“So this whole shebang wasn’t not our problem after all, huh?” Jorm’s voice cut through the tense silence in ISN Sidious's briefing room, almost empty with only five people present in the flesh.

“Sadly,” Proconsul Braecen Kaeth nodded grimly, mirrored by Elincia Rei’s holographic image. Along with Alara, Rasilveneira and Shadow, the people gathered around the large presentation screen.

Today the device did not display plans and objectives as usual, but several high-resolution photos and video clips of a corpse on a medical examiner’s table. Deep, black craters had been gouged into the flesh of what was probably a man before, but the remaining skin held a pallor even beyond the waxen white of a fresh corpse.

Braecen keyed a command into his console, and one of the clips started playing full screen, audio muted.

“This man was caught while the bulk of Scholae was at Nancora. A luckily diverted patrol of the Imperial Scholae Guard Regiment caught him as he dispatched one of our security checkpoints around Caelestis City, and overcame him only by sheer numbers,” the Correllian explained, while on the screen gloved hands with scalpels and tweezers and scanners start cutting, probing and prodding at the carcass.

As pale flesh and muscle peeled away, light started to glitter over metal and plastic. The Proconsul fast-forwarded the recording over the careful extraction of the implant and finally froze the picture as one examiner lifted the device towards the camera, filling the whole picture with it. Electronic filters highlighted a brand and a stenciled code.

“Preliminary examinations show immense similarities between these implants, and those extracted from Collective soldiers and agents on Nancora,” Elincia’s image reported in a flat voice. “It is an almost foregone conclusion that this man was a Collective agent. Calindra’s team and their subordinates have backtracked his movements to Meraxian territory, where he apparently lived for months - since well before the recent war.”

Muttered curses floated through the room. Nobody liked the implications. Braecen voiced them anyway.

“Meraxis is working with the Collective. The evidence is conclusive. We will adapt our strategies as needed. What we don’t know yet is if the other realms have also been corrupted.”

He gestured towards the screen. “Calindra’s Battle Team will conduct further investigations. Wagglehorn’s people will handle any official involvements and apprehensions.

The Corellian turned towards the half-Sephi sisters. “Shadow, we will supply you with a list of individuals who we think are key collaborators as we find them. As for you, Jorm...” he trailed off, glancing at the Kiffar.

“I want you to modify your Team’s mission profile,” Elincia spoke up. “Instead of general mayhem meant to give the Clan opportunities to step in and garner favors, I want you to prioritize targets related to the Collective and its collaborators. Wreak havoc, sow terror, and bind up their resources in pursuing you.”

“In other words, ‘be yourself.’ Anything else while we’re at it?” Jorm replied.

“ Actually,” the Empress smirked, “I think your Team needs a more appropriate name.”

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Well Hello Again Chaps,

Welcome back to our cozy little Battleteam’s official report. As usual I’ll let you know what’s currently up, running, or coming our way looking for trouble, and will briefly outline what you can expect from these reports in the future.

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Current Events

Noticed something up there? That’s right, we got a shiny new name courtesy of Xan Phraz-Etar, won at the eve of the Great Jedi War. Vindictae Immortalis, “immortal vengeance” in latin. With the Collective seeking to sabotage us in our very own Caperion system, it’s time for some good old-fashioned revenge - and we got backstage passes to it.

In further news, the recent Great Jedi War has finished, with Scholae Palatinae placing 3rd overall. That’s four Clan left in the dust with two left to go. Have a look at the official report and crunch.

Did you ever want to bring home some spoils of war? Weapons taken from the cold, dead hands of your enemies, equipment conquered over mounds of corpses? Get them here, in the Shroud Syndicate Store! (May include ludicrous prices - darn customs, I say!)

Our own Clan will kick back a bit for the month of December, running mostly quick and easy competitions. More on that topic in the appropriate section.

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Thinking about Soon! (TM)

Looking back at the GJW, we didn’t deliver a strong show as a team. I am well aware of what some of you do for a living and how little time that leaves you guys, and it’s neither my place nor my intention to begrudge what you do with it, but I can’t deny that I hoped for more.

I’d appreciate if you guys got in touch with me when your schedules clear up and a certain soon-to-hit-the-cinemas movie rekindles that flame for a galaxy far, far away in your hearts, so we can set out and make at an even more awesome place. Come January, CSP will set out in force to develop our new home, and it’s up to you to leave your mark on it.

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Competitions

For Scholae Palatinae With that GJW behind us and Christmas coming in hot, we won’t snatch much of your valuable spare time.

Check out CSP’s December Competition Container, bringing you a plethora of comps centered around the holidays. They wrap up on December 25th.

Ending a bit earlier, on December 23rd, comes Caperion Legends: Nighttime in Nardash, brought to you by yours truly and the first taste of the upcoming developement offensive.

The whole world... uhm, DJB

...too many to sum up. Some of those courtesy of our resident No-Nose Xantros. Be dears and overburden him with grading, hmkay?

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Aaaand that’s all for now! If you have any questions or suggestions, don’t be shy to hit me on Telegram or email.

Jorm Na’trej