Chaos Among The Stars | TSE Dom of Krownest/Gargon

[Murao]

Objective: Objective 1
Location: Lower Atmosphere, Krownest en route to Deployment Zone Cresh
Ship: Harrowing Defiance, Mastodon-Class Troop Transport
Tags: [member='General Gol'zan'], [member='Vaulkhar']

---

This was the Lieutenant's first deployment with him, his ship, and his small crew. Murao didn't even know most of their names aside from their occupation "Ensign." Murau spoke cooly while sitting stiffly in the command chair of the Harrowing Defiance a Mastodon-Class Troop Transport "Hail our contact, General Gol'zan. inform him that the Harrowing Defiance stands ready at his command with reinforcements of ninety legionaries." the human ensign gave a nod "Aye, sir. Hailing the General now." the holo-communicator on the small bridge of the transport corvette began to hail the General. Though as the call went unanswered for several seconds Lieutenant Murao began to feel anxious "Ensign, what was the last known position of the General?" after a brief second the ensign responded once again "Krownest, vanguard detachment, sir. Most recent battlefield intelligence reports his location to be near deployment zone Cresh as expected but his communication's officers have not reported being within the halfway mark. Its possible that he has already made it to the location but not reported it. It is also possible we will be deploying troops without support." the Lieutenant's fingers tapped quickly at the arm rest of his chair "Acknowledged." while most transport vessels were not designed to withstand heavy, front line, concentrated retaliatory fire from the ground the Mastodon-Class Troop Transport was a stalwart machine designed to withstand punishment most transports of its size could not "Continue to hail him, Ensign." Murao put his hands on the navigational terminal in front of him and plotted a course for the last known position of General Gol'zan and his men. These legionaries would be deployed as the mission specified whether Gol'zan was dead or alive. The mission would be completed. "Harrowing Defiance to Control. This is Lieutenant Murao. We are continuing the reinforcement mission to the deployment zone Cresh." he spoke into his minimalist headset to which a droid voice responded "Control to Harrowing Defiance, intentions updated. Reminder; planned reinforcements are to be diverted to deployment zone Aurek in the event of the General's defeat as per contingency plan Cobalt."

The bridge access door slide open behind Murao's chair, to which the Cathar used the automated rotation feature to face the newcomer. It was the Captain of the ship's legionary contingent "I assume this means we are to see combat shortly?" he inquired of the Lieutenant who gave a formal nod "Correct, Captain, we are in transit to deployment zone Cresh as planned. The General has yet to respond to our communication attempts." the Captain seemed far more relaxed that Murao "Nothing to fear, the Sith like to keep us military types guessing. General Gol'zan is most likely knee deep in bloodied ditches. I'll let my men know of the plans." and with that the Captain turned to leave the bridge and Murao returned his chair to the forward facing position. Before the access door shut the Captain said over his should "And, relax a bit." the Legionaries that the transport was ferrying to the deployment zone were planned to be deliver as part of an overall strategy of the reinforcement directive to replace losses against the defiant mandalorian clan. Keeping the pressure in this fight would be the decisive objective in this battle to ensure that the offensive did not stall due to manpower losses.

 

[Ishana Pavanos]

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​

The flight over Krownest brought about two feelings, one the satisfaction of blowing Mandalorian strongholds to smithereens and the second? Well. Krownest being the frosty world it was brought back memories of Hoth for Ishana. Albeit fuzzy since her return but nevertheless there as the TIE Bomber screeched across the dense overcast sky of the world. The percussion of bombs as they hit the ground mixed with the light almost horn-like blast of lasers as they just missed the paint of the Bomber she flew. Brought that day fateful day on Hoth back to life, the memory of engaging the Alliance's fighters and although she did not share an intense bond with Kaalia then. Kaalia was in her mind and even now the pilot gave a small glance to the picture that was taped up to her dashboard.

The renewed bond with her wife amplified by the Sith markings on her forearm allowed Ishana to share what Kaalia felt at that very moment. The lick of lasers on her TIE's Bomber brought Ishana back to reality, a Mandalorian fang fighter had closed in. Escorts had been distracted by interceptors leaving the pilot alone with her predator, no matter Ishana thought as she looked at the approach to her next target. Ishana pushed on the yoke and the Bomber's speed increased, "this is Echo-1 on approach to the target, could use a little help."

"Copy that Echo-1, this is Phoenix-3 en route with a little assistance, hang tight."

Assistance had better hurry the fang fighter brought friends.

"Echo-1 to Echo squadron, status?"

An array of responses except for the greyed out units, Echo-4 and Echo-6 were gone and Ishana felt a pang of guilt within her. Kids, she thought, no older than her sister who now flew with the Rift Mages for Darth Arcanix. "Phoenix-3, where's that assistance?" Ishana nearly demanded as she maneuvered the TIE Bomber away from the three pursuers.

"We're here, had to punch through a few clouds."

Phoenix-3 and two others above Ishana punched threw flying toward the group. Ishana pushed the Bomber beneath Phoenix Flight as their cannons found purchase on the Mandalorian fang fighters. Ishana breathed a sigh of relief, "Echo squad, regroup on me, thanks Phoenix-3, I owe you."

"No problem, Echo-1."

[member="Kaalia Pavanos"]

 

[Darth Morrow]

Objective [1] Assist in the slaughter.
Location: Krownest, approaching Wren Stronghold

---

"My lady, forces have spotted an entrance to the rear of the stronghold from your approach. It is guarded, but less so than the front. We recommend leading a force around the northern edge under the cover forest."

The voice in her ear was ignored for the moment, blade ripping through the torso of another mandalorian as he ran with bladed blaster aimed at her gut. The voice in her mind was enough to distract the woman for a brief moment just enough for the point to press into the gap between her armor around thigh level, though quickly slipped out as the man fell to the ground. Crimson dripped from her open wound as she glared eyes to the rest of the Lords and Ladies making the lives of these rebels hell, then motioned for her soldiers to retreat to the forest.

Little did others know however her plan was not to run, but the flank these sorry people.

Tredging through the snow laden wilderness her forces began to curve around the eastern end of the fort, blasters raised as they carved a hole through the enemy. Approaching the walls Morrow glanced around to see the sealed entrance guarded by a few dozen men.

"I hope youre aware of how to open this else youre just as dead as the rest of these welps, captain." She spoke back to the voice in her ear, the man on her ship pacing and barking a few idle orders to her crew upon the Apotheosis in orbit.

[member="Kaalia Pavanos"] | [member="General Gol'zan"]

 

[Darth Assimilus]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ak6l31HJ4c​

Location: Wren Stronghold
Objective: Make the few feel like the thousands.
Enemies: TSE - [member="Darth Morrow"] [member="Ishana Pavanos"] [member="General Gol'zan"] [member="Kaalia Pavanos"]
Allies: Clan Wren/Mandalorians - [member="Vaulkhar"]

Hope.

A frail thing, yet hard to kill. Approaching a balcony or over perch that peered into the vast snowy wilderness I could feel the dread, fear and terror atop its rural cradle of suppressed flora. Indeed it was cold on this world. Physically its weather nipped at the exposed potions of my face only to then blend disperse in a small spout of vapor from the heat my body emitted. Emotionally it was like snow. To muffle hope and snuff it out. Like an avalanche seeking to overbear and asphyxiate all it grasped. Such injustice. For far too long the Sith had been allowed to reign high. Now was the time to fight back. Grasping the railing tight and taking in the adjacent sounds of conflict I could feel it still. A delicate creature.

Hope.

I was but a guest among the Mandalorians and now I had become their unknowing ally. Retreating away from railing and seating myself into a cross legged position out of view, I closed my eyes. Focus. quite some time but as the material world faded around me I began to truly see. Traces of strings tied to each and every soldier. A web of synchronized events with potential. It all echoed within the force like ripples across a pond. Only this time a stone had been heaved into its immense waters. Oppression. Reciting my own mantra I let go fully with each word spoken. Battle Meditation.

" Hope lives in all places.​

You can block it, even try and trap it.​

But Hope will find a way.​

And Hope.... is the Light!" ​

​

Eruption. Unlike the more traditional Jedi I did not hide nor suppress my passions! Order must be maintained. I had hope! And like a strong breeze dancing through the plains of Naboo, so to did Hope. Entering each any every Mandalorian for miles around. Limited only by my preternatural vision into each of their beings. Embers needed only but a breeze in order to burn brighter and hotter. It was not immediate but through the span of minutes it was revealed. Will-power doubled, Stamina increased and a battle prowess poured in against all who opposed. Where once the hearts of proud warriors hung onto a furlong song, it now sounded aloud with enthusiasm on a personal level and together they were a symphony enlightened by energies un-denounced to the mind. A shift had occurred and now the very same murky waters threatened to go back into it source. The Sith. Behind it all the light was now pushing back, targeting black clad troopers, squad leaders and the Sith that commanded them. The furlong song that once gripped each Mandalorian would now be tasted by their tyrants. A subtle disorder would begin to show its ugly face within their ranks now.

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[Tabigarashu Madara]

Mouse About Town
Location: Trade Outpost, Krownest
Objective: Whittle Down the Shopping List


Hirou walked confidently down the center street. One paw, two paw, tap tap tap. They were wearing the suit jacket Tai Fa had given them last Sithmas to replace the one the Nezumi had outgrown. Taller? No. At this age Hirou wasn't growing in height, but rather around the middle. The Inquisitor wasn't fat perse, but most certainly bordering on plump these days. Well past middle age for a Nezumi, Hirou didn't move as fast or appear quite so sleek as they once did. Now there was grey in the fur around their whiskers and mornings were becoming harder with stiff knees needing some heat and movement to loosen up.

That said, the little creature whistled a jaunty tune as they traipsed around the Trading Post.

"Ally's Alloys..... Ally's Alloys.... hmmm."

While they had only managed to make it half way down the main thoroughfare, it had taken the tiny creature half of the morning just to get that far. Oh, they could have brought a member of the Saaraishash with them, used that clout to ride on a shoulder and get around both more quickly and with less strain on the old tail bones. But sometimes it was nice to just get out and about without all of that, and Hirou had decided, rather firmly with themself, that they really did need the exercise.

"Is this it?"

They paused in front of the open door, peering up at the sign. Squinting for a moment before sighing and reaching into a pocket. A pair of spectacles were produced and they perched it on their nose before trying again.

"Ah yes, excellent."

They looked up. And down. Then side to side. Nose wiggled. And then, with a sigh, they found a spot out of the way beneath the overhang and sat down. Someone would have to enter or exit and open the very larger, far too heavy for a Nezumi door, before they could go in and make their purchases.

While they waited, Hirou tugged a scrap if flimsy out of the other pocket, upon which was written a list of items that might appear rather random to someone peering over their shoulder.

With some patience, and a little luck, Hirou would be able to cross an item off today.

 

[Vaulkhar]

"Ah, you've heard of me. Saves me time and an introduction," Ven summoned a weak barrier of energy around him, meant solely to protect him from the backlash of the general's display. It blew past him in a burning wave of hatred, sending the young Mandalorian to join his comrades in death. A faint wince followed suit a split second before the general's fist collided with the younger warrior's jaw. Ven danced back, leaving the faintest of trails across the snow beneath them as Gol'zan lumbered after him. His saber rose up and parried aside each blow one after the other. Certainly weaker than his larger foe, Ven's entire body lurched away from each incoming strike before his saber turned away an attack. "I must say," he paused as he leaped back half a dozen feet for a momentary reprieve. "I can see why my father likes you. You two are similar in some regard, tactics primarily. Though your skill with a lightsaber is far below his own, which puts you in an unfortunate spot," his hands rose and pushed outward, guiding the force towards his foe.

The snow, ice, and sleet between them surged towards the towering Sith Lord. It raged like a sudden blizzard, the force empowering and strengthening the frozen storm as it cleared the gap quickly. It was likely a distraction at best, but one Ven aimed to take advantage of. He dropped his concentration and rushed behind it just as Celebrimbor's battle meditation set in. With a renewed well of stamina, he came bursting through the remainder of the slush with a series of swift thrusts aimed to unbalance his foe. Following the offensive, another wave of telekinetic energy surged forth from his outstretched palm.

"I hope those tanks are under order to fire on this position, general. Things aren't looking good."

[member="General Gol'zan"]​

 

[Tsyok]

​

Objective: Eliminate Resistance
Location: Krownest
Allies: [member="Murao"]
Opponents: [member="Vaulkhar"], [member="Celebrimbor Zing"]

The General snarled as his prey danced away from him, his feet already moving to close the distance when a deluge of snow and sleet barricaded his way. He tore at it with the Force, sending shockwaves cascading across the landscape as his fury unfolded around him. Gol'zan's face was bound up in a deep hateful sneer, his eyes blazing with power and fury. It wasn't until he felt the resonance within the Force that his expression faltered slightly.

Battle Meditation.

There was more than just this traitor around.

The Emperor's wayward son rushed forward through the flurry, his blade flashing as the General brought his up just in time to parry the younger warrior's attack, replying with several slashes of his own before a wave of telekinetic energy pushed him back. He remained rooted to the ground through his own strength in the Force, the soles of his boots scraping along the ground as he was shoved. Gol'zan reached out with his mind as he steadied his blade with both hands, pieces of debris and bodies levitating into the air before careening towards Vaulkhar at intense velocities.

"You think this fight matters, boy? Any concession you draw from the Empire is merely temporary, we are eternal. The Dark Side is eternal. Our Emperor is eternal."

Gol'zan lunged forward again, completely immersed in the intoxicating rage of Juyo as he swung his blade from low to high in an gut-ripping arc, quickly spinning his weapon back down to unleash a wrathful volley of staccato attacks that left little room for anything other than pure aggression.

 

[Amaya Cardei]

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​

Gargon
Grunger Town

The Mirialan gazed past the Galidraani. It seemed the Devaronians were still looking for their target. "As agreed, the Empire will more or less looked the other way, get a cut of the profits and ..."

"Will retain control of the world and implement their own security measures as you can understand." Naveena went on, she settled into her chair. There was an uneasy feeling that curled around her and from what she could tell of the woman before her it was mutual. The ladies on either end of Umedara did not seem bothered but rather were enjoying the atmosphere.

Naveena paused a moment and looked at Umedara plainly, "tell me are there a particular sort here?"

"Mhmmm maybe depends on the sort." Maybe the fancy pants gal had a clue after all, not that Ume had one way or the other of knowing, but it was nice to know that maybe this one did.

A small smile of understanding and a polite nod from Naveena followed. "I see." She lifted her gaze just past Umedara before re-centering her attention."Suggestions?"

"A few..." Replied Umedara while her lips upward curled into a wicked grin.

 

[Murao]

Objective: Objective 1
Location: Deployment Zone Cresh, Krownest
Ship: Harrowing Defiance, Mastodon-Class Troop Transport
Allied: [member='General Gol'zan'],
Enemy: [member='Vaulkhar'], [member='Celebrimbor Zing']

---

The Harrowing Defiance made it to the deployment zone without being intercepted from the air or the ground. The invasion seemed to have taken most of the ground-to-air defenses offline in this particular region of the battle. A stroke of good luck to be sure. Murao's eyes scanned the information being given to him on his screen; topographic data, enemy and allied troop movements as distributed by Control, and operational notifications "Lieutenant, ten seconds from deployment zone Cresh." the Cathar gave a stiff nod "Acknowledged." and with a press of a button on his control console the troop hangar's lights shut off and red flooded the room "Up! Up!" barked the Captain who pushed an energy cell into his blaster pistol as his troops stood and braced themselves for the ramp to lower "Today we seek victory! Today we fight for our Empire!" the Harrowing Defiance came to a slow halt above the deployment zone and lowered on its landing gear amidst the ashen remains of the artillery stricken location, the bottom of the corvette's troop hangar released and a quick descent brought the whole floor of the hangar out onto the ground where the legionaries rushed off in all directions to seek cover. The Captain dashed off behind a demolished speederbike and turned on his holocomm "Captain Dran, 857th Assault Company, reporting successful landing at deployment zone Cresh. Requesting rendezvous coordinates."

From the bridge Murao had a commanding view of the shattered remains of the location, and it seemed that General Gol'zan was no where in sight "Forget Gol'zan! He was supposed to be here already!" Murao slammed his fist on his chair's armrest, the Ensign and his partner began to hurriedly make several priority calls to Gol'zan's men as well as several recon squads in an attempt to find out what was happening "Sir, if we don't hear from the General... are we going to Aurek?" Murao didn't respond and only simmered with frustration. The Harrowing Defiance's ramp and lift began to raise back to their original positions. The legionnaires and the captain stood without heavy support or air cover. They were essentially defenseless from any combat involving something heavier than a Mandalorian. After a pause Murao seemed to be more composed even though the General had still not made contact with him "Harrowing Defiance to Control." he began to speak into his headset "Lieutenant Murao reporting the 857th successfully transported to deployment zone Cresh. Awaiting instructions." the two ensigns faces paled at their commander's silent refusal to take the legionnaires to deployment zone Aurek.

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

Objective: [1] Kill them all.
Location: Krownest, approaching the Wren Stronghold

​

Avacyn had cut a bloody swath through the ranks of the Mandalorians, ultimately bringing her at the rear of the stronghold. The imperial troops provided a distraction on the other side that drew the majority of the enemy forces to it. It made for an easier way inside, which was exactly what the Sith Lady was looking for. Approaching from the west, she marched towards the sealed entrance, At which a number of guards were posted. Before coming all too close, comms rang through her ear to inform her that Darth Morrow had made her approach from the other end. In response, she flipped the channel to send a message to her fellow Sith.

"This is Darth Avacyn. I am approaching from the west," she said in a ghostly voice, altered by her connection with the Netherworld. "I will attack from the flank to secure the entrance. At your signal." A single person provding flanking support seemed ridiculous, but when it was the Triumvir of Strength, the scenario suddenly looked very different. She was no simple warrior, that much was evident just by the bodies she had left in her wake and the state those were in. Twisted, contorted, crushed, beskar melted together with flesh. One Sith Lady in Darth Morrow was already a death sentence for the Mandalorian guards that protected the entrance. Now, with a second, they truly had no chance.

While Avacyn awaited the assault on the entrance to start, a dose of adrenaline shot through her system. Ishana had gotten herself in a tight spot, that she could clearly sense. It was difficult to steel herself against the dreadful thought of losing her again if anything were to happen. She planted her back against the wall and focussed on her breathing, then grasped those emotions and let them fuel her. To Avacyn's relief the feeling of dread dissipated fairly quickly, though she wouldn't allow that rush of emotion to slip away from her. Remembering how much the loss of her wife had hurt her fanned her inner flame into an inferno. Her rage was rekindled. Soon, more Mandalorian men and women would face that rage.

[member="Ishana Pavanos"] | [member="Celebrimbor Zing"] | [member="Darth Morrow"]​

 

[Elani Zambrano]

Emberwing

A dark room with a single light overhead that barely illuminated the spot it breathed light onto.

One person beneath the light. Hood over their head. Their breath was all that broke the silence. Others stood around them. Waiting. Watching.

"Take it off," called out a feminine voice from the shadows. A pale hand reached out and removed the hood from the person's head. They look down. Wrists tied together by rope. Gag in their mouth to keep them from speaking until necessary. The look of panic and fear in their eyes told many stories except for one.

Why they were there.

 

[Darth Morrow]

Objective: [1] Kill them all.
Location: Krownest, entering Wren Stronghold

---

---

"In three- two- one-" The communications caught off as a large explosion was heard on the eastern end of the fort. Bodies and gate scatter as a hole was blown wide in the defenses. Her own forces began to pour in lining the mandalorians with bullets, them following the blasts in return as Morrow entered behind. Blaster shots ripped through the building, many sent flying back as the woman used her saber to deflect the incoming projectiles.

Her wounded leg stood as a small distraction with the adrenaline of the moment finding her, the rage filling her and her powers amplified by pure hatred. Anyone on ground level was quickly cut to bits, with understandable losses on her own end. Seeing Kaalia cut through the other end of the building brought hope that maybe she could get off this frozen waste soon; for she hated nothing more than the cold.

"Darth Avacyn, what a pleasure. Should we end this pitiful rebellion quickly or make them suffer?" The volcanic eyes of Darth Morrow glanced across the chamber, removing her helmet for a brief moment to gather some air her white hair cascaded down the silver of her what seemed to be plate at first glance. Quickly seeing more enemy approach the overlook, the woman replaced her helmet.

[member="Kaalia Pavanos"]​

 

[Argir Granic]

"947th Battalion moving into position, stand-by."

While General Gol'zan and his army led the push towards the Wren compound, Major Granic and his battalion were being positioned to strike from the flank. Light on armor regiments, but well equipped with jump packs and heavy weaponry, the 947th Battalion was more than ready to levy devastation on the distracted defenders. They had slipped in through the mountain passes that had already been taken by the advancing army, using their jump packs to scale more hazardous terrain and position themselves in a vantage point above the Wren Stronghold but beneath the deflector shield protecting it from orbital bombardment. From here, they could see the entire battle play out over the valley, including Gol'zan's fight with another Force User.

"Engaging."

At once, the 947th Battalion sprung into action. Jump packs flared brightly as they jumped down onto the roof and surrounding balconies of the Stronghold. Major Granic himself carried a heavy repeater cannon, which belched blaster bolts in quick succession towards the enemies that arrayed themself before him. All units were informed to cooperate with any Sith in the vicinity, as the arrival of the Sith Ladies Morrow and Avacyn quickly spread over the comms.

"For the Empire!"

[member="Darth Morrow"] | [member="Kaalia Pavanos"]​

 

[Kascalion Giedfield]

***Location: Spice Bandit Fortress, Gargon
Objective: G E K O L O N I S E E R D
Star Date: c. 859
Allies: [member="Orion Darkstar"] | [member="Lark"] | TSE
Enemies: Spice Bandits***

The assault on the front gates was well underway when Kascalion and his rag-tag band of Sith reached the top of the ledge that the man in the golden mask has located. Blaster rounds by the dozen rang out from the battle at the gates as the audible sound of the Force reached crescendo after crescendo in the forms of telekinesis and lightning. With a quick usage of his own powers to peer into the battle, Kascalion noted that the bandits who had come out to meet the encroaching force of the Dark Side had all but fallen completely and those that continued to fight were only somewhat safe within the towers and walls. It would also seem that the entire army of bandits within the fortress has moved to the front, ignorant of the possibility of flanking maneuvers.

The Devil Lion smiled at the fact and cracked his neck before turning to his comrades, one foot on the edge of the ledge they would leap off of to enter the fortress, "Whatever you wish to do within the fortress is up to you, but you are to hold two main objectives with it: kill the bandits and secure the spice deposits wherever you can find them. No survivors. Understood?"

"Yes, Lord Kredge," a rather thin Twi'Lek affirmed.

"Good. Good. Now...ATTACK."

With those words, Kascalion leaped into the boundaries of the fortress, over the empty tower that now lay without an operator for the blaster cannon that had been implemented for ranged defense. Perhaps one on his team could utilize that for devastating attacks on the walls and gates. The Devil Lion landed within the main courtyard of the fortress with a thunderous clap and almost immediately fell upon the bandits that had begun preparing lines to repel any Sith who made it through the front gates. The crimson blade lightsaber found great use in separating bone and muscle at the neck, decapitating almost every that it touched and deflecting every blade and blaster round. The first of the two large blaster pistols hidden under the Devil Lion's coat also found use, blasting out massive chunks of flesh from the bandits who either charged or fled, incinerating organs and decimating bone structure. One particularly brave one attempted their own flanking attack, only to find their vibroblade deflected with ease and their spine slashed into quarters before their skull burst from a burst of lightning.

-CRACK-

A large explosion split the ground near Kascalion's feet, sending him careening into the sturdy walls and coincidentally crushing a fleeing bandit into it alongside him. The bandit was reduced to red paste in the stonework while Kascalion merely stepped out of the mess and shook off the debris. Wasting no time to think about the surging pain in his body, the Ashen Devil reached deep into the wells of his power, retrieving the spears of void that he had used to great effect on Kashyyyk. With rapidity, Kascalion chucked the Darkshears at the towers, the spears of void piercing the bandits and sending them falling into the vast field below. One particular Darkshear was thrown with such force, only half of the victim's body went with it, much to Kascalion's amusement. Another found their face practically inverted while another keeled over with a burst heart. Many more in the courtyard found their limbs removed, their bodies sliced and slit and gashed, their very souls tortured in agony.

Glancing around the courtyard and witnessing his brothers and sisters slaying with the utmost ease, the Ashen Devil laughed with genuine joy and cheered on his comrades while impaling another foe upon his lightsaber and slicing upward. While the spectacle of violence was not something Kascalion particularly enjoyed, at least not the extent of his sibling, he could not help but feel proud that for once, his comrades had listened to him. It was a rare feeling that he felt in his heart, but it was there all the same.

Pride.

However, it was not yet completely. Quickly deducing that the gates were still closed, Kascalion began throwing orders to those around to get the gates open. While the Sith within were capable of massive levels of destruction, the fact remained that their were likely more than more bandits within the depths of the fortress, and the numbers would be needed to combat it. Someone needed to get those gates open.

 

[Ishana Pavanos]

​

Bombers on the run, Ishana felt her craft's vulnerability as it screamed upward she pushed to the left. Two enemies on her tail and her heart pounded. "C'mon, c'mon," she uttered as she heard the alarms the bomber climbed and climbed. Her escorts were occupied at the moment, and Ishana swore to the Heavens that her craft could not take any more punishment. The tell tale scorch marks along her bomber's frame told the story of pursuit and the take down that threatened to put her into Krownest's snowy ground.

She refused to believe it, no way she was ready to meet with Hades a second time. "Only one way to go now." Ishana's hands moved the yoke and with sudden movement the bomber turned down and screamed once more. A blanket of white snow approached on the Horizon, frosted glasteel and the heat of blaster fire that punched the air around her craft. "Status Sirens?"

"Approaching last target, where are you Echo-1?"

"A little busy, Phoenix head out to finish the job. I got this."

"You sure?"

"Positive."

The bond she shared with her wife [member="Kaalia Pavanos"] grew stronger as she pushed the craft to the limit. It turned now leveling out and approached the stronghold once again. She hoped that Kaalia would be able to pull a little.. well, a little Galek with the fang fighters that were on her tail.

 

[Mlow Eman'outther]

Objective I: Clan Wren’s Defiance
Location: Trailing Behind [member="General Gol'zan"]
---

"You, the fighting men of the Empire. You, the might of Kor..."

The ranting of the Legionary squad commander bled into the background, as indeterminable from Mlow's own thoughts as the hum of the gunship's engines as they began to jettison to the ground of the planet. A jolt rocking their descent in a broken rhythm, sub-orbital guns that for the life of them just couldn't make their target. First Mandalore, then Concord Dawn, and now the final bastion of resistence that the Mandalorians had to offer. It was a tale as old as time, the Mando would rise, cause a stir, maybe collapse a government or two, and then the Sith would come and put them down with blaster, force, and blade. It was rather upsetting actually, for a culture so based off of conflict and war, they treated themselves akin to someone suffering from manic depression. Highest of highs and lowest of lows, and now they had their backs against the wall, final stands that would be sung for ages and eons among the clans that survived the invasions. The waste of life in the name of simple honor hardly seemed to make much sense to the Kudon, and Mlow found his mind drifting off to these more existential thoughts than focused on the fact he was inside of one of hundreds of gunships arcing down to the surface. He could almost convince himself that he was safe at home, but that was far from reality, if that was the case, why would he be overlooking his Autokrator with the same normality that one would prep tea in the morning. He traded that life for service. He made a choice, so did the Mandalorians, they both had to live with that now, didn't they?

The darkened cavern of the gunship, suddenly coming to life in a shade of emerald, echoing off of the plasteel plate that him and his fellow Legionaries wore, the HUD built into his visor suddenly becoming so much more real, the screams of blaster fire, over and over and over called just behind the inches of durasteel of the transport. Someone, somewhere, was yelling, "we're green, go, go, g-". A stray round caught the man as the landing pad broke open, and like a swarm, automated but at the same time directed with nearly Providence driven purpose, the Legionaries spilled from the transport. The snow, the ice, the screams in Mando, and the sea of armor and advancing troops filled Mlow's sight. This was war.

"For the Empire!" Came the resounding yell as they departed, Mlow gladly joining as he followed behind a trail of carnage, his stance low, the rifle brought close to his shoulder, his movements directed from the front. There was a form, in the distance, carving through the Mando with a hoard of Legionaries following, black clad as twilight, a blade of crimson at it's side. General Gol'zan. The moral boost of a Sith was never to be underestimated. Falling in line with the parade of men, dancing between the flurry of bolts as he moved, finding cover where he could.

Picking targets through the hail of fire, the snow, and movement was difficult, leveling his blaster to shoulder as he shifted between cover, he mainly relied on returning fire in the direction of the Mandalorians. Suppressing shots until he was able to bring himself close enough to bear his sights more confidently.

However, just as the new-bred Legionary was getting close enough to link up with the advancing squad, aiming to meld with the Generals push. Blaster rounds suddenly began to hit a bit closer, the Mandalorians more daring, and the rounds that marked the distant men stopped guaranteeing drops. Something was off, something the Kudon couldn't understand, daring to peek over the cover, eyes catching the General in his Melee, the Legionary suddenly understood so much more about this front. This was far from the backwater worlds and conflicts he had earned his armor on. This was real. Anyone mad enough to rush a Sith in face to face combat was someone that treated him and his fellows like fodder.

"Wasn't in the job description..."

Mlow muttered to himself, head jerking down further behind his jumble of rock and debris used as cover as another report of blasters came just across it.

 

[Luca Caldogne]

Idiot About Town
Location: Trade Outpost, Krownest
Objective: Run All The Errands
[member="Tabigarashu Madara"]

A whistling tune accompanied more than just the Nezumi today.

Byron Flint was at the top of his element.

Free (at least for the moment), alone (for now) and with a positive spring in his step the young lad seemed happy for once. No Maia staring at him, or threatening to kill him. No groveling training sessions -- his shoulders still hurt. No other Sith around for now. It was great. When his Master had first said they were going to Krownest Byron had been concerned.

What if they would want me to kill someone?

Instead she had dropped him off at the center with a list. Yes, this I can do. I was made for this. It was more interesting than organizing a desk, which was already starting to become dreadful.

"Hmmm... Ally's Alloys, here we go!"

Hands at his hips Byron looked up at the sign. Shaking his head slightly there. "That's really some dreadful alliteration. ... I think that's what that's called anyway." About to head in, he suddenly paused and looked to his left. Leaning in a bit. "Oh aren't you the cute-" Suddenly fixating on the jacket and spectacles.

"...oh, no, you are a Nezumi!" The fierce enforcers and spies of the Lord Inquisitor! "...and I called you cute. I am so sorry. If you are a fierce Sith Lord, please do not light me up with electricity."

Hands wringing in anxiety.

 

[Lark]

Location: Gargon
Objective: G E K O L O N I S E E R D
Interacting With: [member="Orion Darkstar"] [member="Kascalion Giedfield"]

Despite the fact that Lark was searching for one specific individual, he slaughtered the pirates with no remorse. He knew the kind of man Papirs was, the coward wasn't one to waste his life defending a gate. He'd position himself somewhere he could make himself appear useful, but that was also close to an escape point in the event things went south. Even amongst the most lowly dregs the galaxy birthed, he was more recreant than them all. That was all the better for Lark. If he was searching for some grunt fighting on the front lines, he'd have a tremendously difficult time reaching him before the Sith ravaged him. Cowards were easier to catch in one piece.

And their squirming was so much more delicious to witness.

The skirmish to reach the gate and allow the larger force of Sith to enter was brutal, the Sith had better training and weaponry but the sheer number of pirates and smugglers made it a near even fight. Lark needed a way to turn the tables and locate Papirs, and he had just the way to accomplish both goals. It was dangerous, and relying on the Necronomicon had devastating, unknowable side effects that would likely haunt him in the very near future in he didn't learn to properly control the eldritch tome. But the power if offered was intoxicating, and his willpower would not be overpowered by a few lines of maddening calligraphy.

From the blood of the pirates emerged three Sithspawn; two beastial Maelridae and a smaller bird-like Sithspawn of his own creation. The Maelridae would act as tanks charging through the pirates, creating a lane for the Sith to traverse and open the gate. The Svariff would delve into the depths of the fortress and search for Lark's prey.

After a few minutes of battle, the Svariff had located its target. Papirs was within the fortress, and Lark knew exactly how to reach him. Letting the brunt of the Sith finish the battle in the courtyard, Lark made his way into the den of devils. If he found a stash of spices he'd notify his allies. But he delved into the fortress with an ever growing rage. Each step brought him closer to discovering where his sister was, to learning what wicked noble family she was sold to. After navigating the maze of labyrinthine halls, there he was.

Papirs likely didn't even know who Lark was. But the intuition of a coward was endlessly on alert, the slaver knew something was wrong as soon as Lark entered the room. Dashing into the small supply room Lark quickly cut down two other pirates, before grabbing Papir's throat with the Force and pinning him against the wall. The temperature of the room seemed to drop, or perhaps that was just Lark's frozen heart.

He looked at Papirs with eyes devoid of any pity. Utterly emotionless, there was not a single shred of humanity present within the young acolyte. All of the atrocities and murders Lark had committed, he never truly hated any of his victims. He simply felt nothing for them. All beings were equally worthless, why have any sorrow for anyone?

You might be the first person I've ever met that I actually despise, Lark thought. "I'm afraid your sins have caught up with you," he began. "For years you've wormed your way throughout the galaxy, pathetically attempting to improve your dull existence. And my, how you thrived. Your cowardice allowed you to profit, to become something greater in a realm of beings searching for purpose. But as you'll come to know, only in death are people truly equal."

"There was a little girl, perhaps a decade and a half ago. You took her from Myrkr, and you sold her." Lark spoke with the voice of an angel, even his eyes shined a heavenly gold. But underneath the facade lied only a monster. "If you tell me were you took her, you might restore some fragment of humanity to me. But if you don't tell me, or don't even remember, I have more invasive means to learn what I need to know."

The choice was his. If he neglected to spill his secrets, Lark would probe his mind and make him bear witness to all of the misdeeds he had committed since burning his home on Myrkr. Lark would rip and tear Papir's mind apart until even the most unhinged man in the most desolate penitentiary looked scholarly in comparison.

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

Objective: [1] Kill them all.
Location: Krownest, approaching the Wren Stronghold

​

Run for your life​

​

An explosion sounded and Darth Avacyn could not resist cracking a smile at the sight as bodies and debris scattered where the once-sealed entrance was. The guards at the entrance she now rushed towards were taken by surprise at the blast, and as the woman leapt towards them a set of spectral wings unfolded from her back. Her lightsabers sprung to life as she came down in the middle of the group. Quick, precise and merciless strikes cut the Mandalorians down in rapid succession and only moments after they had even noticed her, their lifeless bodies now were sprawled all around her. All of them, except the one who stood right in front of her. A spectral hand had reached into his chest, and when Avacyn pulled back it was yet another soul that she retrieved. The corpse joined the others.

Before entering the building, however, another rush of dread crashed into the Sith Lady. Through her bond with Ishana a vision of what her wife was seeing flashed before her. The sound of alarms filled her ears and blaster fire was ravaging the bomber. From the viewport she saw the stronghold coming closer and then, she was seeing through her own eyes again. In the sky, she saw the approaching aircraft, both the bomber and its pursuers. Avacyn would not let this happen again. She wouldn't lose Ishana a second time.

"Over my dead body." Her voice echoed through the bond, an assurance to Ishana that this was as far as her pursuers would get. The woman shot up into the air, her spread wings painting a haunting yet mesmerizing picture. The damaged bomber was allowed to shoot past her, but the pair of fang fighters would not make it any further. The Force converged around the ghostly figure and suddenly, one ship veered off to the left and collided with the other. Debris shot off of the area of impact and the aircraft came crashing down, shooting past the woman as flames began engulfing them and flying straight into the stronghold's top floor, shaking the building to its core. She spoke again, her voice able to be heard by her wife.

"You are not dying. Not today."

---

---

A number of minutes later Darth Avacyn finally joined the assault inside the stronghold and when the ground floor was cleared, she met up with Darth Morrow. "The pleasure is mutual. I do apologize for the delay. There were flies I needed to swat out of the sky." Eyes aglow with a red spectral glow met the yellow-orange of her fellow Sith Lady. "As for your question, in official capacity I must tell you to put them down swiftly," she said as enemy reinforcements came into sight, causing her to turn towards them and moved to meet the enemy head-on. "But today, we will make them beg for it." Venom dripped from her words.

[member="Ishana Pavanos"] | [member="Darth Morrow"] | [member="Argir Granic"]​

 

[Darth Morrow]

Objective: [1] Kill them all.[/background]
Location: Krownest, entering Wren Stronghold

---

---

---

Rushing forward Morrow blade met with the chest of a Mandalorian charging her way. Such pitiful spirits, wasted on a cause that would never meet its goal. Once the man was swiftly cut down her eyes glanced up the the second floor of the fort open to the main floor below, leaping up she grabbed onto a railing and pulled herself over; eyes filled with rage continued cutting a pathway through the resistance. Her only goal was slaughtering as many as she can, or rather, leaving them incapable of ever moving again. She didn't care if they died or not.

Watching the shark charge in was an interesting distraction for the moment, though the woman's eyes were dragged back to the task at hand. Comms coming back online for a moment the woman changed channels to that of her allies once more, her voice echoing ever so slightly in her helmet. "Anything of interest in the hold or are we just ending the resistance. Working on clearing the second floor now."

Motioning up she would send her forces further, the sounds of blasters and blasts heard farther up the fortress.

[member="Kaalia Pavanos"]