Crimson Ascension
In a surprise development, sources close to the Zann Consortium have confirmed that in recent weeks Dax Owok has taken control of the crime syndicate, assuming the role of Daimyo of Zann. Dax now oversees territorial control and strategic command, marking a notable change in the organization's leadership.
Ximaro Jix, the organization's founder and long time front runner associated with the Consortium, remains Crime Lord of Zann but no longer runs the organization. Ximaro has instead passed on control and handling of day-to-day business to Dax Owok, effectively stepping back from the organization's activities and mission.
Until recently the cunning and ruthless Ximaro's actions have been shrouded in secrecy, but sources suggest that for the past year Ximaro has been busy reorganizing Zann into a group of autonomous crime families. This move has been met with both praise and criticism, as several high-ranking Defilers have been appointed as Daimyo - bosses in their own right over their respective territories. The reorganization has led to increased efficiency and adaptability, allowing Zann to expand its influence and become a true Consortium. This has also attracted crews and entities previously unaffiliated with the syndicate, into an alliance with Zann known as the Shadow Dominion.
Furthermore, authorities have confirmed that Ximaro had led an expansion in the Consortium's infiltration and surveillance cells, laying the groundwork for future operations. This move has raised concerns among the galaxy’s crowned ‘elites’ who continue to fear Zann's notoriously effective clandestine capabilities which gives the crime syndicate a significant advantage.
The Blackstar Gambit
Controversially, Ximaro's recent appointment as Captain of the Blackstar Raiders has raised eyebrows. A recent raid on forces personally loyal to Rebel Alliance General Leebri Chelski in Derra space resulted in the elimination of Leebri's personal guard and the scuttling of his Colossal-class carrier. This operation has sparked intense speculation about Ximaro's plans with the pirate group and has caused conflicting claims that Ximaro's Captaincy is the end of Zann, while others insist that it’s just a cover for Ximaro to continue leading Zann in secret.
Wolves in the Void
Dax Owok, the new Daimyo of Zann, has a storied past and clear presence. The former Hyperion of the Tion Hegemony dutifully served his former government for many years, before defecting to the Zann Consortium. His skills as a Defiler in Zann earned him a reputation as a formidable operative, and his appointment as the new leader was likely a result of his proven track record both in and out of the organisation. Dax's notoriety is marked by a series of highly effective operations ranging from extorting his former employer for billions of credits, through to leading raids on Zann’s enemies. Dax, a massive Lasat, is often compared by citizens and operatives of the syndicate to a loth-wolf in his hunting of prey.
Kraa`gor Jhal, Dax's second-in-command, is believed to be the authority behind Zann's surging infrastructure and production programs, as well as recruitment. Despite being relatively unknown to the rest of the galaxy, the new Underboss’s impact on the syndicate's growth and expansion has been significant and the quiet Barabel is suspected to be Owok's Spy Master trained by none other than Ximaro himself.
Under Dax and Kraa'gor a number of new back-room deals, including some with Zann’s enemies, have transpired allowing the duo to expand Zann’s fleets with an unprecedented amount of Kandosii dreadnaughts and other weapon systems. Furthermore, insiders have indicated that the syndicate has significantly ramped their construction of defenses and production activities as the Consortium grows their war effort.
The Dragon's Echo
When approached by the media, Kraa`gor bared his glistening fangs while his forked tongue flickered, "Contrary to desssperate liesss from our enemiesss, the Zann Consssortium has never been ssstronger. Our Defilersss, both hidden and known, will continue to ssspread chaosss, and shatter ivory towersss in the farthest reachesss of the galaxy.”
Kraa`gor continued, “You sssee, Zann threatensss them all and we are everywhere. They think they are sssafe when they play pretend and then are sssurprised when they find out the hard way.”
Dax acknowledged Zann’s Crime Lord via holoprojector, “Ximaro is and will always be our Dragon Head; the father of the Zann that this galaxy hates and fears. I take up this mantle with honor should he ever return home.”
Kraa'gor, in closing, elaborated on Ximaro’s lack of presence at the media announcement. He explained that the longtime leader had opted to decline a ceremony, and had instead discretely left Zann territory toward the darkness of the galaxy on board a Blackstar Raider ship.
As the galaxy turns, one truth blazes brighter than any sun: the Zann Consortium’s crimson shadow continues to cover all regions unchecked as their enemies scurry to find new ways to stop the scourge.
