***

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/a/F3KmhF7


I allow between ten and fifteen 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 tiebreaker, and if no one votes, I roll for the tiebreaker 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.

Turning away from the bulky Ex-Rebel ship being unloaded by cargo drones and slave labor, you proceed down the polished metal hall toward where your command ship is docked receiving supplies. It wasn’t a walk, you’d had it drilled into you in the Academy that officer didn’t casually saunter anywhere, you always walked with purpose. It lent you an official air that caused the soldiers and officers you passed to step aside, saluting quickly. Your fleet’s refitting was proceeding well, all your capital ships had now been replaced with Invicta-Class Star Destroyers and your escorts were similarly re-equipped. It’s not quite the same as being posted on the frontier against Thrawn’s forces, or put south hunting down rebels, but guarding the Deep Core region has its own inherent prestige.

A handful of days have passed since you stayed with Vende Amenge and you’ve spent that time overseeing the restructuring of your fleet and the distribution of fresh waves of volunteers and conscripts to man your ships, only now most of the work is finished and you have time to spare.


You could always visit with Vende again, you have been meaning to ask for lessons on how to actually use the saber you’d been gifted, you’ve also been thinking about the bodies you’d found, the ones you suspect are his parents. You might get more information from him regarding that.

Your father is also here, as is your mother, though you were never close with her. A visit with your father might be beneficial to catch up and get information from the inner government of the Empire.

Of course, it might be best to remain on Undying with your fleet and make your presence felt to motivate your crews.

>Visit with Vende
>Visit with Father
>Remain on Undying
>Write in

>>3168127
>Visit with Father
Oh hi dad. Totally followed your wishes like a gooooodd daughter I swear.

>>3168127
>Visit with Vende

>>3168127
>Visit with Father
We'll be with the crew enough

>>3168127
>>Visit with Vende

I should have said:
Visit with Daddy
or
Visit with daddy.

File: 1545632633543.png (325 KB, 617x662)

325 KB PNG

>>3168191
LEWD

>>3168147
>>3168148
>>3168151
>>3168185

>Daddy
and
>daddy

>writing

You’d be seeing enough of your crew soon, you expected you’d better make the most of your visit, especially since you could theoretically deploy on assignment at virtually any moment. Besides which, it would be nice to see Vende again.

You bury that girlish warm feeling and make sure no one caught you pining.

Your father would also likely be expecting a visit. You’d make sure to make a formal showing at his office near the citadel.

You hesitate and think on it. You’d visit with father after Vende.

You depress the com switch on a nearby wall panel.

“This is Admiral Tyrna, prepare my shuttle.”

***
Dusk is settling in on the planet’s surface when your shuttle touches down on the edge of the Amenge family estate.

After the ramp descends and you step off, you catch sight of the hunched, dark form of the Amenge butler.

“Admiral Lady Alana Tyrna,” it intones the words with a robotic reverb.

“Yes.” You feel the uniform makes it patently obvious, but droids will be droids.

“The master is enjoying a tea on the terrace by the shore.” The words rattle out rapid fire. “He is expecting your company.”


“Thank you.”

“I have been instructed not to lead you to the veranda given my low mobility. Please proceed along the footpath and over the sand dunes.” The droid turns and tromps off having finished the instructions.

You spend a moment savoring the warm, ocean breeze and watching the droid walk. It is rather slow and you can see why Vende wouldn’t want you shuffling along behind it. The shore isn’t far and you set off, falling the stone-lined path around the edge of the estate and across the grass-covered dune to find yourself on a low bluff overlooking a vast stretch of coastline, turquoise seas churning and white-crested waves crashing to the sandy beach.

Between the sea and the house is a broad, stone terrace with a wide pavilion set in the side. You see some chairs and tables and a lone figure watching the waves, cape billowing in the breeze.

You make the journey to the edge of the structure and stop, Vende looking over his shoulder at you, evidently having sensed your presence. You watch his eyes light at the sight of you, like cold ion thrusters coming to life.

“Alana, Hello.”

You smile back. “Hello.” You cross to him and follow the greeting with a light peck on his cheek. “Watching the waves?”

“Yes. The sea is beautiful, don’t you think?”


>It’s one of my favorite things
>I had enough of it as a child, I prefer the stars
>Something troubling you?
>Write in

>>3168290
>>I had enough of it as a child, I prefer the stars
I_hate_sand.gif

>>3168290
>>I had enough of it as a child, I prefer the stars
rough and coarse

>>3168290
>I had enough of it as a child, I prefer the stars
gets everywhere

>>3168305
>>3168315
>>3168320

>Sand
>Writing

“I could do without the beach,” you say, standing beside him. “I got enough of it as a child, I prefer the stars.”

Vende smiles, “Stay long enough and you might see them.”

Brushing aside a loose strand of hair you shake your head. “I’m sorry, I have other business, only time for a visit.”

“Ah.” His smile remains fixed. “Such is a life of service I suppose.”

You nod.

There is a long pause.

“Something you wanted, Alana? I sense that you want to ask me something.”

>Where are your parents?
>Would you train me to use this light saber?
>Write in

>>3168388
>>Where are your parents?
As much as it is an interesting past

>>3168388
>>Where are your parents

>>3168388
>>Where are your parents?

>>3168399
>>3168441
>>3168409

>Asking the tough questions.
>Writing

“I was wondering,” you say, “Where your parents are.”

Vende fixes you with a blank stare.

“I hadn’t seen them and-”

The Grand Inquisitor sighs heavily and turns his back to you. “You have.”

You’re at a loss. “Ah . . .”

“I had hoped for more pleasant topics than this, but I suppose it must have to ultimately be addressed. They’re both dead of course. Are you looking for a confession, Alana?”

“No, I-”

He turns back on you, his face hard. “I’ll give you one anyway. Yes, to answer your question, I did kill them.”

You feel a stirring of fear within yourself, eyes flicking to the Inquisitor’s saber.

“They deserved it.” He takes a heavy step toward you. “They took a small boy and ruined him. They pushed me to the very edge, Alana. I would have drowned under their constant ‘care’ but for-” he stops, face seeming to return to normal. You see him physically relax. “Yes. I did kill them, and I feel no regret. It was . . . my test you see? A Sith must make sacrifice.”

You have no idea what he is talking about but aren’t really sure what to say next.


>I’m sure you had a good reason
>Tell me what happened
>How could you do something like that?
>Write in

>>3168470
>I’m sure you had a good reason
Well all I was looking for was a confession. He's still best boy

>>3168470
>Tell me what happened

>>3168470
>Tell me what happened
then
>I’m sure you had a good reason

>>3168470
>I’m sure you had a good reason
>Do you mind telling me what happened

>>3168486
>>3168496
>>3168519
>>3168524

>Writing

A long silence passes between you two, only the steady pounding of the wave breaks the dead air.

“What happened?” You feel yourself ask the question before you realize you were planning on it.

Vende meets your eyes. “What?”

“What happened for you to . . . do that?”

He sniffs. “Nothing happened.” He sighs again. “Are you going to shoot me or arrest me?”

You shake your head, wondering if you could do such a thing even if you wanted to.

“Then sit.” He gestures to a pair of chairs near the pavilion railing and you sit together, there is a carafe of tea on the table, but it looks cold, untouched. You wait for Vende to speak first. “You didn’t know me as a child because my parents did not allow me to know anyone. I had a . . . my childhood was sparse. My parents monitored virtually every aspect of my life. They were cruel people,” he says, his eyes are distant. “Callous, cold. I could never understand what reason they had to treat even their own son that way.” He folds his hands together on the table and stares pointedly at them. “As I grew I found my powers, I discovered the force. It was frightening and exhilarating. But before long I discovered I couldn’t control it.”

He looks at you now, “Alana, the Inquisition discovered me because I had a public . . . “ he searches for a word “Outburst.”

“Outburst?”

Vende does not elaborate. “I believe it stunned my parents, but they could no longer keep the strangeness of their child a secret. I was taken into the Inquisition I was broken down and reshaped. Made new again.”

(1/2)

From what little you know of the Inquisition, you imagine it can’t have been a pleasant process.

“When I was a man I returned home.” There is a long silence. “Do you love your parents, Alana?”

The question catches you off guard. “Ah, love them?” You aren’t exactly sure, but you assume that you do. “Yes.”

He smirks, “That’s what I believe. But being here, living with them, seeing them, I saw that they were weak.” His lip curls in a sneer, “They were disgusting. But . . . I loved them. I couldn’t refuse them and I couldn’t disappoint them. Being a Sith . . . is more than moving rocks and swinging a lightsaber, Alana. Being a Sith means dedicating your life, means sacrificing yourself to achieve something more. Many Sith killed their old masters or friends. I chose to kill my parents.” He gives you a level gaze.

“I murdered them almost a year ago. I had A4 preserve them as a reminder. A reminder of what I had given up to get here.”

You find yourself perversely fascinated by his story, unable to bring yourself to feel anything other than sick curiosity and a bit of sympathy. You could imagine Vende as a young child, oppressed by his parents, discovering the strange world of the Force, and being fed into the Inquisition. Evidently, it had changed something within him.

“I can’t fault you for that,” you say, “Revenge is natural.”

“Not revenge, Alana. I did not kill them over what they’d done. I killed them . . . to kill a part of myself.”


>I understand, don’t worry.
>In your place I might have done the same.
>You won’t kill again like that, will you?
>Write in

>>3168573
>You won’t kill again like that, will you?

>>3168573
>>In your place I might have done the same.

>>3168573
>You won’t kill again like that, will you

>>3168573
>You won’t kill again like that, will you?

>>3168599
>>3168595
>>3168581


>writing

>>3168573
>I don’t fully understand...and I’m not sure I ever will - but it does make a certain amount of sense. You needed to burn down the old - to arise reborn.

“You wouldn’t kill like that again though, would you?”

Vende is silent a moment. “No.”

Again, the only sound is the waves.
You shake your head, “Honestly, I don’t fully understand...and I’m not sure I ever will - but it does make a certain amount of sense. You needed to burn down the old - to arise reborn.”

Your wording seems to please him, a hint of smile returns to his face. “Yes. I think you understand better than you let on.” Another pause. “I’m sorry, Alana. I never saw things this way in my mind. I hope it changes nothing.”

“No,” you say, “It’s . . . surprising, but it’s not as if I don’t likewise have blood on my hands.”

“War,” Vende says, “Is quite different from what I do.”

“Killing is killing.”

“Perhaps.” Another beat of silence, “Let me get A4 to get us some fresh tea. I think it will help calm your nerves.”

>That sounds splendid
>I’ve got too much energy for that, teach me to fence
>Write in

>>3168470
>A Sith
Oh sweetie, I have bad news...

Whatever happened to Tremayne again?

>>3168643
>That sounds splendid

>>3168643
>I’ve got too much energy for that, teach me to fence

>>3168643
>I’ve got too much energy for that, teach me to fence

>>3168643
>>That sounds splendid
nice relaxing sunset on the beach. maybe we can go for a walk

>>3168643
>That sounds splendid

>That sounds splendid
>>3168655
>>3168665
>>3168694

>writing

>>3168655
>Sweetie
Shhh let him have this.
>Tremayne
Around. He's on the back burner, Vende has secured his position for now.

“That sounds splendid,” you say with a smile. “I think a beach sunset will do me some good, hard to catch a good sunset from orbit.” Which was a half-truth.

“I can imagine.”

“And maybe you’d like to take a walk as well?” you suggest.

You see the tension melt off Vende’s features. “Yes, I would like that.” He reaches over the table to take your hand in his. He squeezes and you squeeze back.

***

It wasn’t exactly how you saw things going, having your lover confess to murdering his parents and then going for a sunset walk on the beach, but it was what you got. During the walk you discussed happier memories of the past and put that horror of what you’d found behind you. Vende, by his own admission, was a Sith, and you expected that this was something your father might have been warning you about.

That done, you spend a few hours with Vende before breaking away with a sad goodbye. You have plans to meet your father at his office downtown and make the shuttle trip over the night skyline of the city, sweeping across the horizon in front of the shuttle.

The shuttle ultimately settles onto a landing pad atop the spire that is the Ministry of Alien Labor.

A stormtrooper escort takes you from the pad and into the building, leading you straight to your father’s office.

As the doors hiss open, you come into a sparsely-furnished office, the entire rear wall of which is a view over the night city.

Your father is finishing a holonet call with a figure you don’t recognize, but one wearing the coveralls of an Imperial engineer.

“Very good,” your father says before noting your entry. “Alana, come in.” He turns his attention back to the hologram. “My daughter is here, we can finish things up later.”

“Yes, sir.”

Even before the hologram fizzles away, your father is turning on you. “You made a stop before you came here to visit me,” he says, eyes hard. “Where did you go?”


>Site seeing
>I was visiting with Vende
>Are you tracking my movements?
>Write in

>>3168807
>Site seeing

>>3168807
Visting old friends

>>3168807
>Site seeing

>>3168807
Visiting a friend

>>3168807
>>Site seeing
Sure it ain't sight?

>>3168843
. . . Yeah it's definitely "sight." My brain betrayed me.

>>3168843
>>3168828
>>3168827
>>3168824
>>3168815

>SIGHT Seeing
>Visiting friends

>Writing

>>3168807
I read "site seeing" as "Sith seeing"

I am a bad liar

You blink, forcing yourself to maintain composure. “I was sightseeing.”

“Sightseeing?” Your father is incredulous, his normal deadpan edged with anger. “Alana, what possible sight on this rock could interest you?”

“I was also visiting with friends,” you say defensively.

“Friends. Could that number possible include the Grand Inquisitor? Vende Amenge?”

You hesitate just a moment too long and you see confirmation flash across your father’s face.

“The man I specifically told you not to see.”

“I promised I’d be careful,” you reply, “And I was.”

“Careful isn’t enough.” He sits heavily in his chair but you remain standing in front of his desk. “Alana, I tried to warn you about him, I told you-”

“You told me that he was dangerous. I exercised caution unless you think Vende has reason to throw me into an Inquisition dungeon I don't see a reason to fear him.” You blurt the words without thinking, your anger getting the better of you.

“And have you seen his parents?”

You stand agape for a moment. Does your father know about that? “I-”

He holds up a hand to silence you. “Please. Sit.”

You do so on command.

“You were too young to remember the Clone Wars,” your father says. He’s never mentioned the wars to you before and you can’t help but listen. “I was just a mid-level bureaucrat then, your mother was pregnant and the aliens were making trouble. It was . . . it was a dark time.” He seems to recall why he mentioned this. “Have you heard of a Jedi named Anakin Skywalker?”

(1/2)

You turn over your recollections. “I don’t know much about the Jedi. They don’t teach such things in the Academy.”

“Of course not,” Your father says, “Anakin Skywalker was a Jedi Knight of the Old Republic, one who served in the wars with distinction. It was an open secret at the time that he’d been . . . seeing a senator. Amidala of Naboo. I mention this because Anakin Skywalker and Senator Amidala both died, casualties of the chaos at the end of the war when the Jedi rebelled.”

“He was a rebel?” you ask.

Again your father hesitates. “On the night that he died, a new man arrived on Imperial Center. A man introduced to me as Darth Vader. A former Jedi and close friend of the Emperor.”

“I’m familiar with Vader,” you say.

“Alana . . . Vader and Anakin . . . “ he seems torn internally over how to proceed. “Anakin Skywalker had killed Senator Amidala. His lover, soon to be the mother of his child.”

You feel a pang at this action, recognizing suddenly that it mirrors the self-inflicted tragedy in Vende’s life.

“This was the same night that Darth Vader . . . “ he stares at you pointedly.

You feel shock and revelation, “Are you implying that Vader was-”

“I’m not going to pursue that conversation with you,” he blurts, “I just want you to understand that when a man becomes a Darksider as Vader did, it changes him. I don’t want what happened to Amidala to happen to my daughter.”


>That won’t happen, Vende would never do that
>Are you worried about the Emperor then? He’s a Darksider
>What would you have me do?
>Write in

>>3168934
>I.. see why you have some issues, but I can handle it for now. If things go wrong then, I'll escape in time but I don't believe he will

>Daddy, daddy would never hurt me like that~

>>3168934
Supporting
>>3168941

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15 KB JPG

>>3168941
>Like that

>>3168941
+1
Does father know about the tragedy of Darth Plagueis

>>3168960
It's not a story a bureaucrat would tell you.

>>3168960
No, only Palpatine knows about him. Tion Solusar won't even know about him in this timeline.

>>3168934
>Are you worried about the Emperor then? He’s a Darksider
You know who I wish became canon even though canon is shit? Speaking of people who hate force users. Trachta. Trachta was so cool.

>>3168941
>Writing

>>3168967
and this because I feel like it

You weigh what your father has told you and sense, from his tone and stance that this is one of those bits of dangerous knowledge. The kind the Empire doesn’t like people knowing, the kind that’s better kept to yourself.

You clear your throat, “I see why you might feel . . . some trepidation, but I can handle it for now. If things go wrong then I’ll escape in time, but I don’t believe he will.”

From your father’s expression, it’s clear he does not feel much confidence in your plan. “Alana . . .” he slumps. “No. What good would it be? You’re a woman on your own now. I can’t protect you any longer.”

Feeling a little defensive still you return your own opinion, “And what about the Emperor then? He’s a Darksider. Are you concerned about him?”

If your father is shocked by this he doesn't show it. “I told you that he is not my concern.”

“And why not?”

“The Emperor- Alana, do you know why I took my post? Why I helped form this Ministry?”

“No.”

“I can assure you that no such department existed under the Old Republic. What I have here I built from nothing. I told you the galaxy was coming apart at the seems, there were times where the Confederacy was at the gates of Imperial Center itself. The Jedi were only making things worse, but there was one man I could see as holding the future.”

“Palpatine?” you hazard.

“Yes. He was a man of vision and purpose. Alana-” your father cracks a sad smile, “You were just a baby. If I didn’t do everything I could to protect you, what sort of father would I be?”

“You . . .” you’re at a loss.

“The Emperor was our hope. It was your hope. I’ve given my life to his plan in the hope that you’d live in a galaxy free from war and death.”

“I . . . didn’t know.”

“No,” he says, “I never told you. I tell you this now because . . . what the Emperor does . . . he does to maintain the Empire, Alana. That Empire is your birthright in a sense. I never wanted you to be at risk but look at what you’ve done.” He smiles broader, almost amused. “You’ve put yourself on the front lines and in the hands of a Darksider.” He stops you before you can speak, “I don’t doubt you can take care of yourself. I just . . . I know there are things you don’t know.”


>I did what I did to protect what you built, dad
>I’m sorry, but this is the life I want and I can’t change that
>Do you want me to call things off with Vende?
>Write in

>>3169041
>I know there are things you don’t know
Ask him to tell us. We want to be in the know, after all, we're an admiral now

>>3169041
>I did what I did to protect what you built, dad

>>3169041
>I did what I did to protect what you built, dad

>>3169041
>>I did what I did to protect what you built, dad

>>3169041
>>I did what I did to protect what you built, dad
Your ministry is yours, but I know you value me over it. I won't lose sight of it

>>3169041
>I did what I did to protect what you built, dad

>>3169048
>I did what I did to protect what you built, dad
>>3169060
>>3169062
>>3169065
>>3169067

>Writing

You feel a swelling of emotion within yourself at this unusual breakthrough with your father. “I did what I did to protect what you built, dad.”

“I know you did, darling,” He gives you a wan smile. “I know.”

You sniff back a tear, putting a hand to your face and forcing away the emotions you feel. “Your ministry is yours,” you say, “But, I know you value me over it. I won't lose sight of that.”

“I’m sure you won’t. I know you’ll be careful too.”

You take a moment to get ahold of yourself. “If I may ask, what else is there that I don’t know?”

“Alana.”

“I’m an admiral now,” you chide. “I defend the Empire, don’t I have a right to know its secrets?”

“No, you don’t.” Your father’s tone leaves no room for argument. “You can’t guard your thoughts yet. Vende can pluck an idea from you like he could pick a fruit. The same goes double for the Emperor. You know what you’ve been told and that’s enough.” Again your father smiles sadly. “The Old Republic is gone in all but the memory of a few. Soon we too will be history and then the Emperor can write the book as he pleases.”

You can’t tell if your father thinks this is a good thing or not.

“I won’t keep you from duty longer.” he suddenly stands, his demeanor washed away and replaced with a the business-like facade you’re used to. “You have a fleet to see to, and an Empire to protect.”

“Yes, father.” You stand as well. “Thank you.”


***

I’m out of time guys, thanks for playing! Next session is next Thursday 7 EST (11 UTC) and it’s going to be a Palpatine/Alana medley so stay tuned.

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

>>3169041
>Write-in
>Give him a hug

>>3169104
Thanks for running TK

>>3169111
Supporting

All these emotions with dad, what a bizarre situation

File: Spoiler Image (77 KB, 770x1037)

77 KB JPG

I WANT MY SPACESHIPS BACK

>>3169104
Thanks for running TK, I went to bed early last night but that was nice to wake up to.

>>3169111
>>3169261
>Hug
Done

>>3169143
>>3170089
Yeah, no problems guys! Looking forward to it today.

>>3169733
Be careful what you wish for.

File: christian-boyetti-imperia(...).jpg (287 KB, 1920x1121)

287 KB JPG

While you enjoyed the reconciliation with your father, you’re a bit perturbed, and not just be the awkward hug you’d given him before you left. While you were hugging him you were momentarily taken to your childhood, before the weight and expectation of your teenage and adult years.

Still, afterward, during the shuttle trip back to your command ship, you’d thought about what your father had said, his revelations about Vader’s potential past as a Jedi named Anakin Skywalker and his potentially lethal affair with Senator Amidala. You were also struck by the plainness your father used to speak about the Empire and the Emperor.

You- and every school child in the galaxy- had, of course, learned about the necessity of the Empire and the benefits of civilization it had brought across the galaxy, but your father had almost seemed . . .

The shuttle ramp hisses open and you push the thought aside. No time to worry about such things. There was no stauncher patriot than your father.

A young officer waits at the foot of the ramp.

“Welcome aboard, ma’am,” He says, saluting you and falling in beside you as you march for the turbolift.

“Is the refit completed?”

“Yes, ma’am, all capital ships report they have been fully rearmed and re-crewed. Escort ships are nearly complete as well.”

“Excellent,” Even as you say the word your attention is pulled.

A black-clad figure in a pilot jumpsuit stands near a parked Tie fighter, skull-faced helmet in hands, watching you.

“Inform the bridge I will be there presently.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

You make your way over to the pilot. “Captain Vells, I can sense you need something from me.”

Vells smirks, “Oh? Are you a force user now?”

You wonder how much he knows about your visit to Byss, but you humor him with a thin smile.

“Ah, I wanted to apologize to you.”

“Apologize?”

He nods, “For the . . . drinks we had. And . . . ah I wanted to let you know that I’ve also apologized to Jessary. Uh- Lieutenant Zepal.”

“And how did that go?”

He grins stupidly, “Good. She forgave me. In fact, we’re going to be getting some food in the mess together to talk things over.” He stares at you expectantly.


>Apology accepted, captain
>There’s no need to apologize, Vells
>I think I should be apologizing to you for how I responded to you the other day
>Write in

>>3185099
>>There’s no need to apologize, Vells
We were both willing participants. But it was a mistake.

>>3185099
>I think I should be apologizing to you for how I responded to you the other day

>>3185099
>I think I should be apologizing to you for how I responded to you the other day
I was frustrated and overreacted, you did nothing wrong.

>>3185099
>Apology accepted, captain

>>3185099
>>I think I should be apologizing to you for how I responded to you the other day

>>3185099
>>Apology accepted, captain
Switching to this instead

>>3185099
No need to apologize

>>3185099
>I think I should be apologizing to you for how I responded to you the other day

>>3185099
>I think I should be apologizing to you for how I responded to you the other day

>>3185099
>I think I should be apologizing to you for how I responded to you the other day

>There’s no need to apologize, Vells
>>3185135

>I think I should be apologizing to you for how I responded to you the other day
>>3185112
>>3185119
>>3185126
>>3185145
>>3185146

>Apology accepted, captain
>>3185124
>>3185131


>I think I should be apologizing to you for how I responded to you the other day

>Writing

File: ThrawnAttack.jpg (250 KB, 1263x869)

250 KB JPG

You take a quiet breath, “No, I’m afraid that I can’t accept your apology.”

Vells face is the definition of bewilderment.

“Can’t?”

You continue, “I think really that I should be apologizing to you for how I responded to you the other day.”

He looks a bit uncomfortable, “Ah, Admiral, that’s not-”

“I was frustrated,” you say, pressing on, “I overreacted. You were a gentleman- relatively speaking- and did nothing wrong.”

Vells seems satisfied with this. “Thank you, Admiral.”

“What happened has happened, and I don’t think we should dwell on it any further.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“You’re dismissed, captain.”

Vells grins, salutes, and about-faces to leave.

***

You are Emperor Palpatine, nestled safely in your fortress-like palace on Imperial Center and something is very much amiss. You didn’t sleep any longer, not since you truly devoted yourself to harnessing the dark energies of the force, but you would have been kept awake anyway.

You sensed something was coming undone. Something of yours. Grand Admiral Zahn’s urgent request for an audience with you did not soothe your fears, nor did feeling the swirling anxiety and terror rolling off of him in the force.

“Your Highness-” he begins, forehead sheened with sweat.

At that moment, before he speaks further, you see the truth. You see your fleet in flames on the frontier with-

“Thrawn,” you hiss the name.

“Y-ye-”

You give Zahn no chance to speak, rising at once to your feet. “Admiral, you had told me he was not about to strike! You told me the frontier was safe!”

Zahn takes an involuntary step back, boots squeaking on the deck. “Highness, several battle fleets have crossed our frontier. Admiral Lennox . . . hasn’t reported in and-”

With a casual wave of your hand, you throw Zahn onto his back with a thud, then forcibly roll him over and spin him around so he grovels at your feet.

“I don’t care,” you say, “About Admiral Lennox. I care about his fleet.”

“Destroyed!” Zahn barks.

“And Yazz? Dala?”

“They are under heavy attack and falling back, I have ordered Yazz on an immediate counterstroke. Highness, please-”

“Be silent!” You command, mind working, tracing lines in a mental map. Thrawn was coming for you. At long last. You would deal with him, but first- You sneer down at Zahn, his whole body quaking with fear, the white of his uniform reflecting off the polished deck plating around him.

Isard had foreseen this danger, tried to warn you. You’d trusted the Grand Admiral’s assessment of Thrawn’s posture. Trust that had evidently been misplaced.


>You have failed me for the last time
>I expect you will see to this mess personally (Send him to the front.)
>I want you to draft an immediate response.
>Write in

>>3185194
>>I expect you will see to this mess personally (Send him to the front.)
Why don't you take control of the local sector fleets and repel thrawn with them.

>>3185194
>I expect you will see to this mess personally (Send him to the front.)

>>3185194
>I expect you will see to this mess personally (Send him to the front.)

>>3185194
>I expect you will see to this mess personally (Send him to the front.)

>>3185194
>I expect you will see to this mess personally (Send him to the front.)

>I expect you will see to this mess personally (Send him to the front.)

>Writing

“I expect you will see to this?” You ask.

“Yes, Highness!” Zahn blurts, “Yes of course!”

“Then I expect you take a shuttle out to Admiral Yazz’s fleet, assume control of a Star Destroyer, and set this right.”

“A . . . destroyer, Highness?”

“May I suggest, Admiral, you do not try my patience further?”

Zahn scrambles backward onto his feet. “Yes . . . yes.” he bows and flees the room.

A pity. Zahn had seemed somewhat promising. It seemed he never quite made the leap to truly be deserving the of the Grand Admiral’s uniform.

You weren’t sure if Zahn would have the courage to survive his upcoming battles which could mean you’ll need a new head of the navy.

Admiral Yazz would be the next most senior of your admirals, a man with fighting spirit, though not one for finesse. Oxtroe was another old hand, she a bit more clever, but also a bit more cautious, you weren’t sure if either was a match for Thrawn’s raw talent.

You also have the less conventional option of placing the Navy under the de facto control of a Dark Sider. It would be a huge honor and one that may help solidify the place of your hierarchy in the Empire.


>Yazz will be Grand Admiral
>Oxtroe will be Grand Admiral
>Zahn will remain the only Grand Admiral
>A Darksider will command
>write in

>>3185280
>Oxtroe will be Grand Admiral

Thrawn is used to us being BOLD AND INSANE.

>>3185280
>>Oxtroe will be Grand Admiral
Alright you old hag, lets see what you got

>>3185280
>Oxtroe will be Grand Admiral

>>3185280
>>Yazz will be Grand Admiral
Whoever we pick is going to get their ass kicked anyways

>>3185292
>>3185304
>>3185306

>Oxtroe

>Writing

>>3185311
>Defeatism
Shoot this man.

You send word to Oxtroe that she is being immediately promoted to the rank of Grand Admiral and assuming Zahn’s role of power over the navy. Once done, you schedule a meeting with Isard and your intelligence community.

***

“I’m afraid the reports are accurate, your Highness,” Isard says. Perhaps the only one among the Intelligence Bureau that would dare to speak openly to you.

You take now that when she says “the reports” she meant “my reports.”

“He can’t hope to achieve victory over us,” you say.

“Of course not,” Isard speaks quickly.

“So what is his aim here?”

“I believe,” Isard says, “That he intends to start a rebellion.”

You fix her with a hard stare.

Without looking back, Isard holds out a hand and a subordinate places a small holodisk into it. “He broadcast this during his opening attack, It’s been seen across the holonet.’

She puts the holovid on and you’re at once met with the visage of Thrawn, resplendent in his Grand Admiral’s uniform.

He smiles coldly. “Your Emperor is an imposter.” He allows a beat of silence, “A stage magician in possession of quite a stunning array of tricks, but no more.” he strokes the fur of some unidentified mammal laying in his lap as he speaks. “I have no doubts about the sincerity of this man’s belief, but-” those eyes flash, “Belief is not reality.”

“As all of you know, our Emperor was taken from us by marauders, rebels, and traitors. He perished at Endor and as a result, our galaxy was plunged into chaos by thieves and warlords, the same lowlife scum who now grovel at the heel of the man masquerading as king.”

The mood in the briefing room is tense, those around you shuffling uneasily as you force yourself to finish the vid. Only Isard does not look away.

“I will ask you a simple question: What has he given you? The answer is simple. Blood.” His expression hardens. “This man has rewarded your patience and obedience with blood and hardship. He takes your money, he takes your sons, and in return, you get the privilege to serve him.”

“I have come,” he continues, “To restore the balance of things. To restore the Empire to what it was, and what it should be. I ask of you . . . nothing.” He smiles calmly. “Nothing but your loyalty. All worlds who surrender themselves to me will not experience the burden of conscription or of taxation. Together, we can rid the galaxy of the man who would be its usurper, and usher in a new century-” his red eyes seem to stare straight through the hologram and into you. “Of peace.”

The video ends.

(1/2)

You simmer in quiet anger, making sure to stay focused on your goal of defeating Thrawn.

“It seems many are heeding his words. Many systems he enters are surrendering without firing a shot, though none have yet volunteered surrender before his forces arrive.”

“Highness, we have Grand Admiral Oxtroe on holocom,” an aide says before you can reply..

“Put her through.”

The holotable lights up again and Oxtroe stands before you. “Highness, thank you for this great honor.” Her face is virtually expressionless.

“Prove my faith in your abilities justified,” you say., “You have quite a task ahead of you.”

“I would agree with your assessment, Highness. To that end, I would like to propose my first step in this campaign.”

“Proceed, Admiral.”

“I recommend that Admiral Tyrna’s fleet assume defensive positions at all hyperlanes into the Deep Core and that the government evacuate Imperial Center to avoid being cut off behind a blockade.”

You puzzle at Oxtroe’s request.

“Likewise, I would like Admiral Dala to break off engagement at once and withdraw. Ditto for Yazz.”

“Explain yourself, Grand Admiral.”

Oxtroe steels herself. “A forward defense is asking to be taken apart by Thrawn. The more of the navy we save now, the more we will have for a coordinate counter-attack.”

You were prepared to ordered order Tyrna’s fleet on a direct counter-attack at Thrawn’s forces when available. You know that was Oxtroe is proposing is to trade space for time, turning over large swaths of the core to Thrawn’s approaching forces.


>Tyrna will defend the Deep Core
>Tyrna will take defensive position in the Core worlds
>Tyrna will stage a counter attack at once
>write in

>>3185375
>>Tyrna will stage a counter attack at once
We did not send Imperial men and women to death to give up the territory so hard fought to Thrawn. He expects us to be taken back by this attack, to consolidate and consider our next move, but I don't think he'll be expecting an attack

>>3185375
>>Tyrna will defend the Deep Core
As long as Byss stands Thrawn can't defeat us.

>>3185375
>Tyrna will defend the Deep Core

This is fairly ambitious. I say give Oxtroe a chance, and if this blows up in our face then we’ll have her ass next

>>3185375
>Tyrna will defend the Deep Core

>>3185375
>Tyrna will stage a counter attack at once

>>3185375
>Tyrna will defend the Deep Core
We can't beat Thrawn tactically without an advantage in numbers or intelligence. Sending our fleets piecemeal is just suicide.

>Tyrna will stage a counter attack at once
>>3185386
>>3185398

>Tyrna will defend the Deep Core
>>3185387
>>3185389
>>3185394
>>3185407

>writing

“Very well, Grand Admiral. See to it that your orders are carried out. We will fortify the Deep Core. As long as Byss stands, Thrawn cannot hope to win.”

“Precisely, your Highness.” Oxtroe’s ordinarily blank face flickers with the hint of a smile.

You look to Isard, “See to the evacuation of the government. The military details I will leave to Admiral Tyrna.”

“What about the Imperial Senate?” she asks.

You shrug, “Send them home. It won’t do to have them trapped on the throneworld.

“Yes, Highness.”

You leave the meeting behind, traveling for your private shuttle and intending to take it to Tarkin, your flagship currently in orbit of the world. You didn’t expect Thrawn to carry the fight home so quickly, but you would make sure he paid heavily for it.

***

You are Admiral Alana Tyrna and you can’t believe the orders you’re reading.

“Evacuate?” Your Executive Officer repeats.

“That’s the command, Lieutenant,” you say, not bothering to indicate that it's signed by the Emperor himself as well as the newly minted Grand Admiral Oxtroe, a development you find slightly troubling.

No matter, you’ve served under worse.

“I want this relayed to all division commanders and ship captains,” you say, tapping the datapad. “I want the whole fleet ready to move in an hour.”

“Admiral,” You XO sounds unnerved, “The Emperor’s also given you command of the Imperial Center defense forces.”

“I’m aware, Lieutenant.” You’d, of course, read the same orders.

Coruscant had a modest garrison, a half dozen star destroyers, and their escorts. All older ships, but capable enough in the right hands. The planet itself also boasted substantial shielding that would require an intense bombardment to crack, provided Thrawn felt the need to use brute force.

With the Garrison falling under your command as well, it came to you to decide if they would remain in force at Imperial center to defend the world against capture by Thrawn and to make a strong Imperial showing, or if it would join the evacuation and link forces with your own fleet for the inevitable counter-attack.

You knew that leaving the planet virtually defenseless would make for a propaganda victory for Thrawn, and likely a blow to Imperial morale, but at the same token, if you left those ships behind they might spend the rest of the war trapped by a blockade, or destroyed if Thrawn took the planet with overwhelming force.


>The garrison will defend Imperial Center
>The garrison will evacuate to join my fleet.
>Write in

>>3185465

>The garrison will defend Imperial Center

We first earned fame in session 1 by refusing to evacuate an Imperial World without firing at least a single shot. Now it’s time to do the same.

NOT ONE STEP BACK

>>3185465
>The garrison will evacuate to join my fleet.
Drop half of our divisions of storm troopers instead. Force Thrawn into a messy ground fight if he wants to capture Coruscant

>>3185472
>>3185477

Gonna hold a bit longer for tiebreakers.

>>3185465
backing this >>3185477

>>The garrison will evacuate to join my fleet.
>Ground war shenanigans

>writing

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56 KB PNG

“The surface garrison will remain,” you instruct your XO, “Have Communications send a high priority com to Moff Volen. All orbital forces will deploy their garrisons to the planet before making for hyperspace. If Thrawn wants the planet, we’ll make him bleed for it.”

Your XO winces slightly at the mental image of urban warfare consuming Coruscant. It wouldn't be the first time in the planet’s history, but hopefully, it would be the last.

Now, came the hard part of drawing your defense line. The Byss Run was the one and only hyperlane into the Deep Core, and the place you would concentrate most of your forces.

With the Coruscant Garrison now in your employ, you could have them patrol the smaller pathways that led in to ensure you weren’t outflanked, allowing you to deploy the bulk of your fleet in one mass.

The question then became where you would choose to terminate the Byss line. The shipyard world of Foerost is, while technically outside the Deep Core itself, traditionally considered a part of the region, and has vital industrial facilities that could be used to keep the war running indefinitely, but it poses a challenge to defend and leaves whatever forces you place there at risk of being cut off at Ruan or defeated piecemeal by an attack from Coruscant.

The Agriworld of Ruan is another convenient choke point, providing vital foodstuffs for the Deep Core and funneling any attacks down to one system. That said, it sits on a crossroads and is vulnerable to attack from multiple avenues, requiring a spread out defense net.

The easier world to defend would be the tropical world of Jerrilek, though the world itself serves no practical function and would leave Ruan and Foerost in Thrawn’s hands. Wherever you drew your line, anything beyond it would be left to fend for itself and would likely fall to Thrawn.


>A Foerost
>B Ruan
>C Jerrilek
>write in

>>3185544
>A Foerost

>>3185544
>B Ruan

>>3185544
Main force should be left at Ruan, with a scouting force at Foerost to keep an eye on it. I'd like to remind all anons that we should, under no circumstances, send our main force forward to fight at Foerost, as it's obvious Thrawn will try to bait us into fighting there.

>Evacuating the core
You stupid niggers.

Does Palpatine know the astrography of the Empire of the Hand, TK?

>>3185544
>A Foerost
The others don't matter.

>>3185544
>A Foerost

>>3185544
>>A Foerost

>>3185544
>B Ruan

>>3185566
>Empire of the Hand
He does not, no.

>>3185574
You treat the lore almost as bad as Disney does.

>>3185544
>>A Foerost

>>3185559
I say hold at foerost and attempt to make blockade running ops to coruscant

>A Foerost
>writing

>>3185584
If only I got paid as much money.

You draft your own orders while your XO handles the evacuation of Imperial Center. You’ll make a token effort to hold the shipyard at Foerost, a heavy picket force stationed there while you keep the bulk of your fleet at Ruan. It may even be possible to execute some daring blockade runs to carry intel, supplies, or VIPs to and from the capital.

You suspect that Commander Sesstrix might excel in that type of buccaneer operation.

As you craft your battle plan, taking note of the latest updates on Thrawn’s forces proceeding south, into the Core, you can’t help but be reminded of the earliest beginnings of your career in the same steps. Withdrawals, retreats, consolidations, evacuations- it all amounted to running away.

You weren’t going to let despair claim you. Not yet.

Where Lennox and Dala failed, you would succeed. After all, it wasn’t just the Empire you were defending, it was your family and your home.

You set your jaw and look up, out the forward viewports and into the chaotic nest of stars that made up the Deep Core. Thrawn was going to regret this, you would see to that personally.

***


And that’s the end of my prepared material, some choices were made that I didn’t expect that cut through that pretty quickly.

We continue next Thursday at 7 EST (11 UTC)

Thanks for playing and I hope to see everyone then!

>>3185628
Thanks for running.

>>3185628
Thanks for running TK

>>3185640
>>3185647
Thanks guys! my pleasure

File: A God Am I.png (1.92 MB, 1910x1420)

1.92 MB PNG

>tfw Oxtroe put us in charge of defending the Deep Core so she could conveniently blame any losses on us
>tfw Oxtroe will claim all our victories as her own
>tfw we get our Inquisitor BF to assasinate Oxtroe so we can become the new Grand Admiral
>tfw our Inquisitor BF becomes a true Sith Lord
>tfw we become Empress

>>3185655
Thanks for running TK, it was fun as always!
>>3185655

Ahh, finally a worthy opponent appears!

We should join forces with Thrawn and remake the Empire into something better

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2.79 MB GIF

>>3185959
>Implying the Empire isn’t already on its way towards something better
All the Empire needs to do is to unite the galaxy under the Emperor.

I love that you schutta's are so scared you are giving up the most valuable portion of the galaxy along with its entire industrial capability to the single greatest strategist, tactician, whose main limit is a lack of resources.

Too bad Palps is going to brutally murder Thrawn. I'm going to root for Thrawn anyway. I expect him to be savvy enough to organize something with the ysalamari and a temporary alliance of convenience with Luke to take us out.
Also
>no conscription or taxation
I always appreciate when you take lines straight from the thrawn trilogy or hand of thrawn duology, nice reference.
Also, good to have you back TK, must have missed the previous thread.