Casus Belli (Tygaran Alliance/Galactic Alliance vs First Order Rebellion of Kaeshana)

[Kuzo]

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fE0iBDl3NHw[/media]​

Kaeshana
Central Cove
FO Relief Camp
Allies: FO

Irajah was just ducking out of her tent a couple of minutes later, hastily dressed with her field kit slung over one shoulder when the young man came jogging back over. He was a little red in the face from the exertion, and she waited a moment for him to catch his breath.

"It's too late," he burst out, dropping his hands to his sides. "We just got the message that Lieutenant [member="Garett Van"] is dead. We'd had the news he was shot, but were hoping that-" he stopped, throat too tight to continue.

She didn't know the soldier in question, but she reached out, putting a hand on the young man's shoulder, squeezing gently.

"Alright. Let's get moving."

He looked up at her, confusion written over his face.

"But he's-"

"I know. Maybe he's the first casualty. But he won't be the last. I need to get to the front lines. Immediately."

There was no way she could have known, could have foreseen this. But if she *had* been there, then maybe she could have done something. Maybe not. And yet....

"Come on. We have work to do. Let's make it count".

*****

"I really think it would be better if you stayed here Doctor Ven-"

"Stop wringing your hands at me. I'm not your daughter, and I'm not one of your enlisted men that you can order around."

Though she was almost a foot shorter than the Captain, Irajah stared up at him defiantly. Hands on her hips, she clearly had no time for this kind of nonsense.

"Exactly. You're not a military medic. I don't think that you have the necessary qualification to-"

"Don't teach a taun-taun to chit in the snow," she snarled. "There's a lot that you don't know. Now I'm going to get on that transport. Short of arresting me, you're not stopping me. And I'm pretty sure your men have more important things to do than make sure I sit on my rear and twiddle my thumbs until you deign to bring me wounded- who would probably die enroute, might I add. So. Your pick. I can keep some of your men alive, or you can waste a security detail on me, 'cause I'm not going to quit. What's it going to be."

He just stared at her for a moment. Then, pulling himself up to his full height, he snapped off a salute. It surprised him more than it surprised her, the respect on his face.

"Godspeed, Doctor Ven. Stay with the troopers. They'll keep you safe."

Irajah nodded, turning sharply and hurrying off toward the transport. A pair of storm troopers reached down, catching her upraised arms as it started to move, lifting her easily into the back.

She glanced back at the shrinking form of the Captain.

"Force be with you," she murmured softly.

 

[Progflaw99]

--- --- ---​

Location: Landing Zone Zulu, Kaeshana​

In Vicinity: [member="Asharad Graush"] | [member="Isla Ashen"] | [member="Kyrel Ren"]​

[member="Kaalia Voldaren"] | [member="Kato"] | [member="Pharazon Draken"] | [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"]​

​

Enemies: Those Resisting the First Order​

--- --- ---​

[ Theme ]​

​

The rattle of armor against armor filled the troop shuttle, the dimmed lighting flickering as the hull lurched in the atmosphere of Kaeshana. The sound of roaring engines filled the troop bay, a full platoon of First Order Stormtroopers standing at the ready, waiting for the green light. The impassive faceplate of the iconic helmets only adding to the severity of the situation, punctuated only by the rustle of gear and last minute weapons checks. At the front of the boarding ramp, gripping an overhead handle with one hand, blaster rifle in the other, Major Rolf Amsel - commander of the newly established First Imperial Shock Trooper Legion.

With various reorganizations of the First Order's military, the need for a permanent garrison aboard the FIV Concordia had become apparent and the Grand Moff had chosen the Major to head it, at least until a proper commander could be fielded or a promotion warranted. Gods knew a Major wasn't equipped to command a full legion. Nonetheless, Rolf had been placed in charge of a full company of shock troopers. While the majority of the garrison remained aboard the Concordia, First platoon had been something of a social experiment. The legion had been conducting rigorous training on several of the more extreme worlds within First Order space, this had been their first true deployment.

Unlike the majority of the other companies in the legion, Rolf's entire company comprised of veterans, troopers who'd seen war up close and personal from Skye to Zarnathea. Hardened, trained, focused. Each soldier had his individual thoughts, pre-battle rituals, and unique personalities but they were united in purpose, their minds now focusing on the one thing that mattered - the little green diode mounted to the interior of the hull near the ramp control. The relatively event free shuttle ride had come to a close - dense thunder and cackles of blaster fire could be heard buffeting the shields. Falling into a groove, the shuttle began to rock from left to right as it weaved through the fire directed at it, behind the lead shuttle were its brothers and sisters, the remainder of the platoons under Rolf's command following in their wake.

The methodical thumping of the anti-air fire erupted anew as the shuttle leveled out its flight path, now nearly arriving at its objective. Over the rumble of the engines pushed to maximum a heavy rattle could be heard as the gear shifted at a particularly intense barrage of anti-air fire. A wry grin spread across Rolf's features, hidden beneath the uniform helmet of the troopers. Activating their internal comm line, he knew it was almost time.

It started out as a quiet whisper, a shadow of a chuckle before it grew. I stifled laugh, and then it began in earnest. In short order, the rest of the stormtroopers had joined in,keying in on their shared channel, the sounds of adrenaline and excitement forming a chorus of laughter across the several shuttles they occupied. Gently building into a yell and then a roar, the cry was brought to a head in short staccato shouts.

Blood riled, the First Imperial Shock Troopers, casually called "Fortan's Fist" were ready for battle. Soon they would make land and rain death upon their enemies, crushing any resistance beneath their boots. The gloves were off, the leashes let loose - If it wasn't war yet, it would be now.

 

[BE-183]

Spoiler

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhc20K5W6RU[/media]

Post: 1
Location: Approximate to Kyrel Ren
Allies: Those nice First Order folks
Enemies: Those Galactic Alliance scum

"Your simulation days are over, trooper. This is a real battle. And if you mess up you'll really end up in a world of pain. Now get out there!"​

What did a stormtrooper dream of, if not beating down resistance scum? It was a veritable rollercoaster for 183. She was awash with anticipation as she finally approached her first taste of real combat, but kept a level head as they got boots on the ground.

The first hostiles they came across were criminal types. Following the lead of [member="Kyrel Ren"] and participating in the slaughter of these crooks with well-placed blaster fire, Bee had to admire his fluid, fearsome attacks. It was an honour to rejoin his unit for this mission. She started to feel the heady rush of combat.

With that fight wrapped up, they were Oscar Mike. Proceeding at the Ren's flank, she went cover to cover picking off more outlaws as they went. With each gang they came across they left no survivors, but it wasn't all killing. On a couple of occasions she was able to perform her duty as a medic when they came across civilians, administering first aid where the need arose with a polished speed, before regrouping.

Advancing into the AO, they spread out to clean the streets, continuing in much the same way. Bee remained in communication with her squad over comms, keeping tabs on their positions. Her detachment was mindful of each direction. After all, you never knew what threat you would next encounter...

 

[Hansen]

Elsa Kurze
Kaeshana Atmosphere, above Santaissa.

"Woohooo!" Elsa makes the excited staccato while squeezing the trigger of her proton Torpedos, sending them down into the artillery batteries while her X-wing elegantly whistles over them. Green Turbolasers smash into the Earth, her heart pounds, so hard it drowns out all the destruction around the fuselage. Elsa pulls the HOTAS back between her knees and jolts the Throttle up, the T-70 loops up and over the mountains shrieks over the Wrath's bow before passing over the bridge dangerously close to the vessel. The bridge crew might be quite startled by the sudden passing of a fighter craft just in front of their transparisteel viewports. Lowie manages to blast the rockets following them with the Aft Cannon, although one manages to accelerate forward and slaps the cocky pilots' deflector covered engine sending both starboard engine stabilisers loose! "Phrik!" Elsa glanced over her right shoulder with wide eyes, that moment of adrenaline-fueled euphoria gives way to terror. "Lowie! Try and lock down the starboard stabilisers!" The droid offers some protest to perform his assigned task. "Alright then! Bring the Aft cannon up and set S-foils to cruise position." Elsa's left-hand peels the Throttle back to place less strain on the stabilisers and engines. "We might need to dock with the Wrath, I don't think we should stay up here." A flash of lightning blinds even the lens shielded eyes and strikes the X-wing! Lowie lets up a blood-curdling scream. The Altimeter flashes red and her pedals become unresponsive. "Mayday, mayday, mayday! This is Crimson One, I've lost all flight controls and I'm going down somewhere in the ruins of Santaissa!" Elsa speaks with a calm albeit shaken tone into the First Order emergency frequency, rain pounds longingly at the canopy. The battles reaches out to take her. Words spoken earlier repeat themselves. "You're going to die." Elsa's eyes jolt open, a pair of buildings cleave away both wings. The fuselage glides down and smashes through the debris littered mud of a Santaissa street. Harness crunches down on Elsa's body although this doesn't stop her faceplate from slamming against HOTAS and punching her unconscious and slouched forward.


@[member='Carlyle Rausgeber'], @[member='Tempest'], @[member='Project X-2'], @[member='Irajah Ven']

 

[Cyrus Tregessar]

Location: Hyperspace, enroute to Kaeshana system.
Objective: Enforce Exclusion Zone around central planet.
Allies: The First Order
Enemies: Galactic Alliance, Firemane

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bNSLzfMBo4​

It had been entirely too long since he'd been on the bridge of a Star Destroyer. In the wake of the Ssi-Ruuvi invasion Cyrus had found himself largely concerned with administrative and bureaucratic measures, managing the expansion of the ever-growing First Order Navy. It helped when you had plenty of competent subordinates to run day to day operations, and the demand was higher because unlike the One Sith, you couldn't just use a Sith Lord to jump procedure.

That had been a somewhat irritating transition at first.

But there also hadn't been any serious threats to contend with, and the First Order had expanded almost graciously, as befitting an entrenched and well-established Empire. The first that Cyrus could recall since the collapse of Atrisia almost a decade ago. There was much to be said for comfortably coming into a base of power and wielding it well. The only thing he could feel disappointed about was the distinct lack of any real wars to be fought.

And boy was that about to change.

Ever at odds with the Galactic Alliance, the two factions had nevertheless maintained a sort of cautious detente since Eriadu. There had certainly been some hostile acts on both sides in the past, but neither seemed willing to risk all out conflict. Then the First Order had made it's play at the radiated backwater of Kaeshana and the Alliance, fearing encroachment, had responded. A classic little border war. So Cyrus had gathered up whatever ships he could and told them to meet him at Riflor. There he had been able to determine that a large fleet under the command of Commodore [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"] and several smaller squadrons were already headed to Kashana.

Reversion was sudden, one minute he was surrounded by the brilliant and chaotic blue of hyperspace and the next the flickering light of stars and what were inevitably warships slammed into existence. Almost immediately sensor data began to pour in, fed both by the Contempt's native arrays and remote data provided by the Shadow-class recon corvette. Four FIPV-9's rounded out the data collection team, with two assigned to bolster the fleets intelligence and the remaining pair focusing on looking beyond into hyperspace, to detect incoming ships.

"We've detected five distinct formations in-system, and one or two probable's outside. Only the closest is friendly, that's Commodore Rausgeber's fleet."

Cyrus nodded and silently reviewed the data as it continued to flow in. One of the greatest difficulties in modern naval warfare was not acquiring information, but rather in being able to process and decipher it. Droids and the like could help, but one still largely depended on having a legion of well-trained technicians and operators to parse it all and figure out what was important and what was useless, redundant, or simply confusing.

That was one of the key advantages any dedicated command and control ship provided, and the bigger the better. A small frigate with a few hundred crew could only process so much data, a large battleship like the Darr Itah, on the other hand, had literally thousands of operators whose only job was sensor analysis. It made a difference in the end.

"That formation on the far side, that's the Barsen'thor and a modified Wyyrlok. Firemane's forces, almost certainly led by [member="Kyrana Gould"]."

Cyrus gave a mutter to acknowledge the report. So, he would get to face old man Stahlmann's apprentice. That was likely as close to a rematch as he'd ever get these days, and with the infamous Barsen'thor itself as the prize. The other fleet of concern included one of the new Battlecruisers the Alliance seemed to believe was an appropriate counter to the Darr Itah. Well, Cyrus supposed they'd all find out now one way or another.

Lastly there was the former Admiral Graf, who seemed determined to make himself a nuisance for First Order forces. He'd proven himself more than compotent during the Omega war, but his presence here was perplexing. Unless he was trying to curry favor with the Alliance.

It was about to be a long day.


Fleets Stuff

Spoiler

1 x Darr Itah - Contempt
1 x Wyyrlok - Predator
many x other ships
I'll wait until we figure out who all is fleeting also cant be bothered to do numbers with one functional hand

 

[Six-O]

Location: Santaissa
Objective: Skirmish, Harass, Exterminate
Allies: [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"], [member="HK-36"], [member="Tempest"], [member="Aeron Kreelan"], [member="Michael Sardun"], [member="Sed Frieder"], [member="Causstik Rahn"]
Enemies: [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"], [member="Asharad Graush"], First Order
Equipment: MKIII-Heavy Bolter, Gorgon Web Rifle, Magnetic Reaper, 6 Eater Grenades, On-Board Weapons Systems
Forces: Xerrzyk the Ghastly, 40 Eldorai Guerrillas

The city was dark, that thick type of inky shade that closed doors and locked windows. Dots of fire here and there flickering as titian orbs that danced and swayed under Destroyer canopy. Further than eye or viewscreen could magnify there were curtain splashes of light from dimensional edges of this ominous lurker that loomed overhead. But that too, grew dimmer and dimmer as day gave fade to night.

Sounds were ambient on battlefields. TIE screams from feeble strafing runs that were but waste of fuel and core power, they were never going to spot smart ground targets. The artillery emplacements though, that was a very different story. But, that was not this Droids battle to fight. No, he was here. In the dirt, ready to bathe his joints and grease his servos with the blood of his enemies, at least while no one was looking.

"Cache ahead, "

"Keep your spacing."

They were working as a well disciplined team right now. We would have to see how well it held up when the threat level increased.

"Gear."

Six-O and his small forward fighting force came upon a blown out parking garage, the top twelve levels of which had collapsed long ago. To their east, towards the Citadel of Dawn lay a stretch of city, 40 blocks, under six feet of water. To their west rough ground, heaps of rubble four stories high stretched on indefinitely. Lots of cover potential, but poor foot traction.

South and North were the best routes of transportation on this route. Relatively clear, but obstructed to varying degree with water that went chest deep in some places and buildings that had come down in others.

"Kit up." The Droid mechanically commanded as they came down the ramp of the garage and located their stockpile.

Provided by the fine crafters and scientists of Firemane, put in place by the skilled infiltrators of the SIS.

Six-O took the obvious choices that were meant for him. He was their heavy hitter. MKIII-Heavy Bolter, Gorgon Web Rifle, Magnetic Reaper Rifle and a shoulder pouch of six Eater Grenades. The Droid fastened on his Arsenal.

48 Round Drum of Ammunition strapped on to his back, feed belt loaded in to receiving chamber, then gun held in a single claw-hand while he shouldered two other rifles and the grenade sling. A calculation was fed in to his algorithims. A streaming torrent of data flooding his visual processors as he processed his new walking weight. After a second his new calculations began to process, and he once more would be able to decipher the terrain around him and whether it would hold together beneathe his stride.

Xerrzyk too allotted himself weapons. Cylix Bolt Pistol, 2 Anti-Force User Grenades, and an MKII Bolter.

The rest geared up similarly. MKII Bolters, 15 with buckshot. Simple Blaster Pistols, and Five Electromagnetic Mines each.

In the distance they had no account of the incredible displays of might and power that both [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"], and [member="Tempest"] were displaying. But their bravura undoubtedly would lift the morale of every fighting man and woman, as would the deeds of all GA, SIS and OP soldiers, sleuths, pirates and pilots.

In the distance, they could hear the lightning coming.

"Mark it." Six-O directed Xerrzyk, as they exited the garage. He had his orders from [member="HK-36"]

On a pillar, a simple symbol for all affiliated soldiers to see, signaling the great obstructions on this path, directing them to go no further.

"Hunto cay mi!" Xerrzyk the Ghastly commanded, giving Six-O a Klantoonian show of respect with thudding fist on chest plate before the two groups would split. He'd scout further with his team, search a way through this maze of scree.

 

[Samka Derith]

Location: Kaeshana, Near opening military clashes between First Order and Galactic Alliance forces
Aprox 5km from Santaissa
Objective: Ensure civilian evacuation (??)
Allies: The First Order
Enemies: The Galactic Alliance
Five minutes before the Force Storm

Off roared the shuttles, they'd taken as many civilians as they could carry and handed supplies out to the platoon. Samka watched them disappear into the distance, flying low to the surface to avoid being shot down. But not all of the civilians made it on board. Huddled families shivered together, whether through cold or fear, the teenager could not tell. Nor did she care all that much.

"What now, Ma'am?" Sam's attention was caught by a Stormtrooper at her side, the apparent commander of this group she was serving alongside and one who looked to her for guidance, wonderful. It was always a great feeling for the teenage Ren to be respected off the bat. No mind tricks or intimidation required.

Suddenly the quiet tension was broken by an eruption of blaster fire. Anti-air from the distant city. The eyes of Stormtrooper and villager alike turned to the far off hills of Santaissa. The city itself was too distant to be visible but the unmistakable shape of an Imperial Star Destroyer was hovering in the atmosphere under a barrage of anti-air fire. At the same time, the Imperial ship, protected by its screen of TIE fighters, was manoeuvring (albeit oddly) into attack position. Attack against the surface itself.

"They're going to burn it," Samka whispered beneath her breath then broke out into maddened grin. "Come!" She turned to the Stormtrooper, "There's a situation unfolding we simply must be a part of! Commandeer the civilian vehicles for transportation and-" a sudden idea hit the girl.

"Ma'am?" The stormtrooper quizzed, his helmet slightly tilted in a rare display of body language within the plastic armour.

Samka Derith flashed the soldier a charming smile, "and the civilians too. They're coming with us."

"We're taking civilians into a combat zone? You can't be serious-" The Stormtrooper began to object in a raised tone but she silenced him with a single open palmed hand gesture. If the fool continued to speak, he'd worry the villagers.

"I am, we can't leave the poor things out here all alone. Who knows what might happen to them? They'll be quite safe with us," another sadistic smile passed Samka's lips as she continued, now whispering to the Stormtrooper. "We all know the stories of the Jedi and their associates. Valiant heroes indeed or so they say. When we're travelling with kindly Grandpa Ithu who knows nothing but how to sew crops and sweet little Susan who wants to be a pop artist when she grows up, no one is going to fire a shot at us. These people are the greatest armour in the galaxy. Now get them in the vehcles, move."

Sam reached out to influence the soldier with some mind tricks just in case he had any lingering moral doubts and sent him on his way with a salute. Her next task was to turn to the spook, the FOSB agent assigned nearby, [member="Brent Smith"] or 'James Logan', they'd met before so the Ren saw past his cover identity, and pass him a datapad of instructions.

"A few speeders, that'll be all you need," she told him with a nod. The instructions were clear, if the agent was as stealthy as the organisation's reputation went, then he could hide with a dozen or so Stormtroopers for an ambush, just in case the hypocrites of the Light did indeed engage them regardless of their civilian escort. Without another word to the agent, she made her move to the commandeered speeders.

"Where are you taking us?" A middle aged man with dirty, balding hair asked as Sam stepped into the rear of the speeder.

"Nothing you need concern yourself about," flashing the human shield her most innocent smile, Samka subtly broke her way through the man's mental defences, soothing his fears and gaining his trust. "We can't leave you here, you'll be safe with us."

The man leaned back in his seat and nodded, seemingly content in her reply. Sam opened her holo once more and sent an invitation to any of the Ren she knew were active nearby, [member="Kyrel Ren"] and the others were free to join her in exploring this fascinating city if they so wished. With that the speeder convoy headed towards Santaissa.

 

[Kaida Taldir]

Location: Citadel of Dusk, far in the west of Kaeshana
Objective: Liberate
Allies: Tygaran Alliance, Galactic Alliance
Enemies: First Order fascists


Like its cousin the Citadel of Dawn, Dusk was not in a good state. But by now defences had advanced considerably. The Eldorai and Firemane soldiers, assisted by Kar'zun and even the Dark Eldorai militia, had set up laser turrets, Keraunos missile turrets, shattercannons and other defensive emplacements.


Barricades would impede an enemy advance, while mine fields were being laid. Motorised units had been sent out to make contact with the scattered Eldorai communities. Kaeshana's west had been hit less severely by the asteroid strike. The Eldorai were a tough, hardy folk who did not capitulate easily. Moreover, the mountains made good defensive positions and the Kar'zun were tough.


But Kaida was restless. She did not belong here, she belonged on the frontlines. Their intelligence indicated that fighting had broken out in Santaissa. The capital was a ghost town, a broken shell, but it was still the centre. Even from this distance, on the other side of the planet, she felt the ripples, the pain and suffering.


No sooner had the Seraph been informed that the Aspis city sized shield was online, than she received word of the havoc being wreaked in the capital. It was then that she made her decision. A significant force would be left behind to secure the area.

 

[Saul Starskimmer]

Location: The Hills Overlooking Santaissa

Objective: Provide Artillery Backup for the Alliance

Allies: @Tempest @Siobhan Kerrigan @HK-36 @Six-O @Nima Tann @Sed Frieder @Taryc Ap'Irae @Michael Sardun​

Enemies: @Project X-2 @Pharazon Draken @Valius Rau @Asharad Graush @Carlyle Rausgeber

Saul stared through a pair of macrobinoculars from his perch on a distant hill, watching the battle begin to unfold. One hand held the viewing apparatus up to his face whilst the other fiddled with the controls of a control panel that rest in his lap. There was an approaching enemy force of stormtroopers, transports, and other First Order machinations approaching, a big one at that.

"Those transports look a little too tough, but those walkers look just fragile enough for one of these," said Saul, speaking of the F4L-AW's in his viewfinder.

Saul pressed buttons and titled control sticks on the control panel, sending commands through a long series of quickly rigged cables that snaked their way back to the Star Spider. The inside of the ship wasn't going to give him the wide field of vision that he would be offered from outside, especially seeing as how the ship was hidden underneath a simple layer of camouflage that matched the surrounding terrain. It was parked and hidden on the side of a hill facing away from both the ruins and the citadel, offering an additional layer of protection against whatever sort of garrison would be holed up in the fortress. The only part that lay uncovered was a thin bit around where the cables entered the ship and a small hole for the proton torpedo launch tube.

A press of a button on the control panel sent a message through the wires and to the weapons computers of the ship, signaling for the torpedo to be launched along a series of coordinates that caused it to wrap around the hills before rising up into the sky so as to not give away the true firing location. The pink flare careened across the sky over Santaissa and shot towards the Citadel of Dawn, taking one final adjustment in its flight path as one of the artillery walkers came in its "sights", the torpedo moving at full blast as it sailed towards the target

​The Star Spider

 

[Ria Misrani]

FIV Emerson, Empire-class Heavy Frigate; Science Variant
In Orbit of Kaeshana
Allies: First Imperial Navy
Enemies: The Galactic Alliance + Tygaran Alliance

Continued from here (x)

Commander Aermoria Cyone looked on with a bitter taste in her mouth, all she wanted was to study the planet, all she wanted was to come and go in peace. No. The Galactic Alliance would have to make a go of this, wouldn't they? Their signatures were rapidly approaching the system. "Ensign Quentin, pull the Raptors back!" Her viewport was filled with the now retreating pirates, was this bait? Did the Alliance pay the pirates to lure the First Order out of position? If so, it was brilliant she had to give them that and if not, then what a bloody coincidence. She watched as unfamiliar vessels appeared in realspace, "Ensign, identify them."

"Unknown, deciphering their signatures now, we've got orders to form up for a blockade around the planet," he told her, and she wasn't sure if it was even worth it. There wasn't much worth of value on the planet, and then she looked at the holomap. Kaeshana was simply in their way, they had to get through it, to get to the Core. The First Order would not allow themselves to be strangled into Wild Space. They were a thirsty, hungry young nation looking to expand and grow, to spread their views across the Galaxy. For Aermoira, it was about giving peace and order to those who needed stability. "Dispatch the medical transports to a safe distance, get me, Dr. [member="Irajah Ven"], now." While Ensign Quentin busied himself with getting the doctor on comms channel, Commander Cyone looked over at her first officer. "Lieutenant Reed," she said to [member="Charlotte Reed"], "let me know when our missiles are online."

The Empire was one of the few classes not equipped with any sort of E-Warfare system. Which put her at a great disadvantage, however; her sister ships such as the Raptor-class and Stormcloud-class vessels were equipped with them, which meant that at the very least. Commander Cyone could coordinate, "what's the status of those Raptors?"

"On their way commander, FIV Stellaris requesting information on positioning."

She narrowed her gaze for a moment and looked over at her First Offer. Chewing along the bottom of her lip she thought for a moment, eyes looking down her gaze averted. Looking back over to the holomap, she pointed. "Here, get the Stormcloud into position over here, I believe this would be the better placement. The effects of global cooling aren't as terrible here, although we'll have to find a way to compensate for any interference that may happen."

"Hippocrates and Florence reporting their new coordinates, they're requesting escort protection."

"They'll have it, inform Val'Hala Sector Command of the request, I don't think our FIMS brothers and sisters will be denied, do you?"

"No, ma'am." Ensign Quentin turned back to his station, just as Commander Cyone shifted her gaze to Lieutenant Choi.

The flight control officer was focused on repositioning the Emerson. "Coordinate with the Engel, I imagine we'll have to provide some manner of protection. We'll need to prepare ourselves for the incoming assault, time until the Galactic Alliance-"

"They're here!"

"Right then, what we'll want to do is establish our vessels as a communications beacon," Cyone had no doubt that the First Order's own reinforcements were well on their way just as she noted [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"] and then of all people, the Grand Admiral [member="Cyrus Tregessar"]. "Ensign relay a message to the Admirals," a pause, "Commander Cyone of Task Force 18 from Val'Hala Sector. We're in orbit of Kaeshana, attempting to establish ourselves as communication beacons, two Empire-class ships of Science variants, one Stormcloud and three Raptors with two Blackwells on standby, incoming Steadfasts-class Medical Cutters."

"Aye, message sent, Commander." Ensign Quentin had room for pause looking at his station, "Stellaris and Raptors reporting, they're manuvering into position now."

"Good, keep our guns on the ready Lieutenant Reed, I'd like to get a full spread of both aft and forward weapons make use of the 180 degree arcs," she ordered to her First Officer who doubled as her Tactical Officer as well.

Fleet Size

Spoiler

2x Empire-class, Heavy Frigates
3x Raptor-class, Assault Frigates
1x Stormcloud-class, Assault Cruiser
2x Blackwell-class, Medical Transports
Total: 3,872m

 

[Arahael]

#2
Location: Santaissa
Objective: Defend Santaissa
Allies: The First Order
Enemies: Galactic Alliance and their allies

Max was relieved watching as Major [member="Rolf Amsel"] forces came in as reinforcements. His platoon was dug in, holding their own side-by-side other First Order troops. He had gained a higher perspective in order to spot for the heavily armed vehicles nearby, as well as provide targets for the starfighters that may be flying above.

"Be advised, hostiles on my mark." A vehicle moved up, aiming its main weapon towards the marker that Max had made. A flash of bright light suddenly emitted from the weapon, recoiling before the booming sound came across the battlefield. Dirt kicked up as other vehicles began firing at marks they had received, birthing further explosions as their shots hit.

Looking up, he zoomed in on the fight in the sky. Flashes of light all over the place were most of the signs he had that a struggle was still occurring. A ship moved through his view closer by, then a moment later was descending swiftly as it smacked its wings across some buildings. As it crashed, Max communicated to his XO "I'm taking a medic to that crash, doesn't look like it detonated. If anything happens, you're in command."

Rushing towards the crash site with a medic, he arrived to see a crashed ship, still somewhat intact. Well, except for the wings. Moving towards the cocking, he looked inside to see [member="Aesa Urkith"] unconscious. Pulling out his sidearm, Max moved back, then fired, resulting in a flash of yellow as his bolt exploded against the edge of the cockpit hatch. After quickly opening the hatch, he gestured for the medic to come over.

 

[Progflaw99]

--- --- ---​

Location: Landing Zone Zulu, Santaissa, Kaeshana​

In Vicinity:​

[member="Samka Derith"] | [member="Asharad Graush"] | [member="Isla Ashen"] | [member="Kyrel Ren"]​

[member="Kaalia Voldaren"] | [member="Kato"] | [member="Pharazon Draken"] | [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"]​

[member="BE-183"] | [member="Project X-2"] | [member="Max Fel"]​

Objective: Secure Santaissa, Repel the Enemy​

​

Enemies: Those Resisting the First Order​

--- --- ---​

[ Theme ]​

​

Green.​

​

In that same instant the shuttle contacted the ground, a violent jolt and the sound of a shrill electronic screech signaled the troops had landed. With an audible clang the boarding ramp fell, opening into a mess of shattered ruins and torn up earth. Before the ramp had even finished falling the first line of troopers had already stepped off with their left foot, propelling themselves forward and no sooner had the ramp hit the deck than the blasters of the shock troopers were seeking targets. As Rolf's feet sent him forward from the mouth of the now open troop carrier he vocalized one final transmission on shortwave comms.

"Gloves are off gents, playtime's over!"​

​

With a final shout his words were swept up in the sound of war. Eyes scanning they disembarked, rapidly churning their way to the cover of the ruins on the edge of the dilapidated city. Dirt was mulched beneath their boots, blasters at the ready as they prepared for incoming fire. Leading the way was their Major, Rolf Amsel. His blaster was raised, legs furiously pumping as he charged towards a particularly large outcropping of ruined building, metal and duracrete protruding from the mess at unnatural angles only adding to the wasteland around them. The dust rose beneath their boots, dulling the shiny gloss of their armor. Violently the troopers fought, slowly making their way into the ruins. Heads on a swivel they took up positions, establishing a loose perimeter on the outskirts of the town. From here they would have to determine the situation as it stood.

Reaching out via his comm, Rolf keyed up to all encrypted First Order frequencies.

"This is Fortan One, we are at the city limits."​

​

Already he could see the layout of First Order troops in his HUD, they were well prepared. Issuing a quick set of commands to the platoon leaders he watched with pride as the companies carried out his commands, taking what shelter they could among the ruins along the edge of the city. He needed to get in touch with the other elements of the ground forces to ascertain where they were best put to use. Once his own unit had received their commands, he keyed up once more on encrypted comms.

"Fortan One again, looking for a fight. Anyone care to point a direction?"​

 

[Kuzo]

Kaeshana
Headed North East from Central Cove
FO Transport Vehicle
Allies: FO

In truth, no matter what she'd said to the Captain, Irajah had never been in a real war zone before. Play war- pretend war- She had headed up an Emergency Room team- even been at the site of a terrorist attack. But this was different.

Was it? Was it really?

She had a job to do. There were people who needed her to remain level headed and calm. That didn't mean she couldn't be screaming inside. Just that she couldn't afford it on the outside.

Gazing out the back of the transport, she wondered, idly, what advice [member="Ghorua the Shark"] would give her in this situation. They had been through hell, and survived, leaning on each other the whole way. But here-

"Doc Ven? You've got a call on the comm. It's the Emerson, Commander Aermoria Cyone."

Irajah shook herself out of her reverie. Nodding at the comm officer, she stood up, making her way carefully through the double row of troopers up to the front. Crouching down, trying to keep with the sway of the transport, she accepted the hand unit.

"Ven here," she said simply.

 

[Talyn Krane]

Objective: Destroy First Order fleet, establish Remnant as dominant Imperials.
Allies: The Imperial Remnant, Galactic Alliance
Enemies: The First Order

"We're coming out of hyperspace now, Captain," Commander Kayl reported, his arms clasped behind him as he waited for Talyn Krane to respond. They stood aboard the bridge of a ship that was new to them both. The destruction of Line Group Kohuun in the defensive action over Christophsis had deprived her of the four frigates she had captained for so many years, but the young officer had not shed a tear for her former command. The loss of the Unforgiving, where her captain's chair had rested only a short time before, had been a crucible for her, a transition. She was no longer a part of the Remnant that had broken apart over Crina. Now she was a part of a true New Order, a strong Remnant, the rightful successor to the Galactic Empire. So she believed wholeheartedly.

Her new command was much different; rather than controlling a line group, she now found herself on the bridge of a lone Victory IV-class Star Destroyer, the Anarchy's Doom. This lone vessel commanded a firepower at least equivalent to, if not superior to, the full weapons complement that all four vessels of Line Group Kohuun had carried. It was an elegant aggressor, a symbol of iron authority, tied back to its predecessors in the Galactic Empire by both design and fearful reputation. Today it would enter battle over Kaeshana, locked in combat with the forces of the First Order. Talyn did not ask why Triumvir [member="Tanomas Graf"] had brought them to this strange and ancient world, nor why the Remnant would aid the Galactic Alliance. She merely followed her orders, the cornerstone of peace and security.

"Transmit our clearance codes," Talyn told her second-in-command, watching impassively as they dropped out of hyperspace over New Balosar. Around her, other vessels of the Imperial Navy streaked in from across the stars, gathering into a deadly mass of firepower that might just swing the tide of battle above Kaeshana. The presence of so many deadly machines of war on her side, surrounding and protecting her, should have made her feel secure. Yet she could only think of the brutality of the fighting that was ahead. The Galactic Alliance and the First Order were both vast, ambitious powers, scrabbling for control over the worlds of this sector in a race to see who would truly replace the fallen One Sith as the major galactic power. The First Order in particular would stop at nothing to kill Grand Admiral Graf.

But she had never faltered in the face of overwhelming odds or potential death before. Her life was the Triumvir's to command, and when he gave the order, she would fight.

 

[Kyrel Ren]

Location: Outskirts of Santaissa
Objective: Link up with [member="Samka Derith"] and her unit.
Post 3

Kyrel spent hours facing off against the scum of the city. He hated it and did not find any joy in it at all,he used to find joy in it but after several hours he just grew bored of it. He knew that the troopers were perhaps enjoying the extra target practice. After sometime he meditated on the dark side gathering strength from the whirlwind of emotions all around him. The conflict between the Galactic Alliance and the FIrst Order was dragging out now,and he could feel all types of hate and rage that were rejuvenating him and his energy. He spent hours meditating before a trooper came to him.

"My lord. Lady Derith is requesting any force that is not in combat to support her in the outskirts." He said attentively.

Kyrel snapped open his eyes from the meditation. He replied coldly to him standing up. "Excellent Commander. Pull the division out,and begin marching towards the outskirts."

The trooper nodded,and bowed slightly. "Yes my lord as you wish."

The commander without a moment's notice,signaled all of the troops to move out of the city. Kyrel moved quickly using the force to speed up his mechanical limbs,and join up with the rest of the troops on the path ouside of the city. They marched in line for hours as he looked out,and saw the Star Destroyer's orbital bombardments. This made him grin underneath the mask,as the GA would surely know that they would stand no match against the FO. He even felt exhilerated at the thought of facing Jedi and so marched purposely.

After several hours he saw dozens of Stormtroopers,along with some civillians. They looked ragged and tired as if they were dragged from there homes,and forced to march for hours. He grinned,these would make excellent hostages indeed to draw the enemy out. He shifted his gaze from them to the purple haired being. He spoke in the same cold metalic baritone of his vocabulater. "Greetings Derith. I along with [member="BE-183"] have come to aid you with the hostages."

 

[Zark San Tekka]

Location: En Route to Kaeshana System
Objective: Escort President of Sullustan Council, Rendezvous With Main Naval Strike Force
Allies: Galactic Alliance and Friends
Opponents: First Order and Friends

Earlier...

Central Control, Sullust Base
Sullust, Brema Sector, Outer Rim
Galactic Federation of Free Alliances

To say Sullust Base's central control was intimidating was an something of an understatement. The frantically pulsing nerve center of Alliance command, here was where the Supreme Commander and his direct subordinates coordinated with FLEETCOM stations strategically placed throughout Alliance space to oversee the day to day logistics of the Galactic Alliance Defense Force. Feeds from throughout Alliance space scattered the wall in front of the Commodore, as well as standard times for trade and logistics hub worlds, and a steady stream of data Zark could hardly keep up with even with his enhanced senses. A human at least would have to be cybernetically enhanced just to process it all, and glancing around he noticed several humans working at stations nearby who actually were.

The ease with which he had become distracted by his surroundings betrayed just how apprehensive the Defense Fleet officer was. At first he had thought he had been brought in to be reprimanded for his extended absence and unauthorized role in Operation Silent Night, but as he saw the frenetic energy of Sullust Base that went far beyond even the usual bustling norm he realized that this was something bigger than him. The whispered rumors that the triumvirate was even now engaged in an emergency session only confirmed his suspicions that something unusual was certainly going on. So war weary in the aftermath of his central role during the liberation of Atrisia, Commodore Pulsar hadn't even entertained the notion that command was considering outright military action, but when the Supreme Commander finally emerged into the control center from a roaring chamber outside Zark didn't have to be a Jedi to figure out that he had miscalculated.

"Gentlemen," Supreme Commander Nemo Ven barked out into the now deathly silent chamber, his bulbous Mon Cala eyes smoldering with intensity, "Tonight is the night of nights..."


Shuttle Pad, Sullust Base

The geothermal winds howled around them as the Commodore and his men finished hauling the last of what emergency supplies they could scrounge from the Base and fit on the shuttle. The Hereafter wasn't due to leave port for a full week yet and so wasn't fully stocked with all the necessities. She was in fine enough shape to make the trip to Kaeshana but every little bit counted and so while they awaited clearance to take off Zark was able to focus on some physical labor instead of worry about his friends. On leave though he was, the Commodore still liked to keep up to date, and he knew that the Rebel's Hope had been out on patrol nearby their destination, which probably meant even now Rogue Squadron could be in the thick of it, or about to be.

"Commodore Pulsar!" it took the owner of the cry several attempts to get his attention, as high up as they were in the subterranean cavern. Turning at last to see who was calling, Zark's eyes widened, "Might I have a word?"

"President Sovv!" he cried back, more in alarm than an attempt to be heard, "What are you doing here?!"

"I'm here to ask you to take me with you!" the President of the Sullustan Council yelled over the din, "Chief of State Xan has placed the ANS Truth and Reconciliation under my command, and-"

"The Chief of State has no authority to assign military assets!"

"Diplomatic assets!" Sovv corrected him, "And that's something of a grey area! Anyway, I am requesting that the Reconciliation be assigned-"

"Mister President, you're asking me to fly one of the most important people on Sullust into the middle of a warzone!" Zark interrupted him, "I don't know what you've heard about me, but I can guarantee you that there is nothing you can say to convince me to go along with this!"


Now...

Bridge, Belsar-class Command Carrier ANS Hereafter
Approaching Kaeshana System
Neutral Zone

"I cannot believe he convinced you to go along with this," Lieutenant Bashir, the Hereafter's executive officer, muttered under his breath just loud enough for the Commodore to hear.

"I appreciate the solidarity," Zark growled back, still not quite sure how the little Sullustan had managed to pull it off himself. But there it was, the Consular-class corvette signaling in along with the other elements of Task Force Sullust that had been mobilized. The Belsar-class was a new command that had come with the promotion from line captain, and had been undergoing some repair and refitting during the Atrisia incident, so he was not yet used to his surroundings. The larger bridge with more junior officers and crew than those required to operate a cruiser hadn't effected his command capabilities, but still he longed for the more intimate atmosphere of a smaller ship.

"Hey, I'm here and not in an escape pod aren't I?" Bashir replied, and the Commodore was forced to do a double take as he still struggled to adjust to the concept of a Mon Calamari with a sense of humor.

"Drop us out on the edge of the system, and keep us away from the action for now," he commanded more loudly, ignoring the joke, "Our priority is to protect the President. Once I am assured of his safety, we'll send elements to reinforce Commodore Vilin at my discretion."

"Aye, sir!"


Fleet

Spoiler

8060 km
1 Belsar-class Command Carrier ANS Hereafter
2 Noble-class Star Defenders
2 MBC75a Scythe Mk III-class Heavy Cruisers
2 Dreadnought-class Mark III Escort Cruisers
3 Hammerhead-class Frigates
1 Consular-class Corvette ANS Truth and Reconciliation

 

[Hansen]

Elsa Kurze
Ruins of Santaissa.

The canopy inclines up after being shot inside is an unconscious Elsa Kurze, Lowie her Astromech makes a series of concerned beeps before lifting out of the totalled T-70 X-wing with a thrust of his personal rockets and lands adjacent to Max. Elsa's consciousness steadily returns with a pained groan, the sound of rain patters against her helmet and rolls down her nape onto the blue body glove that lays beneath the Durasteel alloy Mandalorian armor. Elsa's right-hand reaches down beside cockpit seat for a holstered DC-15A Blaster Rifle before leaning back and looking upon a First Order Stormtrooper and she breathes an audible sigh of relief. "I can't feel my leg." Elsa braces left hand against the cockpit and attempts to stand only to let out a pained whimper, she collapses back into the seat. "Please help me, I don't want to die here." The terror and fear sets in with the plead to life and mercy, Max might note the Pilot is armed now as Elsa pulls the Blaster across her knees. Lowie and her trade a glance. "Lowie, I need you to remotely set the scuttle charges." The Astromech makes a series of chimes and they solicit a nod and grunt from Elsa. "Good. Good"

Sitting in the cockpit she looks to the Stormtrooper Medic attempting to help her. "Are you an Officer?" Elsa's left-hand reaches upto the base of visor and goes to break the hermetic seal on Mandalorian helmet and lift it over pursed lips, she takes a deep breath of the cold and rain-filled air. Helmet obscuring the features of face beneath helmet although she'd make no protest if the Medic attempted to examine her pupils for dilation which might indicate the concussion she had.

@[member='Max Fel']

 

[Cathul Thuku]

Location: En route to Kaeshana system
Allies: [member="Talyn Krane"] [member="Tanomas Graf"] [member="Kyrana Gould"] [member="Asmus Janes"] [member="Choli Vyn"] [member="Sieb Tevv"] [member="Vilin"] [member="Lokthra Dawning"] [member="Zark"]
Enemies: [member="Aermoira Cyone"] [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"] [member="Basileus Isauros "][member="William Kerkov"] [member="Cyrus Tregessar"] [member="Avicus DuSang"]

"Intelligence reports that Cyrus Tregessar is among the enemy" the communications officer told Cathul.

"But, admiral, Cyrus is far more experienced than you"

"That's it, we have to deploy without waiting for Lokthra: all units, set course for Kaeshana!"

She knew that any major confrontation between the Galactic Alliance and the First Order would result in equally major fleeting confrontations. Will it reach the size of a Rogue One Sith vs. the rest of the galaxy kind of thing (a.k.a. Castameer)? The idea being that she would blast through the enemy escorts, and cruisers, so that other units could move in and get in on their backs. Much like the Butcher of Korriban back then. But she knew that long-range hypervelocity cannons, like the 380mm ones mounted onboard the Excubitor and the Hero of Coruscant, would not be very effective against anything smaller than a cruiser. If the data provided by the SIS back on Malastare about what was rumored to be the enemy flagship, a Darr Itah, was correct, one needed to aim at the aft of the ship and then poof goes its maneuverabiliy. In short, it was a glass cannon. As is usual when she orders hyperspace jumps, she uses Instinctive Astrogation Control; by now she feels confient she can use it even for flights within a hex. Hopefully we can get in on behind the enemy fleet upon arrival, she thought. After all, for all her knowledge of topology, she knew that they would arrive within sensor range in the direction they came from. But before Therapy Command reverts to realspace, she would give them instructions for what was to come.

"Once we revert to realspace, place our carriers off our backs, and deploy all attack craft; give them the D when enemy capital ships close in within point-defense range. Fighter squadrons, stay within point-defense range of the fleet. Long-range hypervelocity cannons, long-range missile batteries, target the enemy Darr Itah; everyone else target enemy escorts and cruisers. Understood?"

"Roger, roger"

"What of Lokthra, admiral?"

"Lokthra is to reinforce me on my signal"

Therapy Command (13500m):

Spoiler

Capital ships:
ANS Excubitor (Procurator-X-class Grand Battlecruiser)
ANS Hero of Coruscant (Mateus-class fleet carrier)
ANS Trimaran (Trimaran-class Star Defender)
ANS Fury of Dulvoyinn (Incus-class escort carrier)
ANS Voice of Lujo (Incus-class escort carrier)
ANS Inysh (Dreadnought Mk3)
ANS Cuvacia (Dreadnought Mk3)
ANS Thebeon (Dreadnought Mk3)
ANS Dahrtag (Dreadnought Mk3)
ANS Jacen (Nebulon B7 frigate)
ANS Ryan (Nebulon B7 frigate)
ANS Siobhan (Nebulon B7 frigate)
ANS Astral (Nebulon B7 frigate)
ANS Columus (Nebulon B7 frigate)
ANS Bioavailability (Nebulon B7 frigate)

Attack craft:

324 T-70 X-Wings
130 D-Wings

 

[BE-183]

Post: 2
Location: Outskirts of Santaissa
Objective: Support the knights of Ren

Cutting down the dregs was all well and good. It suited a small squad, a surgical tool in battle. But they weren't getting anywhere strategically. Fortunately their purpose arrived shortly. Bee along with the rest of their troopers exited the urban blocks to form up with [member="Kyrel Ren"] once more. It was a long trek ahead, and she was learning just how much the inevitable waiting featured in battle.

They had a nice view of the chaos, at least. She connected the dull, distant cracking impacts resonating across the field with the flashing barrages streaming down from their capital ship's orbit-to-surface guns. The might of the Order was clear to see.

Their contingent arrived at knight [member="Samka Derith"] and her operation. Slow to pick up on the reasoning, the sight of the civilians confused Bee. She snapped to attention as Kyrel named her specifically when he met with the other Ren, surprised that he remembered her designation. Perhaps she had performed impressively on Dagobah, to have earned this honour?

Ah... hostages. The plan clicked. It was perfectly logical, the resistance weren't known for their rampant shooting of noncombatants. "Awaiting orders, ma'am," 183 deferred to Derith Ren.

 

[Darth Prazutis]

​Location: Edges of the Kaeshana System, Aboard the FNV Judicator
​Allies: [member="Malok"] | [member="Valessia Brentioch"]
​Enemies: [member="Tanomas Graf"] | Tygaran Alliance by Association
​Ships:

Spoiler

​2 x Vindicator-Class Light Carriers

• Judicator
• ​Pride of Dosuun

​

​As elements of the First Order Navy emerged from hyperspace to begin the fight for Kaeshana, a pair of light carriers emerged from hyperspace nestled safely on the systems outskirts close to the supporting ships from the First Order's fleet. While the ships were emblazoned with its symbols and it was manned by its crews, there was something different about these ships. For one the Judicator radiated with the power of the dark side, its origin the dark figure who commanded this ship. Braxus Zambrano, Arch-Prince of the Panathan Empire. The First Orders crucial help in ending the Pacanth Rebellions brought a new age of order, peace, and prosperity to their small empire. Trade long thought cut off by the diligent work of the Galactic Alliance now resumed with the mammoth Imperial Order of the south. Most of all unlike any other planet taken over by the Order, Panatha was treated differently.

​One could say delicately.

​They flew banners of the First Order and swore allegiance to them even paying their planetary tithes. But the Pacanth Reach was given a great deal more autonomy than the other worlds annexed. While in any normal circumstance the entire government system would be replaced by their own, this time it was different. The autocratic composite monarchy in all of its splendor was left exactly like it was, with slight modifications. The willingness of the orders officials to adapt was keenly observed by House Zambrano, and repaid in kind with the house's full support. When the preparation for Kaeshana began both he and [member="Darth Carnifex"] would answer the call for help to this miserable, backwater world. The Eldorai race of elves cried out of independence in their valiant attempt to throw down this regime. So before his arrival he took the liberty of pulling all intelligence he could from his vast network on the world.

​[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"].

​There was a name that made his stomach turn. Sio was a well known high value target to the Sith that she naturally had been killing for what seemed like decades now. While the woman herself wasn't physically imposing she had no need to, a telekinetic titan in her own right. If Siobhan was present and he did believe she would be, this made everything that much more complicated. In some ways he respected her and her methods, the Zambranos were well known as a hammer coming down on their foes rather than a scalpel. In many ways the Grandmistress was exactly that, a hammer. But it was her short sightedness that disappointed him. If she would only let go of her naïve beliefs and accept the rule of the Sith, she might even have the potential to bring the whole galaxy to heel.

​But that was a day that would never come. If it did it was years late after the vulnerable period of her life when she might've been influenced, even taken by the powers hypnotic song. But a mountain of broken Sith later and she pretty much proved her point. Braxus would read the casualty reports and watch the vid feeds in Kaeshana's aftermath, tallying up the famed Destroyer's kill count. But she wasn't the reason he came to Kaeshana. [member="Malok"]. Visions of the force weeks prior showed him harrowing images of a towering nightmare, a demon standing atop a scorched ridge in dark plate his power hammer raised high. Beneath him was a shambling horde of shadowy monsters, and beyond that an entire world on fire. The horde chanted and howled words he never seemed to grasp, but the face of this ape stuck with him. Later he found the creatures name and exactly what this horde was chanting.

​Malok.

​So he put his network to work and in time his underworld contacts came back with a name: Malok, Commander of the ApeX. It was a private military company comprised entirely of the apelike species nicknamed 'brutes'. Their beastly commander was a well sought after commodity for their willingness to take any job, and their great efficiency in battle. Most of all there were rumors of an great intellect that beguiled his species. Immediately he set up a meeting with the commander and deigned it necessary to hire him and the ApeX for his coming exploits on Kaeshana. It would be here that he would test Malok and his warriors in battle, the beast was undoubtedly force sensitive. But one never invested in something without trying it out first. If Malok performed as well as he thought, measured up to the rumors that circulated, he would gladly offer the gift of his knowledge. Knowledge. That brought another name to mind.

​Valessia Brentioch.

​Ambassador of the First Order and a known socialite. Braxus first met Valessia immediately after the rebellions in Panatha ended and she came representing her people. As the two spent time together on his homeworld and he learned more and more about her, and her own force sensitivity, he grew more and more interested. Carefully did he plant the seeds of doubt, of fear, and of hope that would hopefully uproot the socialite's busy life. Valessia was gifted with charisma and intellect but well, she was pathetic in everything else. In essence she was weak but was gifted with a lot of potential, potential that would serve her well. Sure enough it was possibly his influence that brought her expectedly back to Panatha on her own accord. The Ambassador knelt before the Sith Lord and pledged her loyalty to him pleading for his knowledge. He accepted her then. Today would be her test just like it was Maloks.

​Except she unfortunately knew she was being tested. Before they picked up the ApeX Valessia was carefully explained that no words of her test would be said in the presence of Malok. She wasn't told why but failure would result in pain. Today her goal was to survive, and to show him exactly what she was capable of. If Valessia still lived by the end of it all, then he would know how much work he had cut out for him. Two tests, two Apprentices. Braxus walked through the massive hangar of the Judicator now filled with the full ApeX Battalion. The titan moved among the great gorillas approaching their commander clad in his infamous dark plate armor ready for war.

​"The trap is set. We only wait for the rats to arrive. Are your warriors ready Malok?"