I'm happy to announce that the new Taldryan Consul is none other than the slowly rotting Neti Ood. He has done a great job as PCON and I have high hopes for his work as Consul.

Teebu has asked me to post the finale of the ongoing Taldryan story arc, so here goes:

Two minutes before the end of the fateful battle...

The Summit Guard had dug themselves in. All over the complex, blaster fire rang out as Summit Guard faced off against Senate Guard, barring their entry. The fighting at the main approach was of such intensity that neither side noticed the arrival of several figures, escorted by quite a lot of heavily armed soldiers.

“That is enough!” The voice of the Vice-Chancellor of the Taldryan Republic almost echoed strangely as the elite soldiers behind him moved into position to ensure his orders were followed. Ood knew he was an imposing figure at the best of times, deep voice, tall and solid build. But this was serious, as such an undercurrent of Force manipulations was woven in as his voice rolled across the area. Deep telepathics made the words seemingly bypass the physical and lodge themselves into the brains of those who could hear it. Another request of the Force, and a telekinetic wave spread out, lifting away debris and removing positions of cover for both sides of the conflict. “In the name of the Republic, I order you to stop.”

As the fighting slowed, the skies began to roil as the Raven forced its way into the lower atmosphere. The sight of a Vindicator-class Heavy Cruiser bearing down on them in support of the 1st Taldryan Ranger Battalion as its companies secured the area proved to be too daunting for the Senate Guard, who quickly stood down and surrendered their weapons. “I’ve used the authority of my office to declare Kasiya to be under martial law. The planetary shield has been engaged, the only capital ship under it is the Raven. I suggest you stand down as well.” Having directed his focus onto the Summit Guard, the Neti increased the telepathic presence blanketing the area. An insidious presence was now suggesting that surrender and dispersal was quite a good idea.

The Summit Guards present looked at Ood in silence before one spoke up. “If they cease their offensive, we will comply. The Gungan traitor is within and cannot be allowed to leave. The Lady Second’s orders were clear, prevent any...” As he spoke, a Senate Guardsman interrupted. “Councillor Frei-Jar is innocent. There is evidence that another framed him! Just listen to what former Vice Chancellor Anders is...” “I don’t think you understand. I don’t care at this moment who is right. The center of government is burning and you idiots are fighting each other over potentially faulty information.

You will stand down right now and disarm.” Ood interrupted as he calmly removed his saber hilt from its resting place on his belt without igniting it.

“Now, where is she?” Zxyl asked the guard directly. Ood gave a firm nod and looked at one of the Senate Guards to confirm what the Summit Guard was now saying.

“Last report from her main guards unit had her at the Council chambers, but communications with them have gone dark.” the Commander of the Summit Guard began.

Ood and Zxyl exchanged glances before they took off in a full sprint towards the Administration Building. Ood knew the ones that guarded her were all elite trained to the levels of Brotherhood Equites, and if they were no longer responding then something had gone critically wrong.

Inside of the building they started to make their way towards the chamber when they heard loud crashing noises as if something had fallen. Just as they rounded the last corner with the open doors coming into view and seeing the large fragments on the council floor for themselves, a loud boom came from the chambers as the entire ceiling collapsed. Senate pods, wiring, pillars, and other debris blocked the entrance way into the chamber. A thick wall of heat and flames washed over them, most likely from the electrical systems and wood that was used within the senate chambers above it. Ood wilted under the effects as Zxyl’s armor took the brunt of it.

“Cassandra!” Ood called out as he regained his footing and ran towards the blocked entrance with Zxyl directly behind him. Using his limbs and the Force to lift fragments out of the way, Ood started to dig. Additional Summit and Senate Guards arrived, and immediately began to help. It was only a few minutes before a narrow pathway under the rubble had been found, however Ood’s frame was far too huge, and with the flames, being wood was a critical disadvantage.

Read the rest here.