A present for the Grand Marshal

[Alexander Dregar]

Caris walked down the corridors of the Noble Integrity. He had taken the Justice from his mother ship, the Ferox-Class Frigate known as the A-2. Caris hoped one day to be in charge of the A-2. However, that wasn’t what brought him to see his leader, Grand Marshal Dorann. He had been under Dorann’s command for as long as he had been a soldier and respected his leader above all else. He would fly into a black hole if Dorann ordered it. Again, that wasn’t what brought him here.

What brought Caris here was the fact that the A-2 had been a training vessel, and some very interesting thinkers were onboard the ship. More and more force users were coming onto the scene and most soldiers didn’t stand a chance. So, they had gathered together and created a prototype weapon called the scattershot pistol. This pistol would scatter harmlessly when deflected off a lightsaber, or other energy reflecting device. It would make the normal soldier not fear firing at a force user with their lightsaber drawn. That thought, that your own energy would be used against you, was a very real, and very depressing thought, one that could make a normally brave soldier flee.

The Chiss could not afford that demoralizing effect on the battle field. It had taken many months of research, but finally a prototype had been created. Caris had the honor of bringing it before their Grand Marshal in victory and show him the fruit of their labors. Perhaps he could help improve it, or let it find its way into the hands of the true research and development personnel. They were soldiers, and understood a soldiers’ needs. Now it was time to give the idea to one who could make it happen. He was let into his leader’s chambers and gave a crisp salute, putting the brief case on the floor. “Legionaire Prime Caris reporting sir. I have something I believe would interest you sir.”

 

[Zach]

Dorann sat in quiet contemplation in the center of his quarters. They'd often been used as a meditation chamber, an Dorann focused his thoughts on the most recent developments in the Ascendancy. He, previously a Grand Marshall, had been appointed as the temporary Grand Imperator, and leader of the Chiss. He and the rest of several loyal commanders had banded together to form the Council of Eminence, and enacted new, fairer forms of government.

While the position of Grand Imperator was an honor, and a seat of authority, Dorann had requested his forces to still address him as Grand Marshall. He didn't want the position to stick any longer than absolutely needed, and keeping the mindset of a normal general would make the transition easier. For one reason in particular, Dorann feared his own emotions of greed getting the best of him. The Immortals used aspects of the Dark Side in countless ways, and it was a well known fact that it could alter a man's state of mind. The easier this went, the less stressful it would be.

What was more importantly on Dorann's mind, was the arrival of Caris, a promising warrior that had served under Dorann for years. He'd expected the Prime Legionnaire from his recent escapades at Yushuvhu, continuing his crusade from their southern expansion. He felt a slight sensation as though Caris would present him with something most useful to the Ascendancy. Whether it was technology, information, or even a report on something done, Dorann felt that it would be commendable. As he entered, Dorann opened his eyes and looked to the aspiring warrior with a smile. "Welcome, Caris. You've already piqued my interest - I'm dying with anticipation," he replied with a smile.

 

[Alexander Dregar]

Caris goes at ease, and places the briefcase on the table near his leader. “Well sir, as you know, many force users have come onto the scene, on all sides.” He clasps his hands behind his back. “One of the most terrifying thoughts to the soldiers these days is encountering a force user and their lightsaber. While we can do nothing about their force powers, we CAN deal with the side effects of the lightsaber.” Caris opens the briefcase and shows the Grand Marshal the newly developed weapon. “I give you the scattershot prototype. This weapon has many flaws still, but its main function is against a light saber or other energy repelling surface. Its beam of energy will scatter harmlessly when hit against a lightsaber, ensuring that the soldier firing it, will not be killed by his own attempts to stop the force user.” The weapon was more bulky than a normal blaster pistol, and inelegant at the moment. “Its flaws are simple to describe, but more difficult to fix. We on the A-2 are just soldiers, we have seen a lot of combat, but don’t have the backgrounds in engineering needed. Right now it is heavy, weaker in stopping power than a normal blaster pistol, and drains energy quickly. A standard energy pack can only give ten shots for the moment.”

He pauses a moment collecting his thoughts. “However, it is very accurate, it is easy to reload, and of course, it offers peace of mind when fighting a force user. Our soldiers need to know they can fire their weapons at a lightsaber and not be killed. Otherwise, they will turn and flee because how are they supposed to fight them? We on the A-2 are also developing a cheap coating to put on our standard issue vibro-knives that will allow it to block a lightsaber strike. Perhaps only one strike for now, but that gives the soldier added protection. It doesn’t give them much of a chance, but it DOES give them that slim chance of being able to defend themselves against lightsabers, and that does incredible things to morale.”

“I am here to ask for you to examine the weapon, and perhaps send it to the research and development people, so that its design might be refined. Then, perhaps it can find its way into the front lines where it is needed. I will also give you notice when we finish our prototype for the coating.” He finishes and stands at the ready.

 

[Zach]

Dorann sat stiffly in the chair as Caris approached him, laying a briefcase on the desk before him. He began by stating the circumstances in which his development originated; Force users were now commonly used in battle, Sith and Jedi alike. The Ascendancy had their own Force sensitives in the Immortal Order, but served only as elite soldiers. As effective as they were, normal troops in the military still fell prey to those that followed the Light, often from their own hostile efforts. What Caris proposed was a prototype weapon that would prevent further casualties, and give the Chiss people a sense of security and prolonged safety. If nothing else, that boost of morale would work nicely.

"This is excellent work, Caris. I'm impressed. This may only be a rough draft in a pistol, but with some specifications from our top engineers, we should be able to refine it to a more intricate armament," Dorann replied, nodding as he spoke. "I'll see to it that the weapon is worked on immediately. Perhaps in time, we could even manipulate the energy to disperse against a lightsaber and reform in its projected path. Maybe our soldiers could bypass the defensive traits of a lightsaber altogether," he speculated, somewhat thinking out loud.

Dorann picked up the blaster and inspected it, turning it over in his palms. "You're right, it is a bit bulky and uncomfortable," the Grand Imperator noted. He thumbed over the cartridge release and ejected the energy pack, eying it to gauge its effectiveness. "I think the reduced power behind each shot is going to be inevitable. In order to make the bolts of energy disperse on contact with a reflective surface, the energy would need to be thinned, or made unstable. The energy's actual manipulation would have to rely on maintaining the dispersed energy, with an auto-control to reform it, but the specialists will have to work on that with more detail," he surmised, going through each of the thoughts running through his mind.

When he finished, Dorann realized that if the original shot was made unstable to disperse against enemy Force users, the same kind of manipulation could be used as a detonation. If the bolt was used to explode similarly to a small plasma grenade, it would truly disrupt the Jedi even further. Even the weakened power behind this prototype still held a deadly amount of energy against nothing more than clothes, so the blast would be more than potent enough. Dorann quickly scribbled the thought on a pad of notes before him, dividing it into sections. Defensive dispersal purposes, secondary explosive offensive tactics, flaws, and so on.

"We may be able to increase the ammo capacity in the weapon, along with incorporating it with other forms of weaponry. For now, let's take it to the simulation room and test it. I'd like to see what this basic design has to offer, and what to look out for in the design process," Dorann decided, looking back to Caris.

He placed the pistol back in the briefcase and stood, meeting the Prime Legionnaire's gaze. "Would you do the honors of shooting me, soldier?" he asked with a mocking smile. The Chiss leader handed over the case holding the experimental weapon with an open hand, allowing the handle to rock back and forth and his finger. His other hand was placed idly near his lightsaber, implying that he would be the one to first try deflecting the blast.

 

[Alexander Dregar]

Caris smiles at his leader’s interest. He felt proud for having helped the project to this point. When asked to shoot the Grand Marshal, he hesitates for only a small fraction of a single moment. He was a soldier, and was trained to do as ordered. “Yes, of course Sir. I have heard of your abilities with a light saber, but have never seen it with my own eyes.” He salutes, happy for the honor. This was the ultimate test of one’s own technology. If they had failed, he would most likely be killed by his own blaster bolt. But he would rather have his own life on the line, than that of any of his men, or the soldiers of the A-2. He had trained many others, and fought many battles.

If it was his time to die, so be it. He had done much. However, he had the up most faith in what he had helped develop. It would work. Strangely, it never even went into his mind that there was the slight chance his Grand Marshal may be hurt by this. He had so much confidence in his leader that those thoughts couldn’t even possibly form inside his mind. “Shall we go to the firing range, or shall we do so here?”

 

[Zach]

Dorann couldn't help but smile at the Legionnaire Prime's remark, honored by Caris's preemptive compliment. "The Immortal armor only enhances that, my friend," he replied, vividly recalling their recent battle. It was the first time he'd worn the armor. Dorann didn't even always wield his lightsaber in combat. He'd once been no more than a boy in the military academy, with no such knowledge of the Force. His people had fought countless battles in their history, and aligning their people.

When Dorann began to receive his training amongst the Immortals, his effectiveness in battle was only complimented. He'd always commanded with a similar mindset of the Mandalorians from the times of the Old Republic. It was these tactics that led him to believe being a warrior was more important than a mere soldier.

"We'll go down to the range. If anything does go wrong with the blaster, I'd like to have it recorded and monitored with sensors, so we can better engineer it to overcome these defects," he replied, instantly eager to give the weapon its first test run. Dorann wouldn't jeopardize a full analysis of the blaster's first attempts, however.

 

[Alexander Dregar]

Caris smiles and nods. “Yes sir, as you wish.” He was a soldier so death was a normal part of life. It was time to leave a lasting legacy in the Chiss arsenal. Even if he died, his teachings, and this weapon would live on. Now was the time to prove that. He walks to the range, waiting for the Grand Marshal. “Get the sensors operational, we are testing a new weapon. The Grand Marshal himself will be overseeing the tests.” While only a Legionaire Prime, Caris had enough battle field experience, and wild tales of impossible odds behind his name for most soldiers to take him very seriously.

Inspecting the weapon, he checks its charge, condition, and that action of the trigger without firing it. Everything had to work perfectly by the time the Grand Marshal arrived.

 

[Zach]

Dorann stepped into the firing range promptly, both of his lightsabers equipped at either side of his hip. His primary saber bore a sharpened, curved guard over where his fingers rested, serving as a protective layer across his grip, but as well as an offensive blade to punch with.

The weapon had long served the Chiss well, giving him a slight upper hand in close quarters combat with other lightsaber wielders. There was always a difference in amounts and styles of training, and Dorann had learned a way to combine his actions into swift and solid combinations. When locked in a lightsaber duel, it often came in handy. The metallic surface also served to deflect energy, such as a stray blaster bolt that wasn't deflected well enough. The curved framing of the hilt's shape made it so the condensed plasma seemed to splash over it, and dispersing through the air in every direction - much like this prototype pistol, but to a smaller extent. Perhaps with through this kind of technology, the Chiss could discover a way to deflect Force attacks using energy.

The Grand Imperator faced the loyal warrior, standing stiffly with noticeably incredible posture. Caris stood ready with the blaster, awaiting only his leader's command to fire test the weapon. Dorann was sure that Cariss would fire the blaster multiple times, but hopefully only once at first. If the prototype held up enough to manage one shot, it may be able to produce several in a faster pace. What Dorann hoped was that the Ascendancy's engineers would allow the weapon to set to a rapid-fire state, and unloading the energy pack. There were so man technological possibilities with this kind of related concept. He would make sure to note each of the notable traits and plausible ideas and submit them when the prototype and its schematics were delivered.

Dorann gave the Legionnaire Prime a curt nod, still bearing a light smile across his face. At the commander's nod, a series of targets displayed from the ceiling above Caris's head. Dorann had instructed the soldiers monitoring the scans to set them, and would mimic a ceiling-mounted turret. At the very least, it gave Dorann something to aim for.

 

[Alexander Dregar]

Calmly, as his leader was ready, Caris leveled the blaster at Dorann. “I obey my lord.” He fires a single shot. It was brilliant in its aim, straight at the middle of Grand Marshal’s chest. The color was brighter than normal, a brilliant yellow. As it traveled true to its course, if it were deflected it would hit the light saber and white lights would explode around it, scattering like a single firework blast, crackling in the air. It was distracting to both sight and sound. It moved at the same speed as a normal blaster bolt and was highly accurate, where he pointed the bolt went.

Caris grins broadly as the first official test was successful. “That is the beauty of the weapon, its entire purpose Grand Marshal. It might even be able to cause a distraction to others. It does the same when it hits magnetically sealed objects. It wont bounce everywhere and be a danger to those pulling the trigger.” It was very bright however, not a good stealth weapon.

 

[Zach]

Dorann narrowed his eyes as Caris intensified his grip on the prototype blaster. It came up with surprising speed, but the Legionnaire wasn't inexperienced. He may have fought without the aide of the Force, but the precision of such skills could only be trained over time. It was with this efficiency that the temporary Imperator could recognize Caris's talent with a blaster. He fired without fear of the weapon's defaults, but braced himself with steady aim, cautious in case of a bad ending. It was smart, and tactical - the weapon were fired with fear, or the assumption it would explode, the tests were be worthless.

No sooner than the end of the blaster's tip brightened as a rising star over the horizon, Dorann pulled his lightsaber to hand telekinetically, activating the brilliant blue blade of condensed plasma. The blade protruded vertically along his torso, rising in front of his face between the eyes. The blaster bolt erupted from the weapon seemed almost to connect with the blade as a gas, dispersing its energy into a sudden cloud. There was a brief flash of light that blinded the area around him, taking him by surprise, and faded the Immortal warrior's vision.

The flash-bang effect of the plasma round was impressive, to say the least. While it wasn't impossible for those with the Force to fight blind, it was still a possible advantage, and one to manipulate with purpose. "A successful first test, Caris," he replied with a smile. "This flash of light may also prove useful to our technicians. If we can focus our control over the energy in its after-effects, we may be able to incorporate all the possibilities at once. This would require more energy output from the weapon itself of course, but intensified blindness may prove useful to enemy Force-users' supporting soldiers," he added, continuing to speculate on the technological possibilities.

"For the time being, lets continue testing the prototype blaster. I'd like to see how it handles itself after prolonged use. This can help our technicians work to at least keep it stable. If possible, I'd like to avoid having our people walking around with ticking time-bombs," Dorann said with a light chuckle. He prepared for Caris to release a series of consecutive blasts with the blaster, probably emptying the clip. Dorann had no fear that he would be able to deflect each of the bolts of plasma, but the initial blindness was an interesting variable. As he concentrated, he began welling with the Force, gathering his power just by focusing his awareness on the situation. It was his style of meditation and usage of the Force in combat that allowed him to do this, rather than needing to draw from the most powerful of emotions such as the Sith, or the strictest of discipline as the Jedi.

 

[Alexander Dregar]

Caris smiles. “I am glad you think so Sir. It is a product of a dozen life experiences and our combined knowledge of how blasters work. We un-stabilized the blaster core, where the energy is solidified. In doing so, we found the energy is just waiting to expand outwards.” He explains some of how it works. He nods more as he then begins to unload the next nine shots at his commanders chest. Each was expertly aimed just away from the heart. Even if it hit, it might be possible to save the grand marshal. Every thought, and movement was carefully calculated as it was in battle, but this time to give a consistent data point with each shot, and one that should worse come to worse, would hopefully spare anyone else involved.

Yet still, there was not even the slightest hesitation in movements, it was like a symphony as each blast exploded into a shower of light and sound, each hitting the same exact spot. He was proud of his abilities, and yet humble in the face of his superiors. He was a soldier, a warrior, and a leader of a few troops. Caris was honored to even be given the chance to speak with the Grand Marshal. Each hit was beautiful as it expanded into raw gas. As he watched it his mind worked at the very slight flaws he felt in the design of the trigger itself.

As he finishes. “The only problem I see, is a slight over heating situation when you fire them all. Not even close to enough to do any damage, but I can see how if we expand the power pack and make it fully automatic, like a repeater, it would melt the barrel itself if we didn’t compensate for it.”

 

[Zach]

Dorann braced himself as Caris raised the blaster again, unloading the rest of the energy pack. Dorann angled the blade again, colliding the condensed plasma against the destabilized yellow bolts. Each one burst into a flash of light, adding an illumination around the Grand Imperator along with a detectable wave of heat. As Dorann slashed at each of the shots, he reached out with the Force, gathering and collecting the dispersed energy around his body. The enhanced power of the Force gathered in his hands, allowing the blinding light only a fraction of a second before gathering it with tutaminis.

As Caris finished firing the series of continuous bursts, Dorann felt something in his senses. His awareness in the Force remained constant, but in his meditation, the Grand Imperator practiced his skills in precognition. His sight through the Force was trained to spread across the galaxy, observing scenarios and events for brief moments at a time. He'd taken a dedication to his training of the technique from the Dark Lord himself. It was a power he was well known for, and no doubt aided him in his conquest over the galaxy.

In this moment, Dorann felt the predetermined danger coming from the prototype blaster. Just as Caris had finished speaking, Dorann reached out with the Force, manipulating the gathered energy into a layer of kinetic energy. He focused the barrier around the blaster itself, placing a thin, protective lining between it and Caris's unarmored hand. The blaster had overheated from the rapid fire, reacting with the power core's alterations to destabilize the blaster's energy. As it began to explode, Dorann held the energy in place, condensing it and keeping it in place.

He grasped hold over the detonation with the barrier and began to slowly absorb it, drawing the power in cautiously from a distance. Dorann concentrated carefully, furrowing his brow as he applied the gathered power into reinforcing the barrier itself. He didn't aim to enhance the Force for a brutal strike, but only to maintain the kinetic defense. As a solider, the Grand Imperator had found that using the Force to defend could equally be powered by whatever was attacking him. The distribution of energy only needed to be continuous.

After a moment, he withdrew and allowed the burnt metal to harmlessly fall in Caris's hand, cooled from the thermal and explosive energy. "The prototype has a long way to go, but you've found something promising, Caris. Well done," he commended with a smile. There were a couple beads of sweat across the commander's forehead, grouping together as he moved. His usage with the Force was taxing, but grew stronger with every passing day.

 

[Alexander Dregar]

Caris felt it over heat. But he didn’t flinch from it. This was the dream of the A-2, and he was a soldier who fought for those dreams. As the Grand Marshal protected him from the meltdown of the weapons core and sighed. “I truly thought we had fixed that flaw for such a small ammo clip. I clearly was wrong.” Bowing deeply to the Grand Marshal. “Thank Sir, you saved my life. At the very least, saved me from severe maiming. I am in your debt. I brought the blueprints, and all technical notes we have developed as well. That, and I have the knowledge to create another prototype, so the loss of this weapon is not a true set back.”

He was a little ashamed that it failed the way it did, but at least it failed in front of the sensors, and would provide a detailed report as to what happened and why. “I truly believe in this weapon. And in the cheap sealant we are creating for vibro-blades. With these weapons looked into, and applied, our armies can fight against force users with increased morale. Perhaps one day, all of our weapons will incorporate this type of protection.” Caris did not seemed to concerned about the explosion, as it was a by product of trying new things for the first time.

 

[Zach]

Dorann smiled with an amused grin as Caris thanked him. "It was hardly a Life Debt," he replied as he walked over. "Although, such a vow has been seen a sign of honor, and respect. On such race that is known for the custom are the Wookiees. They stand as a proud people, similarly to the Mandalorians of the Old Republic. Each believed in a sense of honor and integrity, and based their culture around it," Dorann elaborated. It was always a sense of honor and respect that drove the Grand Imperator to lead as he did. Although it was only temporary, he would be damn sure the job was done right.

"The statistics and readings will go into the prototype's file with the blueprints," Dorann added, suddenly feeling the slightest bit of fatigue. The sense of adrenaline had worn off since the test fire. The continued usage of his Force abilities had begun to take their toll, draining his energy. Dorann still trained his powers in the Force as an Elite of the Immortal Order, but had focus his attention on the mind. He'd mimicked Exodeus's renowned technique of precognition, flashing through scenes of history as if passing by windows. The temporary Chiss leader had only grazed the tips of the technique's power, gazing upon brief moments in time.

"I look forward to seeing your next presentation, Caris. Your goals are admirable, and a repellent to a lightsaber's side-affect would surely encourage their confidence. Should this be refined well enough, I could imagine implementing them into starfighters," Dorann suggested, letting his mind wander at the idea. "The technicians will see to it that the documents are organized," he confirmed, waving a hand to one of the observing lab techs. He gave him a thankful nod in respect, turning back to Caris. "Until next time, my friend," he said with a smile. "Unfortunately, I must get back to my duties. Circumstances with the Mandalorians are ever pressing," the Imperator concluded, sighing softly.

 

[Alexander Dregar]

Caris smiles softly and salutes. “It isn’t one. But I too appreciate honor, and pride in one’s culture and people. We are Chiss, and we have a truly noble heritage. Soldiers must have honor, for it guides us on the battlefield. Without it, we would leave our comrades to die, accomplishing the mission without care of what happened around us. Although the mission comes first, we also must protect our troops and the soldiers around us.”

Bowing deeply. “I will let you know of any breakthroughs towards the sealant. As of right now, our ideas should allow it to be cheaply made and mass produced, adding very little cost to the over all construction of our weapons and armors.” Finishing up, he states. “If you have any questions regarding the weapon, you know where to find me Grand Marshal.” Saluting once more he leaves, hoping for the best of his pet project. He, as a parent, or a teacher, had brought the potential of this weapon to bear, and shown the Chiss leadership its value. It was up to others to refine the design and make it a practical weapon for the common soldier. “Good luck sir.”

His job finished, he returned back to the Justice and set off back towards the A-2, and his normal duties.

*Closed*