Back in Business | First Order Dominion of Halm Hex

[Commander Lusk]

Location: Outskirts of Citadel and Criminal Stronghold
Objective: 2/Intel gathering
Post: 2

The criminal before Lusk quivered in fear and dread over what the clone would do to him, and while Lusk was certainly not a sadist he'd put the man through unimaginable hell until he talked. The young Twi'lek had a few tears welled up in their eyes and their breathing had become more erratic, the young man was on the verge of a full blown panic attack. Seeing this, Lusk put a firm hand on the criminal's shoulder and squeezed gently.

"Crying won't save you." Lusk said in a very stern voice, as if he was speaking a indisputable fact.

"Let me tell you how this is going to go. I'm under strict orders to kill you and your friends here no matter what information you give me. Now here's the choice you can make. You can either tell me what I want to know, and we'll give you a head start through the trees over there. We won't give chase. Or you can be like your friend over there and die on your back here and now. It's up to you." If Lusk was anything it was fair.

Hearing that his fate might not potentially be sealed the Twi'lek youth had a few more tears run down his cheek before attempting to speak. However as his mouth opened and the first syllables of a word were being uttered, he was swiftly interrupted by a hot blooded Rodian his left.

"DON'T YOU SAY ANYTHING TO THIS BASTARD!! I'LL KILL YOU MY-" There was a blur of movement and like a bat out of hell Lusk was upon the man with a knife being produced out of seemingly nowhere.

The Rodian was knocked to the ground and the sounds he emitted were far from anything sentient. Like the cries of a dying beast, the screams from an alien throat were utterly chilling. Over and over again, Lusk drove his blade into the chest of the Rodian until there was no more movement and the clone was covered in green blood. It was so terrifying that the Devorian next to him started to freak out and make a break for it.

Now on his feet the horned man made all of five feet before one of the clones casually lifted up their rifle and shot him in the back. His body hit the ground and their face slid into the earth while blood trickled down his mouth.

"God dammit, Bottle Cap. He looked important." Lusk said as he stood from atop the dead Rodian.

"There was murder in his eyes, Lusk. You guys all saw that, a lady has to defend herself." The Isard clone gave a chuckle that a few other clones shared.

"You damn sure ain't no lady, Bottle Cap." Another Mantis clone known as Ripcord said. There was another round of laughs and it was mildly haunting that they could laugh while the Twi'lek knelt there petrified in fear, shaking as tears continued to stream down his face.

Lusk worked his way back around to the young Twi'lek and knelt back down, the blood of his friend still dripping off his armor as he did so. Lusk then took a deep breath and spoke calmly and politely.

"Where's your base of operations?" Lusk asked the young Twi'lek.

Hopefully this time around he'd get a response.

[member="Perth Levov"] [member="Heidi Ziegler"]

 

[Alleycat]

Desert Empress
Halm
Objective 1
(1)

So this is what they call a 'working vacation'? I could get used to this sort of thing, I suppose, Madlyn Sol thought amusingly to herself as she strolled along the main deck of the cruise ship with a datapad in hand always the consummate worker bee. This though was Mads first assignment back as a member of the First Order's Diplomatic Corps since taking an extended leave following the Ssi-ruuk attack on Dossom where she was injured in the carnage.

The long-legged redhead had already slipped off the matching jacket to her eggshell white-colored sleeveless dress as the heat of the day was growing quiet hot. The diplomatic aide for the First Order, who held a degree in economics and also was an intergalactic lawyer, relished that she had styled her long hair up into a chic bun this day. The black and white polka dot scarf warn as an accessory around her neck hid the red blemish that marred the otherwise perfect complexion upon the left side of her fair-skinned long neck. It was something that bothered Mads, though she just tried to compensate for it.

Heeled pumps clicked along the decking as a soft yet warm and dry desert breeze provided some air movement. Finding a deck chair that was under an umbrella, the Eriaduan sat down, crossing over her toned legs at the ankle, then Mads brought up the registered list of those who were attending the economic summit to kill some time before the ship shoved off.

It would be interesting to see who she could possibly network while on board. The Governor of Riflor was hoping to find businesses that would like to invest in a mining venture on the Mid Rim planet situated right along the Cerean Reach. [member="Nathaniel Barrett"] said he had every confidence in her that she would come through. Mads was determined not to fail then.

[member="Archer Brandt"]

 

[Claire Organa]

Objective 1
Summit
Post 1

A cruise ship! Claire had never been on a cruise ship before or any ship as fine as this. She couldn't help but feel the constant flutter of mynocks in her stomach as she slowly walked on board. Her head turning in each direction to take in the details around her. She could develop a stiff neck from the amount of gawking she was doing.

First Order, she had been around a few of the members, [member="Natasi Fortan"] for one. Claire as her designer knew things about the Grand Moff that no one else did, like her shoe size. Her...cup size...among other things. For sometime now she had been turning the thought over to open a store, or a couple stores within FO territory. Yes some of her other clients might leave, some of her family might cringe. The family that came to mind were her cousins.

However Faith had taken Claire aside and decided to share with her some thoughts. Faith was currently Ambassador to the Galactic Alliance, they wanted Claire to be the Ambassador to the First Order. Since she was so chummy with them. If she saw Natasi this trip she would be sure to ask.

"Miss Organa, your rooms are this way" a soft voice with a hint of an accent guided her through the halls to put away her things, keep her design book, change if necessary and head out again.

"Oh thank you" the door opened to her cabin a room big enough, it had a bed, and a walk in shower what else could be needed.

 

[Sunny Lee]

Objective: 1
Post: 2

Dressed and made up in a minimal fashion, Sunny had a seat on the edge of the bed and pulled out her datapad – her constant companion. She took a few moments to scroll through the latest messages and status reports from Daehan headquarters in Sejong City, Seoul. Her hand reluctantly set the datapad down on the bedside table, and she stared at it for a minute before standing. After giving her appearance a last glance, she set a blue blazer over her shoulders and stepped out of her room.

As the door swung closed behind her, Sunny placed a steady hand on her abdomen and forced herself to take a deep breath. She willed the corners of her mouth to lift slightly into a ghost of a smile, just enough to hopefully make her more approachable. After all, she was looking to network and make Daehan Industries well-known to the First Order. This was certainly the place to start.

Turning, she began to walk down the corridor and on towards the cocktail reception.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Objective 1
Post 10

Henry stepped out of the shower and toweled off. He had run the shower as hot as he could stand it for the washing, shampooing, shaving, and manscaping, then switched to an icy cold blast to jolt him awake after a long day of work and travel. He brushed his teeth, tried out his winning smile in the mirror, then wrapped his towel around his waist and meandered out into the living room, calling for his sister. She was nowhere to be seen. His eyebrows furrowed and he shook his head with irritation. The girl simply refused to listen. She had been indulged her whole life, and here was Henry, paying the price for his parents' lack of foresight. Suppressing a curse, he returned to his bedroom and was pleased to see that his bags had been unpacked and his clothing pressed.

Full service, he mused. He selected a white shirt and pulled it on, smoothing it carefully before selecting a maroon and gold striped tie. He tied the tie -- no formalwear didn't mean he had to look like a homeless person, after all -- before donning a cream-colored linen vest, matching jacket and trousers, then carefully did his hair in the bathroom mirror. Many men, and women for that matter, in his social class on Galidraan had valets, but he could never quite bring himself to embrace the tradition of allowing himself to be dressed like a doll. He was perfectly capable of doing that himself. He finished his look with a pair of cufflinks, spritzed his wrists and the back of his neck with some cologne, worked his socks and shoes on and gave his hair a light tussle, to make it look as if he had just come aboard, and left the suite.

It was happenstance that he emerged into the forward stair just as [member="Natasi Fortan"] and [member="Suravi Teigra"] did. He caught the tail-end of Natasi responding to Suravi's remark about enjoying herself. "Perhaps I'll scandalize them all by laying out on the deck in a bikini and getting myself nice and bronze," the Grand Moff said with a smirk. "Give the press something to photograph and run if we don't manage to make any financial or economic magic out of this summit."

"I don't know what other press magnate is on board," said Henry smoothly as he approached Natasi from behind. "But speaking for myself, I would never print something so... risqué."

Natasi turned, smiling, and inclined her head. "I should always be so lucky as to count upon your good nature, Henry."

Henry smiled, glancing at Ms. Teigra to include her in the joke. "I didn't say I wouldn't take them. Just that I would never print them."

"Ah -- yes, always the technicalities with you, hm?" She turned to introduce the pair to one another. "Supreme Commander Teigra, may I introduce my old friend Hector Finn-Camden? Hector, Suravi Teigra -- a new friend."

"How do you do?" Henry asked, extending a hand to Suravi. "Teigra -- of course, I thought I recognized you. Privileged to meet you."

 

[Ellie Mors]

Break the Rules

Objective: 1
Posts: 1

She smiled as they walked into the suite, sitting down at the edge of the bed with a distant look in her eyes. Everything was happening so quickly, it was almost like her late teens all over again - only now she was in far more potential danger than she had ever been when she was crusading against the Krath. She wasn't dealing with simple mobsters and criminal elements, A'sharad had smuggled her out of Alliance space and into the depths of the First Order's territory, if she was discovered it wouldn't just be a layer of blackmail and empty threats to her image - she was their enemy, and, as far as the First Order and Galactic Alliance were likely concerned, they were hers. Gone was the vibrant red hair that had framed her face, and nowhere to be seen were the extremely expensive clothing she'd worn in public as royalty.

As soon as she'd disappeared from the Koros system, leaving behind her best friend to cover for her and publicly declaring she was to be taking time to herself within the Royal Palace on Empress Teta, Lily had already transformed her appearance into something quite unlike what people were accustomed to seeing. Deep violet hair hung down around her shoulders in wavy locks, and every morning she applied her makeup to help mask the structure of her face and compliment that purple mane. Though she'd refused to reduce herself to wearing the average person's clothing, the manner of dress she had chosen was not remotely as extravagant as her wardrobe on Teta.

And although she had accompanied [member="Asharad Graush"] for the primary goal of seeking help to cut ties with the Galactic Alliance and push her system out from their control, today she was just a girl who wasn't going to leave A'sharad's side. A slight deviation from what she'd asked him for, certainly, but there was a certain rush of adrenaline that came with the knowledge that she could be recognized at any time in such a public setting with the Sith. "I've been in the public eye, in front of cameras, ever since I learned how to walk." She said with a roll of her eyes, immediately returning her expression to a grin while she glanced at A'sharad for his reaction. "You don't have to worry about me slipping up in front of some nosy reporter, as long as you don't wander off somewhere without me - or with someone else." Lily added with a smirk. Her only real concern, really, was if someone she'd known through a connection with her father, from before the days of the Alliance, would be present on the ship. It was probably the only practical way someone might recognize her, at least in her mind.

"And you better get used to the changing colors if you intend to keep me all to yourself."

The finance summit, and the job A'sharad was to do, was the least of her concerns for this vacation-y cruise.

 

[LT-137]

= | Objective Three. | =​

Post One.​

​

​

Adorned in the lusterless ivory accouterments of war, and bathed in the crimson light of the venerable transport’s overhead lumen strips, I readied myself for what was to come when the ramp before us began its descent towards the surface of Marzoon. The journey towards the surface had been long, and the muted silence between the comrades in arms did little to ease the passage of time. It almost became a chore to rack the slide of my rifle and run through the pre-deployment checks with the various members of my squad.

However, as the shuttle lurched with connection and the landing ramp began to peel away with the deafening sounds of hissing hydraulics, I found myself thankful for the sudden tumult. For what had come in the moments after the crimson light was banished by the natural illumination of the nearby star, meant that I would soon be free of this cramped shuttle. It was a miracle that they managed to fit three squads of Stormtroopers into the venerable Theta-Class Shuttle, but after having seen the impossible becoming a reality on the killing fields of Kaeshana - I learned just to accept it and move on.

Thus, as the detachment’s Captain had ordered us out of the transport, I relayed the command to my Squad and led them onto the planet soon after, ensuring that our weapons were shouldered and our eyes were relentlessly scanning for targets. As usual, our Intelligence Branch knew little about this world and those who called it home, leaving us entirely in the dark as we made our way towards the distant Academy. That was all right, I mused, we Stormtrooper’s are used to being dropped into the darkness of the unknown and bringing the light of the Imperial Truth.

Awaiting further orders, my Squad and I formed the rearguard of the irregular procession and kept our eyes, and sensors peeled for anything out of the ordinary.

| [member="Zmej Ren"] | [member="Kyrel Ren"] | [member="Stardust Raxis"] | [member="Arisa Yune"] |​

​

 

[Ysane Varn]

Obejective: 1 Economic Summit​

​

Walking around the vast ship looking at the list of the companies that were present, most were more productive that her own, as Ysane's company was just on Onderon, but it didn't stop her from being grateful for being invited to this event. Ysane made her way to one of the bigger meeting rooms, where she would setup a small booth for her company for anyone that was looking for employment, or those that had questions for her about her company. The two droids followed her around closely. They were slimmed down models since she didn't want them to seem to aggressive. So the droids didn't have many of their features enabled, just for the safety of everyone. Ysane had plenty of faith in the First Order's security, but the forces behind the control of Onderon didn't want her to leave without a personal escort. This troubled her but still she couldn't argue with the Queen.​

​

​

With the booth assembled it was now just a matter of time when the others would come to investigate about the small company by the name of Onderon Engineering Corporation. Her company was too small to send anyone else, so Ysane would have to be very frugal with time management. Going from talking to the other CEOs present, and being at her booth so people could talk to her.​

 

[Progflaw99]

--- --- ---​

Location: The Desert Empress, Halm​

Objective: 1. Oversee Security, Scout Contracts​

Post: 5​

--- --- ---​

​

It was true.. he didn't know Hector and as he began to question where she was going with her words, a laugh stopped his train of thought short. Another laugh. And then a flurry of laughter, so much that a bright red blush began to appear across the Major's features. A somewhat embarrassed glance across the deck at a small collection of execs was the only respite as he turned back to Lydia, unsure of if she was actually going to be okay - and then she seemed to regain her composure. Just long enough to start the cycle once more. A nervous laugh escaped his lips, unsure of whether he should be laughing or.. whatever the case, Lydia seemed to think what he'd said was quite humorous - so that was a start, right?

"Are you alright there? I didn't think... Oh."​

​

As the woman regained a modicum of control over her breathing and began speaking again, Rolf began to take on a more natural color again though the tips of his ears remained a bright red. As she smiled, he saw a slight twinkle in her eye, a genuine indication of her amusement. As she explained that Hector was her brother it all began to make sense. As she listed her brother in connection with the media group and then Avalonia Broadcasting it all began to make sense. At her final statement he gave her a knowing grin. Siblings often were at one another's throats, sometimes literally - it was no surprise that she made jest at her brother's expense and he chuckled along. As Lydia grabbed a glass, he passed off his coffee cup, instead replacing it with a quickly procured flask of his own. Matching the woman's toast, he nodded his head before sipping from it.

"Well, that certainly explains a lot then, I'm glad we could have a laugh, too much of that doom and gloom going about these days."​

​

Taking another sip of the flask and letting the amber liquid burn its way towards his stomach, he gently replaced the stopper, screwing the lid shut and tucking it away from whence it came. The conversation had progressed, and as Lydia spoke it turned to the event at hand. Rolf didn't think it terribly likely that un-tested weapons would be brought, though he was sure presentations would commence and perhaps in a limited sense a few small arms might be authorized - the security was certainly heavy enough. It would be something to check with Security once the ship got underway at least. *A trap shoot? That could be quite the entertainment.* He smirked at the woman's attempt to explain the act of trap shooting, nodding that he understood. *No - I can't imagine it's much like shooting an Alliance soldier at all, but then again - maybe that's a good thing.* he thought to himself.

"Interesting, I'm not completely sure what the schedule looks like, but I'd be willing to bet I could wrangle one up from one of the security staff." He fumbled for the words. "And, if you're serious about being embedded, I might be able to put in a good word for you to the brass. We both know I owe you more than a simple thank you, consider it a repayment of debt?"​

​

[member="Lydia Finn-Camden"] | [member="Hector Finn-Camden"] | [member="Natasi Fortan"] | [member="Vitor Avendahl"] | [member="Ardgal Raxis"]​

 

[Commander Lusk]

Location: Outskirts of Citadel and Criminal Stronghold
Objective: 2/Intel gathering
Post: 3

"Narsu sahak solsehan san!" The alien tongue of a foreign language came out the man's mouth. Lusk had no idea what he had said, but he knew what the language was at least.

"Perfect. I need a translator, he's speaking Ryl!" Lusk called out to his squad of soldiers.

The clones had spent years surviving on the fringes of the Galaxy, they had met thousands of Twi'lek traders and a fair amount of clones had learned a third or fourth language out of pure necessity. Unlike what most people in the core worlds thought, over the course of eight hundred years without a ruling galactic empire to enforce the standard of learning basic. Most people (or at least a fair amount) in the outer rim and wild space had switched back to using their native tongue. Which at the very least made things tricky. Luckily they were prepared for such things.

"I got it!" Gumball, a rather quirky clone commando stepped to the plate and made his way over to the prisoner.

Removing his helmet the Mantis clone was odd to say the least. Where most of the men were grizzled and had attitudes that were like a slab of Durateel, Gumball had a lighthearted veneer about him. He had long and almost girlish hair and sparkling eyes, it was safe to say he was made fun of a lot.

"The Designated Bottom stepping up! This will be good!" Ripcord joked and the other clones joined in with a laugh. Even Lusk smirked a little under his helmet.

"queen, please. I'm fabulous!" Gumball retorted and simply smiled as he stood next to the criminal Twi'lek.

Lusk quickly took charge of the situation and raised up a right hand to silence his fellow clone family. They had a job to do and every moment they wasted here was one that the enemy would be growing more likely that something was wrong when their motorcade didn't respond back to any calls.

"Ask him where their base of operations is." Lusk gave his order and Gumball would follow through.

"Ootay ohk dei nurkinark" Gumball took a knee next to the Twi'lek so they could look eye to eye while speaking.

"Do sahak ktan! Do l'ihcah! Do gue dasue!" The Twi'lek shouted out to the clone in a voice of utter desperation.

"Swears he doesn't know, says he's just a driver for them." Gumball said then looked over to Lusk and then back to the Twi'lek.

Lusk paused for a moment to assess what had been said. He believed him, he had no reason to lie at this point. So he needed to be more selective with his questions, and he needed to be quick about it. Time was ticking.

"Ask him where they drove out of. The outpost where he was stationed." Lusk chose his words wisely and figured this was the next best thing.

"Ootay nie dan dasue or? Qa kesua?" Gumball gave the blood soaked Twi'lek a pat on the head as he asked his question.

"Ji dahsa vyilsir! A si'hlirki vorhslu dos nikao!" This time it sounded like actual useful information the clones could go off of.

"Said the garment district of the citadel, little building called Threads. It's probably a cash stash used to clean credits. Judging by the wads we found in the vehicle." Giving his translation over, Gumball looked to his brother Lusk and figured this was the best they were going to get out of him.

Lusk honestly didn't want to kill this kid. There was no honor in it, no virtue. But then again this life was no longer about those principles, he was fighting to help spread imperialism. The one thing he was grown to fight.

"Tell him he can start running for the trees. He has fifteen seconds once he does." Lusk stood up and dusted himself off, he hated moments like this.

"Dan ohk jemae ar elan. Vue toe ji alb." Gumball too stood up to watch the spectacle ghat was about to begin.

The Twi'lek wasted no time and bolted. Running towards the safety of the trees in a dead sprint, he was running on fear and adrenaline. But sadly, once the fifteen seconds were up, Gumball took up his sniper and aimed down it scope. There was a long moment of pause and then the sound of a bolt of plasma leaving the barrel of the weapon followed by a thump of a body hitting the earth.

"Yahtzee!" Gumball rejoiced as he set the sniper aside to put on his helmet.

Their job was done here on the road. They needed to move on to the next objective while the element of surprise was still theirs.

[member="Perth Levov"] [member="Heidi Ziegler"]

 

[Progflaw99]

--- --- ---​

Location: En Route to The Desert Empress, Halm​

Objective: I​

Post: VI​

--- --- ---​

​

The speeder had taken him rapidly across the dunes, so fast that when he looked down at his timepiece he'd cut a full ten minutes off of the trip according to his positioning system. As he brought the speeder to a halt just outside the port authority, he nimbly leapt from the seat, pulling down the goggles and letting them hang from around his neck. The heavy duty riding suit he wore was absolutely filthy, and no doubt he looked somewhat comical as he made his way towards the docks - a few strange looks the only thing resembling any sort of notice. Bits of sand and dirt caked on the outside of his helmet and riding gear fell off in bits, scattering across the already sandy floor, thankfully no one seemed to care, not that Archer did.

Coming up on the dock, he saw the deckhands already beginning to loosen the moorings on The Desert Empress. A quick glance at his chrono told him he'd just made it in time. Tugging free his dirt covered helmet, he shouted at the dock crew, waving his arms in the air.

"Hey! Don't push of just yet, I'm coming!"​

​

His footsteps picked up pace, a slow jog bringing him to the end of the gangplank. With a disapproving look, several of the dock crew waved him aboard to which he quickly accepted. Bringing himself up to the deck, he knew he'd have to retire to his suite first to clean up, but a flicker of red had caught his eye as he'd ascended to the main deck - and he was on a mission. Dust and sand still falling free of the young businessman, his footsteps took him to where he'd seen the red flash, the sight that awaited him causing a quickening of the heart and a silent gasp. The woman there was as radiant as the sun itself, or perhaps not quite so but to Archer she could have been a divine herself. The younger man, having no semblance of restraint made a point to walk past her as he made his way lazily towards his cabin. As he got closer, he slowed his pace, eyes locked on to where the woman sat. Would she notice his appearance and say something or would he have to take it a step further and initiate a conversation? Either way, Archer had the feeling it would be quite the interesting conversation.

[member="Vitor Avendahl"] | [member="Madlyn Sol"]​

 

[Dunames Lopez]

Objective: Economic Summit
Post: 3/38

After making sure that the Star Tours booth, set up with cutting-edge advertising materials, would be manned, Dunames approached the booth of [member="Ysane Varn"], registered to the name of Onderon Engineering Corporation, after talking to the other executives approaching the Star Tours booth. Understandably, most looked at Star Tours for supply chain management solutions, including but not limited to shipping and transportation; perhaps OEC would prove no different. After returning from Luminoss, where she had a luxury health spa resort built called the Runinn-Zhanmud and also contesting a podrace, it was good to return somewhere closer to First Order space. The promotional materials claim that they are selling weapons, armor and droids: the first two she already got from Drakos Systems on Csilla, droids may be another matter entirely, depending, of course, on what it sells. She approaches to meet with Ysane face-to-face:

"Dunames Lopez, from Star Tours. With Star Tours we can take care of all your interstellar shipping needs from Onderon to any location in First Order space. Also I'm interested in droids: I would like more information about your droid offerings please"

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Objective 1
Post 11

[member="Dunames Lopez"] | [member="Ysane Varn"] | [member="Archer Brandt"]

Aurelia had not been in a position to attend the last summit, so she had been looking forward to this year's event. She was now in control of Sienar-Jaemus Fleet Systems, and was in a strong position to negotiate a good deal with the First Order. Her nephew, Archer, would be there representing Brandt-Volcata Industries, and she would of course assist as much as she could with that venture as well. But that would begin tomorrow; this evening seemed a more social affair, and she took a glass of wine and wandered up to a pair of women conversing. She cleared her throat and inserted herself into the conversation, smiling as she extended a hand to [member="Dunames Lopez"]. "Did I hear Star Tours? What an interesting corporation, I've heard rather a lot about you. Aurelia Volcata -- Sienar-Jaemus Fleet Systems."

She looked over to [member="Ysane Varn"]. "I'm sorry, I wasn't eavesdropping when you introduced yourself." She extended her hand.

 

[Ysane Varn]

"I am Ysane Varn of Onderon Engineering Corporation, nice to meet you as well." ​

​

Looks at Dunames to answer her question about droids​

​

"Well we have two models, we have the Mk. 1 Combat Droid, and the PR-490 Suppression Droid. The Mk. 1 is as it's name suggest a battle droid, though with limited intelligence capability. Made to do grunt work and heavy weapons work. Where as the PR-490 is made for civil peace keeping, made to get into places like the under city on Courscant, where it would be dangerous for non droids to go."​

​

Point to the two droids standing next to her booth.​

​

"These are the PR-490 model, and here are the specs for the normal construction for this model as well."​

​

Though not really needing anything in the way of transport to the First Order it was good to have connections if members of the First Order were to purchase things from Ysane and her company.​

​

[member="Dunames Lopez"] [member="Aurelia Volcata"]​

 

[Eugen Aker]

Location: Marzoon
Objective: Investigate FU Academy
Allies: --
Opposition: --
Neutral: [member="Kyrel Ren"] [member="Stardust Raxis"] [member="Zmej Ren"]
7/38

She lowered the access ramp of the freighter to allow the newcomers to enter. There was a pair of them, using telekinesis to deflect the rain away from their body as they approached. As they stepped up the ramp to meet her, she could see that their windbreakers and clothes were bone dry. A subtle skill, but one that spoke volumes of their control.

"So I take it that's what you thought would interest the Silver Order?" She asked as they joined her up in the main corridor.

"Something like that," one the pair said as he pulled down the hood of his windbreaker to reveal his smiling bearded face. He was a young man that appeared in his mid 20's like Arisa.

The other was revealed herself to be a young woman with a pixie cut, looking as grim as her partner was jovial.

"I'm Norith," he informed her. "And we call miss sour-patch here Mair."

She just shrugged in acknowledgment, looking around the corridor distractedly as if she was already bored with the whole encounter.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Arisa. Please, join me in the lounge so we can talk."

She waved them through while communicating wirelessly with the ship close the ramp. Once in the lounge, she directed them to take a seat at one of the booths while she headed for the inbuilt kitchenette at the far side of the room.

"Care for hot cocoa and chocolate chunk cookies as we chat? Seems fitting for this weather. I baked the cookies fresh myself."

At least they had been when she had baked them back onKiribi a couple weeks ago, but stasis containers kept them tasting as good as they would have been a few hours out of the oven, so she could still technically make that claim!

"It's been a while since I had anything with chocolate," Norith answered with glee. "Please and thanks."

Arisa nodded as she prepared a platter, fixing a quick pot in an automated drink maker as she pulled out a batch of cookies from storage. All in all, it only took a few minutes prepare, the lounge being filled with the rich aroma of chocolate all the while. The wonders of technology in the hyperspace era.

"Here you are," she said as she set the platter on the table, a trio of steaming mugs surrounding a plate of cookies and a small bowl of marshmallows.

"This looks great," Norith exclaimed, while Mair's dour expression seemed to soften just a tad as she brought her attention on the platter.

She allowed them about a few minutes of peace before she started grilling them, Norith singing her praises while Mair quietly munched and drank.

"Alright, so what are the Seekers? Does it have to do with you two being Force Sensitives?"

"Very perceptive," he complimented between sips of his cocoa. "It does. Mair and myself represent an enclave of Force Adepts. I'm sure you've heard of the Je'daii Order."

"I have, it was required study, at least in my time. What do the Seekers have to do with the Je'daii?"

"Well, we like to think of ourselves as a modern incarnation of the Je'daii. Some like to say that it's the Jedi, but I don't believe that to be true. We're not militant, and we look to understand all aspects of the Force. The Light, Dark, and everything in between to achieve balance."

"So, then you would say you're a gray order of sorts?"

"You could say that, yeah."

"So what can I do for you? The Silver Jedi are a little more lax than our counterparts, but we're Jedi at the end of the day. For us, the Light Side is balance, something the last Je'daii figured out as they became the first Jedi. Over time, the Light Side took on a new meaning, from just being associated with Ashla to true enlightenment and responsibility as we finally shared our gifts with the galaxy at large. I think this is a key point that many people miss about the evolution of the Je'daii to Jedi. Even other Jedi. That's not to say we're perfect, it's something we've been collectively working on throughout the millennia to get where we are now, and still see our journey being far from over."

Norith set his mug down, pondering what she said for a moment before speaking. "That's an interesting way to look at things. I've honestly never considered that, thanks"

"You're welcome," she said, nodding slightly. "However, I'm sure you didn't just call me down for philosophical debates all day. Though I do have the time."

He huffed in amusement at that. "No I didn't. We need your help. For a while, Marzoon has worked as a haven for the Seekers to study and commune on the ways of the Force, but that no longer looks to be the case."

"What's changed?"

For the first time, he looked at her with a sober expression. "It's the First Order, it appears they've been in talks with the local administration about becoming a member. Good news for them. Access to their markets and all that jazz, but most definitely bad news for us."

"Are you afraid of the Knights of Ren?"

At the mentioned of the First Order and Ren, she could see Mair stiffen.

"Yes indeedy. Some of our members are runaways from the Ren, like Mair here. None of them have had nice things to say about them. Imagine the worst elements of the Jedi and Sith mixed together, then sprinkle in some fascism, then presto, got your yourself perfect little Ren."

Arisa remained mum, but she could corroborate what he had said from eye witness accounts from refugees. In concept, the Ren was the concept of the old Imperial Knights taken to its extreme end. The discipline of a Jedi married with the ruthlessness of the Sith, and dogged devotion to the State of the First Order and Supreme Leader beaten into them all throughout their training and indoctrination.

"So you do know," he answered for her, taking her silence as confirmation. "And I bet you also know that the First Order doesn't take kindly to alternate schools of thought. They tolerate the Sith, but that's honestly just a relationship of convenience as they both despise Jedi. I think they're in for a rude awakening down the line."

"Are you looking for a way off this planet, then?"

"Yeah, but we're a big group, about 300 strong, and we don't have much in the way of transportation. Not all the way to the Corporate Sector."

"I'd be happy to help, but I'm curious. Why didn't you reach out to the New Jedi Order or GA proper? They're within spitting distance."

Norith rubbed his neck as he let out a sigh. "That's the thing. If I had called them, then a lot of us would probably be behind bars right now."

She leaned forward in her seat. "Were you Sith?"

"Yep...One Sith to be exact. I'm not going try to make excuses, but I've been trying to make up for what I did. Many of us have. I can understand if you don't want to help, knowing that."

In another time, she wouldn't, and would have promptly booted his sorry behind off her freighter after that revelation, but she had grown a little wiser and forgiving with experience. Things weren't so clear cut, and she wasn't exactly a saint herself. She took a while to finally come up with a decision before speaking again.

"Okay...so here's the deal. You're going to keep the details of the transgressions to yourself, and I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt that you're trying to turn a new leaf. But mark my words, I'm going to have my eyes on you from here on out, and if you do anything to make me regret helping you, then prison will be the least of your worries. Do I make myself clear?"

"Crystal."

"Good," she said, sighing as she leaned back in her seat. "How soon could you pack up your group for transport?"

"Uh, maybe a day or two. We really don't have all that much between us."

"Aright, I look to see if I can get you group hooked up with some freighters or passenger liners off-world and--"

A panged expression from Mair interrupted her train of thought. She felt a great disturbance within the girl. Norith would turn over to look at her too. A few moments later, his comlink was buzzing. He snatched it out of his pocket and held it to his lips.

"I'm getting some crazy vibes, what's going on?"

"We're screwed! The First Order, they're fething here! Craploads of soldiers and Adepts!"

Arisa winced at the news. Suddenly things had become more complicated as the First Order already had their jackboots on the ground. She had to think fast before she had a massacre on her hands.

"Tell everyone on the other side to just barricade themselves if they can, and not to shoot first. The fact that the First Order didn't just glass your pad from orbit means there's still a chance to resolve this."

Norith's eyes darted between Arisa and Mair for a moment before finally relaying her orders to those at the enclave. By then, Arisa was already up, issuing takeover commands to her freighter.

"What are you doing?" he asked, both he and Mair rising with her.

"I need the coordinates to your enclave. We're going to see if we can't hash this out peacefully with the FO."

"And, if we can't."

"Then at least I can say I tried."

She stopped at one of the storage bays in the back of the freighter. It was empty save for a few cases, but with another silent command, racks would begin to rise from the floor, revealing a wide assortment of weaponry, armor, and other military equipment.

"Dear Bendu, who are you?"

"Just your friendly neighboorhood Jedi," she quipped as she picked out a shattergun. "Now, kit up."

"Maybe I should check out this Jedi thing, after all." he answered as he settled on a disruptor rifle.

"Maybe."

 

[Perth Levov]

Post 4:

Perth waited until the men were inside, then she hurried from the shadows and planted herself under an open side window. Not content with her choice, she ducked beneath the house and clambered up one of the stilts to wedge herself between the floor joists of the front room. In the room above, someone was pouring liquid into several glasses.

Perth extracted a miniature recording device from a pouch on her belt and placed it against the underside of the rough-hewn floorboards.

“Here’s the long and short of it,” a man said while the glasses were being filled. “We’re going to strike tomorrow.”

Someone whistled in astonishment.

“Does the boss realise what he’s going to unleash, in terms of potential retribution?” perhaps the same man asked. “This is going to lead to a war.”

“No debate,” the first man said. “Those are his orders, and this is his show.”

“His show and our lives,” someone pointed out.

 

[Hansen]

Agent Totallex
Marzoon, Outside Academy.
Objective: 3

Jaina's left hand gives a flick of blaster setting over to Kill, laying flat on her stomach with cloaking device engaged. Jaina breathes with a slow and deliberate pace, she watches the lime crosshair climb and lowers with diaphragm pushing the black-armoured shadowtrooper away from the ground. Listening to some message delivered across their TEAMCOM from another skull; The assault team had finally arrived. Jaina scrambles her comlink set to the Trooper platoon's frequency. "Unknown Callsign this is Skull three, proceed to the objective, be advised; sending telemetry data for known sentries. Skull Unit is standing by to provide support. Out." The message is short but sweet, delivered with Jaina's typical cold precision. Crosshairs study keenly at the Academy's Entrance. A durasteel metal fence from the looks of things and a number of armed guards outside the mystic looking structure. Jaina's gaze and aim finally lands on a hooded man who judging from a brief examination on the IR spectrum is almost certainly a man. Protecting the entrance beside a similarly dressed individual. They either don't know the First Order is coming or had set a trap inside the Academy proper. "This operation could go poorly with great speed and momentum." Jaina muses to herself, ears twitch to the sound of her own thoughts.

[member="Torian Pierce"]

 

[Dunames Lopez]

Objective: Economic summit
Post: 4/38

"Last I heard about Sienar-Jaemus Fleet Systems, you sold attack craft and starship components, like targeting computers. Perhaps we should buy targeting computers: some of the older units we operate, especially the older Neimoidian Yachts, are due for targeting computer overhauls. Alternatively, we could offer to ship starship components throughout First Order space for a fee to be paid in targeting computers"

[member="Aurelia Volcata"] did not suspect that, since the Pullmans are phased out, Neimoidian Yachts are being flown in commuter routes in sectors of varying levels of danger. Especially out there in Outer Rim, Wild Space and Unknown Regions. The lifespan of targeting computers is, understandably, reduced on such routes, and, perhaps, Star Tours would get targeting computers to replace those fitted to the older ships. She then turned to [member="Ysane Varn"], while being reminded of the contract she had with Drakos Industries to equip the fleet with what she called security equipment. It was signed with the understanding that only civilian uses would be permitted. True, Star Tours was one of the main civilian symbols of the First Order, but because Star Tours is not a PMC, nor is it expected to harbor dangerous prisoners by itself, the PR-490 Suppression Droid is the only one of the two products that actually make sense to equip on his ship. Provided, of course, that this security equipment can be outfitted on the commuter flights.

"As for the droids, I believe that the suppression droids will be better suited to our needs. Perhaps 3,000 units"

 

[Eugen Aker]

Resistance Base "Isengard", Undisclosed location​

8/38

General Gibson had been in attendance of a briefing for an upcoming raid, when his adjutant, Major Tachi, pulled him away to report a new development. That immediately piqued his interest, something more pressing than an imminent major operation.

"I'm assuming this is good?" He asked as he walked with her to the CIC through crowded hall. He and Tachi were given wide berth as junior officers and enlisted recognized that dour pitted face, though thankfully, none of them tried raising a salute. He absolutely hated it, especially inside when he had things to do.

"Oh, it is." she confirmed. "The First Order have a raid underway on Marzoon. They're targeting a large camp of Force Sensitives."​

​

That was good.

"How did we get a hold of this intel? I don't recall us having assets in the sector."​

​

"That's where it gets more interesting. About 10 minutes ago, ISAF relayed the information to us from a Jedi investigator on the ground. They're requesting a strike package and exfil of about 300. ISAF can't do it themselves, due to their official policy with the First Order, so they're trying to hand off the job to us to help out their commander, the Jedi."​

​

They arrived at the CIC, where Commodore Moliere stood in wait at the center of the room, manipulating a large interactive holo-display of known allied and enemy movements across the southern quadrants. ​

​

"What do you think, Darla?" he asked as he and Tachi joined her. ​

​

"I think, I want to stick it to Fortan and her dear Leader."

Gibson couldn't help but smirk. The Galidraani harbored a deep-seated hatred of the Grand Moff, rooted in bad blood between their families over the ages. It was this quality among others that made her perfect for the job for directing special operations.

"If you want in on this, then I'll approve the operation. What's your plan?"​

​

Moliere spread out her hands to zoom in on the Marzoon sector and adjacent regions.

"Phoenix group is nearby. I can divert a detachment to the system, but I'm going to need more details before I'll allow them to engage the FO there. I need a direct line with the ISAF commander on the ground to relay information of enemy force strength planetside. Until then, I'm going to park the detachment just outside the heliosphere. The solar winds should absorb their Cronau radiation from reversion and serve to mask their presence. As the First Order seems to be moving freely in system, I'm counting on that they won't expect any resistance in the middle of their operation."

"Excellent. I'll let you see to it then."

Moliere nodded, giving him a devious grin. The wolf had been unleashed. He left her to sort out the details of the operation while he moved to oversee talks with his counterparts in the ISAF. He was nowhere near expressive as Moliere about developments, but the General felt a small dose of excitement none the less. As a Resistance leader, he was here to fight the good fight against the totalitarian regime of the First Order, but what also kept him going were dynamic events like this. Chaos that interrupted the neat little plans of the powers that be. After the setback from the Federation-led clown show that was Kaeshana, he was going to show the First Order that the Resistance was still willing and able to fight, his way. ​

​

​

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spsv8o4KQuQ​

[member="Zmej Ren"] [member="Kyrel Ren"] [member="Stardust Raxis"] [member="Jaina Ventor"] [member="Torian Pierce"]​

 

[Priscilla Utorna]

Objective: 2
Post: 3

She approached what she assumed the man meant to write down, Capital Lane was not even in existence on this particular planet. It was in a relatively normal part of the planet, not the outback she had just come from but not the richest in the city. A district if you will, and the address was situated in an apartment, which in itself was also pretty modern. A sleek, tall design but the interior was beginning to show its age.

*DING!*

The lift reached the ground floor, an elderly woman and her care-taker bearing medical robes was attending her. She smiled at them, but received no attention as she entered it. In a swoosh, it approached the floor that the address lead to, and on a golden name-plate, said "43 Capital Horizon"

Something was odd about the apartment though, as she made an-almost silent walk towards it, she knocked on it, tapping gently. No response. This time, she thudded the door with her fist, which could be heard on the floor she was present. No response. She placed her hand on the door handle, expecting disappointment but it unlocked. Strange.

As she opened the door, a living room and conjoining dining-kitchen room greeted her, an open plan space. But interior design wasn't her concern, she could hear the weeping of a child, although it sounded like... it was a looping sound system playing it, she went against her own instincts and made her way to the door with the letters 'Jimmy's Room!' sprayed across it, now tip-toeing.

As she went to open the door, she heard footsteps behind her. She tilted her head behind her slightly, and the last thing she could see was a 4"3 figure staring up at her before being knocked to the ground by a metallic clank to the side of her head, her stature plummeted as it hit the door infront of her, not blacking out but disorientated.

[member="Perth Levov"] I [member="Commander Lusk"]