Hekaras

*Swarming down from the sky came dozens upon dozens of Imperial shuttles. The sun was almost blotted out by the Armada amassed, moving over Hekaras like a plague of locusts. As the shuttles touched down, white plastoid armoured Stormtroopers came pouring out of the holds. Any Gran out on the streets were either taken into custody or executed. A city wide broadcast was transmitted from the General in charge of the siege.*

=Saresh Blackthorn=
:: Citizens of Hekaras, remain calm. The Order of the Eye has come to put an end to your torments, to free you from the bonds of your oppression. Please, stay in your homes until such a time as you are informed otherwise. Any resistance posed to the Order's peace keepers, who even now are moving in to protect your world from harm, will be dealt with harshly. We apologize for any inconvenience this presents for you, but some sacrifices must be made so that peace and order may exist. Know that you are now under the protection of the Eye. ::

*Pure propaganda. The Order did not seek to protect the Gran that called this world home, but rather to subdue them entirely. Armoured Stormtroopers would be stationed within the city from this point onwards. Not only would they maintain the peace, but they would see that the will of the Order was carried out. If the Gran knew something akin to freedom up until this point, they had best forget it. The children of the Eye were unmerciful Sith, true freedom did not exist in the lives of those that served them.*

*The chaos was minimal. Some citizens put up a fight, but any altercations were quickly quelled. The Gran had been peaceful since the absence of the GSI, they had no will to fight or repel. The only choices available were to submit or die.*

*Imperial landing craft set down across the city, having come straight from the hangar bay of the Sovereign in orbit. Two of the shuttles contained shield generator devices that would create and energy field capable of surrounding the entire city. Essentially all NOE capital cities possessed these shields, though they rarely saw use. The point was that if there was an emergency, the shields could be activated to encompass the city and protect it from threat of harm. A series of other shuttles departed for the East, North, and West sides of the city. In their cargo holds were the parts and pieces required to assemble large scale ion cannons. The cannons, another symbolic item positioned at most capital cities on the Sith worlds in the Expanse, were used not only as a deterrent but also used offensively. They had enough firepower to disable an Imperial Star Destroyer in orbit. As soon as the shuttles arrived in position, they began to off load their cargo and get to work. Chances are it would take some time to get everything operational but they were in no particular hurry. With the new troops delivered to the city from M'haeli and Vandelhelm, inner-city security was being maintained properly. The only thing they were missing was a dedicated planetary overseer, though word had it that Saresh Blackthorn would be taking over that role once the invasion became a true occupation of Kinyen.*

*Saresh, already within the city, watched from the roof tops of a nearby building. His black Sith robes flapped about his lithe frame as the repuslor engines from all the shuttles in the vicinity kicked up the air like wind. The Dark Acolyte had learned much of Kinyen after studying the GSI database on Tynna. Thanks to the alliance shared between the Imperium and the Order, accessing the proper information has been easy. After all, Kinyen used to be one of the three jewels that comprised the GSI, only to fall into the hands of other organizations several times over. Saresh promised that it would not happen again. Now that the Eye maintained control, it would never let an inch of that control slip. The Dark Side had its roots sunk deep in the planets soil, combine that with the military might of the Order, and you had a foundation capable of sustaining itself for a thousand generations. He turned away from the hustle and bustle of activity, closing his eyes and focusing on the anger and fear he felt from the locals. It was delicious.*

*After several weeks of hard labor, the shield generator for the city was completed. The crew responsible for its maintenance activated the shield, covering the entire city in a glowing blanket of blue colored energy. After the testing phase was completed, the shield was deactivated and the crew focused on finishing the planetary ion cannons. Powerful blasts of charged ions were launched up through the atmosphere and into space as the three emplacements were test fired. Crews were careful to avoid targeting a sector where orbital forces were located. No need to risk damaging the equipment they just set up. When all appeared within working order, NOE Expanse Command transmitted Dark Acolyte Saresh Blackthorn the authority rights as Overseer of the planet. He was now the man in charge as far as the NOE occupation was concerned. Troops from M'haeli and Vandelhelm were now to be stationed at the medical facility within the city, which would soon be re-purposed as an NOE garrison base. Word was sent to the fleet in orbit that their supportive presence was no longer needed. A good thing too as Bilbringi High Command has just ordered the sacking of another world deep within the Inner Rim. This time however it would be a combined effort by the NOE Expanse Fleet and the Reeceeian armed forced. Considering the chemistry both sub-groups leaders had with one another, the cooperative strike was sure to be a success.*

*Saresh headed off to the government center. He'd be taking over the office of the former Governor, after it had been redecorated of course. The prior ruler had a reasonable understanding of order but no flair for style or elegance. By the time the Dark Acolyte was done however, it would be opulent to the tenth degree.*

*Several Couriers moved about town posting posters advertising for the Imperial Military Academy of Carratos. (see your local recruiter for details)*
*At the same time they also posted advertisements for the Famous Onderon University, the Ov Taraba.*

*Unlike on the other worlds overseen by the Dark Lord of Famine, the citizens of Kinyen were actually given the chance to attend schooling off world. Dragus hadn't yet decided what to make of the Gran other than simpleton farmers, though perhaps through improving their minds they would show their true worth. It seemed the university on Onderon would have the students it sought.*

*Fortunately for the Eye, the Gran had proven themselves quite useful. Agriculture was not seen as a glamorous duty, but it had to be done regardless. The fact that the heathen scum that occupied the planet were so willing to partake in it spared them from certain destruction. Until the day that the Order stopped requiring food, the aliens would continue to live and breed. Though no oppressive regime ruled without keeping a watchful eye on the populace. Selective breeding initiatives were sought to help create a better breed of Gran, assuming such a thing existed. In the view of the Order, and worse yet, in the view of the Famine Lord, all were found wanting. This belief was instilled in the armed Stormtroopers that occupied Hekaras, acting as much a police force as a judiciary system. The only difference was that the soldiers took on all roles, including judge and jury. Murder in the streets for senseless reasoning was not uncommon. It was the way the Sith ruled, through fear and the infliction of suffering.*

*Saresh stood by the window of his office, staring out over the city. The garrison base was at the center of Hekaras, right at the heart of Gran society. With amusement the Dark Acolyte regarded the aliens.*

*They were so unlike those of his own kind. Humans were morally weak and easily corrupted, they were inevitably drawn to conflict and prone to violent outbursts. Oppositely the Gran seemed attracted to peaceful coexistence. It simply wouldn't do.*

*Seating himself at his desk, Saresh drew up a document granting the soldiers of the garrison permission to round up citizens for public execution. Quill touched ink and rapidly a draft was written up and send on its way.*

*With luck the message sent by the public display of brutality would help educate the Gran. Peace was a lie. The sooner they accepted that, the sooner they would become fully incorporated into the Order. Humanity was the standard that all aliens needed to embrace; failing to do so would only spell ruin for them. The Eye was not known for its tolerance.*

*Last weeks string of executions had caused a public outcry from the Gran populace of Hekaras. Riots broke out in the streets, followed by a string of vandalism. It was so unlike the peaceful population, so unlike the firm but gentle nature of the Gran. It was almost...human, of them.*

*Saresh smiled wickedly as he reflected on the violence. A lit narcotic stick poured noxious smoke into his lungs, sending a rush of endorphins to the pleasure centers of his brain.*

*The violence and savagery of the riots had been a beautiful thing. These Gran were learning, and in time, they might come to be a complete part of the Order. Of course, he had been forced to turn the local garrison on the population, murdering several thousand in the course of a night in order to ensure no further rioting ensued. It was a dirty business, though such sacrifices needed to be made if ever Kinyen was to be fully embraced by the Sith.*

"Bleed me." *Said Saresh Blackthorn.* "Bleed away my sickness."

*For weeks the Dark Acolyte had demanded his physician draw blood from him, as though the act would cleanse his body of some foul taint that afflicted it. In truth, the taint was created by the mind, not real in any form of the physical.*

"I dare not bleed you further, my lord. You've barely a drop to spare." *Cautioned the doctor.* "Why must you insist on this so regularly? You are fine, the perfect picture of health."

*Snorting, the Dark Acolyte swatted at the physician with a swift backhand. He drew a thick crimson bead from the mans lip, where flesh had split and the fluid of his humanity revealed itself.*

"One of these heretics touched me. I am flawed, my beauty marred forever. I can not allow their corruption to spread to my soul. Now bleed me, damn you! Bleed me or I will be forced to bleed you."

*A dim chorus availed the ears of the townsfolk, growing louder and nearer by the second. Gran men in plaid attire, carrying hoes and shovels to till the land, walked down center street whilst singing a song.*

Gran Assembly: "Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho
It's home from work we go." *Whistle* "Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho, It's home from work we go." *Whistle* "Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho!" *Whistle*

*The days work had been plentiful. Though tired and worn, the spirits of these heathen aliens were high. This years harvest seemed sure to be bountiful, with not a mouth gone hungry and enough left over to ship offworld for coin.* *Granted, none of them would probably ever see that coin. However, their bellies were full, and for some, that was enough of a blessing to be pleased about.*

*As the Gran headed back out to the fields, this time to the forests, them sang a song that echoed throughout all of Hekaras. Happy faced disgusting space aliens danced all about, as though the spirit of Disney had infected the entire planet.*

Gran Workers: ├óÔäó┬½├óÔäó┬½ "I'm a lumberjack, and I'm okay. I sleep all night and I work all day." ├óÔäó┬½├óÔäó┬½

*The townsfolk cried back in chorus.*

Gran Townsfolk: ├óÔäó┬½├óÔäó┬½ "He's a lumberjack, and he's okay. He sleeps all night and he works all day." ├óÔäó┬½├óÔäó┬½

*An on and on it went.*

Gran Workers: ├óÔäó┬½├óÔäó┬½ "I cut down trees. I eat my lunch. I go to the lavatory. On Wednesdays I go shoppin' And have buttered scones for tea." ├óÔäó┬½├óÔäó┬½

*The-a-the-a-the-a *

*The Order's compound near the cities center was a busy hive of activity. Now that a respectable level of relations was open with the local populace, limits placed on the economy and personal freedoms were lifted. As a showing of gratitude, the Gran were able to supply the local garrison with a banquet of fresh produce. Even the corrupt xeno hating overseer of the planet received a gift, that being a hand crafted chair made from the very wood provided by the planet. Saresh Blackthorn, though still quite prejudice, had to admit that it was a fine piece of craftsmanship. Did it mean that less examples would be made of the local populace? Possibly, though it was hard to predict the behavior of one of the Order's Dark Acolytes, especially one trained under the Famine Lord. They tended to be a bit nuttier than all the rest. So there it was, the Stormtroopers stationed at the base feasted upon a fresh bounty of fruits and vegetables, grains and dairy, and of course, game hunted from the forests outside the capital city. They ate well that night, supping themselves on the sustenance, and for some, drinking more than their monthly quota. It would be a painful morning, especially given that a barracks inspection was scheduled, though more than worth the cost.*

*Food harvested from the fields was loaded up on to TSTS transports and shipped off world. The Gran were now receiving a fairer share of the goods, thanks to the better established working relationship between them and the Order.* *Most of the food taken off world would be headed towards worlds within the Empire that were not abundant in agriculture. There were a lot of outposts and smaller colonies that depending on the supplies for sustenance and plain survival. The community of Nomad City for instance could not exist without the influx of supplies from other worlds, Kinyen especially since it was located within a reasonable distance.* *Most of the packaging was cryogenically sealed in order to keep it from going bad on transport. When it took weeks between world to world jumps, food didn't tend to last, especially in such cramped quarters as existed on a TSTS transport. The Tapani Cooperative Ships used often boasted better and larger storage areas, though they were less frequently seen.* *Generally the TSTS relied on the mass produced freighters of Ghtroc Industries. There were even a few Damorian ships used by the company, though they tended to be used only for protecting shipments from space fairing folk.*

*Sithmas, a holiday previously uncelebrated by the Gran, was quickly approaching. The people had been notified of all the traditions and festivities that awaited them. As such, strings of lights were set up all around Hekaras. Trees were diverted from the logging operations outside the city, brought indoors for family units to hang ornaments on.* *Needless to say the town was riddled with holiday cheer. More so than usual given that the Gran were ones for singing cheerful songs(see below).*

*Another harvest meant more food for transport off world. Sap from the trees of the forest outside the city was turned into syrup within Hekaras' many agricultural facilities. This was then bottle and packaged so that it might be sent off world with the next TSTS shipment. It seemed that while Imperial Bacon was turning Gamorr into a profitable venture in turns of producing bacon products, the Twin Suns Transport Services grocery division was doing the same with Kinyen's lumber industry. Maple syrup and bacon could only mean one thing. The NOE was intent on dominating the galaxies breakfast selection.*

*Ever wonder why those pancakes and waffles taste so good? That's the Dark Side exciting your taste buds.*

*Another shorty taken place in the past.*

*It was an odd sight for the Sith as he stepped off the ramp of the Grimblade, setting foot on Kinyen soil for the first time. All around him were three eyed aliens going about their businesses, projecting an aura of peace and serenity.* *Such a deluge of pleasantness was not befitting an Imperial world. Where was the anger? Where was the pollution and putrescence? All these rainbows and happy faces were enough to make the Famine Lord gag.* *He held his robe tightly to his sickly frame, the black garb a contrast to the bright and plentiful colours all around. For miles and miles all he could see was green grass, quaint hovels, and Gran agricultural workers.*

*Unlike every other territory in the Expanse, Dragus had never set foot here. If he had done so, likely the current scene he beheld would have rapidly deteriorated. Imperial power was all in its presentation. Endlessly tall structures, duracrete covering every surface, stormtroopers walking the streets. The only exception to this rule was of course the holy cradle of the Eye, Pzob, whose beauty was carefully guarded. Other worlds proved difficult to tame, so efforts were staved off to cultivate them in the appropriate image, but Kinyen was an easy change. There was no reason for what he was witnessing here.*

*Dragus swallowed back bile as his eyes set upon a family of Gran holding hands and singing some sort of alien song. Scowling, he increased his pace and began to make his way towards the offices of Lord Saresh Blackthorn. Citizens moved out of the Famine Lord's way as he walked down the street, nodding politely at the Sith and greeting him at every turn. The unusual politeness so absorbed the Sith's attention that he did not notice a Gran mailman bent at the knee while fixing a shoe lace. Dragus bumped into the Gran's back, toppling the three eyed xeno over and causing several envelopes to scatter about the floor.* *That ought to warrant a nasty retort, right? Wrong.* *Quickly the Gran gathered himself up and faced Dragus.*

*And do you know what the first thing he said was?*

Streeter Vanderbloom: "Pardon me, sir. I wasn't watching where I was going, eh. Are you okay?"

*Dragus was so taken aback by the reply that he nearly drew his lightsaber and hacked off the Gran's head.* *But he didn't, because that would be bad. It was beyond bizarre. He bumped into the alien, and then the alien apologized...to Him. For the love of Palpatine, it was sickening.*

*Whatever business Dragus had to attend to, he did so quickly and then departed the planet, never to return.*

*So let that be a lesson to you children. Dragus is a bad dude who likely would have hurt a lot of people. But show him a little kindness and what happens? He high tails it out of there. Moral of the story, you get much father with kindness than you do with being a big old nasty Ewok lover. So be nice to everyone you meet, otherwise Dragus will murder you in your sleep.*

*Seeing a bunch of rowdy drunken swine causing a ruckus in their beloved capital was a new sensation for the Gran. This one speaks of course about the Gamorrean lumberjacks the company sent over to work on the deforesting operation. During the colder months of the year, the Boars were brought back into town and kept at simple lodgings. Gamorrean ale straight from their homeworld was shipped over by the barrel, which was good because that's about how much each Boar drank per night. This slothful overindulgence was a rare sight for the modestly tempered three eyed Gran, a somewhat demure species. More so, it put a strain on the local peace officers who were tasked with hauling the drunks to the drunk tank at the police station so that the pig-men could sleep it off. It was a daily occurrence, happening every night regardless of how much the Boars had drank the night before. Gluttons for punishment, or too stupid to realize that they were hurting, the Gamorreans caused a stir in little old Hekaras that would be remembered for some time. More brutal measures were taken with the Boars, resulting in police brutality on a scale never seen before by the citizens of this here city. To be fair though, it took about four Gran to wrestle one of the pigs to the ground, and about six armed with stun batons to keep them down. Overall the Gamorreans didn't mean to cause a fuss. Getting drunk and fighting was just their way. Back on Gamorr and Pzob, tribal warfare was the most common livelihood. In Hekaras it was just a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Perhaps a few generations back when the Gran were less developed and overall less civil, they Boars would have fit in better.*

*Okay, so scratch that "never to return bit", because he did come back. Or maybe this happened before. Yeah, I like that. This happened before, definitely. Respect.*

*Dragus' pursuits of alchemical mastery eventually brought him to the city of Hekaras on Kinyen.* *It wasn't a place he liked to visit often given the peaceful nature of its populace and the fact that a certain Sith that had once caused him great discomfort had at one time called it home.* *Even walking its streets, Famine could smell the lingering stench of the one that came before him. That presence had left a significant mark, one that couldn't be witnessed by sight alone. Clanking beside the Sith was his mechanical pawn, Krell. The Sith Elite Warbot towered over Dragus, presenting a far more fearsome appearance than that of the lithe serpent concealed beneath a thick layer of zeyd-cloth. The image was further enhanced by the wicked sword clenched in the droid's right metal gauntlet, radiating with malevolent energy.* *Dragus had forged the blade in the same way he had made Krell's armour. Alchemy.* *Tendrils of power coiled around its silvered surface, invisible to the naked eye but obviously noticeable by those that were Eye-touched.*

*They had come to investigate an old crash site, recorded in Hekaras' logs but never investigated by the Gran. That would seem odd if not for the origins of the ship. It had once belonged to the Sith Empire from an age long ago. During one of the many battles with Jedi and Republic forces, the ship had crashed on the planet just outside the city. The locals, fearful that anything of the Darkside was malignant, had left the site largely alone. Some attempts had been taken to bury the remains, though large metal struts could still be witnessed from the surface. Furthermore, the presence it left in the Force was likened to that of a Siren's calls. A Sith could not help but feel drawn to it.*

*As the pair came across the crash site, Dragus extended his senses and began to search through the rubble like an eager hunter. He leaped from one spot to the next, following a trail centuries old. Back and forth he searched over the ruins, with Krell clanking hard behind him. The droid said nothing, though its presence served as a reminder for the Sith as to his purpose. Eventually he stopped, halting his stride and standing in place. He raised a gloved hand to the air, then jabbed downwards with his index finger, stabbing the dirt.* "Here." *He rasped, motioning for the droid do its work. Krell's left arm aimed diagonally for the spot, then seconds later, green witch fire lanced from its wrist. The blaster installed in its arm quickly melted through the dirt and turned it into molten glass. A few moments later and the hole was wide enough for a man. Krell's blaster stopped and Dragus peered down into the dark depths below. Grinning like a mad man, he stepped forwards and dove down the hole. The armoured form of Krell followed shortly after.*

*Down into the black they descended. Thanks to his umbaran heritage, the Sith could see through the veil of darkness, though right now he was more focused on looking through the eyes of the Force. He used the Force to cushion his fall, slowing himself enough to land softly. Krell on the other hand slammed down hard, cracking stone and causing the ruins to shape. Dragus turned to the droid and scowled, then looked back towards the remains of the ship. Together they made their way though the rubble, looking for anything of value. The air was cold and smelled of death, and for good reason. Dessicated corpses, those not incinerated in the crash, were strewn all about. Old suits of Imperial armour could be found scattered all over the ruins. Famine was careful not to disturb any of it, knowing well the risk faced of having everything above come crashing down on them. Minutes turned to hours, hours to days.*

*Finally after three days of searching the massive ruins, Dragus came across an item of interest. There in the corner of a battered supply closet, an old X2-C3 Imperial astromech droid was found. It had long since run out of power, but for the most part it looked undamaged. The Sith knelt by the unit and ran a gloved hand over its casing, removing a layer of dust that had formed over its photo-receptor. He motioned for Krell to step forwards, which the warbot of course did. When it neared, he reached for its side and removed a power cable that fed from the battery in its chassis. Dragus then found a spot on the droid with a suitable connection port.* *Fortunately the adapter slot was still current. Even hundreds of years later, tech like this still found some relevancy.* *It took a few minutes of charging, but finally the droids LCD lights flickered to life, followed by a series of beeps and whistles. The Sith strained to keep up with the droid speak, though from what he could ascertain, the little unit was grateful to be reactivated.*

*It wasn't what he had been hoping for, but maybe the droid would offer him some answers upon further examination. He wouldn't know until he got it back into the lab.* *Turning to Krell, Dragus ordered the warbot to pick up the astromech. Together, with new acquisition in tow, the pair made their way back to the surface.*

*Gran labored to drag lumber off of the back of flat-bed hover trucks, having arrived straight from the forest outside the city. Today's load was rather impressive, though it should be no surprise since the TSTS started to use Gamorrean lumberjacks to supplement the Gran that had been running the deforesting operation prior. Now the Gran just saw to the unloading of product, maintenance, and other menials tasks. For a peaceful population, they weren't against a little bit of hard work.* *You'd expect it from a bunch of flower loving hippies, but so far, no complaints.* *The wood was taken straight off the back of the trucks and loaded into the cargo bay of awaiting TSTS transports. Inspectors were present to examine the raw materials, joined by fumigators.*

*Certain insects and other various creatures could harshly affect the ecosystems of other worlds, so it was important to make sure that all the little creatures were killed and the wood was free from any contaminants.*

*The inspectors consisted of a number of Bith hired on through the TSTS branch on Clak'dor VII. They were an ugly species, but those egg heads were smart.* *I don't know if that's true, but Bacca keeps telling me that, so I'm just going to roll with it.* *The TSTS pilots and cargo loaders were of course, Ewoks.*

*The Woks usually held the highest positions within the company. The exception being Victor Azzameen (Dragus), who served as the companies CEO. His species had been unverified, but he was clearly humanoid. Whether or not he was human was a different matter entirely. Historical records suggested that he should be, but what few glimpses the public managed to get of the companies head hauncho showed an inhumanely pale man. Maybe he just didn't get enough sun.*

*When the wood was all unloaded, the hover-trucks headed back up the hill towards the lumber operation outside the city. There were be more to load onto the backs of the flatbeds soon enough knowing the Gamorreans. As for the Ewoks, they packed up their ships and began to prepare to disembark. They'd be back soon enough for more wood and sweetgrass. More for the second really. There were too many salads in the galaxy relying on it.*

*The Gran ran through the dark streets, his breath running hard and hot. He was slow however, and the gray figure behind him had little trouble keeping track of him. The man strolled along the street, as he walked, his rifle held in a relaxed manner across his chest. He had surveyed the area before, and knew where he was going.

His quarry took the turn he expected, and the hunter continued to whistle as he followed. He knew that turn was a dead end, and he took it himself closing the distance between himself and the runner, who found his back against a wall.*



"I have a contract Ree-yee. When I enter into a contract, I am bound to fulfill it. It is a simple concept, one that if you kept in mind with yours, would have made mine unnecessary. You have no one to blame but yourself."

*Rang held out his wrist and a small two pronged dart lanced out into Ree-yee's chest, sending a massive stun burst through his body and causing him to fall limply back against the wall. Rang leaned down and bound him quickly, then threw him over his shoulder and carried him back the Echoy'laar.*

*It was a boring day after having completed the most recent contract assassinating some random Gran and now it was his time to kick back and relax except he didn't like this planet. Vincent being a man who would rather enjoy spending his time on the wondrous planet of Zeltros maybe even Ryloth even though they wee completely two different kind of planets but had one thing in common...the women were actually good looking. Here Vincent found himself not particularly interested in the people of Hekaras and so was sitting atop a building staring at the sky.

He enjoyed being along just as much as he enjoyed running after women and always ending up walking away knowing another sad story because he seemed to attract those kind of women. For once he was actually able to just lay back and enjoy his time not having to feel sorry for some damsel in distress and not actually have "feelings" for her and want to help her. Yet he was bored restless even and wanted to get up and do something yet there was nothing to do he was so bored that he had a small bag filled with very small pebbles that he had spent a while looking for. What he had done with them was the funny part he just sat a top a building tossing them at people then hiding as they looked around to try and see what had hit them. It was the most bored he had been in a while and so now after doing some small things to try and take up some time before he went searching for another job he finally decided to just lay around staring at the sky.*