Rebellion &nbsp; Conflict at Kuat - Too Many Cooks Edition [The Grayson Imperium vs The Republic]

Dak |

Senators, always trying for peace, or vying for more power. In Venandi's opinion, senators where important, but could be replaced if needed. However, others didn't share that same viewpoint, instead believing that senators had to be protected no matter the cost, and that none of them could be replaced. Thus, Venandi had been requested to head to Alderaan with the peace delegation to watch over them. Agreeing, Venandi and his men had gone and hidden themselves away in the main city of Alderaan where the peace talks where happening. In particular, he was atop the building where the diplomacy was being held.

Venandi and his brothers had been located at strategic points across the rooftop, along with several other guards for various dignitaries. They were there to keep an eye on each other and outsiders who might want to do harm to any senators and such. Venandi was standing at the front of the building, looking out across the crowds of protesters who wanted peace. Honestly, Venandi hadn't been able to blame them, but he also knew that this would cause more chaos with tracking everyone. For his part, Venandi had simply continued to observe, letting the Alderaanian police force do their jobs. That was when chaos started up, as the conflict started up and shots were heard.

Looking out over the crowds, Venandi saw how everything devolved quickly, how it quickly turned into a fight. Then he looked up towards space and saw how a similar situation was playing out. Growling in annoyance, Venandi had activated his comm to try and contact someone. The only people he could contact were his brothers, everything else was being jammed. Growling at that, Venandi knew that this was far bigger than it appeared. Turning away from the chaos that the riot was becoming, Venandi looked over the various other guards here as well. He knew that he'd need them to work with him if they wanted to protect their delegates, otherwise it'd be another war with similar minded people. Silently ordering his brothers to shift positions slightly more, Venandi called out to his fellow squad leaders, calling for them to come to him in the center of the roof.

"Alright, listen up. Something's happening and we need to find out what it is. To do that, we need to work together, or we're all done for, and so are the delegates. I suggest we work together and move a combined squad into the room to ensure that everything's alright."
For the most part, the other squad leaders were alright with the idea and called over several of their own people. Then, together and led by Venandi, they entered the museum and traveled down from the roof, leaving the rest of their numbers up top. They moved quickly and didn't bother to make their approach quiet. As they neared the meeting room, Venandi took point, making sure to keep his weapon down and on safety, the rest of their little group following his example.

Coming to the door, Venandi glanced over the guards present, taking them all in before nodding to the sub leaders of the people with him. They nodded back and divided themselves so that it would only be 4 people entering the room, Venandi and the seconds of the squad leaders. One from the Imperium, one from Kuat, and one from Alderaan. They entered the room quickly, each taking in the situation present, and noticed that the room hadn't devolved into chaos, yet. Sighing in relief, Venandi communicated the information to his squad, even as his fellows did the same to their leaders. Then they split up and went to their respective groups, each seeking to tell their leaders about what was happening and to ask for orders.

Venandi made his way to Fable, holstering his rifle to his back as he went. Leaning in quickly and whispering quietly to her, Venandi spoke, somewhat ignoring the other Republic representatives there.
"Ma'am, no doubt you know about the situation up top. However, it's also heading here on the ground. Protests are turning into riots and it's getting ugly out there. My brothers and I, along with the other guards, are going to do our best to protect everyone, but it might be best to move somewhere more defensible."

Placeholder 018 · Jan 26, 2020

Location: Shipyards, guarding one of the control centers

It would've been easier just to shoot them.

For all his loyalty to the goddess, for all his love for the people, and for all the pleasure he took in seeing them create an empire of their own, Sylvanan could not stand the Lord-Imperator's recent actions. What had once been a hardliner leader had become too...soft. When the Galactic Alliance had struck against the Essonians on Atrisia, they had fought. When the Sith Empire came to turn their world into a slag heap, they had fought. When the Republic came for them?

They sat there, they were shot at, and waited for a few politicians to finish their talks, hoping they weren't killed in the process. The Imperium could bring its full military might to bear and be done with this, but for one reason or another the leadership seemed keen on playing nice.

"We could take Corellia in a month," Sylvanan grumbled as he scratched away some of the detritus that had stained his helmet. "Mobilize the Bluecoats, recall the fleets back to Coruscant, and we just spearhead right on through. Can't fathom why we're even entertaining giving up Kuat."

"Other things to worry about Sylvy," Krakow reminded, "We've got reports of terrorists running around on the rings, and some kind of craziness on Alderaan. There's someone else involved here."

Sylvanan scowled at his fellow trooper. They'd been assigned to the defense of the entry way of one of the drive yards' control centers. Everyone else was getting some excitement, but of course Sylvanan had been given one of the dullest tasks on the rings. "Okay," he shrugged, "Deal with them, then go after the Republic. I don't see the problem here."

"They follow the Ashla just as we do."

"No they don't. Most of them are godless. You know just as well as I do that career politicians are all atheists. The democrats are just as bad as the socialists and the selectivists."

Krakow snickered. "Do tell."

Sylvanan lofted a brow. "You remember how the ministries worked back home. All deliberation, never any action unless you lined their pockets," Sylvanan gestured toward the ceiling, as if it represented the Republic fleet. "Republics are a sham. Direct democracy or benevolent authoritarianism, only way you can avoid corruption."

Krakow tilted his head toward Sylvanan - the closest thing to an expression one was going to get behind that helmet of his. "Authoritarianism tends to breed nepotism."

"I'd rather have a bit of nepotism than corporations deciding the vote. Ever heard of a lobbyist?"

"Of course I've heard of lobbyists, you idiot."

"Then you know that anytime there's a 'democratic' regime it swiftly becomes a corporatist oligarchy."

"I think you're a bit of a pessimist Sylvy."

"I'm a realist. If you want a democracy, make it direct. No representatives, no middle man, just the people and their word."

"So you're an anarchist?"

"No."

"Sounds like anarchy to me."

A bored silence filled the air for a few moments. Unfortunately Sylvanan couldn't leave it alone.

"Let me put it this way." He turned toward his friend, "Republics lead to corporate control, corporate control leads to oppression. They're selectivists with a different paint job. Instead of the government seizing the means of production and controlling the people, the corporations seize those means, and control the people themselves."

"And how exactly are we better?"

Sylvanan snorted. "Our people actually believe in the Goddess, for one."

Krakow shook his head. "That's not an argument. Religious belief does not dictate a just society."

Sylvanan clicked his tongue. "No, but it helps. If we're talking from a purely secular sense, I like our system. The people are represented like a Republic, but the corporations have no say. The workers are represented in our trade unions, and a proper wage is guaranteed without worry of corruption."

"And the monarchy?"

"It's acceptable. I don't much care for Grayson, but he's had our interests at heart long before Ession ever fell. The people need a figurehead to follow anyway - you'll always find idiots looking to die for king and country."

"So what are you keen on dying for?"

"Absolutely nothing," he paused, shaking his head, "If I had to, the country, and the people. High Lords wouldn't want us dying for them anyway. The Imperium's around to serve the people, not the other way around."

"Can't disagree with that," Krakow mused, "Still don't think we should make war with people that could be our allies though."

Sylvanan shrugged. "Kark 'em. They picked what side of history they wanted to sit on when they started shooting at our people."

Krakow snickered, "And what if this all ends up in a peace deal?"

"Then the Imperator's an idiot. They're a threat, and they don't care about peace. They'll try to frame this whole debacle on us, you watch, and they'll use that propaganda to convince the Silvers that dealing with us militarily is the prudent course of action. Whole time their people are going to buy into it too. That's the trouble with a politically ignorant population."

"Whatever you say Glass." Krakow sighed, growing tired of the discussion. "Just watch the hall. I have to take a leak."

Josiah Miller · Jan 26, 2020

Location : A Hangar in the Kuat Drive Yards
Objective : Board enemy Bullwark MK III Battlecruisers
Tag :

Darth Assimilus

Adam Versili and Josiah Miller , i have an important task forr you both"

Those were the words Maracel Yorkell first said after summoning him for action. After being kept in reserve for some time now it was time to unleash the Directorate Space Marines on an unsuspecting target , a Bullwark Mk III Battlecruisers. The Directorate had gone low on resources needed to build large warships and therefore needed to capture new Warships to add to it's collection and thse Bullwark MK IIIs were perfect for this. though small in size compared to the Hunter Killer these ships were extremely powerful and could serve the DIrectorate perfectly.

Soon 10 Tie Interceptor Squadrons , 8 Tie Avenger Squadrons and 2 Tie Heavy Bomber Squadrons (10 Fighters/Bombers per squadron) were deployed and began heading towards the enemy Bullwarks Mk III and quickly under the cover of the fighters , the Heavy Bombers despite taking heavy fire launched their first bombing run lightly damaging one of the Bullwark Mk IIIs. As the bombing runs began Josiah Miller and his men awaited at the Kuat Drive Yards for the perfect opportunity to depart the station and seize the Bullwark MkIIIs for the Directorate.

After the first bombing run , Josiah Miller contacted the Lead Bullwark MkIII from a communication tower and addressed to it's commander. "Attention unidentified Vessels , you are to surrender immediately and cease all hostilities . If you resist we will be forced to launch resume our attack." As Josiah Miller finished his ultimatum , 1 Praetorian-Class Star Destroyer , 2 Pelleaon-Class Star Destroyers and 3 Compellor-Class Cruisers under Adam Versili moved around the Imperium and Kuati Fleets and moved forth to engage the 2 Bullwarks. Victory was soon theirs.

Josiah Miller · Jan 26, 2020

Double Post.

Draconis Caesar · Jan 26, 2020

Location: Aboard "The Creature"
Objective: Save

Pom Stych Tivé

Draconis had recently come under the employ of a series of slavers. He normally wouldn't accept a job from the unsavory types, but he had good intentions. A friend was among them and she was in danger. His chest burned with the amulet she had given him and it constantly reminded him of her peril. It was an ode to Draconis's own inability to find her sooner. He had been picked up by the slavers while lounging on leave on Dantooine. The slavers hadn't made many stops and thus Draconis hadn't had much time to find her. When he wasn't pillaging with them he was searching data banks for her cell number and location. Just as they made their final stop before Kuat he had found it. It was a curious thing, their final stop had been.

The madman leading this band of raiders had had his ships escape pod emplacements retrofitted with domiciles. Draconis had thought nothing of it until he began putting people in them. After the human shield had been placed it was straight to Kuat... He had to find her lest she be put in a dome too. He quietly walked through the dank halls of the ship towards the brig, where his friend was kept. Mercenaries were only allowed to certain places within the vessel, so he'd have to be careful in his journey towards her cell. He slipped through another dimly lit hall and made note of how the ships interior seemed to deteriorate the closer he got to the slave pens.

The walls were rusted and some of the pipes leaked what Draconis had hoped was water. Sometimes a tube would hiss steam and the mercenary was thankful for the protection of his armor. He walked atop metal grates careful not to make a sound, using a stealth belt to lessen the vibrations given off by his feet. The hall was paralleled by door ways to torture chambers and prison cells. It smelled of urine and excrement and Draconis wished his helmet would filter out the stench. It was the odor of suffering... He peered round the corner of the T shaped hall and watched as two guards began making their way down towards him. He carefully ducked into a nearby door way and found himself standing in a small room with metal bars cordoning off either left or right sides of the small compartment.

It was dark in the room and Draconis carefully peered within the bars confines, curious as to what was within. Suddenly a pair of hairy arms sprang from between metal slats and attempted to claw at the Sun Guard. A cathar growled nonsense at the mercenary as he tried to scratch and claw the man. It's feline eyes were feral and glew in the dim light. It spit nonsense at him, gibberish, threats of madness. Draconis clumsily half fell out the room, caught momentarily off guard by the beast within. He picked himself up off the wall and hoped the noise hadn't alerted the guards. The Sun Guard stilled his quickned breathing and once more peered back down the hall, angry with himself for being so clumsy. The guards were no where in sight and he knew he had been lucky.

He quickly paced towards his final destination. Carefully tapping in a code to the door, it slid open as the final digit was entered and Draconis wearily peered within, careful to be ready for any more surprises. It was dark, but there she was. She lay atop a cot in a daze. Draconis thought at first she was unconscious, but the night sister stirred at his step. She did not move to much, just a slight bob of the head that let him know she was still alive. Draco quietly approached her side and soon saw why she was rendered in a dream like state. She had been fitted with a neural collar... He carefully clasped the thing round her neck and broke it off with his enhanced strength. Hands shot to helmet as she began to awake from her dream like slumber and he removed the head piece, revealing a dark complexion and a viscious scar across his left cheek.

"Pom, I have come to repay a debt and save an old friend... Are you alright?" He whispered in his deep baritone brass.

Darth Assimilus

Faith Organa · Jan 26, 2020

Location: Museum, New Aldera City

Faith gave it some thought, "We might be able to boost the signal through" she would be cautious about what she revealed about the Alderaan defenses, "Perhaps one of our frigates could push the signal., they have hyperwave transceivers a different wavelength" If she remembered correctly for the whole time the ships were in design she tried to memorize their strengths she wasn't sure she was remembering it correctly.

First things first, "We cannot send military to quiet the riots. I believe it sends the wrong message, I will send the Alderaan Knights in hopefully they can calm them. We don't encourage them commit violent acts.." She couldn't go out there she knew that but perhaps another member of her family could go perhaps. She had to be wise about this though riots meant citizens and visitors could be injured.

"If you want to move, we can move to the Mountain Palace. Its remote enough and away from New Aldera it would keep the representatives safe. But it could also isolate them to a point where forces could take them easily. Least here in New Aldera we can fade into the crowds." She would have taken them to the palace, "There's the hospital. The representatives might be safe there. It would be unthinkable to attack and destroy a hospital"

She was suddenly very uncomfortable.

Interacting with -

Dak |

Kaleleon |

Raona Cadera | Fable Solborne | P Placeholder 0128 |

Maou | Cataline Holt |

Xenro |

Myrium Okar | Denzul Yorkell

Pom Stych Tivé · Jan 26, 2020

Location: Aboard "The Creature"
Objective: Be rescued from

Darth Assimilus

Dreams, or are these Memories? Where are my Potions? Where is my family? My sisters, Vytal Noctura , Loske Treicolt ? Has love waned in thee too?

'The Fanged God hath done this to me! This is his revenge for disobedience! Vytal has warned me of his envy! Mercy, please… Return to me my sanity. I know something is not right.'

Clarity is fleeting and there is another face that is burned into her memory. Sweet lips, firm hands… Her heart rate increased. 'Draconis Caesar, come to me.' This is not the Force she uses. Her power lies far above the Force. It lies with gods. Not their mere power, but their collective consciousness, their living essence. Her Will she set upon the wind of the Empyrean or perhaps it is the Nether Realm, to beckon him whose memory she revived in her thoughts with such delight. The Will of the gods shall clash in her doing, and only one shall be victorious.

Her mind drifts to the Amulets she made for Draconis long ago. Their reflection off them from the flickering of flames cast from the hearth within her abode on Dathomir, as they hung freely around his neck and rocked wildly against his chest. She knows they are real. Yes; these are very, very real. He too is REAL. 'Draconis, come, my Tehila.' So many times in the past he had returned to her on Dathomir and had held her. Since rediscovering him, she hoped someday to continue that same path with him now long gone cold. Had he come for her seeking comforts, since she left her homeward without leaving notice to him? 'What is done, is done. Let him be ever present now if he so wishes.'

Yet her mind is incapable of reaching out to him Telepathically. No. This magick she generated a decade and a half ago, it doesn't need her to reach out to him. 'It works, on its own. It does!' It is bigger than both of them, far greater than mere humanity. Greater than the Force!

He closed in again, like before, to her bedside, unannounced, and she would receive him. Is she moving? Clarity seems to brew ever so slowly. No, this is how it has been for a while now, in her cycle of confusion. She does not believe in anything anymore.

She turns her head towards him. "He speaks to me," she whispers. 'But his words are not from any memory. Are they?' The sound of his voice is more vibrant than as when in her dream-state. The Mistress Pom Stych Tivé weakly raises her hand out to touch his face. 'Touch seems to be more real than in the days before.' "You did not fade away," she determined. "Can it be?"

Wether dreaming or not, what should she do? If she were truly alive like once before? Then she would, "RUN," she seethed in desperation. And if he were truly real, or if this still be merely dreams, she shall run away from whatever has befallen her, run away from it all with her Tehila, her Lover, for such is far better a choice than posed by the confusing dreams of before.

Placeholder 0128 · Jan 27, 2020

Dak |

Kaleleon |

Raona Cadera | Fable Solborne |

Maou | Cataline Holt |

Xenro |

Myrium Okar | Denzul Yorkell

Location: Alderaan, Museum
Objective: Negotiations

It seemed the Republic had better intentions than expected. Though he wouldn't admit it, some of Cedric's anxiety went away as Fable Solborne relayed the order to halt the battle over Kuat. Reports were coming in that other unknown elements had made an appearance in the system - just another sign of foreign intervention. The Jedi was more than relieved that the Republic's senators could see reason.

"A message has been relayed to Kuat to cease all further hostilities. I have it on good trust that they will comply," Cedric informed, inclining his head slightly toward

Faith Organa as she spoke. "You know this planet better than I, your highness, although I must say that I think we shouldn't run from these terrorists. Standing against their tyranny sends a far greater message."

It was around that time that comm systems previously jammed by the Kuati would open up. Foreign noise spilled through previously silent channels, and Cedric had to hold a hand up to excuse himself as he turned down the comm system in his helmet.

"The Kuati have ceased their jamming, and their fleets are returning to a defensive posture." A pause. "I think it would be prudent if we focused our forces on dealing with these unknown fleeting elements."

Alwine Daye · Jan 27, 2020

Location: Aldera City, Alderaan. Headed to the museum since that's where the party's at.
Wearing: Armor, ~~Comfortable-looking long coat covering it~~
Wielding: WindWhisper
Allies: Agents of Chaos
Enemies Everyone else
Direct Tags:

Xenro
People Physically Around (?):

Vale Vynar

Muad Dib Denzul Yorkell

Avo

Venandi
Tag everyone with an open frequency.

Screams, fighting, protestors – the streets of Aldera City were far from the peaceful pastoral city that people could view on tourist brochures. Alwine hid a little smile. While seeing cities rise up in screams and flames was hardly a hobby of hers, she did take joy in knowing that she was part of those who could stop it; truly stop it. The Agents of Chaos could help the people of Alderaan and the people of Kuat, and in return, they would never demand to owe the planet in any way, would never demand to exploit its resources, toss taxes, or put someone in place that would control it. That, was not the way.

Looking to the man who was now walking besides her, she could sense the tingling, the passion, to do damage. Many among the Agents were probably in similar positions. For all the good and bad that the Agents of Chaos were, they were not nice people, and as a group, they never made the attempt to conceal or hide that in any sort of way. "We will end it," she said with a confident nod. That was, after all, why they were here.

Taking the device from

Xenro , the five foot woman offered him a grateful smile, and let the device scan her. She would not hide. Sadly, she did not have one of her Slicer friends with her that day, which meant that she could only jump on the open frequencies. But that would be enough.

Within seconds, Alwine's form appeared on any holodevice that showed such things. Ones that did not come with the projections would still be able to hear her voice unless they shut off or turned to different channels and frequencies. And Alwine offered those who could see, a warm smile.

"Citizens of Alderaan, citizens of Kuat," she spoke, her voice calm yet full of strength and power. She had been given the chance to become the Head of Speakers because she had shown that she could use her words and voice. Because she was unafraid. Because she was confident, and insightful, and could use those gifts far better than she ever could serve on a battlefield.

"Look around you. Look at your streets, your buildings, the places you have grown up on, the places where you live," Alwine resumed, "Look at the damage, the smoke. Look at those of the Imperium and those of the Republic, and ask yourself – what have they done for you? How many years has your home been subjected to them and those that are like them? Kuat, you have traded hands so many times over the past decade, yet your rings remain in ruin. Do you truly believe it was a coincidence that your planet was attacked by monsters the moment an interplanetary government came in the hopes of seizing control over you? Alderaan, you have given permission to an external government to make you theirs, and for what? Are your people truly safe? Under Imperium or Republic, can you know in any way that your children can sleep soundly and safely in their beds, and will wake up the following morning?"

Alwine paused, looking at Xenro. The frequency was open. Their location could easily be tracked. Would they fight or run, if forces of either side showed up to take care of them? And of course, there was that whole thing about the firearm by her side, the weapon that could shoot from a distance.

"Deny them," she said, "What will you be, when these governments at last own you again? Planets with no say, planets with broken promises, planets that are nothing but in servitude to those who would drain them dry of their resources as it happened so many times in the past. One side will manage to push the other side away, certainly, and then what? For their help, they will own you.

But we will not. We are here to help you. And if, with your help, we can push both of these and any others that would subdue you and make you theirs, we will not attempt to grab your resources, own you, or decree your fate. We will leave peacefully, and return to our place in the Unknown Regions, returning but when our help is needed.

Kuat and Alderaan have both had their share of problem. But should they sell themselves like common prostitutes for a little touch of help? Monarchs, nobles, rules, politicians – we extend our hand to you. To you, we will only give peace once the greedy interplanetary rulers are gone.

And to the Agents listening… Fight, and fight well. But leave the locals to their own, do not harm a hair on their heads. We are here to save them."

And with that, Alwine shut the broadcast off, and nodded to

Xenro again. "I hope we've angered quite a few Imperium and Republic people. Let the blood shed commence."

Denzul Yorkell · Jan 27, 2020

Location : Aldera City
Objective : Aid in finding a Peaceful Solution
Tags : P Placeholder 0128 | Fable Solborne |

Faith Organa

Well that was a relief with the Kuati Forces standing down and returning to their defensive posture , the situation seemed to de-escalate. With the Lord Imperator sending his message through the force to the Commanders of the Imperium Fleet perhaps the Skirmish over Kuat could end that is if the Republic Fleet halted it's own operations. But still there was the problem of the Republic Forces attacking them with the Republic thinking that Kuat was theirs even though the Kuati people had decided to join the Imperium through diplomacy. However the Skirmish over Kuat did no longer matter when a broadcast was sent throughout Alderaan and Kuat urging for the people to rise up and defend their planets from what the broadcasters called greedy governments.

"Well it's a good thing that we have managed to begin the de-escalation of the situation over Kuat , Lord Imperator but our main focus should be in co-operating in dealing with this unknown threat that has recently called for an uprising against Imperium and Republic Forces. It would be in our best interests to find those responsible and detain them before they cause more trouble" Denzul said. He was a politician and not a militaristic aristocrat like his cousin , unlike Maracel he preferred to remain away from the battlefield and now with riots and protests threatening to escalate into revolts and uprisings , Denzul was nervous. He had come to aid in finding a diplomatic solution between the Imperium and the Republic but now he was caught in the middle of a potential uprising.

If things escalated further on the surface things could go bad for all parties involved and with this sudden broadcast it seems that the planets of Alderaan and Kuat were about to erupt into an all-out conflict between multiple different parties in which would leave both planets scared for sometime. For Denzul if peace had to be achieved these terrorists and insurgents had to be put down and detained or all hell would break loose and Kuat and Alderaan would be engulfed by the flames of war.

Placeholder 018 · Jan 27, 2020

Location: Kuat Shipyards, control center
Objective: Protect this hallway

Alwine Daye

Silence had filled the hallway for a good twenty minutes before the comm channels started going nuts. Seemed the Kuati's decision to jam comms had been lifted, and now everyone and their mother was shouting their thoughts out into the void. Sylvanan scrunched his face up in distaste as he toggled through various channels, finally coming to settle on one that sounded more clear.

He expected a message from the Kuati, but it was...well, he had no idea what it was. Only that they were talking about throwing both the Republic and the Imperium out of Kuati space.

Sylvanan snorted. "Sith are here."

Krakow tilted his head curiously, "What was that?"

"You hear that broadcast? It's the Sith." Sylvanan shrugged. "It's their bread and butter. Sow dissent and chaos without actually making an appearance. They'll try and stir the populace against us and then their fleets drop out of hyperspace."

Krakow considered this for a moment. He reached up to remove his helmet, and ran a gauntlet across his sweat-crusted forehead. "You think anything will come of it?"

Sylvanan shook his head. "Doubt it. We put a lot of money into kickstarting the Kuati economy. Without us all those jobs," he tried to snap his fingers. Didn't work to well with gauntlets on. "Just pretend I snapped there. Alderaan I don't know, but they aren't really relevant. Nothing for us there."

Krakow snorted, "You're certainly in the know."

Another shrug from Sylvanan. "I like to keep up with current events. Once you stop scrutinizing the government you open yourself to tyranny. Suspicion is my natural state of mind."

"Sounds unhealthy."

"Sounds like you're going to be the first guy sent to the reeducation camps when they change policy."

The two men snickered.

Kiber Dorn · Jan 27, 2020

Location: Streets of Kuat
Mission: Grand Theft Cheese
Equipment: Oh no, we were supposed to bring stuff?
I'm sorry, I'm hungry:

Scherezade deWinter

Jai'galaar Gred

Chaos was so tedious.

The idea of getting up in arms, and having a skirmish or two was tiring in concept alone, never mind in practice. It involved too much cardio, and that was something best avoided at all cost. However, the biggest problem with chaos is that it tended to shut businesses down. Wanted to go out for a nice lunch at a cafe? Sorry! I'm afraid that for the well-being of our staff we're blah blah blah.

Uuuuuuurrrrrrrrgle.

Such views were made somewhat stronger given that Kiber Dorn was sat outside a closed cafe with a very empty stomach. Like, war was so frequent in this galaxy you'd think that civilians would just treat it like a regular day. Oh, Sith are here and they've bought a thought bomb, must be Taungsday. It's such a non-event now. I mean, come on!

His eyes glanced to a nearby screen, a constant barrage of news on a continual loop regarding peace talks and the general decay and madness of society around them. It did look a touch odd that he was just chillin' there, but hey, no need to get caught up in all the madness.

“In local news, authorities are still on the lookout for the man who assaulted a member of staff in the woman's bathroom at the popular maternity store Mum & Me. The assailant has been described as a human around six foot tall and very thin, with short brown hair, green eyes and a crooke-”

Anyway.

Decidedly looking away from the news (for obvious reasons) Kiber spotted a couple up ahead having a wee stroll and a snack through the streets. His brain said: well they're probably massive and dangerous weirdos given their casual nature in the middle of all this panic and pseudo war. His stomach said:

W A N T C H E E S E C U B E S

Controlled by the hungering organ Kiber rose to his feet, his eyes trained upon the paper bag. Every logical part of his brain screaming STOP was overridden. The man was even prepared to do cardio for the precious dairy product, such was the power of his empty stomach. Walking over he approached them awkwardly, giving a slightly frantic wave and fixing a rather convincing expression of concern across his features.

“H-hi! Sorry for bothering you two...b-but have you seen my cat?” Dorn called out as he got closer, “I'm terribly worried that he's going to get h-hurt in all this madness.”

Even closer.

“He's grey and...and he's about this bi-”

Just as he came up to them (or rather her, as the gentleman was following behind) holding his hands out to show this size of this imaginary pet he struck. Greedy grabby hands snatched for the bag as Kiber attempted to steal the bag of cheese cubes and sprint away from the pair.

Jegy Sesara · Jan 27, 2020

Kuat
Inside the Depon Manor
Tags:

Scherezade deWinter , Lucius Fendam ,

Kamyrin Gyvolis

The entire manor was put on lockdown. The supposed assassin that was sent over to kill them have failed, being killed by none other than the daughter of the Lord Depon, Emai. Mercenary soldiers and body guards alike were marching throughout the manor to start locking doors, closing windows. Each time one passed by the pair, it became more and more hectic as near the basement, a flood of soldiers came out to start covering all parts of the house. When the pair would reach the basement, there was a large vault door that lead into an armory along with a single long elegant sofa, a bar and finally many cameras situated around the house. Before Lord Depon whom sat on the sofa, was a large control pad that had turret set up locations all over the house, currently undeployed.

"Sir, there was an intruder, they ma-"

"I know exactly where this is going. I have already got the guards all on post and on further guard duty. Weapons have been spread out...by all means, pick out yours if you wish. We got quite a selection."

The Sullustan would nod as he went over to one of the nearby walls, looking at several pieces of weaponry till he finally went over to the more antique looking weaponry. He had to stick with what he knew, picking up a nearby E-11 model, he would flick a few switches till Emia went over and snatched it out of his hands. The Sullustans eyes were a bit surprised as she casually tossed it behind her as it skid across the floor. She would then grab a rather long silver and gray rifle from the wall, handing it to the Sullutan. The Sullustan would look slightly confused, hefting it up as he twisted it left and right, seeing it very stable and pulling back the stock, he would kneel and make motions with it, testing a few functions as Emia spoke.

"Paladin Mark Two blaster rifle. Single and rapid fire settings, stun setting with wave motion and finally a stun prod at the end for those less than lethal captures. Better than that stock variant you were holding."

"Appreciated...how do you know so much about these?"

"Four time marksman champion, also an enthusiast. Coming with you by the way."

"No, you are staying here."

She was now ignoring him, going over to the more modern models as she selected out a form of scatter blaster. Pulling the lever on the bottom to charge it up, she would feel the Sullustan grab it out of her hands rather violently to inspect, then toss it behind his back. Now it was Emias turn to look as if she was going to get mad though she would feel quite suddenly a thrust of a weapon into her hands. Feeling its unusual weight, she would lift it up and pump it, pulling the trigger with an audible click, holding it backwards as she looked up, seeing the Sullustan slam down the projectiles for it in a box.

"Projectile? Really?"

"Most people are armored for blaster burns, hits with plasma and explosives. Eight Gauge Scatter Gun, courtesy of Adostic Arms. Add in steel slugs, not only would it hurt them enough to force them back, but anywhere barely armored will blast off whatever limb they have. Does not matter who you are, losing a limb will hurt and being shot by this will kill in the right spots."

"Fair point."

"You are still not going though."

"I have nothing to live for, like you do."

"There is a distinct diff-"

"Let her go...besides, she will be near you won't she?"

Sullustans eyes slowly turned to see the Lord Depons whom was drinking a small glass of brandy. Sipping it, he intentionally made it loud enough as the Sullustan merely looked back at Emia whom was holding up a second Eight Gauge Scatter Gun for him. Grabbing it, they would start loading up the shotgun slugs into the shotgun. Afterwards, they would grab onto their respective rifles and start putting on belts with blaster packs attached to them, as well as specialized wrist holders that held some of the shotgun projectiles to load later. The two would start to exit from the vault like room as there was a quick quip from the man inside as the vault door would close.

"Oh Mr. Sesara...do take care of my daughter."

Republic Engineering · Jan 27, 2020

Alderaan // Aldera City // Museum of Antiquities: Outskirts.
Mark [+00:06] After Operation Commencement.
Objective: Defend the Diplomats from Hostile Threats.
Secondary Objective: Passively Recon Imperium Personnel.
Available Resources: [Click.]
Friendly Assets: The Republic >> Sigma Squad.
Neutral Variables: The Grayson Imperium.
Possible Hostiles?: Disgruntled Locals, Problem Children.

Gideon struggled to fight the urge to roll his eyes, as the youthful Jedi moved to block his advance. Clearly, whatever this Jedi had to say was more important than the task at hand. The Commando clenched his teeth, hoping that the newfound distraction would draw away the sensation of anger welling in the deep, protected recesses of his mind.

There were reasons why people didn’t trust the Jedi, and aside from their usefulness in battle, the man wholly understood why. Every waking moment to them seemed like a teachable moment and sought to impart their unwanted wisdom onto others. No wonder the Sith ruled over a massive portion of the Galaxy.

It was then after the youthful Kale stated his intent that the coterie of Jedi was joined by another who sought to impart yet another pearl of unwanted wisdom.

He rolled his eyes then.

“Why is it that the ‘Force’ seemingly guides these fools to us, when there’s the possibility of a more significant threat nearby.”

Gideon’s words were muffled by the various layers of insulation that comprised the robust framework of his helmet. With his mind all but shielded from the most powerful of invasive telepathic probes, the Commando knew that the words of his inner monologue - were his, and his alone.

Snapping back into the conversation as the Droid roused themselves from behind cover, the Commando nodded in respectful acknowledgement at the automaton’s words. Not only did the Droid brush off the incident as one would expect of a logic-driven being, but they ended up making a suggestion of a temporary alliance. It was the smart play, Gideon thought to himself as he listened to the words of the others - whenever they spoke. Such a fleeting pact wouldn’t infringe on his mandate, nor would it likely result in any lasting consequences… provided that their ad-hoc unit was capable of bringing this debacle to a swift conclusion, and eliminating further hostilities.

Hatchet was the first Commando of Sigma Squad to step forward. His voice, though rendered clearly by the suit’s integrated systems, came through with the slightest cybernetic warble distorting his sonorous tone.

:: Sir, If I may,:: The Commando began. :: DAC.P028-1 is right. We stand a better chance to put this all to rest if we work together.::

:: It’s the best option we have:: Gideon agreed. :: However, the Alderaani Government has hamstrung our standard operating procedures, so whatever we’ll be doing to clear our respective Government’s names; we’ll have to do so as quietly as possible.::

:: Well, that’s until they deploy the Military or that protest turned riot gets out of hand:: Hatchet said, his voice carrying the slightest spark of joy. :: Then, that’s when things will get really interesting.::

The Balmorran nodded, turning his head back to face the proverbial conclave of Jedi gathering before him, as well as the Droid off to the side.

He listened as the automaton mentioned that there was more that needed to be explained - but it would be done so on the move. Finally, Gideon thought to himself. Inaction didn’t suit the Commando, and though it was hidden from the characters assembled in the alleyway, his teeth were starting to forcibly grind against one another. It was a nasty habit, but after spending a lifetime in proverbial hell and on the battlefield - such an oddity was better than smoking or turning to drink. He rather liked his lungs and liver the way they were and thought it was foolish to poison them accordingly.

_______________________

After the group elected to move away from the alleyway and back towards the Museum of Antiquities, a peculiar transmission found itself worming its way into the Commando’s communication buffers. Gideon had a bad feeling about the whole situation but ended up activating the link with a series of encoded blinks. The suit’s built-in systems triple-encrypted the connection and sought to triangulate the speaker’s position, so long as she kept talking for a long enough. There were plenty of technical roadblocks that Sigma Squad faced, as much of their external systems were unsupported by dedicated platforms - making the process more arduous than it needed to be.

Yet, the fair-faced woman in the transmission seemed unconcerned. Perhaps she wished for the combined might of the Imperium and Republic to fall upon her, either because she was arrogant enough to believe that she could take them both on - or because she had a death wish. Regardless of her reasoning, Gideon minimized the transmission and pushed the outlined image to the corner of his visor. He would listen to the thinly-veiled promises of punishment and flagrant terrorism, but it served little purpose to etch the details of her face into the recesses of his mind. It’s not like she was of any import, nor would such a fact matter when she was slapped in binder cuffs.

With the slices of time bleeding into whole second-hand revolutions of the chronometre, the Commando’s armour was able to triangulate the fair-faced woman’s position. She stood on the steps that led into the Museum - right before the Police cordon and before the sea of raving protesters. There was an individual to her side that went unseen by the primary broadcast but was picked up by the various HoloDroid’s hovering above. Whoever this person was, their choice of attire left them shrouded from sight - making it challenging to garner a positive identification.

Nevertheless, as he stood beside the woman that made such a foolhardy and ultimately hypocritical proclamation, that man was designated as hostile. To do otherwise would’ve likely invited disaster - especially if that figure turned out to be a well-trained Sith Lord in disguise.

:: I’m not sure if they’re actually responsible for causing this debacle between our two nations:: Gideon began, as he ran alongside the Droid, making sure to check his corners as they advanced through the City. :: But I think that woman and her Organization... these Agents from the Unknown Regions... just claimed responsibility for this attack. My Government, as well as yours, would likely want answers. Since they’re at the Museum, shall we engage with the intent to Capture - or take them out and Exfil our respective representatives?::

:: Sigma’s game for either path.::

INTERACTING WITH: |

Dak |

Kaleleon |

Avo |
NEARBY: |

Raona Cadera | Fable Solborne |

Faith Organa | P Placeholder 0128 |

Maou | Cataline Holt |

Steve Holt |

Xenro |

Myrium Okar | Denzul Yorkell |

Alyson Halle · Jan 27, 2020

Location: Kuat Shipyards Command Room
Objective: Stop the slaver vessels.

She knew it as soon as she saw the flash in the distance, and the ships drop out of hyperspace that these vessels were not republic. No, the force told her that much, they were surrounded by bodies, living things, but the ship itself was not living. At the center of that mass of pain and suffering was a sith lord, and by no means a weak one.

The broadcast that came through over the comms was all the more telling. She couldn't help but applaud him, he managed to create a situation where any fire upon him would be a moral loss for the opposing side. There is no way she could authorize any fire upon that ship, especially given the nature of his demands. She would think on that later, at the moment she had more pressing concern.

Republic fighters were attempting to take out her engines, luckily she had collated strategies for exactly that. She looked to her lieutenant, and cleared her throat before speaking.

"Set up an Area Anti Air Defense, I want any prospect of getting anywhere near our fleet in a star-fighter to be pure suicide. The Corvettes will focus on point fire, taking out individual fighters with their weapons loadout. Do not mind the fire upon us, if they do not breach the perimeter DO NOT RETURN FIRE. I don't care how much damage we take

The Lieutenant nodded, the Mephirum's shields would be able to hold for quite awhile longer, the powerful Mon Calamari Shipyards shield generators were formidable, but they would not last forever, she would just have to hold out for reinforcements from Coruscant, and she couldn't do anything that made her look like an aggressor.

She dialed into the comm channel he was broadcasting under, choosing her words carefully. She couldn't fight his ships, but maybe he would be accepting of some kind of duel. Her culture was one of dueling nobles, combat was simply how the powerful resolved their disputes, either that or politically. Maybe she could...

"To the Captain of the two Slaver vessels. I come to you with an offer. I have no idea what you want, but as it is I have no way of morally stopping you. I wish to challenge you to an honor duel. If you win, I will allow you to take any one ship currently under construction at these shipyards, to be payed for out of my estate. If you lose, I want you and your forces to leave this place."

Andien Gale

Darth Assimilus

Bernard · Jan 27, 2020

Allies: The Grayson Imperium, Kuat Defence Forces
Enemies: The Republic, Unknown Intruders, Lanik Dawnstar
Location: Kuat Surface, Forrest
Enjoy

The light that shone through his hair made it appear more brilliant than it actually was. The white locks were stained with dirt and blood, clumping where earth was yet to shake loose. His cape, torn at its edges, fluttered as a stronger breeze passed the two, lifting once before returning to its serene sway. The silvery-blue plates that covered his torso were wreathed in shadow on the side opposite his sabre and appeared almost frozen over, despite the warmth of Kuat's day. Below them, streaks of crimson stained the cloth, like red feathers laying in snow, the fabric moving ever so slightly as the wind pierced its many tears. The Jedi's left hand was curled into a fist, white glove painted red where it rested on his palm. Above it, a metal vambrace glinted in the sunlight, its intricate carvings obscured by the ray's blinding shine. His other hand had lost its glove, gripping the cold metal with bared fingers, the sabre sat loosely balanced. Several of the sharp branches had cut into his hand, ripping the white fabric that had covered it beyond any usefulness and opening several long gashes along its palm and back, dried blood still clinging.

There were no movements on his part as the other approached. Though the man seemed to be avoiding betraying any signs of his imminent attack, Bernard didn't allow himself to be lulled into believing the posturing of peace. His eyes never left the man's weapon. A direct unarmed attack would be suicidal against an opponent competent with a lightsabre. There was the possibility of Force based assault, but Bernard had instinctively created a barrier in the Force that would shield him from such attempts. At the same time, he felt not surge within the Force, which left the Arkanian somewhat puzzled. His opponent was approaching slowly and carefully, within open view and weapon not yet drawn. This left the man at a tactical disadvantage, not to mention the strategic discrepancy in height between the two.

"This need not go any further. What do you think others would say if they found out? Members of the light at one another's throats?"

The words broke Bernard out of his thoughts. His brows relaxed slightly as his frown lessened and his head sank to meet the other's gaze more directly. Consideration for the context of their meeting entered his mind for the first time since their initial meeting. From the moment he'd gazed the flames of the Aeon to the inferno that engulfed them when they crashed, Bernard had been thinking of the other as a foe throughout their short encounter. Such a designation seemed logical, the human had fired upon Kuati, citizens of the Grayson Imperium by law and people the Jedi was sworn to protect. Restless and conflicted over his inaction, he'd spotted the unmarked fighter causing trouble amongst the rank of Kuat's forces and decided to deal with the intruder, still obeying the Grayson Imperium's directive of non-hostility towards the Republic by eliminating one of the saboteurs whose existence he'd deduced from the circumstances of the engagement. The destruction of both vessels had occurred before a single shot had even been fired and the Repulic's motives for a direct attack on an organisation that was sympathetic to their cause were paper-thin at best. He believed fully the starfighter he'd engaged was one of those unknown firestarters, there to fan the flames after their original goal had been accomplished. He had no reason to doubt this conviction.

Yet he did not feel any stain of the Dark Side upon the man. He furrowed his brows again, once more lost in concentration. What reason was there for someone not associated with the Sith to sabotage a peaceful first encounter between two governments aligned with the Light? There were the obvious answers of greed and hunger for power, but Bernard suspected there to be a more obscure root for these actions. The reluctance to strike a killing blow he'd sensed had stricken him as odd but could be easily dismissed if the man was a follower of some derivation of the Jedi's Code. The human's identity as a devout servant of the light seemed to be less fragile the more he considered it, yet the willingness to engage in sabotage remained. There was no way he could correctly deduce the man's motivation with so little information, but what he could know were his intentions. Were he allowed to walk free there would be more sabotage, more unnecessary bloodshed, and another variable ready to cause chaos within the effort to bring balance to the Force. The only conclusion to the human's identity was some sort of cultist devout to a broken vision of the Force, someone who would not shy away from sabotaging a Jedi's effort to bring peace.

“Can you really consider yourself fighting for the light? Fighting for an Empire that is literally named after the individual leading it? That is not the way of the light! It smacks of vanity, beings like that are not truly Jedi. Please tell me you can see that. That you see we need go no further than here.”

The man's delusion almost made Bernard's facade crack in sarcastic laughter. The Jedi had a history of asceticism, a renunciation of material authority in favour of the spiritual. The Order's almost desperate clutch on pacifism had always been its biggest weakness. Though their intent had always been to keep the peace in the galaxy and restore balance within the Force, the Orders perpetually failed to grasp what had to be done to accomplish their goals. Idle verbal sparring over how best to sit idle while the galaxy burned had caused the old Orders to fail where the bold actions of those such as Revan and Hoth had brought about peace for many years. If only the Jedi as a whole could have unified in such a way, the Sith might have finally been eradicated in full and balance to the Force restored. Only then could the Jedi truly have returned to the way of Peace, when it was no longer threatened by the followers of a blight upon the Force. It mattered little if a Jedi rose to power over others during such times, for only a Jedi who knew the importance of the Order's true mission could be trusted with such a position. A mission that Bernard was ready to fulfil even at the cost of his own life.

"Don't make me do this."

The loose grip upon his lightsabre's hilt tightened, his eyes darting towards the human's hand as it moved to be held between them, an offering of peace where there could be none. Bernard sighed, allowing his eyes to close for a heartbeat. When they opened once more he was staring at the human's hand, an expression of sorrow upon his face. His mouth opened slightly, as though he was about to speak, but he held back his words. His eyes moved to the ground between them, face obscured by hair as the wind changed direction. His gaze lingered for several moments, the muscles in his body which had previously been ready to strike at any moment relaxed, his shoulders sinking slightly as he released another breath.

"Pathetic." He genuinely felt regret when he gazed upon the saboteur of balance before him.

In a blur of action, his left hand stretched out towards the other, his left leg sliding forward a short distance. The Force surged within him as he released a burst of telekinetic energy aimed directly at the shorter man's chest. He'd noticed the attempts at closing their distance, of reducing the advantage of height that Bernard held, this attack was aimed at neutralising the man's treachery by swiftly bringing him into a tumble back towards the foot of the hill, simultaneously disorienting him and allowing for a quick end to their confrontation. Without solid footing, the human would be unable to construct a defence with his sabre, especially while being violently shaken by each impact on the hill's slope. This short period of time should suffice for the Arkanian's blade to find its mark and put an end to the saboteur's life.

Leveraging the forward motion of his left foot, the Jedi set to jump off the hill in the same moment the invisible strike hit his foe, his body turned so his right arm trailed behind him as he leaned forward, the off-white blade cutting another swathe through the tall grass. His aim was to use the added momentum of a fall to further empower the force of his blow.

Kaleleon · Jan 27, 2020

Alderaan // Aldera City // Palace District -> Museum of Antiquites.
Mark [-00:06] Before Operation Commencement.
Objective: Defend the Diplomats from Hostile Threats.
Secondary Objective: Passively Recon Imperium Personnel.
Friendly Assets: The Republic >> Sigma Squad
Possible Hostiles?: The Grayson Imperium, Disgruntled Locals, Problem Children.

There were many reasons for us to help one another. Namely, I needed to be able to do my duty as a Jedi. Even as others began to join us, it seemed a little strange when the soldier had some kind of thing going on. Almost as when I talked he completely blew me off. A soldier is as a soldier was. Always of the mindset that those younger than them didn't have residence, or value. Dak spoke of what I had exactly just mentioned. Comparing notes. Working together. Solving this as a group rather than single minded individuals. Yet, Dak was taken at face value because of his processes.

I just shook my head and kept my mouth shut.

I just shifted to lean onto my left foot as the Sigma squad. Speaking among each other out loud, it was agreed upon by them to work together. While the other Jedi I assumed would be welcomed to come along. However, I had a feeling that the Republic Commandos were more open to the idea of working with the Droid from the Imperium, rather than the three Jedi. Considering we quite literally just stopped them from performing their duty.

It was then decided upon. Then off we went.

However it was when exposed that these people were acting for the explicit purpose of messing with the governments. They were here as terrorists. It was once more explained that there may be a warranted idea for capturing them. Rather than outright killing them. I wanted to speak up. I wanted to say capture was the only option I would follow. Killing here is not necessary. Secondary to the idea that we could potentially garner information from them. However, I doubt that the Republic commando would actually care.

So for now, I kept it quiet, and just followed after them with all of our boots pounding upon the pavement on our way to the Museum.

INTERACTING:

Dak |

Republic Engineering |
NEARBY:

Raona Cadera | Fable Solborne |

Faith Organa | P Placeholder 0128 |

Maou |

Xenro |