Dominion Coarse, Rough, and Irritating | EOTL Dominion on Garel

[Scoria Harik]

Objective: 3 - Holocron Madness
Location: Outskirts of Garel City
Outfit: Normal Dress
Tag: Drenn | Zoltidas | OPEN

The walls continued to close in on Scoria. There was still plenty of time to figure something out at the current rate of movement, but there was no apparent way out and all attempts to find one through the Force were being blocked by the energy of the trap, or the temple itself. In a pit of despair Scoria appeared to be frozen in time. She couldn’t bring herself to move a muscle. There could always be more to this trap than what she had already sprung. So dead center in the room Scoria fell to her knees and clutched tightly to the doll that was a conduit to her powers.

The button eyes on her doll glowed the same pink color as the Force tendrils that it produced. Scoria’s fit of panic had reached others in the temple. One seemed a bit more drawn to it than the other, but this was a start. <<As you get deeper into the temple the traps are better hidden. Even from detection through the Force,>> Scoria poured all the power she could into the doll to get her message out. <<I could surely use a hand or two, but if you must leave me here move forward with caution. Someone needs to gain the treasure for the Empire. One death coupled with success is better none coupled with failure.>> It was the truth. However if by some fit of luck they were Crusaders and not Inquisitors they might answer her call for help. If they were Inquisitors all was lost.

There was nothing left to communicate. They would come or they would leave her to die. Either way Scoria now had to return her focus to fighting off the trap. Placing the doll on her lap she thrust her arms out in the direction of the moving walls in a powerful motion. The Force moved as well and slammed into the walls. Their slow progress to squish whoever was within seemed to become more struggled. A smirk formed on Scoria’s lips, she knew exactly where she needed to push, so while Scoria needed to keep the power flowing in that direction, she could focus her perceptive abilities to finding a way out. Again the tendril reached out from the doll and started prodding the walls of the room. She managed to get in. That meant there had to be a way out.

 

[Kanni Ugaiya Kilran]

Objective 2: STOP RIGHT THERE CRIMINAL SCUM!:
The taking of the Black Horn Syndicate Space Station​

---

Objective: Objective 2: STOP RIGHT THERE CRIMINAL SCUM!: The taking of the Black Horn Syndicate Space Station
Location: Black Horn Syndicate Space Station
Outfit: Assassin - Sable & Scarlet
Equipment: See sheet for basics [Ping me for specifics/questions if we engage in competitive PVP]
Forces: Pinwheels [Kanni's company of Galactic Marines]
Tags: Bella Dieter Kovasch Shov Brald

---

Spoiler: Music OOC

Kanni was in a fighter with her Pinwheels. She also had a pinwheel in her fighter. It had a number of colors! Red, blue, yellow, orange, green. But the pinwheel badges of her Pinwheels were just green! Her fighter didn’t have a name, however, but if it did she might call it Blaster Master or Mr. Killer or Madam Bamadamblastasticagamala or maybe just Fitey. She was feeling very fitey already!

Soaring toward enemy fighters, Kanni licked her lips with a wicked flourish as she squeezed the triggers of her fighter’s blasters. She finished her opponent a moment later. That dang ship could not stop the barrage. In this vessel of utter uber punishment, none could contend with the will and the power of Emperor Velran Kilran’s (adopted) daughter!

“WAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAAAAAA TAKE THAT YOU MOTHER PUMPFERS!”

“GENERAL WATCH OUT YOU GOT ONE ON YOUR TAIL!” One of hers announced.

“ONE MORE MORON FOR ULTIMATE FAIL!” Kanni roared as she turned and swerved her ship toward her enemy. Her ignition systems were equipped with speedy. An amalgamation of ventral and vector placements placed by the inevitable Victor created thermal poofy, energetic mummfy and kinetic yuppfy. Ultimately this meant her cannon pewed as her shields vwoomed. So much pew-pewing later between her and her fighters made Kanni hungry! Fortunately she had a very yummy cookie between her teeth. Woofie!

“Oo aw eh-ee-uh-ee.”

“General! We can’t understand what you’re saying!”

Oofies! Kanni swallowed her cookie. “I said good job everybody!”

“Scratch four bandits.”

“NOOOOO NO SCRATCHING ONLY KEELING”

Maybe the bandits had itchy backs but Kanni wasn’t exactly sorry for that!

Cue corvettes as they came out of hyperspace. “Woooooooahfeeeeeeeeeeee.” They were huge in comparison to her ship.

“General, how do you want us to engage?”

“I like you, friendo, but I’m not after your hand in marriage! Sowwy!”

Word reached her that another team had breached the station of these inferior raiders.

NOW THEY WERE ALL GOING TO PAY THE PRICE FOR TREACHERY AND STEALING KANNI’S CANDY BECAUSE THEY WERE GOING TO DIE AND SHOULD HAVE THOUGHT TWICE ABOUT BEING WAMMFY.

“THIS IS YOUR GENERAL SPEAKING!”

“OWW! MY EARS!”

“Oopsy. I’ll stop shouting. Ahem. I want heavy-wevvy ships concentrating fire on our corvette target-wargets.” She crossed her arms in an X in her cockpit for effect. “Salvo. Bombardment. Stomp them like a carpet cuz we can’t allow those criminal scummy-wummies an opportunity to— sip —Sorry that cookie made Kanni thirstyyyyyyy!”

Lasers came her way from the enemy.

“FIGHTERS! TAKE OUT THE OTHER FIGHTERS! THOSE SUCKERS SUCK! BOMBERS! DROP BOMBS ON THE CORVETTES’ TURBO LASERS! DO YER STUFF! WOOMY!? WOOMFY!”

Cracking her knuckles, adjusting her butt in her seat, Kanni was ready to punish some enemies.

“PINWHEELS! ON MY POSITION! LET’S GOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

“NO, KANNI, THAT ISN’T THE TARGET! IT’S A FAST FOOD BARGE!”

“Oofies?”

Bella Dieter Kovasch Shov Brald

 

[Drenn]

Objective 3: Holocron Madness

Tags: Zoltidas | Scoria Harik

The initial words from Zoltidas were oddly reassuring amidst the chaos that had surrounded him. Feeling an invisible force encompassing around him, it effortlessly lifted him back onto his feet with a certain fluidity that left him without any additional physical strain that came from trying to climb his way up. "Thank you," he said with simplicity. In that moment, any further elaboration may have been unnecessary; however, a deep sense of appreciation did stir within, recognizing the thoughtfulness of it all. With an incline of his head, he would express his gratitude.

Just as he was ready to respond to the question, the strange assault would be felt again. The wave of energy seemingly sent ripples across his mind. It felt slightly different this time. Along with the overwhelming sensation were words–vivid and urgent. Initially, the surprise and shock of the Force Attack clouded his focus, causing some phrases to slip past him, while others did arrive with clarity. Amidst the confusion, the weight of the message did bring more insight as to what all was going on, and now it felt like a call to action. It was like a guiding hand. Had there not been another wave, he would have told the Captain to ignore it and suggest focusing on hunting for the Holocron.

The words about the traps being better hidden further within the temple did feel like a slap in the face, a reminder of his failure at the first one near the entrance.

Soon his eyes began to close, now feeling the temple's energy hum around him. He reached inward, attempting to center himself, hoping to detect the sender’s presence. The Crusader was now aware of her location, although there remained a slight gap between them, and he was unsure of any potential harm that they may encounter along the way. His heart told him that prioritizing her rescue before resuming their quest was the correct and noble choice.

As he returned his gaze to the Captain, he felt determination begin to surge through him. "It appears that someone needs our help," he said firmly. Yet, Drenn remained rooted in his current position, refusing to take the lead. A subtle tug at the corner of his mouth betrayed a tinge of amusement. "I'll keep an eye out for any potential danger from behind," he added.

Embracing the role of a guardian once more, he felt a sense of purpose wash over him–it would be a commitment to ensure that no harm came to the Chironian as they would soon press forward.

 

[Dieter Kovasch]

Objective: II - STOP RIGHT THERE CRIMINAL SCUM!: The taking of the Black Horn Syndicate Space Station
Location: Inside the enemy station.
Allies: A squad of eight Imperial Paragons and Shov Brald .

Spoiler

Drax	Explosive Ordinance
Edwin	Explosive Ordinance
Twain	Slicing
Zeit	Translator
Tamora	Supplies
Barty	Soldier
Andra	Soldier
Kamort	Soldier

Enemies: Black Horn Syndicate Members
Equipment: IPAPA-1 Imperial Power Assisted Personal Armor, HIMAR-1 Heavy Imperial Multipurpose Assualt Rifle, FAE/M-01 "Scherezade" Energized Vibroblade

---

"You will SERVE your Emperor soldier!" Shov growled taking out his rife as the door opened blaster bolts began firing at the squad with one piercing a Stormtrooper on the chest.

"Let's move!" Shov charged first firing on the mercenaries taking them out one by one.

"Let us get a move on!" Dieter shouted at his own troopers as he unleashed a barrage of bolts from his rifle knocking syndicate members down like bowling pins. "These syndicate members are no match for the ferocious might of the Emperor!"

Dieter pushed in further to the syndicate hangar taking cover behind a mass of cargo containers. He peeked out firing at whatever enemies crossed his eye-line. Behind him, he heard the labored breaths of his comrades.

"You out of breath already Drax?!" He said with a large chuckle.

Drax looked at him then shouldered his rifle to fire on a few more syndicate members. "It ain't fair Breaker. You're like a goddamn machine."

"Ha, no machine. Just Atoan flesh and blood." Which was followed by a loud BOOM from a grenade he had thrown just a second earlier. Which was followed by, flesh and blood. "Listen all units it's our objective to stop these scum from reinforcing Garel. Drax, Zeit, and Kamort push the left flank and plant explosives on all grounded starfighters. Thirty-second timers! Edwin, Tamora, and Andra do the same but for the right flank, oh Kriff."

A large bi-pedal loader-bot rounded the corner with a barrel above its head that was coming down fast for Dieter. Instead of dodging like the few squad members around him, he dropped his rifle and grabbed onto the barrel stopping its descent. "RRAHH!" He yelled while pushing it towards the bot. He gained just enough leverage to let go with one hand and grab the hilt of his vibrosword. In an instant, it flashed through one of the arms of the loader-bot causing it to drop the barrel. As it stumbled backward, Dieter rushed forward with his armored pauldron and knocked the bot over completely. With a flash of speed only an Atoan could manage, Dieter had picked up his rifle and unloaded about ten blasts into the bot's chest causing it to convulse with its last bit of power.

"Twain and Barty, on me. We push middle! Let's go!" He said rushing off again while unleashing another blast of bolts towards a group of enemies.

---

Shov Brald Kanni Ugaiya Kilran Bella

 

[Darth Rasnuhl]

Objective: 1
Subjugate the city
Tags: CT-2282 "Justice" | Lissa |

---

Fleet: 6 Impetum Heavy Cruiser three in orbit three landing
Imperator: 16,000 Zabrak Marines & Support Staff
Res'Auur: 100,000 Droid Troops
Colflax: 100,000 Droid Troops

---

Silence is all Darth Rasnuhl got in return from the other landing forces. It mattered not for he outranked them. In parts of the city landed a few LAAT's disembarking Zabrakian troops With modified sheathipede transports with the middle bottom missing replaced with droid racks dispensing B1's and B2's to the battlefield.

Infront of the LAAT's and sheathipede's flew HMP's hitting defensive targets and dropping more B2's to reinforce positions. As for the center of town the group with Darth Rasnuhl's transports came in right behind a group of HMP's screening them and whatever Imperial transports they could screen.

In a lesser hail of fire Darth Rasnuhls transport lands himself and the troops quickly disembarking. Right behind him a LAAT/c dropped a small armored command post which his field marshal & entourage quickly occupy setting up local Imperial comms. The Female Field marshal patches in to the local Imperial network "Hello Imperial forces. I am Field Marshal Varae, Darth Rasnuhl has tasked me with tempering Allied Forces. Use flame-throwers if you want, It is advised not to. Momentarily there will be thousands of droids and Darth Rasnuhls own troops backing you up. Field Marshal Varae out."

Ahead was a push of clone troopers through the hail of fire. Darth Rasnuhl lights up his blood orange light saber and over the commlink to his troops "Lets move! Remember your ranks and only engage enemy fighters." He moves into a brisk run through the blaster fire deflecting a bolt here and there back in the general direction they came from. Behind him is two squads of his men and just as many B1's & B2's. In other spots marching columns of a dozen or so B2's dropped by HMP's March through the blaster fire past Clone Troopers defensive positions. Returning fire and giving them a chance to advance with less casualties. In some spots the first of Darth Rasnuhls marines join the clone defensive positions before moving up towards the enemy complex.

Buzzing above is HMP's hitting hardened targets with missiles & dropping troops. Occasionally one is shot down, same with sheathipede droid dropships getting shot down in a fiery ball on its drop run or return.

 

[Lissa]

Location: Garel
Objective: 1 - Subjugation of Garel City
Tag: CT-2282 "Justice"

Oola frowned as she watched the flame troopers break into the building. She didn’t want them going too far inside the structure, as doing so would risk some being caught in the flames from their own weapons. Nevertheless, the Twi’lek cracked a small smile. She could not help but to admire the clones’ enthusiasm. However, part of her job was to temper that part of their nature, so that they did not die needless, wasteful deaths.

And yet, as ever, Justice was an exception to that rule. While he was still a fierce, aggressive combatant like most clones, he had discipline and restraint.

Perhaps more restraint than Oola herself.

How her voice sounded concerned him more though. It sounded like she was turning into a cultist whose only want was to kill more people. That wasn't sounding good for his and his brother's long-term survival. He should help get her out more. "Hey Squire? Remind me to talk you out on the town when we get back to civilization. Now Squad on me!" And with that he was over the wall of sandbags and running towards the building, trying to push his concerns about the Squire out of his mind.

“I—” Oola managed, before briefly losing her composure. “I have a girlfriend to do that for me, thank you very much!” The Twi’lek growled, blue-hued features taking on a sharp crimson undertone as she spoke. However, while her and Skyria Kyrtan weren’t quite official, they were certainly close!

Then, a few moments later, with the building quite thoroughly burned, Oola narrowed her gaze and gave another command. “Good work flametroopers. Extract now!” Oola called out a few moments later.

Their next target would be the town hall.

Spoiler: Loadout

• Oola Ven’s Bodysuit
  
  • Gauntlets
    
    • FAE/M-02 Energized Gauntlet Vibroblade (2) - L/R
  • Energy Shield
    
    • Phase III “Force Avenger” Energy Shield
  • B-11 “Gretis” Class Combat Boots
    
    • Netrunner Vibroshank (2) - Knife Sheaths
• Mirage Starlight
• IG-14 Blaster Pistol
  
  • Attachments
    
    • 1-5x FAE/S-08 Electro-Sight
  • Ammunition
    
    • Power Cell (5)

 

[CT-2282 "Justice"]

Location: Garel
Objective: 1 - Subjugation of Garel City
Tag: Lissa

He could only chuckle as he heard her panicked response. He didn't mean to ask her out, just asking to do something so he could get out It shouldn't have surprised him, seeing how beautiful she looked on the surface, leading him to sigh and say across the comm net "Oh Squire Oola, you done broke my heart...". That got snickers from the rest of the squad, clearly amused as he was at her assumption as much as he was. "I guess it's time to take your shrines down Lads, the Blue Twi'lek Goddess is officially off the board." Now that got some laughs before Justice quieted his men down and went forward with their task, clearing out the building with the same dedication they had to teasing their Squire.

They had thoroughly torched the first floor of the building before Oola had ordered them back again. As they came out, The Twi'lek could see that the Clones were talking on a private channel till one of them said. "Does this mean we have to take the Holo storefront down?" Justice was barely holding back the laughter as he answered with "Oh Mortis no, I just got the deposit in for those Maid Oola figurines and already have plenty of orders for them. We will be able to pay for that Naboo Lakehouse vacation in no time!" He couldn't help but take off his helmet and wink at what was a blue Twi'lek that had probably been turned red out of either sheer embarrassment or anger before jogging off toward their next objective with his men. Whether he was joking about the store page or if actually existed, who knew. They would have to drag him into an interrogation room to find out.

 

[Lissa]

Location: Garel
Objective: 1 - Subjugation of Garel City
Tag: CT-2282 "Justice"

“We’re in the field. Keep your helmet on Justice.” Oola snapped. Otherwise, the Twi’lek ignored the clone’s flirting as she led the way to the town hall, though she anxiously scratched at her lekku in the process. Nevertheless, after taking a few quick blinks to clear her head, she turned back to the clones and spoke up.

“Flamethrowers away.” Oola directed. “We need the town hall intact. Mostly.” She finished. The Twi’lek waited then, her eyes poring over the town hall, which she knew was still crawling with rebels, even if they were too suppressed to shoot out from it.

“We’ll flush them out with thermal detonators and flash grenades, instead. However, make sure to dial the detonators down to low power and use them sparingly.” Oola knew that thermal detonators on their maximum power setting could easily level a building. This way, the Twi’lek hoped that the detonators might serve to blow up desks or walls, instead of the entire foundation.

“We’ll break into the structure from the roof and we’ll work our way down from there.” She continued. All of the clones had jet boots in their armors, so she knew that such a tactic was viable.

“Ready on me! Ascend!” With that, Oola kicked into a sprint, before launching herself skyward with a powerful, Force-enhanced leap. In doing so, the Twi’lek threw her body into a wholly unnecessary somersault before gracefully landing on the roof, igniting her lightsaber as she did. From there, she plunged the alabaster-hued blade into the roof itself, cutting a molten hole into the roof.

Then, without hesitation, Oola allowed herself to drop inside, straight onto the top floor.

Spoiler: Loadout

• Oola Ven’s Bodysuit
  
  • Gauntlets
    
    • FAE/M-02 Energized Gauntlet Vibroblade (2) - L/R
  • Energy Shield
    
    • Phase III “Force Avenger” Energy Shield
  • B-11 “Gretis” Class Combat Boots
    
    • Netrunner Vibroshank (2) - Knife Sheaths
• Mirage Starlight
• IG-14 Blaster Pistol
  
  • Attachments
    
    • 1-5x FAE/S-08 Electro-Sight
  • Ammunition
    
    • Power Cell (5)

 

[CT-2282 "Justice"]

Location: Garel
Objective: 1 - Subjugation of Garel City
Tag: Lissa

Omen dramatically sighed before his face harden, reluctantly following the Squire's orders and putting the hose of his flamethrowers in a slot beside its pack. Apparently, he couldn't have any fun at all. "Fine Squire. Lead us then..." He and the other troopers dialed down their thermals and checked the rest of their equipment before the big push. Equipment failure meant death and that was a price they could not afford to pay.

As Oola ascended, Clones weren't far behind, running up through blaster fire and using their boots to jump over the stunned defenders. Seeing Oola cutting through the roof and deciding that while following her like little pets would be funny, it wouldn't be necessary. Isn't he decided to take some initiative., correcting his course towards the second floor. "Through the windows Brothers!" Needless to say, for the split seconds in which the enemy rifleman was face to face with the clones, they must have been very surprised before they were either kicked, punched or shot by the assaulting Imperials. The shock of the ceiling caving in on itself and the stern Squire's form falling down probably didn't help even the scales either.

The fight was over in seconds after which he gestures for the squads to split and hold the buildings stairways from the rushing defender's downstairs. Now it was for the Squire to decide if she wanted to join her soldiers in clearing out the building completely or see what lay in the Town Hall's offices.

 

[Zoltidas]

Objective: III - Holocron Madness
Location: Ancient Dark Side Temple, Outskirts of Garel City, Garel
Equipment:

• vibro-axe
• Adapted ICA-1 Imperial Crusader Armor
• Great lightsaber

Tags: Drenn | Scoria Harik

Zoltidas nodded solemnly at the thanks provided by Drenn. It was a matter of duty, they both served the same purpose. Though in another situation it might have been valuable to know whether Drenn could get himself free, this was not that time. There was a mission to achieve. And together they would be more likely to complete it. Zoltidas identified more as muscle in most situations. A little bit of Drenn’s cunning would be welcomed as Zoltidas doubted that this would be the last trap. And Drenn was now on the defensive.

The effects of Force Fear washed over Zoltidas for a second time. This time it was preceded by a warning about the frequency and intensity of the traps within the temple. Though Zoltidas did not consider himself a follower of the dark side, he was a warrior who dealt out death indiscriminately. Force Fear was not a particularly effective attack against one of his nature and experience. He weathered the storm and stomped his feet in impatience when it passed.

Zoltidas was prepared to leave the messenger to whatever fate had found her, until she mentioned that she would be willing to sacrifice herself if that was what was required for the Empire to gain the treasure they all sought. There didn’t seem to be any non-Imperial competition at the moment. ”Let the hearty Chironian Captain go first and absorb the brunt of the next trap huh?” Zoltidas chuckled teasingly. He had to admit that it made sense though.

”Don’t focus too much on our backs at the moment. I need your perception to avoid traps as well. I’m usually a charge in fast as I can warrior. Your tact might be better suited to sift out these traps. Now that you are aware you need to be cautious.” There was another chuckle from the centaur. ”We will see what we can do for the woman. She serves the Empire like us. But if we are unable to get to her we will have to honor her offer to sacrifice herself for the better of the Empire.” With that Zoltidas sent a message through the Force to the panicked woman that they were coming.

 

[Scoria Harik]

Objective: 3 - Holocron Madness
Location: Outskirts of Garel City
Outfit: Normal Dress
Tag: Drenn | Zoltidas | OPEN

The walls continued to move inward. Slower than before, but Scoria was not powerful enough to stop the sliding completely. Especially as she divided her efforts between pushing against the walls and finding an exit to the trap she had walked into. With more effort placed into finding a way out she could almost feel the tendrils of the Force searching the room for reprieve. The tendrils acted like fingers. She could feel the texture of the walls as the Force groped for some sort of break in the confines of the room.

She was beginning to feel more and more desperate in her attempts until she felt the other presences within the temple. The first was filled with panic and then relief and concern. Concern for Scoria. The other was stoic and one hundred percent business. The confirmation that these two were going to aid her if possible came from the second, which made Scoria relax just a small amount. Though it was not normally in her character, Scoria sent out thanks.

With help on the way she let herself add more power to the push against the narrowing walls and focused her search for exit in the direction she knew that her help was coming from. Tendrils searched and searched until they finally felt a bit of give in the walls and the narrowest of space that meant there was a way out. A smirk formed on Scoria’s lips. This was not going to end with some more powerful entity finding her rotting bones sometime in the future. No she was getting out of her. And she would help secure the holocron for the Empire. She of course would have to give her rescuers the first claim to the treasure, but that was a small price to pay.

Force tendrils squeezed through the opening that Scoria had detected. There was no obvious way to open the room from the inside, but the glow of the tendrils would show those on the other side of the wall where it was. Hopefully they could take it from there. As Scoria became more confident of her escape the walls seemed to slow even more. It was not the push that she was exerting upon them. It was as if the action was fed by hopelessness. It seemed there had been enough in the beginning to keep the walls moving, but they had slowed considerably. Scoria would be released soon.

 

[Drenn]

Objective 3: Holocron Madness

Tags: Zoltidas | Scoria Harik

Drenn's lips curved into a grin as he shrugged nonchalantly at Zoltida's words. In a galaxy filled with betrayal, honesty was scarce. "I simply thought that it would be wise for our Captain to lead by example."

He then gave an inclination of his head. Drenn simply accepted the words as an order; teamwork was not a foreign concept to the Crusader. Still, there was a sense of relief within him as he received another message from the trapped Imperial. This time it felt as though it carried a sense of gratitude. Perhaps they could join forces to retrieve the Holocron, for as of yet, he had not sensed any others within the temple.

Stepping out of the room at last, he could feel the tension lingering in the air. The first few steps were taken slowly, allowing himself to become attuned to everything around him. As a hand extended forward, he reached out with the Force, trying to search the depths of the temple. His steps remained cautious as he began to advance. He tried to feel for any vibrations around them that may hint at more hidden traps or further danger.

As he eventually regained confidence with each corridor they passed through, the connection began to grow stronger. Drenn knew they were getting close to their target. Suddenly, a flicker of warning touched upon his senses. The notion of it brought him to come to a sudden halt. Scanning deeper into the shadows ahead, his gaze fell upon a group of darkened forms emerging from what appeared to be ancient statues. They wore heavy armor and wielded curved blades. Completely aware of the Crusader’s presence, they began approaching in a slow stride. There were three in total, and didn’t seem to be in a rush.

Without hesitation he unclipped his lightsaber, its yellow blade bursting to life. He took note of their eyes beginning to glow just before turning his head slightly towards Zoltida. “It looks like we’ve finally found the welcome committee.” It seemed they still had one last obstacle to overcome, for the sender of the Force Fear was just beyond their new adversaries in the next room.

 

[Tella Voland]

Objective I: Subjugation of Garel City

​

While the more bombastic and overt members of the Emperor’s armed forces breached into the roof of the town hall, a comparatively diminutive woman dressed in an rebel officer’s uniform made its way to flank the Major who was already being evacuated down to a secure command center on the lower levels, unassuming except for her unusual short white hair and piercing blue eyes. A new addition to the staff from the frontlines after her unit had been wiped out, Lieutenant Amelia Volraxis had proven quite prescient in help keeping him alive, even pinpointing exactly when Imperial troops would land on the roof to begin the proper evacuation procedures.

“Send our best men up to buy us time against those Imperials making their way down. They do not have to delay them for long, just enough for us to get to our safe room, and from there the tunnels to the secondary command post. When they finally get to where they think I am, we will be long gone to continue the fight elsewhere.”

The diminutive woman barked out the proper orders, then motioned for the Major and his small half-squad escort to move to the bottom floor of the building, where they quickly moved to the basement level where the saferoom was, passing by scores of troopers moving upwards to engage the Emperor’s troops. Reaching the small room, they quickly sealed the heavy metal blast doors behind them, sighing with relief as they did so. That would take even Imperial forces some time to get through, buying them much needed time to relocate to the secondary command center a few blocks away through the tunnels. Her commander gave his orders.

“Take the information we can and destroy or wipe the rest we do not want to leave any vital intelligence for the Imperials. Amelia and you two with me, we are going to check out the tunnels. I doubt any of Velran’s scum have found them yet, but you can never be sure.”

Amelia nodded silently, walking behind the Major and his two escorts, although a few small, almost imperceptible hand gestures were made as passed through the saferoom. Unnoticed by anyone, a small gas pipe had become dislodged, slowly letting its invisible and odorless contents out into the room where most of the squad was busy destroying various tactical intelligence.

Reaching the heavy metal door to the tunnels, the two guards looked at each other, the Major, and Amelia. Amelia gave a quick nod and, bolstered by the approval of the skilled Lieutenant, the two breached into the tunnels, only to find them well lit and apparently empty. Imperial forces had not yet reached them.

The Major sighed with relief, as did the rest of the party.

“Okay, you two go back in and help the rest of them finish destroying the intel, we need to be out of here in five minutes. I doubt it will take Imperial forces long to discover where we have gone.”

Nodding, both of the troopers hurried back into the room, the door closing shut behind them, to help their comrades. The Major wiped his forehead.

“The tunnels do not go directly to the secondary command post, of course, we will need to cross a few streets. But hopefully the Imperials will be distracted finishing up and investigating here and that our guerilla tactics have slowed them down. They will not take Garel without a fight, that bastard Kilran-”

Unnoticed to the Major as he spoke, another small hand gesture was made, and a small spark was ignited. That spark soon became a roaring inferno as the entire safe room and all its inhabitants were set ablaze, and a small explosion shook the building.

“What?!” The Major exclaimed, rushing to open the door, only to have his shirt be grabbed by Amelia.

“Sir, we don’t know what’s behind that door, you can’t-!”

“To hell with that, my men are in there!”

Breaking free of Amelia, he ran to put a hand on the door, only to recoil at the heat.

“Wha…?””

“Sir…”

The Major looked at the door in disbelief, then grimaced.

“I do not understand…that room was hardened against bombs…and would even the Imperials bomb the building with their own troops in that? I just do not…cough...is it just me or is it getting a little hard to…”

Amelia’s right hand made a slight gripping motion, unbeknownst to the Major.

“Sir? Sir are you okay?”

The Major slumped down against a nearby wall.

“Something…wrong…I…”

“It’s okay major, just try to breathe…”

Amelia’s hands became ever slightly more clenched.

“Amelia…I don’t…think…make it…tell them…continue…”

“It’s okay…I will…just try to get some rest Major…”

The fist became closed, and a small snap could be heard if one were close enough.

The Major lay dead, and “Amelia”, after paying her respects, simply walked out of the tunnels, there one moment, completely gone the next to both sight and sense in the Force.

You did a good job fighting Velran, Major, but from what Mother tells me, our return is soon and the Empire needs to be strong. We need this sector. May you find peace in the afterlife.

CT-2282 "Justice" Lissa

 

[Zoltidas]

Objective: III - Holocron Madness
Location: Ancient Dark Side Temple, Outskirts of Garel City, Garel
Equipment:

• vibro-axe
• Adapted ICA-1 Imperial Crusader Armor
• Great lightsaber

Tags: Drenn | Scoria Harik

A rare moment of levity from Zoltidas was answered with calm sincerity from the Grandmaster’s bodyguard. Though Zoltidas was confident he sensed a bit of mirth oozing from Drenn. ”Learning through observation is a good method, don’t underestimate learning by experience and failure though. In this case I think you’re right. Just keep your senses open.”

With confidence that Drenn had accepted the next stage of their now joint mission, Zoltidas gave a slight grunt, stomped his fore feet and started trotting diligently forward through the temple towards the presence of the endangered woman. Zoltidas could feel Drenn’s efforts to detect any traps. The Chironian Captain made much more passive attempts to ensure the path they took was safe. He was quite cognizant of each place that his hooves landed. Though if the woman who contacted them was right the temple’s traps would get more insidious than a footfall trigger into a pit.

Zoltidas thought they were going to find their new ally unfettered as her presence got closer and the darkness around them seemed to stay at bay. Then Drenn came to a stop. Zoltidas followed suit and nervously stamped his feet as he stayed otherwise stationary waiting for Drenn to reveal what he had discovered.

Before a word was spoken, three forms presented themselves in the Crusaders’ path. Armed to the gills that brought a smile to Zoltidas’ lips. He was afraid that this mission was going to be just creeping around and avoiding traps. A good fight was always preferable to Zoltidas. A yellow glow lit the corridor as Drenn switched his blade on. The approaching forms did not appear to have anything even as advanced as an ancient lightsaber in their arsenal. Zoltidas twirled his vibroaxe and prepared for battle. ”Good. I leave the sneaking to other folks. Let’s get to this. I’m interested to see what you got. Take the one on the right. I’ve got the left. We’ll meet in the middle.” With a chuckle Zoltidas strode forward towards his chosen opponent and swung his weapon at its head. There was only slight surprise when the first strike was captured on the figure’s curved blade. The fight was on. And it appeared that it indeed would be a challenge.

 

[Scoria Harik]

Objective: 3 - Holocron Madness
Location: Outskirts of Garel City
Outfit: Normal Dress
Tag: Drenn | Zoltidas | OPEN

The Crusaders were near. Scoria could sense it and her confidence of being free of this trap grew. With that being the case she actually felt the walls retreat just a hair under her half-hearted pressure to keep them at bay. It seemed that the trap must feed on the fear of who was held within. As Scoria felt more and more certain that escape was inevitable the closing of the walls slowed and even now retreated. A smirk formed on the Force witch’s lips as she waited for the opening to burst open and the freedom to rush off and take the holocron to discover what secrets it held within.

Suddenly the confidence of the charging Crusaders changed. Not to one of dismay or defeat, but one of challenge and readiness. Scoria ground her teeth and gave a bit of a grunt. ”Looks like our friends have met with some resistance. That is quite vexing,” Scoria whispered to her stuffed doll. The tendrils of the Force reached out again to investigate what stood in her would-be rescuers’ way. The focus and unknowing caused a shift in the tone of the room and the walls ever so slowly started pushing towards the center once again.

It did not take long for Scoria to receive a good “vision” of the brewing fight outside the trap chamber. Three stood in the way of the Crusaders. Scoria didn’t know whether to consider the temple’s forces guardians or attackers. It really mattered not. They were roadblocks in the path to Scoria’s goal. Two on three would not have been a terrible disadvantage for the Crusaders Scoria guessed. They trained for warfare, but Scoria didn’t like leaving things to chance when she could even the odds. She could sense that the centaur Crusader had given assignments to himself and the other Crusader. Said assignment left the middle temple guardian unfettered. Scoria would stop that…well she wouldn’t stop it so much as she would prevent that fact from being a detriment to the Crusaders as they dispatched their foes.

”Let’s have ourselves a little fun,” she spoke to the doll again. Its eyes glowed in the same hue as the Force tendrils that seemed to be a sign of Scoria’s powers. Moments later out in the corridor the middle opponent standing in the way of the Crusaders would freeze as its eyes also glowed the same color. ”Shall we dance?” Scoria asked with a childish giggle. A rare moment of levity. She started posing and twisting the doll as she did so the middle combatant in the corridor made the same movements. With a twisting flurry she came to a pause and had the doll wave, the third assailant did the same thing as the Crusaders fought the others.

 

[Drenn]

Objective 3: Holocron Madness

Tags: Zoltidas | Scoria Harik

Immobile as a statue himself, Drenn didn't give a single inch of ground as the trio of foes drew closer. His gaze, as sharp as a hawk, darted to the side, drawn to the vibroaxe. It was an interesting choice of weapon. In response to the captain’s words, he gave a slight tilt of the head. With a subtle twist of his neck, he cracked it and finally grasped his lightsaber hilt with a second hand, bracing himself for the clash.

He reached out with his senses, trying to locate the Force user from earlier. Fortunately, he still could sense her life force. How much time they had left, he could not say.

With determination, the Crusader charged forward, each step fueled by the Force, his boots seeming to barely touch the ground. As he closed the short distance, his weapon lifted high above his head, already poised to strike. In that very moment, everything around him faded into a blur; the only sound he could hear was his own heartbeat. The statue's sword appeared to have a darker aura around it, for when the blades met, there was a shower of sparks, rather than cutting through it as he predicted.

An arc came from above with relentless force and he narrowly dodged it to the side. The impact upon the ground sent stones flying in the air. Drenn danced quickly around his opponent, using his elegant footwork and sharp reflexes to parry each attack. It was easy to press on, for he was not only fighting for his own survival, but for others too.

As time passed his foe's swings became more aggressive, and the Crusader studied the rhythm of its movements, which were becoming more predictable, and revealing openings.

Drenn also couldn't help but take note of the peculiar movements from the enemy in the middle, their form moving strangely compared to the one focused on claiming his life. Soon his eyes narrowed, anticipating the next strike as he lunged forward with his yellow blade, piercing it into the stone figure. Instantly, the being crumbled and withered away. It was a bizarre sight to be sure, but he did not question it.

Returning to the other statue, he saw the movements, seemingly unnatural and may have even been grotesque had it been with a sentient being. He instinctively raised his weapon once more in a defensive stance, every muscle in his body ready for the more violence that would surely follow. Still, his mind raced, his focus even drawn away from Zaltidas' ongoing fight. One brow arched in clear confusion, and for the first time since arriving at the temple, doubt began to enter his thoughts.

 

[Zoltidas]

Objective: III - Holocron Madness
Location: Ancient Dark Side Temple, Outskirts of Garel City, Garel
Equipment:

• vibro-axe
• Adapted ICA-1 Imperial Crusader Armor
• Great lightsaber

Tags: Drenn | Scoria Harik

The enemies were rock come to life. That made Zoltidas confident of his victory. Rock was made to be hard and durable. Not flexible or speedy. Living statues played right into all of Zoltidas’ strengths and in theory avoided his weaknesses. The Chironian could also feel the determination from his partner and even though the numbers were slightly tilted away from them, this was not a fight that the temple was going to win. Was this just an obstacle to give the trapped Inquisitor something to think about as she waited to be sprung from her trap? It was a good possibility, but nothing that was going to disrupt Zoltidas’ action plan.

The Chironian Captain was patient. His hooves stomped the ground with quickening pace as the living statues approached. His axe was cocked at the ready and his hoof-steps sounded off, seemingly counting down the time until it was time to strike. With his superior reach, Zoltidas thought he might be able to strike both his chosen opponent, plus the middle one as well. The strength of his blow, plus the weight of his weapon would certainly do damage. When is opponent was in range, Zoltidas’ hooves stopped and his arms swung the axe with all their might.

The charging opponent was struck in the shoulder and stumbled backwards. Zoltidas knew it was not an ending blow, but the follow through continued as expected, but there was no second impact. As the momentum of the swing took his first weapon out of the fight, Zoltidas let go with one hand, reaching for his greatsaber and igniting it as he twirled the vibro-axe in the other hand to bring it under control.

Even for Zoltidas a greatsaber was no one-handed weapon. As the motion of his offhand gracefully slung his vibro-axe over his shoulder, Zoltidas took the only action available to him with his saber. He stabbed forward into his opponent and roared in anger as it struck true, but the living statue still continued to lash out at him. Something had luckily detained the middle statue, but Zoltidas was too focused on ending the first one to notice what that was. The third statue Zoltidas trusted to Drenn’s skills.

Once his second hand was free, Zoltidas brought it to support his dominant hand on the greatsaber. With a grunt of exertion the saber was pushed through the body of the statue and free again. The statue stammered, but still seemed to have something left. Zoltidas gave a respectful nod before he swung his blade down and across the statue, cleaving its way from the junction of the outside shoulder and the neck through the upper chest and completing the cut at the under arm of the far side. The statue fell in two pieces and Zoltidas turned to take in the rest of the field.

Zoltidas was not shocked to find a crumbling mess of a statue, and Drenn standing tall with his lightsaber still lit. He was however surprised to find the third statue behaving quite erratically. Even waving to them. ”We don’t have time for games. If it wants to dance, let's end this and move on.” Zoltidas hardly even noticed the glowing hue in the otherwise dark, solid statue as he cleaved through the middle of the statue’s body and watched it fall to the ground. ”I’ve a feeling the woman is helping us as much as we’re helping her. Let’s move on and finish this mission.” Zoltidas started forward and came to what appeared to be a solid wall. Except there was a glowing outline of what may have been an opening or a door. Zoltidas pounded on the wall, but nothing immediately happened. He kept pounding and pounding.

 

[Scoria Harik]

Objective: 3 - Holocron Madness
Location: Outskirts of Garel City
Outfit: Normal Dress
Tag: Drenn | Zoltidas | OPEN

The possession of the living statue ended when the Chironian Crusader cleaved it in two. The Force tendrils returned to the plush doll and the glow in its eyes ceased. A smirk formed on Scoria’s lips as the walls seemed to stop moving even without her exerting any Force energy upon them. She was getting out of this trap, and the room or temple, or whatever the spirit of the Force that was trying to collapse in on her was, knew that she would soon be free. It gave up the fight to extinguish her life and seemed to retract into the depths of the temple.

It was not long at all before Scoria heard pounding from the other side of the hidden escape portal. With no more threat of the walls crushing her, the Force witch strode to the source of the banging and could feel the anger growing within the Crusader on the other side. Clutching the doll to her chest, Scoria poured as much Force energy as she could through the doll and into the gaps between the stones of the wall keeping her separated from the Crusaders and completing her mission. The eerie hue reached out and seeped through the portal. As it gained intensity the threads of Force bindings that kept the hidden doorway closed were snipped.

As Zoltidas continued to pound the rocks started to crack and push into the room that Scoria currently inhabited. She lessened the power that she funneled through her doll and took a couple steps backwards as pieces of the wall started to give way and shoot forward with the attack from the otherside. Finally the room was opened to the corridor beyond and Scoria stepped forward into the newly made opening. She had seen visions of her rescuers through the Force, but she now looked upon each with a smile.

”My heroes,” she purred in just a bit of sarcasm. True she might have been lost without them. But giving thanks was just not in her personality when outside of the trappings of noble manners. ”Whatever trapped me in there is still loose in the temple. I think it would be wise for us to travel forward together.”