The Federal War Machine

[Khendon Sevon]

The Persecutor fell from hyperspace abruptly. Her malevolent lines spoke volumes. She was a terror designed by evil men. The vengeful vessel cut through the waters of space, her hull matte black. She was something of true enmity. A beast designed to fight with every ounce of strength possessed in her carbon-neutron composite bones, her muscles of dangerous weapons. She was a Federacy pocket battleship, of the DreadLord cast.

The demonic ship sprinted forward, weapons exposed like teeth bearing in a grin. Several forms loomed up ahead. They too had a distinctly evil look about them. Their wedge shapes clearly signified their heritage, Star Destroyers. The dark, triangular craft guarded the nearby planet that filled the screens of the Persecutor.

Several Insuperable-class Star Destroyers tracked the incoming ship, cannons traversing ever so slowly, itching for a fight. “This is Wor Tandell Control,” came a clear, crisp voice, “declare intentions or you will be destroyed.”

“This is Imperator Sevon,” Khendon spoke with authority, his voice deep and dark, “stand down, I’m making an unannounced visit.”

[Jake Snake]

Jake sat at the command seat of the lead ship in the planet Defense Fleet. Under his commander were 2 other Insuperable Star Destroyers and a pack of other support ships. It had been like any other day, when the vessel came out of hyperspace. They had detected it coming and had powered up all weapons and shields. When it came out he didn't know what it was. The computer didn't know either. All Jake knew was that it looked like a Federacy ship.

As the voice came through Jake's heart almost skipped a beat and the XO turned to look at him. "Verify that."

At onces the voice signiture of Sevon was analyzed and confirmed, "Sir, it's really the Imperator."

Jake looked at the screen, "Imperator, Standing down at once. Welcome. We are ready for inspection. You are cleared to proceed."

Jake looked at the XO, "Order the stand down, all ships can return to previous position."

The Captain sat back and waited for the reply.

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Moments after the Imperators arrival a second Hyperspace signature is detected by the Listening outpost on Wor Tandell. seconds later space it ripped open as the Massive Vertikat Class Vessel escapes into real space. The sleek lines resemble that of a Star Destroyer with a slopped rim and rounded features. 2 massive Hanger bays placed amidship on each side were the only breaks in the polished exterior of the massive ship. No lighting or view ports were visible apart from the command Structure. which positioned aft of the apex of the forward slope of the blue/black hull.

The ship dropped out of hyperspace like a sleek predator about to pouch. Standing at the head of the command walkway was Grand Syndic Stela'shlit'nuruodo. The man looked out at the planet before him and the defenses which were now frantically tracking his position.

"Shields down Commander we are not here to fight."

Lashes orders were carried out immediately. The shielding dropped and all power to the weapons systems was cut. The ship sat like a toothless cat before a pack of wolves.

"Open the channel." Lash said to no specific person as he continued watching the defenses before him. A response came from behind him informing him the channel was ready and transmitting.

"Imperator Sevon I have arrived and will be awaiting your response."

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon gave a curt bow to the officer on the screen and smirked as his neural chipset sent a blaring message. New signature detected, it digitally chirped. “Imperator, Sir, we’re being hailed.”

“On screen,” replied the cool voice of the former Vice Diktat. Lash’s blue hued visage greeted the crew of the Persecutor and his message followed.

“Grand Syndic Stela'shlit'nuruodo,” said Khendon with a wide, sweeping gesture, “won’t you join me on the ground, I’m having the coordinates beamed to you this moment.” A grin graced the face of the Imperator as his eyes shot to the officer scurrying to complete his newly assigned task.

The frightening engines of the DreadLord pocket battleship fired to full power and the massive ship began vectoring itself towards Wor Tandell. In the belly of the beast a shuttle was being prepped, Federal Storm Guards were checking their weapons, officers were straightening their uniforms.

Khendon sat straight and proud in his command chair, his eyes steely, face stern. Now, we shall show them the true power of the Federacy…. Something pulled the dark clad man from his contemplation; he’d seen the officer that had formerly addressed him before. Captain Snake.

“Communication’s Officer, order Captain Snake of the Wor Tandell defense fleet to meet with the Grand Syndic and myself at the coordinates that were priory dispensed.” The command flowed fluidly from the man, he was clearly used to giving orders. The officer gave a short nod and went about his duty.

[Jake Snake]

Jake bowed back at the Imperator. He was about to say something when his implant sent him a warning and than he sensor officer called out, "Target incoming. She's big. Coming out of hyperspace in Two...one.."

Jake looked out and saw the chiss vessal drop out of hyperspace. She was sleek and massive. He was about to tell his ships to put up shields and weapons when the Imperator started to talking. Jake realized that they were invited, he just wasn't told.

"Captain, you are being requested to join Imperator Sevon and the Grand Syndic on the surface."

"Alright, XO, you have the bridge. Get my shuttle ready."

5 minuters later, Jake was inside the shuttle and it lifted off the deck. The shuttle shot into space and than started to decend toward the planet and where he was instructed to land. He looked at the beauty of the world and the contract between the spining ball and the blackness of space.

Soon the shuttle landed and Jake got out.

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Lash Acknowledged the Imperators invitation and Accepted with a small nod. He closed the comm channel and turned to walk off the command deck. "Commander You have the Com." A slightly shorter Blue skinned officer nodded and stepped up onto the Command Platform. Around them Chiss officer went about the task without a word. the sound of Lash's foot steps was the only sound heard over the beeps and electrical noise of the systems. As lash left the Bridge 2 Chiss officers fell in behind him. Without a word they paced the Grand Syndic step for step.

At the Far end of the hallway 2 Chiss Reaper Troopers Stood. Behind them was the access to the Repulsor Lift. As the Grand Syndic Approached they stepped aside to allow him to enter. Lash walked in and turned to face the doorway. The 2 Aids who had been fallowing him stood between him and the doorway. The Halo counter read the location of the lift. Numbers scrolled down as the lift sank into the belly of the monster vessel. As the Counter approached Deck 38 it slowed. then stopped. The doors opened and the 2 aids were meet by 2 Reapers. As the Security Phalanx Guards recognized Lash the nodded and stepped to the side to let them exit the Lift. Lash returned the nod and walked to the small Repulsor tram which ran the axis of the massive vessel. He sat and waited for his aids to take the set behind him.

"Location Please?" The Droid Operated Tram ask once al the Chiss were aboard. Lash spoke indirectly never lowering his eyes. "Hanger Bay 2" The Tram began Accelerating. The 275 Meters from the Lift to the Hanger took less than 1 minutes to traverse with the tram. Much better then walking the distance yet Lash hated the things. He didn't mind the walking. but the Senate saw fit to install the system into the flagship on the rare chance they might visit.

The Tram Stopped and Lash walked into the Hanger. Like walking into a new world. Each of the massive Hangers on both sides of the ship could house an entire wing of fighters and 10 support vessels If needed. 100 Meters wide, 40 Meters tall, and 200 Meters deep the Hanger was a massive sight. Above him row after row of Claw Fighters of various types Hung from racks posed to launch. Along the sides in smaller side hangers sat various types of Support and Escort Craft.

In the middle of the hanger sat a massive craft. Filling almost half of the entire central hanger the Kaukasian Fury Sat. Over 80 meters of pure fighting machine. Lash had brought it just incase he needed to escape the planet in a hurry. He did not think he would have too. The Imperators invitation was one of peace. but lash never underestimated the evil inside of anyone.

Lash Walked up the Rear access ramp of the Cutter and sat in the aft most Seat. The 2 Aids fallowed suit and al sat motionless without a word as the Ramp lifted and closed. The deck below Lash's feet began to shake as the massive engines of the ship began to generate power. The Repulsors kicked in and the giant Craft effortlessly rose from the hanger deck and began to move. once at the edge of the Hanger the tractor beams escorted the fury out of the Hanger and into space. Like a fire of hatred the Engines of the fury fired there thrusters and the craft sped away towards the Planet and Lash's meeting with Imperator Sevon.

[Khendon Sevon]

The sleek DreadLord plowed through space with vicious ability. Her demonic hull was painted deep black. Weapons’ emplacements bristled across the broadsides of the large ship. She was a creature of destruction.

“Bring us into orbit,” ordered Khendon in his sturdy voice, “contact Wor Tandell and have them begin loading the Persecutor with men and material. I’ll be planet side, Commander, you now have full command of her.” With that the Imperator stood, his black cloak fluidly flowing behind him as he turned on his heel and made his way towards the rear of the bridge.

A Federacy shuttle launched from the bay of the massive weapon of war and made its way planet side. It gingerly touched down on a large, metallic landing platform floating several hundred meters above the ground. Banks of deadly systems prepared to spit vehemently at any craft attempting a landing without proper coding.

The armor clad Sevon leisurely strolled from the yawning mouth of his shuttle, his eyes scanning the horizon. The day was bright and sunny, not a cloud in the sky. Fighters buzzed by, aircars screeched around the terminal, shuttles landed here and there on other nearby barges. An additional graceful Federacy shuttle stood proudly on the deck of the barge; Khendon peered at the owner for a moment then turned his attention back to the heavens. The silver eyes of the former Vice Diktat narrowed in the brilliant light, he tapped a finger idly against his saber as he waited the arrival of final member of the group.

[Jake Snake]

Jake watched the Imperator's shuttle land and ran over to it. He stood tall and saluted Sevon. "Sir! It's a pleasure to meet you and a great honor to meet the chiss with you. If you forgive me for asking, what are they doing here? I was not told of their coming."

Jake looked up when a sonic boom rang out as a Chiss shuttle flew through the air and came around to their location. He stood and waited to see what this meeting was all about.

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The Sweep forward wings of the Giant Chiss Cutter gave the appearance of a giant bird swooping in on its prey. The Blue Metalic hull glistened in the sun as it neared the landing Platform. Considerably larger then the 2 shuttle which were already sitting on the platform the Kaukasian Cutter landed in a position at the far end of the Platform to allow room for the giant craft.

Lash sat silently as the Shuttle neared the platform. A small bump was all that was felt as the craft touched down. Immediately Lash stood and faced the ramp. Light rushed in as the seal opened up to the atmosphere of Wor Tandell. The air was fresh and clean which surprised Lash. The amount of refining the Federacy was doing here would have had some effect on the air. He made a note to look at the Air filtration of the factories he was to visit. As the Ramp touched the ground he walked down onto the platform fallowed by his 2 aids. Before him stood the Imperator and one other Imperial Officer. His aids took up positions on each side of the ramp access to the Cutter as Lash walked across the Ramp too meet Khendon and the other Officer.

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon gave a wry grin to the Captain as he watched the Chiss vessel initiate its landing procedures. “Captain, I know you have all of nearby space memorized like the back of your hand, but, have you ever wondered what is being produced on Wor Tandell? I’m sure you’ve seen all of the official reports.

“The Sevon Rifle Corporation, a member of the United Imperial Technologies company, took over military production of Wor Tandell when the Federacy was forged. The official statement is that they’re here to do basically what the Galactic Empire did, produce arms and equipment.

“You’ll soon understand the truth of it. As for you not being forewarned about my arrival, well,” Khendon’s smirk changed to an evil smile, “don’t worry too much about that.” The Imperator shifted into a stiff, formal military stance and allowed his smile to fade into a relaxed grin.

“Ah! Grand Syndic! Welcome!” The Imperial extended a hand to the blue skinned alien.

[Jake Snake]

Jake nodded at the Imperator, "Yes sir. I've always had the feeling that something was going on here that I didn't know about. I was in position to ask questions though. I just follow orders and keep everything safe."

He turned at the shuttle descended and looked at the ramp going down. As the Grand Syndic came out Jake stood up staight, at full attention.

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Lash walked up and took Khendons hand as Khendon Greeted him.

"Good Day Imperitor Sevon. I Hope my Sudden appearance did not cause too much of a uproar with your fine Defenses. I trust everything is in order for my tour. I would like to see your air filtration system if at all possible. The air here, It is refreshing."

Lash Smiled at the Man before him as they released hands. His gaze shifted to the Man beside Khendon.

"I assume you are the Commander of the Federacy forces here. I complement you on your work. You have a fine group of men. It would have been a shame if some Junior officer got trigger happy as we emerged from Hyperspace. "

No more was said to the man as Lashes attentions turned back to Imperator Sevon.

"I have informed my men they are to have no contact with any of your people. They will stay with my ship while we talk Imperator. We have much to talk about."

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon gave an understanding nod and smiled generously. The Imperator looked to the sky for a moment, his silver eyes perceiving a slight motion. “Ah, here they are,” he said calmly and with a bit of mirth.

A sleek, black vessel roughly 12 meters across descended towards the platform. The center section was thin and long, an engine at the aft spitting blue waves in its wake. To either side of the central portion were black pods that emitted a thumping sound as it approached.

The jaw of the craft yawned open at the edge of the barge, a soldier clad in black saluted stiffly. “Lieutenant,” said Khendon over the sound of the engines, “right on time!”

“Gentlemen, this will be providing our transportation… first I will show you why our air is so clean,” Khendon motioned for them to walk besides him, his boots emitting subtle metallic sounds as they contacted with the extended ramp.

[Jake Snake]

Jake bowed slightly at the Grand Syndic, "Thank you, sir. I will tell my men what you have said about them. They are some of the finest men I have ever served with or commanded."

Jake heard the shuttle coming on and turned to look at it. As it sat down Jake stood at attention and waited for the Imperator and the Grand Syndic to move up the ramp. After they were inside, Jake look one last look around and brought his lean, 6'5 body on board. He sat down near the hatch and close to Lash. Even though he knew there would be no trouble, with the Imperator here, Jake was on high alert and ready to take action should the need arise. His training kept him calm and helped him conceal his readiness.

As they lifted off, Jake looked out of the view port with one eye, while keeping his ears and other eye on the Imperator and Lash.

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Lash Sat on the bench of the transport and silently watched as The rest of its occupants did the same. The day was warm but not hot and Lash was enjoying the sun on his face. The Transport lifted up and began speeding off into the sky high above Wor Tandel. Lash looked out at the city in the distance which was fading and towards a massive industrial center before him growing as the transport neared. The Imperator sat silently as well. Lash knew of his skills and was careful not to let his thoughts wonder.

Before him was a vast Mecca of factories and buildings, all built in an asymmetric pattern and all massive complexes of there own. As the transport passed over the edge of the massive row of factories lash could see frantic movement below. The movement of worked droids and Federal Employees going about there daily chores. In the enter of the Industrial city below a massive building stood like a becon to the sky. Lash knew this was there destination. For as much as the Federacy was known for there technology they were also known for there ability to show that technology off.

Lash Turned towards the Imperator. The man already knew lash was about to speak and had already faced him to reply. the sound of the transport and the wind around it was of substantial decibels so lash had to raise his voice higher then he was accustomed to.

"Imperator, This is an impressive show of Manufacturing power. This Center rivals many I have seen on more predominate worlds."

[Khendon Sevon]

The sound of hydraulic presses shaping, plasma torches cutting, and foundries pouring reached the transport and flowed throughout the cabin. The city below was a brilliant blending of technology and experience. Initially it had been controlled by the Galactic Military Alliance; however, Khendon had quickly acquired it when the Galactic Empire crumbled

Since then, the production capabilities of the planet had been slowly increased, mechanics refined, technology augmented. The Imperator spoke softly, yet his voice carried mysteriously over the din, “Thank you, Grand Syndic. However, I have one request of you,” he grinned somewhat wickedly, shadows cast over his figure, his silver eyes sparked in the darkness, “call me Khendon.”

The shuttle began descent procedures; the constant sound of the repulsor lifts suddenly increased in pitch and frequency. The sleek, matte black craft used the pull of gravity to carry it gently to a landing platform on the gargantuan building.

[Jake Snake]

Jake stood up as the shuttle landed gently and hit the hatch release. As it hit the ground he walked out, ahead of Lash and Sevon and looked around, making sure the area was clear. He stood back at attention and watched them both get off the shuttle.

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Lash stepped off the lift onto the ground nodding to Captain Snake as he passed. The facility before him was a vast, sprawling factory with giant intakes. Lash could tell this was the filtration center. The air hissed as it was drawn into the intakes. Ahead of him 4 guards approached to meet them. Lash turned to The Imperator. "As you wish Imperator ,I shall call you Khendon."

Lash looked out at the structure before him then back to Khendon. "I see you have brought us to the filtration system. Very good I am impressed by your amount of clean air in this area with such massive construction and manufacturing facilities in the area. You have chosen a good place to start my tour. I am humbly at your lead."

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon didn’t consider the air filtration system of Wor Tandell the most important Federal innovation. In fact, it wasn’t very significant. The Federacy was willing to waste entire planets, as was proven by Omerose—an industrial wasteland. Yet, the Chiss took great interest in the process being used.

The Imperator gave a small bow and began walking slowly, the two men trailing a hair behind him. The wind on top of the massive structure whipped Khendon’s hair wildly. His eyelids narrowed into slits to protect the moisture within. The breeze was cold and abrasive. If it weren’t for the Imperial’s cloak, he was sure he would have shivered as a gust renewed its onslaught.

Guards strode forward clad in black marine armor. The three men crisply exchanged salutes with the Federacy’s leader. An access hatch slid open and a lift became clearly visible. “Gentlemen,” said the Imperator as he motioned with his hand.

[Jake Snake]

Jake stood by and than turned to follow the two. Since he was not asked anything, he kept quite and just watched the Chiss and looked around as they went.

[imported_STELA'SHLIT'NURUODO]

Lash watched silently as the Federal guards traded salutes with Khendon. Once this was over The Imperator turned and motioned for him to walk into the massive structure. The cool gust reminded him of a summer day on Csilla. It had been too long since he had been home.

As he entered the building the air pressure changed. a positive air environment meant there were Clean rooms near by. Room which reminded free of dust and other airborne particles. The air was cool and dry which ruled out bioengineering labs so Lash narrowed it down to electronic labs which contained equipment which needed to remain absolutely clean and at a constant environment. Lash turned to face Khendon who was talking to the left of him.

"Is the weather here always so pleasant?"

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon grinned widely, “Due to our filtration process the temperature of the air stays relative to its current coolness, however, there is the occasional fluctuation and seasons do occur fairly naturally.”

The lift slowed and two large, reinforced doors slid silently open, “through here we can view the basic filtration process. I’m sure we can stop a technician and ask him to explain the procedure.”

The room was large and had a cylindrical, see-through tube from ceiling to floor in the center. The massive chute had a diameter of nearly five meters. Khendon motioned for the party to follow him and entered the brightly lit chamber, his cloak’s tail gently trailing.

[Jake Snake]

A small station hung in the void of space 350,000 km away from Wor Tandell. It was all painted black as space, without any lights on. No one would know it was there unless intentionally looking for it. It was placed in the middle of nowhere so that no stray ships would happen to locate it.

As one got closer they would see a station that was one big rectangle in the middle with 4 wings jutting out. One wing on each of the long edges. The station looked like a small docking port or forward customs station, with the wings acting like docking ports. This was, however, not the case. At the rear of the station were 2 large thurster nuzzles and on the sides of it were smaller positioning thrusters. To top everything off there was a commucation and targeting dome at the center of the Dorsal side.

Light flickered around the 40 by 25 by 15 meter station in a dance that looked like that of bees around a nectar filled flower. They would stop in some places and than move around again. Getting closer still, the bees tranformed into droids and engineers in spacesuits. They flew around and checked systems, making last minute adjustments, and making sure everything was ready for the first test.

After a little time the droids and engineers retreated. In the silence of space, doors on the ventral and dorsal sides of the jutting out wings, opened. Out of each opening emerged 3 grapler arms. All except one set were empty. The one that wasn't had a 22 meter long, 4 Meter in diameter cylinder in it.
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Jake stood in the lift and listened to the Imperator and Grand Syndic talk. In his mind came a voice and message, "Sir, Phase One of Project Tyrant is complete. We are ready to proceed with Phase II."

Jake looked straight ahead, but sent Sevon a neural message, "Sir, engineers report that Phase One of Tyrant is complete. They are awaiting instructions for phase Two. Should we proceed?"

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Lash walked along through the facility taking mental notes the entire time. The air filtration was not unlike the ones the Chiss have and though it was advanced Lash knew His excitement about it was not fooling Khendon. The filtration system was nothing. Lash was not really interested in the filtration , but Playing along and seeming interested opened a rapport with the Imperator.

"Imperator I was wondering , How goes relations between you and the Sovereignty?"

[Khendon Sevon]

Relations with the Sovereignty, Khendon mused with the idea. He tossed around his answer, tried various flavors and finally spoke in his gentle voice, somewhat reminiscent of a politician, “The Sovereignty is a repressive government that brainwashes its people. They don’t understand the true Imperial way.

“Relations between the Federacy and Sovereignty,” the Imperator blew air through his nose in a mild snort, “they are virtually nonexistent. Grand Syndic, you should know that the Federacy would never establish relations with a nation as repressive as the Sovereignty dogs.” Every word Khendon spoke had been carefully chosen by the Federacy’s propaganda and brainwashing program. Of course, the Imperator’s own empire was much more repressive and offered fewer legal rights to its citizens, however, the rest of the galaxy need not know this.

Khendon shot a glance to the Captain and gave a stealthy nod. He finally returned the attention of his silver eyes to Lash, “what of your relations?’

[Jake Snake]

At the Tyrant station bridge data began to flow and systems were activated. The targeting solution came in and was transfered into the Tyrant missile's computers. When everything was done, the Captain in charge ordered the firing countdown.

On one of the wings jutting from the station hung the lone missile. Its systems came online and engine started to warm. Codes were recieved and integrated into the avionics package. Star maps streamed through the system as the missile computer got its bearings. It established flight paths and hyperspace jumps.

When the launch was initiated, the missile's large engine fired and the grapplers retracted. With a trail of blue light the large cylinder accelerated from the station. It turned port and slipped into a small hyperspace lane. Once leveled, the missile's hyperdrive actived and stars seemed to bend around it as it shot off into space. It headed for the center of Federacy Space.
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Jake stood beside Sevon and listened to the two talk. His neural implants began to recieve the launch data and all the details.

"Sir, Phase II has begun. Tyrant has just entered hyperspace." Jake said through his implant without moving his mouth.

[imported_STELA'SHLIT'NURUODO]

"My relations. Imperator I have a mutual respect for both the Sovereignty and the Federacy. And I am aware of both of your propaganda on each other and its limited teachings. The Chiss give and they take. It is as simple as that.We get Bacta and Tabana gas as well as building supplys from the Sovereignty for our aiding there scientist develop new technology. And as with you we have a Non Aggression treaty. And a strict non fly zone inside our borders. The Chiss Empire Only wishes to see the Imperial Powers unified. Pardon the Pun but life would be easier with all of our eggs in one basket so to speak."

Lash paused and stopped walking. He knew more was going on here then either Khendon or Snake let on. The 2 Men were communicating. He assumed with the force. Be did not care what they had going on. He knew Khendon was a man of his word and that he had nothing to fear while on Wor Tandell.

"Imperator. You are a brilliant man. Your technology is second to none. I will admit that. But you have a weakness which with each day becomes the making of your downfall. "

Lash hoped he would not anger the Imperator. HE only wished to stat the obvious.

"You have the technology. The Sovereignty has the Man power. Why not form some type of alliance. even a non aggression pact would be better then the constant border skirmishes which happen more and more with each day. As a unified force. Even if separate empires under 2 banners , will make both groups stronger."

[Khendon Sevon]

A tremor rose in Khendon and clasped his innards in an iron vice. He took a sharp breath and found its usually calming powers gone. A primal scream grew in his soul and the blackness of it drenched his mind. Dark forces intoxicated his senses. An urge suddenly filled the Imperator. He wanted to unleash the beast, wanted to bring the chiss leader to his knees, cowering with respect.

That alien before him wished for the Federacy and the Sovereignty to cooperate. Energy played across Khendon’s spine and worked its way to his hands. His muscles tensed ever so slightly. The hair on the back of his neck went on end. The dark warrior narrowed his eyes.

STOP! Yelled Khendon’s superego, STOP THIS NOW. The tantalizing id wanted destruction, chaos. A single, sturdy, oaken door in Khendon’s mind kept his demons at bay; however, they were chipping at its rotten frame.

Subtly, Khendon’s leather clad hand began traveling down his hip. The material was tight around his sweaty palm. He mentally heard the snap hiss of his saber and the elegant sound of a shattered spine.

“No,” whispered Khendon in a near hiss, beads of sweat rolling down his face. Control your emotions, you are not a Sith anymore. Suddenly the dam of dark energy vented, rather than broke. The animal urges he had had left his body, the flood was prevented. A series of deep breaths brought the Imperator back to his senses.

A faint smile entered the stage of his face. “I don’t believe it would be in our best interests to do anything so hasty, Grand Syndic. However, the Federacy does extend the hand of friendship to our most deserving of allies, the Chiss.”

[Jake Snake]

Jake turned to the Chiss and looked right into his eyes, "Numbers matter only little in the face of advanced technology and far superior training."

He said this and stood back at attention. The couldn't possibally be serious about the Federacy making an alliance with SOV scum. Jake's thoughts were interupted went a message came through to him over the neural link.

"Sir, Phase II has been completed and was very successful. How shall we proceed?" Jake asked the Imperator through the link.

[imported_STELA'SHLIT'NURUODO]

Lash took Khendons Hand and shook it firmly. Shanking it and watching the Imperators Face closely.

"I mean Not to anger you but as an advocate of peace I must try to find a Non Military solution. I see now you have no need nor want for a non military solution to the feud between the Federacy and Sovereignty. I will no longer bother you with that matter."

Lash released the Imperators Hand. Anger had flared up inside the man. Lash was sure of it. His eyes told Lash of his control of that anger and his almost lethal release. Lash cared not. He did not fear death. And he did not fear Khendon. He would however not bring up the Subject of peace with the Sovereignty again.

"Now Imperator. Please Lets go see more of your fabulous Technology."

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon took in a deep breath and gave a curt nod. “Lets,” he said in a controlled voice. “Captain Snake, I believe you have some other things to attend to. I’ll allow you to get to them.” He relaxed the knotted muscles of his face and smiled. He walked back to the lift, indicating with a simple gesticulation for the Chiss to follow him.

The two began the descent far beneath the planets surface. In truth, the entire reason for the purification of the atmosphere and the extensive filtering process it underwent was utterly selfish. The Federacy relied on natural armor, along with specially designed technical armor, to protect its facilities on Wor Tandel.

Deep underground the lift came to a rapid halt. A thick door slid open and a small room was exposed. “This will only take a moment,” Khendon walked into the room. Gas jets instantly erupted as the door closed behind the Grand Syndic and Imperator. A red light blinked on. “Purified area,” explained the Imperial over the loud noise.

[Jake Snake]

Jake snapped to attention, "Yes sir!"

He slightly bowed to the chiss, "Grand Syndic, if you would excuse me."

Jake briskly spun around and went into the turbolift. Once inside he called him shuttle to meet him on the roof. There was much business to attent to. Since the Tyrant initial tests had been successes, they were ready to mass produce them.

As he steped out of the lift, the shuttle was just touching down. Jake ran and jumped on board, instructing the pilot to fly back to his ship in orbit.

[imported_STELA'SHLIT'NURUODO]

Lash Returned the gesture to Captain Snake and turned to walk with Khendon. The ride down the long shaft seemed motionless. Like the lift was stationary the whole time. The only clue of its movement was the slight nudge as it stopped at the bottom.

Gas jets erupted cleaning the air around him as he stepped into the Cleaning chamber. The door slid shut an instant after he and Khendon cleared the lift. Lash nodded to the Imperator As he strained to talk over the hissing of the air cleansing system.

The Airflow slowed then stopped. as the vacuum continued to take in the air lash felt the pressure change as the doorway before him opened.

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon continued walking forward. The room they now entered was enourmous. Walls were painted white. However, the scene was intermittently interrupted by large, silver reinforcing pillars. Table after table was laid out. Droids and observing personnel worked frantically on all sorts of devices. All in all, the room might have been a full kilometer wide and long.

The noise that greeted the two men was deafening. The pounding of hammers, cutting of torches, typing on datapads, and folding of metals resonated throughout the chamber. Khendon leaned close to the Grand Syndic and spoke as clearly as he could, “This is the largest fabrication facility we have. Here, advanced, extremely articulated droids work endlessly producing some of the more advanced chips, crystals, and laser fittings required for our technology.”

“Come this way,” said Khendon as he turned right. On the wall there was a heavy looking door. The Imperator keyed in several commands and it opened wide, revealing a long, slender corridor—equally well braced and white.

The Imperator led the other man down the long walkway. To either side large windows revealed several expansive rooms. Within the rooms droids and other machines stamped out advanced microchips and cut laser optical relays into boards.

At the end of the corridor a single, immense door sat. Khendon swiped his finger down the door, “DNA sample, automatic retina scan, finger printing, voice sampling, stature analysis, compound analysis, and a variety of spectrums have all been used to make sure that I am authorized for what’s next.”

The door opened vertically and Khendon sauntered in. The next room was much smaller than the initial, only several hundred meters long and wide. The Imperator began to explain, “we’re currently in a location designated for high performance weapons production. That’s why those crystals and chips were being produced as well as housings. Here we have the creation of our specially designed blast gas—it’s only used in our “Densa” cannon project, more on that later.”

The room was filled with large vertical tubes of green, swishing liquid. Technicians in white suits walked around the dark room. The walls were made from dark, heavily reinforced, composite materials. The only light that was cast was from the containment cells themselves. The room possessed and awkward silence in comparison to the previous ones. Green hues played and danced from within the cylinders. “Any questions so far?” Asked Khendon.

[imported_STELA'SHLIT'NURUODO]

Lash watched the Technicians work as he listened to Khendon Speak. All around him weapons of war were being Built. He Had come to this planet on a quest for peace. Now as he look into the heart of the Dragon he knew his Mission here had dramatically changed. The Federacy did not want peace. Khendon did not want peace. At least not with the Sovereignty. His thoughts were suppressed by a question from his guide.

"Questions? Yes Imperator. With all of this weapon Manufacturing and design Is this Complex safe from an orbital assault. The depth i am sure makes any such assault difficult but with so much of your weapons manufacturing dependant on one area. Surly you have taken precautions to make this facility hardened for Assault."

Lash Paused to see what response he would get from the Imperator. Not his words but his actions and stance were what Lash would watch. He must now judge this man. He was the only threat to the Chiss and Now Lash must return to report on The Man and the Massive War Machine he yields.

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon’s face slowly slid into a relaxed smile, “This installation and the hundreds of other satellite facilities under the surface of this planet are very resilient. Let’s just say we’ve done extensive testing against our military doctrine and those of others. The heart of the Federacy is a strong organ protected against cancer or infection.”

The Imperator allowed his words to sink in, his body tall and firm. He slowed his pace and gently examined the jade tanks of fluid. “All we need to do now is perfect our alternative-bacta formula. But it’s not really needed,” the friendly smile of the Imperial slid away and was replaced by a firm, enigmatic grin.