Operation: Palustrine

[Tonyux]

Report: Operation Palustrine
Filed by: Apprentice Agran
Team Composition: Apprentice Agran, Private Meiluzis, Acolyte Ariasha

Upon arrival at the Spaceport, my presence with Private Meiluzis passed without interference, though Acolyte Ariasha, disguised as a mercenary, was delayed by the Port Master for questioning. The man carries only as much weight as bureaucracy grants him, though he clearly attempts to exercise it wherever possible. Acolyte Kyrila failed to appear at the designated time and was absent from the operation.

Following a trail of slaves being brought to the market, we encountered two groups of pirates in conflict. The larger identified themselves as part of the Dren Consortium, a loose organization that contains various pirate groups, under Captain Paik, an Orzleanso. They destroyed the smaller group, who had been escorting slaves. Paik himself proved aggressive and impatient, but his manner reflects strength and experience. He displayed some disdain toward Sith authority, even to the point of open disrespect, yet he carries the discipline of one who can shield his mind. He also muttered open dissent toward the Consortium’s leader, Tssyrg, a lizard (Trandoshan?) he referred to with scorn.

An abduction attempt against Acolyte Ariasha by Consortium pirates was swiftly dealt with, though the Acolyte remained drugged by a syringe in the altercation.

At the market auction, I ensured the Imperial Engineers were acquired without resistance; intimidation proved enough to silence competition. From there, I pursued discussion with Paik directly, requesting a meeting and avoiding payment. As the Engineers were delivered to our Shuttle, we moved into his office and our exchange cut quickly to the matter of his ambitions and my interests. We reached an understanding that once Tssyrg is removed, Paik would take control of the Consortium, aligning himself with our Sphere. In return, he would provide safe passage to Horuset assets and we'd exchange intelligence on profitable targets among our enemies. He recognizes the advantage such backing brings, though his loyalty is not assured without contingencies.

The takeover however could not yet be enacted. Tssyrg remains alive, off-world, and could be driven to retaliate for the loss of the Engineers. His paranoia will make him difficult to draw out, though that paranoia can itself be weaponized into a trap for the close future. When we finished and returned to the landing area to board our Shuttle we were blocked by roughly twenty pirates at the checkpoint. Ariasha had already gone ahead with the Engineers and remained behind the blockade, having anticipated their arrival as they followed my order to follow our men to ensure they were being delivered back to us.

A brief exchange of words before all collapsed into violence. Together with Paik and Meiluzis, I advanced. Ariasha made effective use of explosives, culling many of the enemy. The remainder were dispatched with steel, blaster, and blood. We thus secured the Engineers, unscathed if not for the mental scarring substained from the experience of their captivity, and withdrew without further obstruction, with Captain Paik and his men simulating wounds and similar to ensure they would look the part of having fought and failed to stop our escape.

The operation has achieved its primary objective: the Engineers are returned to us intact. Beyond that, a contact has been established within the Consortium and a path opened to reshape its leadership to our advantage. The second objective will have to be delayed as the target was ultimately off-world. Captain Paik is viable as an instrument, though his loyalty is uncertain; he will require management and preparation for inevitable betrayal. Tssyrg must be removed in time, and care will be needed in shaping the Consortium into a tool the Sphere of Advancement can truly use.

The will of the Empire has been done.
Apprentice Agran.