been tasked with protecting. I came to being pulled from the rubble of the building, and I split the time on the trip here between recovery in a bacta tank and taking holo-calls organizing free-lance captains who want to aid the Empire in this time of war with the Hutts..." @Sreeya @Eccles @Xorism @LadyRen

 

[The Storyteller]

Pollux listened silently as the officer outlined a plan, most of it parroting what the Grand Moff suggested with some color commentary. Nonetheless, at least there was some thought behind it. His gaze flicked over to Senyn (@Eccles ), “What do we know about the Hutt ship production locations?” He asked the Director. It wasn't as cut and dry as Kuat or Anaxes, so they had to know exactly where to strike, “And what do we know thus far about any of our own people that may have taken the bribes?” Morale was low and with silly and unnecessary losses like Murkhana, Pollux was certain people were going to turncoat in droves. There had to be some more incentive to fight, and the best way to do that was to show might and victory.

“Go bomb their shipyards, Lt. von Bastion,” Pollux said curtly, “You want to be a hero? Accomplish that and it stops them in their tracks. Hamstring their economy. Kill their fuel supplies. Lead that charge and get it done.”

He wasn’t sure what the Officer expected to happen coming in here, but Pollux was a man of action. He needed to see some victories and wins before he would ever entertain any talks of anyone getting a sudden boost in leadership. Von Bastion would have a chance to prove his quality, but that was the extent of it.

@Rimrald @LadyRen @Xorism

 

[The Storyteller]

THEME​

Director Senyn sighed and then turned to Grand Moff Pollux, together they formed what was left of the Imperial Council, the formal body that oversaw the three Imperial divisions and advised the late Emperor. "Abandon the Eastern Dominion, Abandon Raxus," he shook his head, knowing that the late Emperor would turn around in his grave if he could. The Western Dominion was nothing more than a swatch of space used for industry and resource mining. Dubrillion was the Empire's latest conquest. To use that as their last stand because of an asset they didn't even know would work to expectation, to abandon all defensive and military emplacements on the fortress worlds in the western dominion in favor of a big shiny gun..

He waited a few seconds to let an icy silence befall the room before he turned back to the lieutenant. "You paid more attention to our actions were these creatures of lesser sentience and their band of scoundrels to defeat our armies and fleets, then you did explaining our more logical course of action."

"Grand Moff Pollux asked the more relevant question," the clerk behind him punched in something on her own datapad and suddenly in the center of the room was a holographic display of a planet. "Ubrikkia. The cartel's primary shipyard isn't even within their own controlled space."

The holographic image turned and then the planet faded as it zoomed in to show the shipyards. The fact that it wasn't even in controlled space meant that the cartel was so comfortable in its safety that it didn't even bother to defend its assets. Then a cruel soundless laugh escape the director for a second, "The lieutenant a hero? He'll size up a Hutt in combat, see it is physically large and be rendered, how did he call it-" his gaze landed on Otto, "-combat-ineffective."

 

[Guinevere Delevigne]

The conversation quickly drifted across a range of suggestions and topics, of which some Guin was uniquely qualified to answer. Still, she would attempt to offer counsel when the opportunity presented itself in the hope of it being some use. "The Hutt throne worlds." Her voice piped up suddenly. "Little is known of them, as the cartel zealously restrict outside access to it. But a strike there with a fleet would cripple their shipyards and, more importantly, their pride."

If they could show that the Hutt leader couldn't even protect his inner sanctum, the ripples of doubt would be sown throughout the cartel territory. Thus drawing their attention to maintaining internal cohesion and weakening their ability to project power into the Empire itself.

With counter-intelligence being her forte, the Overseer assumed that the Director had avoided answering the Moff's question to allow her to do so. "With regard to our people, we expect a small minority of defections, although counter-measures are being prepared to limit this damage." After the meeting, the Overseer intended to lead a honey-pot operation, as well as increasing monitoring of likely weak-links. Not to mention her efforts in blocking the Hutt's messages across Imperial space.

Due to the monumental size of the task, she would recruit the assistance of designation control to help monitor the Empire, past and present. Having worked with the cyborg construct before, Guin knew its vast potential in processing power would help break feeble securities thrown up by the suspected traitors before they'd even known what hit them. In these sorts of operations, every second counted, as the rats would quickly flee at the first sign of trouble.

Lastly, a thought came to mind about the security of certain personnel. "It brings me no great joy to bring this to your attention, but in light of the sensitive information available to him, not to mention the support he commands.." Her eyes flicked to the Lord Commander for a second, knowing their relationship. "The former Grand Marshal and his family needs to be protected by a stronger, military, security detail. As well as every significant member in the leadership, lest the Cartel send their goons after someone on their commute home."

The risk of failure would be too high. The last thing the empire needed is to see a highly influential member being used as a pawn, or their influenced bought by a weak link in their lives. The Imperial Peace-Keepers being spread too thin maintaining public order in light of recent events, "Is this something the IAF or Knights can manage?"

 

[Kalique Baize]

The Lieutenant soon entered the room and Kalique's gaze calmly rested on him as he vaguely tiptoed around the reason why he had wanted to be heard in those chambers. One brow of the Lord Commander slightly perched as the direction of his proposal became more obvious, but for now, she chose to remain silent.

The Lord Commander was reporting to the Emperor directly, which was an interesting case, given that now, the position was fully vacant and it was mainly Senyn Kalique was reporting to and Kalique shared the director's point of view. The Lieutenant von Bastion would have to prove himself and work his way up like everyone else and the suggestions made by the Grand Moff seemed fitting.

With her hands neatly folded behind her back and her gaze flicking between the men who spoke, Kalique weighted their options. The Knights were servants of the Empire and they'd respond to whatever was decided right here, but why the Hutts had mananged to go this far was a question that still lingered in the back of her mind. The Knights were still on full alert, knowing that all this fhaos wouldn't just attract the Hutts' goons but Sith for sure as well at some point.

As Guin began speaking, she met her gaze briefly. The conversation was taking a few turns, and the suggestion about the Grand Marshall made her do a double take, knowing damn well that neither Pollux nor Senyn cared about Altair or Eiattu anymore. Her features remained unchanged, but she was a little confused on the inside. She knew she meant well, yet their agenda looked differently for sure and there was plenty of work ahead of them.

"I agree with the suggestion of the shipyard. If this war is to be continued, weakening them will prove effective, especially on the long run. Lieutenant von Bastion, I'm sure you understand why we'll need more convincing". The Hutts had chosen the wrong enemy and they were already learning that. Maybe the at least admittedly daring Lieutenant would prove himself in the process.

"I'd propose that while a decent number of Knights needs to stay to keep the capital safe, it might make sense to employ seasoned, experienced Knights not only to Ubrikkia, but to other strategically relevant targets with the troops". Kalique had fostered the cross branch work and especially the collaboration between the IAF and Knights for a while, knowing how valuable those combined efforts had usually been.

Trust on both sides had grown and she knew that the heightened senses of a force sensitive often aided in gaining the upper hand in dicey situations and she knew the ISB would keep watching them from the outside, while she had plenty of insights on what was going on inside them. Defection hadn't been a real problem so far, even if the Hutts offered quite some credits, but Imperial Knights simply had a different dedication to the Empire - it was while their numbers were still limited, but those who committed themselves to the course were usually indivuals of unquestionable loyalty.

@Rimrald @Sreeya @Xorism @Eccles

 

[Otto von Bastion]

"Very well then. I think it would serve us well to strike their shipyard over Ubrikkia, a hypermatter fuel refinery on Teth, and-" With a pause to add some gravitas "With those target's harassed by smaller strike forces and the additional screening of Hutt assets by our independent privateers. We can direct the Seraph Fleet in a precision action against Kor Desilijic."

Otto would let it hang in the air for a few pregnant moments. This was the throne world of the cartel leader that started this whole fiasco. "We hit them at home, and to your point Grand Moff Pollux, we show them this Empire has teeth to bear."

Otto would at this point, completely ignore the Director's attempt to belittle him and his capabilities. Instead turning his attention to the Overseer and Lord-Commander. "Between naval and ground assets, the addition of your knights and your Intelligence community respectively. We can at the very least slow the Hutt efforts enough to give us time to properly prepare."

Turning his attention back to the group as a whole "During my travel here, as stated earlier. I have met with a number of enterprising captains and privateers... In your expert opinions, do you believe the planet of Trandosha would serve as a distraction to the Hutts. If it was to say, fall into a state of rebellion supported by mercenary assets?"

Otto would pose this question as he began to gather his things, sliding back into his overcoat and placing his cover on his head. Reaching into his right pocket he would hold the recorded data from his interaction in the Cyborrean Reach - loaded on to a hard data device that would fit in the palm of his hand easily. In his left pocket he would palm a larger data puck, with a copy of his suggestions in writing, encrypted and with additional detail.

Approaching each of the branch delegates and heads he would offer @Guinevere Delevigne a handshake, attempting to pass the recording discretely. He would offer a handshake to each of those present who would accept. Then place the larger data device with Grand Moff Pollux "Everything discussed today, as well as some additional strategic ideas, Grand Moff." Otto ended the sentence with a respectful tone and returned to his original position. Folding his hands behind has back and standing at a form of attention awaiting any other comments, concerns or dismissals.

/END THREAD