Dominion An Uncivil War: First Order Dominion of Keskin

[B’rukh clan Obvupam]

Objective 4:

Location: Jungle Forest of Keskin, shadowing a unit of Scout Troopers on arrival to downed craft
Equipment: Storm Commando Armor, no helmet, white lightsaber, two Noghri Daggers, various throwing stars
With: First Order Allies Caio Dyrn Grav Natasi Fortan
​

The Noghri Imperial Knight had been shadowing the unit of Imperial Army Scouts since they had landed on the planet. B'rukh had been on Keskin for two days already, acting as an advanced unit providing recon and intelligence back to High Command. When the scouts arrived his mission had changed from simple and silent recon to assisting the scouts. The best way to assist them was to keep them alive. Keeping them alive and staying out of their way had served his purpose so far. The scouts had changed course abruptly when the First Order craft had come screeching out of the sky. B'rukh knew that they had to get to the downed craft before the enemy. The rebels would loot the corpses and steal any intelligence. They would also almost certainly kill the survivors- if there were any.

B'ruhk had decided to take to the treetops today, moving silently, almost slithering like a snake through the dense canopy he was virtually invisible. Years of Noghri assassin training were only strengthened by his newfound talents in the force. He needed all of this skill to keep the scout troopers in sight as they screeched along the forest floor in their speeders. He was forced to push his body to its limits to maintain his stealth and speed. Nevertheless, he was extremely confident that nobody would see him unless he wished to be seen. He did however barely manage to keep the Scouts in earshot as they overran him. As the Scouts arrived at the crash site he began to catch up and was glad that they seemed to have gotten here first. No doubt rebel units had seen the crash and were also on their way, but their quick arrival certainly gave them a strong advantage. He watched as the troopers established a perimeter and sent a few men to check the crash for survivors. Perched in the canopy he winced as the lead trooper made no attempt to be quiet as he bashed his way into the transport. Then he felt it.

He wasn't alone in the jungle canopy. In a flash he strained his body and leapt to a tree branch several meters away, straining he caught his balance quickly as he landed on the branch and ignited his lightsaber. The distinctive snap-hiss seemed to echo throughout the jungle and with a flick of his wrist, he cut through an area of the jungle canopy. The large yowl only lasted a second as the creature's head was severed from its body and it fell from the tree to the ground below. Vine Cats. They were rare on B'rukh's home planet, but wherever dense canopy and jungle could be found there were normally Vine cats. This one seemed to be of the regular-sized variety. That was at least a good omen. Where there was one, however, there was certain to be more. He dropped in an instant to the jungle floor, near to the man standing over the open hatch into the transport.

He turned to speak.

"This place is not safe. We must leave quickly. Gather the survivors."

 

[Dyrn Grav]

KESKIN JUNGLE
NEAR WRECKAGE AL-1337​

Dyrn nodded to the Supreme Leader, as she prepared to inject the bacta. Her questions were met with a groan, a jaw clench, and a tensing of the hand as he grabbed the blaster again. "It's... it's my duty to protect you," The Guardsman said in a low voice, before he opened his eyes and looked at the Supreme Leader. "Always."

At least the commotion on the lander wasn't a threat, as Madine checked it out and spoke with the individual in the camouflage. A scout team? That would be a huge benefit. When Madine was in position to help lift Dyrn up, the downed sentient nodded. "Ready." He said, before he pushed up with his two remaining limbs to stand, with a lot of help from the Lt. Colonel. "Thank you."

The scout walked over, Dyrn knew there were more nearby, and glanced to one side as he saw more of the group moving through the area. Meanwhile, the bacta was taking effect, and it started to clear some of the daze from Dyrn's brain. And while his left leg - his thigh, specifically - wasn't much for supporting weight, at least he could limp on it. So, the Guardsman began to take stock of everything around him, as his training took over. He listened as those around began to communicate and work together:

Suggestions were made to leave the crash site - that was a good plan, for many reasons.

The scout asked about supplies - those would help.

* Vroommm *

The Guardsman immediately looked up at the snap-hiss and activation of a lightsaber, the glowing blade clearly visible in the canopy overhead, and shuffled toward Lady Fortan in case it was an enemy; however, not moments later, a seeming bundle of vines toppled to the ground with a sickening thud, followed by the appearance of a Noghri with lightsaber in hand.

"I believe that's an Imperial Knight," Dyrn muttered, as he lessened his grip on the blaster he held in his right hand. "He's right. We need to go, as quickly as we can."

Of all the times to have Royal Guard posted at other locations off-world, this was by far the worst. Still, there was nothing left to do but make the best of a terrible situation. Before that could happen, the First Order forces in the area had to understand the circumstances, and how they needed to be played out...

"All of you, thank you," Dyrn said loudly, but didn't shout. He peered to the sentients around. "You have all done well. Surviving, arriving so quickly, assisting the injured." The tall man grimaced, but continued on. "Though, as of now, we are all to protect our Supreme Leader until the last. We help our wounded, we carry who requires it, but our priority is the safe escort of Lady Fortan to First Order forces."

The tall Guardsman gritted his teeth for a moment as he shifted his weight in the mud. He hadn't had a chance to check on his weapons or equipment, but he would as soon as time permitted.

"As said, we need to get away from the crash site. We also have to deal with native predators and any enemy forces converging on this location... there's little time, gather who and what we can, then we move." While not having an official rank in the military structure, the position of Guardsman was directly connected to protection and security of the Supreme Leader. Dyrn only answered to Natasi Fortan. Still, when the military operations began, the Guardsman preferred to maintain familiar command. "Lieutenant Colonel, can you take charge, get each soldier or Knight to task? I will take the rear guard."

Dyrn turned to Lady Fortan. He offered a tight-lipped smile as he limped over, his left arm still useless at his side.

"Your Grace, I'm going to be behind the group. I'm slower, my leg won't let me keep pace, so I'll delay anyone who follows," He started, tense from the pain. "But I need you to stay in the middle of formation, no matter what. Listen to the Lieutenant Colonel, ma'am, please.

"We will get you safely to friendly forces."

Natasi Fortan | Gunnar Madine | Caio | B’rukh clan Obvupam​

 

[Caio]

At least one of them seemed to have their wits about them. Caio hoped the big one's leg wasn't banjaxed because he didn't fancy his chances if they had to carry him. Probably half again my weight and that's not even factoring in the armour. "Sounds good to me. Secondary explosions or no, probably every patrol in the area is on the way". Pleasantries could wait.

The sound of a branch breaking had him turn with his rifle up. A bloodied form landed with a thump from the canopy, followed by another figure with a drawn lightsabre. The words of the big man came through and he reluctantly lowered his weapon. Force user. He'd never trusted them. Alien. See above.

He'd been on the bloody planet for nearly a month. Morale had soared amongst the Coillteans to hear they were being sent to a world with trees but more than three weeks of hard patrolling in the bush had tempered it. He'd not had a good wash in two weeks or a shower in twice as long and his uniform was in tatters. Only four contacts in twenty six days of tramping through the jungle. He just about bit back some choice words for the alien. "Oh really?" he asked in a faux polite voice "Quelle surprise!"

He was going to say more but then the Guardsman's words hit home. Supreme Leader. His eyes looked again at the woman with dawning comprehension. Bruised, battered, and bloodied, he hadn't recognised her at first. Natasi Fortan looked nothing like the holovids or commemorative murals. "Bloody starfire" he blurted out "who's fething bright idea was it to bring Her into this?" One didn't expect to find the monarch crash landed behind enemy lines.

His eyes nearly popped out of his head at the suggestion the staff flunkey take charge. "With respect" not that his voice held much "Ye've been on Keskin for about five minutes" it was commendable of the big one to offer himself as rearguard but then he heard the royal guard selected for muscles rather than brains. Keskin wasn't a deathworld but he doubted the man would make it back to friendly lines on his own.

Swearing to himself in his native tongue, he went down on one knee and pulled out his tacslate. The display lit up and he zoomed out to show the position. "I've only a section with us here but our leftenant is patrolling this grid here" his finger made the square light up "maybe ten eleven klicks away? That's our best bet. No shuttle pilot is going to risk a run in here"

He rose and gave the still warm vine cat corpse a kick with his foot. "Felix here and his kin, well they can be right bollocks but they'll scarper after you shoot a few. Buggers are smart enough to know when to cut and run. Nah it's Reggie Reb who'll be mostly after us. Just pray to any gods you hold dear that we don't blunder into a Siren"

Natasi Fortan Gunnar Madine Dyrn Grav @B'rukh clan Obvupam

 

[Natasi Fortan]

dangerous & difficult times

Natasi helped Gunnar Madine lever Dyrn Grav to his feet. He was a mountain of a man and it wasn't easy. Natasi was reasonably fit, but she knew she'd never be able to do it on her own. Somehow, she and Madine got Dyrn up. Natasi worried whether he would be able to maintain that status with his leg broken, but she trusted that Dyrn knew his own body and mind, enough to proceed until they could reach medical help. "All right?" she murmured to Dyrn, placing a gentle hand on his back as they took a few experimental steps forward.

"Thank you," Natasi murmured to Madine, nodding her gratitude from opposite Dyrn's broad form. The rest of the events happened rather quickly from where Natasi stood. Others convened, including member sof the army and what appeared to be a First Imperial Knight. A few of the other diplomats had survived the crash. Natasi remained silent in the face of Caio 's stream of consciousness, letting him get his frustrations out before she answered simply and without malice or sarcasm.

"It was my idea, in hopes of bringing this godforsaken world to peace," she said quietly. "I appreciate your tactical assessment of the situation. Please, carry on. You have the best intel of this part of the world; we'll follow your lead." She crouched opposite him, examining the tactical display that he showed them. Her dark eyes followed his finger, then glanced over her shoulder at Dyrn. Could he swing an eleven-klick hike through the jungle? She was resolved that she would not leave him behind, whatever the circumstances. It was unfortunate that they couldn't reach anyone and request a ground transport, if only for Dyrn. Still, they'd have to make do.

They were the First Order. Perseverance was in their blood.

Natasi surveyed the area, then picked across the site debris to find and pick up a blaster. She checked it over carefully before deciding it was in good working order, then carried it back over to the main group.

Dyrn Grav | Gunnar Madine | Caio | @B'rukh clan Obvupan​

 

[B’rukh clan Obvupam]

Objective 4:

Location: Jungle Forest of Keskin, exfiltrating the Supreme Leader
Equipment: Storm Commando Armor, no helmet, white lightsaber, two Noghri Daggers, various throwing stars
With: First Order Allies Caio Dyrn Grav Natasi Fortan
​

B'rukh of clan Obvupam had barely heard the words come out of the large man's mouth before he set eyes on the Supreme Leader. He immediately fell flat on his face in reverence, emitting a strange low almost purr-like sound before raising his eyes. He would kneel before her and take her hand in his, bring his face down, and sniffing her hand. The ultimate sign of respect to a none Noghri from a Noghri. His people who had been saved and offered haven by the First Order and the Supreme Leader had pledged their strongest sons, including B'rukh, to a life debt in service of the Supreme Leader. B'rukh had found his service as an Imperial Knight. Now he would make sure his Supreme Leader was safe. No matter the cost.

"NaF'ary'ush, my people and myself are honored that I am in your presence." The words came out in a soft, but serious tone.

B'rukh would growl in displeasure as the Army Private voiced his concerns in such a civilian tone towards his superiors. There was little else he would say though. The Supreme Leader showed her poise and graciousness in her answer and B'rukh could not argue that the Army men had done a good job in surviving and reconning the Jungle area so far. From what he could tell they seemed very much at home here. A surprise most humans struggled in the humidity and the heat. Good. Everyone would have to be at their best when the Rebels eventually ran into their location. It was unlikely they could travel 11 klicks through this area after that crash without running into some form of Rebel heat. Especially when they were as desperate and reckless as this band of rebels.

He would slide silently towards the rear. He too would cover the rearguard as they pushed forward, but he would not break sight of the Supreme Leader. Keskin was indeed not the safest of places.

 

[Gunnar Madine]

Crash Site AL-1337 | Occulus Actual

​

Gunnar couldn't tell if it was the stims, his injuries, or the shellshock. As they managed to get Dyrn to his feet, a rush of activity overwhelmed the officer. Almost as if on playback the words heard by his ears finally reached his brain, a cool look of irritation settling in on his features. His first instinct was to ridicule the Imperial Army arrival, Madine's service record was clearly unknown to the man. Five seconds, five minutes, it didn't matter to Madine. Maturity however won out, his lips remaining pressed together as he attempted to regain some semblance of understanding as to what was going on around them.

Vine cats. Noghri. Imperial Army.

It was a mess. All of it. They needed to actually get going instead of just talking about it though. The whole thing had taken an odd turn from survival to social hour, to survival again. He couldn't be sure but the stims were definitely wearing off. Quickly pulling free a small satchel from the kit he'd found, Madine slung it over his shoulder and retrieved his blasters pistol. "Fortune favors the bold, so they say." Indicating the easiest way out of the crash zone, he grimaced and pointed with his weapon. "If someone would lead us out of this place, I'm sure we'd all be quite obliged."

 

[Dyrn Grav]

KESKIN JUNGLE
NEAR WRECKAGE AL-1337​

"Yes, thank you," Dyrn said in a low voice, as he nodded to Lady Fortan. "The bacta is starting to numb the pain. I'll use another patch when I need to, ma'am." He looked to the cut on Natasi's forehead and frowned. "Can I check the wound, at least? Just to be safe." Despite the calmness of the tall soldier, there was an underlying tautness to his actions and words - he was holding back the extent of the physical effects, using every bit of his intense training and mental discipline to maintain his composure.

Exhausting, but it was needed.

Dyrn tucked the blaster pistol into the holster on his thigh, then pulled a small cloth from the medpac on his belt. He reached up with his good arm, and wiped at the blood on the Supreme Leader's forehead. Even if she dismissed it, he did so. The cloth had some antibacterial properties, and would help clean the wound, especially in the environment of the jungle. Once content, Dyrn tucked the cloth into a another pouch, then raised his eyebrows as the Imperial Knight approached...

What is he... doing?

The actions of the Noghri Imperial Knight were surprising. Dyrn watched with narrowed eyes, as the smaller alien moved forward and knelt, to then smell Lady Fortan's hand. Admittedly Dyrn had little knowledge of the custom, but the intent seemed well-intentioned and the statement offered by the warrior reassuring. One thing the Guard Captain did know about the Noghri was the strict tradition of honor and maintaining their word, no matter the cost - so at least Dyrn could rely on the Imperial Knight to keep it's word.

Hm?

From across the way, one of the pathfinders spoke up. There was some very vocal, very insubordinate discussion that took place by the pathfinders - or more accurately one of them. Still, it was a tense situation, so stress was understandable, and butting heads wouldn't solve the bigger issue. That said, Dyrn looked toward the Supreme Leader as she addressed the questions presented, and smiled to himself at her poise and manner. There was little to add, as the Guard Captain stood silently near Lady Fortan and Lt. Col Madine. There was visible irritation on the face of the latter, also.

"One moment."

With an effort, Dyrn half-crouched and picked up his white armored helmet that had been in the mud not far away. The sensors and communications built into the thing would be useful later, he suspected, as the group neared more accessible network lines. So, with a slow exhale, the Royal Guardsman lifted the helmet with his good arm and slipped it back over his head and face. His voice was altered from the vocalizer, as he looked toward the scouts with the dark lenses:

<"Scouts taking point? I understand the situation, it is not ideal, but we cannot remain here. And your knowledge of this area is paramount to survival...">

The Guard Captain adjusted his footing, mostly to reassure himself, as he mentally prepared for the trek through the treacherous jungle to come. And it wouldn't be an easy slog, either, given the injuries and threats present. But what choice did they have? It was all or nothing now... and the scouts - especially the one with the mouth - were poised to provide the best level of survival they all had.

<"So. Ready when you are.">

They had to go.

Natasi Fortan | Gunnar Madine | Caio | B’rukh clan Obvupam​

 

[Caio]

Caio wasn't exactly star struck but then it wasn't every day that the Supreme Leader told you directly that she trusted your judgement.

"Yes Highness" was what he managed to get out. Corporals generally didn't like having to interact much higher than captain. The Supreme Leader was several magnitudes above that level. "As you wish". There wasn't much else he could say to it. He'd anticipated some trouble from the dignitaries. Remarkably, they seemed to share more than half a brain between them. This meant that he'd be under more pressure to prove his professionalism.

He let Somhairle take point while the rest of the section fanned out around the VIPs. The Imperial Knight and Guardsman moved to spots of their own choosing but he was half pleased to see they knew enough to keep noise discipline.

The sounds of ammunition and fuel cooking off faded behind them as they went deeper into the undergrowth. Somhairle took them at a pace that sacrificed some stealth for speed. Right now distance from the crash site was their best defence. The oppressive heat enveloped them along with the sounds from birds and arboreals, disturbed by the presence of so many off-worlders trooping through their domain.

They'd gone maybe a kilometre when Caio first felt it.

A stab of pain in his head, something he would have dismissed as dehydration if he hadn't experienced it before. He froze mid step, eyes closing as what felt like a hundred little worms tried to burrow their way into his skull. The alien presence pressed against his mind, probing for weaknesses. He hardened his will, gritting teeth until it slowly withdrew.

Sirens were some of the strangest creatures on Keskin. The locals had other nicknames for them but the effects weren't pretty. The alien lifeform had impressive psionic abilities and sought to enslave weaker wills. Just having one in the area was bad news but it meant there might be some of its thralls en route.

Caio gulped in a lungful of fresh air with all the grace of a drowning man. Looking around he could see some of the other soldiers had been hit by it too. Jalik was murmuring a prayer to his ancestors under his breath, Kanner had pricked the skin on his forearm with a blade.

"We've got to pick up the pace" he said, voice just loud enough for the others to hear. "The....thing out there. It's going to try and subvert your will. The images it will tempt you with, they aren't real"

Natasi Fortan Gunnar Madine Dyrn Grav B’rukh clan Obvupam

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi turned her face up to let Dyrn examine the cut on her forehead.

The wound was wide but superficial, looking a lot worse than it was, especially with the blood.

She allowed the Guardsman to treat her wound, and turned in time to see the Noghri Imperial Knight approach. She was unfamiliar with the Noghri people beyond the fact of their existence. They hadn't been prevalent in the First Order before, so they had remained an enigmatic and somewhat exotic
people. Thus it was something of a surprise when the Knight took a knee to Natasi. She resisted the urge to glance towards Dyrn for reassurance, instead nodding solemnly at B'rukh. "It is an honor for me as well." She waited for B'rukh to finish sniffing her hand, slightly concerned that after surviving a crash onto the planet, she may not smell like herself. Smoke and mud and blood were likely the prevalent notes. "What do I call you, noble Knight?" she asked once he was on his feet once more.

With the introductions made and the plan agreed, they set off. Natasi wasn't dressed for a hike, but the simple uniform she wore was at least not too hot, and the shoes were reasonably durable. Still, it was somewhat arduous. Now that her panic had subsided, she reached into the Force, drawing on the mystical power. She was not proficient by any stretch of the imagination, but she was able to draw on it for some energy. She wanted to use it to reinforce Grav, but she didn't know how; it was about visualizing and intent, but she didn't know how to visualize such a thing.

Internally she cursed her incomplete training.

To Natasi, the attack of the psionic Siren was a sudden pain, like a migraine all at once. She grimaced, half-stumbling as she put a hand to her temple. She was about to ask when Caio issued his warning. Her gaze swept jungle around them, narrowing slightly. She was beginning to wonder if Keskin was really worth all the trouble.

Natasi hung back a little so she was in conversational range of her Guard Captain. "Are you all right?" she asked. "It sounds like he's wanting us to increase the pace. Is that possible for you? Do you need another stim?"

B’rukh clan Obvupam | Dyrn Grav | Caio | Gunnar Madine​

 

[Zsuzsa]

105th Stormtrooper Legion
​

Fraz'suz'safis wasn't your typical Stormtrooper or Imperial citizen who had joined the First Order military. No, the Chiss had already served with distinction in the Chiss Expansionary Marine Corps as a sharpshooter and secondary medic, rising to the rank of an officer from humble yet stained beginnings as her parents had been Chiss Joiners.

But, that seemed like a lifetime ago. So much had happened since the glory days of the Chiss Ascendancy fighting the Killik's, Vagaari, and Ssi-ruuk. She missed her comrades from the Mighty Fighting Niners in the CEMC's 9th Battalion. All but a just few were still alive as most were KIA while fighting collaboratively alongside First Order remnant forces against the Ssi-ruuvi Imperium that invaded the Western Reaches with a destructive nature for any and all in their path.

When the First Order was officially reformed after all foreign and domestic enemies were cleared from their previous core territories including the capital planet of Dosuun, Zsuzsa, the Chiss' core name, applied for a lateral transfer from the CEMC to the FO's Stormtrooper Corps. She wasn't the only Chiss to change their allegiance. Others did the same, choosing to serve the Imperial faction rather than the Chiss Ascendancy. Which was in a weakened state and disarray mainly from their own doing as infighting among the Ruling Houses caused the government to flounder yet again and splinter. It was a sad truth, and one that hit at the very ideals of the Red Flame most Chiss held dear.

Which now brought Zsuzsa to this moment...

A pair of AAL Troop Transports cut through Kreskin's atmosphere, bringing elements from the 105th Stormtrooper Legion to reinforce the 9th Imperial Battlegroup - Task Force Tomahawk in putting down the Keskin Rebel Offensive known as Operation Dawn once and for all. Apparently FOSB was also on the ground, which probably meant they were going into a cluster. Spooks rarely made things better in her opinion, but perhaps the former Chiss marine was just skeptical of their worth from a bad experience in the past. Time would only tell if that trust was earned back.

The pilot's voice finally came over the comm system in the transport Zsuzsa was riding in to announce they were one minute out from the LZ, which was a hot mess of course. A sea of twenty white bucketheads stood from their seats and readied themselves for what was to come and awaited last instructions from their commander, Calran Bard, who was the senior officer in charge of this op for the 105th.

___

Rolf Amsel | Aithche Wierz​

 

[B’rukh clan Obvupam]

Objective 4:

Location: Jungle Forest of Keskin, exfiltrating the Supreme Leader
Equipment: Storm Commando Armor, no helmet, white lightsaber, two Noghri Daggers, various throwing stars
With: First Order Allies Caio Dyrn Grav Natasi Fortan
​

B'ruhk felt the psionic energy hit him, and for a moment it felt as though he had gone blind, temporarily cut off from the force his body groped for its balance. Then he remembered his training. While the Nogrhi was in no way a master of the force, the most important and earliest training he had had to do was maintain balance and calm in the force. The force was to be constantly in balance within an Imperial Knight. It was to flow as a constant conduit for use, not being overwhelming, not underwhelming. B'ruhkh now reached within himself and found his balance. He brought back the force to his mind and repelled the energy that had poisoned him. Now he reached out and placed a cloud of force calm around the Supreme Leader and her wounded bodyguard. He could not protect the whole group with the force he was not strong enough, but he could protect the Supreme Leader. He was sure of that.

The creatures must be repelled or kept at bay. They must not get to the group moving about the Jungle Floor.

"We must quicken our pace. I will keep watch from the tree canopy."

As soon as he had stated his words, the Noghri vanished on all fours into the underbrush, crawling to the base of the nearest tree he ascended it with a natural ease that showed the great advantages of the Noghri species. His claws gripped the bark perfectly. He reached the canopy and began running along the tree branches, jumping from branch to branch, reaching out with the force feeling for any enemies or any threats lurking in the Jungle below. B'ruhk may only be a novice in the Imperial Knights, but he was an expert Noghri Assassin and tracker. He would rely on his training from his now ruined home planet to keep this group of people safe.

 

[Calran Bard]

As a number of AAL Troop Transports cut through the atmosphere, Major Bard remained still, his gloved hand grasping the overhead grip lines. The situation on the ground had developed, with the 9th Imperial Battlegroup about to begin their assault on the flank of an attacking rebel force. The data updated on the holographic display Bard used, as he watched the sides become closer and closer on the geographical map, before he deactivated it and replaced the item to his belt. He turned, looked to his soldiers.

"This one's simple, One-oh-fifth," Bard said through the vocalizer on his helmet. "We're landing parallel to the Ninth, Tomahawk, then we're pushing into the muck with them. Reports indicate APCs and some heavy emplacements being used, so as soon as we touch down, I need heavy teams front and center - blow that armor."

Several of the heavy teams confirmed with nods and replies, as they finished prepping the launchers and other armament needed. Meanwhile, other troopers finished with gear checks, equipment checks and began to mentally prepare for the rapid drop. And while it wasn't the same as the pods the 9th used, it sure as heck was a sudden change in situation once those doors opened.

"Once we help secure this area, we divert toward the capitol, and assist the Twelfth in securing that zone," Bard let out a sigh, as he looked back over his shoulder to the timer. He hated this part. The uncertainty of the landing zone, which all depended on how well the AAL pilot managed to place them. "Landing in thirty seconds. Let's do this, troopers!"

The newly promoted Major was in charge of more Stormtroopers now. It wasn't something he wanted, but it was the responsibility dealt. Apparently doing decently with your people's lives, and completing missions, equaled promotion. Not that that mattered, it was just a rank, one that allowed Bard to command more - and risk more - of his fellow troopers. Still, there was the communication needed with the other elements of the assault:

"Tomahawk, this is the One-Oh-Fifth, Major Bard. We are en route - thirty seconds - and will be landing to your East," Bard said through the comm system of his helmet. "We've been sent to assist in the push against the rebels. We've got the heavy weaponry for those APCs. See you in the mud, Lieutenant Colonel Rolf Amsel ."

With the update over, Bard glanced to his right and caught sight of his second-in-command Lt. Zsuzsa. He nodded. It was time. The transports landed, hard, and slid to a combat deployment through the ground with landing struts that groaned in protest. The doors opened, and the Stormtroopers began to rush forward, as they ran out into a battle in progress...

"Go, go, go!"

Zsuzsa | Rolf Amsel | Aithche Wierz | Vakim Duval​

 

[Rolf Amsel]

9th Imperial Battlgroup | Task Force Tomahawk

​

The unfettered thrill of launching one RPS-6 Rocket Launcher was well enough on its own but as several launched from his troopers shoulders in unison Rolf couldn't help but smile. The signature whoosh followed by a fleeting moment of silence. Then, explosions rocked the enemy formation. Several of the rockets landed short but one Rolf watched with pleasure bury its nose into the side of one of the larger walkers. A satisfying crunch echoed a few seconds later followed by a burst of jet black smoke from the hole cracked in her armor. The mechanical beast shuddered for a moment before a metallic whine followed by a screech sent it collapsing to the ground. A silent hurrah was breathed behind the stoic faceplate of the First Order trooper.

:: Acorn, Tomahawk. Scratch One. Keep it up. We've got reinforcements inbound. ::

Rolf's eyes tracked the quickly moving air targets.

:: Eyes up - Friendlies inbound. Keep em busy! :: he said, firing his blaster towards the enemy column.

Adjusting his position he hunkered down. Their position here was defensible, allowed for an overwatch of the enemy column, and provided limited cover from the enemy below. Eventually though they would need to close the distance. Already he could see his men getting to work, setting up the heavier weapons emplacements just behind the curvature of the hill. Once those were up they'd be able to initiate another salvo. The comm chirping to life interrupted his thoughts. The 105th.

:: Solid copy, One Oh Fifth, Bard. See you in 30. ::

Rolf knew the pilots of the AAL's were about their business. They'd land nearby no doubt and when they did the troopers nestled inside would erupt with a hail of fury. He'd stood in those shoes, still did. As the sound of ramps descending met his ears he issued his own commands.

:: Get those weapons online. Advance under fire! ::

In unison the soldiers of the 9th emerged from their positions and began to advance while firing. Behind them the mounted E-Webs settled into place and began raining a torrent of blaster fire towards the exposed flank of the enemy column. "To the hilt!" Rolf shouted, his own blaster joining the cacophonous symphony as they descended upon their foes.

Aithche Wierz | Vakim Duval | Zsuzsa | Calran Bard​

 

[Dyrn Grav]

KESKIN JUNGLE
MOVING THROUGH JUNGLE​

The group began to move. Wounded were supported, scouts took positions around the main collection of sentients, and the pace set seemed acceptable for all involved so far. Dyrn was glad for the helmet he wore, as he did his best to avoid tripping or stumbling through the dense thickets of the 'path' they all took. His left arm had gone numb, thankfully, but his ribs still ached and his thigh was a consistent jolt of pain with every step. But, luckily, the stim had taken most of the sting off the latter, so it wasn't enough to slow him down. The Royal Guard weren't prone to failure. Their training didn't allow for it.

When the wave of pain rolled over the group, thanks to a siren per the scout leader, Dyrn gritted his teeth and wondered at what else could threaten them. While the feeling wasn't enough to cause anyone to fall to their knees in agony, it was like a constant pressure against the brain, one that seemed to build and build. Though, Dyrn's attention shifted - even as the psionic undertone continued - as the Supreme Leader moved next to him and asked about the pace and his leg...

<"Better to save the stim, for now, ma'am,"> Dyrn said in a low voice, as he nodded to Lady Fortan. He limped along with the column of First Order personnel, each footstep of his left leg felt like someone smacked his thigh with a metal pipe, but he had been through worse. In different ways. <"Thank you, though. And is it me, or has that pressure from the siren eased?">

Unsure of the reasons for the psionic presence to lessen, since Dyrn remained unconnected to the Force beyond a standard sentient, he couldn't associate the protective sensation to the Imperial Knight. Though, were he able to sense it, Dyrn would most certainly have thanked the Noghri. Still, with the threat of other dangers around them, Dyrn decided to change his visual spectrum within his helmet - and behind the lenses, the Guardsman's eyes rippled with mixtures of color, as he began seeing in thermal sight.

Wait... there!

Dyrn turned to the right, bright eyes shimmering, as he motioned with his blaster pistol. He hoped it was nothing, but that presumption wasn't a state to entertain, not with the present situation. Nonetheless, the Guardsman stared at the forest in that direction, as he caught sight of indications between the heavy flora...

<"Be aware, there are thermal indications to the south-east. Not sure... how many. Possibly more of those creatures that look like vines?">

It was hard to make out details, when one saw in bright heat...

Natasi Fortan | Gunnar Madine | Caio | B’rukh clan Obvupam​

 

[Alleycat]

Zsuzsa gave the Major a similar head nod, then steeled herself for the infil. She watched with eagerness as the landing lights went from red to green, then the boarding ramp lowered and Bard's voice bellowed in their helmets.

"Go, go, go!"

The Lieutenant was the first out of the transport with her blaster rifle at the ready as the gunners of the AALs gave covering fire. Quickly, the 105th exited their landers and took up positions to the east of the 9th. In turn, they gave covering fire for the transport to evac the drop zone.

The Chiss sized up the real-time situation. Apparently, the 48th were somewhere to the west of their coordinates. The FO troopers would have to somehow break through the hardened defenses of the Rebels... That's when a strategy came to mind.

<"Heavies, stay with Major Bard. The rest of Theta Squad with me. We are going to push up the right flank and take out those E-Web nests pinning our guys' advancement. Watch out for snipers,"> the LT ordered, then moved out, again leading the way for her men.

Once a Marine, always a Marine.

Calran Bard | Rolf Amsel | Aithche Wierz | Vakim Duval​

 

[Caio]

They'd had their first run in with Sirens a fortnight ago.

Some of the rebels had a symbiotic relationship with them. Others were unwilling recruits. Both benefited from the creatures' enhanced senses and mild precognition. There'd been three incidents where Coilltean patrols had suffered friendly fire as a result of a soldier being overwhelmed by the psionic attack and turning their weapon on comrades.

There was something else out there. He didn't have the Force to guide him or alien senses but you got to know a place. The old hands always talked about listening to that hunch or feeling, that prickle of fear or warning of some impending doom. It'd saved him more times than he could count, either warning of a tripwire up ahead or an ambush lying in wait.

His fears were confirmed by the others. "Bollocks anyways" he murmured, not liking the Guardsman's announcement. A sharp whistle and he had three of the section moving to shield that axis of advance. Caio moved over in reserve. The Guards had equipment a generation ahead of what the line units got. He quashed the usual rivalry inside of him. They'd probably have not brought it out with them even if they had it. You shed every bit of weight you could on a long patrol.

He knelt and pulled out the thermal sight. They'd three of them across the patrol but they had their use. His was an older model than the Guardsman's but it did the job. He scanned the undergrowth slowly, getting flashes of colour where figures moved. His mouth moved silently as he counted. At least a dozen humanoids, maybe three or four of those cat yokes.

"Both of them" he confirmed to the bodyguard. "Time to even the odds though". He rummaged in his pack and pulled out a small circular object. Scraping dirt back with his hands, he placed the mine in the depression before uncoiling a strand of wire and attaching it to the arming pin. "Won't do more than slow them down. Head on another couple of hundred metres, set up an ambush. We'll bushwhack the feckers afore we skedaddle"

Gunnar Madine Natasi Fortan Dyrn Grav @Brukh

 

[Aithche Wierz]

The rebel offensive was faltering across the line. They'd expected to steamroll through a demoralised and outnumbered Loyalist army, not to be counterattacked by the First Order's Stormtrooper Corps. Their infantry were superior to ninety percent plus of the rebel cadre and their armour was neutralised by the air support. She remembered the academy saying a grain of rice could tip the scales but it was another thing to actually see it in action.

The immediate effect was to lessen the pressure on Aithche's position. Mere minutes before they'd been preparing to be overrun by trigger happy rebels, gearing up for hand to hand in the dugouts. Now they were fighting to support their reinforcements. She could see the tac screen lagging while it struggled to keep up to date with the changing battlefield situation. The fresh surge of allies were swarming the rebel brigade. The unstoppable advance had slowed and now appeared sluggish compared to the lighter First Order forces.

The rebels went into panic mode. Soldiers hit the dirt and just shoved their rifles out and pulled the trigger. Wild swathes of blaster fire swept the flanks, the conscripts just making light and noise in an effort to stave off the stormtroopers.

 

[Calran Bard]

Bard watched as Lt. Zsuzsa circled to flank the E-web turrets, grateful that was one less problem to worry about. The 105th were arguably some of the best, when compared to standard legions of the Stormtrooper Corp. They weren't specialists, they weren't shock troopers, or jet troopers, or scouts - they were rank and file soldiers, good at one thing: completing an objective through force. And the 105th did exactly that, as the squads pushed forward, accompanying the 9th.

It was a tough slog. The humid atmosphere and jungle environment resulted in unsteady ground. Mud, thick patches of grass, mounds and dips. Still, the Stormtroopers rushed headlong at the startled rebel force. Blaster fire, stun grenades, rocket projectiles; everything was thrown at the rebels, to heavily encourage reconsideration of their situation, and Bard continued to pinpoint fire his blaster rifle as he combat rushed with his fellow troopers.

"Enemy dug in on the left, eleven o'clock," The Major shouted, as he motioned with his non-rifle grip hand, his other remained on the trigger. "Lob stunners, storm that position, let's make it happen!"

There were confirmation from the legion members who were best trained in taking hard zones. Several began to zig zag, as one threw a smoke grenade for cover as they approached. The helmets offered some standard visual modes, and the small group approached with stun frags in hand, and once close enough those were thrown forward to thump on the dips the rebels occupied.

* Fwooooomp! *

The stun explosives went off, as the rebels that hugged the dirt were knocked senseless. It didn't take long for the Stormtroopers to breach the dugout edge and handle the threat. Meanwhile, Bard pointed toward the APCs, which were by far one of the strongest rebel support forces. His heavy units didn't need convincing, as they went about preparing several loaded rockets with impressive explosive payloads. The Major didn't factor on the result, as he refocused on the enemies ahead of him, his blaster aimed and sending out deadly bolts of red...

Almost through.

Zsuzsa | Rolf Amsel | Aithche Wierz | Vakim Duval​

 

[Gunnar Madine]

Jungle Terrain | Occulus Actual
​

Gunnar's vision had begun to sparkle at the edges as they progressed. Grinding his teeth into the flesh of his cheek he forced himself forward, briefly taking a breath. It started as a tickle at the edge of his consciousness. At first he thought it was a side effect of the stims, shock, or combination of the two. As they trudged forward again his good hand fell to the pistol grip of his blaster, an inexplicable concern gripping his mind. What was that? A noise off to the side. A rustle of brush. His eyes darted from right to left, finding nothing. He could feel the anxiety rising in his chest, breaths shallow. He could feel the walls closing in. Wait... Wait a minute. Gunnar pushed back against the feeling. An expression of realization was replaced with a determined scowl. Something else is out there.

That wasn't good. Though he had pushed back the presence threatening to worm its way into his mind it remained, a constant pressure. Fortuitous. Gunnar thanked the gods that he'd had training for this sort of thing. Mental fortitude could be useful in POW situations but here it was proving to be just as useful. Using his good hand now to propel himself through the brush he matched pace with the rest. Are we going faster? It was hard for the man to remain objective, the pain resurfacing in his burned arm. His determination resumed however, unabated. They slowed to a stop a few moments later, a brief discussion of thermal readings ahead driving them to action.

"Won't do more than slow them down. Head on another couple of hundred metres, set up an ambush. We'll bushwhack the feckers afore we skedaddle"

Great. This time Gunnar did draw his blaster pistol, crouching low as he moved. To get in position they'd have to be fast and quiet. Two diametrically opposing ideas when surrounded by brush and uneven terrain. They'd manage. Stepping carefully between two small trees and ducking below the leaves of several large ferns Gunnar let instinct take over. One hundred meters. It's only one hundred meters. he kept telling himself.

Caio | Dyrn Grav | Natasi Fortan | @B'rukh clan Obvupam​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

OBJECTIVE 4

Natasi was starting to feel the effects of the crash. Her joints protested with pain with each step, and blood stung her eye where she brushed blood from the wound in her forehead. The blaster was heavy in her grasp, but she didn't let up. If Dyrn could trudge through the jungle with his leg snapped, Natasi could certainly make it through regardless of the lesser injuries she had sustained.

When their marching orders came, Natasi followed without hesitation. Her intuition told her that what Caio was going to deploy was a mine or trap of some kind, although she wasn't close enough to see what exactly it was. Truth be told, even if she had seen the device up close, she probably didn't have the knowledge of military devices to positively identify it.

She followed Gunnar Madine further along into the jungle. When they reached the appropriate point, Natasi took up a position behind a thick tree trunk and flicked her blaster's safety off. She crouched and leaned against the tree, ducking into the foliage for concealment as she waited for the signal to spring the ambush.

Dyrn Grav | Caio | Gunnar Madine | B’rukh clan Obvupam​