Karval smiles a rare smile at Taggards rousing speech and even more so by Arana's embrace. "We lost a lot of good people, but well done." he pats Janitor on the shoulder. "Yes, we'll remember them like a true Mandolorean - as you have undoubtedly proven yourself."
To the problem of the Chiss rebels, he can still remember their fascistic threats, however there's compassion in his heart after all the deaths. "Yes, exile could hopefully be seen as a suitable punishment - especially by the Aristocracy. They are proud of their heritage, proud of their history; surely to them an exile of the leaders would be worse than a noble execution." Karval says grimly, not wanting more bloodshed. "It'd also shore up any dissension amongst their people, bringing peace finally to the Chiss." 'At least until pride proves their downfall.'
Darius hears Janitor's message via the comm as he sees the cruiser explode. He then hears Zaleos' comm and smiles as he responds "Great job everyone. Glad to hear we got the situation under control."
Darius flies the phantom back to the hangar. I like this ship. I'm looking forward to keeping it...
After landing and meeting up with the rest of the team. Upon being hugged from Arana he seems to keep his composure and give her a slight hug back but cracks a warm smile as she whispers to him and responds, "Same to you."
At Arana's comment, Darius turns to Zaleos. "Despite the way the Commander treated us the last time we were on the station, she was a valuable asset during our assault on the command center. They could be useful to the Empress." The tone in his voice makes it clear that he has little concern for the fate of the Chiss leadership but their recognizes their value as assets to the Empress.
Beyond Darius' smile to Arana, and satisfaction at successfully completing the mission, he shows little emotion. It is notable that he does not seem to react to the losses suffered in taking this station.
"Also, if there is no objection, I'd like to keep that ship," Darius says as he points to the TIE Phantom. It is clear the question is directed at Zaleos, Karval, Janitor, and Arana, not the Chiss.
Janitor's eyes widen the slightest bit as he takes in the ship. "That's a fine vessel, lad, I can tell. I'm no great pilot; you can have it as far as I mind."
As things are winding down you are soon joined by an exhilerated Taggard. "That was a fantastic challenge my fellows. Surly we have surpassed the skills of even our greatest ancestors today. All who survived are proud and anxious for more."
Taggard draw his lightsaber and lights it up holding it high. "As am I! Today presented me with a challenge unlike any I have ever faced before on my homeworld. Even as much as when we attacked that sky spear. I felt my very skills grow this day and I want more.{/b]
Taggard puts away his lightsaber and looks at you guys with a big smile of expectation on his face. [b]"So, where is the next battle that we must engage in. I don't want to lose this passion." He eagerly awaits your response.
"Of course, Captain Darius - I don't see a problem with that. You're a pilot?" he nods noting the purely professional attitude of the man. The young Mandolorean wasn't used to the warfare, but it seems the others have more experience than his own.
Karval draws his sword and flourishes it in a fencers bow. "Magnificent speech, Taggard. The tribes have shown their worth and done us all proud, taking their place amongst the stars as has been shown. With this victory, it'll enable us to bargain with the Aristocracy - to bring rebirth to your planet and the Empress will find a place for the tribes amongst her Elite." There's a note of awe to his voice, seeing the resilience of the Malakai.
"The Empress Palpatines' homeworld is under assault. We need every hand we can to stop it from being over-run. We need heroes to arrive in the nick of time." he pauses with a look to Zaleos. "We lost one of our 2 battleships? The Chiss did volunteer to come with us to Bakura, once this is over ... but ..."
"I wouldn't consider myself the most skilled pilot but I think the ship would be useful in our service of the Empress..." Darius quiets down a little to avoid others hearing him, "it has cloaking capabilities."
Darius reserves any further conversation about the TIE Phantom as Taggard approaches. As he watches him draw his lightsaber he ponders, How did he get one of those? Does he know how to use it...? Almost ignoring Taggard's questions, Darius asks, "Where did you find such a rare weapon?"
Zaelos face shows his surprise on hearing of the Phantom's capabilities even as he clears his throat, "Actually, both destroyers were destroyed by that cruiser. Fortunately, we do still have our Interceptor." There is a note of shame in his voice but he continues on. "You are right Karval, we need to depart immediately. I do not know how much time we have to spare."
His eyebrow raises at Darius' whisper, shocked to have heard of such advanced technology. 'No wonder Cortel conducted his research here, if the have such advancements.'
"Don't worry, Zaleos. We were outgunned..." he puts a placating hand on his friends shoulder; ".... my own assault on the command centre was a failure, nearly a massacre. Well done to Darius for ensuring it was taken."
"We only were supplied with one cruiser anyway, the other we managed to snag." he pauses; "Though all may be forgiven if we can save the planet and bring new allies."
Janitor also shows some surprise at the mention of cloaking technology on a ship. Knew they were working toward it, of course, but the fact that it's been done...
The trooper also consoles the group's de facto leader. "Commander, this entire op was dangerous; we knew that going in. We lost some valuable resources and a lot of good men today, but we gained victory for the Empress, and taking a space station is no mean feat. The reactor was nearly lost a dozen times or more, I'd say; it was the tenacity of the Malaki that ensured we kept it." He shrugs. "I'd say let's get moving with what we have and hope that it's enough. We can plan on the way, ready ourselves for another fight. Let's give Taggard what he wants, eh?" Janitor suggests with a small chuckle and a look to the Malaki leader.
Taggard looks curiously at Darius. "I made it of course. It is the test of a Jedi to make his own lightsaber. My master I am sure would be proud if he were still with us. But like all the others in the Jedi temple he was slain." Taggard looks over to Janitor am does a fist pump. "Right we will be ready to move when you need."
Taggard returns to the other Malaki to fire them up some more.
In time the Chiss fleet encircles the station and sends several shuttles down to the hanger. You all stand there waiting to see what happens and hopefully talk to someone in charge.
As it would happen, Ambassador Braun emerges from one of the shuttles and makes his way over to you. He is accompanied by four other Chiss all wearing fleet Admiral attire. Braun walks up and offers a hand to Zaleos.
"You an your men have done a fantastic job. The mission went better than we had hoped. As our people predicted, the size of our fleet had the rebels hesitating a lot so there wasn't a lot of combat going on. The losses sustained on both sides were far less than our projected goals. The Danaten Rebels were not as reckless as we had thought. Thanks to your efforts, the Aristocracy fleet is in peak condition and as per our agreement, ready to assist your Empress. Understand though, we are allies, not your servants. We assist of our own accord and we will pull out of the battle if it appears to go ill in anyway. We will not be dragged down with you should your Empress prove inept."
Zaelos maintains his impassive composure at the veiled warning. It seems as if my command decisions have already been called into question. Very well, so be it...
He accepts the hand and replies softly, "I trust you will withhold your judgement of my Empress until she has a chance to demonstrate her abilities to you. As for the Danaten Rebel leaders..." He inclines his head to Lilica Yalson and Taggard, "I must beg your indulgence again. I understand the Rebel leaders are currently under a sentence of death for treason against the Aristocracy. I wish to ask the sentence to be commuted to exile, as we have gathered proof Commander Yalson was not acting of her own volition at the time." He pauses for a moment to allow someone else to chime in here.
"We have no wish to have servants, especially of so fine a people." he pauses for allowance of the truth of his words. "The Dark Side is very alluring to some, for even the last Emperor succumbed. Thus it's no surprise that some elements of your rebels would - especially under Taintus' influence. Exiling the rebel leaders will show clemency - whilst at the same time punishing them without creating a huge rift in your people." Karval keeps focussed on Ambassador Braun, knowing the respect that require from his ambassadorial parents.
To Darius, Arana mutters "That ship is a fine prize to have won, it may come in useful.". She then quiets as the Chiss ambassador arrives and begins to speak with Zaleos.
As Taggard begins to walk away, Darius seems intrigued and walks with him before returning to the others to hear the discussion with the Aristocracy.
Speaking to Taggard, he asks, "Are you a Jedi?" Clearly, he seems very intrigued.
Janitor stays out of the negotiations, partially because he's no good as a diplomat, and partially because he isn't sure himself what a fitting punishment would be for a commander who is swayed by the Dark Side and then surrenders to her attackers. Leave the politics to the politicians.
Karval will Aid, don't think he can get enough to be a primary diplomat.
Darius stays out of most of the discussions but chimes in to provide helpful details if he believes it will assist his commander. He recounts Commander Yalson's orders that all members of the Chiss rebels stand down and surrender to the aristocracy and request their mercy.
"Commander Yalsin did help try to save the station, a valuable resource to the Aristocracy. And her voice was heard by those out there..." he pauses, "Some of the rebels might still regard her as a hero, it'd be bad to unify your people with their own blood. Much better to show what you are railing against the symbol of oppression and Taintus' lies."
Braun sighs and looks to the Admirals and then back at you. "If you can convince them, then we can say exile. These men have a lot of clout within the Aristocracy and their voice in addition to mine will have significant pull. Also, these men have lost family to the rebels giving them even more merit." With that Braun steps back and gestures for the Admirals to step forward.
One of the Admirals speaks up. "We have settled on a sentence we believe fits the crime. You better come up with a very VERY good reason not to have these murders and traitors executed."
@Darius. Taggard looks to you. "I am only a Padawan. My master was slain by anti force monsters before my knighthood came. I do not know what counts towards the next step but I practice the lessons he taught diligently in hopes the answer will be revealed to me some day."
"You are military men, you know war is harsh with many victims - undeserved deaths. And civil war is so much more so." Karval starts.
"You are military men, you know the damage that this war has caused - damage that must not be repeated. If they are executed they might be considered martyrs' by those who oppose you. Their words twisted to accuse you. How better to refute these claims than by the rebel leaders being able to refute them?" he brings up a second point.
"You are military men, we don't waste resources. Not when they can still be useful." he adds.
"You are military men, you have principles and beliefs. So do these people, there belief's were wrong - but the felt them strongly. By exile it is no light punishment, they have come to the realisation that their very existence has been false. Their belief's flawed, they will have to live with this knowledge - much better than them dying with it. That way the knowledge is not lost." He concludes for the moment, awaiting the others to build on his words. Distantly he misses Nichos, his way with words would have saved these men.
Arana watches the negotiations with intense interest. She has strong emotions thinking back to when she met the Commander and her flirtation with the seductive power of the Dark side. Despite that she doesn't want to see the Commander killed, after all once free of Taintus' influence she helped Darius.
Zaelos and Darius can feel the barely supressed emotions roiling off of Arana. You also, see and feel respectively, her pushing the Force around the Admirals.
Friendship
Zaelos tries to hide the look of astonishment at feeling Arana's emotions and adds quietly, "As my esteemed friend has so eloquently put it, exile is no kind punishment. Speaking personally, I can assure you being robbed of your planet...of your home, yes even of your past is no easy burden to bear. I know you may not understand what I am trying to convey here, and indeed it is nigh impossible to show this, yet I implore you to at least take this into consideration."
Darius seems intrigued. Can I learn from this creature? Does he have the knowledge and skills I seek?
Respectfully, Darius asks, "Sir, would you be willing to teach me what you know?"
Feeling the flow of emotion coming from Arana, Darius thinks What is she doing? How is she doing that? I've felt this feeling before... when I needed Commander Yalson's help... Can I focus and do it when I want to?
Darius appears to be concentrating before he begins speaking,
No, I don't seem to be able to stir that same energy at will... I need training!
After a moment, Darius seems to have his thoughts together and begins speaking.
Allowing the Chiss who surrendered to you to aid the Empress would help relations between the Aristocracy and the Empire. It would strengthen the Empire, which would in turn help reduce the casualties for both the Empire and the Chiss in the coming conflicts. Ultimately, if the Empress loses, they will die. If the Empress succeeds then you have further aided in that process and secured stronger relations.
Show these warriors who surrendered just how powerful you are, in that you give them their lives. Show the Chiss people that mercy will come to those who recognize the error of their ways and surrender as opposed to putting forth resistance until their last breath. The true showing of strength and power is merciful actions. You don't need to kill your own people to show the others that you've won.
You make your arguments to the Admirals.
A swirl of force moves in and you can see the Admirals moods lifting. Then the swirl turns a bit sour and the expressions of the Admirals seem to back track just a bit.
The Admirals expressions shift around a bit as if they cannot decide weather to be pleasant or annoyed. They finally settle on indifferent.
Though you make valid points one of the Admirals scoffs. "Bah, you speak clearly knowing little of our people. Treachery is of the highest crime and exile would be letting them off easy. Besides, you imperials will probably give these heathens honorable work once more. You clearly do not understand the ways of the Chiss Aristocracy. Someone must die for the crimes committed against us. They should have known better than to believe different from the laws of the privileged elite. They are all lessers who benefitted from the empire because before that they were in their rightful place, beneath us. Now, for stepping out of line they will die for their poor judgement and all others will learn where they belong."
The others nod. You are permitted one more attempt though, those of you who have used your friendship cannot use it again. The DC is 33 though. I wish you all luck. Last try to get Mirianna some quality commanders in her navy. I mean that, these leaders are in fact a good asset.
"Taintus and his clones have already died. The agents the leaders sent have died..." Karval makes the assumption, seeing the vicious pride of the Aristocracy.
He scratches the first hints of stubble across his rugged jaw, as an idea comes to him; "You could always sell them to us - they'd be reduced to slaves. That'd show them their place! Certainly you wouldn't think the Palpatine's daughter is She would make them Remind them they are nothing other than alive at her whim. As it seems your lower classes are."
"The Law is upheld, the populace reminded that the former rebel leaders (and themselves) are mere chattel. For if you execute the leaders, the lower classes may feel aggrieved - that the laws are unjust. Turning people into martyrs' is bad, reminding the populace of the futility of railing against the system is better." he smiles wickedly. "For death is but a moment of suffering, whilst degradation is a lifetime. Death can be romanticised, to be thought noble and idealised - but constant backbreaking labour..."
Watching the Admirals closely, taking note of who is filled with their own pride and pomposity - never having done a day's work. Karval addresses him directly, but his point is to all the gathered judges. "Which would you rather happen to you? A noble death or you name tarnished forced to slave away at the whims of others knowing you could never be respected, everything you work for is lost. You'd never see your family again."
I grow tired of this... Kill them, don't kill them. Why does it matter? We need to save the Empress.
Frustrated Darius says, Palis Hox is dead. He can be your example... I don't know which leaders Karval speaks of buying but that one, Darius points to Commander Yalson, is my property. He says sternly.
I found her, I chose not to execute her... and believe me, there were a few times I strongly considered it... she is my spoil of war. If you want her, I expect to be made a worthwhile offer at her full value. I've seen her fight, she has some uses there, but from the looks of her, she has some other uses too.
You say someone must die, who do you want to use as your example and make a martyr for the rebels, so that we may resolve this issue and take the rest of the rebel leaders with us for our service?
Irritation, frustration, and arrogance and starting to push through Darius' tone. I hate negotiations... I'm tired of these Aristocrats already. If we didn't need their aid, we could kill them and move on.
Zaelos knows the lives of the Chiss rebels hang on his next words. He chooses them carefully. "Should you allow us to claim these rebels as out spoils of war here, our Empress would look favorably on such a show of pragmatism."
Though he is quite silent, Janitor isn't far separated from Darius' thoughts. Time is being wasted in pointless negotiation. In the end, it doesn't matter whether they are exiled or killed--what good can they do us?
Karval quirks an eyebrow; "Punishment should not be swift, justice is an interesting mistress. It would be a nice continuation of our alliance."
At a moment the one Admiral seems to be set in his ways but the other Admirals seem to be discussing alternatives. The Admiral speaking to you turns on his fellows. "Did I hear right? Are you actually considering their proposal? Are you actually willing to let those murderers go free!?" He seems very upset, almost on the verge of tears.
The other three men all nod together. One speaks up. "We have lost many on both sides. Conflict is sure to rise again if we ignore mercy when our own kind had been deceived, then we are the villains. They surrendered without much of a fight. If Taintus wasn't behind this at all from the start, there may have never been civil war."
The angry Admiral curses and is really tearing up. "My son! They took my son away from me!"
The other Admiral steps forward. "They took my son too. But it isn't them I blame. It is this Taintus who would have used the rebels to see both sides of our great nation fall. They would walk in and take everything away from the winner. This Taintus has no honor. He was ready to sacrifice the lives of countless innocents to achieve his goals. All we have suffered are on his hands and we need to support our new ally if we are to win."
The angry Admiral hangs his head in defeat. "Fine, but promise me one thing." He turns to you all and points a finger at you. "When we take Taintus, do not ask me to spare him any mercy. We agree to the exile. If you intend to use these leaders in your army, fine. Just make sure you aim their skills at Taintus."
Assuming you agree, the Admirals take their leave.
Lilica is released from custody and she returns to your group. "I cannot believe you convinced those Admirals to spare everyone. I thought for sure my life was over, thank you."
Janitor finally steps forward, his eyes cold and his hand straying down to the slugthrower on his hip. "Oh, believe me, Admiral, sir," he says, "Taintus will not escape the wrath of you, or I, or anyone. He will suffer the full extent he deserves for his actions--and then I'll personally deal with him in my own way. That Dark-Side scum is going to wish he'd never been born."
After the negotiations have truly finished, the trooper sets about getting ready for the upcoming battle--cleaning gear and requisitioning supplies .
As the Admirals decide Karval lowers his head, he knows how tough it is for the leaders to put the good of their people ahead of their own personal feelings. He nods to Braun, hoping the diplomat will not be in too much trouble.
He looks to Lilica, his visage grim; "I didn't mean it about you being a slave - if it's allowed you to survive..." his words grim. At the back of his mind he can hear the screams of the Malakai as the grenades fell upon them. Blinking slowly, he looks to others - "Yes, we'll need to act quickly as we move to Bakura. Those fools who destroyed the stability of the old Empire now try to stop Mirianna's new one."
Still with irritation in his voice, Darius says "I'm glad we resolved that issue. Let's get ready to head to Barkura."
Darius orders some men to begin reloading the Phantom's torpedoes.
"It's important, the new Empire will be a built upon principles unlike the previous one. That has allowed the rebellion to flourish." he replies to Darrius, trying to explain why they have rescued the traitorous leaders.
Zaelos responds quietly to Daruis, "Mercy and kindness are attributes we need to cherish now as they are sorely needed here. As Karval says, our Empire must incorporate these elements else if follow the same path which led the Old Republic to fall."
Arana congratulated the others on a successful negotiation and finds herself standing in front of Lilica.
"Count yourself lucky that my friends value your skills so, your lack of judgement in trying to deal with Taintus almost sealed your doom. Try not to make the same mistake again." Arana says then turns back to her friends to make preparations for Barkura.
Karval strides to Taggard; "Do the clans have to deal with such politics too?" he wonders, knowing how tricky certain clan wars have been amongst the Mandoloreans. The gladiator also ensure all his discarded weapons have been retrieved and are still fit for purpose.
To Karval Taggard responds. "I have a vague understanding of what politics is. If it is how I have read it to be then yes. Politics is as important for survival as any warrior. To be honest, before the invasion, we had no warriors. Only hunters. We were too focused on our own survival and felling mighty beasts that we had no time to kill each other. Wars did happen but they were rare and usually resolved very quickly. Hunters would have made the bulk of our warriors at the time. Politics is used to maintain order so the tribes can focus on more important elements like survival. Feuds between tribes are seldom beneficial if ever. So we needed those well spoken individuals to keep disputes no more than verbal. Politics, very important. Also, when it comes to punishment, there is no forgiveness. Only exile. You wrong your tribe in any way and you are cast out. And exile is just a fancy death sentence."
You organize the groups as best you can loading the ships with supplies and Malaki. The Chiss take several Malaki onto their warships as well.
You gather everything up and make the jump to Bakura.
You are all on the Imperial Gunship you started this campaign with. Taggard is on there with you.
Are you all ready for the battle of Bakura?
Karval continues to talk to Taggard, increasing his understanding of the tribes.
"So will this be ship to ship combat? Or will we need transports for boarding actions." Karval wonders knowing technical skills are not his or the Malakai's expertise.
The journey will take 12 hours.
You can then requisition what you want from the Chiss before you leave.
You can use the ships med chamber to fully heal. I'm not getting technical here, just heal up.
The bacta canisters are unique and only you have some. Getting more depends on if Mirianna was able to make more after your last visit.
With that in mind, you jump. The rest of the Chiss fleet is good to go and they jump along with you.
This is the most important battle of Mirianna's reign. In the original writings of this story she lost, her empire crumbles, and she herself is forced to join the new republic.
Now, things are different. Here is a list
Additional Military - Thanks to your smooth talking on Chandrila, you have increased Mirianna's military strength by 15%
Bacta Technology- Thanks to the Bacta discovery you found in Cortel's lab on Chandrila, Mirianna's forces have more efficient first aid available.
Chiss Allegiance - Mirianna didn't have any allies in the defense of Bakura originally. You have near doubled her defending fleet.
Malaki Warriors - The ground battle on Bakura is a big deal. With the additional superior foot-soldiers the Malaki, you have increase ground assault strength by 25%
When you arrive in Bakuran space, the space battle is in full swing. Rebel Alliance ships are hammering away at Mirianna's Star Destroyers. The sky is littered with capital ships and fighters of all descriptions. It is hard to believe this has been going on for near a week now.
As you are taking in the sight, ships begin emerging from hyperspace all around you. The Chiss fleet wastes little time and takes full advantage of their surprise arrival. They move in with great speed and begin to engage the rebel fleet.
As you bring your ship closer, the ship's comm lights up. Activating it you see the image of a pleased Commander Tavoes. "Greetings team. Congratulations on a job well done. You have no idea how bad things are. The Rebels control the planet and we are simply trying to get a handle on the space combat. Now that your hear, we have a chance."
Tavoes nods and continues. "First, I would like to know which part of this battle you feel you may be most effective with. Space or Ground. We need both but I want you to take the one you feel the most suited towards."
Janitor turns to Zaleos and the others. "I'll go where you want me, Commander, but with all respect I'd prefer to take it to the enemy on the ground."
Tavoes responds. "I want you where you are most effective. You know yourselves better than I, that is why I am asking you to use your judgement in this decision."
Zaelos nods slowly in response to both Janitor and Tavoes. "It would be a waste of your talents to have you sitting in the crew quarters while we engage the Rebel forces in the surrounding space." He pauses for a moment before continuing, an odd note to his voice. "While I would probably be better suited to staying on the command deck, I would prefer to take part in the ground assault on Bakura."
Arana walks forward and stops in front of the image of Tavoes.
"I'll fight wherever I'm needed...in space we'll be fighting on one of those ships, same as on the ground...been a while since I've seen a sky though, so I'm for the ground assault."