Important links:

>Synopsis of Dark Empire (To quickly catch up)
https://pastebin.com/h7uFmbpt

>Archive
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=Dark+Empire

>Twitter feed I use to announce planned game times.
https://twitter.com/DarkEmpireQuest

>This is the map system I use for planning
http://www.swgalaxymap.com/

>Official political map
https://imgur.com/bNUpg6e

I allow between ten and twenty minutes for voting depending on the importance of the issue and how divided the vote is. If the vote is tied up, I usually allow an extra five minutes for a tie breaker, and if no one votes, I roll for the tie breaker The will of the Dark Side.

I always try to incorporate (and encourage!) write ins if they don't violate the spirit of voted decisions, though I may edit or tweak them to fit better.

>Alana x Vells Lewd
https://pastebin.com/a6M8bYuM

>Alana reads a book instead (Non-canonical) Sorry
https://pastebin.com/cP7fE5gM

File: Zalloriis2.png (2.14 MB, 1908x1485)

2.14 MB PNG

"Can we get word to Admiral Oxtroe?" You ask communications, "Our coms are being jammed ma'am, but I've taken the liberty of preparing a courier ship to inform her."

"Very good." You stride away from the communications station and toward tactical, trying to will away the pounding headache you had from last night's drinking. "Lieutenant, what is our standing?"

"We have a distinct tonnage advantage on them, Admiral," Zepal says. "They only have two Imperial-Class and two Victory- Class. It's close, but we out punch them."

"Fighters?"

"Line Ties," She says, her voice hinting at derision. "I assume no match for our Avengers. Their escorts are mixed, they appear to be from a few different sources-"

"Separate warlord factions," Bastra explains. "Between Zsinj, the Tionese, and Maldrood I expect we'll see a hodgepodge of ships."

"That aside," Zepal continues, "They move well together. They're coordinated."

You study the display again, "What about those Interdictors?"

Zepal looks back at the map, "Their gravity well generators are powered down for the moment, I believe they are giving us the opportunity to flee."

"But it's your prognosis that we'll come out on top in a slugging match?"

"Yes, ma'am. Gun output, armor, fighters, we have the edge in every way."

Zepal is correct, the Consortium fleet isn't moving any closer, apparently content to give you time to think over their demand.


>All ships advance and engage before they realize they've made a mistake
>Dispatch fighters to take out those interdictors, just in case
>We'll hold here until they move.
>write in

>>2663435
>All ships advance and engage before they realize they've made a mistake

>>2663435
>write in: "We will advance and give cover to our escorts. Our main ships will move right in between their line of fire. While doing so we will clear the escorta from the interdictors and board then. But firstly let's see if they are up for combat."

This seems all to strange if it was another faction, like say Thrawn's faction. i would suspect they would be trying to lure us away of the planet. Maybe they are just expecting that Oxtroe wouldn't try to risk her ships being damaged...hmm.

>>2663435
>All ships advance and engage before they realize they've made a mistake

>>2663520
>>2663543
>>2663560

>All ships advance and engage before they realize they've made a mistake
+
>Write in

>writing

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You puzzle over their formation and lack of initiative. "Awfully timid for someone who just came blustering in here, aren't they?" You say.

"All style," Bastra proposes, "No substance. They're trying to bluff us."

"Call it," you say, then raising your voice, "Move the division forward. I want to close to combat range. Lieutenant Zepal, make sure we have good fields of fire around our escorts."

"Yes, Admiral."

You stroke your chin and study their formation another moment. The dimension of hyperspace added an easy out for almost any force. Total destruction was rare since retreat was so easily had. You often couldn't pick battlefields suitable to destroying an enemy that did not wish to be destroyed, but Interdictor ships helped to ease that strain. The Empire didn't have enough of them.

"Prepare a contingent of Storm Troopers," you add, "I want those interdictors."

"Ma'am!"

The two battle groups fan out to meet one another, the Victory-Class Star Destroyers interposing themselves between your oncoming forces and the vulnerable interdictors. You smile, it was an impressive force they'd managed to scrape up among three different warlords, but it was hopelessly outgunned. Even it if weren't outnumbered, those old Tine/LNs would be easy pickings for Vells' fighters.

"Commence long range bombardment," Zepal orders her tactical team. "Careful not to damage those interdictors. The Admiral wants them intact."

***
(Roll 1D100, I'll take the best of 3)

Rolled 45 (1d100)

>>2663617

Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>2663617
pew pew pew

>>2663617
DC is 65.

Completely forgot to add that.

Is this info people actually want? Or do people trust me not to cheat?

>>2663644
Doesn't matter to me really. Would you like another roll to speed things up?

Rolled 83 (1d100)

>>2663677
Nah. Let's Just do this one.

>>2663689
>83

>writing

You're welcome.

>>2663695
Thank you kind sir!

File: Zalloriis4.png (2.23 MB, 1908x1485)

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Only a few minutes of sustained barrage was all it took to whittle away the shields of one of the flanking Victory-Class destroyers, your Avengers and Defenders swooping in to pepper its hull with laser fire and torpedo runs. Soon, the cruiser was listing violently with a catastrophic hole in its hull, your bridge crew cheering before being reined in by Lieutenant Bastra.

You didn't feel satisfaction destroying what had once been an Imperial warship. Still, it's death had cleared a way to the Interdictor cruiser there, Executrix was reading boarding teams to prepare to launch for it. Even so, you were studying the Imperial formation, it didn't really make sense to leave their strongest warships so far, content only to trade desultory fire with your forwards screens.

"Admiral Tyrna," Sensors calls. "Uh . . . The Interdictors are powering up their gravity wells, ma'am."

You blink.

"Trying to block our escape?" Bastra asks. "Poor fools."

"No," you say, a thought crossing your mind. "No, this is something else." You'd heard of this before, a tactic that had been deployed with great success on the Outer Rim. Something Thrawn's forces has reportedly done to their enemies, the Consortium member states among them. Something being called the "Thrawn Pincer".

"Hyperspace contacts!" Sensors calls, "Two destroyers- four Star Destroyers ma'am!"

You whirl away from the tactical display to see the reality unfolding before you. It was a trap, one you had walked right into.

"Shift our flanks to screen them," you order, already hating that you were reacting to the enemy and not the other way around. "What are we facing?"

"Four Imperial-II Class Destroyers," Sensors reports, adrenaline making her voice waver, "Mixed escorts including Dreadnoughts, Tie/LNs and . . . Some kind of new design of fighters. The computer identifies them as Tie/rpt fighters."

You'd heard rumors about Zsinj's little design experiments, it seems you'd get to experience them first hand now.
>Belay last order, all ships prepare to scatter and retreat
>Fall back into defensive posture
>Send Vells fighters after those interdictors
>Concentrate the division forward, break through the center and head for safety
>write in

>>2663743
>Fall back into defensive posture
Time for the Bloody Baroness to strike again bleed them for everything we can!

>>2663743
>Concentrate the division forward, break through the center and head for safety
Their center is weak. The planet is not important. We need reinforcements.

>>2663743
>Concentrate the division forward, break through the center and head for safety

We need to commit breaking the center will make a way for our tues to flank the stardestroyers but we need to move our ships once we break the center we can flank the enemy.

>>2663756
>>2663763
>Concentrate the division forward, break through the center and head for safety

>writing

You take a second look over the tactical situation. "There center is weak," you say.

"Weak?! Admiral they still have a pair of Star Destroyers . . . " Bastra objects.

"And we have four, all here. We need to commit to breaking their center, the planet is not important, we need to maneuver to give ourselves the best chance."

Your Executive Officer seems unconvinced, but does not argue further.

"Our Destroyers will concentrate and advance, flank speed, we'll crash or blast through."

"Yes, ma'am."

You look to Lieutenant Zepal, "Forward the order to all ships, and have Vells keep his fighters close."

"Admiral," Zepal confirms, setting to her task.

It still meant you’d have to break two Destroyers, all while running a gauntlet of fire. It was going to be messy.

***

(Roll 1D100, I'll take the best of 3)

Rolled 58 (1d100)

>>2663802
Come on bloody Baroness!

Rolled 30 (1d100)

>>2663802

>>2663805
>>2663811
This is not the type of bloody I was looking for...

Rolled 47 (1d100)

Rolling

Rolled 52 (1d100)

>>2663802

I'M HERE I FELL ASLEEP

>58
>Writing

Fuck, slept too long

File: Zalloriis5.png (2.23 MB, 1908x1485)

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"Enemy shields still holding!" Sensors calls as another volley of turbolaser fire crashes like a wave of death across your own shields.

"Forward batteries should prioritize the enemy destroyer," Zepal reaffirms, glancing up at the twisted wreck of a Nebulon-B that strayed into Retribution's gun range. Fighter losses were mounting, those Raptors were more maneuverable than you'd anticipated, but your Avengers were more than holding their own.

A distant Strike-Cruiser, one of yours, detonates under the onslaught of Consortium fire as their wings sweep in to envelop your force.

"Desecrater is reporting main engine failure," Communications says.

Desecrater in this case was your right flank guard, Executrix your left, with Sorrow serving as your "wing mate". "They've cut in auxiliaries, but they . . ."

They wouldn't be able to keep pace in a full blown retreat.

"Status of Sorrow?" you ask.

"Her shields are holding for now, ma'am, but she's getting hit hard."

No matter how you cut it, the situation was bad. Your division was now in danger of being totally surrounded and destroyed piece meal.

As two Lancer's lash each other with rapid fire gun batteries, you weigh your choices, none of them good.

You could stand and fight, hoping that turbolaser fire and determination accomplishes what maneuver could not. This would be akin to hoping for a miracle, you were outnumbered and soon about to be totally surrounded. Once Consortium fighters start breaking through your own escort screens, your ships will be vulnerable to bomber runs. It might be possible to still break out, but that hope was slim and shrinking fast.

You could attempt to have every ship scatter and make for safety on their own. No doubt many would be ensnared and destroyed and it meant surrendering this world to the enemy, but it might just be your best chance at escaping before their noose tightens around your neck.

You might also choose to withdraw toward the planet and attempt to avoid being surrounded. You might then be able to regroup your forces and launch a counter attack or withdraw in order, assuming you could manage to disengage. Such a maneuver risks having your fleet lose cohesion and retreat in chaos if not carefully coordinated.

There is also a consideration that with Desecrater's primary engines offline, she won't be able to keep pace with any maneuver, and any withdrawal now amounts ot sacrificing Captain Rence's ship to the enemy.
>Stand and fight and hope for the best
>Have the division scatter and attempt to flee individually
>Fall back quickly and try to escape the jaws of the trap and regroup
>Write in

>>2663946
>Stand and fight and hope for the best
Blood and glory!

>>2663946
>Fall back quickly and try to escape the jaws of the trap and regroup
Out out out

>>2663946
>Stand and fight and hope for the best

>>2663946
>Stand and fight and hope for the best
>Write in: Try to use our tractor beams to pull the enemy ships out of formation we will pierce then!

>>2663950
>>2663959
>>2663979
>>2663983
>Stand and fight and hope for the best

You were going to pull all stops.

"Draw our ships in," you say, "See to it they have mutually supportive fields of fire. We’re going to make them regret biting down on us.

Your bridge officers exchange nervous looks.

If this plan failed, if your division would likely be annihilated. Even if it worked, you were going to be badly mauled. Still, with clever use of your tractor beams and precision fire toy might- might manage to hurt them bad enough to let you go, or at least punch a hole to escape through.

You grit your teeth. Here goes.

***

(Roll 1D100, I'll take the best of 3)

DC is 80

Rolled 26 (1d100)

>>2664015
FOR THE EMPEROR!

Rolled 17 (1d100)

>>2664015

Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>2664015
RIP Alana

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>26
>17

>>2664021
>>2664035
>>2664040
Fuck this I'm going to sleep. No more rolls for me.

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>>2664040
>26

>Writing

File: Brutal.png (199 KB, 674x315)

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>>2664021
>>2664035
>>2664040

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>>2664048
All Stormtroopers go to heaven.

The Consortium fleet closes in around your ships, firing madly in all directions, fighters screaming to and foe, chasing one another through the expanding maze of death. It doesn't take long for the combined weight of fire to start wearing on your ships as shields fail and armor plating vaporizes and crumples.

Casualties mount across the division, and soon Retribution herself starts taking damage, explosions erupt across her hull and the entire ship shudders and heaves like a dying animal.

"Desecrater's reactor is-" Sensors doesn't get to finish as the starboard-most destroyer explodes after a Tie Bomber run, spraying debris in all directions as she breaks in two.

Sorrow was next to go, her bridge sheared off in a collision with a derelict Carrack cruiser, engines sputtering and dying. A Consortium Tie strafing run across the bridge tower of your own ship throws it into disarray as the internal compensators briefly fail, crew staggering and struggling to maintain balance, an ensign screams as he flips head over heels into a crew pit.

When you get back to your feet you realize the bridge is filling with smoke. "Bastra," you croak, "Auxillary bridge."

"We can't ma'am, we've already lost it!" he barks, helping a fallen officer to his feet. "We're losing the ship, ma'am!"

That much was patently obvious, damage control parties were already rushing in to distribute oxygen masks and first aid, Zepal was down on the ground, a bleeding gash on her head being bandaged.

"What's Executrix's status?" you demand of Coms.

"Captain Valorum reports he's formed a gap, one of the enemy destroyers is going down, and he's requesting permission to take that gap."

You glance around the bridge, expectant eyes on you. The ship was dying, your command was dying, but here was a small sliver of hope. "Permission granted," you say, "Order the task force to make for that gap, all ships are ordered to retreat." You look to navigation and catch yourself. Your navigation officer is dead on the deck plating, a Storm Trooper kneeling beside him uselessly. You turn instead to another ensign, "Set a course out of here, best speed. We're going to break out if we can, right behind Executrix."

"What about those Interdictor's, ma'am?" Bastra asks, "We aren't going to get far with them online, even if we do slip this encirclement."


>Order a nearby escort to execute a last ditch attack
>Order fighters to concentrate on them
>I won't sacrifice lives to escape, we'll just have to risk it
>write in

>>2664074
>Order a nearby escort to execute a last ditch attack
let the red shirts do what they do best

>>2664074
>Order a nearby escort to execute a last ditch attack
Their sacrifice will be honoured by the Empire.

>>2664074
>Order a nearby escort to execute a last ditch attack

>Order a nearby escort to execute a last ditch attack
>>2664087
>>2664088
>>2664090

>writing

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You glance at the flickering tactical map. There you spy a Strike cruiser in good position. "Soultaker," you read the label, "Inform them that they are to destroy that interdictor at any cost."

The meaning of your message is clear.

Retribution is clearing the gauntlet of enemy fire just in time to see the Strike-Class Soultaker collide with the frantically turning Interdictor, both exploding in a tremendous white flash.

"Gap in the gravity well," Sensors says.

"Execute the jump!" you order.

All around you, the survivors of your task force leap into the safety of hyperspace, fighters, cruisers and destroyers alike, leaving nearly 50% of your division behind on the battlefield as casualties. You grind your teeth as you survey the death and destruction on your bridge, knowing you got off light. The Consortium would pay.

***

You are Emperor Palpatine, and you are most displeased. "A surprise attack?" You repeat.

Grand Admiral Zahn, here in person, nods. "Yes, your Highness. Consortium forces must have navigated uncharted hyperspace routs or crossed through Hutt space to arrive in such number. Admiral Oxtroe is reporting at least fleet-sized elements, perhaps worse."

You flower, it was bad news. Your forces in the Slice there were unprepared and spread thin. They would be hard pressed to defend against a determined and concerted attack.

"I-" Zahn's voice falters nervously, "I had been ready to attack them."

"With what disposition?" You ask.

"Oxtroe's fleet reinforced with Trier's and Lobkin's, Highness. Oxtroe is holding for now, but her situation is dire."

"And what of the 6th and 7th fleets?" you ask.

"Sixth Fleet is nearing completion, a few finishing touches on the flagship and a selection for command and it's all ready."

It seemed you would have to deal with this threat with what forces you had available for now. Zahn's plan was conventional, but reasonable. Counter attacking an enemy thrust would likely stop them where they were. The space being fought over didn't lend itself well to maneuver though, but perhaps if you were to utilize Hutt Space, you might slip Trier's fleet in behind the enemy, directly into Consortium territory at the risk of angering the Hutts.

You might also convince Thrawn to act against a likely weakened Consortium. You suspected it wouldn’t be hard to indicate to him their vulnerability.

There was also always the option to fall back into your own territory, force the Consortium forces to spread out to defend a broad border and counter attack later, when you were stronger.


>Continue with your plan, reinforce the Slice
>Launch a counter attack through Hutt territory
>Ask Thrawn for assistance
>Withdraw to borders
>Write in

>>2664164
>Withdraw to borders
>If more defensible positions include enemy territory, then occupy the ones closest to our borders.

They'll be in the same situation we are currently, stretched fleets with even weaker fleet compositions than we have.

This will likely inflate Zsinjs confidence into thinking he can beat us ultimately and encourage him to occupy these new territories.

We absolutely must not ask for help from Thrawn. It would only strengthen him with even more territory if he helped us invade and it would prove to him in his eyes that we are not capable of leading the Empire.

More territory for Zsinj would likely alarm Thrawn on his own, prompting him for more attacks against Zsinj. Once those begin we'll be in the perfect position to choose who to attack, with stronger forces, advanced fleets and more vulnerable targets amongst Thrawn and Zsinj. I think we've left Thrawn alone too long, and I think most of us can agree that he will not bend the knee.

The defeat is unfortunate, but now we have a measure of the capabilities of Zsinj and in a small way, Thrawn.

>Write in
Start working towards finding more of these uncharted hyperspace routes, bargain with the Hutts if we have to.

>>2664164

>Continue with your plan, reinforce the Slice

>Find me those damned hyperlanes or if the hutts had supplied them with information.

>>2664164
>Continue with your plan, reinforce the Slice
Rush Sixth Fleet to completion (under Daala right?) Use her to reinforce your borders..

>Continue with your plan, reinforce the Slice
>>2664250
>>2664251

+
>Find me those damned hyperlanes
>>2664207
>>2664250


>writing

"Continue with your plan to reinforce the Slice," you say. "We should do all we can to crush the enemy where we find them."

"Yes, Highness."

"I also want to know who supplied the Consortium with this information, the hyperlanes. I want them found."

"Ah," Zahn demurs, "Perhaps Director Isard would be better for-"

"Do we no longer have Naval Intelligence? Have you used it all up?"

"N-no, Highness."

"Then find them. Talk with the Hutts if you must." You put malice into your words.

Zahn struggles out words that might be agreement.

"I would also like the 6th Fleet to be completed with haste, I see no reason to delay its debut if possible."

"Perhaps it could be supplemented with ships from Admiral Tyrna's division," Zahn says the words with contempt.

"See to it. Daala is to command?" you hazard.

"I was going to offer her the command, yes. She has seniority," Zahn says.

"Send her my congratulations," you say with a humorless grin.

"It will be done," Zahn bows awkwardly and turns on heel to leave.

"And, Grand Admiral . . ."

Your voice catches him mid-stride and Zahn staggers, barely able to avoid falling. "Yes . . . Highness?"

"My forgiveness is not unlimited," you say. "The failure here is not a fleet commanders. It is yours for allowing an enemy attack to catch us unaware."

"Of course, your Highness, I take complete responsibility."

"See to it that you do not have to take responsibility again," you say. "Be gone."

Zahn swallows. "Yes, Highness."

***

That's all the time that I have guys, thanks for playing as always! We'll continue the game Thursday at 7 EST. Hopefully with some better rolls. Still, thanks for showing up and reading along.

In case you missed it, there's two new pastes up. Sort of a "Choose your own adventure" for Alana's eventful night.

But we all know what really happened.


>Alana x Vells Lewd
https://pastebin.com/a6M8bYuM

>Alana reads a book instead
https://pastebin.com/cP7fE5gM

I also have Discord for bullying and complaints and a Twitter for reasons.

https://twitter.com/DarkEmpireQuest
https://discord.gg/WMEDDgX

As always, I'll be around for any questions, comments you may have.

Thanks!

>>2664318
tonight was rough for everyone

>>2664318
oof, we walked right into that trap didn't we? In Alana's defense, she had a raging hangover. Poor Vells was probably puking in a bucket mid-battle.


Oh well, we live to fight another day. We will learn from this, and vengeance will be ours!

Deep under the Imperial Palace on Coruscant, you were overseeing the closing minutes of a meeting of your Imperial Council. Moffs, Ministers, Directors, and all other heads of the great bureaucracy that allows your Empire to function are gathered here. Ordinarily such meetings were preoccupied with the actual governance of the galaxy, now however, the sudden threat out of the newly-formed Consortium took precedence.

"The construction of the 6th Fleet," one of your naval construction directors is saying, "and all subsequent fleets, has been steadily falling behind schedule, despite more than doubling our work force." He doesn’t look up from his datapad as he reads.

"And what is the source of these delays?" Your Grand Vizier, Mas Amedda asks impatiently.

The Director's eyes flick up first at him, then to you. "We attribute it to a lack of motivation by our Xeno labor. We rely on many of them for menial tasks."

Eyes in the room go to Minister Aldon Tyrna, a tall, thin-faced man whose face was a mask of stoicism.

"Minister Tyrna?" Amedda prompts.

"It is true that the delay originates with my workers," Tyrna says, "However, these delays are because of the work force increase, not in spite of it." He eyes the members of the council. "Our increase in sweeps of non-human dissidents has bolstered a flagging force, but now we have a shortage of trained technicians to spread their knowledge. Our Yevetha force has proven . . . Difficult to house in captivity and it's resulted in a great loss of technical knowledge I'm afraid."

"And what do you plan to do about it?" Grand Moff Dureya snarls, "That's what they pay you for, is it not?"

Tyrna hardly reacts. "New ways of motivating the workers are being investigated. I don't expect these problems will continue much longer."

"The Sixth Fleet?" you say, drawing the attention of all the members of the council.

"It's being rushed to deployment," the construction director says. "We're substituting many planned new designs with previous generation warships. The seventh and 8th fleets will contain all new ships."

You nod.

"Who will be its commanding officer?" Minister Tyrna asks. Uncharacteristically as he normally stays out of military matters.

"Admiral Daala is the Naval Board selection," High Colonel Tierce says, "She has seniority and really, there is no other."

"I respectfully disagree," Tyrna continues, "There is another officer suited for that roll."

"Your daughter?' Tierce sneers.

Tyrna merely nods. "She has extensive combat and leadership experience. Practical knowledge. Daala has not."

Tierce snorts, "Daala may be something of a wildcard, but it's traditional to award the rank to the next officer in line, not go rank jumping on a whim or for personal favor."

Minister Tyrna says nothing.


>Daala has seniority
>Alana has the experience
>Write in

>>2667925
>Alana has the experience

>>2667925
>>Daala has seniority
Give Alana the Seventh when its complete.

>>2667925
>>Daala has seniority
Feels like cheating to give her the fleet after a defeat. Should definitely have the next one though.

>>2667925
>Alana has the experience

>>2667925
>Alana has the experience

>>2667925
>>Daala has seniority

>Daala has seniority
>>2667984
>>2668002
>>2668049

>Alana has the experience
>>2667955
>>2668011
>>2668046

It's super close, I'm going to hold 4 mins and then tie break.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>1 Daala
>2 Alana

Writing the will of the Dark Side

>>2668064
>Alana

>writing

You study Tyrna's lined, rigid face. Now he was visibly older than you, but when you'd first met, he'd been the younger man. An upstart Bureaucrat with radical ideas about how to handle Separatist POWs and war dissenters. A close ally of yours early in your rise to power. His daughter had likewise served you well in the past. She had failures it was true, Corellia and now Zalloriis stand out in your mind, but these are failures she'll learn from you think.

"I believe the Minister is correct," you say. "Admiral Tyrna is overdue for fleet command. We will give her 6th Fleet in such condition as it is, Daala will take the more modern 7th Fleet on its production."

The corners of Tyrna's mouth turn, just slightly. He doesn't thank you, but he doesn’t need to.

"As you will it, your Highness," Tierce replies, though his tone makes it clear he thinks you are committing a mistake.

With the council meeting over, the holograms switch off and those who came in person file out of the room under personal storm trooper guard, all but one, a middle aged woman in crimson uniform seated opposite you at the table.

Madame Director Isard gives you the barest hint of a smile. "Your Highness, I have news of the Consortium."

"News. I want news of victory," you retort. "What have you learned?"

"I've learned that Admiral Zsinj is alive and well, a power player in the Consortium," she says.

"And?"

"And I've learned he has rejected the idea of returning to your service with his forces," she says, "No reward was great enough. He's quite content to remain with his pitiful band."

"A man of his talents?" you return, "Surely he doesn’t think he has a chance of winning."

She shakes her head, "No. In fact I believe he thinks this may be his only chance at survival. Zsinj specifically pointed me to the cases of Cronus at Eriadu, and Reddrin from Brentaal."

You did have Cronus imprisoned for failing to return to you on your first call for loyalty, and Reddrin was executed for rejecting a similar offer. It seem Zsinj, rightly or wrongly, felt that your word of safe return and amnesty may not be trusted.

"Let Zsinj go then," you say, "He'll learn of his mistake sooner or later."

"I do believe that the weakness of the Consortium lies in its construction. If we can take apart its members, we can potentially sow chaos in their ranks."

Convincing an element of the Consortium to break away could prove a boon, you could also simply have Zsinj punished now for his lack of vision.


>Admiral Teradoc
> Lady Santhe of Tion
>I want Zsinj dead
>write in

>>2668097
>write in
Sow dissent and suspicion among their ranks, the first leader to contact us will be rewarded.

>>2668097
No preference on who gets to defect as long they bring many ships.

>>2668097
It's been a while, what are each of their strengths and weaknesses?

Ultimately it doesn't matter as long as we get the ball rolling it will splinter one way or another.
Unless Thrawn attacks them and they unite, or Zsinj dies in which case they really will fall apart and Thrawn will scoop up the pieces.

>>2668123
>It's been a while, what are each of their strengths and weaknesses?
Not much is known about the inner workings of the Consortium. The going opinion is it is a triumvirate government between Tion, Zsinj, and Teradoc.

Lady Santhe previously told you she was favoring the Empire, but felt too threatened by Thrawn and Zsinj.

Teradoc is a bit of an unknown, but considered a typical warlord type.

>>2668128
So tell santhe to get ready for when we kill zsinj so she can make a move

>>2668114
>>2668122
>>2668139
>Write ins

>writing

It was disappointing news about Zsinj, but you wouldn't let it weigh on you. "Let's focus on Lady Santhe," you say. "She seems pliable and reasonable and I doubt she prefers an upstart Dark Sider dragging her people to war more than she'd prefer to be an honest member of the Empire again."

"I can do that, Highness."

"And," you add, "See to killing Zsinj for me. It could be beneficial to sow some dissent and perhaps break up their little collective. The first to return will be handsomely rewarded."

"Yes, Highness."

After the council meeting and your meeting with Isard, you return to your throne room above the palace, ready to receive an eagerly awaited visitor.

The doors to your chamber hiss open and a procession of Dark Siders enters, led by the Grand Inquisitor, Vende Amenge, his facial expression is carefully controlled, but he radiates confidence through the Force. Still, your gaze is drawn past him, to the leather-wrapped Kubaz mage who carries in his arms a young human child, a boy.

You and the boy lock eyes and you sense within him great potential in the Force.

"Master," Amenge says, "I present Jacen Solo. Grandson of Anakin Skywalker."

You rise from your throne. "Excellent, you've done well, my young friend," You lay a hand on Amenge's shoulder.

"The Komissars who captured him bear some thanks as well," Amenge says, "I was merely the architect of this plan, not its executioner."

You turn your eyes to the Dark Sider ahead of you.

"Lord Sallin," Amenge says in introduction.

Sallin bows to you.

It was strange, you felt. A Komissar taking orders from the Grand Inquisitor . . .you sense intrigue, but it is beneath you and pay it no mind, looking back at the fearful boy, his eyes red from crying.

"He will be of great service to me," you say. Vader had been subtly corrupted by his Jedi training, and his son Skywalker was also too far gone for you to reach. This boy though . . . He represented potential. He could be trained, starting immediately really, and conditioned to be a loyal servant of yours. Sadly, training him yourself was more time consuming than you could afford, but you might be able to delegate this task to a trusted underlying.

Amenge did capture the boy, and being given the chance to train him would be a great honor. Brakiss though was a rising star in your hierarchy and is arguably your most powerful Dark Sider after perhaps your apprentice Cythera. Sly Moore was another good option, but her connection to the force is tenuous at best, though her loyalty is unquestionable.
>Sly Moore
>Vende Amenge
>Brakiss
>He will be left alone for now
>Write in

>>2668196
>Brakiss
Byss Date when?

>>2668215
>Spoiler
Probably after the Slice has been secured. War comes before boys, Anon.

>>2668196
I think the question ears more about their temperment and abilities. What do we want Jacen to be? Warrior? Mage? Leader? Assassin? Heir?

This training will be for yeeeeeears, he will have many teachers. But we will ultimately be his Master. Start with Moore, her knowledge is tremendous and it's doubtful his control/power in the force is very strong yet. She can teach him the basics and keep him loyal at this tender young age while he is still impressionable.

If he we have Amenge or Brakiss teach him he'll be put on the path of factions too soon.

>>2668196
>Brakiss

>>2668196
>>Brakiss
Cythera and ourselves aren't available?

>>2668196
>Sly Moore

>>2668262
>Cythera and ourselves aren't available?
If you (Palpatine) want to train and educate him seriously it would basically mean you would have to designate a regent to rule while you raise a boy. Even if you delegate most tasks, it would be time consuming.

Cythera likewise, she has duties as your apprentice. Either or both of you can train him in more detail when he's older, but at this age he'll need too much attention.

>Brakiss
>>2668215
>>2668253
>>2668262

>Sly Moore
>>2668252
>>2668267


>Brakiss
>writing

"Excellent," you say, beaming at Amenge. "I would like Lord Brakiss to see to his upbringing for now."

Amenge's carefully sculpted mask of an expression doesn't falter, "Brakiss, Master?" Inside you feel the Grand Inquisitor seethe with dismay.

"You are fully tasked with the Inquisition," you reply, "and my Archmage is busy with her own work. I feel Lord Brakiss can take the time to see to the child's needs." you give the small boy another look and smile as he cowers from you.

"Yes, of course," Amenge gives a polite smile all while he is internally in turmoil. "I will make it as you wish."

"Splendid," you say. "And what news do you bring of the Inquisition?"

"Our number grows daily," Amenge says, seamlessly transition despite the chaos you feel within him. "As the Empire grows in strength so too does our ability to find and monitor force sensitives. We have already made some degree of testing mandatory for all inductees into the military. Talent that might otherwise be wasted in an engine room or in the Storm Trooper Corps can otherwise be tapped."

You nod approval, "Wonderful. You've proven yourself a great asset to the Empire," you say.

"Yes, Master."

After the procession files back out of the throne room, a shadow slithers from a far wall into sight. The body of a man who had once been a Byss Mage, walking through the harsh, vertical bars of orange sunlight. "The Jedi won't stand for this, Master."

"I'm quite aware of the Jedi's intention," you reply impatiently to Hadrazel, the Mad Monk whose predictions of the future had turned out to be disturbingly accurate.

Hadrazel, or the body that now contains his soul, stops and smiles a toothy grin at you. "Of course." His acute foresight was matched only by his intense madness. "I merely point out that the Jedi will come for him. The Master Skywalker and his ilk will come to take the child back. This is a sublime opportunity."

"Do you presume to tell me how to rule?" you snap.

Hadrazel flinches like a whipped dog. "N-no, master! I'm simply trying to make my talents and insight useful to you."

You relax.

"The Jedi know the Solo child is here?" you ask.

"Yes, Master. They make plans for his rescue even now."

You could likely make the child disappear so the Jedi would have a much harder time locating him than keeping him conspicuously near you. You might also simply make the Palace unassailable by increasing the presence of Dark Siders and conventional forces here, a simple matter. You might also try to lure the Jedi into a trap to capture one or more of them for your own purposes. It would mean leaving the child vulnerable to capture, but it might be worth the risk.


>They will have to find him first (Send Jacen into hiding)
>They'll die trying (Increase security of the Palace)
>A perfect opportunity for a trap (Use Jacen as bait for a trap)

>>2668383
A perfect opportunity for a trap (Use Jacen as bait for a trap)

Too good an opportunity. Interdictors stationed a jump away, Cythera, Brakiss, force hounds(?) to capture/kill the Jedi. Bombs inside the target site in case this all goes to shit.

If we can finish the Jedi then we will be that much closer to complete revenge and future security.

>>2668383
>>They'll die trying (Increase security of the Palace)
Let's not repeat Endor shall we

>>2668383
>They'll die trying (Increase security of the Palace)

When they come for the boy, not if. We can also stop them.

>>2668383
>>They'll die trying (Increase security of the Palace)

>They'll die trying (Increase security of the Palace)
>>2668420
>>2668422
>>2668453

"When they come," you say, "We will be ready. They have nothing I want, nothing worth risking this prize. The Solo child is the future," you say confidently. "We'll double all patrols and ensure that we have enough Blackguard standing by to repel any attack the Jedi could make."

Hadrazel beams, "Excellent, the Jedi don't know the bloodbath that stands before them. Butcher's work in the seat of power."

You nod absently. The Jedi would come here and they would come in great number. You sensed Hadrazel was correct, great butchery was soon to take place.

***

You are Admiral Alana Tyrna, and you've arrived at Kuat to take charge of your new fleet. It was to you in many ways, bitter sweet. You'd had your old command shot mostly out from under you and lost many good men and women in the process, but you'd escaped total disaster. Still, it was just over a year ago now that you had been a mere captain aboard a Strike-Class cruiser patrolling the Imperial backwater and wondering if your particular warlord was the best to serve.

Now though, you you were gazing out across the hundred plus ships of your fleet, the Sixth Fleet. Four divisions of for star destroyers and their associated escorts and fighter wings. These same ships now on parade display for your arrival.

You watch them over the shoulder of your pilot through the forward viewport of the Lambda shuttle you arrived on. Flights of Tie Defenders, Scimitar Bombers, black-plated Shadow Droids, and Tie Avengers in their swarming thousands. Between them, the bulbous shapes of the New design Strike and Carrack class cruisers stand out to you, intermixed with the old style escort ships. Of course, the destroyers themselves were a marvelous sight, not to mention the new Invicta-Class ships that made up approximately 50% of your new command. Their basic design was familiar, but their lines were strange still, the details off.

Behind this display, the Green oasis world of Kuat hangs silent in space, the titanic ring of durasteel around it a stark reminder of the power of this place.

The remnants of your old task force had been merged into this new group and awaited you. Retribution, your last command among them, heavily battered but repaired once again and ready for service. Among these vessels is the flagship for this glorious fleet. While not a Bellator or Executor like you would like, it will still do the job.


>Retribution, your old Imperial II-Class
>A new, to-be-named Invicta-Class

***

Your command staff will be brought with you to the new vessel if you choose it, but more decisions about them will follow.

>>2668537
>A new, to-be-named Invicta-Class

>>2668537
>>A new, to-be-named Invicta-Class

>>2668537
>>A new, to-be-named Invicta-Class

>>2668537
>>A new, to-be-named Invicta-Class
Is this even a choice

>A new, to-be-named Invicta-Class
>>2668553
>>2668558
>>2668586
>>2668588

>Is this even a choice
I thought maybe you might have kind of sentimental attachment to Retribution, but it's all good.

>Writing.

File: 6th Fleet.png (723 KB, 1275x975)

723 KB PNG

Retribution had served you long and well, but it was time for a change. You opt to move your flag to one of the new Invicta-Class ships.


>Vicious
>Undying
>Wrath
>Annihilator
>Write in

>>2668604
>>Undying

>>2668604
>Undying

>>2668604
>Annihilator

>>2668604
>>Wrath

>Undying
>>2668610
>>2668622

>Annihilator
>>2668635

>Wrath
>>2668636


>Undying
>writing

The Invicta-Class Star Destroyer Undying lay ahead of you. Ordinarily you weren't a fan of such boastful names, but in a way it fit with your career. You'd built a reputation on being nigh-unkillable, you just hoped that luck held for your flagship and your new fleet.

A Tie Avenger squadron drops in to escort your shuttle into Undying's hangar bay where a full parade deployment of officers and troopers awaits you.

During your brief lay over on Kuat itself while your fleet was assembled and your ships repaired, you'd had time to study the rosters of your new officers. So far, only three of your division commanders have been approved, and seeing familiar names brings a smile to your face.

Captain Valorum of Executrix the brash Coruscanti noble and descendant of the former Chancellor of the Republic, Valorum gave off an affected air of bored youth, but had proven himself a bold and capable, if reckless, commander. He was the sole survivor of your old divisional command and would make a good addition as commander of his own division.

The second name gave you pause at first since you'd had a hard time placing it. Captain Maline Sesstrix. Being on Kuat had helped you place the name. She was the enthusiastic, young officer you'd met on Kuat during the victory ball who had expressed a personal admiration for you. You'd eventually transferred her to your command to captain a Lancer-Class frigate, but it seemed she'd made waves since then, working her way up to captain a Star Destroyer briefly before evidently earning a divisional command. In a rapidly expanding navy, such lightning promotions- yours among them- were becoming almost common place.

The third name almost made you gasp. Commander Roth Tierce. Your former XO aboard your first Destroyer command, Splinter, and briefly a part of your command when you occupied Corellia. You considered him a close and dear friend despite a rocky start to your friendship. Now, he was a commander and head of one of your divisions. You were quite excited to meet with Tierce.

The fourth name is also something of a surprise. Captain Fentin Lisson. Lisson had served in your division during your attack on the Yevetha. He'd been ambitious to the point of coming across cutthroat, and he had always seemed wary of you. He was otherwise a competent officer, though his politicization of the role made you nervous at the time, and not much has changed.

Seeing as you were Admiral now of an entire fleet, your old direct command, Retribution would require a new captain and it fell to you to select them. A number of promising candidates had been put forward but one in particular caught your eye. Lieutenant Fillvus Bastra, your current Executive Officer. It seemed he had applied for the role himself. He was a career officer with a long career spanning back to the tail end of the Clone Wars.


>Bastra will be her captain
>I will take the Naval board recommendation
>Write in

>>2668680
>Bastra
Give the old man Retribution. It seems fitting for someone from the Clone Wars to captain a ship with that name.

>>2668680
>>Bastra will be her captain
He deserves it

>>2668680
>Bastra will be her captain

>>2668680
>>Bastra will be her captain

>>2668680
>Bastra will be her captain

>Bastra will be her captain

>Writing

You sign off on Bastra's promotion and posting. He was a good man and he deserved it. Of course, with your XO now captaining another ship, it meant Undying would need an Executive Officer of her own. Two candidates spring at once to your mind. Lieutenant Zepal seems an obvious choice. She's currently serving as your Tactical Officer and is well known as a technology maverick and "Gunnery Witch". She's always worked better with machines that other human beings, but she's shown much improvement and promise lately, beside which, the Tactical branch is often seen as a fast track to leadership.

The other possible candidate is a bit more unorthodox. Lieutenant Vells has enough seniority to get a posting as command staff, transferring out of the fighter corps and into the navy proper. It meant taking him out of the cockpit, but Vells had the acerbic personality to whip crews into shape as an XO was often called on to do but he would likely be hampered by a lack of true naval experience, while Zepal would mostly be hurt by her under spoken personality.

You might also leave both in their current rolls and take a new officer as recommended by the Naval board.


>Vells will be XO
>Zepal will be XO
>I'll take whoever is recommended
>Write in

>>2668730
>Vells
Give him a slice of Heaven for he's served his time in Hell.

>>2668735
I thought Vells already got "a slice of heaven".

>>2668730
>>I'll take whoever is recommended

>>2668742
More of a "taste" really, and now he wants a "slice" to sink his teeth into.[/Spoiler]

>I'll take whoever is recommended

>>2668730
>>I'll take whoever is recommended

>Vells
>>2668735
>>2668758

>I'll take whoever is recommended
>>2668744
>>2668769
>>2668782

>No Love for Zepal
>Writing

File: Slice Campaign.jpg (183 KB, 1291x850)

183 KB JPG

You don't feel that either Vells or Zepal would excel in this role, though part of you would like to see Vells out of the most dangerous part of the navy. Still, you suppose you can't force him to play it safer. You instead submit a formal request to the personnel department to supply a recommended XO, you'll take what you can get.

With your command staff decided upon, the Fleet will be setting off for The Slice soon to join Oxtroe's counter attack against the Consortium forces. You'd looked at the roster of forces assembled and it was impressive, easily the largest combine attack fleet since the Exodeen Campaign to crush the New Republic. Oxtroe's Fleet, Trier's Fleet, Lobkin's Fleet, and your own new fleet would all be participating against an unknown arrangement of enemies.

You would need to meet with your fellow Admirals to come up with a strategy to handle this particular campaign, but first you'd need to meet with your own divisional commanders. Tierce would be among them, the first time you'd seen him since separating from the fleet to take an independent raiding command. It might be nice to see him in a private capacity before your official meeting.


>Meet with Tierce privately
>We'll see him at the fleet briefing.

>>2668792
>>We'll see him at the fleet briefing.

>>2668792
>>Meet with Tierce privately
I love tierce <3

>>2668792
>>We'll see him at the fleet briefing.
I dont like Tierce

>>2668814
NO

>>2668814
TIL people don't like Tierce

>We'll see him at the fleet briefing.
>>2668803
>>2668814

>writing

>>2668848
>>2668864
Useless wastrel relative of our rival

>>2668870
Just for total clarity:

There are three Tierces.

High Colonel Reynauld Tierce - Minister Tyrna's rival, father of:

Moff Denvis Tiers - formerly Alana's CO and Captain of Splinter until he left for a better career.

Commander Roth Tierce - Former XO of Splinter and friend of Alana's.

You hate all three?

File: OGowk8T.jpg (82 KB, 750x813)

82 KB JPG

It's getting late for me here, so I'm going to stop here for now. Next session Alana and Friends have to organize their attack and carry it out. Plus maybe the Jedi do a thing?

Thanks so much for playing guys, I'll be seeing you week after next for more Star Wars stuff. Till then, I am here for questions, or you can troll my Discord or follow my Twitter.

https://twitter.com/DarkEmpireQuest
https://discord.gg/WMEDDgX

Oh fucking Christ, now I need to figure out how to command at the fleet level.

>>2668874
Yes
>>2668880
Get it over quickly so we can meet the true husbando

>>2668894
>Husbandos more important than Imperial reconquest.
Heretic.

>>2668894
Yeah, Tierce

>>2668874
Tierce Is bro tier, fuck the haters