USH'S STAR WARS GAME- CAMPAIGN II EPISODE III (RENEGADES)- The Hunters Hunted

Are we waiting on the Jedi to be brief, or for my companions to show up? 😕

Both, really!

The Comissar will relay to you the same story that Marcus has just been told though.

The Cult has massively stepped up its attacks on Republican space in recent times, so much that not even the Senate can ignore it any more, and the Jedi team has deen dispatched in a long overdue attempt to bring the cult to heel.

Most recently, it attacked a starliner called the Orion Phoenix. This liner was well-defended by a stroing security compliment; it was also an unusual target as the Cul, as we have established, attack things simply to nick parts for their work; a liner seems an odd choice to attack rather than a cargo vessel. Still, they put a lot of effort into it, overcame the security, and butchered everyone on board, Nasty.

This was also the third attack in three weeks, compared to an average of two or three a year.

"Tragic," Xeth replies, shaking his head.

"Doesn't explain what Taloraan wants with the Cult, though."

"Let's examine this scenario, Xeth. A threat that has been for a long time low key has suddenly stepped up its operations and become very violent indeed. And as a result of this stepping up of operations, a group of technologically augmented warriors has attacked a seemingly random and pointless target, and killed everyone they saw. Does that seem to sum it up for you?"

"Ah, I get it now," Xeth says, shaking his head. "Sounds almost exactly like what Strine did to his slaves. The Techno Union strikes again."

"The MO is identical. And think about the Cult, Xeth. An entire organisation devoted to the supremacy of technology, to the point where they even gradually cybernise their entire bodies. Could there be any more natural allies for the Techno-Union?"

"Hah! Of course not," Xeth says, running a hand over his head. "Well, should we start then? Now that we've got trouble, I intend to end it quite fast..."

"There's more," says the Comissar. "Last year, worried about the Cult, some of the planets in the area looked into the possibility of huying arms to defend themselves. The Techno-Union and the Trade Federation- producers and sellers, respectively- sent representatives to the area to make a pitch. A total waste of time- the planets could never have afforded even one droid army.

"But then something very odd, Xeth. Although it must have been very clear there could be no deal, the Techno-Union moved a vast amount if supplies and equipment into the area; enough for several droid armies."

"I take it that they possibly sided with the Cult in an effort to make a sale? The Cult has trouble finding parts for their cybernization, perhaps they made a pact?"

"Ah, but Xeth, the Techno Union cannot make or sell parts unless they can prove there is a buyer, yes? And as soon as that deal fell through, the Techno Union were legally obligated to return all thoe parts to their factories. Everything was being logged."

"I am guessing that that is where I come in," Xeth says, crossing his arms.

"Too late, I am afraid Xeth, Because the entire shipment mysteriously vanished. How very odd, yes, Xeth? Because the Union is normally so careful never to lose anything, hmm?"

"Oh, what a mysterious occurrence," Xeth sighs, rolling his eyes. "How very much unlike the Union to do that."

"Now, it so happens my intelligence agents have acquired the origianl versions of the sent out reports in these matters, Xeth,"

Gralus hands you a datapad.

"Have a look at who the orders came from and were signed by, Xeth, Both th order placing the forces there, and acknowledging their disapperance."

You know the answer already. Cirus Cannes.

"I am supposing that this is not enough to put against Cirus?" Xeth says, not even looking at the datapad.

"No, he has been very clever," says the Commissar. "By moving in the parts when the local planets were interested, he had a buyer which let him move the goods. When the deal collapsed, whoops! Sorry, we lost it. Never mind. No case.

"But clearly, Cannes has now let all that equipment leak to the Cult. Enough for at least two droid armies... but not quite complete, which is odd.

"Obviously, we want you to stop them. But we also want you to find out WHY. It doesn't fit any of their previous motives.

First off, they want the Cult to try new technology for them, as Strine was. We don't think so, There have been some survivors from the attacks and it's the same vicious Cultists that were always there. Besides, they won't keep trying that trick; people will get suspicious if Techno-Union equipment keeps being used by evil cults and pirates, and they have no Ryamore to explain it this time- and the manifest of stolen equipment contains no experimental gear. Nor would it have any reason to be there.

I thought they might be trying to secure new manufacturing facilities. But Chararus doesn't have anything like the amount they need- whole point is the Cult doesn't bother, they just take what they need.

So what is Cannes up to?"

"Well, obviously there is destruction involved in this," Xeth says. "Perhaps the Techno Union is stepping up their goals to a bit higher than 'testing equipment'? I mean, they had full-sized armies at Arminium, what were they going to do with those?"

"This is not impossible," says the Comissar. "And you will have to find out.

"Now, Xeth, here is where we get to the tricky bit. Helping your friends is your cover. It's your reason to be there without attracting attention. Now, by all means, help them oppose the Cult- it is evil and needs opposing and might be involved. But remember, whilst they are there to protect the local worlds, YOU are there to thwart Cannes and the Union. Shut down their operation if you can. And if you want to shoot for gold... expose it. If you can prove they leaked hardware to the Cult, we'll strike them a mighty blow indeed. But don't get yourself killed trying that- you are no use to anyone deads. Find out what it is all about, shut it down, get any info you can. Expose if if it seems possible- and reasonable."

"I will do my best," Xeth says, with a bit of a salute. "It is my every intent to have this blow up in Cannes' face, have no fears..."

Hey Ush, are all of the others down in thee club waiting for Xeth to come back?