“To sleep, perchance to dream – ay, there’s the rub” [First Order Dominion of Vassek]

[OK-3103]

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4spkVX8z-vs

Objective 2: Troops on the ground
Post: 1/20
Allies: None confirmed
Enemies: None confirmed

OK-3103 was handed a flimsi as he prepared to embark on the shuttle that would take him to the capital ship that would in turn take him and his fellow troopers into hyperspace and to whatever planet they were required to be at. Manoeuvres? Capture or defence of a planet? A smash and grab raid for resources? Or just a First Order presence required for some reason? His was not to reason why, it was to serve. To follow.

Once he was on the shuttle, and they were given authority to stand down, although not remove their helmets, he pulled the flimsi from his pouch and read it. It contained only a handful of words.

Meneer Chrome.

Congratulations Lieutenant. You will be debriefed on the destroyer when you dock.

He read and re-read it. Meneer Chrome? A place? His contact? And Lieutenant? Was he given the flimsi in error? He folded the document and returned it to his pouch and waited. Patience was all he needed right now. But regardless, he couldn’t wait for the ship to dock.

Spoiler

Objective 1: Politics
The political types take the diplomatic path. The current government can be coerced into joining the FO.

Objective 2: Troops on the ground
Troopers show up help the locals shore up any lacking defences, train the locals, that sort of thing.

Objective 3: Intelligence
Our spy type people sneak in undetected into key areas such as communications, logistics, command and control centres. There is always the option for some sabotage/spy stuff/propoganda/slicing stuff to gather dirt to ensure the politicians play ball. And if anyone refuses, we could always go for the occasional assassination that looks conveniently like an accident.

Objective 4: Is it a bird?
The navy get to do some cool things. Build an orbital station or a large hangar on one of the moons? Kill some pirates? Fight some rebels? Go on manoeuvres? Show off a new ship? Be creative.

Objective 5: Scavenger hunt
There are enough links to history to suggest there are all sorts of things to find. Grievous had a base here once (don’t touch his lair, that’s out of bounds – thanks) but there is every reason to believe one of the three moons has an old unused base that could house anything interesting – from fallen Jedi sabers to droid schematics. From credits to stolen ships.

Objective 6: Space wizards
History has a habit of confusing people. The planet had many famous visitors. Somehow, a cult has grown over the millennia that believe General Grevious was a hero of the Jedi who faced off against two evil opponents there – one a Nautolan. He left behind an honour guard of Magna Guards, in stasis until evil Force Users come visiting again. Cue the Knights explaining the truth to a misinformed cult of non-FUs or simply fighting a host of Magna Guards.

Objective 7: I don’t like the others
The usual default if none of the other ones press your buttons. Feel free to make something up. Find an FS and recruit them? Destroy something? Steal something? Kill something? Run a training thread?
For example, the Outer Rim is full of remote, scarcely populated planets – popular hideouts for the Black Sun and Hutts. Find and either destroy any hold-outs – or perhaps broker a deal with them?

 

[Elaine Thul]

1/20
Objective: 2
Allies: None yet
Enemy: [member="OK-3103"] and the first order and the one sith allies
Equipment
3 Howlers
5 Reapers on tripods
120 regular infantry, with infantry armour, and infantry blaster + auxiliary grenades various see sig
36 scout infantry light armour and carbines

Elaine was here to help the people of the planet resist the first order, as such he had come with an company of soldiers. As well some heavy weapons, they where dug in near some villages that where loyal to the galactic alliance. She had set up three Howlers, and five reapers on the out skirts, as well as an infantry company. The troops where issued infantry armour and infantry blaster. All but one platoon who was in a recon positions, they had scout carbines and light combat armour in the colours of the local vegetation. Her job was to hold off the First orders advance, whilst they evacuated people back to galactic alliance space.

She was herself was in the command tent, wearing her light comabt armour hers was purple the colour of house thul. She had been overseeing the defense plans, and waiting for the scouts to report when the enemy came into range of the howlers. They would then begin to fall back, as the enemy came with thousand meters of them. They would fall back in order, as the artillery knocked them back.

As the troops where waiting for the call, she had soldiers equipping those that could fight with the carbines, and those that could not where escorted onto ships. As the less that had to run at the end of battle the better. She just waited for them to come, so she could start the bombardment.

 

[Kenrath]

Objective 1/2: Diplomacy works..........maybe so addressing Troops on Objective 2
Location: First Order Destroyer Briefing room Alpha
Allies: [member="OK-3103"]
Enemies: None at the moment
Posts: 1/20

Viktor stood in the front of the briefing room waiting for everyone to get there. Today they would be welcoming the great people of Vassek into the First Order. Viktor and his envoy hoped to do that with a simple handshake and a fine wine but one had to always prepare for the worst. Which is why he had elected to brief the ground troops on the plan before they got there.

As they began to wander in Viktor smiled and greeted each one before they sat down.

"Good morning please take a seat." "It looks like we are only missing one or two more and then we will begin."

 

[Larry Cheswa]

Objective 2: Troops on the ground
Post: 1/20
Allies: [member="OK-3103"]
Enemies: [member="Elaine Thul"]

The troop transport for the 11th Incinerator Squad lands at the spaceport, "Am I glad to be on solid ground again! It is amazing how cramped it can get with all of us in one small cramped room." I walk off the ramp towards the base, "Do do do, walking toward my roo roo room!" I was wearing my semi standard (I say that because it is painted) First Order Incinerator armor, had my standard flamethrower with me, and also had my prized E-11 that I used sense, well, ever really.

 

[Evangeline Ovmar]

Objective: 5 - Scavenger Hunt
Post: 1/20
Allies:
Enemies:

Ovmar stood silently as the shuttle's boarding ramp dropped down, revealing the landscape before her. Desolate and dry, this moon was no different from the usual assortment of planetary bodies she'd seen in her time.

Granted, this one did have an atmosphere, which was a plus.

She stepped down the ramp and onto the gravel below. The air was cooler here and thin, leaving her feeling as if she were atop a mountain range anywhere else rather than on a moon in the middle of nowhere. Around her, a small squad of stormtroopers disembarked and set up a perimeter, something she simultaneously appreciated and doubted the need for. It was an uninhabited moon of all things, it made no sense to defend against something that held no dangers. That said, it was better safe than sorry.

Up ahead, she could see the piles of rocks and shattered outrcoppings. To many, it was a sign of tectonic activity where two plates had shoved together to rip up the very rock of the moon. They were half right.

It was indeed a place of tectonic activity, forming a mountain at some point in the past, but such activity had not rendered it in such a state. Someone had destroyed it and, given the high amount of metals First Order ships had picked up at the site, it may have been something destroyed for a reason.

And it might hold something useful for the determined individual.

With that in mind, Ovmar gave the order to move out. With luck, they might strike gold in the ruins of an old CIS base.

 

[Greifen Ren]

Objective: Misc
Allies: [member="Kriel Firin"]
Neutral: [member="Dissero"]
Posts: 1/20

"I hope you have studied the briefing for this planet thoroughly, my Disciple," Greifen Ren addressed Kriel over the low din of the shuttle coming to land on Vassek.

The young man he had found on Bespin, once known as Kriel Firin, was but a distant memory. Since Greifen had inducted him into the Knights of Ren, he had known nothing but the arduous path of a Disciple, facing constant physical and mental challenges from his new master. The training was regimented in the dark monastic order and the mornings were grueling: awake at dawn for physical training involving lightsaber combat and Force exercises, before food was finally permitted around noon. The rest of the day was spent learning the ways of the Force and the philosophy of the Knights of Ren. Tough as it may be, Kriel hadn't died yet, so Greifen was proud of his apprentice for that fact alone.

Now, the two were landing on the third moon of Vassek, with a massive monolithic structure looming in the windowpane outside. If Kriel had studied the dossier on the mission, he would know that the huge structure was a historic landmark, the former stronghold of General Grievous, which was now under new management, as it were. High Command had instructed a Knight of Ren to handle a rather delicate matter on Vassek as they prepared to subjugate the planet, and Greifen Ren was chosen. Of course, he would bring Kriel along with him. The Disciple needed to learn mental tact and negotiation if his training was to be complete.

The First Order wanted Vassek, but there was one problem; the planet was home to other, unpredictable occupants.

"This man, Lord Dissero, is to be handled carefully," Greifen instructed his Disciple. "We simply do not know where his loyalties lie. That is what we are here to find out, and that alone. If High Command wishes this man to be destroyed, that is their decision to make and not ours. For now, we will be cautious. Understand?"

 

[Graf's Archive Account]

Objective: 6
Post: 1
Allies: The First Order, Knights of Ren
Enemies: Everyone else
Equipment:

• Lightsaber
• AC-86 Combat Enhancing Helmet
• The Disciple's Talon

The wings of the Disciple's Talon folded into an upward position as it set down gently near the edge of a cliff, nearby was the village that housed a cult.

This cult believed that users of the Force were evil, they were taught this by the Kaleesh cyborg General Grievous who left a group of IG-100 MagnaGuards to protect them from the evil.

The ramp lowered with a hissing sound as the clang of boots against metal filled the air, Disciple Corvax set his first foot onto the rough, rocky terrain of the planet, looking around with his dark hazel eyes.

A squad of stormtroopers followed by a sergeant went down the ramp behind Arthan, raising their blasters to combat an unperceived threat.

"Sergeant, keep your men alert, I sense we are not alone." The Disciple said in a gruff voice as he set off towards the village a few thousand feet away, with the squad behind him.

They had closed the distance by about half before a rather large amount of villagers ran out with primitive hunting spears, the troopers raised their blasters again but Arthan held his hand up to signify them not to attack yet.

Instead, the Disciple held his hand up and the entire war part halted in its tracks, as if stopped by an invisible barrier.

All of them started to scream at him "Evil! EVIL! EVIL!" They all screamed repeatedly, non-stop.

A cult, eh?

[member="OK-3103"] [member="Greifen Ren"] [member="Evangeline Ovmar"] [member="Larry Cheswa"] [member="Viktor Alexander"] [member="Elaine Thul"]

 

[Kriel Firin]

Objective 7: Follow my Master's lead
Post: 1+1/20
Allies: [member="Greifen Ren"]
Enemies: None confirmed
Others: [member="Dissero"]

Kriel could be accused of many things. A lax morality. A sadistic nature even – but laziness was not one of his vices. He was a hard worker – something he inherited from his father and his unique upbringing. Anything worth having was rarely given to you. You had to earn it – and invariably the hard way.

“I studied thoroughly my Master,” he replied to the Knight as he addressed him. They were on a landing craft, heading for the moon’s surface. The mission was a break from the relentless training – but it was not better or worse – simply different. A chance to put what he had learned into practice he hoped. To prove his worth.

Outside a massive structure loomed large in the viewport. It was built into the rockface of a large gorge, but shrouded in fog. And the briefing suggested they might meet opposition. He didn’t know if his Master was going to subjugate the locals or negotiate with them. Either way, this would be a learning experience for him. His Master’s words suggested diplomacy first.

“As you wish, Master,” he replied, “I shall, as always, follow your lead.”

 

[Dissero]

Location: 3rd Moon of Vassek - Grievous' Castle AKA Mi Cassa
[member="Greifen Ren"] [member="Kriel Firin"] [member="Verie Lacroix"] [member="Cerita Sarova"]

"Welp."

Fog. Lots of fog. Dissero watched the fog roll outside the window of his bedroom, stretching before the expansive bay of glass in naught but a bathrobe. Blue eyes played across the languid plumes, seeking out the shadows he knew he felt encroaching upon his domain. He'd known for a while this was going to happen. He'd even asked Verie to prepare a fruitcake for the inevitable Meet The Neighbors routine. Whether or not the First Order had any desire to do business with fruitcake one couldn't say, but he subscribed to the idea that it was the thought that counts.

"They're here. Should we wake Faen or is that overkill?"

Ve was off somewhere in the bedroom recovering from morning sickness, her tea steeping on the nearby table, holonews murmuring on the screen in the corner.

Oh look, ship lights. Dissero narrowed his eyes and took a slow sip of caff.

 

[Greifen Ren]

Objective: Miscellaneous
Allies: [member="Kriel Firin"]
Neutral: [member="Dissero"] [member="Verie Lacroix"]
Posts: 2/20

Greifen merely nodded to his Disciple as he felt their transport touch down on the ground, followed a few seconds afterward by the hissing sound of the exit ramp extending. They were here. The black-clad Knight of Ren stood up, along with his Disciple, and together the two appeared as two twin wraith-like figures wading through the darkness and fog of Vassek's third moon. Crossing towards the exit ramp, Greifen took the lead and made his way outside for the first time.

The structure of General Grievous' former command tower loomed above him, a dark and monolithic fixture in the fog. Greifen was unsure of what to expect inside; there was always the possibility of outright hostility. And as a Knight of Ren, he hated unexpected surprises, just as he had taught his apprentice to. As such, his senses were heightened and his guard was up.

"All that being said, keep your senses sharp," He said over his shoulder to Kriel. "If we are attacked, you will not hesitate to eliminate anyone in your way."

Greifen's black figure hovered through the fog to stop at the front entrance. Now, what was the protocol here - would there be some kind of doorbell? Ren arched a brow at the massive door before him. Well, this Dissero was supposedly a powerful Force-User, was he not? In that case, he would sense the arrival of the Knights of Ren, especially since Greifen was now projecting his aura of darkness across the area.

It seemed all he needed to do then, was wait.

 

[Verie Lacroix]

Objective: Miscellaneous
Allies: [member="Dissero"]
Neutral: [member="Greifen Ren"] [member="Kriel Firin"]

Verie brushed her teeth -- again -- and after making quite sure she was done being ill, at least for the moment, she got dressed in a pair of black slacks, comfortable boots, and a roomy tunic. She clasped her belt around her hips and clipped her lightsaber, with its sheathed blade of heliotrope, to the belt. The presence of strangers nearby demanded it. She snagged her tea off the table and called over to [member="Dissero"], "Thank you, dear!" before taking a sip and returning to the bathroom. While it was true that her pregnancy had not begun in the most joyful of ways, Verie had moved past her initial displeasure and was, if not elated, at least resigned and contented. As the lyric went, she had rhythm, she had music, she had her man, and who could ask for anything more?

And now someone was coming to muck it up. A feeling of dread in her stomach quite unrelated to her condition was a whispered warning she had learned to trust from the Force. She finished her morning ritual, dabbing a touch of flowery perfume behind each ear, before taking her tea back into the bedroom. "Are you going to get dressed? And is whoever that is going to just stand there or is he waiting for an engraved invitation?"

 

[OK-3103]

Objective 2: Troops on the ground
Post: 2+1/20
Allies: None confirmed
Enemies: None confirmed

The journey was one of the longest he'd endured - it seemed to last an eternity. Ignorance was one thing. Not knowing because you did not need to know? Well that was drummed into troopers from a young age. But this was tantamount to teasing. A half-truth, a hint of knowledge.

The shuttle landed and he filed out, in order. The first confirmation that something was different was when a sergeant greeted him and saluted. "Please follow me Lieutenant."

OK-3103 nodded acknowledgement and followed the man wordlessly. He was led to a briefing room, containing an officer in non-combat dress, the black uniform denoting he was a Major. He stood and gripped OK-3103 by the hand - his first ever hand-shake from an officer. The Major indicated he should remove his helmet with a wave of the hand.

"Please, take a seat." He handed OK-3103 a datapad. "This is the full debrief, you can read it on our journey. It's a mission synopsis, confirmation of your promotion to Lieutenant and also birth records. Lieutenant Chrome, welcome to your first day as an officer and I trust you'll remain with the 501st?"

OK-3103 was stunned. "I...um...sorry Sir," he managed. "It's a lot to take in."

The Major smiled. "Take your time reading the reports. You can use this room for as long as you like. A trooper stationed outside will show you to the officer's quarters once you're finished." The Major saluted. "Carry on Lieutenant."

OK-3103 saluted back - the reflex taking over from his lack of conscious thought. The moment the Major left, he pored over the datapad, skim-reading the mission brief, his confirmation of promotion and finally his birth certificate. Meneer Chrome. So that was his real name.

 

[Kriel Firin]

Objective 7: Follow my Master's lead
Post: 2+2/20
Allies: [member="Greifen Ren"]
Enemies: None confirmed
Others: [member="Dissero"]

They were on the moon itself now, the landing soft but the sensation of touching down unmistakeable. He headed to the exit ramp with his Master and the moment the ramp was lowered, they were ready to disembark.

He’d performed missions and tasks before, but never alongside his Master and the prospect suddenly filled him with caution. One wrong move and he could be left here, or allowed to die. Those that followed the Dark side were rarely benevolent and chose instead to allow the cream to rise to the top and those unworthy to die.

He looked to dissipate any fear, and instead chose to harness it, in bolstering his connection to the Dark side. He followed his Master, at his shoulder but half a step behind, as a mark of respect. The surroundings matched his mood, dark and foreboding. Ahead was a massive structure – its history and purpose mapped out in the briefing he’d read. And that information hinted at significant defences – and he was prepared. He was no master with a saber, but he had the basics of the first and fifth Forms – favouring Djem So over Shien.

They reached what could only be described as a massive front door and they waited. His Master seemed comfortable with this approach, so Kriel followed suit, stretching out with Force Sense to look to identify any danger or approaching locals. It was not in his nature to be patient, but he was learning from his Master that there was often more than one way to deal with a situation. Kriel always preferred a more straightforward tactic, given the choice.

 

[Miles Cormin]

Objective: 2
Post: 1
Allies: [member="Larry Cheswa"][member="OK-3103"]
Enemies: [member="Elaine Thul"]

Miles Cormin disembarked from the troop transport anxious and ready for combat. This would be his first deployment with the First Order since his last reconditioning, and he was hopeful that they had managed to fix his constant panic attacks and lack of tactical capability. Heading out of the spaceport with the rest of his unit, he waited outside the spaceport, rifle in hand and active, awaiting orders. He was only a private, but he carried himself with the pride and dignity of an officer. He was rather easy to spot. All he had to do now was wait for orders.

Spoiler

OOC: Didn't know exactly where to go, so I am going into "private mode" where I'll wait for an officer to direct me. Mark the target and watch it disappear

 

[Elaine Thul]

Objective: 2
Post: 2/20
Allies: None
Enemy: [member="Miles Cormin"] [member="Larry Cheswa"] [member="OK-3103"]
Equipment
3 Howlers
5 Reapers on tripods
120 regular infantry, with infantry armour, and infantry blaster + auxiliary grenades various see sig
36 scout infantry light armour and carbines

She was getting reports, that enemy had landed, and had began operations in the near by villages, she had to get more people on to those transports. Her scouts have reported some movement near them, but not in range yet the howlers. She how ever after reading the reports, and watching the office debate what the enemy next move miught be, began to enjoy tiffin. As any noble from Alderaan would never forget tiffin time, she had a cream scone and tea. Whilst she waited her men had transported over a hundred villagers of planet, she had o more to go, but they where getting their.

 

[Dissero]

[member="Verie Lacroix"] [member="Cerita Sarova"] [member="Greifen Ren"] [member="Kriel Firin"]



"I suppose pants would be prudent." But he'd be damned if these visitors made him feel uncomfortable in his own home. The Castle of Grievous might not pose the same threat it once had but it was still a fortress and it was, the Archivist was fairly certain, one of the few in the galaxy actually guarded by a dragon. He set his caff down and pulled on a pair of pants, cinched in a belt at his waist and clipped his lightsaber and dagger at his back. The bathrobe remained.

Dissero turned to the holoscreen at the far corner and leaned to snatch up the nearby control to switch its input to the castle grounds security system. Feed from the forward cameras gave him several views of the two cloaked men as they approached the front entrance gates. There they stood, little black ants against the backdrop of these massive doors.

"It's like The Sith Council all over again..."

"I'd say they're being rather polite all things considered, though I do wish they'd knock. Looks like we're eating in for breakfast either way. I'll handle this." Caff in hand, a kiss on Verie's cheek, Dissero strolled out of his bedroom and down the long hall, pausing at Cerita's door and engaging the intercom to her room, "Cer, we've got uninvited guests. Make yourself presentable."


"Should I wake Faenrovon?" Mahet the Noghri, a life-long associate to the Archivist, looked a bit tense this morning. Moreso than usual.

"It's just two men, besides," Dissero patted his friend on the shoulder, "you know how he gets when he thinks his hoard is under threat. We'll save that for a real incursion."

"I will remain with Miss Lacroix, then."

"Thank you, Mahet."


A few more minutes later and the man of the house unlocked the minor entry door at the base of the major entrance gates. A hiss of gears as it permitted him through and the Archivist stepped forward with mug of caff in hand and fog roiling about the length of his bathrobe, midnight blue in color, open to reveal the bare chest upon which a myriad scars and marks of black corrupted flesh peeked through. His presence was an unassuming one and he smiled thinly from behind a thick beard, coming to stand at the precipice of the grand stair in casual stance.

Dissero slurped once more from his mug.

"Gentlemen...I presume," couldn't say with the obvious Apprentice hiding behind a mask, "what brings you to my humble abode?"

 

[Greifen Ren]

Objective: Misc.
Allies: [member="Kriel Firin"]
Non-Belligerent: [member="Dissero"] [member="Verie Lacroix"]
Posts: 3/20

Greifen's yellow eyes darted from Dissero to the surrounding castle, which seemed to loom over him for miles, and then back to the man in his unassuming bedrobes. A humble abode indeed. If anything was humble, it was Dissero's appearance. Of course, it was early, but Greifen expected the owner of such an estate to be clad in something rather more... regal.

"Good morning," Greifen said with a low tilt of his head. "You are Lord Dissero, the owner of this casle, I presume? I am Greifen Ren, and behind me stands my Disciple, Kriel. We represent the Knights of Ren and the First Order."

Behind the two black-clad men, the fog rolled along. Greifen sidestepped slightly so that his Apprentice was more visible to Dissero. He would be able to see that they were both armed with lightsabers, but such a sight should not come as such a surprise. Everyone here was a trained Force-user, thus were any of them truly unarmed?

"We have come to discuss the First Order's subjugation of the planet of Vassek. As the owner of this estate, we assumed you would be... interested, in the details, Lord Dissero."

 

[OK-3103]

Objective 2: Troops on the ground
Post: 3+2/20
Allies: None confirmed
Enemies: None confirmed

He read and re-read the complete file. It was a lot to take in, but his birth name solved a mystery - although oddly he still felt he was OK-3103 as opposed to Meneer. As promised, the moment he opened the door, a trooper escorted him to his quarters. It felt odd, being treated as an officer instead of another trooper. He expected he would love the feeling but actually he was slightly uncomfortable. He'd risen through the ranks, as opposed to becoming an officer from the word go. He could empathise with the trooper walking with him more than the Major he'd so recently spoken to.

His quarters were another revelation. Small, befitting his rank, they were - above all - private. For him and him alone. His own bed, shower and storage areas. He knew they'd be deploying soon, so he merely checked out his dress uniform before changing into his officer 'trooper uniform and heading to the briefing area. They'd be landing soon and he had an attachment of 'troopers to share orders with.

 

[Kriel Firin]

Objective 7: Follow my Master's lead
Post: 3+3/20
Allies: [member="Greifen Ren"]
Enemies: None confirmed
Others: [member="Dissero"]

They were waiting only a short while before their presence was acknowledged. He was arrogant and sometimes impetuous, but he wasn't stupid. He held his tongue and deferred to his Master as the conversation unfolded.

The man was confident - and he didn't need to use the Force to tell him this. He recognised bravado and this wasn't it - the man had power and was therefore confident in his position. But his Master was also assured. Sticking to the facts, almost casually mentioning this moon and the associated planet would soon be under First Order rule. His continued presence was at stake, and the owner of the castle had to know that - and react appropriately. He could kill them both, right now. But the planet would still be taken. He was a man - however powerful - and they represented an entire government.

 

[Larry Cheswa]

Objective 3: James Bond Style
Post: 1/20
Allies: [member="OK-3103"] [member="Viktor Alexander"] [member="Evangeline Ovmar"] [member="Greifen Ren"] [member="Arthan Corvax"] [member="Kriel Firin"] [member="Miles Cormin"]
Enemies: [member="Elaine Thul"]
Lord Only Knows What Side Their On: [member="Dissero"] [member="Verie Lacroix"]

After I changed into what most people call an outdated hunk of junk, which is really an 800 year old heavily modified suit of forest green Imperial Stormtrooper armor worn by my ancestor Carl Cheswa, I start to address the troops that lay before me, "Okay men, I may not look like a standard soldier, and maybe YOU don't look like a standard soldier, but I know that we WILL win this planet. Now then, I will not be accompanying you, I will be on an, erm, intelligence mission. Now go and get ready!"