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Post by Manah on Aug 7, 2019 17:41:12 GMT -5
PROLOGUE III
WHERE LOYALTIES LIE
(Baran Dur) A lone shuttle came out of Hyperspace, after a relatively short trip from the Star Destroyer Interrogator. Within its hull, in one of the seats, was Baran Dur, an Inquisitor and Imperial Interrogation specialist, along with the shuttle's crew, and Lieutenant Merrif, an insufferable and arrogant officer from the very ship the shuttle was heading for... the Star Dreadnought Executor, flagship of the legendary Death Squadron... the sinister silhouette of which they could already see against the stars as the shuttle made its approach. Dur himself was fairly sure this lieutenant was a test in and of himself, sent on this mission for the sole purpose of testing his tolerance and respect of Lord Vader's authority. The human officer was heavily condescending, clearly hated non-humans, and was visibly annoyed having been ordered to 'babysit' an alien. Vader's dislike of Dur's commander, High Inquisitor Tremayne, was no secret to anyone who knew them both, and while it seemed like he had noticed something in the Talortai, it seemed he still intended to make sure he had picked the right man. For Baran Dur had been invited on the Executor by Vader himself personally, an unheard of request among the Inquisitors. He was to be offered a place among one of the Sith Lord's elite teams, whose task, as he had heard, was quite similar to his own. To track down and locate Rebel insurgents, possibly even their hidden base, so that the full might of the Empire could be brought down upon them and finally destroy them. "Finally back", Merrif said impatiently as the shuttle entered one of the massive capital ship's hangars. "...And not a moment too soon. Come along. You do not want to keep Lord Vader waiting", he said as the shuttle landed, its landing platform extending. The man got up and walked out, not waiting to see if the Inquisitor was behind him, to meet with another officer waiting for Dur, an older officer flanked with four Stormtroopers.
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Post by psychoboy on Aug 7, 2019 19:27:00 GMT -5
Oh, humans. Always so impatient. Honestly, while Merrif was particularly insufferable, Baran Dur had never been a stranger to imbecilic humans. It seemed to be their default. Granted, there were exceptions; of particular note was the man who had summoned him, Lord Vader, who Dur did have great respect for, despite his unfortunate human attribute.
Seriously, why hadn't the Chosen One been a Talortai? They were extremely Force-sensitive, and had even prophesied his coming long before those foolish old Jedi. Dur had come to the conclusion that the impatience of humans was what had made them the ideal vessel for a child of the Force. The Talortai were too passive, too patient, content to wait out their days on their home planet. Humans were far more easily stirred to action.
Why, take Merrif, here. Both he and Baran knew who was the more important man, and Baran was pretty sure that he outranked the Lieutenant. Only pretty sure, of course; he didn't really care much for Imperial ranks. "I'm sure Lord Vader has enough on his mind that he will not mind if we arrive a few minutes later," he told the Lieutenant. Granted, he was anxious to see Vader, as well, but it was fun to watch humans squirm.
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Post by Manah on Aug 20, 2019 19:30:27 GMT -5
The lieutenant glared at the Inquisitor, visibly boiling under his skin.
"Why, you... know your place, you blasted-"
"That will be all, lieutenant", the older officer interrupted dryly. "I will take it from here."
The livid man took a deep breath, stepping back. "...Hmph. Fine. My apologies, commander."
"Dismissed", the older man said, inviting Dur to walk with him and the Stormtrooper escort. "...Please forgive the lieutenant, Inquisitor Dur. His... diplomacy skills are not what landed him his rank", he said with a smirk as they walked to the turbolift. "I am Commander Rourke, from the Reaper, another ship of the squadron. The reason for my presence here will be explained soon enough; in the meantime, let us head over to our appointment with Lord Vader."
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Post by psychoboy on Aug 20, 2019 19:39:34 GMT -5
Baran followed gladly, thankful to be working with a more professional man than the idiot he'd been forced to travel here with. "That's quite alright, Commander. I understand that your selection of ideal candidates for Imperial advancement is somewhat... limited." To humans, and usually humans from Coroscant with noble lineage. Baran Dur HATED the Emperor's racist policies, not out of any altruistic belief in the "inherent equality of all sentient life forms," but out of resentment of the fools who gained power and wealth as a result.
No, Baran. Expel those thoughts from your mind. No doubt Lord Vader will see them, and he is fiercely loyal to the Emperor. For some reason. He's calling it now: someday, Lord Vader will kill that old fool himself.
No! Expel! "A pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm sure Lord Vader is eager to begin the meeting. We'd best not keep him waiting."
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Post by Manah on Sept 5, 2019 13:39:31 GMT -5
"We have plenty of competent officers", he said, smiling. "We just happen to have dealt with the exception to the rule", he said, as they got into the turbolift, making their way to the meeting room of the Imperial dreadnought.
Minutes later, they made it to said room, where two men were waiting for them. Lord Vader himself, and Admiral Piett, the ship's commanding officer.
"Good to see you, Inquisitor Dur, Commander Rourke... please, have a seat", Piett said, gesturing at the chairs before them.
"We were just in the process of discussing your new... assignment", Vader added.
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Post by psychoboy on Sept 5, 2019 21:19:21 GMT -5
"I'm well aware," Baran said, as he followed Commander Rourke into the turbolift. "All I'm saying is you could afford to expand your horizons somewhat." He followed Rourke into the meeting room, instantly bowing his head in deference to Lord Vader upon seeing his noble visage.
Upon Piett giving him the all-clear, Baran moved to sit at the table, hardly able to contain his awe. Fortunately, the Talortai were a disciplined race, and he was able to maintain his composure quite well. "Yes, of course... the new assignment. I've been aching to hear the details."
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Post by Manah on Oct 6, 2019 0:06:19 GMT -5
The commander sat down as well, as Piett began explaining.
"As you no doubt know, the destruction of the Death Star was a severe blow to the Empire, and the Rebels have proven themselves surprisingly talented at escaping detection and capture by the usual means of Imperial Intelligence. In response to this problem, the Emperor has requested the creation of various teams of elite personnel, under the leadership of Lord Vader and the Grand Admiral Thrawn, whose duties are to investigate any signs of possible Rebel activity. The idea being that smaller teams of specialists may be able to get closer to our targets than entire fleets of the Imperial Army."
Vader glanced at the Inquisitor. "...Due to... unfortunate events, a position has been freed in one of my teams. High Inquisitor Tremayne has spoken highly of your capabilities, and I decided to extend an offer to you. If you accept, however, know that you will not serve as an Inquisitor again anytime soon. You will be a full time agent of mine, answering to no one but me and a few specific officers, Admiral Piett here included."
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Post by psychoboy on Oct 6, 2019 7:51:05 GMT -5
Baran nodded in comprehension. The Death Star project had taken a significant amount of imperial time, money, and resources. It was more than just a superweapon; it was far too many eggs in one basket. The Rebellion had gone from a minor nuisance to a major thorn in the Emporer's side since that fateful day it had been destroyed; Bar an agreed it was time to prioritize hunting them down.
"Very well, my lord," he said, bowing low to Vader. "I have greatly valued my time as one of your Inquisitors, but I understand the gravity of this task. I will do my utmost to bring this rebel scum to justice however you see fit."
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Post by Manah on Oct 20, 2019 11:20:10 GMT -5
"Excellent", the dark, armored figure said, "I will be monitoring your results... very closely."
Piett nodded. "...Very well. In that case, you will be reassigned to 'The Reaper', under the command of Vice-Admiral Wray Dresden, a fellow member of your new team. A shuttle is being readied as we speak, and I'm told your quarters are already awaiting your arrival on the Destroyer. Any questions?"
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Post by psychoboy on Oct 21, 2019 6:49:29 GMT -5
When an imperial officer asks if there are any questions, he is really testing the recruit. One question asked to show that a man was not paying attention, and you could find your career taking a serious blow. Usually, no questions is the safest bet, but Baran has a relatively safe one: "I would like a briefing on who else will be on this team with me, that I may work with them more effectively."
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Post by Manah on Dec 13, 2019 23:46:27 GMT -5
"I am positive you will be introduced personally to them soon enough", Piett said, "but if you must know beforehand, you will be joining former Zeison Shaw warrior Sindor Krow and Sith apprentice Naijix Morha, who were both trained personally by Lord Vader. Then there is Vice-Admiral Wray Dresden, the commanding officer of the Star Destroyer 'The Reaper', your new base of operations... and a Hutt Mandalorian by the name of Zorto, of the Belsiac Kajidic. All of them quite talented individuals in their respective fields", the Admiral explained.
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Post by psychoboy on Dec 14, 2019 14:12:37 GMT -5
Sith apprentice? Not an inquisitor? Baran quickly composed himself, not wanting to show weakness, but he was extremely confused. There were only ever allowed to be two Sith at one time, no? A master and an apprentice. Emperor Palpatine was the master, and Lord Vader the apprentice; so how did this Sindor Krow character fit into events? And then... a Hutt Mandalorian? The Hutts were not known to be a combative race, their large frames and slow movement making it far more advisable to pursue avenues in criminal enterprises than a life of bounty hunting. What had driven this one in such a wildly different direction?
No, he shouldn't ask questions. That would only show weakness. Baran was sure that whatever the circumstances, the Sith apprentice and Hutt Mandalorian were perfectly legitimate. "I see. I look forward to working with all of them." He kneeled obediently. He supposed he shouldn't judge; after all, he was far from "normal" himself, as a Talortai intricately involved with the doings of the Empire. Clearly this was a unique group Lord Vader was assembling; one he should not question.
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Post by Manah on Jan 3, 2020 12:51:57 GMT -5
(OOC: Side note, I own two different Star Wars RPGs, and neither gives penalties for Hutts who want to learn Acrobatics-related skills except for a lowered Dexterity. I don't know why, but imagining a Hutt doing a backflip always made me very happy. XD)
"Well, if that is all... accompany the Commander to his shuttle, which will bring you to the Reaper. Your personal belongings have already been transfered aboard the ship, you should be able to meet your new team shorly", Piett explained as the Dark Lord simply observed them - more specifically, him - in silence. "Thank you, Commander Rourke, Inquisitor Dur... you are dismissed."
"Yes, Admiral", Rourke said simply, getting up and leaving the room.
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Post by psychoboy on Jan 3, 2020 14:59:39 GMT -5
(Huh. I gotta admit, I didn't know that. That's pretty hilarious.)
"I would humbly request to be known as Inquisitor Baran, Admiral," he said as he got up. "As a matter of personal preference." He moved to leave, as directed, heading to the Reaper. A thrill of excitement washed over him, as the ship came into view; he was to undertake a glorious new mission, and doubtless secure untold honors!
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Post by Manah on Feb 4, 2020 0:26:10 GMT -5
OOC: Alright, let's end this short, temporary intro and get you in the main game. Take 1 LoE for the intro itself, plus 1 more for good roleplay.
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