Important links:

The story so far (Get up to speed, quick!)
>https://pastebin.com/54Vfvsff

Archive
>http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=Dark+Empire

Pastebin for info dumps
>https://pastebin.com/u/Timekiller21

Twitter feed I use to announce planned game times.
>https://twitter.com/DarkEmpireQuest

This is the map system I use for planning
>http://www.swgalaxymap.com/

And this is a gold mine resource for Star wars info, take with a grain of salt since this universe follows its own continuity.
>http://starwars.wikia.com/

I allow between ten and twenty minutes for voting depending on the importance of the issue and how divided the vote is. If the vote is tied up, I usually allow an extra five minutes for a tie breaker, and if no one votes, I roll for the tie breaker (The will of the dark side).

I always try to incorporate (and encourage!) write ins if they don't violate the spirit of voted decisions, though I may edit or tweak them to fit better.

I also am always open for questions. I'll just ask that they stay relevant to current events in the quest, or at least the near future.

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After a moment of stunned silence, you repeat the situation to your communications officer. "A High Priority message from Duchess Ederlathh Palipodes of Naboo?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Requesting we take her to Byss?"

"Yes, ma'am." The bewilderment and amusement fighting from primacy in the Communications officer's tone are impossible to miss.

Ah. The promise you'd made. You weren't sure when Naval warships became yachts for the rich and powerful, but you also didn't know of a good way to say 'no' to a duchess, certainly not one you had promised to take to your family estate.

"Is she on the line?" You ask.

"No, ma'am. Her shuttle hailed us as it left Imperial Center's shield gate."

"Shuttle? She's on her way?"

"Yes, ma'am. She has the proper clearance codes to approach the division . . . Should I have her turn back?"


>Yes
>No

>>1731192
>No
On one hand protocol, on the other hand seducing Palpatines teenage grandniece.

>>1731192
>No

Oh boy guess she is trying to run away from something or someone. Well fortunantly we can get her here show her the destroyer and something else.

Also i kinda wanted Mi here with us now...

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>>1731194
>Spoiler
Alana is a consummate professional. Emphasis on the consummate.

>>1731194
One would wonder what she is doing but my guess is she is trying to break away from being held in imperial center. Guess we can take her for a small trip while we are waiting for our new destroyer and escorts.

>>1731192
>>No
Do leave in a message like "Not when I'm in duty"

>>1731227
>>Yes
Meant as yes

>>1731223
Were is Mi if we leave without her she will start to think we are ditching on her.

>>1731229
>>1731231
These both are for turning her back, screwed up with the comments

>>1731221
>>1731232
>Mi

I meant to explain earlier her status, I guess I totally forgot, it'll be in the next post.

>>1731229
>>1731231
You're saying "Yes, have her turn back." right?

>>1731229
Technically we aren't because we are still waiting for a new star destroyer and their escorts.Besides it's way more polite to excuse someone face-to-face.

>>1731192
>No

3 nos, 1 yes

>No, do not turn her away

>writing

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"No," you turn this situation over in your mind, "No, let her come aboard, Have her brought to my ready room, I'll meet with her there."

"Yes, ma'am."

"And contact the Admiral and determine what our instructions are, if we are free to carry out such an assignment."

"Right away, commander."

It was good Lord Mi had not been able to keep her appointed transfer to Retribution, you thought. It wouldn't look good pulling favors for nobles while on duty. The message you'd received from the Komissar's office had cited a redeployment to Corellia. You knew through scuttlebutt of the rebel raid that occurred there, and if a Dark Side Komissar was being sent in, heads were likely to roll. Thinking back to your own encounter with Brakiss during his investigation of your ship was . . . unpleasant.

Though you still weren't sure yet if you should be celebrating or kicking yourself for having made that offer to Duchess Palipodes on Kuat, you knew you had to act appropriately. She had been a bit distant on that world, so weren't sure if having her attention was a blessing or a curse, though you felt the interaction had ended on a good note.

Fortunately, Imperial Star Destroyers were infinitely more suited to hosting VIPs than even your old Victory-Class and it pays off when Ederlathh and her entourage file in to your office.

The first in you recognized right away as a Coruscant Guard, crimson plasteel armor reflecting bands of light from the overheads. You try not to let your surprise show, which is irrelevant because the guard hardly gives you a glance, surveying the room as he strides in like a predator on the move.

The others filed in behind him, a squad of Shocktroopers in red-marked armor, in their escort were Duchess Naboo, Ederlathh Palipodes herself and a "skeleton crew" of retainers. First to follow her is a handmaid, wearing a dark formal gown and black veil, her head reverently bowed, eyes avoiding yours as she shuffles in alongside her Duchess. Additionally, a polished black RA-7 protocol droid. The colloquial "Death Star droid", a common site in depots and garrisons across the empire. It was hardly surprising to see one accompanying a dignitary of Ederlathh's rank.

Ederlathh, her retainers and her escorts stand to one side while you are approached by the Courscant guardsmen.

(1/2)

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"Commander Tyrna?"

"Yes?"

"May I speak with you in private briefly before you speak with the Duchess."

It was more a command than a request. Puzzling to say the least, and it seemed to you to be a gross violation of normal protocol, but a glance at the Duchess revealed nothing aside from her normally pouty features.

"Of course."

The non-speaking guardsman and the shocktroopers remained in the ready room as the door cycled shut behind you.

"We're handing over Duchess Palipodes to your care now, though the shocktroopers will be accompanying her to Byss, they shouldn't be any trouble," the Guard says.

"Is the Duchess in any sort of danger?" you ask.

"No ma'am." He fails to elaborate further.

"I understand. Though I am still waiting on authorization from my higher ups to change my orders." You put a bit of command authority in your voice touched with just a hint of aristocratic arrogance. Enough to remind this trooper who is in charge.

The guard shifts slightly, you suspect he's smirking at you.

"The Duchess has received authorization from Moff Vollen to appropriate the use of your vessel. He feels it is 'befitting a lady of her position'."

A local Moff. That superseded anything Lobkin had planned. Though officially he could countermand a Moff's authority in a military situation, in practice that was tantamount to political suicide.

"She is not to leave the ship until you arrive in Byss, though her escorts may do as they please," The guard finishes.


>Why all the security if she's not in danger?
>I understand.
>I'm not sure I understand the hierarchy here. Are you in charge, or is she?
>Write in

>>1731284
>I'm not sure I understand the hierarchy here. Are you in charge, or is she?
Of course she has a lot of security, she's the only blood relative of the Emperor.

We should offer her our quarters...

>>1731284
>Write in

So you are telling to me a baroness to give a duchess orders? Well you certanly doesn't know anything about royalty trooper. However Ederlathh will receive then full welcome of my vessel and in it I'AM the one in charge qnd i intend to follow royal protocol.

>>1731284
>I'm not sure I understand the hierarchy here. Are you in charge, or is she?

>>1731297
We should also have all of her escorts have a stormtroopers following then. For their own security of course.

>>1731284
>I'm not sure I understand the hierarchy here. Are you in charge, or is she?
>>1731297
Too lewd man

>>1731310
>Too lewd man
What? The captain probably has the best quarters, and space gets so cold...

>>1731314
>>1731310
Besides it will be safer for her. And it's only fair she gets the best accomodatio s we can offer. But we might wabt to keel some of her escorts to keep their ha ds out of our stuffs.

>>1731314
Seducing a duchess who happens to be Palps niece is a good way to get sent to a labour camp

>>1731323
Or maybe it's a good way to become the Moff of the Chommell Sector.

>>1731323
Or become her on Tarkir.

>I'm not sure I understand the hierarchy here. Are you in charge, or is she?

>writing

inb4 "what's the age of consent in the Galactic Empire?"

>>1731332
>spoiler

if anything none on acount of different planets cicles and that terrible scene between Anakin and Padme

>>1731332
>Spoiler
I always assumed 16, maybe 14. With exceptions if you were powerful enough.

You blink at the expressionless faceplate in front of you. While the uniformity of the foot soldiers of the empire looked wonderful on the parade ground, it made rank identification for someone not actively patched into the com network difficult. "I'm sorry . . ."

"Sergeant," the guard supplies.

"I'm sorry, sergeant, but I'm not sure I understand the hierarchy here. Who's in charge, you or her?"

The Sergeant considers your question for a moment before replying.

"The Emperor."

One name to end a discussion. That wasn't really a conversation path you wanted to explore very much. "Sergeant, you understand the inherent difficulty in a baroness giving orders to a duchess don't you?"

"Duchess Palipodes is under the command of the Emperor," the sergeant says, "As we all are. Now, we'll be returning to Imperial Center now," the guard says delivering a crisp salute before you can argue, "Safe travels."

He does not wait to be dismissed before leaving, though he must have radioed his comrade who suddenly emerges from the ready room door, following him out.

You watch the troopers leave, staring daggers at their backs. The nature of the situation prevented you from effectively retaliating against them without risking offending the wrong party. Letting go of your disdain you reenter the conference room with more questions than answers, and see that the group has segregated, Ederlathh, her handmaid and droid stand near your desk while the half dozen shocktroopers stand near the conference table.

"Alana," Ederlathh says, giving you a short nod of respect. She had looked much more in place on Kuat at the ball than she does on a star destroyer, especially since her appearance had hardly changed. She wears a dark, formal gown with a lace-up back and dark gray highlights, her hair is immaculately styled up, as is tradition among many higher ranking Imperial nobles. She is only a teenager, you believe she is fifteen or sixteen years old, but her attitude betrays confidence and authority well beyond her years.

"Good to see you again, Duchess," you reply, giving the young duchess a warm smile.

Ederlathh returns the smile, but drops it as she turns to the others in the room. "I'll call for you when I need you."

The handmaid and droid leave at once, the shocktroopers hesitating a moment, subtly looking to their leader before he straightens up and leads them out, door closing behind them, leaving you and Ederlathh alone.

"Thank you for coming to pick me up. I didn't want to have to use Moff Volen's orders if I didn't have to," Ederlathh says.

>Do you mind if I ask why you are going to Byss?
>No trouble, Duchess. I'm happy to take you
>Is this about my offer to visit my family estate?

>>1731364
>Do you mind if I ask why you are going to Byss?
>No trouble, Duchess. I'm happy to take you
>Is this about my offer to visit my family estate?
All of the above.

>Duchess Palipodes is under the command of the Emperor,
Mind control is a shitty fetish, TK.

>fifteen or sixteen years old
Good enough.

>>1731364
>No trouble, Duchess. I'm happy to take you.
>Do you mind if I ask why you are going to Byss?

Guess someone wants to find out about the clone facilities eh.

>>1731364
In this order:

>>No trouble, Duchess. I'm happy to take you. Do you mind if I ask why you are going to Byss? Of course, the offer to visit my family estate still stands.

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>>1731373
sure

>fifteen or sixteen years old
oh boy

>>1731364
>Is this about my offer to visit my family estate?

you know, it's awfully easy for someone to impersonate a storm trooper with their faceplates...

>>1731387
they were a little short come to think of it...

>>1731387
Pretty hard to impersonate an eligible and legal duchess though.

>>1731407
make sure you capitalize LEGAL

>>1731373
>Mind control is a shitty fetish, TK.
>fifteen or sixteen years old
>Good enough

I don't know if I like being associated with this . . .

>Basically everything

>Writing

"It's no trouble, Duchess," you reply, making your way to your desk, "I'm happy to take you. Do you mind if I ask why you're going to Byss?"

"What, is it not worth visiting?" Ederlathh asks in perfect deadpan,

"I wouldn't say that," you chuckle, "Byss is just known for being . . . Tranquil," you say. "It's not the most interesting of places."

Ederlathh stares at you silently, head tilted as if she's listening to a soft sound. "It sounds perfect." she says. "Frankly, I'm tired of being kept under foot on Imperial Center. I happened to get wind that your new ship would be passing through, and I decided you were my ticket off."

"Of course, and in case you're wondering, the offer to visit my family estate still stands," you say. Although I''ll have to comm ahead to my mother and father to get things ready for a Duchess.

Ederlathh smiles back at you, clasping her hands in front of herself, "That sounds wonderful." her expression sours a moment later, "I do hope that my presence on your ship doesn't cause you any undue difficulty."

"Hardly," you say, "It doesn't offer much for accommodations-"

"I don't care about that," Ederlathh says dismissively, "I'm sure I'll make it work. "

"Good to hear," you cast a glance at the chronometer on your desk. "Now, I have to begin preparations for the journey to Byss. Jump miscalculations simply cannot happen in the Deep Core."

You catch a hint of excitement behind her eyes, the thrill of death, however remote.

"I'll have Lieutenant Bastra find housing for you and your accompaniment."

"I understand. Thank you Alana."

"Please, think nothing of it."

***

You weren't lying when you told Ederlathh that jumps to the Deep Core, Byss especially, were not trivial matters. You saw your navigator die a little behind his eyes when you told him the change in plans, though he made no complaints.

Bastra reported back after Ederlathh and her escort were settled. Fortunately Retribution has a VIP suite for just such occasions. If your XO found the situation strange, he made no comment about it, busying himself with readying the ship for the voyage, leaving Captain Sobieski in charge of the division in your absence.

It was going to be a long voyage, one complicated by a young Duchess.

>Invite Ederlathh to dinner
>Speak with the captain of her escort in private
>Keep to yourself, let them make the first move
>Write in action
(Go nuts, you've got a few days of hyperspace)

>>1731483
>>Invite Ederlathh to dinner
Also, we should invite her to come shoot blasters with us. It could be fun

>>1731483
>Invite Ederlathh to dinner.
A good host ought to be polite.
Also supporting the blaster practise idea.

>>1731483
>Write in action
Warn Lobnik about our little er...situation use the Moff orders as a excuse to it.

>>1731483

>Invite Ederlathh to dinner
>Speak with the captain of her escort in private

>>1731483
>Invite Ederlathh to dinner
But invite several of our own peeps too, let her know them

>>1731483
>Invite Ederlathh to dinner

>>1731512
>Lobnik
I thought it was Lobkin?

>>1731483
>>Invite Ederlathh to dinner
>>Speak with the captain of her escort in private

Speak with the captain in private discreetly ahead of the dinner.

We called ahead to let Mom and Dad know about our guest, right?

>>1731518
It is Lobkin. It was written incorrectly a few times, if I recall correctly, and some people became confused.

>>1731520
>We called ahead to let Mom and Dad know about our guest, right?

That'll happen

>>1731516
>But invite several of our own peeps too
Like who?

And that'll need strong support.

>>1731512
Supporting this + invite to dinner

So once again yall want to do basically everything so here's the itinerary in no particular order:

>Ederlathh Dinner
>Target shooting
>Inform Lobkin of what the hell is going on
>Call family
>Talk to captain secretly before dinner

>writing

>>1731493
We should offer to let her fire the turbolasers (at some asteroids or the like) although Zepal just might murder us for that.

>>1731575
She doesn't seem like the type who would want to do that.

There was so much to get done. Not just the duties of a good host, but the duties of a daughter, and officer of the empire. You needed to start prioritizing. Admiral Lobkin was as good a place to start as any.

"Duchess Palipodes?" he asked, incredulity obvious even over the unfathomable distance between you.

"Yes, I've made arrangements that Captain Sobieski will manage the division in my absence."

"Monarch is scheduled to arrive in just a few days," Lobkin protests.

"And Captain Tierce will have to wait for my return," you say. "I'm sorry admiral, but my hands are tied. I'm operating under the orders of Moff Vollen."

"Vollen," Lobkin says, a curse on his lips. "Fine, but you can't be playing governess to a Duchess forever. The fleet is deploying at Corellia and in the event of combat-"

"Admiral, I will do my best to return as soon as possible."

Lobkin quiets down, mind working behind his eyes. "Very well. Can't be helped. I look forward to your return, commander."

"Thank you, admiral."

Lobkin kills the transmission. You wouldn't have expected your absence to be such a worry to him, but you supposed he meant it seriously that he relied on you more than others. Well, he would have to learn to make due for the time being.

And now, since you were at the coms . . . You suppose you should call home and inform them of the situation. You knew it was incredibly unlikely your father would be home. His work kept him away most days. This meant, you would be speaking with your mother, Syrvana.

What sort of woman is she?

>Absent home maker
>Cold traditionalist
>Trophy wife

>>1731596
Can she be an upjumped trophy wife who's become a cold traditionalists thanks to marriage?

>>1731596
>Absent homemaker

We take something from her after all.

>>1731596
>Cold traditionalist

>>1731596
>Cold traditionalist

>>1731596
>Absent home maker

Cold traditionalist is a bit too similar to dad. A new dynamic would be refreshing.

>>1731612
>>1731622
In case it's not clear for some reason, by "absent" I mean "absent minded"

>>1731596
Chaging from >>1731612
to: >Cold traditionalist

>>1731596
>>Cold traditionalist

Pure in form and function.

>>1731596
>>Cold traditionalist
Just like some House of Cards situation

except the cucking

>>1731603
It really only counts her current state, so I'll take this as a "Cold Traditionalist"

>Cold Traditionalist

>writing

>>1731596
>Absent homemaker.

>>1731652
you are late wibbles.

The hologram in your quarters resolves into your mother's face. Once it had been conventionally attractive, but that was decades ago. Now it was permanently creased with worry lines even the best plastic surgeons in the Empire had difficulty erasing. Her lip turned down into a frown.

"Alana? It's not like you to call home while you're . . . away."

Your mother would never use terms like "on duty" or "deployed", not with her daughter. On Denon, your mother's home world, women were expected to serve the home, not on the battlefield. It was a tradition she carried with her.

"I'm sorry, mother. I've been tied up, the navy keeps me busy."

She sniffs, "I'm sure it does."

You grit your teeth, "I am calling ahead to make you aware that I will be returning home shortly. In just a few days."

"I'll have your room prepared," she says.

"I won't be alone."

Your mother's eyes widen in surprise while her lip tightens, you take some small joy in your mother's fear that you've found a suitor among the bored, useless nobles in the officer corps. By your mother's thinking, warfare was for knuckle-dragging brutes. Money-making was the purview of true gentlemen. No surprise for the daughter of a prominent mining clan.

"Duchess Palipodes of Naboo will be accompanying me."

You didn't think it was possible for her eyes to widen further. "Duchess Palipodes?"

"A close personal friend of mine," you say with feigned humility. "She will be staying with us at the estate for a short while. I expect we can accommodate her."

"I'll call your father," she says. "He'll want to know about this right away."

You grimaced at the idea of your father's work being interrupted, but you supposed it was necessary.

"Why is she coming here, Alana?" you mother asks, "What have you told her?"

"I told her I know what it's like to be a noblewoman and a teenager, I know what it's like to be bored out of my mind."

Syrvana narrows her eyes at you, "Do I need to remind you what will happen if you bring disgrace upon this family? Do I need to remind you how much we owe to the Emperor?"

"No." You cross your arms.

"Every time it's something new with you, Alana. First your wildness as a teenager, then the academy, now you're corrupting the Emperor's niece." Your mother shakes her head as she delivers the same speech you've heard thousands of times, a list that can do nothing but grow longer. "Why can't you find someone to settle with? Make something of what we've been granted?"

>It's none of your business what I do
>Maybe I have found someone I'm interested in
>Someday I will, I promise
>Write in

>>1731712
>>Someday I will, I promise

But it will be on my terms.

>>1731712
>Maybe I have found someone I'm interested in
Are we implying Lobkin here, or Ederlathh?

>>1731712
>Maybe I have found someone I'm interested in
We hated mum as a teenager - it was part of what drove us to the academy

But we've matured since then. We still don't see eye to eye, but we only have one mum

>>1731729
>Are we implying Lobkin here, or Ederlathh?

If you're asking me, that's left to you the players. Might even be a lie. Specifics of that answer to be determined.

>>1731712
>>Maybe I have found someone I'm interested in
Or two, or three, or maybe four

>>1731737
I haven't committed to anyone, despite the constant /u/ shilling. I just wanted to dick with mom.

>>1731730
>but we only have one mum
So you're saying that Alana should be one of two moms?

>>1731712
>Someday I will, I promise
>Write in "But now the Empire needs every man and women in the front we can't secure our keep if the rebels or other military man take it from use of arms. I doubt money can protect a home from orbital bombardment mom.

>Someday I will, I promise
>>1731728
>>1731749
>Maybe I have found someone I'm interested in
>>1731729
>>1731730
>>1731741


>Maybe I have found someone I'm interested in
>writing

>>1731712
>>Maybe I have found someone I'm interested in
But right now the Empire needs me as a commander, and not a housewife.

"And maybe I have found someone I'm interested in," you reply, the hint of a smile gracing your lips.

Your mother studies your features, looking for any tells, any sign of your true meaning. "What do you mean, Alana? Who have you found? This isn't something you keep from your mother."

It was all you could do not to laugh in her face, watching her squirm was well worth it.

>You'll have to wait and find out
>Maybe it's more than one person . . .
>Lobkin
>Tierce
>None of your business
>Write in

>>1731804
>I said i've found somebody I'm interested in, Not that they are mine yet.

>>1731808
This

>>1731804
>Write in: She'll just have to wait to meet her.

>>1731804
This here
>>1731808

>>1731808
This, but add:
>I said i've found somebody I'm interested in, Not that they are mine yet. I can tell you now, though, they aren't someone I can win over by resigning my commission to be a lady of the Court.

>>1731830
You're going after Isard? Sorry, but she already has a crush.

>I said i've found somebody I'm interested in, Not that they are mine yet.

>writing

"I said I've found somebody I'm interested in, Mother. Not that they are mine yet."

Your mother purses her lips at you, brow furrowed, "Some laser-brained hotshot officer no doubt," she says, "I know you're type, Alana. I saw the sort of people you were with when you were younger. When you were at the Academy."

"People grow up," you reply, "Not that my choices are subject to your review. Right now the Empire needs every man and women on the front. I doubt money can protect a home from orbital bombardment, mom."

"Those people at the Academy, the sort of people who belong at the Academy, are there for that reason. They certainly don't need you, Alana."

"You care so much about my 'interests' in others," you retort, "But you want me to stay at home like you. Well I can tell you they aren't someone I can win over by resigning my commission to be a lady of the Court."

"Enough," your mother holds up a hand, taking a deep breath, "I don't need you fighting with me, Alana. Not on top of everything else."

You fought against rolling your eyes. Of course your mother would become a martyr. "Please just make sure everything is ready for our arrival."

Your mother's eyes go wide again, "It's not the Duchess is it!?"

You kill the channel. Let her sweat, why not? Not like she could say anything if it were the Duchess. You just hoped that networking with Duchess Palipodes would make up for antagonizing your mother in your father's eyes. The messy work of talking with your mother done, you head for the bridge to review the jump calculations.

(1/3)

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Retribution burst from hyperspace near Empress Teta, the glittering city lights on the night side of the Encumenopolis easily visible even at long range. All around it the flickering lights of sublight drives pushing ships to and from the planet.

Empress Teta was the gateway to the Byss Run, and it was the last world before things got . . . Interesting.

You had a steward take your dinner invitation to the Duchess, who you had not seen hide nor hair of since beginning this journey. You spoke with the steward who reported the Shocktroopers in place at the door, who took the invitation in. If anything, Palpatine and his family were secretive. During the first stretch of his reign this was spurred by rumors of grievous scarring caused by the Jedi Rebellion. But now that he was miraculously resurrected, you imagined he was busy building the Empire.

Ederlathh was an enigma. Clearly a lonely young girl with the weight of a galaxy on her shoulders. Maybe you could do a bit to alleviate that strain.

You'd made sure to close off one of the armories and a target range specifically for the occasion. Nothing relieved stress like vaping the hell out of holotargets. You were a pretty poor shot yourself, but you certainly got enjoyment out of it. No reason to let the stormtroopers have all the fun.

Before dinner and shooting however, you wanted to speak with the captain of Ederlathh's guard detail. They were another small part of the larger mystery here and you decided it would be best to try to get a piece of the story directly from them. Discreetly of course, there was no reason to leave Ederlathh feeling as though you were interrogating her escort.

(2/3)

>>1731958
>"It's not the Duchess is it!?"

Ah! Perfect.

You'd arranged the meeting through Lieutenant Bastra and made sure the invitation extended was suitably casual, though a clever officer would know your intentions. Of course, with infantry officers, it was a tossup if they possessed even an ounce of cleverness.

"Commander Tyrna," the Shocktrooper says, rising to his feet from the holotable he sat at in one of the few and small catinas aboard Retribution. It was an "off-duty" area, so he held his helmet in his hands, his hair plastered to his forehead with sweat. "Good to meet you."

Seeing a stormtrooper without his helmet was like seeing a Nexu without fur, you think.

"Sergeant Penbac," he says with a casual grin, extending his hand for a shake. "Sorry, a salute's probably better." he salutes instead.

Cleverness seems out of the question for this one. He's young for a sergeant and his accent speaks of an agriworld more than the press of a city.

"Why don't we have a seat," you suggest.

"Seat, sure. Right here," he indicates a table nearby and the two of you sit.

"Where are you from, Sergeant?" you ask, trying to ease into the discussion.

"Real close to here actually, Ruan. I did my training on Empress Teta though, I hear we just passed by.


>How has the duchess been?
>Why are you assigned to protect her?
>Do you know why the Duchess is going to Byss?
>Write in

>>1731975
>>Why are you assigned to protect her?

>>1731975
>How has the duchess been?
>Why are you assigned to protect her?
>Do you know why the Duchess is going to Byss?
Jeez TK, we need actual choices, these are all too good!

>>1731975
>>Why are you assigned to protect her?
Ask about it subtly, though. Lead in with something like:

>They [Empress Tetra] must have done a pretty good job training you if you've been assigned to protect the Duchess. How'd you come to be a part of her guard?
Depending on his answer steer the discussion towards why he's guarding the duchess now and why she is heading to Byss.

>>1731997
I know I know!

This is a problem with long exposition/interrogation bits. If I don;t give any choices, it turns into just reading a story for hours. Plus I leave the write in in case anyone wants to throw a curve ball. For now, I'll just keep giving any possible answer I can think of.

>>Why are you assigned to protect her?

>Wrting

>>1732023
>it turns into just reading a story for hours
Yeah, but I like your writing.

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>>1732065

"They must have done a pretty good job training you if you've been assigned to protect the Duchess. How'd you come to be a part of her guard?"

"Just lucky I guess," Penbacc says with a sheepish grin, "We're supposed to be keeping an eye on her."

You blink, "What do you mean 'keeping an eye on her'?"

Penbacc's smile slowly fades to neutrality, his hands flat on the table. "I." he blinks a few times. "I mean as her guard detail. We were selected from among Coruscant's security personnel."

"And do-" you start.

"I have top scores in marksmanship for my company and passed advanced recon and survival on Prakith," Penbacc tramples all over your words.

You give him a long pause to ensure he's done talking. "And do you know why she's going to Byss?"

Another long pause while Penbacc stares at you. "I understand that she's tired of being cooped up on Imperial Center."

>Are you keeping something from me, Sergeant?
>Thank you, sergeant. (end conversation)
>write in

>>1732094
>Are you keeping something from me, Sergeant?
Too bad Mi isn't here then she could have used her exotic Togruta wiles to get it out of him, now we just have to use the force every woman has.

>>1732094
>Are you keeping something from me, Sergeant?
As the Commander of this ship and the ranking officer here, I need to know the facts.

Bit of intimidation / leaning on our rank won't hurt

>>1732115
Nautolan wiles
http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Nautolan/Legends

>>1732124
I just remembered she had head tentacles.
>Nautolan
No thanks.

>>1732119
But we're in the navy, and he's in the... Army? Storm Trooper Corps? Security Corps? Imperial Guard? I'm not really sure.

>>1732129
>Army? Storm Trooper Corps? Security Corps? Imperial Guard?
Stormtrooper Corps. Just an elite branch.

>Are you keeping something from me, Sergeant?

>writing

>>1732129
What's wrong anon don't you like some tentacle love?

"Are you keeping something from me, Sergeant?" you ask. You see uncertainty, and perhaps some fear flash across his boyish features and decide to double down, "As commander of this ship and the ranking officer here, I need to know the facts."

Penbacc's jaw trembles, his eyes wide then, he squeezes them shut, when he opens them again, his face relaxes and his smile returns. "No reason to worry, Commander," he chuckles, "I'm not keeping anything from you. I think . . . " he looks up at the ceiling like he is struggling to remember something. "I think you're worrying too much." he shakes his head, "I know all this seems strange, but I promise . . . I just want to do my job."

You open your mouth.

"The best I can." he finishes.

"Sergeant," you place your palm on the table, trying not to lose your patience. "I understand you want to do your job-"

"It's crucial," he says.

"Crucial?"

"My job," he replies.

"You're not making this easy, Sergeant," you say, your voice low. "In fact, it seems like you're trying to obscure the truth."

Penbacc frowns, "No. That's not it at all. The truth is, I'm not hiding anything because there's nothing to hide."

"Well, you're certainly not acting that way."

Penbacc stands up, "I'm sorry Commander. I- my whole team, we've been under a lot of stress. The Duchess requires round the clock supervision and there's only a few of us. It was easier when the Coruscant Guards were around too. Things will be better when we reach Byss."

"What are you watching for?"

"The Duchess has enemies," he says, "The rebels, for one, would love to get their paws on her. I'm sure some of the Warlords, or heck, even Thrawn wouldn't mind a relative of Palpatine to give their claim some legitimacy. That's not even touching her rivals and crazy suitors." His expression relaxes again to be carefree, "So like I said, my guys, we're on it. Okay? Ma'am?"

There must be something in the water on Imperial Center that made Stormtroopers forget their military professionalism, but once again, since Penbacc was outside your chain of command, you weren't sure who you risked upsetting by reprimanding him.

"Just ensure the Duchess stays safe from whatever it is you're worried about."

"Absolutely," he says. "We'll keep an eye on her."

***

That's the game for tonight. This picks up Thursday 7 EST (11 UTC). And this is an "on" weekend so Saturday will be a go as well.

Thanks so much for playing guys, feel free to ask any burning questions you may have and I'll do my best to answer them

>Reminder to follow Twitter
https://twitter.com/DarkEmpireQuest

Sadly I can't think of any fun end session questions.

>>1732167
Not big on the ayy lmao aspect.

>>1732182
Thanks for the run TK. Can girls love girls?

Just so I know how far into Dark Empire we are, when are we in 10 ABY?

>>1732192
>Spoilers
Anything is possible! though there are plenty of people playing who will fight against that so I wouldn't hold my breath.

>Asking for specific timelines
REEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Actually, I have been working on a timeline whicb basically supposes that Thrawn didnt launch his offensoves against thr New Republic ~9 ABY and that led to whaf we see now.

I beleive we are actually more like 11 or 12 ABY at the moment. Because reasons.

Please forgive my sins against the EU . . . This seemed like a cool concept when I was like . . . 12. Although, if thr EU can have Waru . . . Maybe I can have this

>>1732238
more like, forgive my spelling errors. Thanks phone.

>>1732182
Well guess is time for Alana to start getting better at shooting. Also time to walk around with a heavy blaster pistol.

>>1732238
>I beleive we are actually more like 11 or 12 ABY at the moment. Because reasons.
Good, that means Palpatine won't get shot to death by Han Solo.

>>1732182
>There must be something in the water on Imperial Center that made Stormtroopers forget their military professionalism
Yeah...

This entire thing sounds fishy to me.

Have our XO run the service numbers of these troopers in the Imperial database.

Also, double up the storm trooper patrols in the areas around her quarters and ensure that these shocktroopers have an escort when they leave their section. All part of our 'increased security measures'

>>1732250
>heavy blaster pistol.
Can do!

>>1732253
>won't get shot to death by Han Solo
Well, let's not rule anything out.

>>1732265
>Security intensifies
Can do!

Look forward to these updates next session.

"And I want stormtrooper patrols around the VIP suite and the Shocktroopers quarters doubled," you instruct the nearby Stormtrooper officer as you adjust the hip holster you had buckled on earlier. It didn't seem your style, more akin to a flashy smuggler than an officer and lady of the Empire but . . . Something about Sergeant Penbacc had grabbed you the wrong way. It felt dramatic, but the word was 'suspicious'.

"Yes, ma'am."

"Commander," Bastra approaches with a datapad. "I've finished running the service numbers of Penbacc and his men."

"And?"

"And, it's unremarkable," Bastra says, his face blank. "They don't stand out in any way. Completely average. Come from a variety of garrison duties, transferred to Coruscant, tested into the Shocktroopers with middling scores."

You take the extended datapad and scroll through their service record while Bastra talks. "Where are their commendations?"

"It's all there, ma'am."

"How?" you studied the record again, Sergeant Penbacc's record. "Penbacc told me he passed Advanced Recon and Survival on Prakith."

Bastra looks surprised, "That's not listed anywhere."

That was decidedly odd, you could think of no reason, save shortsighted bragging, why Penbacc would lie about that.

"Who was it that assigned these troopers to the Duchess?" You ask.

"The records we have aren't clear on that," Bastra replies, "I can query the central holonet databanks."

>Do that
>Hold off, let's be patient
>I'm going to confront Penbacc

>>1738160
>>Do that

>>1738160
>Do that
>Write in
Ask Mei (if she's still with us) to meet us in the ready room. Say that we have a matter that requires discretion - then inform Mei that we are concerned by unprofessional behavior among the Duchesses escort and they have made claims that do not match Imperial records. While it could be nothing, and treading on the wrong toes at this high a level could prove lethal, we need to ensure the Duchesses security is our highest priority. Ask Mei if she has seen anything suspicious and tell her to stay alert.

>>1738160
>Do that
Oh, let's space them!

>>1738179
There are no Komissars/Dark Siders aboard the ship.

>>1738160
>Do that
Write-in
Advice Bastra to be...carefull while he looks for it.

>>1738179
Mi ain't with us anon.

>>1738183
Nah i think either the duchess or rebel spies are trying to figure out were palpy's clone facility is. So my guess is Thrawn with the duchess or maybe the Moff Valion was the name? Is trying to cause some political damage to Lobkin.

>>1738184
>>1738186

Didn't realize we left all the Kommisars behind on Splinter. Good to know. Thanks

>>1738198
Yes, this was my bad as I thought I mentioned it and realized later I did not.

>>1738198
We transferred to a star destroyer and went to a campaing soon after. Only military personnel had priority.

>Do that

>writing

>>1738198
You can't tell Kommisars what to do anyways, they exist in a separate command structure and will come and go as they please

>>1738195
It's possible the Duchess could be working with Thrawn, although I'm skeptical. The real question is why aren't the soldiers in the escort acting professionally at all. A storm trooper should know better than to blatantly lie to a division commander aboard her own Star Destroyer. I would suspect that if they were rebel spies who had infiltrated the Duchesses inner circle they would be competent enough to not arouse suspicion this easily. They may be personal companions of the Duchess she had someone alter the records for (which would explain the relatively haphazard nature of their deception), but that poses even more questions...

>>1738220
True, but telling a Kommissar we have suspicions about the loyalty of people near a VIP would almost oblige the Kommissar to investigate or be negligent in their duty.

>>1738221
The anwser is on Byss. She or someone else wants to find something in Byss and besides our father i can think only in Palpy's clone lab. Although one would bear to question how she found out about that. Anyway... the only thing we can do is keep a eye on then and see what we find. And you must notice the duchess is mostly limited to her quarters but her conhorts are free to walk around. I don't like that one bit.

>They don't stand out in any way. Completely average. Come from a variety of garrison duties, transferred to Coruscant, tested into the Shocktroopers with middling scores.

I smell rebel spies.

Oh, now that i think about it. They might be after the Yvetha.

"Find out," you say briskly.

"Right away ma'am. It will take some time to get a response back from Imperial Center though, especially if these orders follow unofficial channels," Bastra says.

Right, sort of like the mission you were on now. Favors and protocol and under the table work.

"Do what you can. I'm meeting the Duchess for some target practice," You say.

Bastra raises an eyebrow, "Teenagers and guns, ma'am?"

"She'll be supervised. Might do her some good, blow off some steam."

"Yes, ma'am."

Behind him, the starfield explodes into the chaos of hyperspace as Retribution dives deeper into the volatile core of the galaxy.

***

The shooting range had been completely cleared save yourself, Ederlathh and a sole armorer, unreadable in his armor. You'd requisitioned two SE-14 pistols and two E-11 carbines which sat, black and polished, upon a table by the range.

"Ive never shot a blaster before," Ederlathh says as the two of you approach the table.

"You'll get the hang of it quickly, I think," you say. "I'm rubbish at it, but it can be fun."

The Duchess looked over the assortment of weapons on the table in wonder, "What's first?"

You'd first learned to shoot in the academy with an E-11 so you indicated the carbine.

"These weapons are live," the armorer says as you pick it up.

Just as your own training began, you first review basic firearms safety, the three rules. "Only point at something you intend to kill. Never touch the trigger until you're ready to kill. And no matter what anyone says, every blaster is live and ready to kill."

Ederlathh pays a surprising amount of attention based on what you knew about her. Handling deadly weapons could often have that effect on people though.

You pop out the power pack, point the weapon downrange and stroke the trigger.

Click.

"Here," you hand the weapon to Ederlathh.

It was an amusing sight. You supposed given her status and background she couldn't help but overdress for every occasion. A girl in makeup and an elaborate dress holding a blaster rifle. You were also impressed that between one teenager and a single handmaid they could manage her appearance so immaculately. It would have been nice to have that sort of skill when you were here age, or maybe even now. As it was, you couldn’t afford to spend much time on your looks.

"Is that weapon live?" You ask.

Ederlathh puzzles at it a moment. "You just took out the power pack."

You make no reply.

"But you said every weapon is ready to kill."

"Correct," you carefully take the weapon back, "Even if you think you know otherwise, every weapon is deadly." You replace the power pack.

(1/2)

"So, what do you want to shoot?" You ask. The range had a full holosuite for rendering virtually any target imaginable. "Rancors? Battle droids? Acklays-"

"Rebels." The answer comes quickly and with a flash of anger behind her eyes.

You give Ederlathh a nod and turn to the armorer, "I'm sure someone has programmed in a Rebel setting"

"Yes, ma'am." The trooper steps to a control console near the shooting range and after a few commands, the holograms spring to life. You see a motley collection of humans and aliens appear on the range, wearing assorted gear and military surplus with them, a few with the iconic swept-back helmets of Alderanian security. Nearest to you, a virtual Bothan sneers in your direction while his human compatriot gives you a rude gesture.

You give the armorer a bemused look, "How charming."

"How do we kill them?" Ederlathh asks, raising the weapon to awkwardly look down the sights.

"The key," you explain, "Is to relax, not rush anything and take your time. In combat you miss most shots because you're excited, or angry, or scared."

"I got it." Ederlathh interrupts you to fix her aim on the Bothan.

"When you're ready, gently squeeze the trigger."

A crimson bolt of light leaps from the blaster and sails clear over the Bothan's head to burn a pit in the back splash further down range.

"Sithspawn!" Ederlathh says, closing her off-eye and adjusting her aim.

Her second shot hits the Bothan in the thigh, spinning him and dropping him to a knee even as the bolt really passed clean through the hologram. Her third hits his chest and knocks him flat to his back. The hologram disappears to be replaced by a voracious Wookiee with a necklace of human ears and teeth.

At only 20 meters it wasn't the most impressive feat, but Ederlathh seemed quite pleased with herself. Once you were confident she'd gotten the hang of things, you joined her at the firing line. Rebels dropped under the sustained barrage of fire. Bith, Duros, Humans, Neimoidians, Mon Calamari. The targets were progressively farther away and sometimes appearing behind cover.

Empty power packs began to pile up, sometimes faster than the Armorer could take them for recharge.

After a few near misses ended with a bulls eye on a Rodian in a camouflage parka, Ederlathh lowers her rifle, expression clouded.

You set your rifle down on the table and turn to her, "What's the matter?"

"I hate the Rebellion," she says.

>Most of us do
>Why do you hate them?
>That hate motivates us
>Write in

(2/2)

>>1738274
>>That hate motivates us
Dark side choice

>>1738274
>Most of us do
>Why do you hate them?
>That hate motivates us
If Ederlathh is Sheev's grandniece, one of her grandparents was an illegitimate half-sibling, right?

And how do they address each other?

>>1738274
>Write in: "as do I"
> "It is hatred that helps motivate us"
> "If you don't mind my asking, why do you hate them? Besides the obvious, that is"

>>1738274
>As do I
>That hate motivates us

>>1738274
>That hate motivates us

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>>1738288
>Asking about family trees
>MRW

Yes that's right. It's somewhat hazy in universe.

>Spoiler
They really don't. As far as Palpy is concerned, she's just any other noble, he'd likely call her "Duchess". And she call him "Your highness" There's no true family ties, save perhaps blood, between them.

>>1738308
>MRW
But I am.

How is Alana Solo related to Han and Leia?

>>1738317
*Ania Solo

>>1738317
>How is Alana Solo related to Han and Leia?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPkWZdluoUg

>The hate motivates us

>Writing

"That hate motivates us," you say. "Gives us focus."

Ederlathh gives a weak smile, "I suppose that's true. I'm just so tired of hating, Alana. If I had the power I would end this war myself.

"That's what we aim to do," you say.

Ederlathh shakes her head, "I know that. But that won't be quick, will it? The Clone wars only lasted three years. This war has been going on almost since I was born," she says "To you, it's an aberration. Something to be rectified. To me, it's my life. I never knew an Empire that wasn't beset with rebellion.

You think of how many conscripts this must be true of. The war really escalated just over a decade ago with the destruction of the Death Star, but even before then the Rebellion had been a thorn in the side of the Empire. How many conscripts on your ship or in your division didn't truly know of an Empire free from violence?

"Why do the Rebels even want to tear the Empire apart? Is it really worth it?"

You hadn't planned on getting political with her, but you knew the answer. "No."

"I've heard the Rebels say they fight for their homes and families. You don't, do you?"

"No."

She cocks her head like she's listening to a sound too faint for your ears. "You fight for order. You fight for peace. Bigger things. Imperial things, not petty individual concerns. But I don’t think we'll ever have those things with a Sith in charge."

You don't let your alarm show, but Ederlathh's musings had veered into dangerous territory. The Emperor's force sensitivity was one of those few "black topics" in the Empire. It was not secret, yet it was.

You signal the armorer with your eyes to leave and, to his credit, he does so with no fuss.

You had learned in school that the Sith rebelled in secret against the manipulative and selfish Jedi, but . . . You had also seen that power corrupt. You thought of Brakiss torturing Tierce on the whim of some petty bureaucrat, or of the contents of your desk, swept to the floor with hardly a thought.


>That's treason, Duchess
>I can see your point
>I disagree
>I just follow orders
>Write in

>>1738347
>That's treason, Duchess
And as a follow-up
>Write in: The Sith are the Empire

>>1738347
>That's treason, Duchess

>>1738347
>Write in
The Empire needs someone powerfull in command. One tperson to work as a symbol so people can gather around him. We weren't at peace when the empire was split in a couple of warlords. But for the first ten years the Empire made order to the galaxy. And i must say either the emperor is a sith or not it doesn't matter. He manage to gather all the splitted factions and fight against a the viilent aliens like the Yvetha.

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>>1738347

>I can see your point

>>1738377
REBEL SCUM REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

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>>1738377
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC9AjN5l4Gs

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>>1738387
no no no, death to all Rebels.

All I'm saying is Alana for Emperor 2020

>>1738397
>All I'm saying is Alana for Emperor 2020
That's treason.

>That's treason, Duchess

+

>Some write ins

>Writing

>>1738347
>I can see your point
>I disagree
Be diplomatic

Guys, do not call a force sensitive blood relative of the emperor (and far more powerful than our own family) a traitor to her face. It's possible she may be testing our loyalty to the Empire, but it's more likely this young duchess is telling the truth. In which case we don't want to horribly insult her and make a very powerful enemy at best.

>>1738410
>>1738415

Too late on "don't call the blood relative of the Emperor a traitor"...

>>1738415
You're too late and she's not force sensitive.

>>1738420
I thought we had concluded she was at the party...?

>>1738415
This is the test anon the anwser one expects from a imperial officer are those words.

"That's treason, Duchess," you say, trying to soften the words.

"What?" Ederlathh blinks surprise, "No!" now anger, "I didn't mean it like that!"

"I know you didn't, you say. But you have to recognize, the Sith are the Empire."

"I know that!" Ederlathh crosses her arms defiantly, "I'm not saying they shouldn't be. You're not understanding me!"

You hold up a placating hand, "I know it's frustrating, being in a war. I've had comrades die because of this war, people have lost everything. But the Empire needs someone powerful in command. One person to work as a symbol so people can gather around him."

"I know how it works!" Now she was really mad. "You think I'm some dirty scum rebel traitor!" She takes a step toward you, "Don't you?!"

"I think you're a young woman who's still forming her ideas about how-"

"No!" she points at you, her eyes flashing, "You think I'm a child. That I'm nothing. I am not nothing.I am Duchess Ederlathh Pallipodes!"

>You're right. Please accept my apology, Duchess.
>Ederlathh please, We're friends. You know I didn't mean to upset you.
>This is no way for a Duchess to behave. You can't let your emotions control your actions, Ederlathh.

>>1738435
>This is no way for a Duchess to behave. You can't let your emotions control your actions, Ederlathh.
>Acting like that won't convince me you aren't a child.

Also TK, it's Pallopides, not Pallipodes.

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>>1738444
>Also TK, it's Pallopides, not Pallipodes.

Dishonor on my family

>>1738435
>You're right. Please accept my apology, Duchess.

>This is no way for a Duchess to behave. You can't let your emotions control your actions, Ederlathh.

>>1738435
>You're right. Please accept my apology, Duchess.
But
>You can't let your emotions control your actions, Ederlathh.

>>1738435
>Why would I think your a traitor? You dislike something, I dislike eating MRE's.
>This is no way for a Duchess to behave. You can't let your emotions control your actions, Ederlathh. Trust me on this, it never leads to good places.

A lot of spread on this one, but

>This is no way for a Duchess to behave. You can't let your emotions control your actions, Ederlathh.

Seems to have come out ahead being included in most votes. I''' try to do a bit of collating here.

>Writing

>>1738435
>Ederlathh please, We're friends. You know I didn't mean to upset you.

>>Please accept my apology, Duchess.

>>You shouldn't let your emotions control your actions, Ederlathh

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>>1738492

>>1738435
>This is no way for a Duchess to behave. You can't let your emotions control your actions, Ederlathh
Bit late but counts I hope

I kinda feel bad for her girl must be completely stressed out.

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>>1738496
I know a good way to unwind.

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>>1738503

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>>1738503

You stand your ground, voice level and calm. "This is no way for a Duchess to behave."

Ederlathh's eyes are like caged animals, spitting fury at you. She opens her mouth to say more, but closes it with a snap.

"You can't let your emotions dictate your actions."

Slowly, she relaxes, letting out her breath in one big exhale. "Fine."

"I don't think you're a traitor. I think you're one of my friends, Ederlathh" you say. "If I thought you were a traitor, I wouldn't have sent that trooper away. I think that you're just under a lot of pressure."

Ederlathh nods, clearly not trusting herself to speak, with emotions raging through her. After a few seconds she swallows, "I'm sorry. For my behavior."

"There's nothing to apologize for."

"No, I should have learned to control my anger better. It's something I have to work on."

You give her a smile, "Well I don't bear you any ill-will. Are you still up for dinner?"

Ederlathh takes a deep breath, "Yes."

"Perfect. It's not far."

***

The suite the two of you enter had been specially prepared for your dinner and was nearly identical to the room you'd first met Lobkin in, complete with the virtual view of space behind the table, this one showing the swirling azure vortex of hyperspace.

It was somewhat impressive to you, but Ederlathh barely reacted, nothing special to a Duchess.

The steward who led you in took your orders, a Nerf steak for yourself and a seafood dish you weren't familiar with for Ederlathh, perhaps something native to Naboo. The Steward gave no sign he wouldn't be able to fulfill her order.

The Duchess is quiet and avoids your gaze, you suspect she's embarrassed by her outburst earlier and it might be best to try to talk about something else.

>Did you ever receive that sword you were supposed to get?
>Who's the woman accompanying you?
>Tell me about Naboo
>Those Shocktroopers with you are a strange bunch

>>1738532
>Tell me about Naboo
>Those Shocktroopers with you are a strange bunch
>Did you ever receive that sword you were supposed to get?

>>1738532
>Did you ever receive that sword you were supposed to get?
>Other Gossip about boys.

>>1738532
>Did you ever receive that sword you were supposed to get?
>Tell me about Naboo
>Those Shocktroopers with you are a strange bunch

>Basically everything but the woman

>Writing

>>1738562
Alana doesn't go for women, TK. She goes for girls.

>>1738568
And boys.

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>>1738568
>MRW

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>>1738569
I didn't know I wanted /ss/ until you said that, thanks anon.

>>1738572
In star wars the legal age is 14, 15 years. Not much /ss/ but it's the most we will get.

>and a seafood dish you weren't familiar with for Ederlathh,
>inb4 it's raw gungan eggs.

>>1738583
She's a Duchess, why would she be eating a school lunch?

>>1738593
No anon those are BOILED gungan eggs. These a raw because rich folks like to eat raw stuff for some reason.

"Did you ever get that sword?"

"What?" Ederlathh looks confused.

"When we met, you said you liked my sword, but were getting your own."

"Oh. Yes," she says. "I've developed something of a hobby for fencing," she smiles, "You should try me some time."

Despite carrying a sword for ceremonial purposes, you don't think you could do anything but hurt yourself with one. "Something you carried over from Naboo?" you ask.

"No," Ederlathh looks distant, "Naboo was a peaceful planet, they didn't much approve of weapons or fighting."

"Tell me about Naboo," you say.

"Naboo?" Ederlathh asks, "It's been so long since I was there." she picks at her fingernail, "It fell when I was a kid, when the Emperor died and news spread, before any one took control. Naboo declared itself independent and joined the Rebellion. I was smuggled off the planet by some loyalists. There were threats and things. Stuff I didn't understand."

She sighs.

"If you were an admiral I'd ask you to retake Naboo. I know the Emperor doesn't care about it anymore, but it was my home and I find myself missing it a lot. Imperial Center is nice . . ."

"But it's not home," you supply.

"Yes, exactly!" Ederlathh nods, "What I remember most about the Naboo was the weather, even when it was hot and muggy, it was beautiful. I used to play in the fields when I was a girl. I didn't have many friends back then." She pauses. "I guess I still don't."

"It can be tough to meet people when you live your life separate from others," you say.

"It's also tough being the grandniece of the Emperor when everyone on the planet hates him," her voice carries an acid tone, though you weren't sure if it were directed at Palpatine or the Naboo.

"I hate to say it, but Naboo is a long ways out still," you say. "But I don't think, the Emperor doesn't care about it. It's his home as well."

Ederlathh shrugs.

(1/2)

"I have to ask," you say, "Those troops you're with. The shocktroopers. They're a little odd do you think?"

"Hmm?" Ederlathh looks distracted. "Oh my 'escort'? They're Imperial Intelligence."

Your blood froze. Imperial Intelligence shadowing the Duchess made a great deal of sense. It didn't explain their bizarre behavior, but it also meant you were now in the awkward position of digging deep into the backgrounds of Imperial Agents on clandestine assignment on your ship.

"Intelligence?" You ask, "Why, are you certain?"

"Yeah," Ederlatth says, "I've been around them long enough. As for why, you'd have to ask Madame Isard. Not everyone in the Empire likes me as much as you do. They're harmless though, don't worry about them. They suit my purposes."

Imperial Agents operating on naval vessels was nothing new. Any flag rank officer could expect at least a few moles among their crew or staff, usually the least conspicuous and least technically competent among them. It wouldn't do getting alarmed about them, though now you wish you had just asked Ederlathh before launching your investigation.

Before you can continue that line of conversation, dinner arrives, piping hot and smelling delicious. For a few minutes the two of you enjoy your meals in silence.

"So, Alana," Ederlathh asks after finishing a bit of her meal, "Last time we spoke you asked me about 'cute boys' and told me you'd been proposed to by Bin Luar. Did anything come of that?" her lip curls as she asks the question.

"No," you smirk, forcing your concerns about spies on your ship away. "I had to turn him down and I haven't heard from him since."

"So tell me, I'll ask you the same question. Any cute boys in the navy?"

Internally, you're laughing. Everyone is suddenly fixated on your love life. It seems like a woman can't be an officer without expectations of romantic (or not so romantic) entanglements.

>Tierce
>Lobkin
>There are so many to choose from
>There's plenty of cute girls
>My heart belongs to the Empire!
>Write in

(2/2)

>>1738611
>There's plenty of cute girls

I wonder if the Rebels writers knew about Kenobi's Duel with Hett when they wrote Obi-Wan vs Maul 3 (4?)

>>1738611
>Lobkin
But
>There's plenty of cute girls to

>>1738623
Change mine to this. >>1738611

>>1738611
>There are so many to choose from
>There's plenty of cute girls

>>1738611
Well, while we're just gossiping
>>Lobkin is a hottie
And add
>There are so many to choose from

>>1738622
I loved that duel it goes to show that the first time Obiwan and Vader meet in the death star the reason why they aren't spinning around like a couple of well spinners is because they know that one wrong move one will kill the other. It also shows how strong Obi became and how he grew. Also Maul last line saying that Luke will avenge what the emperor had done to them, possibly refering to him and his brother as well as to the jedi order.

>>1738635
I can see most of your points, but Maul's last words just made him seem even more like an emo bishounen antivillain than the cg cartoons already made him out to be. They pussified every villain they touched, except maybe the Emperor.

>>1738640
You think they pussyfied Vader? I thought he was pretty okay.

>Lobkin + Plenty of cute girls
>>1738623
>>1738625

>There's plenty of cute girls
>>1738622

>There are so many to choose from + plenty of cute girls
>>1738629

>Lobkin + so many to choose from
>>1738633

>Lobkin + Plenty of cute girls

>Writing

>>1738658
Maybe not pussified, but Ashoka shouldn't have been able to damage his mask.

>>1738663
Iagree i even think that she shouldn't have survived, that was the worst for me. At least they didn't make her redeem him

>>1738667
Just wait till Disney releases Return of the Jedi in 2023 and Ashoka is there next to Hayden Christensen.

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>>1738673

Then we get a Disney rendition of the Mandolorian Wars were Mandalore the Ultimate is a woman and fights Revan (AKA red Kylo Ren) with the Darksaber.

"Since we're gossiping," you say, "Admiral Lobkin is pretty cute."

"Lobkin?" Ederlathh wrinkles her nose, "He's such a blowhard. Did you see that cape? And those cigarra's reek."

"Well, it's not just Lobkin," you say. "There are so many to choose from. Plenty of cute girls too."

Ederlathh is clearly caught off guard and gives you a genuine laugh. "You're terrible Alana. Do your soldiers know how bad you are?"

"No, I have to be professional around them."

"But not around me?" Ederlathh asks.

"I have more leeway around you."

"Not that much leeway," she retorts with a knowing look and takes a sip.

"So Lobkin is your pleasure craft, huh?" the Duchess asks. "Are you two uhh . . . "

"No," you say, chuckling, "No not yet. Besides, relationships like that aren't really proper in the navy."

"Who said it had to be a relationship," Ederlathh says.

"Nothing like that has happened either," you reply.

"Hmm," the Duchess continues eating. "Any plans on getting with him?"


>I don't know if that's appropriate conversation
>We'll see how things play out
>First chance I get
>Lobkin's not my *only* target (flirty)

>>1738682
>Lobkin's not my *only* target (flirty)

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>>1738682
>Lobkin's not my *only* target (flirty)
pic related

>>1738678
And Revan wears the mask because he too is a Mandalorian! Grappling with his heritage and his Jedi identity. Also, that war is the one that destroyed the Sith and the Mandalorians are Sith underlings and Darth Bane is Revan's apprentice.

>>1738682
>We'll see how things play out
>Lobkin's not my *only* target
But say in a not flirty way so she can think whatever she wants about it and if she ask start to talk about Tierce and the TIE pilot.

>>1738691
OR we say it while unbuttoning out uniform!

>>1738695
No. Hold it between your pants anon geez.

>>1738690
>>1738678
The way i see it. It's more likely that they will make Revan a girl since we don't have any good Sith girls. Just Two Miraluka.

>>1738703
Revan being a man hits a wider fan base. Besides, they could just make Kreia the leader of the Sith before him, except completely change her character.

>Lobkin's not my *only* target (flirty)

>writing

"Well," you say, "Lobkin isn't my only target." You look up from your plate giving Ederlathh a coy glance.

The Duchess smirks, "Really, Alana? Targets of opportunity? You know I'm half your age, right?"

You hold up your hands, "I didn't say I was talking about you, Duchess, though I'm flattered you think I'm up for it. I was actually thinking about my old XO, a man named Tierce."

"Hmm." Ederlathh crosses her legs and takes another sip of her drink. "I'm sure."

You felt . . . Something. Attraction? Amusement? You couldn't be sure. It was somewhat disconcerting to you that Ederlathh's apparent self-control and competence seemed to fluctuate. It was making you think that possibly her lapses in judgement were calculated decisions. That, or she was just extremely accustomed to getting what she wanted.

"This Tierce, he's also interesting to you?" Ederlathh asks.

"Cute, yes. Loyal too."

"I've had dogs that were cute and loyal," Ederlathh says disparagingly, "Doesn't mean I want to be with them."

"Okay then, what sort of people are you attracted to?" you ask. "You're a duchess and a young woman, these sorts of decisions are going to be very important both personally and politically."

She sighs, "Oh I know. But most men are so boring. Everyone wants to bow and scrape or get something from me. A favor, a word in the right ear. Audience with the Emperor. I told you the Hapans tried to proposition me. They tried to pawn me off on some prince, probably about your age, Alana. How dull."

"Well what are you looking for?" you ask.

"Power interests me," she says.

"And a prince doesn't have power?"

"Not a Hapan prince," Ederlathh says, like everyone should be fully aware of this, "I don't want to be married to a man whose mother pulls the strings."

"Well I'm sure the you can find someone in the Empire who fits your criteria."

"I'm sure I can," she replies, "but so many of them are just bureaucrats. They follow orders, they live to serve. Not many are . . . Bold." She looks distant for a moment.

"Why don't you tell me about your family estate."

>I'd rather talk about you more . . .
>It's in the Imperial Control Sector (Urban)
>Beachfront rural
>Settlement, almost a family-owned town
>Write in

>>1738741
>Beachfront rural
I really really wanted the beach episode to be done as Palpatine.

>>1738741
>Settlement, almost a family-owned town

>>1738741
>Settlement, almost a family-owned town. One of the first settlements on Byss. My family is in charge of security and the merchants around it eventualy grew and moved out of it but they never forgot my father's support. I believe this is why he has so many contacts he helped those people to reach they're place.

>Settlement, almost a family-owned town

+

>Write in bit

>Writing

"It was one of the first settlements on Byss," you say, leaning back and interlacing your fingers to rest on your lap. "My family was in charge of a lot of the security around it. The first merchant groups operated out of there but eventually they shifted operations to the Imperial Control Sector. A lot of those big merchant collectives owe favors to my father, and he's responsible for many of the trade deals in place on Byss."

"Now he's, the Minister of Alien Labor?" Ederlathh asks.

You nod, "A lot of non-human prisoners were used in the construction efforts on Byss. My father had a way of utilizing them that made him noteworthy."

"You don't sound pleased about it," Ederlathh says, "You sound like you're reciting a history lesson."

"It's my home," you say, "I grew up there, before the Academy. It never was enough for me though. I felt like I needed more."

The Duchess nods, her meal finished. "I know what you mean. Wanting more."

"Well, maybe the navy is the career path for you," You suggest, "With your position, promotion would be easy, a spot in the Academy guaranteed."

Ederlathh bites her lip, "Not sure I would go for all that discipline. I think I'll make my own way. Oh, by the way, were those Intelligence guys bothering you?" Ederlathh asks. "Did they say anything strange?"

>Yes
>No
>Like what?

>>1738811
>>Like what?
Answering a question with a question

>>1738811
>Like what?
Also
>Why doesn't she become a bureaucrat then? The highest-up ones get essentially free-rein.

>>1738811
>No
But
They semmed a little bit...off to me they lacked the discipline i'm used to see in the military. Maybe it's because they work for intelligence so they aren't used with the navy discipline. Maybe i was being just to harsh i tend to do this while on work.

>>1738811
>Like what?

>Like what?

>Writing

"Like what exactly?" you asked, opting to play it dumb and see what Ederlathh might know.

"You said they were acting weird," she laughs, "Like how?"

"They just seemed sort of off, like they lacked military discipline. Maybe it's because they're intelligence so they're not used to the way the Navy does thing."

"So just generally being weird? They do that. But they didn't say anything?"

"Have you heard them say anything weird?" you ask.

Ederlathh shrugs, "They don’t talk to me really. Not their place I guess."

"I was thinking," you say, pulling the conversation back, "about your career. Why not become a bureaucrat? The highest-up ones get essentially free-rein."

"Bureaucracy doesn't interest me," she says, almost looking annoyed. "Too many rules. Too much red tape. Even your father or Director Isard have limits."

>What are you hoping to do on Byss?
>Is that really all? (About weird Intelligence)
>So what do you want to do if not military or bureaucracy?

>>1738866
>So what do you want to do if not military or bureaucracy?
>What are you hoping to do on Byss?

>>1738866
>What are you hoping to do on Byss?
>So what do you want to do if not military or bureaucracy?
Hopefully a single and willing Naval Commander?

>>1738866
>Write-in

Guess that just leaves Imperial intelligence to you. Besides the way you talk and is interrogating me i can see you on the intelligence.

>>1738874
>>1738873
Guys i think she is imperial intelligence.

>>1738866
>implying
What about Imperial Intelligence? No one would suspect a Duchess.

>>1738866
Changing this >>1738873 too >>1738880
>>1738876

>>1738878
So? They have urges just like the rest of us. Isard has wanted a slice of Sheevcake for years.

>Implying Ederlathh is a spook

>Writing

>>1738887
>implying
Lets all calm down here. Just a friendly suggestion

>>1738887
I'm 100% sure that she's white, guys.

>>1738887
it's more a suggestion Leia was a princess and a rebel spy why can't the empire have a duchees as a spook?

>>1738895
She's giving off an Italian vibe to me Anon, sorry

"Guess that just leaves Imperial intelligence to you," you say. "No one would suspect a Duchess. The way you talk and the way you're interrogating me i can see you in intelligence," You say.

"But wouldn't I lose your respect then?" she asks. "You don't seem to have much use for spies."

"I think the Intelligence community is a valuable pilalr of our military," you reply, suddenly feeling very uneasy.

A slow smile spreads across her face, something twinkling in her eye. "When I first met you Alana, I thought you were another dullard naval officer. Granted, you did have a pretty stellar sword. But I can see you are much more interesting than I gave you credit for. You're not like other naval people."

You're not sure what to say.

Ederlathh sits up a bit, "But this is fun. Let's say I am with Imperial Intelligence. What do you think that means? For you. For us?"

>So there's an "us"?
>I don't think it changes anything
>It would mean you've got more going on than just a visit to scenic Byss.

>>1738883
>Sheevcake

What kind of cake would that be? Christmas cake?

>>1738903
>So there's an "us"?
But anwsering your question
>I don't think it changes anything
and
>It would mean you've got more going on than just a visit to scenic Byss.

>>1738903
>>So there's an "us"?
>It would mean you've got more going on than just a visit to scenic Byss.
>It wouldn't mean anything, as I still wish to be your friend, even if you hypothetically where Intelligence.

>>1738901
Her anger seemed more Irish to me than Italian.

>>1738903
>So there's an "us"?
>It would mean you've got more going on than just a visit to scenic Byss.

If she IS looking for the clones then that means she's probably connected to Carnor Jax and by extension Lumiya and find me in the alps with a big black crumb that Coruscant Guardsman was Carnor Jax.

>>1738904
Something gray and burnt.

>>1738914
Well then she still isn't white

>>1738921
T. the eternal anglo

>So there's an "us"?
>I don't think it changes anything
>It would mean you've got more going on than just a visit to scenic Byss.


>Writing

"So there's an 'us'?" you ask.

Ederlathh can't help but smile as she shakes her head, "You are persistent, aren't you?"

You give a simple shrug. "To answer your question: I don't think it would change anything as I still wish to be your friend. Even if, hypothetically you were in Intelligence. Thought it would mean you've got more going on than just a visit to scenic Byss."

The Steward returns to collect your empty dishes. You are both silent while he works.

"Well, I don't think I could stand working under Iceheart anyway," Ederlathh says. "But it's fun to imagine. I'm excited about reaching Byss with you, Alana. I think it will be . . . interesting" She says.

"Thank you, Duchess."

"Ederlathh," she says. "You've earned that much I think."

"Thank you."

She stares into your eyes for a few moments, saying nothing.

It feels a little strange being around her. You feel less constrained and more open than you have with others. It's unusual for a number of reasons, primarily that you'd never been with a girl before. Sure, you'd given it thought but it simply hadn't ever happened, now for you to be flirting with a Duchess, who by her own admission is half your age. Normally you would never consider such a thing.

How do you feel about Ederlathh?

>Lust
>Maybe something more
>It's just for fun, we're friends
>write in
> For the love of god, stop this /u/ madness! I beg you!

>>1738942
>write in
We'll report HER to intelligence. So begins the story of Mrs. and Mrs. Smith

>>1738942
>Lust

LUST FOR THE QM TOO

>>1738942
>Lust
>Also that we should probably record our next conversation with her and bring it to either the Army or the Imperial Guard on Byss.

There /are/ Imperial Guard on Byss, right?

>>1738954
>There /are/ Imperial Guard on Byss, right?
Of course.

Recording a conversation is possible, what are you aiming to demonstrate/prove?

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428 KB GIF

>>1738942
>Maybe something more

>>1738957
>what are you aiming to demonstrate/prove?
Everyone else seems to think this seems fishy, I thought maybe they would want to. And I like Ederlathh, but I love the Empire.

>>1738942
>Maybe something more