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

[Nima Tann]

Location: At the abandoned Kerrigan-Alcori estate, hills overlooking Santaissa
Objective: Damage a Star Destroyer
Allies: [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] [member="Tempest"] [member="Michael Sardun"] [member="HK-36"] [member="Six-O"] [member="Aeron Kreelan"] etc. etc.
Enemies: [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"] [member="Asharad Graush"] and etc. etc.

Their defences were doing a good job preventing the fighters advance and deal damage towards them, seemed that they were losing more than expected. Nima continued her mental assault towards the fighters to finish the remaining fighters still manuevering away from the defences to survive. The sky was like a light show, explosions, voices, everything a certain young Angelii would like. Though, it wasn't the case for Nima, as she was too busy trying to keep her focus on the Force and didn't like destruction in general. The one disadvantage of mentalism was, you shared the pain you caused for your enemy through the same link you created. So, as the ships collapsed with each other, she felt the pain in the sky, but fortunately her mental defences were strong enough to endure it. One more, one more... Everything happened in a split second, and then ended as quickly as that. One less trained would lose their mind against the sudden change of emotions in the area. She jumped back to reality like waking up from a nightmare when she felt something coming, and then realised what was happening outside after a second or two when she heard the Star Destroyer's engines roaring.

The Star Destroyer was on the move once again, however, this time not by will. Sio, with the help of several others, was trying to pull the ship towards the ground, make it crash. And there was a storm directly affecting the ship. Seemed like the Star Destroyer saw better days. She moved towards them quickly, evading and dodging the fire coming from above. It was a tiring experience to try to outrun the lasers and bombs, but it was when the years of acrobatics training and the Force Speed came in handy. Successfully managing to get out of the firing range and get to her allies' position, she looked at the situation. In this case, the best move to do would be giving her energy to Sio, since she was neither the TK master that Sio was, nor she was great at defense if things went wrong, only being taught by Sio about the basics a year or two ago. Fortunately for those situations, Nima had one more advantage in her arsenal, she was trained well in meditations and effective use of the Force. Not waiting a second after, she took a meditative stance and concentrated on Sio and her aura, linking the Force of her own to hers, radiating her energy through their established link. This would make her feel less tired and provide her a good amount of strength to continue pulling the Star Destroyer, at the same time it would provide Nima to see what was happening outside via Sio's eyes.

She felt some energy collected around the Star Destroyer, like it was about to attack. And as she expected, the attack happened and the voices of turbolasers were heard, hitting several targets near them. Nima reacted to this by maximizing the energy flow between Sio and hers, and reaching out to her mind, providing her knowledge about what was happening around her, which she assumed would be difficult for her to see for herself since she was busy trying to pull a Star Destroyer. She felt the fighters retreating as the link she established with the pilots weakened, and the same feeling she got from the Star Destroyer since things continued to go wrong for it from the beginning and the energy around it proved it was about to retreat. "It's going to leave." She told Sio telephatically, showing the possible paths that it would use. Difficult to find an exact path since she used most of her energy on Sio. "It might be our only chance to get a good attack."

 

[H3xle]

Location: En Route to Santaissa, Kaeshana
Objective: Secure it

GA Forces:
[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
[member="Tempest"]
[member="HK-36"]
FO Forces:
[member="Pharazon Draken"]
[member="Project X-2"]
[member="Aesa Urkith"]

((OOC: Sorry if I missed a tag))

Space twisted and warped as a possibly suicidal pilot pulled a gunship out of hyperspace right into the atmosphere of the planet. Almost instantly, Taryc and three companies of soldiers slid out of the gunship and into the open air, still warm from the disturbance of the transition. The soldiers and Taryc came down during a lull in the action, due to sheer blind luck of course, and were able to land safely within the cordon of the Kerrigan-Alcori estate.

Both she and her soldiers wore appropriate transponders, signifying them as Galactic Alliance forces. As they landed, they established a perimeter around Taryc. Each of her soldiers carried a fairly standard load out for GA soldiers, while Taryc herself had her beskar armor and beskar sword, and fairly little else.

After a moment of looking around, she and her soldiers moved to the front line to find some fascists to fight.

Spoiler

OOC: Sorry for short post, I just wanted to actually get in on this before any more pages were added. If anyone wants a duel with NPCs in the background (or not with NPCs in the background) let me know!

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

Location: At the abandoned Kerrigan-Alcori estate, hills overlooking Santaissa.
Objective: Kill fascists
Allies: [member="Aeron Kreelan"], [member="Michael Sardun"], [member="Tempest"], [member="Nima Tann"], [member="Six-O"], [member="Sed Frieder"], [member="Taryc Ap'Irae"], [member="HK-36"]
Enemies: [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"], [member="Asharad Graush"], First Order in general


All around her was naught but destruction. True to her name, Siobhan's former apprentice Tempest - now clearly an equal - harnessed her power over weather and lightning to hit the Star Destroyer with a tremendous storm, striking it with tempests and lightning.


Filled with power and rage, Siobhan kept pulling, savagely assaulting the battleship with her telekinetic power, even when its heavy guns belched turbolaserfire. Like crimson rays of doom, lances of turbolaserfire struck the ground of the estate. The fact that buildings crumbled did not concern Siobhan. The villa had already been demolished by the asteroid and now only ruins remained.


However, the turbolasers would struck Firemane forces stationed upon the hills. Especially the precious artillery. With the telekinetic pulls and lightning storm affecting the Star Destroyer, its targeting would have suffered, which mitigated the effect and saved the lives of many troopers. However...the bombardment still hit home. There were explosions and cries of pain as Firemane soldiers and vehicles were immolated by the salvoes.


Pure rage and fury filled Siobhan. The Countess was struck by debris and dove for cover, drawing upon her power to shield herself as hellfire rained down from above and tore up the ground near her, losing her grip on the Star Destroyer. Debris slammed into her, but she blew it away. Pain surged through her body and fires licked her armour, but she did not care. There was fire in her eyes when she gazed up, seeing that the warship was retreating.


No, you don't get away that easily, she thought to herself. She was powered up by the energies Sardun and Nima had donated to her, and she was filled with an apocalyptic, bloody-minded rage. All the borrowed power needed to be expelled, lest it hurt her. A savage, animalistic roar escaped her throat and she manifested a gigantic, telekinetic fist, a battering ram of absurd, brutal power.


Driving it forward, she slammed her power into the retreating Star Destroyer's bridge tower. It ought to impact upon the warship a few moments before it microjumped. The Countess would be unable to assess the effects of her last onslaught, but it should still cause one hell of an impact. Siobhan dropped to her knees, panting and sweating profusely.

 

[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"]. [member="Kira Vaal"], [member="Nima Tann"]
Enemies: [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"], [member="Asharad Graush"], [member="Pharazon Draken"], First Order
Equipment: MKIII-Heavy Bolter, Gorgon Web Rifle, Magnetic Reaper, 6 Eater Grenades, On-Board Weapons Systems
Forces: Dreadwind, Xerrzyk the Ghastly, 40 Eldorai Guerrillas

Spoiler: Dreadwind

Above the city, the rattle of stressed metal and thrum of corrective thruster release cried out diabolically. Something was going on, the Galactic Alliance was just getting in to the fight, and not a moment too soon. However brief that thought may have been true, the discharge of Turbolasser, like the synthwave strum of some terrible Club song on Zeltron, pounded the skies. Drowning snap of electrical barrage, and drumfire of thunder beneath it's pitch.

Those individuals in forward positions were now left only guessing, at the fate of their allies upon the hills at the Kerrigan-Algori Estate. If one had to wander guess, judging the colorful service records and dociers provided for each combatant. This Droid would calculate, with 96.8% probability, they yet live.

[member="Kira Vaal"], however, would have little time to ponder this issue.

As the stone from far distance, melted to glass, shattered with great bang. A cloaked figure, edging around a corner at full stride. A ten man strong sweeper team of eerie white ghosts hot on her tail, blasters discharging hip-fired shots that turned the darkness red. A woman, lithe and limber of build and grace came crashing in to her. Startled, she spun to the ground, scraping back over broken duracrete. Her hood pulled from head, and cloak flown open. Revealing a style of garb not unfamiliar to the Operative.

This was Zylaana Tesiir, formerly known as Natalya Linsenkov in her days under One Sith Intelligence. Codenamed: Dreadwind. Now a Deep Infiltration Operative for the Strategic Information Service.

Instinctively she brought a matte black Cylix Pistol to bare, unable to discern if this were friend or foe.

Further through the city than they, Xerrzyk the Ghastly continued on his crew of ten.

As shadowy phantoms they stalked the deep black terrain. Lofting over barriers in their path, climbing through windows and decaying buildings. Marking the path for ground units to follow with Ultraviolet acrylic, a low-tech method so far outdated it had been laughed at in the briefing rooms by Higher-Ups that never set foot on actual battlefields. But out here, where the terrain was as tough as a Hutt Twi'lek slaves rear, it was effective.

"Ateema huta," The Klantoonian breathed with that unmistakable scruff.

One of his Eldorai Guerillas took to purpose, swiping two arrows to denote which route to follow, and a three stroked, stylized Mynok to inform this was a Citadel passage point.

It was always a note of heartbreak, the citizenry of these war torn worlds. Just now, as the eleven men darted through their surroundings. The elderly, infirm, women and malnourished children were of such violent squalor they had been reduced to lapping water from scum slicked puddles of mud and debris.

While this was of little concern to a Slaver like Xerrzyk, his Eldorai counter-parts were invigorated even further.

"Han!" The Slave Master commanded, hand up.

They were so close to the Citadel now they could hear the intense prattle of shouts and blaster fire unmistakably.

Only one problem.

They'd walked in to an enclave so steeped with destruction, that were they to scale it, they could be picked off one-by-one at the vertex of this towering heap. His eyes scanned expertly, looking for alternate route. But it was not until the great blast of Star destroyer engines, and the pitch of that hovering ship taking it's leave that a whip of twisting lightning that the ever clever [member="Tempest"] had brought forth illuminated their path. He'd have to inform the Droid of this discovery.

"FALL BACK!"

"FLEE!!!"

Cries of the weakly trained, though physically formidable Eldorai sang as [member="Pharazon Draken"] pressed his advantage and thrust his unit like spear in to soft gut, spilling the entrails that scattered as roaches under his black boot.

Bodies were ravaged from the onslaught of his trained 'troopers. Crisped and stinking they burned with a hundred holes. But the spirit of this people were not as dashed as these poor souls before him. He could thank his Sith allies and their cruel methods of acculturation. Bend knee, or die. It's why they always failed. Cruelty had to both be vilely loathsome and subtle. It was a skill most of them lacked. They were quite content in letting their banner wave over the most rancid atrocities. But it did not serve any purpose of building a lasting Empire. Merely boiled tensions until the inevitable break.

Which is what Six-O had loved most about them.

Further and further the Eldorai Resistance movement, Sanctuary of Santaissa gave ground to [member="Pharazon Draken"]. Pulling back in to a four-way intersection with the Northern section cut off via that wall of destruction, the South ground was soft and wet mud and the west cratered thoroughly with precariously teetering buildings just waiting to transcend to their final form.

More were cut down.

More found cover to the west.

Some died trudging in the mud of the South.

Curiously, none returned fire yet.

Six-O halted, bringing his squad of thirty Eldorai Guerillas to rest. A CommSignal chirped on his overlay. He activated it immediately, the blue glow of Xerrzyk the Ghastly illuminating a stretch of ground around the Droid while his Sensors constantly scanned for movement and enemies.

He was deep in the city, seeking to harass First Order skirmish positions with his band of fighters. Currently they reside under a twenty block stretch of narrow tin roofing and flimsy wall panels of all make and denomination. A dry stretch of ground that was both tight, and relatively even save a number of ankle deep divots spaced without symmetry.

It was a shanty village of some type, a city within the city, fire barrels it's only source of light. It's residents taken to the hills for safety, or fighting elsewhere in the city as resistance.

Weight and stability of the roofing apparatus varied, much of it make-shift, and simply bolted to shattered buildings that provided a sturdier grip along the sides of tight streets---too tight for mechanized Armor to enter effectively.

"Scouting positions." The Droid commanded, and his unit dispersed. He needed to inform [member="HK-36"] and [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] of Xerrzyk's finding, if the Droid and woman yet lived.

"01001011 01100101 01101110 01101111 01100010 01101001 00100111 01110011 00100000 01001100 01100101 01100111 01100001 01100011 01111001 00100000 00110000 00110000 00111001 00101101 00110101 00101100 00100000 00110000 00110000 00110111 00101110 00110010 00110001 00101101 00111000 00101111 00110010 00001010 00001010 01010011 01110100 01110010 01100001 01110100 01101001 01100110 01101001 01100011 01100001 01110100 01101001 01101111 01101110 00101100 00100000 01001100 01101001 01100010 01100001 01110100 01101001 01101111 01101110 00101100 01000101 01100011 01101000 01101111 00101110 00001010 00001010 01000011 01000100 01010100 00110001 00110010 00101101 00110000 00100000 "

Just as before the encrypted binary streamed out. For now, as [member="Asharad Graush"] approached ever closer, he would carry on with his duty.

 

[Darth Veles]

[SIZE=10pt]With: [member="Isla Ashen"], [member="Kaalia Voldaren"][/SIZE]
[SIZE=10pt]Around: [member="Asharad Graush"], [member="Kyrel Ren"], [member="Kato"], [member="Pharazon Draken"], BE-183, [member="Rolf Amsel"], [member="Samka Derith"][/SIZE]


[SIZE=10pt]The Force honked like a claxon, alerting him to the Galactic Alliance and their goons that have come to conquer this pathetic wasteland of rubble and death. Wars tended to cloud the powerful currents of the Force, murk the waters and render all those drawing from the light side a tad bit weaker while the dark side practitioners found themselves charged with energy. A Sith himself, he certainly did not protest – in fact, he breathed it in, let the pain, hatred and death in the air fill him with power, drawing strength from the very conflict whether it took place in the orbit or on the ground. It was an intoxicating sensation, like a powerful opium, and he needed to be cautious to not overdo it. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Upon hearing the announcement about their future plans, his gaze met Isla’s and the Sith lord offered a simple nod without saying a single word. He did not need to – the confirmation gave away more than enough. His sanitary army needed to get involved in more than cleaning up the remains and brutalizing rebel hives.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“Enough,”[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] Darth Veles ordered the nearest HRD, which relayed the command to others, [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]“Execute the remaining subversives and get ready to march on Santaissa.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]No hesitation or question; the machines did as he wanted, spilling rivers of blood on the planet’s thirsty earth that accepted the sacrifice. Once the last captured insurgent died, the HRDs moved on as one man - but instead of opting for standard formations, they spread out to cover the area. With ruthlessness only machines and Sith possessed in their arsenal, their feet stepped over the bodies and carnage wrought by both sides, unhindered in advancing forward, no weakness of the flesh present in their metallic shells.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Leaning against his cane and walking at a slower pace than his forces, the Sith lord observed the unnatural show playing out in the sky, heavy clouds penetrated by purple bolts of thundering lightning. Raging like an angry Tuk’ata, the summoned storm smelled of the dark side’s influence. This concerned him – was the militant Galactic Alliance working with dark Jedi? Casting the grim thought aside, he picked up the pace and joined his allies, ready to smite opposition. For now both of his lightsabers slept beneath the heavy cloak draped around his body, leaving the fighting to the Ren. He preferred not to get himself involved directly unless necessary – and so the Dark lord of the Sith silenced his connection to the Force, becoming invisible to those who searched through its murky waters. [/SIZE]

 

[Asmus Janes]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJzuanMUuS4

Location: Launching from Rogue Squadron homeship the ANS Rebel's Hope
Objective: Dogfighting
Allies: [member="Roth Tillian"] [member="Choli Vyn"] [member="Kurt Meyer"] [member="Laira Vereen"]
Enemies: [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"]
Flying: TR-20 X-Wing

“Rogue Squadron you are cleared for launch!”

“Roger that command, everyone on me.” Asmus gave a gentle tug of the controls to bring his fighter off the deck. Marshalls waved their batons to guide the fighters out of the bay. He put his thumb against a switch ready to put the X-Wing in covert mode. Radio would stay low, emissions to a minimum and s-foils down. They would be ghosting being Red and Gold Squadrons. A line of X-Wing escorts, then the bombers and finally Rogue Squadron ready to pounce on any interceptors.

“For Eriadu and may the Force be with us,” he whispered as he cleared the hangar bay. “Covert mode all Rogue Squadron, fall in behind Gold Squadron. Do not break until I give the all clear to engage.

“Red, Gold and Rogue Squadrons, this is command. Enemy fleet has retreated around the curvature of the planet. This is your opening to support ground forces.”

“Gold Leader, acknowledging.”

“Red Leader acknowledging.”

“Rogue Leader acknowledging. This is my last broadcast for now.”

 

[Pharazon Draken]

Post #: 3

Location: Kaeshana, Santaissa, near the ruins and reconstruction site of the Citadel connected to the White Palace.

Objective: Protect the Citadel/Palace, Crush Resistance, Fight Six-O and friends.

Allies: The First Order, [member="Isla Ashen"], [member="Asharad Graush"], [member="Rolf Amsel"], [member="Kyrel Ren"], [member="Kato"], [member="Valius Rau"], [member="BE-183"], [member="Max Fel"], [member="Darth Veles"] others I may have missed nearby
Enemies: [member="Six-O"], @Galactic Alliance, [member="Tempest"], [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"], [member="Michael Sardun"], any I may have missed nearby

Equipment: Standard Stormtrooper Equipment.

Forces: 34 Stormtroopers

“Watch the ruins, but continue pursuit, report any and all additional enemy contacts immediately” Pharazon coldly ordered the thirty five or some combat effective Stormtroopers still under his direct command as they slowly and methodically pursued a group of Alliance sympathising fighters down a street.

They moved with purpose, with grim determination as they gunned down or wounded members of a group they had broken upon their defensive line. Given the prominence of even the ruins of the Citadel and Palace while they were moving away from it they were still very much in their operation area.

The filth have even stopped firing thought Pharazon as he fired his rifle again, winging a scampering fighter who managed to keep running. However, he knew very well there could be several entirely unpleasant reasons for that beyond their wills being broken. Nevertheless…

“Captain Vortigern this is Lieutenant Draken, pursuit is still in progress but we have put another group to flight” he relayed.

“Good” replied the older Captain dryly, drawing the word out. “Orders from Higher commanders than I may have changed your priorities to pursuit but stay within the area surrounding the Citadel project, with what is happening in atmosphere with that Star Destoryer the Alliance are gearing up for a very likely major offensive, which will include whatever plans they have for their agents inside the city, I do not need to tell you to watch your and your men's backs, Vortigern over and out”.

Switching the com off Pharazon signalled to his Sergeants. He ordered the platoon to prepare to move into the coming intersection. He was wary of ambush, as he was wary of everyone and everything, but he had little choice as the rubble blocked most other forms of egress for his men. Whatever was in the intersection, 4th Platoon was about to find out.

As if his thoughts were made matter a sniper bolt rocketed from an unknown direction, turning the head of Sergeant TK-7430 to a fine mist.

“Sir!” Cried Private Sandalphon, “He’s in the rubble, 7 o’clock!” he finished.

“Suppressing fire for the DM” Pharazon quickly ordered, dropping to a crouch and putting a dozen or so blaster bolts squarely in the sniper’s direction. A single bolt seemed to punctuate the noise however as one of the platoon’s designated marksmen eliminated the sniper.

Putting his men back into formation and beginning to advance into the intersection Pharazon had a Sergeant’s position to fill.

“Sandalphon” he said directly over com to the private. “I am giving you provisional command of Squad three, this is not an official promotion but you are one of my best men, I am correct in thinking that I can rely on you?” Pharazon said in his usual professionally cold manner, he liked the kid but things were about to get rough and he would need him, luckily enough Sandalphon was the best eye and most charismatic guy in Squad 3 and both its Sergeant and ranking Corporal were now dead.

“Certainly sir!” Sandalphon beamed, failing to contain his pride and accompanying trepidation. “I will not fail you”

“Then fall in and take your squad along our right flank” Pharazon snapped, he had to keep the kid on his toes of course.

4th Platoon began moving into the intersection slower than their pursuit pace but they were not creeping along either, Pharazon made a few hand signals to better position his men however he could in case of another assault or ambush, replaced his rifle's power pack and then led them into the intersection. Come what may I refuse to die on such a wretched world Pharazon thought, but he could do nothing more now other than advance.

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Location: Citadel of Dawn
Objective: Secure, liberate
Allies: Tygaran Alliance, Galactic Alliance
Enemies: First Order fascists.


Santaissa was located in a deep valley, surrounded by mountains. Further along the mountain crest lay the ruins of a planetary defence fortress called the Citadel of Dawn. It had been constructed many years ago, back when the Eldorai Matriarchy was modernising during the Venari Restoration.


The venerable fortress had been a crucial component of Kaeshana's defences when an armada of Lost Kar'zun tried to exact vengeance for their defeat at the hands of Ariane the Conqueror. When the Eldorai learned that their planet was doomed to be devastated by an asteroid, the fortress had been decommissioned. However, though stripped of its heavy guns, it was important. Control of it led to control over the heights.


That was, while many Firemane and Galactic Alliance forces had landed near the abandoned villa, were harassing First Order troops with guerilla attacks or were still in transit, a task force was moving in to occupy it. Now they approached the ruins after what must have been an unpleasant trek through the mountains.


"Let's move it, girls....and boys. Watch out for ambushes. I want this base secured and our turrets and mortars set up," Elpsis ordered, holding a bolt pistol in her hands. The Firemistress was clad in imposing scarlet beskar'gam, her firemane being hidden by a helmet. The powers she called upon were as tempestuous as her attitude. Anger rose inside her stomach at the sight of the ruined Santaissa. She could dark presences gathering inside the distant city. They'd receive their just punishment soon enough and reap what they sowed.


Lady Kerrigan's niece had already been on the planet when Lady Tarai and one of the NJO's Knights negotiated with the Forsaken leaders. With her was a mixed force of Eldorai partisans, some ARGH war droids and the Order of Fire's agents.


The Alliance's soldiers fanned out, securing the base. Bolters and blaster rifles were at the ready in case of opposition, some of the Order's operatives carried lightsabres or ARGH's new maces. They were a breed of Force-user trained by Kerrigan and inspired by her ideals, though they came all from all walks of life. Some of them had lost loved ones at Eriadu. With them was also an SIS Agent called [member="Elliot Locke"].


Elpsis winced when she saw the distant lightning storm play out in the sky, then saw the looming shape of a Star Destroyer vanish. "Comm [member="Tempest"] and tell her we're in Dawn. It's is free of hostiles, for now."

 

[Talyn Krane]

Objective: Destroy First Order fleet, establish Remnant as dominant Imperials.
Allies: The Imperial Remnant, Galactic Alliance, [member="Cathul Thuku"], [member="Tanomas Graf"], [member="Desmond C'artyom"]
Enemies: The First Order, [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"], [member="Cyrus Tregessar"], @Basileus Isauros, [member="Valessia Brentioch"], [member="Darth Prazutis"]

At Grand Admiral Graf's order, the Anarchy's Doom made the jump to hyperspace, the rest of the fleet alongside it. The hop from New Balosar would be a short one, but it would be time enough for anticipation and even dread to creep into the men's bones. Many of the crewmen now serving aboard the Doom had been with Talyn at the action over Christophsis, and no small number of them even longer than that; they were no strangers to battle. But this was something different. They were not facing looters and vandals this time.

The battle above Kaeshana was a clash between titans, making even their Star Destroyer seem terribly small.

It was in times like these, Talyn reflected, that loyalty to principles was terribly important. Faith in the New Order pioneered centuries ago, in the peace and security through obedience that it preached, would see her through even when she was only a mortal among gods. Sith Lords and Jedi Grandmasters might take to the field, beings that could obliterate her body and shred her very soul with a glance, but she would know no fear. She fought for a more secure tomorrow, and if she gave her life in the pursuit of that goal it would be well-spent.

The part of this whole affair that rankled with her was not the terrible danger. No, it was entering the battle on the side of the Galactic Alliance, another of those mismanaged, over-bureaucratic institutions that allowed crime and disorder to flourish and called it "personal freedoms". Their vaunted democracy was just a euphemism for tyranny of the majority, allowing the weak and stupid who comprised most of the galaxy to make short-sighted policy over the objections of their betters. Aiding them in any way was hardly aligned with her principles.

She remembered the last days of the Remnant of old, begging for the Republic's protection, and cringed.

But that was not truly why they had come. Grand Admiral Graf intended a showdown with the First Order, and any victory achieved here would be both practical and symbolic. On the one hand, a crippled First Order fleet could not prevent the Remnant's expansion in the galactic south, a viable concern given the bad blood between the two over the Triumvir's defection. On the other, victory would go a long way toward proving to the galaxy that the Remnant were the true inheritors and preservers of the New Order's legacy. Men would flock to their banner.

And if the First Order's war with the Alliance escalated, both factions would be blind to the Remnant's expansion.

But she was getting ahead of herself. Like any seasoned commander, Talyn knew that nothing was certain on the battlefield and that no plan survived contact with the enemy. She would have to be alert, clever, and ruthless to survive the coming brawl, especially as a member of a smaller fleet tugging on the coattails of giants. "Move status to red alert," she ordered, calmly draping one leg over the other as she lounged in her command chair. She must project confidence, competence, readiness. The men would soak up whatever she put out.

"As soon as we drop out of hyperspace, raise shields, prep missile tubes, and lock turbolasers in attack position." Do or die.

 

[Xandyr Carrick]

Spoiler: Fleet

10km
Primary Fleet
6 Sqdn D-Wing
4 Sqdn K-Wing Bomber
12 Sqdn X-Wing Starfighter
2 Hammerhead Corvettes
1 GR90 E-war transport
1 Leviathan Class Monitor
1 Nebulon B9 Frigate -
2 Thranta MK2-Class Frigate
2 Valor Class Carriers
2 Noble-Class Star Defender
1 Trimiran Class Star Defender


Reserve Fleet
2 Hammerhead Corvettes
1 Trimiran Class Star Defender

[member="Tanomas Graf"] [member="Cathul Thuku"], [member="Talyn Krane"], [member="Desmond C'artyom"][member="Carlyle Rausgeber"], [member="Cyrus Tregessar"], [member="Basileus Isauros"], [member="Valessia Brentioch"], [member="Darth Prazutis"]

She pulled up a line to Vilin. “Commodore, I suggest we skirt out into space and come at them more perpendicular rather than follow the curve of the planet. They have less chance of them ambushing us or hiding forces…it’ll also give our reinforcements an easier chance to join us.”

“Understood and agreed,” he replied before muting the comms. “Bring the fleet out wide and have the Nebulon project a gravity well along the line between us and the enemy. I’ve never seen anyone conduct a microjump smaller than half a system, but I don’t want to risk it.”

“Acknowledged sir.”

Vilin returned to the other commander. “My E-war frigate isn’t picking up any cloaked vessels yet, but they could be hiding in the mass shadow of the planet. I’m picking up a mix of star destroyers, some escort carriers and unidentified escort frigates. I can’t risk hypervelocity cannons at this angle, but I’m going to test the waters. And perhaps catch some of their TIEs napping in the hangar.”

“Give me a full volley of long range torpedoes at the nearest carrier!” Villin called out.

“Aye sir.”

A few moments later the vessel shook as it fired its enormous volley of ordnance. At close range a Trimiran could unleash terrifying assault concussion missiles, but at extreme range they could fire warheads with a much lighter payload. It would still seriously test the missile defences and shields of the nearest Vindicator class carrier. Bringing down the carriers was a long term goal if the enemy was using TIEs without hyperdrives. The torpedoes would also go inert if they missed their target and fell towards the planet below.

 

[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"]. [member="Kira Vaal"]
Enemies: [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"], [member="Asharad Graush"], [member="Pharazon Draken"], First Order
Equipment: MKIII-Heavy Bolter, Gorgon Web Rifle, Magnetic Reaper, 6 Eater Grenades, On-Board Weapons Systems
Forces: Dreadwind, Xerrzyk the Ghastly, 40 Eldorai Guerrillas, Sanctuary of Santaissa Rebels

There was always one thing in abundance of city war zones and wastelands. Spontaneity for irregularity. It's why so few standing Armies ever managed to make much headway in the Outer-Rim. Here close to the Core, they were still learning, evidently. Now these were no experts. Just hard willed men and women trying to keep what was theirs. Thanks to the acts of individuals like [member="Darth Veles"] and [member="Darth Carnifex"], it'd been made quite generously clear that were they to submit, they would simply die.

Clear as Corellian crystal.

As the hastening of engines lofted the Star Destroyer to further and further heights, that wicked discharge convulsed the staggering city below. The grit and heat that swirled in it's wake almost unbearable to take. But it offered opportunity.

Sounds became muted under the roar. While the darkness eased to a marginally more visible degree, rain too came spilling down from the great storm [member="Tempest"] did manifest. Grit and dust all at once turned to a clinging muck, thick, obscuring, obnoxious.

Buildings to the west began to moan as they collapsed, Eldorai's unfortunate enough to find themselves left in the open soon fell to this oppressive force of death. But they would not go down in vain. The Sanctuary of Santaissa, 29 men and women strong at this juncture. Lay in silent wait.

Now this was quite a predicament for [member="Pharazon Draken"]. He'd walked clear in to the jaws of hate. Only now would they bite.

In the reverse direction of the Commander, the path to the White Palace Citadel would soon vanish. From windows in rachitic buildings that lined both sides of the street, Rebels with make-shift explosives improvised from canisters of Tibanna Gas and Speeder Fuel turned to gel with heavy packing Styrofoam and littered with all manner of rusty metal shard, nail, silverware or fire brick chunk emerged.

One,

Two,

Three,

Four.

They lobbed these weapons one after the other in to the streets behind the Commander and his men. With force they detonated in to a wall of grasping flame that would seal off their return to safety for hours and tidal wave of ricocheting projectile.

BOOM!

The force had actually been so great, one of the buildings the assailants had attacked from collapsed from the wave pressure. Burying them under tons of rubble, never to rise again.

"Attack!" A voice cried.

Thus from South, and West a torrent of chaos erupted towards the Stormtroopers and their leader. Trying to trap them with that mountain barricade, so they too could experience the slaughter.

 

[Choli Vyn]

Location: Launching from Rogue Squadron homeship the ANS Rebel's Hope
Objective: Dogfighting
Allies: @Roth Tillian @Choli Vyn @Kurt Meyer [member="Laira Vereen"] [member="Asmus Janes"]
Enemies: [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"]
Flying: TR-20 X-Wing


Covert mode it was. Choli slipped in behind Gold Squadron. Radio was silent. Emissions kept to a minimum and her s-foils down. Ghosting behind Red and Gold Squadron, Choli felt that rush again.

[ Red, Gold and Rogue Squadrons, this is command. Enemy fleet has retreated around the curvature of the planet. This is your opening to support ground forces. ]

[ Gold Leader, acknowledging. ]

[ Red Leader acknowledging. ]

[ Rogue Leader acknowledging. This is my last broadcast for now. ]

"Acknowledged, Janes." Choli said under her breath. There was no hiding the slight tremble of her fingers. There had been a rush to being able to trust the Force before, just that now. Well after everything, the young woman was still working through it.

Confidence.

Trust in the Force.

Sometimes it was easier said than done.

 

[Kenth Typho]

Location: Citadel of Dawn
Objective: Secure.
Allies: SIS & [member="Elpsis Elaris"]
Enemies: The First Order.

"How's it looking down there, Mohawk?"

Locke rolled his eyes again at the callsign. How did it look like? Compared to the gorram lighting show they witnessed just ten minutes ago, when that Star Destroyer lit up the area around the estate? It didn't look like anything, but maybe that was just his frustration talking. Elly liked to be in the thick of the action, actually feeling like he was actively contributing towards the cause.

Sure, he understood the strategic sense, but that didn't stop his blood pumping for more.

"Looking alright, Third Eagle." Elly finally responded, while studying Elpsis. Angry little cheeka. Intimidating as feth, especially because he had seen what the girl could with her flames. "We are hitting Dawn, Order seems to be spread around a bunch, but they got fireworks here as well."

"Roger, Mohawk, stay safe there."

The memory of a First Order trooper incinerated made him shake his head. I will try, Eagle, I will try.

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

With: [member='Isla Ashen'], [member='Darth Veles']
In vicinity: [member='Asharad Graush'], [member='Kyrel Ren'], [member='Kato'], [member='Pharazon Draken'], [member='BE-183'], [member='Rolf Amsel'], [member='Samka Derith']

A small moment of respite. There were no enemies close to Kaalia, as her the body the last enemy in her way slowly slumped to the floor. There was no time to think however, as Isla called out to the other redhead to come along to the ruins. She nodded at her fellow Ren, and made her way to Isla's side as the beams of light in her hands retracted. "Please, help me stay focussed." she said, quietly enough so only the one meant to hear it could. "I can't do this alone."

Kaalia trusted Isla. Where others like Darth Veles and Kyrel Ren sometimes raised her suspicions, Isla was one of the few she had no doubts about. She was resolute, steadfast and collected. Her prescence was like a beacon; she kept the 19-year old from letting detrimental emotions get to her. She was an example of what she needed to be. Kaalia felt calm now.

The force of stormtroopers looked just as large and impressive as before the encounter, making it seem not a single casualty was suffered. Moving along with the white armored men and women would give the Ren more firepower, but splitting off would mean they could move around without being noticed. The message from Samka Derith then came through the comm, inviting the Ren to join her efforts. She decided to leave the decision to Isla, knowing she was the Disciple and Ashen Ren the Knight. It seemed that at least for now they were making their way to the ruins, probably to come up with a plan of action there.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Location: Kaeshana System
Ship: Modded Rekali-class
Call Sign: Rakehell One
Allies: [member="Asmus Janes"] [member="Kurt Meyer"] [member="Choli Vyn"] [member="Roth Tillian"]
Enemies: [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"]

The Explorer dropped out of Hyperspace not far behind the Galactic Alliance fleet, just far enough that should could assess the situation before the fighting started. Luckily for Laira, it seemed the First Order was retreating away from the engagement zone for now.

Nervously, the green pilot turned to her signal scrambler. Alright, listed as Far Runner just in case with sensor signatures to match. "Alright Ee eight, get on that top gun."

::Oh, alright. I suppose there is some comfort in knowing I will see my death coming.:: The droid turned and ambled out of the cockpit, muttering to itself about how terrible its plight was. Normally the redhead found it very funny to listen and watch, but she was a little on edge at the moment. The princess had never flown a combat mission like this, and even though she had thousands of hours in a simulator and even a few combat missions against small numbers of independents.

"Opening Channel, this is, ah, um, Rakehell One acknowledging Alliance Command." She stammered over the encrypted communication channels. She sighed in relief, shivering a little bit to let out her nerves, easing her hands over the controls. Laira had seen first hand the skill of the average First Order Pilots and ground crew, and was very unimpressed with what she had seen. Likely this size engagement would draw out their more competent officers who could manage to figure out how to fuel bombers, but those people still existed in the rank and file.

She pulled crash webbing over her shoulders and turned off the exterior lights, shifting the vessel's colors to Starry Night and activating the passive signature reduction of the Rekali-class. Minor stealth, but still something.

 

[Trextan Voidstalker]

Location: GADF FOB near Citadel of Dawn.
Objective: Secure, liberate
Allies: Tygaran Alliance, Galactic Alliance [member="Elpsis Elaris"] [member="Elliot Locke"]
Enemies: First Order fascists.
Equipment: Vanguard Armour, Lightsaber, Blaster Pistol, Sonic Carbine

Minutes from finishing with the slave complex and they had been on the move. Jacen had taken the time to show him the slaves who were being ushered towards rapidly deploying medical facilities. After pushing Trextan until he started to question the Sith, it seemed he was determined to now show what it was the Alliance did.

But Jacen didn’t look all that confident any more. He put a mask on for the soldiers around him, but Trextan know those expressions all too well. It galled him how close they were to his own. Their shuttle was coming in low towards an Alliance prefab FOB.

The Jedi Marshall turned towards his son. “It might be best if you stay here now.”

“What’s going on?” Trextan asked.

“First Order forces have entrenched themselves around key locations. We’ve seen them indiscriminately bombing several settlements.”

“I’ll come with you,” Trextan replied, but he could hear his own voice wavered. He’d been lost at sea in just a small skirmish with slavers. How was he going to deal with a full war.

“You’ll be safe at the base. Once the logistics are in place we can get you back to the fleet,” Jacen replied, turning away from him.

Anger bubbled to the surface and he snatched out to take Jacen’s forearm in a firm grip. “Don’t I get a say?”

“Not here,” Jacen replied more softly. “This is our war. You don’t even know you want to be here.”

Trex let go, long hair falling forward of his shoulders. He was right, but there was more. “Do you not trust me because they are users of the Dark Side here?”

“You can feel that?”

Trex narrowed his eyes, listened to the Force. “Yes.”

“Do you feel you can resist its pull?” Jacen asked, turning back to face him.

“I’m going with you,” Trextan repeated firmly.

He watched Jacen purse his lips. He could practically see the wheels turning inside. Trextan almost felt bad for causing this conflict within his father. For a moment he considered going back on his assertion, taking the advice and getting out of here. It was true, this wasn’t his fight. He still wasn’t sure of himself, who he was or what he wanted. Someone could take advantage of that.

“Alright, take a sonic carbine and a blaster pistol and comm. Do not try and use the Grav glove on that armour. Stay close. We’re meeting up with coalition forces soon.”

The shuttle would take them as far as it could once they’d restocked at the FOB, then it was a foot slog to catch up with the advance.

“Elpsis!” he heard his father call out towards a young woman with bright red hair. Someone he knew obviously.

 

[Kira Vaal]

LOCATION: Santaissa
OBJECTIVE: Establish a Connection With the Galactic Alliance Fleet. Rebel
TAGS: [member="[/COLOR][B]Six-O"],[/B] [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"], [member="HK-36"], [member="Tempest"], [member="Aeron Kreelan"], [member="Michael Sardun"], [member="Sed Frieder"], @Causstik Rhan, [member="Nima Tann"], [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"], [member="Asharad Graush"], [member="Pharazon Draken"], First Order, Galactic Alliance, SIS

The hills around them, around the city of Santaissa were alive with the sound of blaster fire and explosions. A hefty price was being paid somewhere and for the dusty Rebels and Kira it was just a relief that it wasn’t them currently paying it.
“The Star Destroyer is on the move.” It was a statement that bought both joy and fear to the group, having the ship out of the way would allow for an easier time across the blasted city, however it’s departure could mean certain doom for Santaissa and all it’s occupants. “We still can’t get a secure connection to the Alliance fleet though.”
“Too much interference.” Kira answered. Dust kicking up around them, something stirring in the air. A warning perhaps, some form of sign from the Force. Kira was unsure and as such remained silent. “We get to the comms tower and transmit. This has to get to the Alliance, the galaxy needs to know.”
A scatter of blaster fire sounded not to far away. Kira and her Rebels hit the deck, scattering for cover as a figure, cloaked and moving at full sprint edged around a nearby corner. Her instinct told her to fire, the Force however, the Force told her to stay her weapon. At least until the crowd behind her moved into view. Kira raised her blaster, the form of the runner crashed through her and to the floor, but the Rebels fired openly on the sweeper team, each taking a target and in a flurry of hasted weapon shots they all lay dead with the look of surprise at being caught by a team of unexpected Rebels.

“I’d put it down.” Kira turned to the woman on the floor. A weapon pointing towards the SIS agent as identities were measured up.
“Kira Vaal.” She said in response. “I had reports that you were down here too.” She slid the weapon back into a holster and began to rise to her feet, fully aware of the Rebels appearing from the cracks of the city around her. “Agent Dreadwind. SIS.”
Kira paused for a moment before holstering her own pistol. She sensed no deceit from this Dreadwind, even if her aura was slightly darkened. Perhaps it was just a side effect of the war around them, perhaps it was more. She didn’t know.
“Well I won’t say a friendly face isn’t a welcome sight.” She sighed. The city had gone deathly silent again. “We’re heading towards the communication tower to the east, I need to get a message through to the Fleet.”
“All small frequency communications are jammed. I’ve been trying to get through to my Handler since the First Order started to push their weight on the city.” Dreadwind added, she glanced nervously towards the east. “What are you trying to get to them? Surely they will come down eventually.”
“Images, proof that the First Order aren’t here for humanitarian purposes at all. Ammunition for the coming political fallout.” Kira gave the unelaborated response, but Dreadwind ushered a hand towards her and Kira felt the right thing to do was at least get a second opinion on all this.
Watching the second agent have the same reaction she did gave reasoning to the cause. “These, if this is true? We have to get more, clearer proof. These crosses, they were put up near here. I saw them. If we get close enough, there is an old tower to the north of the location, used to be a political hall. We should be able to get intelligence shots from up there, enough to land the First Order smack bang in the thick of the Frakk.”
Kira was worried, already they had survived the storm and the initial attack. Trying to get closer could put her people in a dangerous situation they didn’t need.
Then again, that was their job.
“Arij.” She waited for the younger rebel to come up to her, “Go with half our unit. Secure the comms tower. Transmit what you already have. We’re going to go and see if we can get more proof. Maybe make some First Order bleed on the way.”
“Yes Ma’am.” Half the group split away and began to move through the rubble towards their original target. Kira, well she gave this Dreadwind a nod and shifted her attention towards the North where already they could make out the leaning spire of the tower in question.

May the Force be with us.

 

[H3xle]

​

LOCATION: Kaeshana System, Opposite side of Kaeshana from [member="Vilin"]
ALLIES: [member="Choli Vyn"] [member="Laira Vereen"] [member="Vilin"] [member="Talyn Krane"] [member="tanomas graf"] [member="Asmus Janes"] [member="roth tillian"] [member="kurt meyer"] [member="cathul thuku"] [member="desmond c'artyom"] @Galactic Alliance @Imperial Remnant @Eldorai Forces
ENEMIES: [member="carlyle rausgeber"] [member="cyrus tregessar"] [member="Basileus Isauros"] [member="Valessia Brentioch"] [member="Darth Prazutis"] @First Order @Sith
OBJECTIVE: Maintain a reserve fleet, be eyes and ears for GA forces in system

Fleet

Spoiler

ANS Dream of Freedom
-Belsar Class Command Carrier (1600m)
ANS Kaetara and Shandar
-2x Nobles Class Star Defenders (1000m each)
ANS Fondor Ascendant, Sullust Star, and Atrisia Resurgent
-3x Horn Class Escort Cruisers (500m each)
ANS Bantha, Sandpanther, and Vonrnskr
-3x Thranta Mk II Class Patrol Frigates (400m each)
ANS Erso, Andor, Malbus, and Imwe
-4x Hammerhead Frigates (315m each)
ANS Griswald, Taylor, Sawyer, Finch, and Sullivan
-5x Nebulon B7 Class Frigates (300m each)
ANS Vigilant Star and Guiding Star
-2x Sentinel Class Cruisers (500m each)

"Ma'am, we have a lock on beacons and gravity wells for Commodore Vilin's ships." The young lady sitting at the sensor tech station to Lexi's left spoke up as she was watching the ebb and flow of hyperspace around them. Lexi turned from the view and towards the sensor tech, waiting only a moment to see if there was anything else, then turned forward again. This time her eyes and attention fell upon the conn and its officer.

"Plot the system based on the latest sensor data, put us in at the one half light minute mark from Kaeshana. Have us transition into the sensor shadow relative to Commodore Vilin's fleet." She spoke softly but confidently. She was young for her current post, but she had proven herself to be a capable commander, and the Alliance rewarded very well. The conning officer nodded, and began to plot their transition to normal space.

A few moments later, cronau radiation would spike as her seeing eye fleet slipped into the system like an elephant into water. At the center of the formation was the ANS Dream of Freedom. The two Sentinel sensor cruisers were flanking her, and the rest of her escort was arrayed around her.

"Engines to station keeping, but keep an eye on the readouts. The moment an enemy ship comes towards us I want us mobile." She said to the conning officer, then turned to the communication watch standing station. "Sound general quarters through the fleet, bring up all primary shields and weapons systems. Have Vigilant Star and Guiding Star go to maximum resolution on all scans. Make contact with all allied fleets and share information, and try to get into contact with ground forces. If we have to launch communications buoys to speed up the communication process, then do so." Her orders were answered by nods, then bent heads as the CIC went into activity.

Around her small fleet, crews set themselves up for a fight. Hangar decks were cleared for launches, and ready pilots finished their checks. Bridges became flurries of activities as the minutae of maintaining a formation at station keeping, and sweeping the system for threats both obvious and cloaked got under way. Gun crews sealed bulkheads and readied survival suits as they gathered ranging data from the sensors. Engineering decks prepared damage control parties, while others maintained watches at power readout stations and control boards.

Lexi turned to the holographic table at the center of CIC. As the sensors of all ships in her fleet began to flow through the communication channels, the picture became cleaner and clearer.

"Commodore Villin seems to have engaged at range..." She said, more to herself than to anyone else, as she watched the battle unfold.

Actions:
1) Entered system at the 30 light second mark from the planet Kaeshana. Specifically, on the opposite side of the planet from Villin's fleet.
2) All ships went to general quarters and readied for action.
3) Active sensors are sweeping the system for threats, including cloaked vessels.
4) Communication between fleets and fleets, and fleets and ground forces are being attempted.

 

[H3xle]

Location: Santaissa, Kaeshana
Objective: Go Hunting

GA Forces:
[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
[member="Tempest"]
[member="HK-36"]
[member="Aeron Kreelan"]
[member="Rhen Qel-Droma"]


FO Forces:
[member="Pharazon Draken"]
[member="Project X-2"]
[member="Aesa Urkith"]
[member="Asharad Graush"]
[member="Isla Ashen"]
[member="Kaalia Voldaren"]
[member="Kato"]
[member="Byzus Lanko"]

Forces: 3 companies of Alliance Soldiers, 2 Companies remaining at the Kerrigan-Alcori Estate as reserve, 1 moving with Taryc.

Once Taryc and her men got to the defensive perimeter of the estate, she ordered two thirds of her soldiers to remain and help fortify the estate. She placed them under temporary local command, not wishing to over commit her forces as she went hunting for fascists. The company she took with her were her veterans, this not being the time to train by live fire, she needed her best with her.

Moving carefully over the terrain, Taryc and her company of soldiers moved from the estate to the city proper.

"​Break into platoons. First and Fourth have the left and right flanks. I want you to maintain level with us one street to either side. If you make contact, or meet an obstruction let me know. Second platoon, you have vanguard and rear guard. If you make contact, do not engage, close up with us and we will maneuver to suppress. Third, you are my reaction force. Stay ready to respond to any direction." She swiftly ordered, taking up a position in the center of her new formation. She kept an eye on her HUD as she drew her sword. She likely made an odd figure, a throwback to days of swords and fully encompassing armor, surrounded by elite modern infantry.

Shouldering her sword, they began to move forward.

Spoiler

OOC: If anyone wants to play, let me know. Otherwise, I'll make contact with random (NPC) FO forces in my next post and poke holes in them.

 

[Isla Ashen]

Location: Santaissa
With: [member="Kaalia Voldaren"], [member="Darth Veles"]
In the Vicinity: [member="Asharad Graush"], [member="Kato"], [member="Pharazon Draken"], [member="Rolf Amsel"]
Objective: Secure Santaissa
Enemies: GA

As the disciple appeared at her side, Ashen Ren gave her a steady nod. The young woman’s plea did not fall upon deaf ears; this was certainly a trying time for everyone, let alone someone so new to the fold of the Ren. It was a cruel initiation, but Kaalia would come away from this even stronger than before. While Isla was not an overly sentimental or affectionate woman, she did let her hand come to rest on Kaalia’s shoulder for a brief moment.

“I will be right here with you, don’t worry.”

The rush of battle was falling away, giving both women a chance to let their presences grow calm once more. She glanced back to Darth Veles, just in time to catch the silent nod that he had sent her way. And a moment later, she felt his presence shrink away to nothing. Indeed, his dark form was with them, but to any nearby that could sense, he was simply – gone. With her eyes following the figures of the troopers in the distance, she set off with Kaalia by her side.

“Shrink your force presence, conceal it.” She spoke in a low tone, nodding to the disciple.

It would be best not to give their positions away so easily. Together, the two dark figures moved as shadows. Isla did not speak further, but rather continued to move after the troopers in silence. Much like the white-armored men and woman, Isla drew Kaalia close to the side of a building… momentarily sheltered against the edge of the city. Aside from the communication from Knight Derith, there had been no word as to where their presence was needed. For now, they would prowl Santaissa. There was no telling what Alliance forces were lying in wait, they would root them out.

Isla turned slightly, viewing the troopers that waited nearby. She did not wish to remain here long, it would be best to keep moving. Once more, she glanced to her companions, a brow raised and a hint of a smile on her face. Her hand wrapped around the hilt of her saber in preparation, and she gave a nod to Kaalia and Veles as she began to move again.

This time, headed… North.