Star Wars: Total War (Closed, Started)

[Soviet Heavy]

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Nar Shaddaa, Starchaser's Casino
The shiny protocol droid spoke, translating the Hutt's slurred language into a somewhat more manageable galactic basic.
"The mighty Gasanda has an offer for you, miss Julia. The Vosadii and Desilijic clans are fierce rivals. Any client who wishes to offer their services to better aid the Vosadii will be paid handsomely for their troubles. Gregori Desilijic Aleppo has been cutting into the Vosadii spice rings for years, and any means to eliminate him are being explored. The idea of a previous attendant to the Crime Lord offering information is appealing. But you must do something for us as well."

The droid revealed a small holoprojector, revealing two figures. One was a short, dark skinned Kiffar with a heavily tatooed face. The other was a heavyset Besalisk. Both appeared well armed and dangerous.

"Tarr Voxin and Delras Zex, two previous clients of mighty Gasanda." the droid explained. "Jaralla, another rival, was intended to be killed by these two a week ago. We have received no contact from the pair since then. They have run off with our down payment, and the Mighty Gasanda hates when people do not fulfill their debts. Find them, and recover the money, or their bodies. They were last seen on the planet below, Nal Hutta. I'm sure you can find your way around. If you do this for us, we will give you the location of Gregori."

Snip

Tarr Voxin, Nal Hutta.
"Well how the hell was I supposed to know the droid had a bomb in it!? Aren't your ship's scanners supposed to bring those up as threats? Dammit!" Tarr threw the hydrospanner in frustration.

The Temmick and the Nexu were both half submerged in Nal Hutta's swamp. It was boiling hot, hundreds of gnat flies had decided to converge on Tarr's open skin, and he was half covered in slimy mud as he worked to get the engines running once again.

"It's always after I install something new, isn't it? Something has to break, or explode, or crash. Fix one thing to smash another."

Snip

Coruscant, New Republic Military HQ
"Put the word out to the mercenary crews then." suggested Kyle Katarn. "I know you'd rather work with enlisted troops and people you trust, but I don't think you have much of a choice right now, Admiral."

"If we had more time, I would be more opposed to this, Master Jedi." said Admiral Ackbar thoughtfully. "Though time is something of a luxury at the moment. Everything indicates to a massive strike against Mon Calamari within the next few days. We'll need all the help we can get. I will not allow my homeworld to fall the the Empire again."

"It won't, Admiral." said Katarn with a wry grin. "Let me go through my contacts from my Alliance SpecOps days. I'm sure Jan can put me through to some of the crews. I'll keep in touch, and let you know what I find."

Katarn left Ackbar's office, immediately hitting up his comlink. "Jan, I need a favor done. Can you get some files from Alliance SpecOps? I'm looking to hire some mercenary teams."

"One minute, Kyle." said Jan's voice. "It isn't easy to get unrestricted access to the black ops files. One moment..... got it. Who do you need? We've got updated lists for the major players here on the Capital. Here's one... Kares Octavian, Devaronian. He's a Republic sympathizer, good sign. Ran some counter terror ops during the Liberation of Coruscant. Might be useful."

"I'll take it, Jan. Send the guy a message. Tell him to meet me at the Fandera Cantina. Tell him I've got a job offer that'll help the Republic."

 

[Redryhno]

"Grissk, to this end, you will accompany Pana. While she leads the assault from the Liberator, you will take command of the ground forces and attack the floating cities. Do whatever you can to crush the opposition. Your strength and tenacity make you individually suited for this role. Commander Coric shall be your secondary officer. Though a clone, heed his council."

The towering Trandoshan put fist to heart and bowed his head to a 70 degree,"Yes my lord,our enemies will know to tremble at the rumor of our passing again,"He delivered in almost perfect Common, the language was strange to his tongue, but it was necessary for him to learn to speak it.

"I will heed the clone, my lord. The planet will be ours soon.Do you have any other commands for me?"

Scorekeeper watch me. I intend to increase my counting soon.

He turned to Pana when Ryn'Talos answered him, "My queen," fist-to-heart again and bowed his head, slightly,but not that noticeably less than he had to Ryn'Talos,he then turned and walked away. He began searching for Commander Coric to begin preparations for the invasion. He smiled in anticipation of the coming slaughter.

 

[Soviet Heavy]

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Ryn'Talos
"Don't underestimate them. I made the mistake of assuming that a neophyte like Polien would be easy prey. So often it seems the young are unpredictable. Try to gain their trust, and do not let your true identity be revealed until you strike. You are an assassin, use your skills wisely, my student.

Snip

"You will find Commander Coric in the Temple Hangar. He is assembling the Legion for their strike. You are the tip of the spear, while they are the shaft. Lead them into the heart of the enemy, and strike where they are most vulnerable."

 

[mcpop9]

"I will master." she said and nodded to Grissk before taking leave for her ship. The liberator had been serving her well, the crew didn't have any complaints, or ones they would voice. She kept walking and thinking how her master thought of her. He was such an underestimating man, wise but not enough. She was majorly a sensory type. meaning she could feel others but also hide herself far better than most, even masters. Putting a cap on the apparent power of herself was something she was good at. It came from years of hiding from many hunters and other force sensitives.

She had made it to the ship and was in the captains chair. "I want them loaded so we can leave as soon as possible." her voice said over the intercom.

 

[Soviet Heavy]

Spoiler: OOC

Sorry I started earlier than I said. I realized that I had a five hour drive on monday, so I wanted you guys to take off and get the first plotlines underway by the time I leave tomorrow.

 

[CJ1145]

Fandera Cantina. What a dive. Last time I took a contract here, I ended up strung up by my heels over an acklay pit. Still, beggars can't be choosers, I guess... I'm gonna need those credits pretty soon. I guess we'll see what kinda cards these boys are dealing.

"Hey, Kares?"

"What?"

"You're monologuing."

"...Let's just go inside already."

Two unassuming figures walked into the Fandera Cantina, a place in that odd little twilight zone of Coruscant, a place where nobody below could afford to be, and no one up top would be caught dead in. Life on a vertically-based planet got like that sometimes. A little no-man's-land where the dregs of society could slip by unnoticed. As much as he hated to admit it, places like these were Kares Octavian's favorite places on the Republic Capital. It was one of the only places where a man like him could go without getting stared at; Devaronians looked a little too close to the devil for more sensitive folk's tastes. But as a mercenary, nobody cared what you looked like, so long as you got the job done.

A jab to his side roused Kares from his thoughts. He had been lost in them for the second time in under a minute. The blow came from Vic Mazzenger, a sandy-haired, short-cropped farmboy-looking sort of man. The perfect partner for a merc; too soft a face to be taken seriously, right until he blew a hole in your chest. The pair weaved their way through a dozen aliens of various sizes, squeezing past a party of Ithorians until they made their way to the center of the cantina. The place was dimly lit, and no one could really be made out at a distance.

"Kares, they ever describe the contact in that message?"

"Nah, they didn't." The horned man said, mulling over the implications. Either a trap, or somebody didn't want to take chances. Either way, smart. "Here's hoping they know who they're looking for and find me." He handed Vic a credit chip. "Go tell the band to play something old-school. I'll be at the bar."

As his pal struck out, Kares sat himself down at the bar and ordered the weakest drink they had. No reason to get drunk before he'd even met the contact.

 

[drmigit2]

Drokath left his master's chamber and headed to his own ship, a small cargo vessel, unimpressive but it has served him well, it helps him pull off the trader facade. He donned his citizen's garbs and hid his lightsaber in a hidden compartment at the bottom of his pack. He was not new to this game, gaining the trust of others was his specialty and finding a Jedi is not difficult, especially when their capital Coruscant is more than willing to send Jedi to help their supply lines run smoothly. He had already secured a job from a Toydarian named Jrakratta, nice enough man, a bit pushy. His plan was to get the Jedi to aid him in transporting a large amount of water to Tattoine, he had already gotten the supplies before heading to his master in anticipation for his new mark, a small job, but with decent enough pay and while he did not need the job for the credits, he has used the ploy to gain a few hero's favors more than once.

He told his droid to leave a message that he would be gone for a while and if anyone needed him though he doubted most would even care if he never returned, Sith were like that. He smiled as really, these were the only times when he could be himself for a while. He had considered joining the Jedi once, but he knew the Sith were the only ones capable of bringing a lasting peace to the universe, the Jedi made that blatantly clear. Still, the tranquility and friendship that he had fostered with the few Jedi he had met sat well with him. This was going to be a blast, he hoped.

As the docks opened, he hit the ignition switch and his ship came blazing out in to the open reaches of outer space. "R6, set course for Coruscant." He was unsure what model his droid was, he hardly cared, it seemed to respond fine to R6, in fact, had an R6 model even been made? Trifles he could hardly seem to care about as he planned his first move in the long chess game that awaited him. Coruscant would be the opening curtain to what could be his greatest achievement in the Sith.

 

[Soviet Heavy]

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Kyle Katarn, Coruscant
The band began playing an upbeat swing quartet. Kyle continued to watch the patrons flow in for the night. He knew Octavian was here already, he'd felt his presence the moment he'd come through the door. It just helped to put them at ease if he didn't spring up as soon as they arrived. He apparently scared people, according to Jan. He shuddered to think what he looked like when he was actually angry.

The Devaronian had set himself up at the bar. He was sitting near the middle, with a full view of the alcoves. His back was to the door, but Kyle knew his partner was watching from the wings. Grabbing a glass of Corellian Liquor off a servant droid's place, Kyle planted himself down beside Kares.

"What've you got there? Jawa juice? You'd have to drink a bantha's worth to get drunk off that. Here, take some real ale." he shoved the mug into Kares's hands. "Name's Kyle Katarn. How would you like to play hero for a day? You can tell your friend to sit down and stop pointing that gun at me while we talk."

 

[CJ1145]

Kares felt the urge to jump and shriek as he recognized the unmistakable face sitting down at the bar next to him. There wasn't a soul worth their salt in the galaxy who didn't know who Kyle Katarn was. Still, if he wanted this contract he'd have to stick to his guns and not embarrass himself. He took the mug offered him and gave a sly, sharp-toothed grin. That seemed like a challenge to him. He swung his head back and took the Corellian Liquor up to his waiting maw, and downed the whole thing in a chugging spree. With an exaggerated sigh, he clanked the mug back down on the table and wiped his mouth off with his shirt sleeve. He nodded at Katarn's words and gave a two-fingered wave at Vic, who had indeed been off in the corner, casting wary eyes on the newcomer at the bar.

As the human wandered over and sat on the opposite side of Kares, the merc himself carefully considered what he was being told. He gave as warm a smile as a Devaronian could give, which by human judgments was somewhere between "intimidating" and "malicious". "Mr. Katarn, playing hero is one of the things I do best." he announced. "Though, I've gotta admit, I'm at a bit of a disadvantage. Didn't expect a J-..." he chose his words carefully. "-gentleman of your stature to come down here and offer me a job. This can't be grunt work, can it?"

 

[Soviet Heavy]

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Katarn
"Hmm, not so much grunt work as Special Operations jobs." said Kyle, mulling over his drink. "With the way things in the Outer Rim are escalating out of control, the New Republic is scrambling to make ends meet. We got a tip from a mole that there's going to be a big dust up happening over Mon Calamari in a few days. Ops thinks that the Empire plans to take control of the shipyards to deny us their production capabilities."

He took a long swig. "That's where you come in. The Empire wants to capture the facilities, not wreck them. We're strapped for troops right now, so SpecOps is looking to hire out some security. Do a little "asset denial" and keep boarding teams off the space docks. I'm just running intermediaries between SpecOps and the Jedi right now, but we plan to get a few sabers out to the shipyards as well. Interested? Imperials to shoot, insurmountable odds, and the chance to get sliced up by lightsabers in the name of Republic goodness?"

 

[CJ1145]

Octavian carefully weighed his options as he turned to his Java Juice to sip. Not any strength behind it, but he had grown fond of the taste after a stint on Tatooine. On the one hand, this job sounded a ton and a half more dangerous than the sorts of work he was used to. He'd tangled with the Empire, no doubt; his operations back during the Liberation of Coruscant were his finest hour, in his own opinion. But before it had been on his own terms. Hit and run, make them fear you. Never knowing where you'll strike from. But this was playing defense. He would be waiting for them, on their field. Risky, to say the least.

But then, on the other hand, this sounded important. Mon Calamari was one of the biggest shipyards in the galaxy, and he knew just how vital that sort of thing was to the Republic. Especially with the war coming. The reward would be big, for sure. Maybe enough to get his own ship, his own crew? Really start off strong in the business as his own boss, and he'd be rolling in contracts in weeks. On top of that, you don't just turn down a job offer from Kyle Slagging Katarn.

Kares took a swig of his drink before taking a deep breath, and grinning at nothing in particular. "Sounds like a real patriot's paradise, my friend. Just tell me who to see and how much ammo to bring and I'm yours." He offered his hand to the Jedi to seal the deal; at least, he hoped that would be it. He hated contracts that required paperwork.

 

[Redryhno]

snip

Grissk arrived at the hangar, and marveled at the huge amount of people wandering around in it. He had seen few enough people on Hosskr as a child, and even fewer during his capture. This was home to him, a place he could honor the Scorekeeper, and continue his personal goals. The Empire had imprisoned him and the Republic would never trust him, this was where he belonged.

He quickly spotted Commander Coric and walked up behind him as he was berating a couple of other troopers for clipping their carts while loading the ships. He finished talking with them and turned into Grissk's chest.

"Commander, you know our mission, what are your thoughts on how best to proceed? I believe if we attacked from their shipyards that would give us an advantage over them in terms of support. I was told to heed your counsel and I will listen."

 

[TheBlueShotgun0]

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"Yes sir" Del answered with a slight nod of his head. Thrawn was right; he didn't like that he had been plucked from the Outer Rim on such short notice, especially with the resent successes along the Hydian Way. But if Thrawn wanted something done, Del was sure that it would be wise to do as he said, both for the sake of the Empire and ones personal health. "Where is Battle Group Avenger now, sir?"

 

[Soviet Heavy]

snip

"Yes sir" Del answered with a slight nod of his head. Thrawn was right; he didn't like that he had been plucked from the Outer Rim on such short notice, especially with the resent successes along the Hydian Way. But if Thrawn wanted something done, Del was sure that it would be wise to do as he said, both for the sake of the Empire and ones personal health. "Where is Battle Group Avenger now, sir?"

Thrawn
"It is currently holding position near Carida. You're fleet will be redirected to Mon Calamari. It is within another sector of the outer rim, but it is vital that we move quickly to disable the New Republic's shipbuilding assets. Battle Group Avenger will take control of the fleet moving against Mon Calamari. Be aware that intelligence units suggest the Ascendants will be present as well. This could get ugly very quickly, which is why I want you in charge. Is that understood, Commodore?"

 

[TheBlueShotgun0]

Snip

"It is, sir." Just as he had thought. His new target was important. Mon Calamari, beyond being the home of 2 sentient species, was one of only a hand full of major shipyards outside the Core and Inner Rim. Who ever controlled the planets production would quickly become a major power in the Slice. "Will that be all?"

 

[Soviet Heavy]

Snip

"It is, sir." Just as he had thought. His new target was important. Mon Calamari, beyond being the home of 2 sentient species, was one of only a hand full of major shipyards outside the Core and Inner Rim. Who ever controlled the planets production would quickly become a major power in the Slice. "Will that be all?"

"It is. You are to be rewarded for your actions along the Hydian Way. Right now, all I can spare you is ships. Do not waste them. Dismissed, Commodore."

Thrawn turned back towards the remaining mercenaries as Del bowed his head and left the room.

"Have you come to a decision yet gentlemen?"

 

[CJ1145]

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Spoiler: OOC

I'm waiting on Kyle.

 

[TheIronRuler]

Spoiler

Snip

Nar Shaddaa, Starchaser's Casino

.

The music emitted through the thin metal walls were beginning to trouble Julia. To choose a place like this as a meeting place, a casino filled with armed questionable businessmen and many onlookers was a bold move by the Hutt. However, it did not mean that she could not be snatched away and taken to some outer rim world till she cracked... No, this seemed safe enough.

The thought of having the robot translate Hutt to her made Julia giggle. "Machine", she called him out in her native tongue, Huttese, "We do not allow machines to belittle us". Julia laid her silver suitcase down next to her. "I am a chemist. I do not use weapons. If your owner wants to dominate the spice trade, let me make some new ones".

The machine answered in common. "This is something I cannot agree to. Follow me, Gasanda will want to speak to you". Julia felt threatened, but an opportunity to be given patronage by the Vosadii clan could shield her from her former father. She followed the robot until they stopped in front of a door. The robot opened the door and inside laid Gasanda, conversing with a worried wookie. "I came to do business", Julia said loudly in Huttese. She laid down her suitcase and looked at the two as the wookie suddenly stopped talking.

 

[Soviet Heavy]

Snip

Spoiler: OOC

I'm waiting on Kyle.

Spoiler: OOC

Alright. However, once you get started, don't feel like you have to wait on me. I have a long drive ahead of me today, so I won't be able to respond for a few hours.

Katarn
"Glad to see you're on board for this little venture. The forward ships leave tomorrow morning. They're going to man the space docks ahead of time to help set up the defenses. You'll get paid when you arrive. Bring whatever you think you'll need, and the New Republic will do the rest."

Kyle got up from the table, twirling a credit chit between his fingers before tossing it to Kares, who caught it in the air. "Meet me tomorrow morning at Docking Bay 73, we'll get you set up."

 

[TheBlueShotgun0]

Snip

Del made his way to the Reckonings hanger bay where his shuttle was waiting for him. He found the pilot and co-pilot in the cockpit playing a game of cards. They both stood and saluted as he walked in. "At ease, gentlemen. Clean up your cards and set a course to the Carida system. I'll fill you in on the rest once we jump to hyperspace. Got it?" Both men answered in the affirmative, and a few minutes later the shuttle left the hanger and started towards Carida.