| Sins of an Empire: Prelude
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| Information
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| Conflict: The Taldryan Republic sends a diplomatic team to meet with the Human League to defuse the growing conflict in Dalicron, but at what risk?
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| Date: 42 ABY
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| Location: Frelos system
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| Combatants
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| Commanders
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| Strength
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- Diplomatic Envoy Team
- OSI Infiltration Force
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- Military Armed Forces
- Resurgent-class Star Destroyer
- Blockade Fleet
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| Casualties
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Unknown
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Unknown
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| [ Source ]
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Sins of an Empire: Prelude is the lead-in to a Three-Part series within the Dalicron Sector, and a part of the Taldryan Republic Campaigns.
This campaign ran from June 3rd, 2024 to July 1, 2024.
OHCSS - For Your Eyes Only
The following is classified information given to those who are On Her Chancellor's Secret Service or allowed to have it, and is considered top secret. This information is not to be disseminated in any way under pane of death.
What is Known
Friendly Forces
Contains known information of the Dalicron Excavation Conglomerate, or DEC, which has recently been blockaded by the Human League within the Frelos system.
Enemy Forces
Contains detailed information on what is known about the Human League, their leadership, and military functions.
Contains the currently assessed strength and compliment of the Anhinga Fleet, as it stands from last surveyed report by our Bothan Spies.
Theatre of Battle
Introductory Story
In the shadows of a once-thriving society, where the echoes of progress were drowned in the symphony of despair, a new chapter unfolded — one drenched in darkness and fear. A movement known as Denosianism, a clandestine group that emerged from the abyss of discontent under the leadership of Gander Denos, had seized control of the planet's reins from the Dalicron Sector High Advisory Council after being voted into power by those who once thought they would be their saviors. Initially, they had promoted just causes and worked to benefit the sector’s people as a whole regardless of rank, position, job, or even social class.
Once the Denosiasts had been confirmed as the next ruling class of Dalicron, all of that changed. As their ominous banners unfurled across towering buildings, casting an oppressive pallor over the urban landscape, the denizens found themselves ensnared in a dystopian nightmare.
The air, once alive with the hum of everyday life, now whispered with trepidation. The Denosiasts, now openly identifying as the Human League which was fueled by an insatiable hunger for dominance, initiated a relentless crackdown on the civilian populace -- particularly against those who were not human, with public executions in the streets and on holonet channels. The planet's once-vibrant streets became haunting corridors of surveillance and oppression, with every step echoing the weight of impending doom; especially for all non-humanoids that resided there.
The citizens began to grapple with the harsh reality of their newfound existence, with fear gripping their hearts like a vice. The Human League wielded power with ruthless efficiency, much like the Empire had decades earlier. Rumors of dissent were quashed before they could breathe life, dissenters and aliens alike disappearing into the shadows, leaving behind nothing but an eerie silence and murmurs of what could have happened.
As the power that Denosianism held spread throughout system by system, the line between freedom and captivity blurred. Dalicron, once a haven for dreams and aspirations, now stood as a testament to the twisted ambitions of those who reveled in the chaos they wrought. And so, the inhabitants clung to the remnants of hope, their collective heartbeat drumming a desperate rhythm in the face of an impending storm.
The tendrils of their oppressive regime extended into the vast expanse of the Dalicron Sector, a once-flourishing region of interconnected worlds and systems. The shadow of the Human League cast a pall over planets that had known nothing but autonomy and sovereignty under the Council.
Their expansion was swift and methodical, like a relentless storm sweeping across the cosmic tapestry. Subjugating neighboring worlds and systems, little was left in their wake a trail of fear and submission. Planetary leaders, once defiant voices of independence, found themselves either coerced into compliance or swiftly replaced by puppet rulers loyal to the newfound overlords.
The once-diverse cultures that flourished across the Dalicron Sector now faced a uniformity enforced by the League. Striking at the heart of individuality, the group sought to erase the unique tapestry of each and every planet and system, replacing it with a monolithic ideology that brooked no dissent.
Communication channels that once buzzed with interstellar trade and cultural exchange became conduits for propaganda and surveillance. The League orchestrated a symphony of control, with every planet forced to march to the cadence of their authoritative tune.
Resistance movements flickered like distant stars, small and scattered against the overwhelming darkness. These pockets of defiance clung to the hope that unity could stand against tyranny. They quickly became a beacon of collaboration and resistance, to stand in direct defiance of the League. However, as the areas under rebel control continued to fall one by one, its future remained uncertain. Its denizens yearned for the day when the shadows would lift, and autonomy would be reclaimed from the clutches of oppression. To that end, several of the rebel factions reached out to the Taldryan Republic in the neighboring Seitia Sector for assistance. And, the Republic did indeed respond. But not how they had expected.
In a strategic move, the Taldryan Republic Naval Fleet established a formidable blockade along the sector line between the Seitia and Dalicron Sectors. It was a symbolic stance on paper only, a line drawn in the cosmic sand against the relentless march of the Denosiast regime. The blockade became a beacon of defiance, a testament to the resilience of those who cherished the ideals of self-determination.
While the Human league sought to expand their dominion, the Taldryan Republic refrained from direct military intervention in the Dalicron Sector. Instead, they heeded the strict degree of the Senate to remain neutral. Despite the pleas for assistance from the beleaguered planets of Dalicron, the Taldryan Republic maintained a careful balance, holding fast to the principles of non-aggression stipulated by the Senate until a time when the League would breach the sector line.
The blockade, maintained by Taldryan and Seitian forces, became a buffer zone between the oppressive reach of the League and served to weaken the flickering flame of hope kindled by the rebel forces within Dalicron.
The decision to refrain from direct involvement left a bitter taste among those who yearned for liberation in Dalicron, especially the Traditionalists and Lady Second Cassandra Tyris. They both argued that a calculated approach was necessary to prevent the conflict from escalating into a galactic conflagration. With those requests falling upon deaf ears, they instead turned to diplomacy, urging the Senate to explore diplomatic channels, seeking support from other sectors and systems sympathetic to the cause of freedom.
After hours of deliberation, an effort to attempt and defuse the situation was agreed upon, and a small diplomatic force was created and sent to the Frelos system within the Dalicron Sector to meet with General Kael Durran, Denos’ Second-In-Command, on board the Resurgent-class Star Destroyer “Dominion’s Wrath”. What will come of that meeting, has yet to be seen…
An Attempt at Diplomacy
Objectives
- 1 - Journey to the Frelos system and rendevous with the Resurgent-class Star Destroyer Dominion's Wrath.
- 2 - Meet with General Kael Durran, Denos' Second-in-Command and Commander of the Mestiphran.
- 3 - Negotiate a Peace Treaty to end the blockade of Trexxa and the Frelos system.
Story
The Diplomatic Team, lead by "Aequitas" Anderson who served as Vice-Chancellor of the Taldryan Republic, rendezvoused with the Dominion's Wrath in the Frelos system. The team which was handpicked by him, consisted of Alaisy Tir'eivra, Jorm Na'trej, Circe Orvar, Morax Darkblade, Shanree Argentin, and Aticus Jade.
Upon arriving at the Dominion's Wrath and being forcefully guided in by tractor beam, they were greeted by several battalions and an older officer directly off of the ship's ramp by the name of Reede Holbrook. Immediately after the meeting, it was clearly evident of the man's disdain towards several members of the diplomatic team who were non-human; the Vice-Chancellor himself included.
This disdain extended to crew and troopers that they passed as Holbrook guided them to the conference room where they were to meet with General Kael Durran, the second-in-command of the Human League.
On the journey there, Morax became curious about several officers after overhearing on the intercoms for two of them to report to differing locations; Executive Officer Briggs to the bridge, and Commander Canolli of the 23rd Heavy Division to Deck 47. Particularly the fact that, for whatever reason, while foreign visitors were on board the executive officer of the ship was not on the bridge already to begin with.
Worse, both himself and the others were put on edge by the fact that there were numerous divisions on the ship despite this being a diplomatic mission. Jorm, however, assumed it par the course as since this was a Resurgent-class ship, having that level of infantry on board was only natural. He wasn't as worried about the executive officer, however, as his focus was more on the fact that the 23rd Commander's name made him hungry.
Circe was ever aware of her surroundings, and focused more on protecting the group. The animosity and dislike of the group, again, ever focused by the crew among the murmurs and quiet speaking going on around them. Almost as if they couldn't believe that there were aliens on their ship. Anders chided Jorm for being hungry at a time like this, that he should have eaten ahead of time.
Deciding to make the best of the situation, however, he directed himself toward Holbrook asking him for information about how proud he must be of the Human League's efforts on Trexxa. Holbrook however disregarded the question as if he were hard of hearing, doing the same to Anders' follow-up question by answering with one of his own asking about the Taldryan Republic and their journey here. His words were placed so precisely, that as others tried to speak, they were unable to.
Once at the conference room, he was again asked several questions but deflected each of them once more feigning deafness and the loudness of the hallways and environment. Inside the room, however, he asked his own questions again while deflecting Anders' questions, much to Jorm's enjoyment.
Jorm was one of the few to notice that they were most likely being played, and commented as such quietly where Holbrook could not hear them.
Non-Player Facing Section #1
On the bridge in his command suite with the lights darkened, Kael stood at the window and sipped on a glass with ice and Jogan fruit brandy. He watched as more shuttles made their way down the surface of Trexxa, about ready for his meeting before a chime came over the intercom. It wasn't just any communication, however, but a holographic one.
Kael sat his glass down and activated it, a hooded figure with long yellow colored hair was standing before him on his desk. The figure, with a slightly distorted voice, asked Kael if the Taldryan force had yet arrived, and he acknowledged as much that they had and there were aliens among them. As he stated that he was preparing to meet with them as discussed with Gander, the figure interjected and cut him off much to Kael's surprise.
The plans had been changed, and the team was to be taken into custody. Given that the Human League wanted to avoid war with outside forces, Kael questioned this but was told that since they had chosen to come with aliens; it was evident that it was what Taldryan sought and that they would speak with Gander directly regarding this for approval.
When asked what to do with the bodies and their ship, the figure responded that neither they nor their ship will have existed. Wipe the ships records, destroy their shuttle, and launch the bodies into the star. Afterwards, both himself and the Dominion's Wrath were to report to the Chinerth system in the east for Gander's welcoming ceremony.
Kael slowly sat down in his chair and leaned back as the figure faded away, terminating the call. He let out a sigh, questioning to himself why Gander was allying himself with that damned foreign woman. He finished his glass and pressed the button on the comm, asking to be connected with Commander Cannoli immediately.
The Story Continued
Some time had passed as the group discussed the situation, Shanree remaining quiet as he instead focused inward. Being a Miraluka, he saw with the force and not his own eyes. While Anders and Jorm argued ethics surrounding Holbrook, he himself had seen the man like a confusing jumble of emotions he was unable to identify. If anything, that one detail concerned him the most.
Jade, a newcomer to the Republic and not yet part of Taldryan itself, was taken aback at the discohesion that existed within the team. For a group that was meant to be diplomatic, this was the furthest from it and felt at odds with the goals presented by whoever had made this team. Unfortunately, he was unaware that it was Anders himself who had created this team.
He did have a brilliant idea however, feeling the same as Jorm that they were potentially being played, and dove into character by asking Holbrook about how the sound of their own starfighters rushing past raised the spirit, and how he should be proud of that fact as well as how their activities on the surface were probably going.
Holbrook nearly took the bait, much to his and Anders' surprise, raising his hand almost speaking in acknowledgment. Instead, however, he caught himself at the last second and politely started to make his way out of the room but stopped by Morax.
Anders was irritated by the constant evasion of his questions, evident that it was apparent visibly in his actions but also that, in his eyes for once, Jorm was right; they were most likely being played. This was just more evidence however, that justice needed to be enacted on Trexxa and against the Human League.
He was one of the few in complete disgust that the Senate would not lift a finger to help Trexxa, much less Dalicron. He didn't blame Cassandra Taldrya for that however, he knew that she had done everything she could to convince them otherwise. This mission being the fruit of those labors.
She had even given him full authority to create the team for it, urging him to focus on diplomacy. Versatility, however, felt more appropriate especially if things went south. Even if that meant bringing aliens, he wasn't about to die here. But at least he felt he was about to be correct in the assumption that the story was going to unfold in a bad way, and the foundation would come crumbling down.
Morax spoke out against Holbrook, much to the old man's surprise, as if he wanted to deck him. Jade stepped between them and apologized for the group's demeanor, still playing towards Holbrook's anti-alien sentiments. Anders allowed Reede to leave, even with Dasha giving the old man puppy eyes as if they were on his side.
At that stage, things took a sour turn. Several had noticed a strange hissing sound within the room. Anders had quickly identified it as gas being funneled inside, and after directing the group to hold their breath they had managed to last until the doors opened and security personnel stood outside with others. Jorm took the opportunity to shatter the windows of the room, taking both himself and his sealed suit along with several troopers out into the vacuum of space.
The room sealed itself with emergency bulkheads before the rest were sucked out, including the remainder of the diplomatic team, which quickly began combat with the troopers.
After a fierce battle, the group managed to make their way to a shuttle bay after discerning that their own shuttle had been destroyed and sensing through the Force that the pilots and the crew were dead. Once aboard, they managed to escape from the Dominion's Wrath by the skin of their teeth.
The shuttle, however, had been damaged in the escape which forced them down onto Trexxa while under heavy fire from the orbiting destroyers. On the surface, the team managed to safely get away from the shuttle and hide themselves however intervened when a family was close to being murdered by Human League forces.
Slaying the troops, the group listened as the family explained what had been happening. Anders saw this as a solid opportunity, and the group decided instead of continuing on they would bring the family and escape Trexxa. Having the family testify to the Taldryan Senate would be a solid chance of showing what was truly going on, and help spur them into action.
After another brief battle, the team managed to sneak past a Mestiphran strike force and hijack a Human League shuttle. By some shear amount of luck, some feeling it was *too* lucky, it still had its landing and takeoff codes loaded in and they were able to safely depart Trexxa and begin the journey back to the Seitia Sector and the safety of Taldryan space.
Ending Fiction
The sun had begun to set over the Taldryan capital of Port Kasiya, several days having passed since Anders, Alaisy, and the others had left for the Frelos system. Cassandra, who had not been comfortable having been left behind, understood the reasoning of why she should remain in Port Kasiya. Even naval Admiral Raif Slaxton used an analagy she understood quite well from her time in Caleria around the shipyards, the captain needs to stay with the ship and trust the first officer to handle away missions.
As the sun fell, she looked out over the city from the Chancellor’s conference room high above in the Taldryan Tower. Things were quiet without anyone around, far too quiet. Cassandra had long anticipated some kind of report by this point as the negotiations should have ended by now. Even the Office of Secret Intelligence had little to go on, with communications from Frelos having gone dark.
This fact troubled her. Even with her abilities in the Force she was unable to ascertain if everything was alright. The doors to the chamber slid open as the uniformed Gungan senator and Vice-Chairman of the Taldryan Administration Council, Frei’Jar, stepped inside and towards Cassandra.
“Exsqueeze me, Chancewa.” Frei’Jar started as he stopped halfway through the chamber and knelt down, his right hand across his chest with his eyes closed. “Weesa have news from ‘da dipwomatic team and statemwents from ‘da Human Weague.”
She turned and listened as Frei’Jar went into detail about the reports they had just received from Anders as they journeyed back towards Kasiya. As he explained what was reported from them, as well as what the Human League was saying, she took a seat in her chair and sat back with her hand resting on her head. Was she really hearing what she thought she was hearing?
The diplomatic mission to the system of Frelos…was a failure. While it had been intended as a way to potentially bring an end to the rising conflict between the Human League and the rebellions that had formed within the upper systems of the Dalicron Sector, none could have foreseen what instead would come of it.
Headed by Vice-Chancellor Anders, the diplomatic team had been created of various humans and aliens who would meet with the second-in-command of the Human League, General Kael Durran, on board his capital ship the Resurgent-class Star Destroyer “Dominion’s Wrath” which oversaw the blockade of the system’s main world of Trexxa.
The negotiations according to reports from both sides however never took place. While Anders and his team had reported immediate animosity and anticipated hostility that culminated in an attempted assassination attempt in the conference hall from which the team narrowly escaped with their lives, security video footage from the destroyer painted an entirely different picture. Footage that the team, mostly, disputes the validity of.
The only part of the footage that they do not dispute in its entirety, is a segment where it appeared as if the team attempted to jettison diplomatic personnel and security members of the Human League from the conference room where they were preparing to meet when Chyronian Chancellor Jorm Na’trej blew a hole in the windows. While several were sucked out, Na’trej included, lives were spared when the emergency bulkhead sealed in place. Additional footage which is disputed showed the pilots of their shuttle descend the ramp and begin firing on hangar personnel and troopers who were there. The pilot's lives were cut short by other troopers who were present and the overhead defense turrets which destroyed the shuttle after two others retreated inside.
The remainder of the footage was almost pure chaos with the team escaping on another shuttle after taking the pilots hostage, crash landing on Trexxa. This footage, along with a holonet statement from General Durran, was used as justification for the concurrent assault and landing on Trexxa immediately after.
“The assault on my vessel was a declaration of war. A declaration not just from the DEC, but from the Taldryan Republic and its allies.” Durran stated from a podium inside one of the conference halls on the Dominion’s Wrath. “We had hoped to negotiate an end to hostilities and the blockade of Trexxa, giving faith that the DEC would look to reason. Unfortunately, that can no longer be the case.”
While on the surface, Ander’s and the team had managed to extract a family that was about to be executed by Human League forces and transported them back to Kasiya where they gave a scathing report of what had occurred there and what was happening. Many of the senate hard-liners were in silence as they spoke, both in disgust at the revelations they were hearing and the realization of what had most likely actually occurred.
The Taldryan Republic Administration Council was in conference for nearly two days, with the Lady Second Cassandra Oriana Taldrya leaving for the Jagd Wastes upon the conference’s conclusion with several researchers and a friend from Arcona who had happened to be on Kasiya at the time, Ood Bnar. While the situation was dire, other issues warranted her attention at the exact same time. For reasons unknown, the gray disease that had claimed the entirety of the Forceless Forest had finally begun to encroach upon the Jagd Wastes claiming both the connection to the force from the areas it had taken but also resulting in every single creature retreating from those areas.
After suddenly receiving a rather cold reception from senators and other hard-liners, Vice-Chancellor Anders, Governor Alaisy, and the recently arrived Arconan Consul Zuza Lottson decided to journey to the wastes and meet with her rather than wait for her to return. Zuza had arrived on Kasiya after sensing something dark coming from Cassandra, a perk of the rings they had shared months prior. It enabled them to sense the feelings from one another, and in this case, Zuza sensed that she was in a massive amount of anger and frustration.
Little did the three of them know, the meeting with the Council had not gone as anyone had hoped…or expected. And that their choice to rendezvous with Cassandra randomly would not go as planned.
After arriving at the wastes, the area they had landed was indeed, sickening. Aside from the metal platform they were on, the entire area was surrounded by mangrove trees, green colored water with an ichor like hue, and noises of creatures from any which direction. Mostly repetitive, like smaller insects and non-hostile creatures. The air, if they breathed it at all, had a slightly metallic taste to it but caused no ill effects. Adjacent to their left was another platform, and upon that sat Cassandra's personal shuttle with two members of the Summit Guard standing watch at the ramp. From the coordinates they had, it was clear she was about half a mile to the south. Which, from the view they had, already began to encroach upon the massive rocky hills and cliffsides that separated the Jagd Wastes from the Forceless Forest. At this point, they were able to sense their connection was wavering and their overall force strength was down roughly twenty percent where they stood. The last to come out from the shuttle was the Arconan Consul, Zuza.
"Well, kist." It wasn't as if Zuza wasn't used to jungles. She'd lived on Selen itself the last two years but no matter how much time she spent planet-side, it was often a nuisnace at just soggy everything could be. Humidity, rain, snow, being truly outside in an atmosphere was a karking nuisance. But all of that was easily put aside as quickly as the thought arose. Half a mile wasn't that long. She looked to Anders, to Alaisy, offering a small smile to each though worry strained it on seeing the state of Anders. "Are we ready?"
Anders for sure looked worse for wear. That much was obvious the moment you laid eyes on him. Anders was beat up physically. What perhaps was not so obvious was the mental strain recent events had put on him. In short; he'd made mistakes. Anders was a smart man. Regardless of what anyone thought of him, there was no-one who could doubt his intelligence. Yet, a political man, he was not. Skilled in diplomacy, he was not. Did he believe he'd ultimately made the right decision? Yes. The family testifying in front if the Senate reaffirmed those beliefs. However, he understood, now more than ever, that his part to play in the upcoming war was to be vastly different from the position he attained. That was assuming he even stayed in the Taldryan Republic to begin with. His assignment was complete. His report to the Voice submitted. He could leave for Arx whenever he wanted. Maybe go pester some other Clan for the Voice instead. He sighed. The forest was having an effect on him more than just severing his connection to the Force. He might as well get this over with. He would stand hid ground. With dignity on his side. "Yes. Shall we?" He gestured for the two woman at his side to proceed. Ladies first. After all, that was proper etiquette.
The area ahead was largely the same, with the metal walkways giving way to wooden ones. Some of the wood was decayed and damaged, some sections even eroded with a green-colored glow. Their connection to the force continued to decrease, and strangely enough, it slowly became more quiet as they moved...and everything seemed to take on a slightly grey and worn down tone, the colors of their surroundings fading if it were.
A significant ways down, nestled in the rocky hills that separated the two areas, the walkway came to an end at the center of a large area with numerous waterfalls, a large lake, and a large cave. If this area had color, it would be almost beautiful. At the center of a platform on the water sat Cassandra who was examining what looked like a sproutling that had lost half of its color from the base upward. She was in basic clothing for once that gripped her frame and body, allowing for quick and easy movements compared to her normal garb. Being without the force, her reliance on physical abilities was of extreme importance. Several white-clothed scientists were with her, and what looked like members of the OSI with blasters as well guarding.
"So the corruption is spreading, albiet slowly." one of the scientists commented as he compared holopictures on his datapad to ones taken the last time they had been there.
The other scientist nodded, his left arm across his chest with hand cupping his right elbow, his right hand tapping his face. "Unfortunately. But it's never moved beyond the cave until the last year, the mouth of it on the forest side has always been the hard line, even for the force loss effects." Cassandra's bare hand was on the top of the plant, her finger running along the edges of one of the few remaining green leaves. She looked at it curiously, even more so because she could not feel anything from it. Was it in distress? Visually, it looked so. Was it actually fine, depending on what the effects of this 'greyification' were? Visually on the rest, it also looked so. Even in the forest itself, the few dozen feet people have gone inside, everything related to the flora looked normal outside of its insides.
This was proven yet again when one of the scientists broke one of the leaves that had fallen from it, its normal clear sap and moisture a crimson colored red. The other one pulled a vial from a pouch of a teal colored liquid.
He poured it onto the break of the leaf, its color quickly mixing with the red as the leaf started to absorb it. It wasn't long before the red overwhelmed it and returned to its vibrant color, the leaf itself remaining grey the entire time. "No effect..."
"What do you think, Ood?" Cassandra asked the Neti that stood nearby, luckily unaffected by the effects of this part of the wastes despite being a tree himself. "Any insights on this?"
"Well now," the Neti hemmed distractedly. "I am still a bit confused about how I got to be here since I originally just requested access to Republic space to investigate the ruins of a small Jedi enclave within its borders." Observing the changes in the plant, Ood threw himself into the currents of the Living Force to better observe what was happening. "The question is 'why doesn't the cure work?' and 'what's affecting the plantlife?' It should perhaps be 'Why is it affecting the Force?' or 'What is cause and what is effect?' Is the plant change affecting the Force or the other way around?" Turning towards the Epicanthix next to him, the Arconan drew himself up to his full size, "I think I may have to stick around for awhile to figure out what is happening here. If you'll allow me that is? I can probably make myself useful in some fashion if necessary."
"I apologize about that, but with your knowledge of plant-like species given your own as a Neti, plus acknowledgements of your strengths from Arcona, I felt you might be of solid use on this matter." she responded apologetically, "I do plan to whisk you away to the enclave on Drake's Perch upon request once you've investigated plenty."
Normally speaking Alaisy would not even consider inclining her head before taking the lead. This time however, there was doubt. Breathing became harder, as if the air turned into molasses, but instead of being sweet, it was intensely bitter. It made her stomach turn. With a whistle she turned opened the pressurized air valve, it alleviated some of the burden of inhaling, her mask doing it for her. "I s-suppose we should," her voice was tinged with insecurity towards Aequitas and Lottson, not something the Sith wished to exude when she was around this type of company. The shadows whispered to her, each word cutting her like a blade. They danced when they should've been still. The glow in her electric-blue eyes dimmed. For a moment she thought she was sweating, but Tir'eivra no longer had pores in her skin. Temperature regulation was done by her tail and second skin's oils... and those vital oils seeped over her, yet her alchemical had an unusual gloss. Little crimson droplets dripping over black. She was bleeding.
After a bit of thought on that after having apologized earlier, his question did sort of add up. Given the near complete absence of the force where they were, it wouldn't make sense for it to be affecting the force. Rather, since it's being affected itself, whatever is affecting the force is affecting the surroundings. "I think...the other way around," she started in her explanation. "The force flows in everything, everyone. And in this case something has removed the force within the, ironically named Forceless Forest, as well as these reaches of the Jagd Wastes. And with the force cut off, something...replaces? Corrupts?" At that point, it was pure speculation. But it was unnatural for the force to just be...gone, as it was. Even the scientists paused to consider their own theories after that.
The Neti wondered aloud, "Hmm, but did something remove the Force? Truly? It seems unlikely. Maybe something dampened, shoved it aside, suppressed its presence? There are very few things that could fully cause it to be absent? What if instead it's still here but twisted in a way to be no longer visible?' Realising he'd reached to the Living Force without realising, Ood concluded the Force had to be there since he could still connect. But it was silent, as if absent. Not nothingness, a void. But a silence, something was still there but it wasn't interacting.
"Without an expedition through the caves into the forest, we wont be able to know for certain." she remarked, still in thought. "But...no one who has entered beyond the sightlines of the cave exit has ever returned. What lies there is completely unknown to us."
Anders had taken particular note of Aphotis' reaction. That cold shudder, the loss of one's senses. He felt it too. Being cut from the Force was like losing apart of oneself. Yet, it seemed to be having a more adverse effect on his fellow Sith. Was it the alchemical suit? Logically, that would make sense. Anders made a mental note to do extra research later. Eventually, the trio of himself, Alaisy, and Zuza, the latter in all her bright eyed, smiling glory, found Cassandra along with someone that at least Anders didn't expect to see. "Cassandra," Anders gave a nod. "And Mr. Bnar. I trust you are well? How is the urchin?"
"Oh, her...." the neti gathered his thoughts slowly. "She's attending an academy on Alderaan, getting an education."
Tir'eivra made a mental note as Aequitas mentioned their name, barely conscious enough to notice a tree person among trees. "Mister Bnar, a pleasure. I am Aphotis," the woman modulated her voice with her mask, to keep anyone from thinking it was strained, "Supreme Chancellor," Alaisy inclined her head at Cassandra. Her tail curled around her thigh, squeezing, trying to divert the pain elsewhere. It was to no avail, the suffering came from deep within her, like an itch she could not scratch. The taste on her tongue was no longer bitter, she was just left with a slight metallic flavor. Her mask hissed louder, pushing air into her lungs, cold sterile air. It made her want to cough, or sneeze, but the sensation simply prodded at her. With the dark side so distant from her, she was assaulted by wave after wave of self-depreciating thoughts. Fear gnawed at her. Alaisy pushed through, gritting her teeth, reminding herself that this was a far cry from the worst that she had been through. The Arconan Consul seemed all too cheerful with that smile on her face.
Not that the smile was particularly bright anymore, fading in the reality of what was ongoing here. It was a relief to see Cassandra was ok, if stressed, but there was something really off. She had only a weak connection to the Force but knew it was sapped away. Could feel the gap in her senses that had been present before her memory of being aware of it.
"Heya Ood, Cass." Zuza greeted, slipping her hands into her pockets, glancing between those gathered with a steadily increasing nervous energy.
As if sensing the nervous energy, the Neti smiled in an attempt to put his Consul at ease, "No worries milady, Messrs. Drip and Drop are still quite absent."
She continued to stare at the leaf on the plant, her finger running along it. With a slow steady inhale followed by a light exhale, she looked to the two scientists. "Leave us for a minute. Go check the cave and the forest entrance, see if things have changed any at all." They looked down at her, then each other, before they nodded in acknowledgement and began to leave.
Once they were out of earshot range, Cassandra slowly rose to her feet and turned to face the group. Her face looked worn down, as if she had not had a wink of sleep in at least 72 hours or more. At this point, it was most likely pure resolve that kept her going, which anyone who knew her knew that was something she clearly had in abundance.
"I expected to talk to you at the tower, not here." she briefly commented as she pulled her shirt back into place from being crouched. There was an air of frustration in her voice, with clear effort to maintain her vocal composure from shifting to anger. Before Anders could comment a single response, she instead lashed out. "You will stay quiet, Vice-Chancellor. And you will listen." With several steps she approached him, completely disregarding Alaisy and Zuza. "Do you have any idea what you have caused? Any idea? I trust you with one task which you confidently say you can do, after you specifically order me to remain on Kasiya. If their leader won't be present at the negotiations, no reason I should be. Your exact words."
She reached forward and forcefully poked his chestbone. "I trusted you, Anders. And the first thing you do is betray that trust. I ask you to take their ideals to mind, do what it takes to be respectful to give the best possible negotiation possible. The first person you invite along? That karking manaical megalomaniac. Then you assemble a team composed almost entirely of aliens, despite my warning otherwise."
Anders once again tried to interject, wanting to tell her what it was he came here for, but she cuts him off directly. "No. Not until I'm finished." she said, anger clearly visible but contained. With a moment of pause to make sure he was listening and not speaking, she continued. "Do you even know of the fallout I've had to personally handle since this occured?" In her pocket was a small datapad that she pulled out and shoved onto his chest for him to look at. "Video from the Dominion's Wrath. Security footage of the pyromaniac blowing a hole in the conference room, causing both officers and security personnel to be sucked into space along with himself. Footage of the shuttle crew opening fire on deck personnel, causing a lethal response in the main hangar bay. The aforementioned pyromaniac trying to blow the ship up by sabotaging an engine and overloading some of the electrical grid. Not to mention kidnapping and exorting a family on Trexxa before taking them away." "They're directing all of this at us, at me as if I coordinated it. The sad part? The senate half believes it. I'll be lucky if I keep my Chancellorship after this. I've already had emergency meetings with the Saijo Royal Family, and the Seitia President. And after meetings with the Administrative Council, I've had to relieve two Admirals and a Vice-Admiral due to complete incompetence. It was also decided..." "...to also relieve you of your Vice-Chancellorship. Which, was a unanimous vote by the way."
She turned to face away from Anders. "And before you ask, the vote in the senate was unanimous as well. They saw their hands as all but tied on this." Her expression as she turned her head back toward him was even more drained, her eyes and brow furrowed some. "The Taldryan Republic is now at war with Dalicron."
Aphotis followed the movement of Cassandra’s lips but was having difficulty comprehending the words. Behind her clear domed visor her black sclera turned reddish, her electric-blue iris greying out. When she ran her tongue over a tooth she could swear it moved. Vice-Chancellor, fired? Memorizing thoughts felt like pressing ill fitting puzzle pieces together. She crossed her arms over her chest, trying to ignore the building strain on her back.
"Do I have your permission to speak now?" Despite the verbal lashing he'd just received, he maintained his dignity. He stood up straight, arms folded behind his back with his head held up high.
Cassandra nodded in affirmation and crossed her arms in front of her. "You may now."
Zuza glanced slowly between the pair as each spoke. “Oh kark.” she thought to herself. She’d never heard Cass mad before.
"I acknowledge my shortcomings in this most recent endeavor. I relayed as much to Chancellor Na'trej of Chyron, should you wish to converse with him on the subject. The team was purposefully picked not just because they are aliens, though that was a particularly large reason as to why, but because they were capable of defending themselves." Anders took a deep breath and closed his eyes as in deep in thought.
"I will not lie to you, Cassandra. I fully expected hostilities to occur the moment they caught a glimpse of me. They attacked us first. They tried to asphyxiate us with dioxis gas, which led to the circumstances in the surveillance footage. That family we extorted? They were about to be executed before we intervened and they have agreed to testify in front of the Senate. So yes, whilst I acknowledge my own mistakes, I do not regret the result. War was inevitable. You did not see firsthand what we saw. Action must be taken. Justice must be served." A slight pause, one that could cut the tension with a knife. "However, I understand when I am unwanted. You will be delighted to know, Supreme Chancellor, that my assignment to Taldryan has been completed. I have no reason to remain. Since I am not needed, I will clear up the last of my personal business and leave the Republic imminently."
"I read your report, I'm aware of why you formed your team. And I'm aware of the actual story of what went down. However, a team of force sensitives from the OSI, or even pull from the Summit Guard, and you could have accomplished the exact same outcome of defense while balancing. And you and I both knew what that pyromaniac would do given even an ounce of opportunity. Which, probably did save you from a tractor beam attachment."
There was one more pause, as she had not yet dismissed him. "Yet, as much as I pains me, I acknowledge your...tactics. Because of that, you can return to your post as OSI Director. You are no diplomat, we both know this clearly at this stage, but...you have your ways. And those ways are useful."
She was starting to calm some and extended her hand. "Do you agree?"
Anders was honestly surprised. Most of his time working with Cassandra had involved them disagreeing on one matter or another. To hear her understand his motives and offer him a return to the OSI? Now that was something. He was halfway confident she would have kicked him out of the Caelus System the first chance she got. The Supreme Chancellor had thought this through. Perhaps, in some small way, he had influenced her thinking? A small smile appeared on his lips. "These parameters are acceptable. I shall remain until a time that I am summoned elsewhere." He placed a hand over his heart and gave a slight bow.
Zuza sighed slightly in relief, a slight amused look in her eyes at the summoned comment. She had a feeling as to what could summon him.
She nodded in affirmation. "Very good. Besides, if you can track me here despite the force issues present, your skills are extremely worthwhile." After glancing toward the cave ahead, she turned to move toward it. "I need to speak with the researchers, afterwards we will return to the tower." And with that, she was progressing away. Her right hand shaking and tightly in a fist.
Cassandra's hand did not go unnoticed, even through Alaisy's reddened vision. She let out a dry cough, coupled with the hissing of her mask. Trying to hold it back made it worse. “Good, let us hope this will be quick..” she thought as she struggled with the surroundings even more.
Zuza side glanced Alaisy. It was becomign clear something was wrong with the woman, though what was hard to determine through the mask and suit. She looked.. slicker than usual. “eurhg-” what a weird thought she had. She focussed forward, on Cassandra, following after her and noting the shaking hand. This was.. really bad.
Anders decided to ignore the shaking of Cassandra's fists. His keen eyes noticed her body language. Such a firm grip implied she was attempting to keep control of something she had little power over. "Very well. If we are done here, I have an... appointment to keep on Elysia." The newly reinstated director of the OSI spun on his heels and left before any further shenanigans could commence.
"Cass." Zuza spoke as they got further down the path, coming up beside the the taller woman, a slight frown on her face. "Is.. there anything you need? Even if just to talk, for a bit.."
"I'm frustrated, Zuz. It feels like everything is falling apart and as much as I want to banish him, the administration council refuses to let me," she starts as she continues towards a large mouthed cave. At this point, the force was completely 100% cut off from them. There were torches inside, lighting the path through. "That bastard Gungan wants to keep him close. I honestly don't know if I'm capable of conducting an entire war. I'm a diplomat, not a tactician." The other end of the cave was...strange. everything was covered in a grey mist, the trees and ground all grey colored. Limbs and branches were down, flora was grey colored as well, and the sky above was obscured by a white colored 'blanket' that covered it all. It was almost like a haunted forest.
Zuza grasped at the hem of her jacket, the Force being entirely cut off summoning a more than unpleasant memory of the last time she was on Kaisya. The sickness that had followed, how quiet the world was. And it truly was quiet here. It was thick on the air, suffocating. She had to resist the urge to whisper as if her throat itself was being constricted, "Arcona will provide what aid we can. Whatever aid that'll be accepted. Even if its only mine." Zuza hesistated before releasing her hand from her jacket and placing onto Cassandra's shoulder. "You aren't alone."
Cassandra turned and with a smile gave Zuza a tight hug. "Thank you. And I know I can't directly call upon you fully, at least not at this point. But..." She paused for a moment before looking at her with a grin. "...can I have the tree?"
Zuza returned the hug, letting Cass let go when she was ready and returning the smile with one of relief. She blinked, looking back in the direction of said tree and considering for a moment. "I don't think I could stop him from bein' here if its what he wants. If it is, just make sure to prune him every now and then so he doesn't redecorate the place." Her smile brightened with mirth, giving Cass a gentle nudge with her elbow.
“Of course, I’ll keep an eye on the amount of flora that starts to pop up…make sure it stays under control.” Cassandra responded. She glanced down as her datapad on her side began to chime and let out a sigh. “Well, time to head back for now. A politician’s day is never done.”
Zuza nodded in agreement, and the two left the researchers to their work as they returned back to the landing platform and departed from the Jagd Wastes.
With Anders relieved of his duties, Alaisy having stepped down as Governor after the debacle that occurred over Trexxa, and Ood now suddenly thrust into the spotlight as his replacement, already the Republic was gearing itself for war. The final approvals from the Senate had been given and Cassandra finalized the paperwork during their journey back with Zuza. The Taldryan Republic was now officially at war with the Human League, as much as they’d have rather avoided it.
One thing that did bring a slight amount of brightness to these darker days were the honoring of several individuals who stood out amongst the rest and had managed to accomplish things separately in their own way that benefitted the Republic. In the Chancellor’s conference room, with Ood and Meleu attending, stood Morax Darkblade, Jorm Na’trej, Centam Javik, Jade Hext, and General Zentru’la.
Ood was holding a metallic looking plate with objects that rested upon it and walked towards the five as Cassandra began to speak, moving first to Morax. “The five of you, despite the chaos of the field and the events that took place, did well to distinguish yourselves amongst the rest of your peers.”
Cassandra herself moved toward the group and took hold of one of the five medals, lifted it, and placed it down over Morax’s head. As she moved towards Jorm, she continued speaking. “I want to personally thank each and every one of you, as your selfless contributions were the reason things turned out as well as they did. You are the heroes of this day and have made both myself and the Republic immensely proud.”
She placed the second medal on Jorm’s head, followed by Centam, Jade, and lastly Zentru’la. The latter she also handed a credit chip, payment in full for his contributions as a mercenary.
“Thank you everyone.” she finally fished as she turned to face them once more as a group, Ood and Meleu at her side. The three bowed forward in respect to the group. “There will be a special banquet tonight in all of your honors, and I hope that you will attend.”
As the ceremony came to a close, outside of the room stood various senior officers of the military as well as the Administration Council, all waiting to meet with the Supreme Chancellor. Though it was a time for some celebration, there were other things that required consideration as well that were coming to light…
Prelude Campaign Outcomes
Republic Based Outcomes
Outcome I-III - Republic Opinion
The public opinion towards the Republic government is on the downturn, with some worried whether or not they can win this conflict. The overwhelming majority, however, still hold faith in Cassandra and the Senate’s governance and that they are capable of handling this situation. There is some worry and fear throughout the Republic, however, as the Human League is being considered a serious threat by the populace which largely demands action. Considered one of her bigger losses, Cassandra's opinion and personal morale is significantly lowered following the diplomatic team’s failure and the declaration of war. She knows this can be turned around however, and she needs to do it quickly to prevent things from becoming worse.
Outcome XIII - XV - Senate’s Opinion
The Senate was extremely agitated and furious with how the diplomatic mission was held, resulting in the ouster of Vice-Chancellor Anders. Despite their heavy opposition to the idea of war, with how things played out due to the mission itself, even the hardliners had no choice but to concede to the realization that war was now impossible to avoid. Cassandra herself faced significant criticism from the Senate and the Administration Council. One fact the three bodies did agree upon, however, was that they did not anticipate the amount of organization or preparation that the Human League had put into this trap, forcing them to look closer at their own organization efforts going forward.
Taldryan Military Based Outcomes
Outcome XVI - XVIII - Taldryan Republic Armed Forces Outcomes (Morale/Organization/Training)
Morale within the Taldryan Republic Armed forces has taken a significant hit, given the propagandic victory that the Human League managed to have over the Republic, in addition to the victory over Trexxa. While the option of entering the battle on Trexxa is still a possibility, organization efforts will need to be rekindled due to argument and dissent amongs the flag officers on how to respond to this new threat. Training efforts, luckily, have maintained at an appropriate level despite rumors spreading amongst the troops of how rough this war was likely to be.
Outcome XXV-XXVII - Taldryan Republic Naval Fleet Outcomes
Suffering defeats at the hands of organized pirate efforts along the Saijo and Dalicron lines, while also being unable to keep up with targeted strikes by them within the Seitia Sector, in addition to inadequate training initiatives and protocols, Fleet Admiral Estrix Naru was relieved of command and replaced by Admiral Raif Slaxton. Fleet Admiral Slaxton has a significant road ahead to restore the training efforts within the fleet and quell the large number of rumors and concerns spreading throughout the fleet about war. Another issue already on Slaxton’s plate is the disruption to the supply chains that keep the Fleet up to date, already causing moderate strike efficiency of their incursion forces to decline.
Outcome XXVIII-XXX - Taldryan Republic Armed Forces Outcomes (Rediness/Training Regimen/Supply Chain)
Despite everything that has occurred, War Marshal Lee Starr has maintained a tight ship in regards to the Armed Forces. Even with the morale hit and slip within organization efforts, within the units themselves training has actually improved given his determination and experience in leading the Armed Forces. Rediness slightly decreased, however, for the same reasons as the other units; concerns over how strong the Human League has been proving themselves. The supply chains that fuel and keep the Armed Forces strong have only minorly been disrupted, largely maintained near full efficiency.
Taldryan Republic Allies Outcomes
Outcome IV-VI - Seitia Federation’s Opinion
As an allied member of the Taldryan Republic, there is a considerable amount of worry and fear that is running through the Federation after what happened. Civilians are not looking favorably towards the Republic, with significant worry about what will come of this. The Federation President acknowledges that the operation was considered a failure, and his own morale lowered, he is optimistic that this can be turned around with a significant amount of time to do so. The Military, however, sees the events in the Frelos system negatively and looks down upon the Republic itself. They actively voice concerns if Seitia should even be getting involved in fears of what could come upon them should the Republic fail once more.
Outcome VII-IX - Saijo Kingdom’s Opinion
As an allied member of the Taldryan Republic, there is a considerable amount of worry and fear that is running through the Kingdom after what happened. Civilians are not looking favorably towards the Republic, with significant worry about what will come of this. The King of Saijo’s looks upon the Republic disfavorably, his own morale at an all-time low after what occurred. He truly wonders if the Republic is even capable of handling this properly, or if a change in leadership may be warranted. The Military, similarly, sees the events in the Frelos system negatively and looks down upon the Republic itself. They actively voice concerns if Saijo should even be getting involved in fears of what could come upon them should the Republic fail once more.
Human League Based Outcomes
Outcome X-XII - Human League’s Supply Chain
The Human League has managed to bolster their supply chain, with transfer rates between storage and the field at fairly strong levels with significant defenses. They are still, at least, able to be exploited with if approached carefully and with precise strikes. Its durability is quite significant as well, with only minor and occasional interruptions or hiccups within the supply chain. Because of the outcome the workers’ who maintain it and serve as the backbone of it are more efficient than usual, each eager to do their part.
Outcome XXXI-XXXIII - Human League Fleet Outcomes
Despite not capturing the diplomatic team, the soldiers and troops aboard the Anhinga Fleet ships that were present over Trexxa were celebrant over their otherwise victorious attempt at shooing them away. This has helped bolster the resolve and morale within other ships of the fleet, particularly within the command staff, and raised the confidence of most aboard the ships. That increased confidence has resulted in the crews working significantly harder, causing faster repair and maintenance times and stronger training programs for the naval troops. The fleet definitely is not something to be underestimated.
Outcome XL-XLII - Mestriphran Outcomes
The Mestiphran itself, fueled by Kael’s anger towards the Taldryan Republic after the events on Trexxa and especially on his flagship, has worked tirelessly to optimize its organizational status. Because of this, they are capable of deployment to all types of operations and theatres. The officers are significantly emboldened by Kael’s resolve, using any means necessary to ensure that the Mestiphran is capable of full readiness at all times and are willing to obey any order given to them to that end. The training efforts are brutal and punishing, but have shown great strides and results due to that. They have even began accepting Force Sensitives into their ranks as officers to counter any Jedi or Sith that may stand in their path as part of the new Mestiphran Inquisitorious Program.
Dalicron Sector Based Outcomes
Outcome XIX - XXI - DAC Forces
The DAC were dealt a decisive and significant defeat on Trexxa, with their leader being captured and his daughter being forced to take charge of the remnants that managed to escape into hiding until things calm down. Their overall strength has greatly diminished and while they worry about what the future is going to bring for them, the added support from the Taldryan Republic has resulted in them being optimistic that they can recover from this. They are highly appreciative of that support, and are confident that with a little time and consistent aid that they will be able to stand on their own two feet once more against the Human League.
Outcome XXXIV-XXXVI - Western Dalicron Outcomes
Despite the Human League’s victory in the Frelos system, the stability of the Western Dalicron systems has maintained itself fairly well and is significantly high. The rebellion still maintains a large foothold throughout the western sectors, but so does the Human League as it maintains control over the central sectors with a predominant foothold to move westward. Significant flashpoints and conflicts are occurring between the two areas.
Outcome XLIII-XLV - Northwestern Dalicron Outcomes
Similarly to Western Dalicron, the stability of this region is significantly high and has managed to maintain itself despite the power behind the Human League. The Human League maintains a solid foothold in these sectors, especially the mining worlds and platforms, while the rebellion only has a few footholds spread thinly throughout. Roughly half of the systems are rallying their support behind the Human League, making this a solid theatre to start from if the Taldryan Republic hopes to move against the League.
Outcome XXXVII-XXXIX - Human League’s Sector Grip Outcomes
Within the Eastern, Northern, and Southern reaches of Dalicron the Human League maintains a near-iron grip on an overwhelming majority of the systems. The rebellion itself has very few footholds and staging grounds, with almost none at all in the southern areas. It is primarily within the Western and Northwestern sectors that there is significant defiance still, with voices in the other areas more quiet in fear of retribution or being acted against. There is still some faith and hope, however, that the rebellion, the Taldryan Republic, and its allies will be able to free them.
Seitia/Dalicron Sector Border Outcomes
Outcome XXII-XXIV - Neutral Zone/Supply Line Defensive Outcomes
The defensive lines within the Neutral Zone that now separates Seitia from Dalicron has taken significant beatings from Human League incursion forces and pirates that both have tried to get through and disrupt things within the Seitia sector. Pirate attacks have significantly increased and placed stress on the supply lines within the sector as well as between sectors, slightly reducing rearming and restocking efforts between the Taldryan Republic and its allies. The southern areas of the Dalicron border inside the neutral zone are heavily defended by the Human League, with minimal odds of any incursion being able to occur there; with Saijo focusing a portion of their own fleet to defend their end of the neutral zone on that front.
Outcome XLVI-XLVIII - Pirate/Mercenary Outcomes
The pirates have had a field day with the constant skirmishes between the Dalicron, Seitia, and Saijo Sectors. While some would consider it cocky, the pirates have largely begun to align with the Human League as they see the biggest opportunities for profit as well as their own advancement, focusing their efforts against Taldryan and its allies. Despite that, their forces are roughly at 50% of their maximum possible power which prevents them from head-on assaults against Taldryan or allied forces but more than enables them to strike tactically against supply lines.
Campaign Supplemental Information
Initial Launch Information
Prelude Intro Fiction - The Senate
Sins of an Empire: Prelude Crawl
Text-version of the Prelude Crawl
Outcome Tracker Spreadsheet
Full Outcome Listing By Participation Threshold
Competition Hub
Sins of an Empire: Prelude Master Container
Special Thanks
Locale choice and Denosianism concept created by Vodo Biask.
Frelos system and Dalicron Excavation Conglomerate designed by Meleu Karthdo.
Palikir City theatre designed by Meleu Karthdo.
Prelude story written by Cassandra Oriana Taldrya.
Roleplay story written by Cassandra Oriana Taldrya.
Directed and Co-Organized by: