Operation: Supremacy Official Fiction

Anshar

05-09-2012 18:46:15

PROLOGUE

There were no cliché storm clouds gathering outside. In fact, Messina was enjoying a relatively calm and mild late summer day. However, deep within the private estate of Quaestor Anshar Kahn Tarentae, the mood was decidedly less optimistic. A storm would have been a much better backdrop, but nature had chosen not to conjure one up. Across from Anshar sat his Aedile, Jason Hunter. The Corellian fighter pilot had long since stopped reading the datapad Anshar had handed him. Now it simply sat limply in his hands. Finally, Jason set the pad down on the small side table and looked Anshar directly in the eyes.
“I never would have imagined,” he said, before pausing.

“Never have imagined what?” inquired Anshar.

“That things were this bad, or that you would plan something like this to solve it,” replied Jason. “Or that you would be this far along already in planning it.”

“But you do agree that something needs to be done,” stated Anshar. “Something drastic.”

“I do,” said Jason, nodding slightly. “Still, this is a lot to take in. How did you manage to do all this without anyone finding out?”

“To be fair, I'm not entirely sure that others don't know,” replied Anshar. “But, if they do, they certainly have not done anything to stop me. As for the rest of it, that excursion to De’hnaalia several months ago was a ruse on my part to clear the fortress out, though things did not go quite as expected.” Jason looked down at his new cybernetic arm, replacing the original cybernetic arm he had lost in that little adventure. That adventure that still had some unanswered questions.

“Do you think the House military will play along?” asked Jason.

“They will follow their orders,” replied Anshar. “Oberst has done an excellent job of instilling discipline in Tarentum's forces. They will just need a little bit of help to carry out my plan.”

“And what of the Tarentae?” asked Jason. “Surely they would never go for something like this.”

Ah, yes, the Tarentae,” mused Anshar. “They will be surprised I'm sure, and I'll undoubtedly be confronted by them about this whole matter, but I have a plan for that. If you want my honest opinion, so few are actively engaged in the house that they may not even bother.”

“Are you suggesting that they abandoned the house?” asked Jason.

“Hardly,” replied Anshar. “We have all abandoned the house in some form or fashion. It is time to rectify that. Either Tarentum will return to its former glory, or I will die trying.” Silence once again lingered in the room.

“So, Jason, are you in or out?” asked Anshar, leaning back into his chair. Jason stared at the floor for a moment, a million thoughts flying through his mind. Nothing like this had ever been done and it bordered on some very dangerous things. Jason looked up.

“I'm in,” he replied. “What do you need me to do?”

“Gather every member of the house that you can at Castle Tarentum,” replied Anshar. “More instructions will come soon. When I send word, you will have the house members carry out the missions as instructed. But, not a moment sooner.”

“I understand,” replied Jason, standing up.

Anshar

05-09-2012 18:49:35

CHAPTER I


ISD Magnus Kaerner

Captain Apollo, the Executive Officer of Tarentum's flagship, watched as the last of the transports from appeared from underneath the bow of the mighty ship and began its descent towards Eden City. He was a bit hesitant about the whole situation, as it was very far out of the norm. His mind went back to when he had a received an emergency call from Scion, the captain of the MK. Apollo had been on leave, but had been recalled by orders of the quaestor, Anshar, for some sort of special mission. Upon arriving back on board, Apollo had been whisked away to the private officers' briefing room. Only Scion awaited him, save for a hologram of Anshar.

“Glad you could make it back so soon,” said Anshar. “Sorry to have cut your leave short, but Tarentum is in need of your services. It has been brought to my attention that things have reached a boiling point on Yridia Nine between some of the criminal syndicates. At the same time, the two competing theocracies on Yridia Two are becoming more and more agitated.”

“Intel has suggested that for a long time,” said Scion. “Do you think they are about to attack each other?”

“Yes, I believe that they will,” replied Anshar. “But, for now, I need you to come to Yridia Four and dispatch transports to the reserved ports at Issa. Some special cargo is being loaded for use on Yridia Nine. No one is to know what the cargo is or its intent; I do not even want you to know. Is that clear?” There was an edge to Anshar's voice that Scion and Apollo had never heard.

“Yes,” replied Scion, almost feeling the Krath Master's gaze through the hologram. It was enough to make one believe that Anshar was in the room.

“Good,” said Anshar. “I have instructed Oberst to assemble the fleet and blockade Yridia IX. For the time being, you will remain with the fleet. However, be prepared to move at a moment's notice.”

---

“Sir!” called the deck officer, snapping Apollo out of his thoughts. “All transports are loaded.”

“Good,” said Apollo. “Alert the captain and prepare for our jump to lightspeed; destination Yridia Nine.”

“Aye, sir!”

“Captain,” called the sensor officer. “Unidentified craft has exited hyperspace. System indicates Firespray-class patrol ship. It is not broadcasting any identity, but it is transmitting a code associated with the Quaestor.”

“Trajectory?” queried Apollo.

“Western Messina,” replied the officer. “Should we send someone to investigate?” Apollo thought for a moment and then shook his head.

“Let it go,” he said. “We have a mission to accomplish.” Apollo looked down at the dull gray flooring of the Star Destroyer. Just what in the hell was Anshar up to, Apollo wondered to himself.


* * *
Messina, Anshar's Private Estate

The Relentless settled on the private landing pad outside of the relatively small mansion that was the private home of the Quaestor of Tarentum. The almost solid black ship blended in nicely with the dark shadows cast from the mountains, making the night seem even darker. Kuro Kogarasu led Telum and Nariah down the ramp. Awaiting them was a figure wearing a cloak over some military style armor. A sword was at his waist, but there were no other visible weapons, though Kuro suspected there were. A young woman with raven black hair stood next to the soldier. She had no apparent weapons and wore a simple house tunic with some type of metallic circlet going across her forehead. Kuro did not get any sense of malice from either one of them, though there was something strange about the woman.

“Greetings, Kuro, I am Templar Dranik, apprentice to Anshar,” said the figure in the military armor. “I am to escort you and your companions to the study. If you need anything after your mission, you may ask Chloe here.”

“We are fine,” replied Kuro.

“Very well, follow me,” said Dranik, turning around and heading into the mansion. Telum and Nariah went first as Kuro hung back just a minute. Looking out from the landing pad, he could hear the river running and the trees rustling in the wind.

“Excuse me, sir, but please come along,” said Chloe. Kuro started to walk towards the entrance, still somewhat bemused by the serenity of the whole location. It did not seem to fit overall with the stereotype of a Krath Master.

The group made their way to what appeared to be a traditional study. A few bookcases lined the walls and an unused fireplace was in one corner. The room was well lit, though, and Anshar was waiting for them. A trio of empty chairs were present, with Anshar occupying a fourth chair.

“Please, have a seat,” he said. The three members of Plagueis did so. “Chloe, you may leave.” The woman made a slight bow and left.

“I didn't realize that you had a personal servant,” said Kuro. Though Kuro had heard of Anshar, he had never personally known him. He knew little of the Krath Master, but from all accounts, that appeared to be how Anshar liked things. One thing that Kuro had heard, however, was of Anshar's solid blue eyes. They seemed to perceive everything at once and, as was typical of many masters, seemed to be probing the deepest reaches of Kuro and his teammates' souls.

“That is another story altogether,” replied Anshar. “One that needs not be spoken of at this time. Were you able to perform those tasks that I requested?”

“We were,” said Kuro, reaching into the clip on his belt and producing a datastick. He handed it over to Anshar, who plugged it into his datapad. He took a moment to scan the information before setting it down on the table.

“You know,” said Kuro, “we could have taken the targets out for you.”

“I know,” said Anshar. “However, my plan is in motion and Tarentum's members will handle the rest. I do appreciate your assistance, as I wanted someone that Tarentum's enemies would not recognize. In appreciation for your personal efforts, Chloe will have extra payment awaiting you when you return to your ship.” Anshar turned to Dranik and handed him the datastick.

“Transmit this to Jason,” said Anshar. “Tell him the time has come. Launch Operation: Supremacy.”

* * *

Jason Hunter, the Aedile of House Tarentum, received the incoming transmission and, a knot still in his stomach, pushed the button. Abruptly, all transmitted messages were cut off across the entire system, even the public holovision. In its place appeared Anshar's picture. Every channel, civilian and military, now carried one message.

“Citizens of the Yridia system,” said Anshar. “I come before you today to announce a major change. For too long you have lived under the corrupt and petty rule of crime lords, foreign corporations, and theocracies that have perverted your traditional faith into something to preserve their own power. We, as the rightful rulers of Yridia, have abdicated our responsibilities to follow our own pursuits. This ends today. I have directed the Tarentum military, together with units of my private security forces, to occupy Eden City on Yridia Nine. There is also a blockade in effect. I am taking personal and absolute control of this system. There is no Kratocracy, nor democracy, or any other form of government other than the Tarenti under my leadership. In furtherance of this goal, the capital of the Yridia system will be relocated to the city of Issa on Yridia Four. Do not resist. If you choose to resist, know that only death awaits you. Instead, join me on this path to prosperity.”

With that, the transmission ended. Jason stood up, took a deep breath, and then headed out the door to join the other members of the house.

Anshar

05-09-2012 19:25:46

Addendum #1

Locations:

Yridia II

1 . Castle Tarentum- home/headquarters of the Force users. Exerts no outside control over nearby territories.
2 . Tarasian Theocracy- Based in the capital city of Taras, this theocracy extends its control over 8 of the 10 inhabited islands that dot the surface of Yridia II: Northland, Panalus, Sylenthus, An'reyos, Agrinthaea, Dathoren, Alesian, and Varkana
3 . Sardor Theocracy- controls the last two inhabited islands: Sardoria and Southland

Yridia IV

1 . Messina- falls under the leadership of Anshar Kahn Tarentae and remains independent of the theocracies. See wiki article for more details.
2 . No other settlements exist on the planet at this time

Yridia IX

1 . Eden- Divided amongst the various criminal syndicates, though they all have a mutual understanding and relative “peace” amongst them at this time.

Groups
Major Criminal Groups
Largely confined to Yridia IX, the criminal syndicates currently exist in a tenuous state of peace. An unofficial council of sorts has been established to mediate disagreements between the various groups, though in reality, it is only the Ectors and G’aanovaese that matter.

1. District Five Devils- more of a street gang than a traditional criminal syndicate, the Devils act more like criminal mercenaries, willing to work as muscle for anyone willing to pay them. They also traffic in drugs and weapons and are notorious for operating from their swoops. They are currently led by a human male named Rickson “Wolf” Tarkon.

2. The Ector Family- a very traditional criminal family, the Ectors are well established in gambling, extortion, murder for hire, and pretty much any other activity that not only makes them money, but gives them solid control over their activities. However, on the flip side, they are notoriously anti-prostitution and anti-slavery, at least in dealing with it themselves. They do not stop others from doing so. They are currently led by Michal Ector.

3. The G’aanovaese Family- the biggest of the families and the criminal syndicates, the G’aanovaese are involved in anything and everything imaginable. Initially responsible for starting many of the early conflicts between the various criminal groups, the family has taken a different approach since the start of the Kratocracy. Bringing the disparate groups together in a quasi-council, they are secretly working on several projects in hopes of completely eliminating their enemies in one fell swoop. Their biggest enemy is the Ector family. It is known that Gordan Starrest works for them. The current head of the family is Brend.

Theocracies
Building upon native Yridian myth, legend, and lore, the theocracies are religiously led, self governing units. Though initially many were set up, often by those seeking to gain power and influence, infighting and conversions have essentially left only two theocracies left, both established on Yridia II. See notes above about Tarasian and Sardor Theocracies.
(note: little has been established about these groups, so feel free to take artistic license with them- Anshar and Jason even had to create the names, despite the references)

Anshar

11-09-2012 22:34:43

Chapter 2

Castle Tarentum, Yridia II

Jason sat calmly in the situation room. It was largely devoid of Tarenti, as all of them were off combing the streets of Eden City. Together with the military forces of House Tarentum, they were systematically hunting down the criminal groups. The District Five Devils had already been completely eliminated: their bars and other hang outs not only raided, but completely demolished by the heavy armor units of Tarentum's military. The Ector family and the G’aanovaese family were also both on the run. Anshar's hired spies from Plagueis had done outstanding work and they had been able to get into places where a member of Tarentum would not have been.

“Sir,” said the commander of the situation room, “we have reports of major fighting on the island of Varkana.”

“Define major,” instructed Jason. The two competing theocracies on Yridia II had started shooting at each other almost the moment Tarentum forces landed in Eden City. It was almost too perfectly timed; Jason knew better. The fighting had been intentionally sparked by Anshar as part of the plan to weaken the theocracies.

“Obviously, no heavy weapons are involved, being that we're dealing with self armed militias,” said the commander. “However, increased numbers of forces from both sides are moving to the island and the town of Regulus seems to be the epicenter.”

“Are there any indications that either group is using this as a feint?” asked Jason.

“No, sir. This appears to be an all out fight between the two sides. They are totally committed here.” Jason could only shake his head; it was typical of untrained militias to be thrown in by their equally untrained leaders. It had not occurred to them to attack their enemy's weakened defenses elsewhere. Things were going exactly as Anshar had planned. Jason shuddered as he stood up.

“Commander, maintain normal operations here, but call the Magnus Kaerner to Yridia two and have them take up orbit over Varkana,” ordered Jason.

“Yes, sir,” replied the commander. “Where are you going, sir?”

“To get a closer look,” replied Jason, leaving the room and heading towards the hangar where a ship awaited him.

* * *
Regulus, Varkana, Yridia II
Two Days Ago


Dranik lay perfectly motionless in the tall grass outside the town of Regulus. Peering through the scope of his rifle, he could easily see the tense meeting taking place in the ram shackle town hall that the center of Regulus. Inside sat two representatives of each competing theocracy: the Tarasian and the Sardor. Dranik did not understand their dispute; it had something to do with the local ancient religions and the interpretations thereof. It was an old story that never seemed to go away: both sides claiming to know the “right” path while preparing to slaughter each other.

Both groups were pretending to be interested in working out their differences, but Dranik had read the intelligence reports and he knew better. While both groups sat at the table, they both held figurative knives behind their back; that is, their so called armies massing in, on, and around the island of Varkana With a little prompting, they would try to surprise each other at the same time. Finally, Dranik settled on his targets: the representatives of the Sardor theocracy would die by his hand, and the rest would fall to each other. With two quick squeezes of the trigger, Dranik dropped both representatives of the Sardor. Chaos almost immediately erupted in the room. Moments later, the fighting began.

Present Day
The trip from Castle Tarentum had been swift in the Z-95 Headhunter. While it was not Jason's preferred craft, the vessel had been stored away by Tarentum for whatever use it would eventually find. Now painted entirely black in a radar absorbing coating, the ship had once been used by Anshar to escape from Lyspair during the Yuuzhan Vong invasion of Antei. The vessel had never been returned to the Shadow Academy.

Jason made several passes over the battlefield, amazed at the lack of coordination amongst the groups. There was also the lack of observation; not once did it seem like anyone had noticed him flying over. Suddenly, Jason's sensors caught four small orbs descending towards the battlefield. Moments later, several more appeared, though they were dropping over all the islands. The orbs stopped mid-descent, held up by repulsorlifts. Jason's sensors soon identified them as regular floating speaker systems, the kind utilized during everything from civil emergencies to parades. This was his cue: flipping his comm switch, Jason read the warning he had been given:

“Citizens of Yridia Two, you have failed to heed the warning of the Quaestor,” he read. “Instead of laying aside your differences and your weapons, you have instead chosen to descend into civil war. This is your last chance- cease your fighting or face our wrath. To prove our seriousness, the Star Destroyer Magnus Kaerner, currently in orbit, will fire into the ocean at the end of this transmission. If you do not cease your fighting within an hour, turn over your corrupt leaders for trial, and return to a normal life, there will be punishment.”

Just as Jason ended his transmission, two turbolaser blasts struck the ocean near Varkana. Jason flew over the point of the strikes and could still see the water steaming. Looking out the other side of his canopy, Jason saw that some of the fighters had paused to watch. Some even began leaving the battlefield, but many did not. Instead, the fighting continued.

* * *
Magnus Kaerner, orbiting Yridia II

“Has the fighting stopped?” Anshar asked Scion and Apollo on the bridge of the Magnus Kaerner.

“No, it has not,” replied Scion. “If anything, it has intensified in some areas, as if they think this last hour will allow them to finally win.”

“Very well,” said Anshar. “Since they have not heeded our warning, I want you to raze Varkana.” There was silence on the part of Scion and Apollo. “Is something wrong?” asked Anshar.

“Well, uh, this isn't exactly like you,” said Apollo after a moment.

“Nevertheless,” said Anshar, “you are to carry out your orders.”Apollo was about to say something, but Scion cut him off.

“Yes, sir,” he said. Scion then cut the comm off.

“Are you really going to go through with this?” asked Apollo.

“They are legitimate orders,” said Scion. “Besides, I don't half disagree with him. These theocracies and criminal groups are leeches on Tarentum and the system. It is high time that we asserted our power again.” Scion paused. “That said, contact Oberst and see if he will convene the Tarentae.”

“You think Anshar will listen to them?” asked Apollo.

“He might,” said Scion. “I've read the past reports. Anshar has always respected the Tarentae as a body, though he has always argued against them ruling the clan as a group. Let's do this and trust Oberst to do what he thinks needs to be done.”

Minutes later, the powerful guns of the Imperial-class Star Destroyer turned towards the island of Varkana. A rain of death and destruction followed.

* * *
Messina, Anshar's Private Estate

“Excuse me, Master Anshar?”

“Yes, Chloe, what is it?” asked the quaestor as he watched the latest reports from Eden City. It had been so easy to wipe the criminal groups out. They had grown so confident and remained so out in the open that they no longer had rat holes to hide in. They had long since traded them for penthouses and suites. The bombardment of Varkana had succeeded in its goals as well and now police and military units patrolled Yridia II. Some small resistance was still occurring on Yridia II and in Eden City, but pretty much everyone seemed to be accepting the new regime.

“I, um, wanted to ask you if everything was alright,” she managed to stammer out.

“They are, but that's not what is wrong, is it?” asked Anshar, looking up. Chloe quickly averted her gaze. “Look at me,” instructed Anshar. Slowly, Chloe looked up until their eyes met.

“You removed it, didn't you?” asked Anshar. Chloe slowly nodded, tears beginning to form in her eyes.

“I-I just was worried,” she said.

“And what did they say about me?” asked Anshar, his eyes drifting to the circlet on Chloe's head, wondering how long she had had it off. The mere fact that she had been able to get it back on was proof of progress.

“Cordelia said I should run away,” Chloe said quietly. “She said you were mean, and that what you were doing was wrong; that you would kill us both if we stayed. She was sad and that made me sad.” Anshar breathed a sigh of relief to himself. If Cordelia was the only one who had spoken, then things would likely be alright.

“There's something else,” said Chloe. There was an edge of fear in her voice. “Jadon was there.” Anshar shut off the report screen.

“Did he say anything?” he asked. Chloe shook her head. Still, that worried Anshar. Jadon had been a merciless serial killer and he was responsible for Chloe's condition. The night he had slain the young Force sensitive's family, he had tried to kill her. Her Force powers manifested in the form of a powerful mind wipe. However, the pure anger and murderous intent had completely shattered the girl's mind. The metal circlet she wore was the only thing that kept her inner voices at bay. Anshar had worked with the now young woman for many years, both at the Shadow Academy and while with Tarentum. He thought they had made progress in suppressing, even eliminating, some of the personalities.

However, Jadon had been a constant threat, one that had been known, sensed, and felt, but had never appeared to them. What Anshar had not told the others was that, during the investigation of De'hnaalia, Jadon's aura was very similar to that of the creature that had almost killed the group. Anshar wanted to find the connection, but he did not want to unleash Jadon into Chloe's mind. There was no telling how powerful the girl really was, but Anshar privately feared her mind ever breaking down again.

“For now, go get some rest,” instructed Anshar. “We will have another session soon.” Chloe only nodded and left. Before Anshar had time to think about it, his private comm buzzed. Anshar pressed the button and found himself face to face with a rather serious but impatient looking Sith Bloodfyre.

“Anshar Kahn Tarentae, as Grand Chamberlain, I am requesting that you meet us tomorrow on the Corsair,” said Bloodfyre.

“Requesting or demanding, Bloodfyre?” asked Anshar.

“Don't act coy, Anshar,” shot back Bloodfyre. “I've called the entire group of Tarentae. We have some very serious matters to discuss.” With that, the comm shut off. Anshar leaned back in his chair. He had been wondering when this would happen; he was actually surprised that it had not happened before now. Perhaps things would work out after all...

Anshar

25-09-2012 17:38:21

Epilogue

Koros, Cestus Complex

Anshar strode through the hallways of the Cestus Complex, making his way to the lone chamber that had once served as a seat to the Mystics of the Black Arts. The skeleton intelligence crew stayed out of the Quaestor's way, though they had continued to serve Tarentum. In time, Anshar would re-build the intelligence function and a new team would soon be in its place. Anshar soon came to the double doors leading to the meeting room; he entered without fear or hesitation. There was nothing to ponder, nothing to consider, nor anything that he needed to answer for or justify. As it was, in the room awaited six members of the Tarentae, and all of them shared a unique bond through their holding of the clan name. It was a honor that could not be given while Tarentum remained a house.

The six Tarentae- Bloodfyre, Oberst, Archean, Welshman, Dranik, and Frosty- sat in a semi-circle, with Bloodfyre seated in the most prominent chair given his role as Grand Chamberlain. Everyone had a serious look on their face, even downright displeasure on some of them. Anshar's mind briefly floated back to Bloodfyre's transmission, insisting on the meeting. It was almost unwarranted; there had once been so many more members of the Tarentae, but many were off doing their own thing now. Spears, Rekio, Doni...these were just a few that no longer served the house. They might come back one day, but no one would hold their breath.

“Welcome, Anshar,” said Bloodfyre. “With your arrival, I can now call this meeting of the Tarentae to order.” There was a short pause. “I must say, you have definitely outdone yourself. I would never have expected such actions from you. None of did, except maybe Dranik, though I quite get the sense he was in on your little plan the whole time.”

“What is your point, Bloodfyre?” asked Anshar.

“You can't just take unilateral action like that,” said Bloodfyre. “You should have at least consulted with us. The fact that you raised your own private army is even more troubling. And now you declare yourself sovereign of the Yridia system on top of that. Tarentum is loyal to Khyron.”

“And I will still offer my deference to our absent king,” replied Anshar. Oberst, in particular, scowled at that comment, but Anshar brushed it off and continued. “Like it or not, Khyron has not taken an active role in ruling the clan, house, or the system. We were letting criminal gangs and religious nuts run the system for us. In that time, the house is on the verge of falling apart. Muz has already said he may close us down.”

“He may say we're closed,” said Oberst, “but you will have to force me out.”

“And do you really think that we could withstand the Dark Council?” asked Anshar. “You know as well as I do that Halcyon would love nothing more than to lead the fleet that gets to destroy you, Oberst.” There had been bad blood between Oberst and the Deputy Grand Master for some time and everyone knew it.

“We have a proposal,” began Bloodfyre.

“Keep it,” said Anshar, cutting him off. “Every person in this room, myself included, is responsible for the state the house is in. What we were doing didn't work, and we needed to change it. I wasn't going to get bogged down in arguing with you guys, or anyone else. For too long, all of us have been too big on words and not enough on action. I am correcting that in myself and you are more than welcome to join me for the ride.”

“And what if Muz still decides to close the house?” asked Frosty, chiming in to break the back and forth between Anshar and the two elder Tarentae.

“Then we'll all have to make a decision to stay with Antei or leave,” replied Anshar. “But, so long as I am alive and ruling this house, I will make the rules. I haven't announced it publicly, yet, but I am abolishing the entire feudal system. If you've got a land grant in the past, you can keep it. But, there will be no more counts, barons, or princes. I will make the changes that I deem are necessary! When a new quaestor takes my place, they can change things around.” Anshar paused for a moment, letting his voice calm back down. “Make no mistake, gentlemen, I appreciate your counsel, but, as I said, we have been to big on talk and to small on action. I am equally as guilty as all of you.” For several moments, there was silence. Finally, Oberst broke it.

“I will see what happens,” said the Marshal of Tarentum's military. “However, I do not like the idea of you having a private army. I want it gone and I want control of De'hnaalia.”

“Easy enough,” replied Anshar. “I will disband the army, or merge it with the current Tarentum military. However, I will be creating a battleteam of our most active members that will be under my direct command. Or any future Quaestor.”

“The capital should be moved back to Yridia II,” said Bloodfyre. Anshar shook his head.

“Sorry, that is not something that I will change,” replied Anshar. “While I am Quaestor, governmental operations will continue to come out of Issa. Castle Tarentum will be for the members. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to gather the house. I sense that something is happening outside of our territory. I believe that we may soon find ourselves called upon by the Grand Master. And Tarentum will respond!”