Governor's Gambit - Star Wars SI into Imperial Governor

[Yacov]

Omake: LEERROOOOY JEENKIIIINS!

POV: SK-215, veteran Stormtrooper, hinterlands outside of Edinspire, Edin

SK-215 glowered at the civilians trying to play soldier. He didn't spend 10 years as a Stormtrooper just to be tied down by barely trained militia. They mocked the profession by having to rely on these PADs and poor facsimiles of proper Stormtrooper armor to even come within a fraction to their elite standards.

This showed in them having brought two hundred troops in comparison to SK-215's elite unit of fifty. They hadn't even bother to segregate their units by gender. Their discipline and unit cohesion must be in shambles.

Some of the civilians had even tried to talk to SK-215 after the briefing, revealing their lack of training. What naive fools! Don't they know our communications are monitoring to prevent such frivolous and distracting wastes of time?

Officially, this was to be a joint operation to "foster cooperation between local forces and newly stationed Imperial troops". Personally, SK-215 thought this might be some back scratching going on between the Captain and the Governor. Family ties do still hold in the Imperial military as our blood makes us strong.

Still, this was the Captain's orders. It was the core of Stormtrooper doctrine to always follow and complete their superior's orders. Shame it was costing some of SK-215's pride to babysit these civilians on this operation. At least this will help shake off the men's rust from being stationed at Scarif.

The target was an outpost of pirate scum. True to their nature they have set up in Dump Basin, an area where all the planet's previous power brokers would dump their toxic waste. They probably thought the pools of toxins and fumes would protect them.

The initial advance after disgorging from the K79-S80s lasted until the sentries spotted our freshly polished white armor. Suppressing fire was swiftly given even a the cost of a few pained grunts behind SK. Eventually his unit made it to the outpost wall.

Looking back SK could only shake his helmet in disappointment. The civilians were still hunkering down dragging both their and his wounded to give treatment. He could see one stormtrooper desperately grasping at his blown open helmet trying to keep the bad air from getting in.

Truly only the Stormtrooper Corps had the strength of will to do what was necessary to achieve the mission. While the civilians wasted their time trying to save lives, SK and his men prepared their grappling hooks for the real work of claiming the walls.

As they climbed the outpost's wall SK thought he'd heard a snap. Probably one of the grappling hooks got corroded from the fumes. No matter, it is on that trooper's failure to maintain his equipment.

SK's men quickly dispatched the sentries once they finished their ascent. The courtyard was secured shortly after due to securing the high ground. Their connected HUDs and training allowing them to coordinate their fire with lethal precision.

Taking up breach formation in record time they broke into the main building. Opening the door revealed a burst of blaster bolts emerging from the opening. Suppressing fire and detonators silenced the deluge.

Sparing a moment to notice a trooper clutching his leg, SK ordered the rest of his men forward to clear the structure. From there it was a textbook example of an Imperial assault. Having secured every room, SK gathered his unit.

"Sound off! How many have fallen behind?"

The chorus of cries had revealed that number had been seven. An acceptable outcome for a skirmish of this size. Truly none could compare to the might of the Stormtrooper Corps.

——
Stormtrooper doctrine: great at winning individual fights, not so great at long term force retention. Part of the reason you don't want your entire army comprised of assault troops. That ignoring battlefield casualties thing is actually a core part of Stormtrooper doctrine.

Crossposted on SB and SV

 

[Yacov]

Omake: Traditonal Thinking

POV Governor Fotz, Duradun, Myto Sector

Fotz glared out the reinforced window as she surveyed her domain. Not even Duradun's gorgeous ocean view could keep the latest setback in her inevitable rise to prominence from weighing on her mind.

Fotz's application to join that new Guild making waves around the Myto sector had been rejected. Her august charisma proved insufficient for them to recognize her as one of their betters. They even had the gall to use the excuse that her planet had "unfriendly business practices".

Really! Does that upstart Las not know she is Governor Fotz? Her innovative agrarian reforms were praised by the sector capital for her commitment to sustainability. Demolishing those wasteful green spaces and redirecting the Khil's exuberance away from the unstable tourism industry towards productive and reliable aquaculture was lauded as a stroke of genius.

Case in point. Fotz spotted yet another Shad'ruu war barge from her patrons come to visit her domain. No doubt come to fill their cargo bays with Duradun's galaxy renowned fish and "land squids". Honestly, those Khil learn to walk on two feet and suddenly they think they are equal to a pure blooded Imperial, those arrogant cretins.

Her patrons were so impressed with Duradun's quality that they even offer Fotz gifts. Those Dunelizard medium fighters would do wonders in defending Duradun's borders in the black. Covering such minor tasks would free up her TIEs to engage in crucial objectives such as finding and bombarding unsanctioned domiciles in Duradun's few archipelagos.

Thinking about fighters brought Fotz back to her current predicament. She had hoped to replace her aging Bayonet with one of those Gladiators Minda was rumored to begin building. Unfortunately jealously towards Fotz's brilliant methods of governance had stymied those efforts.

Nevertheless, Fotz had secured alternatives means to acquire cruisers. Thankfully her patrons had come through for her yet again. They had informed that they could acquire not one, but five cruisers through their contacts for a fraction of the price of a Gladiator.

Let those fools prance around with their mere Gladiators. Her new ships had taken the worst the Clone Wars could have thrown at them and came out sparkling like new. Soon they will stand in awe at Governor Fotz's mighty fleet spearheaded by her invincible Citadel Class Cruisers!

——
This Omake spawned by the debate over the past while in the thread about cruisers. How Las could have missed such an obvious choice as the ILH-KK Citadel-class civilian cruiser, I don't know. Pirates tremble at its 36 meters of grit and determination.

Crossposted on SB and SV

 

[Yacov]

Omake: Succession Salon

POV: Lady Foljoll, Dubrillion, Lady Foljoll's beachside estate, afternoon

"Here is your vintage Algarian Wine, Lady Foljoll."

Lady Foljoll took the tiny glass drink from the bowing pool boy. Her Twilek servant had always had the most impeccable timing, and appearance. Having that tailor make traditional swimwear of Ryloth was worth every credit.

"I say Lady Foljoll, what do you think of Moff Hiral's ambitions?"

Thoughts of disporting with the servantry put aside, it was back to the main topic of the gossip this afternoon. Hiral thought he was being subtle, but everyone properly connected and with a care for politics knew he was aiming to rise above his current station. Perhaps what happened to Moff Wasti showed him the dangers of stagnation.

"Whether the Moff succeeds or fails, Madam Offesco, I fear we will be looking for a new Moff soon, and all the chaos that brings."

Wasti's swift removal had caused no end of short term problems. Back door deals to be renegotiated, bribes and "gifts" to be sent, favorable patrol routes for the Fleet to be arranged, events to organize in the new Moff's honor. Foljoll's Artist Association had made a mint booking all the sudden venues.

Plenty of the Families of the sector had scrambled to maintain their existing influence, while even more looked to usurp their rivals. No one was looking to go through all that business again. This made a candidate with a known policy accompanied by a smooth transition from the previous regime something welcomed by most.

"True, true. As much as I would prefer a more local and prestigious candidate, that Mola boy seems to Hiral's chosen successor."

Madam Offesco's humph did little to hide her disdain. She was the type of woman who would only embrace a candidate firmly under her high heels. It was no surprise the Offescos would especially dislike Las becoming Moff. Their family had their fat fingers in luxury food production across the sector.

There wasn't a dinner party or banquet that they didn't help cater. The food industry had always been in a position of high esteem in Dubrillion. Going all the way back to the Sacking, as any Offesco will recount at the slightest prompting.

However the rise of Minda and their freeholder style of agriculture changed things. Suddenly the traditional slave plantations on the worlds of Offesco's allies seemed inefficient and unfashionable in the face of Minda and Guild's productivity through free labor and industrialization. That the Offescos' efforts to snake their way into the Guild have been consistently stymied probably only caused their frustrations to mount.

"Ah yes Governor Las. Proper stock from Eriadu I heard. Not any family of true significance, but that may change after the pruning the other Families in the Galactic South suffered at that debacle on Yavin."

Whether through shrewd manipulation or sheer dumb luck. The Mola matriarch and the Governor's sisters were all noticeably absent from Yavin despite it being Tarkin's pride and joy. Even Captain Shal, who was embroiled in scandal as a result, was given a slap on the wrist and sent to the Mola stronghold in Minda.

"I suppose it's better than a lowborn or worse, an alien. Speaking of stock, did you hear of the latest news from Minda? A whole new species has been discovered on one of their life bearing worlds. Some people have all the luck I say. A whole new source of farm tools for the fields falls right into the Molas' laps."

Lady Foljoll nods, agreeing with the sentiment if not the delivery. The Empire might give a freer hand in espousing humanity's superiority, however Las and his Guild took a more… multicultural approach. Never know when a word said loosely might be picked up by bent ears.

"I-I heard that there is over half a million of this new species down there. That's going to push Minda even further if they can integrate them."

Miss Omis had finally deigned to join the conversation. Although her reluctance was understandable. Every salon season, the dowagers and matriarchs always picked a pretty young thing to use as a chew toy. Miss Omis had the misfortune of being this year's victim.

"Half a million is not an insubstantial number. Add in all that growth Minda has undergone and that system will have already reached 1/20th the size of Dubrillion and still have room for more."

It was an impressive rise in such a short period. Whether Minda would keep growing at that rate would remain to be seen. Although if Las can play sector politics well, who knows? Perhaps Dubrillion can finally have a proper peer in the sector.

"I suppose that means you will join the gaggle of fawning dandies and dainties sucking up to the up and comer, Miss Omis? The Omis family have mastered the art of having one's hat in their hands."

Offesco's remark was scathing, but not inaccurate. The Omis were New Blood, not even three generations since their debut to high society. They always tried championing improving the standard of education in the sector. Willing to bow and scrap at any foot or hoof that had a chance to fund their projects. Unfortunately such projects often dried up in credits when the sponsors grew bored of it after a year or two.

"W-well, the Omis have been in talks about our world joining the Guild. The requirements are not too burdensome for us, a-as we actually pay our workers."

Was that actually an attempt at a retort? Oh that was just precious. It might have been a tad more impactful if Miss Omis didn't trip over her words. Although judging by Madam Offesco's complexion, the quality of the insult was not a factor.

"Listen here you little bint! Las' light hand will bring ruin to his realm! Anarchy is about to descend upon Minda due to him being unwilling to muzzle and leash those non-sentients like he is supposed to!"

Lady Foljoll's couldn't help but sigh as the Madam stormed off. Madam Offesco was always too harsh on the peons, and that's why Lady Foljoll invited these two to her estate this afternoon. She had seen photos of the new species, and they look adorable. Perhaps she can secure another servant for her collection. They would look lovely with a giant pink bow.

Filing away the day's freshly won bit of blackmail, she turned to the stunned and stammering little morsel. Resting her hand on Miss Omis' shoulder like her mother always used to do.

"Now that was a fair bit of excitement. Are you alright? Madam Offesco can be a bit heated about her family's business."

The shivering little animal took the perceived reassurance to collect herself. Taking a deep breath to regain her wits.

"Yes Lady Foljoll, I just hope this won't cause trouble for my family. We really need the Guild's support and the coming meeting can't have any issues."

Ooooh, look at that dejected face of despair. Lady Foljoll supposes she could lend Mrs Omis her support in making introductions. If only to get her family to stop yammering at every gathering they attend and store up another hook for the day.

"I would be happy to assist, Miss Omis. Consider it a way for this host to make up for a guest being exposed to such unpleasantness. Speaking of which, let's have something to wash it down. Pool boy!"

Besides, this could be her chance to get in the good graces of the coming regime. Art and education do go hand in hand after all.

——
A look into how the Sector's movers and shakers might be reacting to Las' potential Moffhood. Star Wars' upper class is very generationally concentrated. The main Rags to Riches story we get in the setting is Anakin, and he spends most of the prequels being manipulated, seduced, or verbally smacked down by people with millennia of lineage behind them. Is it any wonder he goes around killing the same kind of people when he's in his Vader phase?

Crossposted on SB and SV

 

[Yacov]

Omake: A Report on the Theoretical MSDF Auxiliary Unit: The Verndari Heavy Troopers

Introduction

With the integration of Minda-2's native population into the Empire, the question of how to form a PDF to defend the planet was one of the natural next steps. Eventually it was determined that since the MSDF was a defense force for the Mindan system as a whole, that any non-Imperial army or naval formations raised on Minda-2 would fall under their jurisdiction and therefore be their responsibility.

The result of this conclusion was the creation of the Vendari Heavy Troopers. A third line formation to improve cohesion and coordination between the local national militaries and the Imperial military. This planetary formation was mainly tasked with defending Minda-2 from external and internal dangers against Imperial assets and civilians, engaging in search and rescue operations, and hunting down the enemies of the Empire who sought to find a haven in Minda-2's jungles.

Armor

Some debate was held to determine how to armor the Verndari. it was eventually agreed that the Swamp Trooper armor for Imperial Army troopers would serve as the base for the Vendari Heavy Troopers.

After the armor's design and some samples were procured, the Mindan R&D, being an old hat at designing infantry armor, quickly designed a cheap resize and refit package to fit the Vendari's larger frame. The result was something less capable than the Generalist Mk. 2 Stormtrooper armor, but still an improvement over what the Imperial Army enlisted had to work with.

These days the armor suits are well liked by the Vendari Heavy Troopers. The extra environmental protections and increase of the armor's range of motion compared to the Swamp Trooper armor were the biggest positives listed.

Note: There has been a trend of various stylizations, paint jobs, and touch ups that have left many an armorer frustrated. The reasons given by Heavy Troopers are often to show cultural ties or to blend into the environment better. The increase in discipline from forbidding these alterations was determined by Command to not be worth the loss in morale as long as said alterations were kept within reason and didn't impact the armor's performance or recognition as Imperial armor.

Main weapons

There was a short but fierce argument over what the main armament for the Vendari Heavy Troopers would be. Given the jungle terrain and other close combat engagements they would often have to deal with, a standard blaster rifle was ruled out. A blaster shotgun was proposed, but eventually the proposal faltered and a blaster carbine was chosen as the main blaster type.

Looking through what was easily accessible in the nearby Sectors' stores, the military planners eventually came across the DLS-12 Heavy Blaster Carbine. These things were highly popular at the end of the Clone Wars and the Republic purchased them by the freighter load. However most of these weapons would never see the frontlines as the war ended shortly after their purchase.

Unfortunately the carbine fell out of favor with the rise of the Empire. The heavy firepower did not make up for the bulkiness when used by the average sentient. This left large stores in Imperial armories that persist even after two decades of auctions being held to try and get rid of the excess stock.

It was hoped that the Vendari's larger frame would make wielding the normally cumbersome carbine easier for them. In addition diverting excess stockpiles to a minor and less suspected PDF formation would allow for more storage space for more advanced and preferred weaponry.

Heavy/specialist weapons

Although the standard armor and weapon had been chosen, questions still remained over what specialists to assign the Vendari Heavy Troopers and what to equip them with. A blaster carbine is not suited to tackle every challenge a trooper squad would face after all.

It was determined early in the debate that a heavy trooper squad should probably have a heavy weapons specialist. The main weapon chosen for this role was the FC-1 Flechette Launcher.

The weapon weighed in at 20 kg and was deemed appropriate in engaging in a wide variety of combat situations due to its dual ammo types. The anti personnel rounds were referred to as "swarm reaper" rounds while the anti vehicle rounds would known as "giant killer" rounds. These names were given due to how often the heavy weapons specialist use them on Minda-2's native fauna.

——

Although the DLS-12 carbine might have a higher rate of fire than the average blaster pistol, there is something to be said for having a role dedicated solely to suppressing fire. The main weapon of this heavy gunner role was a bit difficult given the close quarters nature of the Heavy Troopers.

The procurement officers finally settled on the Underslung Rotary Blaster Carbine for the role. What the light repeating blaster lacked in accuracy due to only being able to be fired from the hip, it made up in rate of fire and sheer suppression potential.

Note: It was determined by Command that wielding two Underslung Rotary Blaster Carbines at once did little to increase the combat effectiveness of an individual heavy gunner. This has not stopped reports of heavy gunners attempting to duel wield them from cropping up. Please report any further sightings to your superiors.

——

The Vendari came in with a request for a melee weapon with which they could utilize their combat knowledge and experience gained prior to their integration into the Empire. The request was deemed sensible by Command and the weapon chosen was a mass production version of the Force Pike.

The Force Pike was relatively light for a two handed weapon at 7 kg. Those with experience and skill can use a Force Pike effectively can often deal rapid and precise strikes.

Those who wield Force Pikes among the Vendari Heavy Troopers are known as Vendari Spear Troopers. They are usually recruited from the more rural communities on Minda-2. Respected for their CQC skills and bravery in battle, a Spear Trooper will often be seen leading a given ambush or a charge.

Note: While throwing the Force Pike may no longer automatically result in disciplinary action, failure to retrieve said Force Pike after utilizing it as a ranged weapon does still carry fines and other consequences.

Sub weapons

Given the lower tech level and varied cultures of Minda-2, it should come as no surprise that a variety of unique cultural affiliated weapons exist on the planet. These traditional Vendari weapons, although inferior to Imperial made equivalents, carry significant morale value to the Vendari Heavy Troopers.

As a result, Command has giving permission to utilize these weapons provided the Heavy Trooper in question can demonstrate enough mastery to not bring down the combat effectiveness of their squad. This is taken by the Heavy Trooper in question as a challenge to improve the mastery of their chosen weapon even further in order to prevent it from being taken away.

Significant amounts of a Heavy Trooper's off time may be devoted to training with their chosen weapon or obtaining upgrades for it. This is seen as a benefit by Command as it focuses the Heavy Trooper's attention towards better serving the Empire.

——

Given the tight quarters Heavy Troopers find themselves in, most if not all carry a hunting knife as a holdout weapon and a utility tool. Although give the larger frame of the Vendari, it can appear to most sentients to be a small short sword in size. Engraving the handle of the knife is common practice among the Heavy Troopers. One can often find specialists who do custom engravings close by where the Heavy Troopers are stationed.

——

One of the more uncommon weapons in the Vendari Heavy Troopers' arsenal was the RL-40 stun net launcher. This is meant to provide the Heavy Trooper with a dedicated range stun option they lacked with most of their other weapons.

This weapon is usually kept by an officer or a chosen Heavy Trooper in a squad. However further RL-40s may be distributed to Heavy Troopers should an objective of a mission include the live capture of prisoners or fauna. The Heavy Troopers' themselves view the RL-40 more as a tool for hunting rather than a weapon.

——

One of the more unpopular weapons in the Vendari Heavy Troopers' arsenal is the humble blaster pistol. Given its status as an emergency holdout weapon, there is no standard model. Usually a Heavy Trooper is given whatever blaster pistol is available in the armory.

The source of this unpopularity is the Vendari's distaste for the look, size, and lack of firepower of most blaster pistols. They are seen as weapons for children and weaklings due to their diminutive size and capability when compared to a Vendari's frame.

This prejudice is compounded by the fact that a lot of budget conscious quartermasters for the Vendari formation see the DLS-12 as the answer to most if not all situations a blaster pistol could be useful for. This results in the quartermasters acquiring the cheapest and least powerful blaster pistols in order to save costs, reinforcing the bias among the Heavy Troopers.

A Heavy Trooper being seen wielding a blaster pistol in combat can be a source of mockery by one's fellow Heavy Troopers, despite Command's discouragement of the practice. It is to the point that some Heavy Troopers will resort to their hunting knives or even their fists when deprived of their main weapons rather than pulling out their pistols.

Note: Command's stance on the matter is clear. Despite the leeway given in other matters, every Heavy Trooper must possess a functioning blaster pistol in good repair in their kit. Officers who are found to have multiple Heavy Troopers under their command without blaster pistols during inspection will be punished alongside their squad.

Conclusion

National Vendari formations are still present on Minda-2, and Imperial formations like Stormtroopers still patrol and guard the more vital Imperial installations. However, the Vendari Heavy Troopers are increasingly becoming the main face for the Imperial presence on Minda-2. It is hopeful that the Heavy Troopers will eventually come take over a majority of duties currently being done by the former two.

——

This is the result of the jungle warfare debate in the thread and imagining what a PDF for the Vendari using Imperialized tech could possibly look like. Turns out it is a mix of scrambling due to unexpected third line procurement order, "techno barbarity", soldiers being soldiers, and digging through old Imperial stockpiles like they were bargain bins at a thrift store looking for gear that is either cheap, in large quantities, and/or from brands that have fallen out of Imperial favor like Golan Arms.

Crossposted in SB and SV

 

[Yacov]

Omake: A Compromise of Ideals

POV: Governor Inhabilis, Nequam Prime, Nequam system, Myto sector, Governor's Office

"So Governor Inhabilis, do we have a deal?"

The Governor struggled not to glare at the alien. This was aided by staring at the stack of flimsi that felt like it was sucking out his soul. The howling bitter winds outside his office window a correlation of his mood. He struggled to dredge up a smidge of gratitude.

"The Empire appreciates the Guild's assistance in this small matter."

It was a small matter to the Empire, but it was a crisis to him and the planet of Nequam. This world was settled because of rumors of Borium had attracted the interest of the Empire. Unfortunately after years of prospecting under his leadership, not a trace of the mineral was found.

"Now about what we will want in return for Nequam becoming a Guild-affiliated world."

And here's the catch. Despite styling themselves as an Imperial organization, these parasites were still just the Trade Federation disguised in an Imperial surcoat. If it wasn't for Nequam's need, Inhabilis would not be caught dead working with these cretins.

His Grandfather was one of the first captains to fight those corporate parasites when they sought to bring ruin to the Core. His mother was the first one to fire upon those perfidious Jedi when they tried to escape in shuttles after their failed coup on Coruscant. The commendation his mother received in the mail from the Emperor himself is still mounted above the fireplace in their family home. Yet now here he is, seeking out those same breed of disloyal and two-faced curs his family fought so diligently against for support.

"Spare me the platitudes and name your price for preventing my people from starving."

That was the issue that had crippled Inhabilis' governorship. Resupply for Nequam had been suffering crippling delays as of late. The Imperial captains had spouted excuses about Nequam being "low priority" and "too far from well patrolled routes". No doubt his rivals were enjoying every moment of his planet's suffering. Jealousy born of talks of elevating the family to be Barons of the Empire.

Efforts were made to deal with the matter locally. However, Nequam's frequent cold snaps and dry spells made any attempts to grow food outside of hydroponics unsustainable. Not to mention the botanist in his government had explained to him the soil fertility for foodstuffs on Nequam could be described as barely above that of a barren asteroid.

The situation had gotten so bad that he had to rely on these… legitimized smugglers. Even though it goes against everything his family instilled in him to offer commercial interests leverage over him in any way.

"No need to be upset. Your encouragement of competition and free labor among the mining operations will make the transition easier."

Hmph. As if Inhabilis cared for the "Free Market" the Guild ranted about. He had let the riff raff scuttle around freely. However that was only because they would cover ground more efficiently looking for Borium than they would organized under his direct control. His Head of Resources explained to him that you couldn't just command miners to dig in the dirt like one commanded soldiers to dig trenches and expect the same results.

Nevertheless, Inhabilis always remained poised to seize the land on any claim the moment a vein of Borium was detected. At least the extraction of those lesser minerals helped keep the lights on. Unfortunately the recent lack of ships, both Imperial and private, had made trading those minerals for supplies more difficult.

"I imagine you will be wanting control of the Hfredium exports?"

The meager yields of Hfredium were the only reason Nequam had what little good graces from the Imperial government it did. Controlling the Quota Mineral on Nequam would give the Guild far too much influence on the planet. Yet if it kept his planet and the people under his protection alive…

"Oh no. We would never dream of interfering with the Imperial Quota. Too much attention from the Empire for our Conglomerate's tastes. Although we wouldn't mind if you requested assigning some Quality Control Analysts to ensure requirements are met. No what we are after is to be Nequam's first choice for your Exonium exports."

Exonium? Sure there was more than enough of that stuff on Nequam, but it wasn't anything special. One of the first cost saving measures his corps of engineers proposed when resupply started slowing was to switch to using a local produced fuel for power and heating. Even the heater in the corner of his office ran on Exonium. What was their game?

"That's it? You are just after a fuel that is easy on the scrubbers?"

Perhaps there was a use for Exonium Inhabilis was unaware of. He was no miner or geologist. His limited study of minerals only extended to what could be helpful for the Imperial military. Any commercial applications for what Nequam extracted was more for the civilians to deal with. As long as it kept bringing credits and food, Inhabilis could not care less about the specifics.

"Of course, Exonium as a fuel would be desirable among some of Orgon Conglomerate's clientele. If we could secure a source of it within the Myto sector it would benefit us. We would even be willing to dedicate a portion of holds to ship all that Chalcopyrite you have been digging up to pump up your export numbers."

Now Inhabilis knows this vixen is trying to butter him up. Export numbers were just behind tax numbers in what an Imperial bureaucrat looks for when reviewing a planet. That the holds would be filled with relatively unprofitable copper would go right over most of their heads.

He could always pull out of the deal and try to find those buyers to sell the Exonium himself. However trying to get into the sector fuel market would take time, and Nequam needs food now. Bowing to alien merchants will bring shame to his family. Yet it was the lesser shame compared to failing in his Empire given duty.

"That would be acceptable. If you are willing to assist in the delicate matter we discussed previously."

Really the Jikun Cartel should have been easily dealt with by the Imperial garrison. Unfortunately by the time they had revealed their true colors they had used their guises as a mining company to abscond with one of Nequam's few AT-PTs. Every day the Cartel rode around in the heaviest military vehicle on Nequam sporting their Blue Mynock logo was a challenge to his authority.

Unfortunately facing an AT-PT with a PX-10 and a few speeders that made up Nequam's common patrols was too risky. To say nothing if Inhabilis wound up losing yet another PT in the effort to take out the first. He lacked the political pull and the leeway to obtain Imperial reinforcements, so private contractors it was.

"Worry not Governor. I assure you the mercenaries on our payroll will be the picture of discretion you wish for. I am glad we can come to this amicable agreement. We will reach out later for further details on your planet's membership. You made the right choice."

Inhabilis could barely hold back from lashing out in wounded pride as the Guild personnel left his office. The only balm to this meeting was imagining the look on their faces once this temporary arrangement concluded. This war will end with the Empire's triumph, and the Imperial supply shipments will resume to his world. Then he can alter the deal to his leisure, and make them pray he doesn't alter it further.

Inhabilis rubbed his hands together imagining his inevitable rise. He will be next in line to bring honor and glory to his family and the Empire. Once the Emperor deals with the Rebellion, he would have the leeway to deal with the Guild as he saw fit. Yes, things were going to look up for Inhabilis, and nothing was going to get in his way.

——

POV: Broker Tyla of the Orgon Conglomerate

"Broker Tyla if I may? What makes Exonium so important that we must fill our holds with unprofitable copper? Isn't just another form of fuel?"

Tyla turned to her subordinate with a wide grin. Leaning in close to dissuade any listening devices.

"It isn't just a form of fuel. It is a clean burning form of mineral fuel. That might not be valuable in regular Imperial space, but in Guild space? Governor Inhabilis might as well be sitting on a Nova Crystal mine.

This stuff burns so clean that it is practically regulation proof. A tourism world like Dubrillion? Waved in with a smile. An agriworld with regulators so strict you can't use a HK Ion Drive without a certificate for your Collector Coils? You could dump this in their aquifers and they wouldn't bat an eye."

"So we're scamming the Governor and this world?"

"No, no, no. I said we will be assisting with the planet's problems and I meant it. We'll be paying for an upgrade to their star port, sponsoring new clinics, a hospital, a technical school, giving them preferential food shipments, and access to the best mercenaries, geologists, equipment specialists, and community liaisons we can get on our payroll.

Let no one say the Guild doesn't take care of those running their resource extraction. We can't secure a monopoly under Guild rules. So we are going to glad-hand these yokels from this forgotten backwater with so much Guild prosperity that they won't even think twice before offering Orgon first pick of their harvests of ore."

The subordinate could only blink at Tyla's enthusiasm. She looked as giddy as a school girl getting ready for her first date.

"You seem really into this project Broker."

Tyla's flash of teeth went practically supernova. Giving her subordinate further confirmation of Tyla's glee.

"Can you blame me? If we exploit this opportunity right, Nequam will be a crown jewel of our Conglomerate. Every Guild world in the sector is going to want to top off their energy reserves with Exonium. We could supply so much clean energy to this sector that the Empire might make us junior sub-partners of Project Celestial Power!"

Tyla was rubbing her hands together at the thought of the potential profit and prestige. This deal is going to put her and the Orgon Conglomerate on the map. Imagine it, her name as a footnote in a galaxy spanning report. Yes, things were looking up for Tyla, and nothing is going to get in her way.

——
Between the Rawmat Shortage, the increased quotas, and the Empire moving to a (more) war focused economy, plenty of small worlds are going to be left to decline. This is usually exploited by Rebels, criminal gangs, and other unsavory groups to spread their malign influence. The Guild has the potential to be a pro-Imperial faction able and willing to take advantage of this opportunity to… lobby for preferential treatment.

Crossposted on SB and SV

 

[Yacov]

Omake: The Cavern

POV: Grimjaw, ex-enforcer for Underbite the Crime Lord, Highreach, Edin System

Grimjaw the Nikto stepped out of the rudimentary refresher in his cell and quickly put on his orange synthweave jumpsuit. Despite the suit being more expensive, the slight itchiness couldn't help but remind Grimjaw of putting on his sackcloth as a kid before adventuring out into Belt Haven with his fellow Blue Chins.

Childhood memories brought Grimjaw's train of thought to how Edin and his life had changed over the past few years. Less than two years ago he was riding the high life as one of Underbite's top enforcers. Sentients and animals alike would quake when he strutted around town.

Then the Empire up and decided that laws were things they were supposed to enforce. Underbite was a good boss to his men, but his gun running put him near the top of the new governor's hit list. After the hideout was raided it was only a matter of time before the Empire tracked down all the safehouses. Now Grimjaw was just another prisoner in the Cavern.

Grimjaw thought about his new home as he left his cell and gazed past the railing and into the Pit. Rumor has it the Cavern used to be the main stronghold of Highreach's top slaving gang. After the Empire cleared them out, they decided to convert the existing infrastructure into a prison for the criminals they decided were now worth arresting.

"Oi Blue Boy! Quit spacing out! Better hurry to the cafeteria before all the good spices and additives are gone!"

His neighbor's call knocked Grimjaw out of his musings. Silently thanking the man in his mind, he made his way around the glass covered catwalk towards the first destination in his schedule.

——

The Cafeteria was the start of every convict's day. Basic meals for a standard sentient were a protein rich fibrous slop sprinkled with nutritional supplement cubes as well as two rectangular units of grains with water to wash it down. Anything remotely close to flavor required a prisoner to spend Work Credits they earned during their labor shifts.

"Hey Blubber Buddy! Your slop treating you alright?"

The Herglic con artist played with his oversized utensils like he was shuffling cards. No doubt thinking about a past card game or con he ran. Or planning a future one.

"Hey Blue Boy. The food's alright. I just wish I could get some more spice to make it a bit more palatable. You up for a game?"

You could have all the seasonings, fruit, vegetables, non-processed meat, and salt-alternatives you want as long as you had the Work Credits. Pure salt was banned after some Arcona got lowered into the Pit for trying to organize a Salt Mafia in their block.

"Not a chance Blubber Buddy. We may be friends, but I know you well enough to know you would clean me out of my Work Credits in no time. Go hunt some gullible marks."

Where there was currency, there was crime. Naturally when Grimjaw first arrived, he made discreet inquiries to try and identify the bosses and hustles in the prison. Only the find out the worst prisoners got up to was spice trading that the guards monitored. The seasoning kind, not even the drug kind.

"I am trying to keep my games private and friendly. If I start prowling like a shark, then the guards might freeze my account. Defeating the point of getting more food money."

People who made trouble or roughed up someone usually got sent to their cells during free time or had their Work Credit account locked. Anyone trying to do worse was quickly found by the guards and given time in the Pit.

"At least fleecing some fools won't get you the Pit. Although maybe you would get in touch with your ancestors."

The Pit was a chasm right next to the Cavern. Gossip says the slaver gang that was here before dumped product that had expired into the Pit. People talked about how you can still hear their screams in the dead of night.

"Don't even joke about that Blue Boy. I ain't getting dragged away by angry spirits. Besides, my ancestors kept to the surface. Easier on the blowhole."

Being lowered into the Pit left you with just you, your thoughts, and the pitch black darkness not even the Cavern's light could penetrate. Whether the gossip is true, a night or two spent in that cage they use to lower you into the Pit is often enough to straighten out even the most crooked sentient.

"Well maybe lift some extra heavy boxes this shift. We are getting our parts shipment today, so there should be plenty of work in the loading bay."

Finishing his morning meal, Grimjaw did some stretches and got ready for his labor shift.

——

Labor shifts in the Cavern outside of services and custodian jobs was primarily focused on manufacturing. The natural properties of the Cavern made it very stable temperature wise and with next to no humidity. This made it ideal for making and storing things you wanted kept clean and unbothered.

"Now if only these masks wouldn't fog up my glasses so much."

The thought made Grimjaw notice the gloves, glasses, and mask he wore while he worked on his solar panel. Solar panels and wind turbine blades were the common exports out of the Cavern. These weren't the large ones used in the Governor's infrastructure projects, but rather small ones used to keep small businesses and homesteads powered.

"Maybe I should study up and see if I can get into the scrubber department."

If you were minimum security, had a good rep, and had the technical skills like an Outlaw Tech, you could earn a lot more Work Credits making air scrubbers. Trust was needed for small towns to accept what they constructed in the depths of the Caverns. The motto the prison kept spewing was "cleanse the body, cleanse the mind, cleanse the planet". Personally Grimjaw was just happy with the luxuries he could purchase with the Work Credits he earned, or that they were luxuries to buy at all.

"Beats being thrown into mines that would make Kessel seem regulation compliant."

Grimjaw had heard horror stories from other prisoners who had been imprisoned before about what went on in other Imperial prisons. Horrific tales of mining with primitive tools, daily beatings from the guards and other prisoners, little in the way of food choices, and even no central temperature control in the cells. It all made him glad he got arrested in Edin rather than one of those nightmare systems.

——

Grimjaw was out of his work clothes and stepping into the Yard for his free time. The Yard was more a large tunnel that was sealed off, divided into rooms, and filled with leisure equipment. Still it felt nice to have natural material under his feet and above his head, even if it was stone.

"Smiles! Don't you just love that fresh air?"

The Klatooinian tough made an effort to frown, but still took a small breath. Even the air didn't feel as stale or sterile here. Small vents and fans on the ceiling allowing for fresh air to flow into this sectioned off portion of the Cavern.

"The air is nice Blue Boy. Just watching the bots stumble around and gawk at the ceiling before getting a workout, you coming?"

It was theorized that a prisoner could escape through those vents if they could climb or fly high enough. However the cameras and BLX labor droids constantly patrolling the Yard and the rest of the Cavern dissuaded most break out attempts.

"Was thinking about hitting the books, but a workout sounds nice. Let's see you grit your teeth."

Stepping in line with his favorite workout buddy, Grimjaw made his way over to the gym. He might not be an enforcer anymore, but he had pride in his physique and the membership was relatively cheap. He could have gone to the library or the limited PAD stations, but something about working his body always made him happy.

——

Nothing beat hitting the refresher after a good workout and meal. Between tightening his belt at the Cafeteria and avoiding getting addicted to PAD time, Grimjaw had saved up healthy helping of Work Credits.

"Almost enough, and just about to hit the deadline."

There were holo visiting hours scheduled for almost every inmate. However with a little greasing, the guards would allow a prisoner to schedule a monitored extended call outside the Cavern.

"Hope I have enough. No, it needs to be enough. Smooth Brow is counting on me."

Just a few more shifts and Grimjaw will have enough to be there for his sister's birthday party. He might only be able to attend for a couple of hours, but it will mean the world to her.

"Just a few more shifts and you can see her smile, Blue Boy."

Grimjaw went to bet on his bunk imagining the look on his sister's face.

——

Been a while since we have seen a planetside look at Highreach in the Edin system. Figured with all the criminals, there is probably going to be at least one correctional facility on the planet. Not as bad as most Imperial prisons in canon or legends given it is actually aimed at rehabilitation without the use drugs and mind control devices. The Pit *dramatic sting plays* is more for appearance's sake so the rest of the Empire doesn't accuse Las of being soft on lawbreakers.

Crossposted on SB and SV

 

[Yacov]

Omake: The Imperial Scout and Research Atmospheric Repulsorcraft (ISRAR)

Product Information

Manufacturer:

• Mindan R&D (prototype)
• Mindan Shipyards (limited production run)

Model: Imperial Scout and Research Atmospheric Repulsorcraft

Type: Planetary Science Vessel


Technical Specifications

Diameter: 15 meters

Height: 8 meters

Maximum Acceleration: 150 kph

Maximum Altitude: 50 Km

Engine Unit(s): Repulsorlift generators

Shielding: none

Armament: 3 Stun cannon turrets

Crew: 5 crew and 1 medical droid

Passengers: 5 passengers and 5 specimens

Cargo Capacity: 5 metric tons

Consumables: 1 week

Other systems:

• Organism scaled tractor beam
• Stabilizer technology
• Large amounts of externally mounted scanning and survey equipment and internal electronics suite.
• Expanded Medical/Research Bay
• 5 Force Cages

Usage

Availability: Imperial Government

Roles:

• Research vessel
• Survey craft
• Exploration expeditions

Affiliation: Galactic Empire

——
Description

"This hunk of junk is a slower, less armed, and less maneuverable YT Light Freighter."

"Why the frak are you trying to dogfight with it!? This is a research vessel!" - conversation during the ISRAR's initial test flight

The Imperial Scout and Research Atmospheric Repulsorcraft has been described as a love child between a YT series, a Flarestar-class attack shuttle, and an airspeeder that none of them wanted. A product of the Mindan R&D department, the ISRAR was designed for the collection and research of organisms on pacified Imperial frontier worlds.

Characteristics

"That looks like a flying lab prefab."

"That's because it is a flying lab prefab." - Noted exchange upon delivery of an ISRAR to a Minda-2 research base

The ISRAR's circular saucer shape was chosen to allow for the maximum surface area for external sensor and scanning equipment. Plans for shielding were scrapped due to worries of potential interference it may cause to ISRAR's more sensitive external instruments.

Said instruments also cause the ISRAR to be a giant blinding beacon to anyone with even rudimentary sensors under normal operating conditions. Designers finding little reason to spend credits and manpower hours on subtlety given the remote and "low risk" areas the vessels were expected to work in. A joke among the MSDF navy is that there is little point to installing a distress beacon on an ISRAR, they can detect it from orbit just fine.

The organism scaled tractor beam the ISRAR carries was fine tuned to allow for the collection of (hopefully) non-sentient specimens without necessitating a landing. With the entrance via tractor beam leading to an open area with good sight lines for a quick stun blast should the specimen prove uncooperative.

Three stun cannon turrets were installed as both a method of self defense and a way to acquire specimens from the larger and more aggressive organisms in an environment. Two turrets are located on the bottom of the ship and one on the top. The turrets can be controlled manually or automatically from within the ship given the ship's extensive electronics suite.

Poor acceleration, climbing speed and agility make the ISRAR a poor choice in a dogfight against even militarized airspeeders. The stabilizer technology meant to minimize lab equipment damage has been noted to actively fight against a pilot should they attempt any evasive maneuvering or rapid turns.

Role

"Welcome to Imperial Research Site 23856-B students. Hit up the ISRAR for your shots if you don't want to spend this research trip in the refresher." - Welcome speech given to a a Ugean Academy field trip

The primary intended mission of an ISRAR is to launch from a research facility for a few day and conduct scans and collect samples from the surrounding terrain or sites of interest. Extended missions could be conducted if cargo space reserved for samples was used to store more consumables. The ISRAR could also land and act as the center for a temporary base for any expeditions to take advantage of its research facilities and larger than standard medical bay.

Private interest among traders or military personnel for any export model of the ISRAR has been minimal with a noted disdain among pilots. Although there has been some interest expressed by some big game hunters, academic institutions, and exploration companies should sales to private parties be made available.

——

A little ship I made for the fun of it and to see if I could. Good and cost effective at its assigned niche. Terrible at trying to perform any other role. Could a YT light freighter be converted to do the same job? Probably, but that has vessels wasted being stuck planetside when they could be out trading between systems instead.

I also tried to avoid using advanced ship parts like hyperdrives or complex engines and the like so it could be built completely in house in Minda. Being able to move fast or travel between systems is probably not needed for a vessel dedicated to doing surveying and research from a planetside base.

I would try to find a picture, but I think most people will be able to figure out what look I am going for. This whole thing started because I couldn't get the image of Imperials buzzing Vendari villages in flying saucers out of my head.

Crossposted on SB and SV