Public A Moment of Meditation

[Minerva Fhirdiad]

Tag: Jonyna Si Giran Thraker

Turning around Minerva raised an eyebrow at Jonyna. The Cathar Jedi seemed quite stubborn from this new glance. What was she is trying to get away from anyway? As someone who charged into combat so often having a conversation seemed simple in comparison. Taking off the hood the raven hair came down to her neck.

Her facial scars now more visible than before as she stayed standing and asked.

”What do you want to know?”

 

[Jonyna Si]

"Anything. Everything. Your culture is...well, I've only ever encountered your kind when they were trying to kill me. Maybe if I learned a bit about your folk outside of that context, I'd....find some common ground." Jonyna took her own seat, offering one for the Mando. "I guess my first question is one I've always had. What's up with the helmets?"

Minerva Fhirdiad

 

[Minerva Fhirdiad]

Tag: Jonyna Si

Despite herself Minerva's jaw dropped briefly. An outsider, a Cathar no less wants to find common ground with Mandalorians?! Even though the Enclave begins it's crusade against the whole galaxy? Collecting herself, Minerva took a seat.

"Very well I'll give answers when possible in exchange I will ask you questions about your people the Cathar. Also my time will be limited because I have get back to my ship later.”

With Jonyna's first question she pulled out of the cloak her own emerald helmet. Jonyna would immediately recognize it from the Utkais town party from a while back.

"Our helmets symbolize our way of life. To be warriors, prepared for combat at a moment's notice. Moreover it is practical. For example the t shaped visor is designed for durability so that the eyes can be protected a bit more."

Looking back at the Jedi she asked. "Is it true that Cathar are governed by clans?"

 

[Jonyna Si]

"We are. Every tree like this has one. My father was the clan leader back when I was young..." She pouted. Maybe she should get to know the current one. She'd avoided him best she could. "...do you mandos have ya know...cultural hobbies? Music? Art?"

Minerva Fhirdiad

 

[Minerva Fhirdiad]

Tag: Jonyna Si

Ironic that their peoples share that in common she silently admitted. Minerva chuckled upon the second inquiry.

"Indeed. Bolo-ball is a favored sport of ours even though we didn't invent it. We call it the beautiful game in our language. Hunting, sparring and singing are prized. When it comes to music, many songs are usually pre-battle chants and drinking melodies. Some songs outside combat are performed with drums and horns.

Art varies between individuals and clans but among the common is tattooing and the designing and painting of our armor."

Opening the cloak more she revealed her green armor.

"Mine is emerald and black. The first means duty and the second for justice as I intend to live my life by until death claims me. What are some things you folks do for fun?"

 

[Jonyna Si]

"Treesurfing." Jonyna said with a sly smirk. "Not kidding. The branches of the smaller trees in the jungle are almost always slick. Makes for a lot of fun if you know what you're doing, but us Cathar, the Denik especially, are trained from birth to have a handle on our coordination."

The cathar jumped into the air, flipping midway, and catching herself on the ceiling with her claws on her feet. "You humanoids always focus so much on trying to get around, don't realize how much a little effort goes into making the world around you work for you instead of against you. What's your guys obsession with jetpacks anyways?"

Minerva Fhirdiad

 

[FN-999]

Tags: Jonyna Si | Minerva Fhirdiad

For the first time in ten years, an Imperial Star Destroyer emerged above Cathar.
​

The Austere had seen better days, its Imperial insignia fading and numerous titanium plates patching up holes in the hull from battles with pirates and Alliance scouting parties.

However, as they say, what matters is on the inside.

The Austere boasted some of the finest crews in what remained of the Empire, almost all of its officers having served onboard the vessel for twenty years or more. Every routine onboard was well-practiced, every tradition a result of years of trial and error. From the lowest ensign to the captain of the ship, everyone had a role and played their part to perfection.

Such was the case in the Austere’s bridge at that moment.

Technicians rushed to and fro within the data pits, preparing the vessel’s sublight engines for atmospheric entry. Officers gave and received a constant stream of orders to a crew of thousands, all cogs in the giant machine that was the Austere.

At the center of it all stood two men - the captain of the vessel, Rear Admiral James Valenta, and to his left, the Baron of Borosk himself, decked out in his stormtrooper armor. They stood silently together, glancing around them at the crew hastily springing into action. Suddenly, the Baron leaned towards the rear admiral and whispered something into his ear. The other man nodded, and the Baron moved forwards, striding towards the ship’s intercom. Upon reaching it, he cleared his throat and then turned the intercom on, his voice now audible across the entirety of the Austere.

“Ten years ago, after the Third Imperial Civil War left our empire destitute, our forces abandoned Cathar, once one of our many prized dominions. In doing so, we left behind many valuable provisions. Arms, ammunition, fuel, banners, and classified Imperial documents have remained planetside for over a decade. While we do not have the manpower to reconquer the planet and its formidable natives, we have just enough to demand the return of rightful Imperial property. With this equipment in our hands, we can expand our operations, building enough ships and training enough men to begin the glorious reconquest."

“We are the inheritors of the Empire of Tarkin and Fel. It is about time we prepare to take back our birthright."

Across the bridge, men and women had paused their work to listen to their leader’s speech. At his conclusion, the crew snapped to attention and proudly saluted their Baron. He saluted back, equally proud to see that there was still fight left in his crew after over a decade of hardship. As the Austere breached the upper atmosphere, the Baron sprung into action.

“Open a line of communication with Cathar’s broadcast channels.” ordered the Baron.

In an instant, the intercom changed channel, a soft static emerging from the device.

[Residents of Cathar, this is Colonel FN-999, Imperial standard, issuing the deployment of an asset retrieval team to retrieve Imperial property abandoned on Cathar following the conclusion of the Third Imperial Civil War. As long as we are allowed to acquire our legal property, no one will be harmed and we will leave the planet in peace. I await your reply.]

​

 

[Minerva Fhirdiad]

Tag: Jonyna Si FN-999

The benefits of having feline blood. Have to admit treesurfing does sounds fun.

Looking up at Jonyna she shrugged her shoulders.

"Jetpacks give us more mobility in both combat and travel. After all, not everyone can use the force or inherited traits from one's species."

Before Minerva could ask her next question she heard the broadcast coming outside. The Mandalorian froze momentarily before swearing in Mando'a. Talk about bad timing. Getting her commlink she called in to her comrades.

"Irni, what's the status of the ship?"

"We're good to go boss. But if we try to leave now the Imps will notice."

Groaning in frustration but understanding as she got up from the seat Minerva answered.

"Prep the ship I'm coming. Hopefully we can wait for them out but if not we'll think of something."

Turning to Jonyna she nodded farewell. "My team needs me.”

Latching the helmet back underneath the cloak she exited the house at a brisk pace.

 

[Jonyna Si]

Jonyna stood there for a moment, processing the new information. Her new friend had left, and in their place, a Star Destroyer parked in orbit. Damnit. No. Not again. Not the Imps doing THIS again. While she was not tech savy, she knew how to put out an SOS at least. All the NJO, all the GA, anyone who could hear it. The imps certainly could.

She could feel her heart in her chest. Once again, she was at the barrel of a buckethead's gun. But this time, she was at home. In her own house, the one she had once pranced around as a child. Her people were once again under the threat of annihilation. She needed to be brave. She needed to find her spine and charge the enemy. But all she felt was the feeling of being once again on the run. Once again being hunted. Her mind spiraled again and again before-

The door opened. A cathar male stood there, looking to her for some semblance of guidance.

"Jedi, you said you were a jedi, yes?" The man asked.

"...yes." She squeaked out.

"...what do we do? The elders thought we were finally free of them..."

"..." Jonyna's mind finally got back on the tracks. She thought and she thought, and she realized there was only one course of action.

Take a stand.

 

[FN-999]

Tags: Jonyna Si | Minerva Fhirdiad

The Austere stopped its descent a few kilometers above a nearby city-tree, casting a vast shadow over the area.
​

“Are there any additional preparations needed before deployment?” asked the Baron of the rear admiral.

“None. We are ready whenever you are.” replied Rear Admiral Valenta.

“Thank you.” concluded the Baron. “For everything."

“Long live the Empire."

“Long live the Empire."

After his closing remarks, the Baron left the Austere’s bridge and began the descent down the elevator.

How long, he wondered, would the old memory of Imperial authority hold in the minds of the Cathar? How long would it be until they realized that Austere was commanded by a skeleton crew and its entire garrison numbering barely a thousand troopers? How long would it take for the locals to realize that if they all gathered together, they could easily outnumber and overwhelm the asset retrieval party?

It would be a race against time in every sense of the word. There was no room for delays, no room for hesitation.

It was now or never.

The Baron exited the elevator, rushing towards the hangars to take his place within a squadron of gunships. He hopped onto a gunship just in time, joining one hundred troopers of his famed 908th Legion as the squadron descended down from the Austere to the city-tree, escorted by a squadron of TIEs.

 

[Minerva Fhirdiad]

Tag: Jonyna Si FN-999

Glancing back and forth at a street, Minerva then sprinted off toward an old hangar. She got inside before seeing Gakot, the Klatooinian, standing outside their Tsrotzhu gunship with his squad with weapons at the ready.

Casting off the hood Minerva demanded.

"Report Sergeant."

"No trouble so far boss. A couple of kids did get curious and came over but I distracted them with some card tricks. Then they bailed when that Destroyer showed up."

The former pirate pointed at the sky and Minerva looked up, grimacing. It certainly complicated things but not to the point of hopelessness. Coming down the ramp her other sergeant, Irni. She wiped the sweat off her Sullustan cheeks with a blue rag before saying.

"Like I said Minerva we're all set. Engines, shields and guns ya name it."

Nodding the Mandalorian remarked before glancing at the Imp warship above.

"Good. Best we stay put and wait them out."

"But they're going to be retrieving weapons and gear here. Personally I would rather smash their war toys."

Gakot spoke up, getting his lieutenant's attention. She immediately shook her head.

"No we can't do that, not without risking the people's lives here. The bucketheads will take it out on them. For now we're weathering this storm and that's an order."

Not liking it but knowing his commander is right Gakot sighed before signaling his squad head back up into the ship. Irni watched them go before saying.

"I don't blame you Minerva. It's a tough call and Gakot understands. You're coming inside?"

"No old friend I stay out and watch for the time being. See to your own squad."

Without another Irni returned to the gunship. As for Minerva she ascended up a wall via jetpack and landed on a rooftop with both feet. She looked out, just in time to see the Imperial transports being escorted in by TIEs.

"They’re bringing in quite the party." She muttered warily.

 

[Jonyna Si]

As the Star Destroyer came down, the people of the city-tree seemed to hide in fear. Kits who had been playing were pulled into small houses by their parents, and warriors who normally would show strength and bravery cowered for safety. The city-tree went quiet, as the scream of Ties rang over the canopy. Once again, the Empire came to town, and the Denik did as they had all those centuries ago. Hide away, and wait for the problem to go away.

Except one. Those hiding seemed mortified as a lone Denik, a woman who's hair burned like flame. A woman who held a lightsaber in one hand, and a katana in the other, both made of the wood that held the city up. A woman who seemed to walk tall despite the impending invasion.

And a woman who behind the brave façade, really hoped Valery Noble or any of the NJO were on their way, because she could practically feel her pulse in her neck right now. She thought she was rid of bucketheads and Moffs waggling their big grey compensators around the orbit of planets that just wanted peace and freedom. But no, apparently 900 years later, and there were still fascists who needed a lesson in pain and humility. Normally she wasn't as brazen about this, but her natural instinct was kicking in. She wanted to prove a point. Do what Sylvar did all those years ago. So long as a lone hero stands against tyranny, hope would never die.

As the gunship came down, she was ready to meet them at the landing pad.

Steel yourself Jonyna. Fear is only a lack of faith in your own ability. You've dealt with these before. Let's hope they don't try and chase you into the jungle.

FN-999 Minerva Fhirdiad

 

[Valery Noble]

Cathar

​

Outfit: Operative Suit | Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Ship: Link
Weapons: Blasters | Double-Bladed Lightsaber
Tag: Jonyna Si Minerva Fhirdiad FN-999

Cathar was quite a way out and in former Empire territory, so it wasn't entirely shocking that a star destroyer had appeared. But it did make Valery wonder what their intentions were on the planet. Did they have important supplies there? Or maybe something they were once hiding on the surface? There was no way to know because even now, the Alliance was nowhere near up-to-date on the Empire's assets and all their old plans.

Their territory is too vast, and with a new Sith presence threatening peace, there was far less focus on the past.

<This is Master Noble, I'm coming down to land> Valery began on a channel directly to Jonyna Si as her X-wing jumped into the system. She immediately fired up her engines, and activated sensor jammers to try and avoid detection. As skilled as she was in her fighter, going up against a capital ship and its fighter complement was something she'd rather avoid.

Using the speed of her fighter to her advantage, Valery soon pierced through the atmosphere and used her senses to guide herself directly to Jonyna. She landed nearby, opened up the canopy and jumped outside to quickly move over to the others.

"What's going on here?" Valery asked, before her fiery gaze turned up to the sky to watch gunships coming down.

 

[FN-999]

Tags: Jonyna Si | Minerva Fhirdiad | Valery Noble

One by one, the gunships touched down on a nearby hangar’s landing pad.
​

A hundred troopers stood silently at attention, fueled by equal parts anxiety and excitement. Each man and woman of the 908th knew that they were grossly outnumbered, and if things turned south the only option would be an immediate retreat. Yet the potential rewards were enormous. The supply caches hidden in this city alone had enough arms and ammunition to meet the needs of ten thousand troopers. Better yet for the Baron and the officers of the Austere, the cache contained classified documents that detailed the location and inventory of hundreds of other hidden depots throughout former Imperial space, many of which contained cutting-edge weapons and equipment. With a vast and modern arsenal at his disposal, there was a real chance for the Baron and his legion to reclaim all that had been lost in the Third Imperial Civil War.

As the gunship's doors opened, the Baron gave one last remark.

“Good luck, boys. We’ll need it today."

With the Baron at the lead, one hundred stormtroopers stepped out into the Cathar sun.

Almost immediately, the trooper complements of each gunship gathered together and organized themselves into lines of five by squad. Once every squad had lined up, the 908th formed a tight column, five deep and twenty long. There were a few onlookers, but the troopers paid them no mind. As long as they stayed peaceful, there was no reason to discourage the natives from watching. As TIEs soared overhead, the decisive command was given.

“FORWARD MARCH!!"

 

[Jonyna Si]

"What's going on here?"

"The Bucketheads are here to 'reclaim' their lost caches." Jonyna said to Valery as she arrived, a bit of vitriol in her tone. Valery could already tell Jonyna was on edge at the thought of Imps on her home turf, in the branches her home-tree at that. The Sword could see the cathar already had her saber ignited, ready to take down the whole assortment of troopers herself. "I intend to tell them to politely leave." The cathar's tone was poisonous at those last words. Jonyna made an effort to quell her anger, but it shone through here. Never again. Never again would she let the Empire rise to power, and absolutely never on Cathar.

Tag: FN-999 Valery Noble Minerva Fhirdiad

 

[Darth Valor]

As Darth Valor, a Sith Lord of immense power and darkness, stepped foot into the ancient city tree of Ran Dom Kuun on Cathar, a sense of unease filled the air. The once thriving spaceport now stood as a silent witness to the passage of time, with the Equatorial Jungles surrounding it, their dense foliage casting an eerie shadow over the landscape.

In the midst of this tranquil setting, a cathar woman named Jonyna sought solace and respite from her recent battles and encounters with the Sith. Exhausted and longing for a sense of familiarity, she returned to her humble abode within the city tree, hoping to find a semblance of peace. The scents of home, the comforting aroma of a homecooked meal and the distinct fragrance of City-Tree bark, permeated the air, evoking memories of simpler times.

However, Jonyna carried a burden within her. The crystal within her lightsaber, a source of power and connection to the Force, remained unresponsive to her pleas. Desiring to seek answers and understanding, she contemplated her next course of action. Should she reach out to Giran Thraker, a trusted ally, or embark on a personal journey to unravel the mysteries that plagued her?

In this moment, Darth Valor recognized the cathar's vulnerability, sensing an opportunity to exploit her weariness and reluctance to fight. The dark side whispered temptations of manipulation and further descent into the abyss. Yet, even as a Sith Lord, he understood the need for introspection and self-discovery. Perhaps this was a chance for Jonyna to find her own path, away from external influences.

Whoever would visit her in this moment would witness a Cathar torn between the weariness of battle and the desire for guidance. Darth Valor, for now, would withhold his presence, observing from the shadows, ready to seize any opportunity that presented itself. The fate of Jonyna and the unfolding events on Cathar hung in the balance, as the struggle between light and dark continued to shape their destinies.

 

[Darth Valor]

"The Bucketheads are here to 'reclaim' their lost caches." Jonyna said to Valery as she arrived, a bit of vitriol in her tone. Valery could already tell Jonyna was on edge at the thought of Imps on her home turf, in the branches her home-tree at that. The Sword could see the cathar already had her saber ignited, ready to take down the whole assortment of troopers herself. "I intend to tell them to politely leave." The cathar's tone was poisonous at those last words. Jonyna made an effort to quell her anger, but it shone through here. Never again. Never again would she let the Empire rise to power, and absolutely never on Cathar.

Tag: FN-999 Valery Noble Minerva Fhirdiad

Darth Valor would come out of the shadows out into the open looking at Jonyna with a surrounding dark aura. "Well, well.. Look what we have here."
Jonyna Si

 

[FN-999]

Tags: Jonyna Si | Minerva Fhirdiad | Valery Noble

The entire unit came to a halt as they saw the glow of a lightsaber ahead of them.
​

Not a soul dared to move, not as the Cathar Jedi stared them down. The tension in the air was thick, hands tightening on blasters as the troopers prepared for the Jedi to make her move. In the end, however, their discipline prevailed. The legionnaires of the 908th stood at the ready, but did not fire or even aim their blasters at the defiant Jedi. The Imperials could not afford to be the aggressors, not when they risked the retaliation of the entire native population. It would be better to let the Jedi make the first move, let her be labeled as an unreasonable aggressor defying her own Jedi Code by striking down peacable Imperials who just wanted to walk past her. In any case, it would be a propaganda victory that would harden the hearts of the 908th to any thought of defection.

“Move aside, Jedi.” demanded the Baron. "We mean no harm. We have not come to occupy your world. We simply seek to take our old munitions and confidential documents off your planet, and then we will leave all of Cathar be.”

 

[Minerva Fhirdiad]

Tag: Jonyna Si Valery Noble Darth Valor FN-999

Putting on the helmet and utilizing its helmet's rangefinder Minerva locked onto the gunships' destination. As much as she detested the Imperials, she didn't want to put innocent bystanders at risk if it can be helped. However, the Mandalorian's stoic-like expression turned shock when the HUD revealed Jonyna going to confront the unwelcome visitors.

She didn't need to be a genius to realize what the Cathar was up to. Soon enough her surprise grew at the sight of a X-Wing flying in and out came…Valery Noble! Minerva looked on as the Sword of Jedi took her place beside the Cathar.

Getting on the comms, Minerva declared.

"Gakot get your squad out! Two Jedi are confronting the Imps. If they fight we‘ve assist our allies. Squad two stay here and guard the ship."

"Copy that LT, we're on our way." Answered Gakot eagerly. He‘s usually eager for a fight. Irni replied as well.

"Will do. Just get back okay."

Casting off her cloak Minerva readied her blaster rifle. It wasn't long before eight of her fellow Talons came up to the roof on their jetpacks. Their gear and uniforms were makeshift, to portray as mercenaries. Gakot came up beside Minerva, silently awaiting her next command. For now they stayed put, waiting to see how this plays out.

Her scanners picked up a third figure as well. Something about him angered the Mandalorian but she restrained herself.

 

[Darth Valor]

Tags: Minerva Fhirdiad

Darth Valor, his presence commanding and intimidating, observed the unfolding scene from his vantage point. The helmet of his armor adorned his head, concealing his jet black hair and fiery amber eyes. His gaze focused on the Cathar, Jonyna, as she boldly confronted the unwelcome Imperial visitors. Valor's admiration for her courage was tainted with a touch of amusement, knowing the audacity it took to challenge the Imperials head-on.

A surge of surprise washed over him as he witnessed the arrival of Valery Noble, the Sword of the Jedi. The Mandalorian's shock was evident, her stoic expression momentarily shattered by the unexpected turn of events. Valor's lips curled into a faint smile, recognizing the potential dynamics at play with two Jedi standing united against the Imperials.

Through the comms, Minerva, the Mandalorian Lieutenant, issued orders to her squad. Valor listened intently, his mind calculating the unfolding situation. The Talons, Minerva's team, received their instructions to prepare for action. Gakot's eagerness for combat was palpable, while Irni acknowledged the command with a sense of responsibility.

Valor, though not directly involved with the Mandalorian squad, appreciated their readiness to assist their allies if the situation escalated into a confrontation. The Mandalorian Lieutenant cast off her cloak, assuming a commanding stance with her blaster rifle at the ready. The rest of the Talons joined her on the rooftop, their presence marked by makeshift gear, reminiscent of battle-hardened mercenaries.

As Valor observed the scene, his keen sensors detected the presence of a third figure. Something about him ignited a spark of anger within the Mandalorian, but he restrained himself, channeling his focus towards the unfolding events rather than allowing his emotions to cloud his judgment.

With the Mandalorian squad poised and waiting, Valor's presence loomed in the background, his intentions veiled behind his enigmatic armor. He observed with intrigue, ready to intervene if the need arose, and his mind calculated the possibilities that lay ahead. The dark side of the Force pulsed within him, fueling his anticipation for the clash between the Jedi and the Imperials, each side representing a different facet of the ongoing struggle for power and dominance.

Darth Valor, ever the embodiment of the Sith's relentless ambition, stood prepared to seize any opportunity that would further his own dark objectives in this intricate web of conflicts and alliances.