Bloody Swarms - The SJO Dominion of the Roche Hex

[Eugen Aker]

Piracy and raiding was nothing new to Silver Jedi, but recent attacks had been too direct and precise. There was a rising suspicion that there was a mole within the Silver Order, feeding information to their adversaries. Fears were confirmed in the aftermath of the battle of Charros IV, where it was revealed that Padawan Vashe had been used by Sith magi as a siphon of information.

To their horror, most patrols and major operations within the Mid Rim had been compromised, including the existence of secret shipyards within the Roche asteroid fields, where new vessels and systems are being developed to challenge the rising might of the Sith and Imperials.

A great purge began to finally root out all other seditious elements within the Silver Order, and security measures were revamped. As for Roche, elements of the 4th and 9th fleets were deployed to bolster security in and around Roche and protect one of the Silver Spacey's most important naval assets.

However, as they would soon discover, it was much too late. What had started at Charros would soon end at Roche.

Objectives:

Unknown to the Silver Order and their allies, the New Sith Order plans to assault their shipyards with newly acquired vassals: the Charon. The arachnid race from Otherspace is ruthless, killing everything in sight as dictated by the precepts their Death Cult.

Once the Sith and Charon hit Roche (after the initial cycle of SJO intro posts entering the area and establishing themselves), the following objectives will unfold.

Hellgate (Fleeting/Piloting):

Though the use of Dark Side techniques, the NSO summons a special kind of wormhole to create a rift between Realspace and Otherspace - not even the Sith trust the Charon with hyperdrive technology. To save the shipyards and the various asteroid colonies of Roche, it will be critical to neutralizing the rift. Though this won't be an easy task, as the rift will be defended by a large fleet of Sith and Charon warships and drones.

Fleeters, feel free to bust out the big ships (the Rift will be created just outside the asteroid field), but please no more than ~10km per writer.

The Queen Mothers (Rangers/Jedi):

Aside from destroying the Silver shipyards, another important objective is the elimination of the Verpine hive queens and the central government based on Nickel One, sympathetic to the Silver Jedi. Rangers and Jedi need to work together to repel the assault of Sith and Charon who aim to destroy the well-defended asteroid colony and its inhabitants from within.

For this objective, you can start with the fleet, the shipyards, or directly on Nickel One.

Shining Path (Engineers/Support/Jedi):

While still incomplete, the Silver's newest warship houses a powerful weapon that can help turn the tide of battle. Help Master Nooran bring the system online.

BYOO:

Don't see something you like, do your own thing.

 

[Varindar Asyt]

Objective: Hellgate
Location: Charros IV

While the rest of the third floor was being built in the hotel on Trandosha, her duties to the Order commanded that she fought the Sith, with most disturbing reports from the Verpine government in the Roche Asteroids. The Silver Spacy's secret shipyards were coming under attack from... Charon? What would bring them out of Otherspace, other than nihilistic aims? She will never see Asaraa Vaashe the same after what happened on Charros IV, and neither will she see piloting the same either. I hope Wallpaper won't be screaming at me anymore, she thought, while proton torpedoes were loaded into her Wasp for another patrol alongside other people, other participants. But she knows better than to underestimate the ability of the NSO to fight in the black; they were different from the Sith Empire in that respect. She still feels she had a lot to prove so that she could be useful to the Order beyond water planets. But she was grateful for having survived the happenings on Charros IV. She was about to take off and maybe she will have her own wingmen for use if she performs well here.

"Hotelier, ready to launch?" Wallpaper asked her.

"Copy that, Wallpaper"

 

[Gi Gregain]

The sound of the phyla chamber as the ooze swished and drained it was there as she opened her eyes, after everything that had happened the herald felt her muscles.. or what there was below them. THe surface smoth and showing no scars, the vains tight under the skin like steel cords before she stood up tall once the chamber opened and despoted her onto the flloor of the triage's medical room. Gi stood towering over the doctors for a moment with her hair plastered all around herself. THick globs of ooze drying and she reflexively clenched and unclenched her fist. Jaw tightening as they were bringing a skylar undersuit to her. The guard armor on a rack and she spoke.

"Situation." Voice gravely from the surgeries, combining bioengineered, cybernetic and genetic manipulation of the body, she knew her blod was pumping, the light around the room slowly being raised so not to upset her new retina's. A few of the doctors were checking the vitals but her body was functioning beyond expectation as she got dried off and changed into the undersuit. Her hands went to her hair as it was dried and she shook out the caked goo, pulling it back into a tight ponytail that made it look shorted then it actually was, securing it with a clasp before securing the undersuit section of her nec and she walked to the rack.

The guard armor was some of the most advanced she knew and with the baptiste layering on the outside it responded to her will and intent. Connection as it opened up initially but the suit would be the last thing she would ever wear when she went into it mostly. She had learned a few things and it could shift around before she was climbing into the suit. The helmet securing around her face and display coming to her when she started walking and testing it out. Even wiht the upgrade of the metal it felt ten times lighter to the augmented muscles and body before she was running around the room and into the hanger.

"Gregain, we are at roche, a small team of prototype StealthX's have been set aside for you and others to try out. We are going bug hunting against the Charon." She listened and standing in the armor looked at the ship, jet black with the surface thatg would blend in with the blackness of space, unable to be sen on sensors for the most part and in the classive design. They had been working on the weapons systems and advancements that would go into it as she climbed up and the astromech droid was there. "Lets go M8." She said it and got itno the cockpit as the canopy closed and all fo the systems went online.

THe StealthX was taking off after she checked the systems and it swung around with the protective lattice of panels appearing as it emitted a low grade shock to make sure nothing was one it. She could see the systems and started heading towards the hanger entrace as one fot he stealthX was slaved to her ship to function thanks to the droid as her wingman. Gi spoke with her voice semi returning to normal. "Heading out." She got a confirmation before going and there was rumors one fo the squadrons would be there but she was uncertain about it. Bugs needed to be crushed and she had a very heavy bot that would work.

 

[Valkren Calderon]

Location: Nickel One - Corridors (Moving to Hangar).​

Objective: Find other Rangers, Bolster Security​

(Defend the Queen, eventually)​

Assets: First Ranger Special Tactics Unit,​

Third Ranger Infantry.​

Post count: #1​

___________________________________________________​

Colonel Valkren Calderon rounded another corner within Nickel One, doing his best not to believe that he was absolutely lost within the winding corridors. It wasn't often, but it certainly wasn't uncommon that the special forces officer get lost within one of many stations he had be deployed to. Constantly switching from HQ on Kashyyyk to different forward operating bases of the rangers often mixed the man's mind up.

Valk and a select group of the 'Radama Raiders' had been issued an order to return to the Roche Asteroid Fields, to help provide training and bolster security to the immediate area and their stations. Along with the small group of specialized rangers, the Third Ranger Infantry division was also present. Usually based out of Kashyyyk, the grunts had also been deployed to Roche. This confused Valkren, as 'Infantry' usually meant rangers that were deployed planet side, and remained planet side. However, it was apparent to him that even the infantry needed to be prepared if it came to combat on-ship before a deployment, and Silver command would be knocking out two birds with one stone, training both their own rangers and the Verpine soldiers here on Nickel One.

Behind him, Lieutenant Konrad Harris trotted up, clad in his Katarn armor much like Valkren.

"Bloody hell, you move faster than I remember in that kit." The heavy breathing was apparent in the Lieutenant's voice.

"You're just getting old, Konrad." Valkren let out an audible chuckle, gripping his helmet tightly underneath his arm as the pair rounded another corner, slipping past a pair of rangers that were carrying equipment the other way.

"Well this is a young mans game after all, combat. Maybe I should leave it to you young guns?" Harris clasped his hand on Valkren's plated shoulder momentarily, giving it a shake and a shove forward as they continued to make their way through the facility.

"Did I actually hear you say that you're ready for retirement?" The colonel cracked a smile at his own statement, glancing over to his friend.

"In your dreams, commando. Where's the rest of the team?"

Valkren removed a communicator from his utility belt, stopping in place in front of a larger set of doors. Konrad soon followed suite, looking to the short range communications device. Along with his five-man team, other rangers from separate units had been assigned to Valkren's command so they could receive some station-based training.

"Rangers, this is Colonel Calderon. We're heading to the hangars now, how copy?"

After a moment of waiting to hear from the other rangers, Specialist Jim Lowder of the raiders came through. His figure appeared as a hologram on the small communicator. The specialist, of course, was also in his katarn armor.

"Lowder here sir, already in the hangar. Been working with some of these verpine engineers to tune their droids 'little better."

"Copy, Lowder. We'll be at the hangars in five. Oh, and watch the bug jokes with our Verpine friends, yeah?"

"No promises, Lowder out." The figure vanished into the communicator, and just as swiftly as the specialist disappeared, so did the communicator back into his belt. Both the colonel and lieutenant made their way through the doors afterwards, closing the distance between themselves and their destination. Valkren almost had a swagger in his step, rather happy that this day was just one for training. Seemed like they'd get some well deserved extra R & R the next few days.

He had no idea that the training exercises they would be partaking in would soon turn deadly.

[member="Vertigo"] | [member="Tyrell Caphey"] | [member="Roona Osmari"] | [member="Beltran Rarr"]

(Tags will be added when I see more writers pile into Nickel One!

 

[Beltran Rarr]

Location: Nickel One
Objective: The Queen Mothers
Allies: SJO, Verpine, Debbis Endo and Obsidian Star operatives
Enemies: Evil spider people
Actions: Attending a business meeting with some Verpine.
Post #1

A series of clicks and clacks filled the room as the Verpine business representative, sitting opposite Debbis Endo – CEO of Obsidian Star Technologies – responded to his proposal. A droid, an old reddish C3PO unit that belonged to the Verpine, translate:

<“We cannot, in good conscience, acquiesce to your proposal. And certainly not when you bring goons with you to intimidate us.”>

Debbis Endo, leaned forward and took a long drag on the ever-present cigar he held in his hand. He held his breath for just a moment, before releasing the pungent vapour into the air. The Verpine, flanked by two of its own species, gave no indication whether or not the smoke was bothersome.

Behind the Denon arms manufacturer, and public face of Obsidian Star Technologies, stood three human males- the goons of which the Verpine spoke of. All were clad in black business suits and each had his hands clasped neatly behind his back.

It was true that each of his bodyguards was highly trained, and armed with some of the latest Obsidian Star tech. But the reasoning behind that wasn’t to intimidate.

“I apologize, representative.” Endo replied easily. He was a man used to negotiations, and knew better than to become ruffled by an adversary’s fake sense of offense. “My guards are near only to ensure my safety. It is a dangerous galaxy, after all.”

That much was true, for only a few months earlier he had been kidnapped outside of one of his own company’s buildings, by the very man who stood in the middle as one of the three bodyguards: Beltran Rarr.

Rarr, the Lorrdian hit-man and mercenary, had engineered his kidnapping in order to gain control of Obsidian Star. It had then been under his direction, that Endo had begun to make ties to the Verpine. Rarr, he’d gathered, worked for the Silver Jedi-the dominant faction in the region-in some capacity and wanted to establish Obsidian Star in the area.

Since the Lorrdian wanted to keep his affiliation with the Denon arms manufacturer a secret, but evidently didn’t trust Endo to handle the negotiations on his own, this was the best way for Beltran to get the best of both worlds. Having undergone some, very minor, cosmetic…enhancement, Endo surmised that Rarr would be unlikely to be recognized by any of his Silver Jedi brethren while he was here. How the Lorrdian continued to be able to sneak on and off of Kashyyyk without being noticed, Endo didn’t know.

And honestly, he didn’t care.

He just wanted this meeting to be over with, so he could return to Denon and his comfortable life and, preferably, be as far away from Beltran Rarr as possible.

“We at Obsidian Star view our Verpine engineering competitors with the utmost respect. Your craftsmanship is renowned throughout the galaxy, and we feel that it would be in both our best interests to partner up on this proposed venture. As you can see here, the projected cost-profit analysis is quite promising. With our contacts already in the region, I feel that we can quickly develop the assets necessary for both our organizations to benefit greatly.”

***
As Endo droned on, Beltran Rarr honed in on the Verpine representative’s body language. Non-humanoid species were far more difficult for the Lorrdian to read, but not impossible and he was beginning to learn.

That was part of the reason the Lorrdian was here today, in addition to keeping an eye on Mister Endo as he conducted the negotiations. The first few months of Beltran’s secret ownership of Obsidian Star Technologies had seen the introduction of several new products into the arms manufacturer’s line. Some were selling better than others and a couple had done quite well.

Still, the company needed to expand its sphere of operations if it was going to pull itself out of the death spiral that Mister Endo had plunged it into nearly a year before. Technically, the businessman was still under investigation for corporate fraud-and barred from leaving Denon. But Denon was a world were money talked, and Endo had more than enough of it to forestall any problems with the law for the time being.

What was important now, to both men (even if Endo didn’t understand it yet), was to establish Obsidian Star here on Roche. To do that, he’d had Endo and his team of advisers draw up some kind of joint venture. Though the Lorrdian was well-versed in all of its workings, it was far too complicated to sift through piece by piece now. Endo would do his job, and hopefully Beltran’s company would find a foothold here and from there, take the next step toward securing a contract with the Silver Jedi.

It would be here that Beltran would be when the Charon came to Roche…

 

[Charlie Nooran]

Location: Nickle One
Objective: Diplomacy
Hanging out with: [member="Jyoti Nooran"]

Another diplomacy mission, Charlie wondered why the Jedi consistently wanted to talk and never act. The people that they were talking to were other nations that had nothing to do with the Sith – so Charlie never questioned it out loud. She trusted the Jedi along with her Master. If Jyoti believed full heartedly in the Jedi Charlie would continue to find reasons to follow fully with the Jedi. She was young and knew once she had seen more – maybe her questions would disappear.

Nickle One was a place that she had never heard of or ever been. So, it was going to be an interesting mission. A new tunic that had a bit more room hid her newest snack obsession. Dried fruits in a small bag tucked happily against her body, she reached in and snuck a sweet dried treat and stuck it into her mouth. She sucked on it which meant that she probably wouldn’t get caught. She walked a stride behind Jyoti, but soon picked up her pace to match the Master Jedi’s.

“So, we’re meeting a Queen? Is she super pretty and stuff? Queens are usually really, pretty right?” Charlie brought her brows together as she had a feeling that this Queen is going to fall short of her expectations.

 

[Roona Osmari]

Location: Nickel One - Corridors (Moving to Hangar)
Objective: Find other Rangers, Bolster Security
Post: 1
Allies: [member="Valkren Calderon"], [member="Tyrell Caphey"], [member="Vertigo"]

The Verpine were curious beings.

She had never encountered the insectoid species before this. However, Roona had learned a bit about them during her time here at Nickel One. As she understood it, they had quite an interesting way of communicating – via radio waves. Their eyesight was far keener than that of a human, it was vision that any sharpshooter like herself would be envious of. But there were similarities, too. The way their hives worked together seamlessly reminded her very much of the Antarian Rangers. The Verpine’s carahide could even be likened to the Katarn Armor that was so emblematic of the Rangers, Roona mused silently.

Sergeant Osmari and Private Clark broke away from the Verpine patrol that they had been accompanying, turning sharply down a corridor that would eventually take them to the hangar. Both pulled their helmets off, thankful for a quick breather. Roona tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear, and slid her helmet tightly into the crook of her arm. While her expression would remain quite stony, her counterpart would flash an animated smile.

“What d’ya think of those Verpine?” Clark asked, careful to take a look around before speaking.

Roona brought her shoulders up into a slight shrug. She had no complaints to speak of, yet she hadn’t seen quite enough to form much of an opinion. But if anything, she was impressed by their technology, especially with weapons. Her secondary weapon happened to be a shatter pistol of Verpine design.

“They seem… efficient.” Roona answered with a nod.

Having served together several times, Clark should have known that it would take more than that to force the Sergeant into small talk. Before the silence could stretch out too far between them, Roona shifted a sidelong glance Clark’s way as he spoke again.

“Nice having some new faces around, though. Don’t ya think? Fresh meat, am I right?”

Roona’s green eyes flickered away as Colonel Calderon’s voice came over their comms. Thankful for the distraction, she lifted her own comm to reply.

“Osmari here. Clark and I will be there shortly – out.” As always, her words were short and to the point.

With a nod to Clark, the two of them picked up the pace.

 

[Thom Naudir]

Objective: Hellgate
Post: 1

A series of bright flashes illuminated the void near the outer edges of the Roche asteroid belt. Thirty six ships of varying in a tight formation came to a halt just beyond the start of the belt, advancing slowly with weapons powered down. At the front of the fleet, a Tenchu Class Dreadnought with the name Redeemer painted on its side advanced ahead of the rest of the formation, approaching the leading edge of the asteroid belt. Once it was close enough, a transmission was sent from the flagship to Vespine colonies.

"Nickle One, this is Admiral Sentus of the Silver Jedi Order, requesting entry into your territory to commence refueling and resupplying efforts." Standing at the front of the bridge aboard the Redeemer, Sentus briefly ran his gloved hands across his uniform, pulling it down to keep it straight. The effort was slightly hampered by the large fur cloak that he was currently wearing, but he was used to it by now. As he waited for a response from the Vespine control, he let out a deep breath, watching the mist float away from him. Like all ships within the 9th fleet, the Redeemer was kept at a below average temperature for most humanoid species. Due to his past on Tatooine, Sentus truly hated the heat. It was his custom to keep the bridge of any ship he was on cold, and this tradition had been picked up by the other Captains within the 9th. Cloaks and heavy uniforms were quite common among their ranks. It also didn't hurt that most of the crew were droids.

A brief message came back over the open transmission channel, a confirmation for approach and passage through the asteroid belt. Sentus quickly sent orders back to the rest of his ships, ordering them to fall into a dual column formation, to allow for easier passage through the belt. It didn't take long for the ships to fall into formation, as only about a third of the 9th fleet was actually present here. Sentus had received redeployment orders, and had only needed to take a small portion of his full fleet to get fresh supplies and munitions for the long term deployment they were about to take. And hopefully when he returned, the new flagship of his fleet would be completed.

Sentus's eyes were drawn to two small specks that emerged from the asteroid field, B-Wings if he had to guess. They turned and began to make slow progress back towards the asteroid field, the 9th fleet falling in behind them. As they drew closer, the asteroids began to move out of their way, clearing a safe lane for his ships to move through. Sentus was surprised, though not astounded by this. He had never visited the Roche system himself, but he had heard of the Vespine's ability to control the asteroid belt that was their home. As the Redeemer passed less than a kilometer below an asteroid easily twice its size, he began to think of all the military possibilities such control would give, and what strategies he would use to counter them. The Vespine were their friends, but a military officer should never allow themselves to be easily fooled by appearances.

Hearing footsteps approaching him, Sentus turned his head slightly to see his First Officer, Commander Losh walking towards him. He towered over Sentus, easily looking down on the Admiral's own six foot four height, his brown eyes staring out into the asteroid field beyond as he folded his arms across his chest. Sentus dipped his head in acknowledgment, a gesture that was briefly returned, though Sentus had to crane his head up to see it. Having a Wookie as his Second in Command had taken some getting used to, but he couldn't deny Losh's ability.

"Commander, please see that all is made ready for docking with the supply stations. I want this to be by the book, and be under way within six hours at most." A low growl from the Wookie was the Commanders only response before he turned away, heading off the bridge. As the first ships of the 9th fleet began to exit the asteroid field, Sentus tried to shake the nagging feeling in the back of his mind that something was off. If he was a Jedi, he might even say he "Had a bad feeling about this."

Luckily for everyone present he wasn't that stereotypical.

 

[Audren Sykes]

Location: Nickel One - Corridors
Objective: Examine layout and security, negotiate contractors
Post: 1
Allies: SJO and Verpine, specifics TBD

The Verpine were...a different species. It was very obvious visually: they were insectoid. Their limbs were long and gangly, and they had a hardened carapace that was simultaneously as flexible as skin yet capable of withstanding unpowered blades. Multifaceted compound eyes were the main focus of their head, but there were also antennae there. More than just physically though, they thought differently. Numbers fell into base six for their kind, they could see down to microscopic levels, and could be in near-constant and silent communication with others of their kind through some sort of organ. That said, they were not a true hive mind, each had individual thoughts and could operate independently. Routine work was performed by unintelligent drones, while the more mentally rigorous work was performed by the intelligent ones.

Given the differences in thought patterns, it was not surprising to Audren that the asteroid habitats were organized in what many would call a chaotic manner. It likely made perfect sense to the organizers. On the off chance that one of the natives got lost, they only needed microscopic signs or could reach out their their radio waves for instructions or directions. Useful for them, but detrimental to humans. Some basics were the same: hangars were near the skin of the asteroids, important areas such as computer and reactor cores and many nesting chambers were near the center.

Audren was walking the tunnels with a Verpine named Ze'tre and a protocol droid. The droid had a Verpine translator module of course, it would be next to useless otherwise. His purpose here was two-fold: learn as much of the layout of the place as possible and examine it from a security standpoint. He was by no means an expert, but he did have some experience in the matter. Additionally, learning the layout now meant he didn't have to fumble around nearly as much later on other visits. At the moment they were heading from a secondary hangar to a small meeting room to go over the external access points; attackers wouldn't necessarily use just the hangars. Already several thoughts had occurred to the Jedi that he intended to bring up.

_________________________________________________________​

On two other asteroids in the belt, Tarion Fenn and Kavra Magre were on their way to meetings of their own with the Verpine. Each had been contracted to negotiate the finer points of contracts with certain hives of the insectoids. Tarion had been hired by TransGalMeg for the hiring of some starship architects and quality control, while Kavra had been contacted by Ceredir Industries for quality control and micro-electronics design. The two both had experience with the Verpine in their respective areas and carried impeccable professional reputations.

Initial points had already been established by comm messages. Both sides had exchanged information such as estimated pay ranges, upper and lower limits of contractors employed at any given time, duration of contracts both with the hive and individuals of the hive, and general examples and guidelines regarding contract breaches. Kavra and Tarion had been given their individual information and had worked with their respective companies to fine-tune desired specifics, acceptable ranges, and hard limits. Now it was time to work with the Verpine to match the two sides in the best possible manner. Thus meetings and datapadding and correlation of quite a lot of details. Assuming they were able to match everything up, they had both been authorized to submit contracts for final approval by company executives.

Neither knew that the owner of both companies was in the same asteroid belt. He was aware of their presence but was not involved in the minutiae of the deals at this point. One of the benefits of no longer being a one-man company.

 

[Sky'ito Yumi]

Objective 3: Nickle One
Objective: Talking Nicely
Peps: [member="Charlie"] [member="Jyoti Nooran"]

It had been a few months since Sukai's last diplomatic mission, spending ample time fighting and relaxing, but if she was to further increase her skills diplomacy and politics where a must, and what better way to learn than following around Jedi Master Nooran. Said Jedi master accompanied with her very socially awkward student Charlie, who for some reason kept giving her odd looks, like Sukai had somehow wronged her, which was rather odd considering the two had never met before. For now it would probably be best not to talk to the odd girl until she understood what had brought this strange rift between them, but gut instinct told her Tanasuki had something to do with it.

Hands placed withing its accompanying sleeve of her Yukata the Jedi Knight flanked Jyoti as the walked down through the ship corridors to the ramp, trying hard not to smirk at the Padawans comment about the queen. "Well I an not one to say, beauty is very objective depending on race, unfortunately I do not know your preference nor do I myself know what this queen looks like, o it is as much a mystery to me as it is you". Even if what she said did hold merit Sukai was very certain that the queen would look exactly the same as the rest of her species, which in her option was not the most appealing sight in the galaxy.

 

[Vertigo]

Location: Nickle One – Elevator to Hangers.
Objective: Awkward Elevators, Head Butts and other intellectual pursuits
Assets: Two Houk Ranger Fire team, Fire Support.
Posts: 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maPSi0qku_0
Catchy Elevator Tunes
​

Well if one 8ft Houk wasn’t enough to make your eyes bulge, try three monstrosities. All waiting in an elevator up to the hangerbay looking at a wall. There was an awkward silence as three large Rangers bristling with guns stood and fidgeted. Nobody having anything to say. Someone had left a holonet news channel on, and between news bites the most irritating music you’d ever heard, grumble.

The trio sporting a flamer, a blaster chaingun, heavy particle beam, missile launcher, grenades, and other assorted secondary weapons such as scatter, particle, and sonic. Which just made the elevator more cramped. Dex’s sneezes were almost starting up again, he’d sniffed them back twice. Letting one loud sneeze go, he bent over, spotting something he shouldn’t have. Annoyingly one of the fire team had broken protocol and tried to sneak on a disruptor weapon.

In the Hanger

Fast forward a minute. Vertigo, Corporal Rok Dex, was currently butting thick heads, almost literally with the offending Houk. “Toss it.” His base voice rumbled out. There were some similar deep rumblings from the Houk opposite. Nobody budged for a second. Till the disruptor pistol was unholsted, safety on, and shoved forward towards Vertigo, who grabbed it. “Ever catch you with this again.” Dex stated, throwing it down out of sight. The weapon scattered across the deck into some boxes. The other Houk rumbled a similar response and that’s about when he saw the others entering.

Both Houks pulled back a distance as the other rangers arrived. Whatever was going on was apparently settled as easily as it had started. “Ready to get the blood pumping.” Dex rumbled, to [member="Valkren Calderon"] | [member="Roona Osmari"] | [member="Tyrell Caphey"] or whoever entered in next. "What's the exercise Colonel." Whether the Colonel wanted him in the colonel's unit or leading the fire team, all the same to Dex. Bringing the multi-barreled OS-GG1 in to his side, he locked it in place. A looted weapon, not exactly standard issue but it worked, till he found something better.

OOC Note:

Spoiler

Feel free to order the fireteam to separate if you want a smaller personal PC squad, or to come with if you the NPC backup.

[member="Valkren Calderon"] | [member="Tyrell Caphey"] | [member="Roona Osmari"] | [member="Beltran Rarr"]​

 

[Tanaski Yumi]

Objective: 1 (Hellgate)
Location: Charros IV space
Allies: [member="Varindar Asyt"]
Post: 1

Seemed as of late Tana had been favoring the sky's over ground, once again just like during what he called 'Operation Togurta Rescue' on Charros IV, the young boy was preparing his refurbished and upgraded Jedi Star fighter for take off. This time though things would be different, in place of pirates reports of actual Sith and some strange creature called the Roche where present, where how and why was kind of a mystery, but he had a feeling the possession /kidnapping of Asaraa had something to do with it. After all the Torguta now turned human was a military general, it made sense that she took part in the construction of the Silver Jedi's new battleship. Though just like before the young Jin found himself flying along side misses hotel girl along with her wing mate wallpaper, odd name in all honesty, still he was a good pilot, and Asyt herself was getting their as well. Despite all this a small well of nervousness came over Tana, though not in anyway the first dog fight he had been in one of this possible scale, a full on fleet battle was very new to him.

'Times like this I wish mother was here', he mused to himself before opening a com line to miss dathimor herself, and wallpaper, "testing testing one two three, can you all hear me"?

 

[John Locke]

Location: Nickel One

Objective: 3: Prepare Ship's Systems

Post Count: 1

"Oy watch yourself"

"Has anyone seen ma coffee"

"I've got a cascading failure in the starboard fore sensor manifold. When I catch whichever son of a rancor who's been messing with my sensors I swear..."

The common, standard, background noise of engineer's working. He might, no doubt he would deny it if anyone ever asked him about it but it was actually a soothing background noise to John, a reminder of his early days working in the guts of ships and droids to get them up and running, instead of the sterile workshops, boardrooms and committees that he normally spent his days bouncing between. It was kinda nice, and the biggest benefit of the thing? He didn't even need to wear a suit for this, not having to wear a tie was a huge bonus as far as he was concerned.

Pressing his feet lightly against the ground, John gave a small push, the command chair he'd claimed in the middle of the bridge smoothly swivelling around so he could see the entire bridge, the consoles and workers laid out so that whoever sat in the chair would have easy access to all of them. A good way to oversee the small kingdom that a ten-kilometre ship could be. A tick of frustration appeared on John's face as one of the bridge lights chose that opportune moment to stutter and die in a shower of sparks. "Jefferies I thought you said you'd fixed that." The engineer's voice was a low growl now, "I swear if you don't have the lights fixed and working by the time one of the high ups comes to visit I'm gonna reassign you to commoner where you can polish the entire outside of the shipyard with your toothbrush." There you go, that sounded sufficiently sergeant major like enough, there was no chance that John was actually going to send one of his engineers to polish a shipyard, though there was an upcoming call out job to Tatooine to consider.

Shaking his head John turned his head back to the console he had open in front of him, reaching in to carefully tweak the connection as he watched the diagnostics appearing on the screen in front of him. Whoever was going to command this behemoth was going to have all the data they ever wanted at their fingertips, and be able to communicate with whoever they wanted to whenever they wanted or he'd eat his hat.

 

[Tyrell Caphey]

Location: Nickel One - Corridors (Moving to Hangar)
Objective: Find other Rangers, Bolster Security
Post: 1
Allies: [member="Valkren Calderon"], [member="Roona Osmari"], [member="Vertigo"]

The sound of heavy steps in Magno Grip boots could be heard through the corridors when the orders came out to rendevouz in the hangar for todays excersise. Wearing half-kitted black Katarn armor, the fairly new corporal had his primary weapon of choice, a ''Famos Mk II'' beam rifle strapped to his back and an SHG-001 blaster pistol in a holster on the right thigh. Helmet under his arm.

An hour or so ago he had been sharing a meal with his comrades in the squad he was assigned to upon recruitment. Now, they were all heading to one final training before a couple of days off. Passing a corner the group fell in behind sergeant Osmari and private Clark. Giving Osmari a respectful nod. ''Sergeant.'' Except introduction to the Rangers, they had not been acquainted any closer before. Following to the hangar. The much awaited days off coming closer...

 

[Kei Amadis]

Location: On Board the Shining Path.
Object: Desk Jockey? Not likely.
Posts: 2
Direct Allies: [member="Jyoti Nooran"] | Engineers | [member="John Locke"]

Still into his two week resting period. Limping in on a crutch to his enclosed room. Kei was defying the doctors that were telling him to heal up, moving to sit behind a desk instead, he gingerly put himself down. A certain stern Jedi doctor back at the temple was probably furious, [member="Cathbodua"] but that was for another day.

He had a visible scar across his right cheek from the artillery, partial hearing loss in his left ear and several broken ribs that were taking their sweet time to set, that and a great big chamber attached to his front to keep the chest healing from the near fatal blow. So why was this collection of medical instruments, called a Jedi Master, out today?

Because bed rest when he was needed was not happening, he could do more here, behind a desk. Organizing the wildcards helping with the engineering work on the shining path. The older vets were often out and about in the galaxy doing humanitarian work, building shelters, bringing in relief supplies and doing the logistics behind the lines. Leaving it to the younger generation to do the fighting most of the time. A bit like Kei was today, the silver in his beard and the line of it threatening to develop in his hair, he was finally getting older, today he felt it.

The wedding ring was rolled around his finger, [member="Elara Amadis"], and he was jolted to his senses. One confused officer came in, looking in shock to see Amadis’s condition. He laughed. “Just another day at the office.” His grin tried to reassure her he was okay, and she smiled, taking a last look from the door and shook her head. “Tell Master Nooran, she will have every bit of help she needs” [member="Jyoti Nooran"]

The walls of the room he was in came down to a transparent view, and the displays ahead of him came online. Fyor buddy, I wish you could see this. Kei’s view gave him a look across the entire bridge, and at those below, giving them a thumbs up. Screens came up alive ahead of him. Reptilian Nikto moved around, carrying their instruments and clipboards. Galtech were even here, Fyor’s old company before he passed. Old friends of the order, often pulled in for the bigger projects. Their smart grey corporate uniforms were a good contrast for the wildcard’s Nikto.

“When you are ready. We're a go here.” Kei said to the bridge. There would be plenty of problems getting the systems and weapon online. He was no engineer, but he was surrounded by them, and he'd help run these large projects before. Crutches and HRD’s be damned!

We are getting some reports of a cascading failure in the starboard fore sensor manifold. Kei comm'd in "How's it looking down there? Need a team to help?" to [member="John Locke"]

 

[Valkren Calderon]

Location: Nickel One - Corridors (Moving to Hangar).​

Objective: Find other Rangers, Bolster Security​

(Defend the Queen, eventually)​

Assets: First Ranger Special Tactics Unit,​

Third Ranger Infantry.​

Post count: #2​

___________________________________________________​

Colonel Calderon met hands with Specialist Lowder for a firm handshake once himself and Lieutenant Harris entered the hangar. Konrad's greeting to his team member wasn't as 'friendly,' placing the much younger ranger into a head lock almost immediately, guiding the specialist further into the hangar behind Valkren.

"If I can still hold Johnny Boy' like this then I'm not retiring yet!" Konrad exclaimed, lifting an arm away from the head lock but still holding down the specialist with ease. The specialized rangers apart of the First Ranger Special Tactics Unit were noticeably bigger than some of their counterparts, a result of constant combat operations and training in-between.

They lived and breathed by their job.

Valkren stopped in the midst of the hangar, Verpine soldiers and rangers of several different races mulling about, but eventually coming to a stop once they spotted the officer present.

A statement from the nearby Houk squad leader, [member="Vertigo"] about the training exercises they'd be partaking in today.

"Today, we'll be starting off with something I think everyone will enjoy. In times of war, you might find yourself in a scenario in which you have to fight with a fallen allies' weapon. Well, not all of our weapons differ so much, but our Verpine friends happen to have a few sets of firearms that aren't in the rangers' armories."

A set of Verpine soldiers arrived to the scene, rolling out two sets of tables with a wide array of weaponry. The colonel assumed there were plenty enough rangers with universal translators, and the same with the Verpine soldiers, for both sets of soldiers to instruct one another about the firearms.

"Now, I'm sure all of you grunts brought your own toys. So, let's show our friends some of the Ranger love. We'll get targets set up too." Valkren turned his body as he said this, looking to the rangers that were still grouping up around him.

"This mean we're making bets on the best shot?" Lowder piped up, rubbing his neck after finally freeing himself from the lieutenant's grasp.

Valkren cracked a smile at Lowder's question, shrugging before placing his helmet on the table before him.

"I don't see why we can't have some fun in the process. Why not?"

[member="Roona Osmari"] | [member="Vertigo"] | [member="Tyrell Caphey"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

LOCATION: The Sith Fleet; En route to the Roche Hex
OBJECTIVE: Extract revenge on the Silver Jedi

Joon wanted their heads. His head. Her head.

The Silver Jedi Master who had taken their pet away from the Sith fort, and for the pet herself who had been so weak to be taken in the first place.

The battle was NOT over.

Standing on the bridge of one of the spear-headed Star Destroyers racing towards the Roche asteroid belt, the Sith Knight stared into the hypnotic abyss of hyperspace with the orders fresh in her mind. They were to wipe out the Silver Jedi from the Roche system and also annihilate their shipyards, outposts and allies. And this would be no straightfoward assault; this would be an assault to tear the Silvers apart with a force that would resonate through their entire Order.

Joon hunched forward in her blood stained fur robes and looked into the vortex as officers and pilots took orders, received orders and busied themselves planning the attack. This new Order was at least better equipped and focused than the pirate scum who lost the fort and the Jedi traitor.

Yet here she was, ready to maim, mutilate and maw as many Jedi as she could. The young Padawans would be broken. Knights would fall on their swords. Masters would cower and face their fate. All at the hands of the clone motivated by revenge, pure and simple. There was no bargains, no surrenders. She would not stop until they were dead.

"The Silver Jedi will fall! I will SEE IT!"​

Joon hissed.

Dark crimson blood dribbled down her chin from the gash in her lower lip, pierced by gritted teeth to cause her an injection of pain that she fed from in preparation for battle...

 

[Roona Osmari]

Location: Nickel One - Corridors --- > Hangar
Objective: Find other Rangers, Bolster Security
Post: 2

Turning at the sound of footsteps behind her, Roona looked to find a group of Rangers had joined them in the corridor. Some faces were familiar, some were not. In truth, her circle didn’t extend much very far outside the Radama Raiders. And even in the company of her fellow Special Forces officers, she could be something of a loner at times.

Roona offered a polite nod as she was addressed, and then returned her gaze forward.

The doors to the hangar were already open to allow in a great mix of their fellow rangers and Verpine counterparts. As she made her way inside, Clark nudged with his elbow. She shifted a confused, narrow-eyed glance in his direction. His head bobbed in the direction of [member="Tyrell Caphey"], and his expression seemed to say ‘don’t be unfriendly.’ She supposed that it wouldn’t hurt.

“Your name is… Tyrell?” She asked, recalling that he had been on the mission to Niflheim. “I’m Roona, nice to meet you.”

She remembered when she had been new to the ranks of the Rangers, and that her comrades had welcomed her without question. It had certainly helped her feel part of the team. After all, they were here for the same reason. Joining the others inside the hangar, she spotted Corporal Dex – he was rather hard to miss, and the other members of the Radama Raiders that had come to Nickel One.

Roona crossed her arms and listened as the Colonel outlined their activity. Her eyes shifted to find Lowder as he spoke up.

“I’ll take that bet,” She said, with a hint of a smile.

[member="Valkren Calderon"], [member="Vertigo"]

 

[Gir Quee]

Location: Krakana-class Tactical Command Ship Obi-Wan Kenobi, near the Roche System
Objective: Establish outer security cordon
Allies: [member="Sentus Olan"]
Enemies: [member="Joon"]
Post #1

"If there is a leak, they already know that we're here," said a quarren officer, folding his arms.

"I'm counting on that, actually."

Admiral Quee's gaze swept around the Space Operations Control center, paying little heed to the holograph of the Roche asteroid belt filled the room, but rather playing close attention to the other officers of the newly reformed 4th fleet. He knew a good many of them standing there before him in person or by reputation at least. Yet there others who he had known little about, notably the quarren officer Allet. He had seemed initially quite reserved in Gir's presence, though he increasingly had become vocal. Whether or not that was a good thing, Gir had yet to decide.

"You're counting on it...sir?" asked Allet.

Gir nodded, "Because in just a second, the fleet will signal that they're jumping out to continue back on the ranging patrol back to Randon."

The fur rippled on Arist Vel'ra's back, signalling that the bothan officer had figured out his ploy. Gir looked at her expectantly. The bothan glanced around from side to side to see if any of her compatriots had figured it out. If they had, none were showing any signs of it. She met his gaze openly.

"Commander Vel'ra? Your thoughts?"

"You intend to have the Kenobi cloak when the other ships leave, giving the illusion that we've left without giving away the truth to anyone who may have casual access to our comms."

"Yes. And?"

"And...I don't know what the rest of what you're thinking."

"Commander Vel'ra is correct," said the blonde man, "while elements of the the 9th Fleet are moving into Roche to guard the new vessel. We are securing the main known entrance to this area of the belt closest to the shipyard. In doing so, we can move quickly to shipyard's defense, or move to block an attack coming from this vector. But the cloaking device presents an obvious problem. Anyone?"

"Communications," said Dack Mors, a swarthy man from Lantillies.

"Exactly. That's why I need a volunteer. Preferably one of you who is versed or experienced in gravimetric sensors..."

 

[Vertigo]

Location: Nickle One, Hanger.
Objective: Pick a Gun, Any gun.
Assets: Two Houk Ranger Fire team, Fire Support.
Direct Allies: [member="Valkren Calderon"] | [member="Tyrell Caphey"] | [member="Roona Osmari"]

Posts: 3

Unbracing the chaingun from his hip, he gave it to one of the techs. “Want that back” Watching it leave and where they put it like a hawk. Vertigo rumbled something to the Houks to get a move on, and they began taking off the gear, which would take a while. He took off his secondary weapon, secured it and placed it down nearby. Then his third weapon, placing that to the side. Then he pulled a large blade from somewhere and placed that down, then a smaller boot knife and laid that to the side. The pile from the three was about as high as the table before they were done.

Vertigo rumbled something else to the Houk’s, and naturally they went for the biggest weapons they could find, just so they could get a grip on something with their hand sizes. He picked something more awkward, it wasn’t his prize chaingun and it felt way too small. It was interesting still, Verpine shatter guns packed a punch. He was getting an education from one of techs there about how to be use and take care of it, which he paid attention to because it'd save his life. Taking a pistol holstering it to his hip, and then a larger rifle for his shoulder. Vertigo took off the high magnification scope because he was no sniper, fitting crosshairs. Just because he was Dex, he was picking up a third if nobody said anything, a large explosive Verpine grenade launcher. Ugly looking thing, right up his alley. Showing the love? “I think i'm in love chief.” He’d have to bag one later. [member="Valkren Calderon"]

The other two Houks were arguing about who got the other big gun at the far end of the table. Which amounted to a lot of staring at each other and seeing who blinked first. As for Vertigo he stomped on over to [member="Roona Osmari"] and [member="Tyrell Caphey"] coming up behind them, still admiring the grenade launcher. “Today’s a good day.” He laughed. Best shot? Dex gave an encouraging rumble, "this count?" Like a kid in a toy shop.