Ask Cash Grab

[Asher Teric]

Though he’d never admit it, Asher was still attempting to wrap his head around the changes underway within the Empire. Seemingly overnight, the Lieutenant from swearing his loyalty to the Sith, to helping remove them from a multitude of planets - enforcing their ban from Imperial territory. Jarring as it might’ve been, he couldn’t deny being happy with the changes, and had a genuine hope for what the Empire could become in the absence of their malignant influence on government.

Of course, it wasn’t always a smooth transition. While the Dark Lord and her most intimate followers had been escorted off Junction, there were many Sith who opted to stay within Imperial Territory - causing havoc for loyal Imperials. Perhaps it was purely out of spite for the new regime that the Sith hunkered down on worlds where they were no longer welcome.

Or perhaps it was simply the nature of a rapid animal to attack when backed into a corner.

Regardless, Asher had found himself on multiple planets due to reports of Sith activity - and his current mission was no different. Muunilinst was an exceedingly important planet for the Empire, due to the presence of the Banking Clans and the sheer volume of credit wealth that was housed within its vaults. As a result, reports of Sith activity within the capital of Harnidan, allegedly targeting armed credit trucks along their route. They could afford no incident with the Banking Clans or give them reason to doubt the protection that Imperials could provide to their planet.

Asher strolled down the ramp of his military-issued shuttle, moving just behind the rest of his platoon who’d arrived earlier. He was already adorned in his uniform, though kept the helmet of his Peacekeeper armor tucked under his left arm. Dark hair was combed neat and clean into place, without a single strand out of place.

It didn’t take him long to reach the staging area that had been established - eyes glancing over a map where previous Sith attacks had taken place. He took the time to study each incident carefully, while also waiting for the other member of his mission to arrive. Though he had been given little details, Asher knew that a member of the Imperial Knights was scheduled to work with him on the mission. While he wasn’t entirely sure what to make of their new order - or if he could trust them entirely.. He wasn’t about to turn out the help.

 

[Aeron Wulfheart]

Aeron would exit from his own shuttle alone as he strode down the boarding ramp. Donned in his full crimson armor, the color stood out compared to the black and olive green that surrounded him, a few glances tossed in his direction once he was fully off the ship. Imperial Knights had been quite active over the past few weeks but still, there were a certain level of suspicion between them and the Imperials. They were the new Order and compared to the soldiers, they had to prove themselves.

The young Knight had his helmet on, preventing any of the soldiers from seeing his reaction even though he didn't have one. Aeron's mind only revolved around one concern and that was the report of the Sith being involved. As far as he was concerned, they were nothing more then thieves, and just like he witnessed them take those he cared for as a child, they were here once again attempting to steal from the very citizens he swore to protect.

His own goals forming his own sort of armor for himself, he easily ignored the suspicious looks and pressed on toward the staging area. Asher would hear the door slide open before the soft thuds of footsteps as Aeron entered the room. His visor, a black wall, betrayed nothing but it only stayed on for a brief second before he reached with both hands to lift it off. A sharp young face would be revealed, one even younger than Asher’s. His jet black hair a sharp contrast to his skin, and Aeron's violet eyes a sharp contrast to his hair. Despite the vibrant nature of them, there was still a maturity there from what he had seen over the years.

Aeron mimicked Asher and had his own helmet tucked underneath his left arm, the Knight offering the Lieutenant an introduction, "Name is Wulfheart. Good to meet you Lieutenant." His eyes would then flick over to the map, a certain intensity within them as he studied the roads that had been hit, "How bad is the situation?"

 

[Asher Teric]

Asher placed both hands across the strategic table that had been established, staring down at the holographic map of Haridan. In crisp detail, it provided a complete aerial view of the capital city - down to every side alley and avenue that contributed to the maze. It made studying an otherwise foreign place easier to digest, and had been the Lieutenant's sole focus for several hours at this point.

Most importantly, he studied the glowing red arrows that dotted the map. They signified where previous attacks had been reported. Where Sith had attacked Banking Clan installations of armed vehicles, successfully or otherwise. There was a clear uptick in activity, with most attacks occurring outside of the downtown region, where security was thinner and response times longer.

Of course, he didn’t have more than a few minutes to study the map before his Imperial Knight partner arrived. Deep down, Asher couldn’t help but harbor some suspsion for the group and it’s new members. Most had been former Sith. Most had readily followed the Empress and the twisted actions of their order. But then.. So had they all. And he needed to believe that people like Aeron wanted a better Empire as much as the rest of them.

As he stepped forward, Asher walked from around the table to greet the man. “Lieutenant Asher Teric,” He extended a hand towards Aeron, giving it a firm shake if accepted. “Thank you for your assistance here.” Unlike some of his men, Aeron would detect none of the vitriol and disdain that some Imperials had for anyone who’d been Sith in the past. Instead, Asher was nothing but professional and polite - and wasted no time getting to business.

“Bad enough,” He said with a exhale, jutting his chin towards the table. “In the past three weeks, there have been five reporter incidents of Sith activity. Thrice, saber-wielding combatants attacked branch Banking Clan offices in hopes of looting whatever was being held on site. Twice they were successful, while the third incident resulted in a two deaths. One enemy combatant, one civilian cut down in what seems to be an attempted hostage situation.”

He exhaled. “Twice, they have attacked armored vehicles in the process of transferring credits from facilities. Both attempts were repelled due to increased security measure.” He drummed his fingers against the table.

“From what we understand, the Sith are working with local gangs to conduct their operations. Likely taking a cut from whatever stolen earnings are acquired.”

 

[Aeron Wulfheart]

Aeron's eyes would be drawn to the map, the red arrows easily seizing his attention. The amount of attacks recorded was shocking, showing that the Sith were certainly feeling confident. That idea enraged the Knight slightly, imagining them smiling in the shadows as they leaped upon unsuspecting prey and not even thinking about the consequences. Exactly how they acted back on his planet. That would be rectified by them and harshly, he would make sure of it.

Before he let himself get too submerged in his thoughts, the Lieutenant walked over and introduced himself. Aeron tore his eyes away from the map and at just glanced down at the hand. He was surprised by the Imperial's amiable nature, it being one of the rare times it ever displayed amongst his people. There would be a moment of hesitation but Aeron would eventually stick out his gloved hand as well, returning a firm shake.

Asher immediately dived into the report and Aeron listened intently, picking out the details that interested. The gangs most likely explained how the Sith knew the routes. While not exactly dire, they would be a thorn in their side if they truly wanted this resolved. One word kept repeating in his head however. Combatants. Aeron helped vocalize the voice in his head, "Combatants, plural. How many have been visually confirmed?" For most of his encounters, they were usually only one Sith at large. This was the first time he had heard multiple.

Once an entire explanation had been given, Aeron let his thoughts roll over in his mind. The bold nature of the Sith could be abused but he wanted to go on the offensive. After thinking it over, he spoke out loud, "We apply pressure on one of the gangs then. If it's obvious they made contact, then they most likely have an idea of where our Sith are hiding." The Knight then walked over to the other side of the table, staring down at one arrow before placing a finger on it, "We hit the largest one. Send a message to the rest. Who assisted the Sith on this attack?" The Knight shouldn't have been surprised they were working with criminals in order to survive. Like-minded people flocked around each other.

 

[Asher Teric]

Asher crossed his arms over his chest, though his viridian gaze never left the strategic table. Though he’d never admit it aloud, the Lieutenant was genuinely nervous about the mission they were undertaking. Thus far, every Sith he’d encountered had been hiding or lashing out against Imperial settlements - exposing themselves like wounded animals, desperate and alone. They were easy to surround. Easy to isolate. Easy to kill and make examples of.

But this? The Sith had entrenched themselves within the Underworld and had others working for them. Their influence had been allowed to grow unchecked, and attempting to root them out would be a difficult and potentially lethal endeavor.

“Plural,”He nodded. “Two Sith combatants so far. One of them was killed in the shootout I mentioned previously,” Asher gestured back to the arrow on the map. “The Second has remained at large, and is believed to be the one orchastrazing things from the background.”

Asher paused for a long moment, considering what the Imperial Knight proposed. It was risky - considering it wasn’t entirely clear how equipped their enemy was. It was, nonetheless, their best option.

“Agreed.” He took a step back from the table. “Beskar Wolves are the most influential and well-manned gang on the planet. Reportedly led by some Mandalorian, they used to keep their operations limited to Spice trading. Reportedly have cut deals with local magistrates to keep themselves free from Imperial entanglements.”

He shrugged a bit. “Only recently have they’ve scaled up their operation, and were part of this attack here.” The Lieutenant gestures to the platoon assembled nearby. “We have the man to hit them hard, try to force out information on the Sith.”

 

[Aeron Wulfheart]

There was one Sith then and the Beskar Wolves were their muscle. Aeron had worked with a Mandalorian before, Shale teaching him just how deadly they could be. It made sense why the criminals followed around him as he most likely brought a lethality they haven't seen before. Aeron just hoped that was the only mando or this whole operation would become a lot more bloody.

The corruption would be another issue altogether that would have to be handled. Right then, his priorities were the Sith and ensuring that whoever it was was wiped off the galaxy. Asher pointed to the platoon of men, the option to brute force their way through always present. But, despite his powers and appearance, Aeron was not a Sith. That assault would be costly for everyone involved. With their lack of information, they needed to devise a better way to commit a clean strike.

After a few sweeps of the map and intensive study, the young Knight brought his attention to Asher and voiced his plan, "We should flood the channels, conjure another convoy. We get the vehicles automated and send them out on their usual route." Aeron pressed a few buttons, zooming in on the route and where the Beskar wolves were reported to be located. "They'll send out a raiding force, one that's confident with their recent success. That gives us an opportunity. Our strike force will be presented with two options, we either head directly for the base while the garrison is lighted and unprepared, make it a race against time. Or, we destroy the raiding party first and then make our final assault when they're ready for it." With the lack of information they had, his plan gave them the imitative and allowed them to maintained the offense. It was risky but it could be devastating.

Aeron would pull his hands off the table, straightening to his full height as he leveled his gaze on Asher. "I would strike the base first, hit them where it hurts. But its your men Lieutenant, the choice is yours." The Knight waited to see what the man would decide, curious to see how he operated.

 

[Asher Teric]

There was a long moment of silence as Asher considered their options. There was merit to both methods of attack, but it didn’t take very long for the Lieutenant to pinpoint which he actually preferred to put into action. He glanced up to regard Aeron for a moment, nodding. “Agreed.” He gestured back to the strategic map. “If we wipe out the raiding party and give them the chance to fortify, it’ll only make things more difficult for us in the long run. They’ll begin to doubt their success record and become more cautious.” He began to circle the table, pausing for a moment.

“The Sith we are hunting may become more elusive as a result.”

Asher took in a breath. “I’d rather sacrifice a handful of droids and automated vehicles.” In truth, there was little choice to be made. He was in full agreement with Aeron and their path forward together was, largely, spelled out.

“I can have our convoy prepared within the next two hours to roll out.” He gestured for Aeron to follow him out of the command tent. “Have a bit of time to burn in the meantime.” The camp outside was buzzing with activity, as Imperial troopers ate and routinely checked their equipment before the mission began. There was no telling how long it would actually take to root out the Sith, but they were prepared for the long haul.

"How have you taken the transition?" He asked after a moment, glancing over to Aeron.

 

[Aeron Wulfheart]

Aeron was glad that Asher concluded that the attack on the pirate base would be most advantageous. The raiding party could have been an easy victory but as the Lieutenant pointed out, it would make their job difficult in the long run. Droids and vehicles were much more easily replaceable then well-trained Imperial soldiers.

Hearing the amount of time needed to craft this convoy, Aeron realized what that meant just as Asher stated their circumstances out loud. The idea of mingling with the Imperials made him a little uncomfortable but he shoved those feelings deep. It almost saddened him how his own personal relationship with the Army had deteriorated. Aeron had made many friends and memories while he had been enlisted but that had all changed once he had become Knight. He supposed he had no one to blame but himself as he had willingly joined.

Outside of the command tent, the Knight would look around almost distantly, not exactly sure what to do with himself. But right as the questions started to form, he found his answer, the smell of food striking his nose fiercely. Aeron hated the idea of entering a battle on an empty stomach and started to make his way over to the outside mess hall.

With Asher's question, he decided there was no need to hide the truth and he didn't, "Quite well, thanks to the Sith. Because they haven't taken lightly to this transition, it has provided a steady amount of... peacekeeping." As typical, he was the first to sign up when there was any notion of Sith activity involved. Muunilinst was no different. When he gotten his tray of food, he found an empty table, one that Asher could join him at if he wanted to continue the conversation. The Knight would receive looks from Asher's fellow men, some in suspicion or just disbelief. There would be almost this invisible forcefield around them that kept everyone at a safe distance, at least from him.

After Aeron took a bite out of his food and swallowed before he asked, "What is your experience with the Sith?" He was genuinely curious, the question presented in a different wrapping then how Asher had done it. Everyone had their own stories.

 

[Asher Teric]

It didn’t take long for Asher to pick upon the smell of fresh food - immediately piquing the Lieutenants interest. With their mission just ahead of them, Asher wasn’t going to give up the opportunity to wolf down some chow - and promptly followed Aeron over to the outside of the mess hall. A few minutes later, he grabbed a tray and found himself a seat across from the Imperial Knight.

Of course, he didn’t miss the looks that their table was getting from nearby Imperials - as they seemed to either actively ignore or scowl in that direction. Regardless of what Aeron had done as an Imperial Knight, the stain of being Sith still hung to most of the new order. Asher took in a breath, shrugging a bit. “Fuck ‘em.” He said quietly enough for only the other man to hear.

When the question was turned back on him, the Lieutenant paused for a long moment,

“I think the Empire is better off without them. I think all of us are better off without them,” Asher said, staring back at Aeron to denote he included the Imperial Knight in that list of people who were better off without the Sith. “I think we actually have a chance to build something worth being proud of, now that we don’t have lunatics like Raze or Anaris issuing commands from Serenno anymore.”

He shrugged a bit. “Limited. There was never an option to question their directives, and those who did were the first to go.” The Lieutenant leaned back. “It didn’t matter how fucked up what we were doing was, Sith commands were expected to be followed without question. We were their tools and nothing else."

"You?" Aeron had once been one of them, and yet chose to turn away. Asher was curious why.

@Orbit

 

[Aeron Wulfheart]

The food was nothing special. In his early years, Aeron had been a rather picky eater with his comfortable enough lifestyle. His time in the military had molded his stomach however, making it out of iron as it would've needed to been in order to survive. Because of that, as long as anything he put into his gullet was edible, he enjoyed it well enough. The bland food on his tray was no different.

Finishing one of his bites, he caught the words Asher mumbled out, earning a glance from the Knight but nothing else as he returned to his meal. It was easy to say when none of them could hear the conversation.

After Asher explained his positioning, Aeron found that he really agreed with all of it. While he didn't say anything, he would occasionally look up and listen intently, his violet eyes communicating what his mouth didn't. They were substantially better without the Sith and that was undeniable. There was actually order now, trackable power and structure that couldn't shift or completely change on a whim. That's what the galaxy needed more than anything else.

The Lieutenant's experience sounded familiar to his own experience in the army when he had been enlisted. Tools was putting it lightly in his mind. But when Asher asked him, that's when he visibly changed; the motions he made more rigid as he stabbed his food harshly, memories lifted back to the surface. Aeron's free hand would tighten into a fist, the answer spilling out of him almost nonvoluntarily, "Volatile. They killed my friends, they presumably killed my brother. I joined the army then to hide my powers, which in turn was a similar experience to your own. We were their slaves." The hate in his voice was different, palpable even though he spoke in a quiet tone. A hardness that could have only been formed from experience. He also revealed in his answer that he hadn't been one of the Sith before but a soldier.

Aeron peered up then, his violet orbs almost glimmering, whether from the light or how he felt. Where Asher could lean back and speak at ease, the Knight was tight and emotional in his own way. "Now, I hunt them and make sure they can never harm our people again. So, I guess you can say I've come full circle." That wasn't entirely true for Aeron, not until the last Sith had their head cleaved off by him.

Slowly, the tightness in his shoulders would ebb away as he continued to eat. He forced his mind to drift away from the Sith for now as he began to notice convoy vehicles enter the camp. "We're about to depart. I would eat quicker." His voice returned back to normal.

 

[Asher Teric]

Even though he took a pause from eating his food, Asher remained silence for several seconds, allowing Aeron an opportunity to speak his mind freely about the Sith - and to vent the pent up emotions that he’d clearly been harboring. The Lieutenant had simply assumed the Imperial Knight to be former Sith, but his story and hatred for the banished order clearly spoke to a different side of things entirely.

Asher was genuinely surprised but it - but didn’t look particularly perturbed, either. Perhaps there was something to be said about being consumed by hatred and vengeance - and that Aeron’s hunt would only lead him to darker places. But in reality, Asher didn’t disagree with the sentiment. Sith had killed Imperials for any sign of dissent on a regular basis. His own father had died above Kashyyyk - ordered to help burn an entire world at the whims of some bloodthirsty Empress. Even still, it left a question lingering in Asher’s mind. “I hear ya. I’ve lost too many because of them.”

“What will you do when they’re all gone?” He asked after a long moment.

His attention was quickly drawn towards the convoy vehicles as they rolled into camp. Already, automated systems and droids took the place of actual men in the convoy - ensuring a lack of lives lost in the event things went south. Without a word, Asher took a few more bites and rose from his seat - reaching for the blaster rifle and his standard issue helmet. He glanced over at Aeron as he made his way towards one of the bikes - glancing over his shoulder. “Once we draw out their raiding party, we’ll be able to hit them hard. Don’t give them any breathing room.”

 

[Aeron Wulfheart]

The question of what he would do once they the Sith were all gone had not crossed his mind yet. This new life he's accepted with the Knights has just begun. There wasn't a profound answer he already had locked away and instead, he answered in his own truth, "I'll cross that bridge when I get there." Despite his words, there was one answer that slowly crept to the forefront of his mind.

His brother. There had been many long years between the two of them since they had last seen each other. If there a chance he was still alive, then that would be first priority, to make up for all that lost time. But that little flame of hope that began to ignite was instantly snuffed out by Aeron. He had gone through the process before, a cycle where he built up that hope before accepting reality and tearing it all down. He had a duty as a Knight first and foremost and he wouldn't let his own dreams make him lose sight of that.

Aeron finished his plate with a few more scrapes, cleaning the surface fully before he stood up from the table. The Knight would slip on his own helmet, the void black visor replacing his face as he followed Asher shortly afterward. Understanding what he needed to do, the Knight gave the Imperial a brief nod, "Understood." Not needing anything else, the pair and the strike force would leave ahead of the convoy to find a location to wait for the signal.

---
​

Aeron sat on top of bike, waiting patiently as the sun dipped and replaced with a brilliant showing of stars. A few men talked, cleaned their weapons, or just stared ahead as they waited too. There was a tension in the air, one that arrived before every battle as everyone prepared in their own way. His mind couldn't help but drift to his brother after the conversation with Asher. A part begin to despise he said anything, wondering why it had slipped out so easily.

But the Knight wouldn't be left to contemplate any longer. Off in the distance, their assembly of soldiers would be able to hear the sound of blaster fire and explosions. The droids had been given some armament so they weren't completely defenseless. Aeron looked over to Lieutenant, activating the ignition as his bike rumbled to life, "Time to go." Time being of the essence, the droids only able to hold out for so long, he would take off toward the pirate base.

 

[Asher Teric]

Asher lazily drew from his cigarra, watching as the last vestiges of sunlight began to dip below the horizon. He’d visited dozens of planets under Imperial control, all of them lit beneath a different sky filled with stars - alien to his own Raxus. Under normal circumstances, it would’ve been something to admire and enjoy, but he knew they didn’t have that luxury. Instead, he listened as the commotion began to erupt from outside - signifying that the convoy had come under attack.

“So it seems,” He muttered, taking one last draw from his cigarra before putting it out beneath his heel. One leg swung over his bike as the engine roared to life, lifting off the ground as repulsors hummed. Without a moment of delay, Asher began to follow close after Aeron - the platoon of men riding close behind them. There was always a chance they would be riding into a trap or find themselves heavily outgunned at the pirate base, but that wasn’t really something that could be allowed to stop them. This was their sole opportunity to root out the Sith on the planet, and perhaps save the populace from pain in the long term.

It didn’t take long for the structure to take shape up ahead - nestled amongst a cluster of abandoned warehouses and industrial buildings. From the outside, it didn’t stand out as anything of significance, but the intelligence was reliable and informed that it would be filled to the brim with enemies. True to word, a scan for lifeforms would reveal dozens upon first glance.

“Hit them from the flank?” Asher voiced over the comms to Aeron. “Grapple to adjacent buildings and cross manually. Drop down on them from above rather than storming the front.”

@Orbit

 

[Aeron Wulfheart]

Their convoy of soldiers and death rolled out. Aeron led at the front but not on purpose, his mind absent as he delved into his mind like a pool. His brother returned, flashes of his face at first before the Sith had taken him joined in. The feelings about his disappearance and Aeron's general attitude to press on without concern came out in force. They had been bundled away tightly but once he mentioned his brother, it was as if the lock had been shattered and pandora's box had opened.

His thoughts became a stream of molten magma, the small balls of fire spat out by it were rampaging thoughts, his own critiques that had their own burn to them. The stream was slow but it melted anything it touch, the mission, the people he was with, where he was, all became embers as he could only fixate on the past. Without thought, his wrist twisted the ignition of his bike, propelling him forward and ahead of the others more.

The Knight had caught the Lieutenant's plan and the only confirmation he got from Aeron was him voicing his own involvement, "I'll be your distraction." His voice was distant but somehow more alive then anything before. The Imperials were already suspicious of Sith and force-users but he couldn't help it. That selfish part of him that desired vengeance only to be his wanted to lash out.

Dipping past the crest of a hill, Aeron would separate from the rest of the Imperials, his path a direct line to the pirate base. His lone figure took longer to spot then their convoy but they eventually found him, opening fire upon him from multiple angles. Aeron would weave with the bike, barely registering the danger he presented to himself as he neared the base rapidly. The pirates at the front gate noticed he wasn't slowing down and did a last round of firing before beginning to scream at each other. A few of them would fall to the ground as the rest started to run back, realizing what was about to happen. At the last moment, Aeron would summon the force and leap off his bike as it summersaulted into the makeshift emplacements and further into the base.

The Knight would land with a roll, skating a few feet before coming to a stop in front of the destroyed gate. He breathed heavily for a moment, noting his handiwork before pressing on. Asher would be able to hear the explosion in the distance and that being his signal.