Junction Blood in the Springtime | AC/SJC Junction of Voss/Saleucami (Open to Jedi Praxeum, Scar Worlds, Jedi)

[Gir Quee]

Others had begun to arrive, yet Wenton seemed almost oblivious to them or their presence, instead choosing to halt every so often and study the temple's exterior for several minutes at a time. The admiral could only look at the ruined temple so much before beginning to find himself bored. Are there things he's seeing here that I'm simply not? Or maybe it's nostalgia? As he thought about that, he realized that he had never heard of Graff's name before the Bryn'adul war and the master's rise up the ranks within the Silver Jedi Academy as a gifted intellectual. Had the man ever spent time at Voss before? The admiral couldn't recall where the man's early history within the Order, and that bothered him. I'll have to look that up once everything is done here...

As they passed by a Holy Guards and into the temple itself, Sariya joined them in looking at the ruins inside. To his surprise, the young woman seemed to be as fascinated by the ruins as the grandmaster himself. Wenton stooped down and crouched to inspect some stone fragments while the echani eyed up the now inaccessible upper passageways.

"It must have been quite a place when the Order was here," murmured the woman.

The jedi master looked up at Sariya with a wistful smile, "It was. I have only faint but fond memories of this place, before we had to move. But even now, I can feel traces of that fond past now as I were back there then. But that is not why we are here, is it admiral?"

Gir blinked, "No."

"We shouldn't keep the others waiting, that's what you want to say, isn't?"

How do you answer someone who can probably automatically know if you're lying, if even to be polite?

"Military men can be horrible task masters when it comes to keeping a schedule," suggested the admiral.

Wenton smiled, "So can some jedi become too rigid in their regimens. But both schedules and regimens exist for good reasons, even if I tend to wander from them..."

Gir nodded in silent agreement and quickly in step behind the jedi master, who now strode as if reinvigorated with some new sense of purpose. The man from Hast barely had a chance to catch a glimpse of their surroundings now as he trailed behind the other man even as Sariya glided behind them like a silent shadow. They soon entered the conference room, with the trio approaching the cardinal to greet the man, though cautious to not do so in a way which would disrupt the conversation already going on with the Heavenshields, Cedric Grayson, or the cardinal.

Pietro Demici | Eina L'lerim-Vandiir | Brooke Waters | Geiseric | Thurion Heavenshield | Cedric Grayson

 

[Madison Starr]

​

The Gallam District Vehicle Shootout - Voss Ka, West
A Delicate Matter

Time had changed things.

The city had expanded. Architecture had changed. A Neo-Brutalism playground governed the Gallam Distict of west Voss Ka. Modular concrete and tall hard edges. Jagged white cutaways adorned with beautiful stone patterns. Many stories tall. Lined with small golden parkways and tall golden trees. All sharpened about with the clutter of a normal busy city. Sign posts, raw neon lanterns, trash cans, and small electronic billboards. It was a glorious city. A wondrous treat for the eyes. Yet. It was an empty city. A ghost town in full spring bloom. With smoke rising in the distance.

The entrance to the Gallam District was at the cities most western border. Now, a hole in the ground. Once, the pride of the Gormak Defense. The First Western Line. Alas. It hadn't lasted long.

Madison Starr and her contingent of locals and Silver Liasions speed past the blackened wreckage of the noble Gormak Defense. Quickly passing through the smoke and fire of the death fields. Quickly entering the cities concrete jungle. A single column of haphazard vehicles. Rushing through death. Leaving the bombarded remains of the Gormak's First Western Line behind. The turbolasers had seen to them. Now the western entrance to the city was a hole. Nothing more.

"Enemy contact!" Madison screamed into her comm from atop her Jetbike. Hovering easily over the speeding ground. "Six blocks up! Tanks and barricades! Incoming! Incoming!"

From six blocks up the perfectly majestic city streets, laser fire greeted the rushing newcomers. Tank fire and scatter rockets. Then rifle blasts at extreme range for weak effect.

"Spread out!" The Jedi called as the first barrage descended behind her. Annihilating a bus stop and vending area.

~ "All units, be advised. Local Voss forces have entered the western city district. Encountering enemy resistance at these coordinates. Requesting air support and bombardment at my location." ~

~ "Roger Silver Liaison. Tasking a strike force to your location now. Please paint the target and await the boom. Over." ~

~ "Roger Silver Command. We are moving to paint the target." ~

Allied forces spread out across the tight city streets. Vehicles skimming this way and that. Some stopping to direct fire downstream. Other driving behind cover or moving around the sides. All quickly done. All at rushing, quick speeds.

The incoming fire did not stop.

Destruction littered the streets in giant plumes and grandiose echoes. Extremes of heat, and pressure, and sound. A terrible wave of thunder. For a terrible war to come.

Six blocks up the street. The Gormaks had assembled a Second Western Line. Improvised barricades capstoned with four tanks. The sent hell raining down the main street. Clusters of scatter rockets included. It caused their enemies to break off their advance and scatter into the side streets. Slowing them down. Giving the Gormak retreat a better chance to reach the northern outskirts of the city.

They were the Second Western Line. And they would buy as much time for their comrades to escape as possible.

. . .

The Allied vehicles had scattered to the left and right. Sloping around the city streets to better avoid the Gormak Second Line and attempt to get around them. Alas. Anti-Tank mines had taken the leaders of both Local Columns. Voss landspeeders now smoked and burned on both side streets. Their passengers died with them.

"More rockets incoming!" Madison cried as she skimmed around the right Allied flank. Looking for a way forward.

Armored vehicles with rocket mounts were waiting for them further up the side streets. Accompanied by Gormak infantry in small numbers. The halt to the Allied progress was noticed. Rockets claimed any stalled Allied vehicles. More explosions. More dead friendlies.

"Around! Around! Go around! Don't slow down! Don't slow..."

Rocket barrage caught the building above her. A terrible explosion of stone and debris.

Madison was knocked clear of her floating mount and send sailing down into the hotel lobby below. Smashing through the glass canopy of the once-great Voss city hotel. She landed abruptly on a soft leather couch. Decorated quickly with new falling glass. Her jetbike was just an echo of flame outside the hotel windows.

Then darkness took her clouded senses and her vision went dark.

. . .

Paint the target. Paint the target.

It was all the Silver Concord soldier could do to remember his mission. Repeating those words to himself as he struggled forward. Bodies and vehicles smoked beside him as he crawled through the wreckage on the main street. Quickly opening and pointing his device at the enemy beyond. Six blocks up. The tanks that had killed his friend. Those Gormak bastards!

Paint the target. Paint the target. ...I've painted the target! I've done it!

~ "Command. Target is painted do your..." ~

He didn't have to wait long.

Three Silver Concord X-Wing Starfighters appeared in the skies above the city streets. Barreling down the outskirts until their engines could be heard along the main road. They came right down the center. Right down into the heart of the fight.

A Gormak tank commander pointed and one of the guns fired up. A quick miss.

The X-Wing neared.

The tank commander pointed and shouted again. Yet the tank never fired again.

Proton torpedoes smashed right into the center of the Gormak Second Line. Obliterating everything at the intersection and beyond. Then again. And again. And again. More torpedoes until finally the X-Wing flew straight overhead and disappeared into the bright city skies.

The Gormak Second Line went quiet at the center.

The Allied Vehicle Column on the left and right had a moment of reprieve.

Stalemate...

For now.

. . .

Meanwhile, in a hotel lobby a few street back. A woman on a glass-littered couch was stirring.

. . .

 

[Greer Caimbeulaich]

​

Equipment: Lightsaber Claymore, Ashlan battle armour Shock Gauntlet, Icarus gravpack, Ashlan Rosary, survival kit

Location: Voss-Ka
Objective: Hostage rescue
Tags: OPEN - would love some SJC/AC connections

Greer and her group walked out of the Cantina and she looked across spotting Caltin Vanagor And his own team in their vantage point. She called over, "We're off to get our feet wet and out blades bloodied if you want in?" one of the other Star Thistles had already used the force to lift the manhole cover up and expose the sewers, the smell was unpleasant as it escaped. She looked again at Caltin, "mmmm, a lovely brisk stroll in the fresh air." she had a fun grin on her freckled and painted pace as she lowered herself down, she was the last of the Ashlan team to descend, splashing down into the 'water' below. She laughed, this kilt had been to hell and back with her, but her colours remained proudly and defiantly wrapped around her battle around.

"OK team, its this way, there is marking on the wall, we are looking for manhole XCVII, once we get there we can pop up, and we will be across the street from target." grime dropped into her hair from.the ceiling as artillery rocked the ground. She had plaited her hair for this mission, typically keeping it in and kept mane, but sewers were not places for loose hair and this one was a particularly bad one. Why did she have a comparison? This was her third sewer infiltration. Maybe she had upset someone, or maybe people just knew she was dirty enough anyway not to care. The team began to ran, and quickly picked up a good rhythm with the splashing of their feet in the inches deep muck and every so often a flash ofight streaming in from a grate above their heads.

"watch your footing, don't want to slip on something unpleasant."

 

[Aayla Shan]

"I can understand your concerns. While I don't think you would do something like this.... Make sure the other Shadows don't start randomly taking sabers. It can often be much more than just another weapon to some, so it's best to handle anything with someone having a Sith lightsaber delicately. Master Noble should have more information though."

Aayla's eyes slowly panned from that window to rest gently on the Herglic, her mercury hues faltering slightly before she looked back out the window. It was like the Shadows were indeed a completely separate entity from the greater Concord sometimes. And in that moment, she had to recover sharply. She would have usually had an answer for whatever Or'Fol had to say quickly. Whenever she wasn't in trouble that is.

The truth was the other Shadows specifically did this, and she condoned it. She would continue too. It also gave to notion they also had no idea Valery was truly their own Master Shadow at one point. Well, the Grandmaster knew, but it seemed many on the Council itself weren't exactly privy to what their purpose was.

It was better that way...

"Wouldn't dream of it, Master Or'Fol..."


She lied, as she was trained to do when mission specific topics were discussed or challenged. Though, it was what she agreed to. As much as she was still a Jedi, she was a Shadow now too. And their path was a razor edge. In the end, the Sith, and their presence wouldn't be tolerated. She almost felt a little shocked to have to explain why. The Sith bled those crystals, poured suffering and hate into the same things that often spoke to them, and helped them in times of need.

Allowing those sabers to be used, and tolerated at the temple was frankly an affront... Those same crystals spoke to her, and most any Jedi that had ever picked up a lightsaber. Never mind the more pressing point that it was Sith in nature. They were sworn enemies. And if they wouldn't stop seeking the destruction of her, and hers; she would return that favor in kind. Having to be careful not to slip on that razor...

"I know I don't need to say it, but get ready. Something's coming."

"Still nice to hear you say it though Master Or'Fol..."

She offered, stepping up and crouching down at the window. only her Raven hair, and silver pools visible to any outside.

"I'm thinking the old bait and smash... I'll bait?"

She offered, glancing very much up at the standing Herglic. when a familiar voice was heard over the wideband in her ear.

She shook her head at Master Vanagor's comment, chuckling to herself in turn. She clicked her wideband as well, responding with a simple.

<"Only if you're making sandwiches Master...">

Or'Fol Moric Caltin Vanagor Any other applicable tags working A Delicate Matter​

 

[Aien Mueller]

You know those types you don't want to meet in a dark alley?​

Spoiler: ARMOR(Mission Specific)

Armor - Cybernetic suit (GOLD, BLUE and RED Teams), "Dominion" armor(GREEN Team)
"Apostle" armor(all, GREEN Team when needed)
Mk II armor-w- Rotary and Blaster Vambraces, Stun Club and Shoulder Mounted Interchangeable Weapon(all, GREEN Team when needed)
MKIII Armor Assault -w- Rotary and Blaster Vambraces, Stun Club and Shoulder Mounted Interchangeable Weapon(Base Variant)(GOLD)
MkIII Tech/Demo -w- Rotary and Blaster Vambraces, Stun Club and Shoulder Mounted Interchangeable Weapon(Grenade Variant)(RED)
MkIII Heavy Weapons -w- Rotary and Blaster Vambraces, Stun Club and (Shoulder Mounted Interchangeable Weapon)(Grenade Variant)GOLD)
MkIII Sniper -w- Rotary and Blaster Vambraces, Stun Club and Shoulder Mounted Interchangeable Weapon(Sniper Variant)(BLUE,GREEN)

Spoiler: WEAPONS(Mission Specific)

Weapons (assault team)- T-73 Handgun, Combat Knife, FTB Rocket(2 FYB Rockets each, 3 with Flame Carpet warhead)
3 Grenades (each), 2 Fire Grenades (each)
(Infiltrators)- Carbine(Suppressed), T-73 Handgun(Suppressed), Vibroswords, Combat Knife
(Snipers)- "God Gun", M-14 Sniper Rifle, Wrist Blaster, Carbine, God gun
(Assault)- RI-17 Assault Rifle-w-LPD53 Grenade Launcher(5 FYB 40mm grenades each), T-73 Handgun
(Heavy Weapons)- Minigun(if in the field), Defender-Automatic Weapon(if in CQC) Assault Rifle

Spoiler: FIRE TEAMS - When Separate

GOLD TEAM: Azrael(Assault/Team leader), Castiel(Assault/Pathfinder), Jegudiel(Cover)
BLUE TEAM: Sauriel(Sniper 1), Michael(Sniper 2), Omael(Overwatch/Sniper3)
RED TEAM: Gabriel(Demo/EOD), Bartleby(Tech/Team Second), Samael(Heavy Weapons)
GREEN TEAM: Chamuel (Infiltrator/Slicer), Zadkiel(Infiltrator/Assassin), Raziel(Infiltrator/Assassin)

Spoiler: SUPPORT

PEGASUS 1- Jeremiel(Pilot), Barachiel(Weapons)
PEGASUS 2- Ariel(Pilot), Uriel(Weapons)
PEGASUS 3- - Barachiel(Pilot)*
PEGASUS 4- Uriel(Pilot)*
*When needed. Weapons Intercept officers will be assigned randomly

FIST
RONTO 1- Raguel(Driver), Selaphiel(Gunner), Jegudiel(Cover)

Ship Captain/Teams Overwatch - Seraphim
Ship Engineer/Tech/Teams Overwatch - Jophiel
Ship Corpsman - Raphael
Ship Pilot(s)/Gunner(s) - Batariel,Jeremiel, Barachiel, Ariel, Uriel

ORDERS: Take out Gormak Cannon pointed at Voss-Ka
Tag:
[Any text in brackets signify comm-link usage and not face to face conversation]

[In position.]

[Acknowledged. Moving.] Boss

Get us going.

Mount up.

[Silence is golden.

The hand signals from both Azrael and Bartleby were received in “Stealth mode” for the team. Omega Squad then began to move silently along the treeline. They were focused on what was in front as their Snipers were paying mind to what was around them. There was a small encampment of what looked to be three “Heavys”. These were Gormak warriors who carried heavy weapons and looked to be able to take down a shuttle on their own. What they brought in sheer firepower, they gave up in nimbleness. Fast suppressed weapons fire to the heads took them down, for some reason the ancient race never wore masks. Under one of the “tents”, they readied themselves.

Hold up.

Set a perimeter.

As the team, all of them were moving into “cover” positions that provided them recon of the land and the ability to target any poor sap who came into their sites, Azrael and Gabriel (The Team EOD/Demo guy looked out at the massive structure that housed the weapon of mass destruction, the huge artillery piece, no doubt one of many Gormak cannons. Where Azrael seemed to be devising an entry strategy, Gabriel had other thoughts.

Talk freely.

Charges at the bottom would take it down, but see that angular base in the back? That is a hard structure that’ll hold together even if it falls. They can just put it back up. Also, the actual power of the cannon is at the end of it. We have to go through the whole thing.

The Bryn ship?

The Bryn ship.

Bartleby, get’em moving.

Move out.

[Sitrep]

[Clear to the cannon. Gotta move, power’s rising.]

The energy readings were concerning coming from the Sniper’s gear. They were set up with thermal imaging so the heat signature of the cannon getting more and more “red” was a problem. What was worse was normally “chill” “Gabriel” was a bit nervous as he confirmed this.

[Push forward and meet us at the cannon.]

Moving.

Reaching the base of the cannon, there were two sentries who looked like they could take out a “RONTO” on their own and there was no way to sneak upon them. There was going to be a firefight. They were not “quickly” taken down but this was the beginning. Getting into the accessways to the cannon was slow and methodical, singular entry with multiple “cover” angles in case of an enemy ambush. The Gormak, for all of their tactical and technical prowess, are fairly predictable. Responding to and digging in for defensive positions, Samael pulled out “Bertha”.

Please?

Covering fire.

From behind their walls, each member opened fire randomly after moving to different locations and angles. The purpose was more effective in the jungles, but it was meant to give the impression that they were a larger force than they really were. Once Samael had the rotary weapon, he pulled the safety and nodded to Azrael.

Ready.

Ready.

Ready.

Ready baby!

Punch us a hole.

All team members at this point opened fire to allow Samael to jump out and start ripping through the enormous powercell that his weapon used. The funny thing about access halls like this was that they were “one way” a lot of “CQB” or Close Quarters Battle and as the team cleared each room one by one, Gabriel set single shaped charges in the middle of each of them. Each detonator was linked to the last one, so if one suddenly did not broadcast a signal, the next would go off, and the next, and so on. This was a fail-safe, a “dead man’s switch” you might say.

Hopefully, it would work.

First-floor set.

” Down the Rabbit Hole.”

What the frell is a “rabbit hole”?

I have no idea, just thought that it was cool to say.

One by one into the stairwell they went up to the next level.

... yeah, we scare them.

 

[Pietro Demici]

Tags: Gir Quee , Eina L'lerim-Vandiir , Geiseric , Brooke Waters , Thurion Heavenshield , Cedric Grayson

Others began to arrive, funneling into the temple as each said their greetings. Pietro first turned his attention to Eina and Geiseric, his voice just loud enough for them to hear.

"In short, Lord Geiseric, I wish for a bridge. A bridge between ourselves and our Jedi neighbors."

There was greater ambition than simple friendship, of course, but the Cardinal wouldn't speak of it with so many in the room. All that needed to be heard was that the Jedi needed to come together in order to push back the unending tide of darkness.

"Lady Eina, it is good to see you," he said with a smile. It was only recently that the two had married, and the occasion had provided many with a brief reprieve from the constant fighting in the war-torn galaxy.

As Thurion Heavenshield approached, Pietro offered him and his son a bow.

"And it couldn't come soon enough. It is a pleasure to meet you both."

As soon as the words left the Cardinal's mouth, a hand planted itself on his shoulder. Lord Grayson had been keeping to himself in recent months, leaving the weight of leadership largely on Pietro's shoulders. Not that he minded, in fact the Cardinal often found such to be his calling. Cedric had fought for his people and his home for many years. Now that Ession was once again under their control, Pietro felt it was only right to let the man rest.

"Indeed it was, Lord Grayson. I hope yours was equally uneventful."

As the Kaiser and Master Heavenshield spoke to each other, Pietro took his leave. As much as he was looking forward to meeting each representative, there were important matters to discuss. As Pietro made his way toward the center of the room, he took a moment to get everyone's attention.

"Welcome, everyone. I assume you all know that this planet will soon be returned to the Voss. This, however, is only one step in the greater healing of this region, as well as the galaxy beyond. In an effort to ensure the continued success in these efforts, the Ashlan Crusade would like to propose greater cooperation between ourselves and the SJC."

He would leave it at that, for now, allowing the opportunity for others to speak.

 

[Heinrich Faust]

Heinrich Faust: Grand Marshal of the Ashlan Crusade

Tags: Greer Caimbeulaich , Or'Fol Moric , Aayla Shan , Lehvi Vass , Travot Ravenna

Plasma flew through the air as the two sides continued to clash, and though the Gormak attempted to close the gap in their defensive line, the Sons of Ession held their ground. They were some of the most elite of the Ashlan forces, having fought alongside Lord Grayson and his family in countless battles. Despite even their best efforts, however, the advance had slowed due to the sheer number of enemies that had converged on their position.

Heinrich gritted his teeth as he sent several more blaster bolts back from whence they came, his blade dancing back and forth as he continued to hold his position. Two more Gormak soldiers went down, and a third shortly after.

"Sir, message from the Lancer Corps! They are almost in position."

Heinrich's attention turned toward the trooper for a moment as the battle raged on around them.

"Tell them to reroute to our right flank. We need them here."

Despite being a recent addition to the Ashlan military, the Lancer Corps had proven incredibly useful in recent months, especially when it came to breaking enemy lines. The plan was for them to do open another hole in the Gormak lines for the allied forces to push through, but when it came to battle, things rarely went according to plan. Their speederbikes were certainly be fast... Heinrich just hoped they were fast enough to get here in time.

Suddenly, a familiar feeling crept up the back of the Grand Marshal's neck, causing him to instinctively turn just in time to parry a Gormak blade. He returned the strike by reaching into the empyrean, and with a quick push from his free hand, Heinrich launched his assailant backward. The Gormak rose once again, charging at the Grand Marshal with a great ferocity. Heinrich's free hand reached out once again as he called out to his beloved goddess. As he did, green plasma began to arc from his fingertips and toward the Gormak. Lightning crashed against scaly flesh, and the Gormak collapsed to the ground, still alive, but deeply in need of a bacta bath.

Heinrich let out a deep breath as he watched the fighting in the distance. The assault was still in full swing, and there was still plenty of ground to cover. He just hoped things were going more smoothly for those on the inside.

 

[Eina L'lerim-Vandiir]

Lady Eina L'lerim-Vandiir
The First and the Light of Ashla
Heiress and Princess of the Eternal Empire and Terraris; Angelic Mascot and Representative of the Ashlan Crusade
Eternal Empire's Ambassador to the Ashlan Crusade; Matriarch of the Valkyrja; Leader of Sanctuary and the Fjölkyngi Smiđr Guild​

Objective: To accompany her husband, and the rest of the Ashlans.
Location: Silver Temple, near Voss-Ka, Voss
Equipment: Sverð Fyrstr (swords) | Ljósspjót (spear) | Skrúð Engill Fyrstr (armour) || Empyrean gland | OPBC-01m || Current appearance
Writing With: Geiseric | Pietro Demici | Gir Quee | Brooke Waters | Thurion Heavenshield | Cedric Grayson | Thirdas Heavenshield

[ Race to the Sea ]
<"High Nelvaanian"> | ~ telepathic communication ~ | << comm. channel >> ​

Eina chuckled softly at what Gei had told her. She wasn't nervous or tense now. Fortunately, that is, the period is over, and the Ession attack was a long time ago, what happened at the trial. He was fine now, just not expecting to experience an earlier injury. The Valkyrja head was still sore; that is, not her, it was her father's headache from the past. She felt cold and empty for a few moments, perfect emotionlessness. It was her mother's feelings, rather than her lack of emotions. She'll ask her later what happened here.

"You don't have to be afraid of that. Unless I have to fight demons with swords and spears as politics… then I think the mortals... living creatures are still too chaotic for me and I don’t want to be a politician." she smiled kindly and lovingly at her beloved crusader.

She was apparently really well now, completely healed, she had put her thoughts and feelings back under her control. Even so, she still found it very interesting what she saw through the Force at this place. Many, many thousands of years of history, the peculiarities of the Voss species, and could have been listed. In the meantime, they also arrived at the Cardinal.

"Uncle Pietro… I mean… Welcome, Lord Demici!" she greeted him.

Meanwhile, another group came to them, the Grandmaster, the older man in the Force was stunning, his light, his earlier deeds. She'd heard of him, her mother had told her. And there was a message she had to pass on. She ruffled her wings a little as she looked at the other Heavenshield. Eina may have been born only of the soul, but her mother had Valkyri ancestors, so was Eina actually.

"Lord Heavenshield, Lord Heavenshield!" she nodded to the two men.

Her voice is the same as Ingrid's, only not so military, cold, but kind and soft. Her features are similar to her, and her Force Signature was half hers, yes it was rather impossible.

"Lord Heavenshield, my mother, Lady Ingrid, asked me to tell you her greetings and that she is hoping she'll see you again soon." she told him.

At that time, she even felt another very familiar aura. The Valkyrja cared a lot about Kaiser's soul while the man was asleep, trying to heal him, talking to the sleeping man. When the Holy Kaiser got close, Eina nodded to him and bowed very slightly.

"Lord Grayson!" she greeted him as well.

Meanwhile, another man and his entourage arrived. In the conference room, Eina stepped a little closer to Gei. Not too close, just as much as conversational partners are used to, not a married couple. She really didn’t like diplomatic discussions and meetings, everyone is lying about everything and too chaotic just like the mortals. She didn't say anything after Uncle Pietro's words, she just accompanied her husband. Rather, she tried to retract her wings so that she wouldn't be in the others' way.

"I didn't know Lord Grayson would be here as well. I thought he would entrust the whole matter to Lord Demici." she whispered to Gei.

 

[Lehvi Vass]

Location: Voss-Ka
Objective: Harass the entrenched Bogan, and do whatever possible to distract from the rescue operation
Tag: Heinrich Faust Travot Ravenna Greer Caimbeulaich Or'Fol Moric Aayla Shan Xeykard

#NowPlaying: Strong and Strike

As the assault ships began to descend, two thought crossed Lehvi's mind.

One, they had limited cover.

Two, Julip was fully matured akk dog. But she couldn't repel forces of that magnitude. These two thoughts led him to one conclusion.

"THROW ME!" He roared, positioning his vibroshield in front of him, sensing the intent of the gunners above. A lifetime of trust made Julip eschew witty retorts, grabbing the Korun with her tail and throwing him with more-then-considerable strength at the nearest gunship.

Lehvi braced himself, putting his vibroshield in front of his face as he flew through the air like a heat-seeking missile.

"My son, you are Ghôsh Vass. Your name is your shield. Never forget that."

As he got closer, he could sense the confusion of the Gromak inside.

"Become the man our Ghôsh needs you to be. Become the lor pelek that can save Haruun Kal."

Lehvi's vibroshield, absorbed the impact as he hit the windshield and nearly bounced off the roof. Panicking, he dragged the vibroshield across surface, slowing his momentum enough so he could find purchase. He closed his eyes and exhaled a breath he didn't know he was holding, only for his eyes to widen as the Force screamed at him to get off that ship now. He looked over and saw one of the assault ships was aiming at him.

Grabbing his shield, he slid down to the windshield, and ignited his lightsaber and plunged it into the canopy, to the pure panic of the occupants inside. Blaster bolts sent to gunship into a tailspin, slamming into one of the other and knocking it to a building. The caused Lehvi to drop his lightsaber inside the craft, nearly falling off. With an grunt, he leapt up onto the canopy, and pushed with the Force, caving in the canopy.

There was pure pandemonium when Lehvi vaulted inside, slamming his feet into one of the three Gromak's face. Tucking into a roll, he called his lightsaber to his slide as he swung his vibroshield to the side, deflecting a blaster bolt into the floor. Continuing the momentum, he cleaved the offender in two before he faced down the last Gromak- a massive one, even by his species standard. He seemed mad about the face-kicking.

"So, I don't suppose you want to surrender...?", Lehvi opined. With a roar, the reptilian grabbed a weapon hanging on the wall- an electrohammer. He swung the massive weapon, causing the younger man to duck into his guard- exactly what ha planned. He pulled Lehvi in, crushing him against his chest, sending his lightsaber skittering across the gunship, and activated the hammer.

He grinned viciously as the electrical currents discharged into the Korun's body. "You are weak, little Jedi", he yelled over the rushing wind. "So arrogant. Soft. Merciful. Now look are yourself- gonna be well-done. I'm going to get double rations for your corpse. Any last words, you little schutta?"

Lehvi gritted his teeth. "Yea- you talk to much, Bogan." At the moment, his vibroshield, on the floor between, flew up, slamming into the Gromak's head, disorienting him and causing him to drop to electrohammer. He called his lightsaber to his hand, and in one motion, beheaded the Gromak.

He sighed, deactivating the blade and clipping it back onto his side. There was one last thing to do.

-------------------
"Any updates on gunship Theta?"

"No sir, not since the crazy schutta jumped through the canopy...wait, I'm can a transmission. Sir, what's a 'Bogan'?"

The captain paled as Theta, which had been flying in front of them, turned around and accelerated.
--------------------

Lehvi howled as he found himself plummeting through the air once more, as the gunships collided.

<Julip, gonna need a pick-me-up!>

...I should let you DROP. Why must you make everything so difficult?<

But nevertheless, as he slowed himself through the Force, he saw a flash of orange. Angling himself, he managed to land on Julip's back, none worse for wear.

<So what's new?>

The attack is in full swing. I sense the Jedi leading their forces. The Grand Marshall has joined the fray. And...<

<...And?>

...And I sensed powerful dark force on the outer rings of the city, challenging all newcomers.<

Lehvi grinned, excited to potentially test himself against an adversary. He could see the Sith just ahead, surrounded by strange wraiths. He urged Julip on as he unsheathed his vibroshield and ignited his lightsaber.

"BOGAN! You face a warrior of the great Ghôsh Vas! Be glad have the opportunity for such a worthy death!"

 

[Geiseric]

Geiseric and Eina bid their welcomes to the Heavenshields and Demici, and a bow of course to their monarch as he entered. They then took to their seats as Pietro began the council. Though he was certain he was the sole recipient of Lord Grayson's plan, he felt it was likely the Cardinal had arrived at the same line of thought. Something about great minds.

"I didn't know Lord Grayson would be here as well. I thought he would entrust the whole matter to Lord Demici." she whispered to Gei.

"As did I. In our recent meeting the Kaiser seemed far too reserved for something like this. That is why we came, no? A sudden change of heart could mean this is more important than I thought." he whispered back to Eina. "of course, it will be good to have Lord Grayson supporting us in the flesh."

Geiseric rested back in his seat and observed the room. The king and the scion of Midvinter would be formidable allies, though he was unsure what to make of the Silver Grandmaster. It was not easy to lead one of the many splinters of the greater Jedi Order, a weathered distinction he could see on both Wenton and Cedric. He'd see the same wear and tear on the battered New Jedi Order after the disaster at Coruscant, and he wondered how long it would be before every Jedi in the galaxy, young or old, became jaded by these horrible conflicts.

"You may not be a politician, Eina, but you may well be the diplomat we need today."

Eina L'lerim-Vandiir | Thurion Heavenshield | Gir Quee | Cedric Grayson | Pietro Demici | Brooke Waters

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

“We rise by lifting others.” - Anonymous​

“Reek Squad” was moving out when Caltin stopped them for a moment, annoyed, Lieutenant Graff ordered a perimeter as Caltin listened to responses from “@Greer Caimbeulaich”, he thought he heard, and Aayla Shan . The Shadow’s response was “eye-roll” worthy but brought a bit of a laugh.

Fair enough, kid.

As the Ashla and her team were jumping down into the sewers, the big man shrugged and looked at the Rangers. They were awaiting orders but seemed ready to go on their own, so he looked at them.

“Orders, sir?” Lieutenant Graff asked.

I’m following you.

That response brought a moment of pause from the majority of them as Graff came back. “Sir, we’re here to back you up.” Caltin just shook his head.

[Dark Blue]You’ve got it backward.

“No faith in us?” Speedo barked out. This brought agreement from much of the others. Only Snudtub actually liked having the Jedi around, the rest could take them or leave them.

Plenty of it. I’m here to keep anyone off you… and see if I can learn a few things.

That wasn’t a lie. You never stop learning. If he could build up spirits though…

“Let’s go, Reeks!” Graff barked out. It didn’t take long before they moved out and reached the entry to the sewers. The Ashlas were already in and on their way as the Rangers, were entering. Graff chose to take a parallel route to them to maximize efficiency. He was experienced but needed that confidence to realize that while he may not have made it through the Jedi trials, the Lieutenant still had a lot to offer. Caltin was laying back just enough to keep in the auditory range of their compatriots.

“I smell something!”

“That’s your upper lip!”

Laughter.

“Cut the chatter.”

“There’s nothing down here but dung and beetles!”


Tag: Aayla Shan , Greer Caimbeulaich

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

​

Location: Conference Room
Joined by: Thirdas Heavenshield
Objective tags: Geiseric Eina L'lerim-Vandiir Pietro Demici Gir Quee Cedric Grayson Brooke Waters

"The pleasure is ours, Cardinal."

The room was quickly full of people, Jedi and Crusaders both, as the rest of the delegates arrived. The older Heavenshield was immediately snatched up by the winged woman that accompanied the Cardinal, approaching him. Initially he was confused, as he seemed to recognise her voice and much of her appearance as that of Eternal Empress L'lerim. Revealing herself to be Ingrid's daughter, he supposed it made sense that she would seem so familiar.

Thurion met the young woman with warm enthusiasm, holding her hand like a proud grandfather would his own blood. "Why hello there, little one! I must confess I was not aware Ingrid had children of her own, but my word are you the spitting image of your mother. Please do send her my best regards when next you see her."

It was always heart-warming to meet the youthful, eager generation, doubly so when they were the offspring of old friends. Being who he was, he never could help himself acting the part of an old relative. He forward for a friendly peck on the cheek, just in time to greet the recently-arrived Kaiser.

"Your Highness," Thurion bowed, despite being a monarch himself. His son Thirdas, ever the soldier, instead stiffened into a military salute.

The mention of his wife gave him slight pause, as naturally his thoughts instantly shifted towards her, further reminding him of his true intentions behind appearing at this meeting. Yes... Yes, he was sure of his decision. But later, once the talks had concluded.

"The Will of the Force is curious indeed, for who could have imagined that same young boy would be standing here today, the leader of a host as mighty as the Ashlan Crusaders." It was not unlike his own fate, having come from nothing then suddenly finding himself as the head of an Order of Jedi in his twenties. "Midvinter may yet have need of your generosity, but that day has yet to come. I thank you, Kaiser Grayson," he bowed a second time.

Meanwhile, Thirdas had noticed Admiral Quee and Grandmaster Graff enter the conference room just as the Cardinal officially greeted those gathered. Waiting for the Grandmaster to commance the unending cycle of personal greetings, the Colonel sidled up to the Admiral for a casual salute. Comrades-in-arms were allowed to disregard rank once or twice, and frankly he was just happy to see another soldier in the room. Personally he didn't share his father's stomach for meeting with so many important people in one day.

"Fashionably late, eh," he smirked.

 

[Xeykard]

Lehvi Vass | Heinrich Faust Aayla Shan Greer Caimbeulaich Or'Fol Moric Travot Ravenna Madison Starr | bro fight me​

The first of the day revealed himself -- one of the Ashlan fanatics on an akk dog, riding furiously towards him. Xeykard stopped and turned to face his emerging opponent. At first, Xeykard prepared to simply stand his ground against the akk dog; such feral animals respected strength. Anyone with sufficient will could stop a colossus wasp or exogorth with an unflinching stare. Yet as the Ashlan closed distance he smelled it; the man was bonded to his mount, and it was unlikely Xeykard could scare it off so easily.

Neither would he be able to distract the warrior. This was not a Jedi; had it been, Xeykard would've mocked them, thrown moral quandaries, bluffed and deceived to buy infinitely more time, or at the very least unbalance his opponent. This was going to be a flat battle.

"Aryrene, smoke," he roared, the rough syllables of the Sith language ringing out far in the abandoned street. He shifted, seeming like he was bracing for impact against the charging akk dog. His flaring presence in the Force certainly sold the idea, as did the swirling demons around him. Distantly, though, a few words of that ancient language were spoken.

Once the Ashlan got within ten meters of Xeykard, the Sith and his surroundings were suddenly obscured by a burst of smoke. His presence, once like a roaring fire, disappeared in an instant; even as he moved to strike, the Force gave no indication of his intentions. The hunter's disappearance was so complete even his scent seemed to disappear, fading in the wind.

In a sudden rush the demons emerged, leaping into the air towards the rider. Their forms contorted, seeking to embody their victim's greatest fears before consuming him whole. At the same time, the Inquisitor emerged silently, rushing not for the rider but for the akk dog's back left leg. Xeykard knew he couldn't pierce the creature's scales; instead he sought to cripple it. His left hand rushed forward with all his strength and weight behind it, intent on slamming into the akk dog's upper knee to shatter it. The Force coalesced around his fist, adding further power behind it.

 

[Brooke Waters]

Following the others, Brooke was more than happy to stay in the back for a few moments. She knew that she could lend the hand, that's why she was here. There were ways to be light sided without being a Jedi. The Ashlan Crusade… She hadn't sized them up properly but that wasn't for her to do. What she was doing was her best. Her best to keep the Light, her best to assist Voss, and her best to assist the Concord. If they felt they could work with the Ashlan Crusade, then perhaps they could.

There were others who were here, others who had a larger stake in the game of the Concord. She should have pushed back on Starchaser and had him come in person. Either way… When she saw the lion approach, she grinned and gave him a respectful nod.

She did feel out of place here, but she wanted to listen. She wanted to ensure that the Jedi were held into the approach that she was taught. The Light Side was fickle, but there were new approaches all of the time. Wayseekers found their way to where they belonged, and many didn't stray. She had her saber, true, but she did not live in the way of the lightsaber, not any longer. She was a healer.

The blonde stood behind Admiral Quee and Master Heavenshield. "I am Witch Brooke Waters. Of Kattada. Master Starchaser sends his regards, however has is handling something along the Rim."

Something that needed a saber hand.

Gir Quee Thurion Heavenshield Geiseric Eina L'lerim-Vandiir Cedric Grayson Pietro Demici

 

[Gir Quee]

Location: Conference Room

Objective tags: Geiseric Thurion Heavenshield Eina L'lerim-Vandiir Pietro Demici Brooke Waters Cedric Grayson

The trio only briefly stayed together for a few minutes after they entered. As more people arrived, Sariya offered an almost polite excuse that the immediate area was getting a little too crowded for her liking, and promptly removed herself to stand guard near one of the room's entrances. Wenton Graff soon began to make rounds around the room, politely greeting and introducing himself to the others present. The jedi sentinel was reasonably warm and courteous to even those he had just met, but the man also had a reputation for not letting much of substance come out of his mouth except within the Council itself and a few individuals.

The admiral briefly greeted a few people, and noted several among their ranks. While he had never met any of the Ashlan Crusade before, he was familiar with at least some of their public personas to recognize them and know a little bit about them. But reading about someone was different than actually meeting or getting to know them. As he contemplated moving forward to introduce himself to one of the Ashlan Crusaders, he instead found himself in the warm, familiar company of another solider: Thirdas Heavenshield .

"Fashionably late, eh,"

Gir ruefully shook his head at the colonel, "Always these days...but at least for today, I can say it wasn't because of me..."

As he considered bringing up the Grandmaster's nostalgic wandering and inspection of the old temple, a young blonde woman approached and introduced herself.

"I am Witch Brooke Waters. Of Kattada. Master Starchaser sends his regards, however has is handling something along the Rim."

The admiral nodded, "Please give Master Starchaser my regards when you next see him too, it seems like a jedi's work is never done..."

The jedi are ever busy...The man briefly paused his speech for a just a split second. Aren't we all busy, in this galaxy of turmoil?

"...but it's a pleasure to meet you as well. I have only met a few witches in my time. At the risk of the being the ignorant one here, has anyone here met any of the Ashlan Crusaders before today?"

 

[Dedata | Celty Ree]

Location: Lucerne Labs - Voss (Droid Factory)
Objective: A secret

Weapons	Armor	Gadgets	Ship/Vehicles
Sparti Short Spear	Dedata's MK2 Helmet	Modified Datapad running Deda-net	The Shadow Broker
Ianus Kopis	Dedata's outfit	Data spikes	Dullahan
	Leg harness and bags		Aiwha-class Amphibious Skimmer

Henry Mancini - The Pink Panther Theme

Dedata stood in the cockpit of the Cloaked Shadow Broker looking out at the hues of orange's and reds of its forever autumn like tones. That view would soon be lost as her flight took her over the southern sea's of Voss. She had been listening to the world for some time the past couple of days, all to find one place, her system and VI of course had been helping. This would have gone smoother but it took time she had documents of its mention, and the only thing she had was the southern sea's of this remarkable world.

Her hands braced on the back of the seats she has not once sat in since getting this new ship. "Dee, you know the plan, keep the ship cloaked and fly back to the coast at the co-ordinates set. Once I am done and surfaced, I will ping you with my location through Deda-net. Under no circumstances can you allow anyone to discover the ship. If it means fleeing to space, do it. In case I do not make contact with in the next twenty four hours, send the encrypted message to Ivory Stroud ." It felt strange having someone she could rely on. Things there was still new territory perhaps the feelings would never changed. Some feelings she hopes will never change too.

"Of course Dedata, I shall not fail you." The VI responded in its digitalized voice.

With a push she backed away from the seat, out the door, down the steps to her right then over to the furthest docking port. Dedata at least had a little time to work this out. Her target was Lucerne Labs Droid factory, so she did the sensible thing, used an alias and purchased the tech from his company to infiltrate. Well saying she purchased it would be stretching the truth, she freed some credits from the hands of Arakyd Industries.

The man who ran the company however intrigued her, having the rather colourful and militaristic history, it was probably a story for the ages. Now her eyes had set on his details, she will certainly enjoy finding out every little detail all in due time.

Dropping into the Aiwha-class Amphibious Skimmer, she got comfortable and buckled in. Before setting off Dedata made a last moment mental note of everything, even the weapons she hadn't the slightest on how to use effectively. Mostly they where used as prying tools or to cut her self a path trough dense flora and wires.

Pressing the ignition the dash light up, her hands clasped around the control sticks and feet firmly against the floor. It would be a lie if she did not feel nervous, but there was no backing out now. "Dedata, we are coming up to the drop point in thirty seconds."

Her hand would flick switches turning the repulsors to life a split second after the Shadow broker released the amphibious vehicle. Looking at the approaching waters a thought came to mind. "I hope I remember those lessons on how to swim. Why could this not be on a station with no gravity Feth me." As the Aiwha made impact, she jolted forward from the brake in momentum, water rushed over the cockpit window.

 

[Cedric Grayson]

Location: Conference Room
Tags: Geiseric , Eina L'lerim-Vandiir , Pietro Demici , Thurion Heavenshield , Brooke Waters , Gir Quee


"It was. I've found that I tend to be harassed far less in the snub fighter than I do with an escort. Thanks for taking the heat." His gaze jumped from the Cardinal to the patriarch of the Heavenshields. Few elders from the days of his youth still lived, and even less of them continued their duty as Jedi Knights. Thurion and his wife were outliers, and for the first time in quite some time indeed, Cedric was unsure how to speak to the man. He'd grown rather used to being the most experienced individual in the room; to lack seniority had become something of a foreign thing.

"If you had asked me what the galaxy might look like now twenty years ago, it would have been far from this. There aren't many of our kind left, but for now we have weathered the storm," a pause, "You may dispense with the titles Master Heavenshield. I am the guiding hand of my nation, but you are one of the last of the old masters. You need not pay me any particular respect." It felt strange to have a man that had once served as a distant role model acknowledge him as a peer now, though he supposed that Thurion was not wrong to do so.

He nodded to Pietro as the Cardinal began to make his proposal. This was Pietro's show, not his, and so he wasted little time in returning the greetings of his constituents. "Et ess gutt dech ze gesinn Eina, Geiseric," he offered the young couple a small, albeit warm smile as he regarded them in the Essonian tongue. If there was hope for a peaceful reign, then their relationship and others like it would have to flourish. Family was the basic building block of civilization, and at the moment the Crusaders were woefully short on anything resembling the next generation.

He paused as Brooke Waters introduced herself. "A pleasure Miss Waters," he offered her a slight bow of the head, "I am Cedric Grayson, and I have been honored with kingship over the Essonians, and the titles of our ancient Kaiserreich over all the Tingel Arm. The man with the strange hat is Pietro Demici, Cardinal of the Ashlan faith, and these two are Geiseric and Eina L'lerim, two of my favored knights and darlings of our media. Romance sells evidently."

He'd offer that same head-bow to Gir Quee and Silver Grandmaster, though he held his tongue from any further pleasantries. He was far more curious about what Pietro might have to say to the congregation.

 

[Aien Mueller]

The hallways were filthy and dilapidated. That was not unexpected, but still disgusting. Bartleby managed to slice into one of the auto-cannons and pull off something rather genius. He managed to change the IFFs on the targeting system. They (Omega Squad) were now "Friendly" as was anyone else with "Silver" identifiers. Everyone else was "Shoot on sight". They would have to be activated for this to work, but it was still something to keep in mind as they were making their way to Main Engineering.

Rounding the corner that would lead them to their objective was a bad idea as they walked straight into an ambush. Not really an "Ambush" but more of a makeshift chokepoint. Castiel stopped everyone in time before there would be something bad happened. Sure, they were all in their combat armor but three E-webs and two Z-6 Rotary blasters would make for something bad. Sauriel and Michael both set up behind the wall, and Samael, being in the "Heavy" armor put himself in harm's way and opened fire. This gave the snipers their opening as they began to pick their own targets. The rest of the team began to tear into the ship's rag-tag protectorate. They were going to win the fight, but it was slower than it should be.

This is why I don't like "the group thing".

Real Nice.

He doesn't mean it as it sounds, we're just used to stealth.

Comes with the job...

No need to suck up, you're on the team.

Cut the chatter and... frak.

Incoming from the east hall.

Gabriel, you look mad...

The Demo tech of the team looked to be fidgety. That was never a good sign for the opposition.

I'm getting mad, Boss.

Let it out.

That was all the authorization Gabriel needed as he pulled up his rocket launcher.

Can I?

The question was more to Bartleby.

It's Engineering, the most safety-conscious construct of this thing.

All you had to do was say "yes".

The rocket he fired slammed into the blast door and the splash damage was enough to set the entire chokepoint ablaze. The screams were blood-curdling as killing them was an act of mercy. The east hall? Those pirates went to turn and run but they were cut down by Samael's rotary "Bertha". The entry into Engineering was fast, the workers were cowards and dropped to their knees. In a rare moment of brutality, Azrael decided no quarter, and they were cut down as well. "No Loose Ends".

Lock the C&C out, shut down everything but lights and doors.

What's that flashing? FRAK!

Sauriel was closest to the "flashing" as he looked at the power output being rerouted to the Command and Control, effectively the cannon's "bridge" if it were a ship that they were in. This was a big problem as the cannon was targeting Voss-Ka. He was busy taking notes of the angles of fire on the layout of the place as Chamuel was right next to him trying his best to understand what he was reading.

Boss, this thing is gonna fire!

Lock'em out!

Need time!

How much?

I don't know... time for you to get up there and make it easier for us?

Azrael just let out a frustrated sigh and closed the faceplate.

Sauriel, Michael, cover the door. Bartleby, lock the motherfuckers out. Chamuel shut down all systems they got back up. I don't care if this thing falls with us in it. Everyone else, let's move!

Without another word, the team went out the only entry into Main Engineering as the blast doors shut behind them. They were down the hall in seconds running as fast as the armor would allow them and anyone stupid enough to pop their heads out would be killed instantly. Bartleby patched in a virtual map of the path to the C&C in Castiel's HUD and a countdown timer to when they can no longer stop the cannon from firing on Voss Ka. Alarms klaxoned all over the ship and it seemed everyone that could converge on them was.

Jegudiel and Zadkiel stayed back to take down a team of six firing from a corridor as everyone else kept moving. Raziel and Gabriel stayed behind to pin down the group firing out of the sickbay along the main corridor to the bridge. Castiel, Azrael, and Samael were caught on the other end of the bridge's locked blast door when a comm came over Azrael's unit.

[You're welcome.]

The blast door opening was bittersweet as while it opened, those on the C&C lay in ambush and immediately began firing.

Screw this!

Being in the "heavy" armor didn't have a lot of perks, but being able to stand while fired on was. Lifting "Bertha" into firing position the heavy weapons specialist opened up on the Gormak. They had “heavy”s of their own, ones with similar weapons and armor, but not like “Sam’s”. This pinned most of them down. The rest?

[You're welcome!]

Apparently, Gabriel engaged the fire suppression system. The Gormak Cannon’s Command and Control was all but useless.

[We're secure.]

Azrael just point at those Gormak, now soaked in foam and all but choking on it.

Get those idiots out of here.[Gabriel, rig this queen up. and everyone push to the top. Bart... call for an extraction.]

 

[Madison Starr]

​

The Gallam District Part Two - Voss Ka, West
A Delicate Matter


There was an echo on the wind.

Quiet and dim. Like a cool breeze that blew through the broken windows. Swept up the fragments on the floor. Brushed the loose hair against her face. Quietly awakening her to a world that was upside down and very blurry.

"Ugh..."

She sat up upon the torn, glass-strewn leather couch. Clutching her head and arching her back from the pain. Sharp, sudden pain. Mmm. She must have landed on her back or hip, or something. Agh.

"Ugh. Where..? Ugh. Did we win?"

She took a deep breath and opened one eye. Letting the world around here slowly stop spinning and finally settle into a broken, empty, disquiet.

Outside the empty hotel's broken windows. Her jetbike was still burning. The wind was blowing the smoke further up the empty side street. Only echoes of distant gunfire interrupted her. She was in a war. She remembered. Rockets hit the building next to her. Then, falling. Crashing. Then nothing.

"Must have been out for a minute or two. Damn... Ugh."

She tried to move. Tried to stand up. Alas. Gackt. Something broken and painful stopped her. A rib maybe. Damn. She hurt all over.

"Ugh... Damn. Need to focus. Need to heal. Need to... Use the Force. Ugh."

She took another deep breath and hunched over the edge of the couch. Focusing on her power. Letting the Force accumulate within her. Letting it mend her broken body. Her broken mind. Fill her empty vessel and rebuild her strength anew.

She took another deep breath and then another. Slowly, quietly. After another few deep breaths. The pain began to recede. She could walk again. She could stand.

Mgh. Agh. Madison Starr stood up and let her new body relax. Rolled her shoulders and patted herself down. She was good now. Reborn. Refreshed. Huh, what a thing. Just like new again. Ah, and her gear was all still there too. Though she stood in the middle of a confetti of glass and destruction. An empty hotel. With a broken ceiling and thrashed lobby expanse. A terrible picture to awaken to.

"Damn. What a mess. Still? ...Much better. Shoulders are working too. Ah. Nice. Love it."

She stretched again. Just double checking her Force Healing Trance. Then she reached for her radio. Alas. It was dead. Bent in all the wrong places. So she threw it on the floor. With all the rest of the rubble.

"Chet! Of course it's broke. Why won't it be. Frack."

She cursed the quiet expanse of her dreadful awakening. Then looked around again. Looking for movement. Signs of friendly troops. Signs of enemy troops. Signs of anything really. Alas. Nothing moved. Just the wind. And that distant, distant sound of gunfire.

Ugh. Time to move, I guess.

Grumbling. She walked out from the hotel. Past the smoking wreckage of her bike. Into an empty side street filled with debris and the memory of battle. There was a Voss landspeeder burning quietly up the street. She didn't see the Gormak line or it's vehicles anymore. Plenty of smoke and rubble from a distant firefight. Tires, bodies, some equipment and burned barricades. Whatever had concluded on this somber little side street of Voss Ka? It had left her behind awhile ago.

She was alone. For now.

. . .

Meanwhile,

Five minutes ago a sudden influx of Silver Concord troops on speeder bikes had changed the tables for the Gormak Second Defensive Line. Their center was blown away by torpedoes from the sky. Meanwhile, they found themselves suddenly outflanked by Voss liberation fighters in Technicals and Speeders. So when the Silver reinforcements arrived and cut them right down the center? Their sudden retreat turned into a bloodbath. Their second line was broken almost as quickly as their first.

And so.

With the Gormak Second Line destroyed and it's remainders now fleeing on foot. Soon to be cut down by Silver bikes or Voss speeders. There wasn't much left to do but secure this area of the city and call in for medivacs and retrieval.

The Gallam District was theirs' now.

Time to refocus before the Allied Forces pushed north and east again.

. . .

Madison Starr sat in the middle of the empty main street plaza. Perched atop a burning Voss landspeeder, half crushed into the ground. The wind swept through her damp hair and echoed quietly from a empty city all around her. She was alone on a empty canvas. Sitting by herself. Atop a mountain of little war.

She stood up when a squadron of Silver Speederbikes zoomed past. Twelve in total. Moving at incredible speeds. They ignored her and flew right past.

"Damn it!" She exclaimed with a shrug. Did they even see her? Pfft. Assfracks.

Luckily. She didn't have to wait long. Another squad of land vehicles rolled up from the western expanse. Four jeeps accompanied by a fly-over of ground transports and reinforcements. The sudden gust of jets and wind almost blew her right off her perch.

Luckily one of the jeeps stopped outside the smoke and a soldier stood up from his seat,

"Yo! Hey! ...You good!?"

"I could use a ride actually!" Madison waved with a smile.

The soldier seemed confused but beckoned her forward,

"Right! And uh..? Who are you again!?" He shouted.

"Jedi! I'm Jedi. I was with the Local Group. But... We got separated in a rocket attack. Thanks." She stepped up to the jeep and nodded.

The solders all seemed confused at finding a lone Jedi lost among the wreckage. Wasn't the battle a dozen or so, streets up? Why the frack was she sitting around back here?

Madison sighed and waved herself aboard, "Anyway. Long story. Bunch of tanks ambushed us as we were coming in. We split up but my bike took a rocket and I was thrown for a tumble. Just came to. A few minutes ago. Looks the war moved on with me. Phh."

"Damn." The soldier said as he sat back down and quickly strapped himself back in. When Starr was seated and settled, they returned to moving. Rolling ahead a full speed. "...Well. Your local buddies are tearing up the place. Got the enemy running for the hills already. Command is reporting a tactical retreat by the Gormak and your local buddies are hot on their heels. Crazy bunch really. Anxious to run em' down and kill em' all if they can do it. Damn. We're just trying to keep up. Heh."

"Right." Madison nodded. Just grateful to be back in the vehicle now. Back in the game. "...Where are we going?"

"Edge of the district. Command wants a regroup by all western forces. Then they'll probably split us up and move somebody north and east. Might look for hostages or something too. I don't know. We popped em' pretty hard, truth be told. I don't think Command was expecting to take this much ground, so quickly?"

"Right." Madison nodded again as they bumped along. Driving through broken city streets filled with smoke and broken vehicles. Mostly Gormak now.

"Oh, hey? Got an extra radio? Mine's shrapnel." Madison leaned in from the back.

"Nope. Sorry."

"Damn."

She leaned back and took a deep sigh. Hoping that the battle in the other parts of the city was going better for the other Jedi. Cause, right now? She sure needed a wash and a shower. Mmm. Wouldn't that be nice.

"Poo."

Still a long day of war ahead she wagered. Damn.

. . .

 

[Pietro Demici]

Tags: Gir Quee , Eina L'lerim-Vandiir , Geiseric , Brooke Waters , Thurion Heavenshield , Cedric Grayson

Eina's tendency to refer to Pietro as her uncle was something that took some getting used to, though it never bothered him. The Crusade was very much her family, just as much as the Eternal Empress or the other Valkyrja. In many ways, he saw her as family as well. Nevertheless, he had to keep his mind on the matter at hand, and kept his focus on the SJC representatives, as well as the Voss Mystics that had joined this gathering. His voice picked up in its usual, fiery tone, as if he were speaking to one of his congregations.

"I would like to propose an alliance, if our SJC friends would have it. With this entire region still largely in disarray, and the threat of the Maw ever-looming, it is imperative that we work together to secure and restore these broken worlds, and watch out for each other in the event of another Mawite attack."

He took a moment before speaking, attempting to get a read of the room.

"The incidents on both Coruscant and Cato Neimoidia have shown us a simple truth, and that is that the Jedi must work together to keep ourselves and the galaxy safe. It has been too long since we have done so, and we must remedy that."

The Maw had always been a bold opponent, but their attacks had only continued to grow more wild and aggressive. Even as this meeting was taking place, the Maw had been making a push into the Core, an act that could only mean that even more grim days were ahead. The galactic powers needed to act, and quickly, if they were to withstand the growing tide of darkness.

"We wish to start here, and hope that this will be the beginning of a new chapter for the Jedi as a whole."

With those words, the Cardinal stepped back, opening the floor to whoever may want to speak.