Darkness Spreads | CA dominion of Noris [Hex R-13]

[Matt the Radar Tech]

9TH MARINE PLATOON TRANSPORT
Objective 1: The Killik Colonies
Location: Marine Transport Ship, approaching Noris
[member="Zsuzsa"]

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Chaf'arcar'usorn enjoyed the warcry. It made him proud to be a marine. Still, they had to load up and prepare to transport to the planet. With the fleet engaged above Noris, chances were the marines would be sent down sooner rather than later. So, holding up his gloved hand, Chaf'arcar'usorn called out:

"Alright marines, let's load up and strap in. Move, move!"

With speed and efficiency the Niners did just that. During the speeches and briefing, crewmen from the hangar had been loading tanks and walkers, supplies and munitions, all to assist the marines in completing their task on the ground. Given the Killiks tendency to use different sub-types of their species to combat threats, command didn't want their troops caught off-guard by surprises like in the past. So as marines boarded the large transport, the Captain observed quietly with approving eyes, up until he saw the soldier he needed to speak with.

"Sergeant Fraz'suz'safis," Chaf'arcar'usorn called, motioning for the marine to join him standing on the ramp into the transport. "I understand from your file that you have some history with the Killik... I don't want to open old wounds, so I'll keep it brief: based on your first-hand experience, should we expect any surprises from the Killik we might not be aware of? Anything the scouts and scientists might have missed?"

Most Chiss knew about the Joiners, the pheromones, and the effect it had on the will. But Fraz'suz'safis might have known about the colony layout, traps in the tunnels, or other information gleaned from a more up close and personal interaction with the vermin. And since most Chiss only knew of the Killik from history or from non-hostile slave interactions, since the species had largely been absent and contained, it stood to reason any bit of information could help... and then Chaf'arcar'usorn's comm chattered, which caused him to motion up the ramp.

"Walk and talk, we need to get on the transport and underway," Chaf'arcar'usorn said as he walked up into the large ship. "We just got our landing orders."

Chaf'arcar'usorn marched to his allocated seat for the trip, pointing to the empty one beside it to the Sergeant.

"We're moving out, marines!" He called, before strapping in, then turning to his fellow marine. "As you were saying, Sergeant?"

The transport began rising on repulsors, before launching out into space and angling for the planet Noris in the distance. It avoided the main combat, approaching from a less obvious angle, along with numerous other transports that likewise contained other marine platoons and supplies. This was going to be a big offensive, one aimed purely at reclaiming the planet and suppressing the Killik from spreading and consuming everything they saw...

 

[Samara Raine]

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9th Marine Platoon ​

Objective 1 - Killik Colony​

Aboard the CSC Ferryman, Noris System​

Deploying for Ground Offensive on Noris​

[member="Farcarus"]​

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The camaraderie had come to an abrupt end as orders to deploy were given. The Marines moved swiftly to their assigned transports. Fraz'suz'safis's squad brought up the rear of the 9th Battalion. That is when the commanding officer requested her to join him at the bottom of the boarding ramp.

Captan Chaf'arcar'usorn cut a looming figure especially in his Marine armor and the Chiss' deep voice backed it up. "Yes, Captain?" Suz answered as she came up beside the superior officer. The question he asked of her made Fraz'suz'safis uncomfortable, but she didn't show it thanks to being on the move up the ramp as their launch time was imminent.

After securing herself in the seat next to the Captain, Fraz'suz'safis finally replied. "I only have vague childhood memories to work from, Sir. I am not sure how helpful I will be, but perhaps once within the nest itself something will come to me. The one thing I do recall is the smell of rotten eggs... Killiks produce methane gas readily. Do make sure your air filtration system is working properly," the sergeant nodded with the slightest of up ticks at the corner of her mouth before donning her helmet.

And with that, the transport ship lifted from the hangar deck and shot out through the magcon. The pilots had taken an indirect route to the Marine's infil location so as to miss the main space battle commencing in orbit above Noris. As soon as the drop ship touched down on it's landing struts, the Niners got the green light and exited down the boarding ramp; Theta squad being first out with the job to secure the LZ and set up a perimeter, which Fraz'suz'safis saw too immediately.

 

[Lok Xiangu]

Location: Noris
Allies: [member="Zsuzsa"] | [member="Farcarus"]
Objective: 1

Another mission was delivered to the Chiss mercenary. One concerning about the planet Noris and its system. Alezan accepted the mission without hesitation, enjoying the mutual relationship he was having with the Chiss Ascendancy. Unlike his other jobs in the Outer Rim and other regions of the Galaxy, they were short term work. Employer would request one’s services and then not use them again. It was bad business, for a mercenary, to be in that kind of situation. Was better to find a party that would be consistent to work for with a nice payroll. Was more healthier that way.

Same terms would be applied which didn’t mattered to him. Getting the pay was more important than that. Though while he did enjoy being of service to the Chiss Ascendancy, the mercenary was also observing how society of his own species worked. Different than what he’s encountered. Adapting to Chiss culture and read their history. What did they think of him he wondered. Maybe he was inferior to them? He cared less if they did.

Alezan went through the mission’s instructions he was given from his superiors. Would be assigned to a Captain of the 9th Marine Platoon that would be in charge of leading troops against the Kiliks. Take orders only from him.

Fair enough.

The Chiss would bring his own party of mercenaries that were under his command. A diverse group they wer too. Along with that, he’d bring his own personal transport that was modified to his own tastes. He followed the shuttles and dropships of the 9th Platoon, taking a route to avoid the main stage of space battle between the Ascendancy and the Kiliks. Soon they touched down the the earth of Noris and the disciplined Marines rushed out to complete their orders. Alezan and his band of mercenaries left their freighter with the Chiss leading them as he approached Farcarus. No doubt the other Chiss would shoot glances at Alezan and his team.

”Captain, I believe I’m taking orders from you.”

Was that professional to Chiss standards? Probably not. One thing Alezan lacked in was that.

 

[Dezoti]

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Location: Outskirts; House Noris Estate; Noris​

Objective: Report to Chiss Fleet and Investigate House Noris' Demise​

Objective 3​

Nearby: [member="Thadrinn"] [member="Tryenu"] [member="Desmond C'artyom"]​

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"If they're killing Killiks, they're no enemy. We'll have a quick conversation, but we have to keep moving." It was enough to have to go through the building without alerting any of the bugs, another to try and deal with an unknown. At least they were helping to clear out the opposition. As soon as the door opened Blackout would enter the room, her pistol still up but not aimed at where the glitched signal of where Desmond would be. A quick click of her helmet allowed her voice to be heard through the thick metal.

"We know you're there. Friend or foe?"

 

[Samara Raine]

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2nd Fleet, 1st Battlegroup​

Objective 2 - Killik Fleet​

Noris System​

Starfighter Screen​

[member="Thorne"] | [member="Vhirr’bel'laminis"] | [member="Jared Starchaser"]​

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The Rinsi had been held in reserve. It made Hess'iva'nuruodo chafe a bit, but she understood the Vice Admiral's line of thought... Let the 201st Fighter Squadron and the rest of Saber Wing clean up.

"Saber Leader, this is Flight Control.... You may launch when ready. Good hunting."

"Copy that, Flight Control. The Two-o-First, Third, Fifth, and Seventh commencing launch momentarily." SS 201-1 replied back. With that said, the Wing Commander steeled herself as the launch sequence started.

Hess'iva'nuruodo was pressed hard into the pilot couch when the tractor beams took hold of her bird and catapulted the Nssis-class Clawcraft forward, to be joined half a second later by the additional kick of the Chiss fighter's afterburner. The bay wall rushed past the frontal viewport of the spherical-shaped cockpit with rapidly increasing speed. There was the familiar crackle of the containment field followed by the noise of displaced air ceased as the blackness of space embraced her craft...

Though space was anything than black. The battle was in full swing by the time Saber Wing joined the conflict in orbit.

A swarm of Killik fighters had made for the 2nd Fleet, and was met with an array of shock nets sent out from the Sovereign when they got within close range. Many of the Dartships were disabled on impact. They were finished off easily as fresh Chiss fighter squadrons swept through the area of contention in a display of effective ballet. The holdouts were dealt with as well, though the missile-like ships were very fast and maneuverable, and the pilots were not above ramming another craft. They also carried payloads of "primitive" chemical explosives... Why a group of them were so dangerous to capital ships.

"Sabers come around to vector two-two-one... We need to cut off those Darts that slipped by the screen before they get to Talon 3 Group." the Commander keyed with a controlled yet urgent voice. "The support corvettes may not be able to deal with them effectively, and the Solace is vulnerable to an attack of this magnitude."

Hess'iva'nuruodo flipped her fighter around on a dime and pushed the throttle to full, engaging the Clawcraft's ion engines to their maximum speed. She closed the distance to the enemy quickly, but would it be quick enough...

 

[Desmond C'artyom]

Location: Outskirts; House Noris Estate; Noris
Objective: Report to Chiss Fleet and Investigate House Noris' Demise
Objective 3
Nearby: [member="Thadrinn"] [member="Tryenu"] [member="Dezoti"]




Desmond was caught momentarily off guard. He knew their would be other forces in the area, however he had hoped he would go unnoticed long enough for him to complete his objective. They entered through an opposite door and Desmond froze again. Their IFF signatures green lit them and Desmond knew he had been compromised. They were Chiss, but who were they loyal too... Desmond sighed as the lead commando spoke aloud. He deactivated his stealth cloak, then patched into their comms channel. With a finger raised to his mouth he made a shushing motion.

"Callsign Cipher, you're mission prerogatives have changed trooper. You are hereby ordered to escort me to the main terminal and under no pretenses was I ever here," Desmond said in his rich imperial accent.

He expected no questions, even though he knew the call sign he had given them would not show up under friend or foe tags. But, they would receive no more information from him. The simple fact that he had been able to breach their comms so easily should've been clue enough that he was a spook, who answered only to the brass. He waited for the rest of the Commandos to enter the room. He knew not what their objective was, but he imagined it was something similar to his own. Which could mean only two things, they were here to cover up or expose. Desmond had no idea which, he could ask them now and risk a firefight or play cool and wait till he got to the terminal...

He sighed and motioned with his head for the troopers to take the lead.

 

[Rorschach]

Objective X- Sith Collaborators

Even though to Rorschach as the new Ascendancy was rising, there were still threats, one of which was the remaining Sith, that belonged to the Jen'Ari Empire. Stubborn and still unwilling to give up Chiss Space, he had chased them along with the Collaborators that had been aiding them. His mission was rather simple. Deal and execute both the Sith and the Collaborators. He had tracked the collaborators to an underground facility of some kind. Perhaps a bunker, thinking that simply hiding could save them. Save them from the justice that would be wrought upon them by the Vitizer Exarch.

Approaching the perimeter of the facility, he would simply deceive them. Perhaps making them think that he was nothing more than a harmless old man, well not really old but to them perhaps. Approaching in the guise of an old man, having a walking stick, his lightsaber hidden within. He approached the door as if seeking shelter.

Tapping on the door, a droid appeared as if eyeing him. Watching him, and soon the door opened, Chiss guards approached raising the blaster rifles they had questioned Rorschach. "Who are you old man? What do you want?" Rorschach acted as if a feeble old man should. "Please help me, friends, I am but alone and defenseless... I can't simply find my way and would love to use your facilities." He said the guard eyed him as the man kept approaching. "I say we shoot him." The partner said, but before the man could even finish, both of them clasped at your throats, Rorschach holding out his hand as if choking them. Watching them as they figured out everything, too late slowly dying. He soon snapped their necks. Walking into the entrance he replied with a smirk. "Thank you, Gentleman."

 

[Jared Starchaser]

Objective 2
Noris System
Allies:[member="Thorne"] [member="Sivan"] [member="Vhirr’bel'laminis"]

The Son of Skywalker Starchaser was making his way through space to get towards the Nest ships. And he was hearing the orders. Shields up and weapons free, the ExPat Squadron was moving towards the Nest ships. What he was waiting for was to get the Interdictor on the field. The Frigate he and his team had launched from moved space side of the conflict, being much more a frigate-carrier than a warship.

But Vortex? No, Vortex was much more than that. A typical Alliance Interdictor, the goal of the ship was always to keep the fight somewhere, and not let anyone get away. And that meant these Nest ships. With Chiss forces here? It would possibly cause the Killiks to flee, but what was also known, was that they were going to need firepower, and this ship had more than his carrier.

“Vortex has arrived, deploying gravity well. Weapons online.” The captain of the ship announced as the engines dropped off to put power to the shields as well.

“ExPats, on me. We’re going in.” He ordered his squadron as the pilot pushed the throttle forward and his team looped back around and met up with him. He was hearing the call from Sabers that they were going to be needing a bit of help around the frigates. And with Bella’s fleet nearby, he was heading to take down other fighters. The Jensaarai grinned as he saw the Darts that the Sabers were talking about, and moved his squadron that direction as the Eta’s got there ahead of the Clawcraft, turning space to flashing green.

 

[Matt the Radar Tech]

NORIS ESTATE MANOR

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Objective 3: The fate of a lost house
[member=Thadrinn] | [member="Dezoti"] | [member="Desmond C'artyom"]

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Vector followed Blackout into the room immediately on her heels, assault rifle aimed at the distortion in the scan display. The tall commando listened to the brief exchange, his red eyes narrowing at the unknown individual's vague statements and presumption to amend commando orders. Sounded like a typical Intelligence Agent, one who was acting self-righteous and more important than the sentients he was addressing. Probably skipped the play nice with others training course, like most tended to.

"Looks like we've got a spook, Cap," Vector said simply, still not lowering his rifle. He was prepared to light the guy up, no questions. "Walks like a spook, talks like a spook..."

Given the importance of moving through the building and eliminating the Killik before they could alert the hive to the Chiss presence in the manor, Vector was erring more on the side of quickness. Sure they could play the song and dance, show some of that inter-organization rivalry and do some posturing to establish dominance... but who the hell had time for that?

"Look, we get it, you're top secret," Vector said as he walked forward, standing in front of the other sentient. There was a height difference, in the commandos favor. "But so are we. Stop acting like a karkclaw and give us the operation code. Quickest way to sorting out a confrontation. Then we know you're on the up and up, and we keep moving."

In retrospect Vector probably overstepped his rank within the squad, but at the end of the day speed was of the essence and they couldn't afford to torture the spook for clarification codes. If he was part of the current offensive, he'd know the code. If he wasn't, and he shouldn't have been in the manor, he wouldn't. Simple.

"Haven't got all day. Chrono is ticking."

 

[Matt the Radar Tech]

9TH MARINE PLATOON STAGING AREA
Objective 1: The Killik Colonies
Location: Staging Area, Noris
[member=Zsuzsa] | [member="Alezan"]

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Chaf'arcar'usorn raised an eyebrow as the Sergeant Fraz'suz'safis spoke about the Killik, expanding on some of the information that wasn't readily apparent. The mention of methane was vital, especially since the marines were armed with charric weaponry. That meant lasers. Which meant heat. Which meant explosions when in contact with methane rich environments. It seemed Fraz'suz'safis had just saved the marines a very dangerous lesson, one that Chaf'arcar'usorn was sure as sithspit going to crack some intel heads over!

"Listen up, marines," Chaf'arcar'usorn shouted, as he lifted his rifle and held it out. "This is now useless. Sergeant Fraz'suz'safis has alerted me to a potential danger involving laser weaponry, one that likely just saved a lot of marine lives. We change out to slugthrowers. Strictly no heat sources in the Killik caves, which are filled with the species' naturally produced methane deposits... you all owe the Sergeant a drink!"

The Niners did as instructed, offering hoots and hollers in thanks for the information Fraz'suz'safis supplied. There was also information sent through the other marine transports, causing mass armament change, including the walkers and support vehicles. The tanks couldn't switch out the cannons, so they would be held in reserve and would function above ground only. The rest of the trip went smoothly, and soon enough the marines made landfall.

Walking down the ramp, watching as the security teams moved out in various directions, Chaf'arcar'usorn caught sight of someone leading a ragtag group. They approached from a different transport, not a Chiss design, and were certainly diverse. And interesting. For a moment the Captain watched, eyebrow raised, before the leader - who appeared Chiss, but also didn't exhibit strong genetic traits, possibly being half-Chiss? - spoke to him.

"Looks like you just might be," Chaf'arcar'usorn replied, nodding. While he wasn't fond of non-Chiss, that didn't mean the Captain was naive enough to turn away good help. "Good to have you with us. Don't mind the stares, a lot of these troops haven't seen much beyond Chiss. I don't recall your name...?"

The marines from all transports poured out, spread across a large zone that used to be a crop field, before setting up secure perimeters and unloading the heavier vessels. The colony was no doubt in a state of uproar, likely knowing about the attack above in space, so the likelihood of getting the drop on the Killik on the ground was very unlikely. And almost as if summoned by the thought, the first signs of the insect-like species began to appear. Across the way, from concealed tunnel entrances, the Killik began to swarm toward the Chiss force.

"This is it, Niners," Chaf'arcar'usorn said as he put his helmet on, the HUD lighting up, filling his vision with hundreds of Killiks charging. "Incoming. Looks like we've got Killik soldiers with rifles and small arms weaponry, so let's do something about that while the tanks are unloaded!"

Across the staging area, numerous portable barricades were setup, the heavy metal plating erupting upward to provide good cover. The marines began taking cover, the barricades and natural formations effective for positioning against a charging enemy. The Killiks were quick though, dodging and weaving on their insectoid legs, and after several painstaking minutes of waiting, both forces were close enough to open fire...

"For the Ascendancy! Fire at will!"

 

[Thadrinn]

Noris; House Noris Estate​

Objective 3: The Fate of a Lost House​

[member="Tryenu"] | [member="Dezoti"] | [member="Desmond C'artyom"]​

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Standing outside of the room that his fellow Commandos had entered, Mitth'adrin'nvtae snorted in annoyance, glad that his comms systems were currently off so as not to distract the rest of his squad. With his back to them, he remained in the kneeling position he had assumed once Blackout had entered the room to announce her presence. With his rifle locked against his shoulder, raised and ready to fire at a moment's notice, Mitth'adrin'nvtae continued to play rear sentry and scan the hallway.

Even with the life signs of the Killiks being displayed on the HUD of his helmet, he was loathed to relax his guard. After all, it had only been the sudden disappearance of two life signs that had clued Vector onto the fact that there was someone else in the manor and there was nothing to say that the pests hadn't scavenged similar tech. Additionally, since the Chiss fleet had begun engaging the nest ships above the planet's surface and the marines would have begun their assault - an assumption of Mitth'adrin'nvtae's based on the chrono and the plans that the Commandos had been let in on, the Killiks had become antsier, a lot more unpredictable. It wouldn't do for them to suddenly change course and catch the squad without given the Commandos enough time to position themselves so as not to reveal their presence.

Still, even with his focus on his role as the sentinel, Mitth'adrin'nvtae couldn't help but listen in on the exchange between his brother and sister in arms and the spook within the room. The arrogance of most Intel Operatives never ceased to amaze, their opinion that they were the only ones that dealt with high level, top secret information being laughable considering the number of black op successes under the belts of all Commandos - especially during the Civil War.

Still, at least Intel Operatives could be relied upon to be consistent with said arrogance whenever they crossed path with a Commando squad.

Stilling suddenly, Mitth'adrin'nvtae's attention snapped to his right as he backed up slightly into the doorway, his comm system snapping to life as his voice rung out into the ears of the other Chiss. "Might I recommend that we sort out all of this asap? Stop your posturing spook and karking tell us the operation codes. We then either put a hole in your head or bring you along. Either way, we have approaching Killiks so it might be best that we're not found pissing into the wind. You know, so we remain un-bloody-seen."

Maybe Mitth'adrin'nvtae's annoyance at the delay had caused his language to slip slightly. Maybe he had, similarly to Vector, overstepped his rank. But, in the end, he didn't care as his focus was on tracking the approaching life signs and the fact that the current situation had to be resolved so that they could slip back into the shadows and not alert an entire manor full of Killiks to the fact that intruders were within the midsts.

 

[Desmond C'artyom]

Location: Outskirts; House Noris Estate; Noris
Objective: Report to Chiss Fleet and Investigate House Noris' Demise
Objective 3
Nearby: [member="Thadrinn"] [member="Tryenu"] [member="Dezoti"]


Desmond looked to the Commando's through squinted eyes. Operation codes would definitely let them know whose side he was on, but they might also get him put in a body bag. Something Desmond wasn't keen on. Depending on which house the troopers were working for. Whatever the case Des was at an impasse. He sighed as he knew their was three ways this was going to end and two of them involved him dead. He decided to take the gamble and bait, despite his obvious reservations.

"The Operation code is Gale Storm," Desmond said his hand floating ever nearer to his pistol, a bead of sweat beginning to roll down his brow.

Should the codes not satisfy the Commandos he wanted to at least take out one of the bastards with him. Typical commando meat, didn't realize Desmond had more training, and seen more operations than likely all of them combined. He didn't spend his time in the Empire dawdling his thumbs or with his fist up his arse. But, that too was classified...

 

[Dezoti]

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Location: Outskirts; House Noris Estate; Noris​

Objective: Report to Chiss Fleet and Investigate House Noris' Demise​

Objective 3​

Nearby: [member="Thadrinn"] [member="Tryenu"] [member="Desmond C'artyom"]​

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"Gale Storm checks out. We'll play escort, but until we go our separate ways you follow my orders Agent Cipher. Remember, we're all in the same side. Vector, take point. Knives, keep an eye on those signatures. They get close, switch and take em out. Understood?" She didn't bother waiting for confirmation. Dezoti knew her squad would do as ordered, that was their bond. She gave orders, they followed them, and they all made it out alive. Her only worry was the Agent, but if he didn't want to play ball he could go off on his own. There was no way she was going to let Chiss blood be spilled on this mission.

The Captain pulled up her pistol, aiming it for the door she'd motion for Vector to open, preparing just in case their sensors missed something. While highly unlikely. It wasn't impossible after all.

 

[Vhirr’bel'laminis]

[SIZE=9pt]

[/SIZE]
[SIZE=9pt]Objective 2- Killik Fleet[/SIZE]
[SIZE=9pt]Noris System, Unknown Regions[/SIZE]
[SIZE=9pt]CNS Fehr’osna[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Allies : [/SIZE] [member="Jared Starchaser"] | [member="Thorne"] | [member="Sivan"]

[SIZE=9pt]

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[/SIZE]


[SIZE=12pt]All about the 3rd Strikeforce chaos reigned; Chiss Clawfighters, Joiner piloted swarms of mismatched vessels, rogue dartships, drifting nest hulks and sparking, glittering chunks of fresh debris littered the view from Bella’s bridge. In the midst of the of the maelstrom, the Sentinel continued to stalk its prey, its remaining escorts in tow like a pack of dogs trailer the hunter.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]The Nest demeanour had started to shift now, the arrival of the 2nd fleet, and the interdiction ship Vortex had tipped the odds far into the Chiss favour, a desperate mass attack of Dartships upon the 2nd fleet had been provoked. But it had been anticipated; Bella had paused for the briefest of moments to indulge in spectating as the Vice Admiral’s fleet deftly blunt the crude but deadly assault.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]It’s desperate gambit spent, and the all but one of the Colony Nests Ships crippled it appeared that aspects of the Killik force had reassessed the tide of the conflict and had moved to prioritise survival over victory. This made the insectoid fleet no less dangerous in the moment; In point of fact, the hive mind seemed even more inclined to sacrifice lesser nest ships to ensure the Killik survival.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Under cover of her sister ship and then an escort of the 2nd fleet, CNS Brrzt II had limped from the main engagement into the relative safety of the cover of the carriers, from their she would seek out the Solace and begin the urgent transfer of critically injured Chiss crew to the superior facilities of the medical frigate.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]“- reassign four squadrons to targets designated Alpha to Epsilon, Ttro’Cla will take up formation parallel to our approach. Vro’Cla and Nhez’Cla are to break to engage and destroy damaged nest ship I have highlighted - ” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]The crew responded with the same effective proficiency that Bella had come to demand from her people. As a proud and effective disciplinarian, Vhirr’bel’laminis was pleased with how they continued to handle their engagements with the Killik despite the intense animosity that she knew they shared. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]The last of the Colony Nests had gone all ahead full burn in its attempt to escape the fate of its sister hives. The Killik were capable repopulating rapidly, and Bella was keenly aware of the risk to the fate of the Ascendancy should even one colony break through to infest a true bastion of her people. Such pain and suffering could not be countenanced. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“Helm, All ahead full. Keep the Ttro’Cla with us, Fighter command, Launch the Tether Squadron, the objective is to engage and delay the last Colony Vessel. Taloncraft will escort.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]With a brief twist of a smile gracing her dark lips, Bella watched on as a dozen bright shapes burned ahead toward the target, joined a moment later by the remains of the light interceptor Taloncraft. To the left of her view, the Maserfire intensified toward the target ship as the Ebon Warden found her range, The second and third Warden were visible distantly, bearing down on a stricken vessel and delivering a coup-de-grace that finished a nest ships death throes.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]As Sentinel found her range Bella commanded the weapons control to fire at will, maintaining pressure as they came ever closer to the elusive prey.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“The Nest’s shields are failing Captain. “ [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]A roll of the eyes was evidence of the Captain’s irritation at her aide’s redundant report; She wondered briefly as to what exactly the aide thought Bella might have been distracted by to have missed the fact.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“Well spotted Lieutenant, Lock the vessels command centre, weapons control plot a firing solution for Assault Concussion warheads, Fire on my mark”[/SIZE]

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Spoiler

3rd Fleet, 2nd Strikegroup - Commanding Officer: Captain Vhirr’bel'laminis

• Command Vessel - CNS Fehr’osna (Sentinel) - Apparition-Class Destroyer - 1000m [ Structure : 89% Shields : 51%]

• CNS Tziz’Cla (Gilded Warden)- Patrol Class Cruiser - 500m (MIA)
• CNS Ttro’Cla (Ebon Warden) - Patrol Class Cruiser - 500m [ Structure : 81% Shields : 43%]
• CNS Vro’Cla (Azure Warden) - Patrol Class Cruiser - 500m [ Structure : 92% Shields : 61%]
• CNS Nhez’Cla (Argent Warden) - Patrol Class Cruiser - 500m [ Structure : 67% Shields : 23%]

• CNS Chv’Naxx (Noble Naxx) - Carrier Class Support-Carrier - 1137m [ Structure : 100% Shields : 64%]
• CNS Chv’Loer (Noble Loer) - Carrier Class Support-Carrier - 1137m [ Structure : 97% Shields : 61%]

• CNS Brrzt I (Hound I) - Fighter Screen-Class Corvette - 150m (Destroyed in Action)
• CNS Brrzt II (Hound II) - Fighter Screen-Class Corvette - 150m [ Structure : 33% Shields : 23%]
• CNS Brrzt III (Hound III) - Fighter Screen-Class Corvette - 150m [ Structure : 81% Shields : 42%]

• 20 x Squadrons of Nssis-Class Clawcraft
• 6 x Squardrons of Nssis-Class Fangcraft
• 1 x Squadron of Tether Ships

 

[Matt the Radar Tech]

UNKNOWN REGIONS​

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Above Planet Noris; Noris System.​

Objective 2: The Nest Ships in Orbit​

[member=Vhirr’bel'laminis] | [member="Jared Starchaser"]​

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The Csahn'arcsi continued laying down massive amounts of fire, the newly acquired megamaser turrets powered by kyber crystals proving effective and powerful. The large command ships reactors were holding well, the molecular shielding assisting with power regulation and consumption. Overall the offensive was going well, especially with the Brzzt II managing to avoid destruction and retreating to relative safety of the support vessels beyond the immediate battle area. The ExPat forces were also doing well, as Mitth'orn'eruod assessed the battlefeed from his command panels on the bridge, nodding to himself.

"Interdictor fields in place, Vice Admiral," Commented a crew member from the sensor array. "The nest ships are anchored in-system."

"Excellent, the colony hives cannot be allowed to escape," Mitth'orn'eruod repeated, perhaps needlessly. But he wanted to remain abundantly clear to his crew. "Bring us about on the remaining defensive nest ships. Slow our speed to one-tenth, focus the engines and prepare a barrage of mag pulse torpedoes. Let's disable the weapon systems and bring this battle to a close."

Outside, Mitth'orn'eruod watched the efficiency of Captain Vhirr’bel'laminis and smiled, appreciating the opportunity to collaborate efforts. She was certainly one to watch, being both effective and precise, which the Vice Admiral could respect. While most Chiss were exceptional in logic and action, not as many were as decisive and quick in applying it.

"Launch torpedoes when ready," Mitth'orn'eruod commanded, looking to his communications crew.

Outside, the battle raged on, the nest ships being systematically destroyed piece by piece...

​

CEDF - 2nd Fleet, 1st Battlegroup

Spoiler

Commanding Officer:

• Vice Admiral Mitth'orn'eruod

Command Vessel [Talon 1]:

• CSB Csahn'arcsi (Sovereign) [Mohn-Class Battlecruiser - 5000m] [87% | 75%]

Front-of-Line Vessels [Talon 2]:

• CSD Vumesin'ci (Wayfarer) [Mohe'in-Class Star Destroyer - 900m] [89% | 75%]
• CSD Nehso'cssa (Blackhole) [Ticsuti-Class Escort Cruiser - 500m] [94% | 81%]
• CSD Rcati (Star II) [Ticsuti-Class Escort Cruiser - 500m] [98% | 93%]

Support Vessels [Talon 3]:

• CSC Tsicert (Ferryman) [Tsicah-Class Star Carrier - 1137m] [100% | 100%]
• CNS Vun'ruti (Solace) [Medical-Class Frigate - 300m] [100% | 100%]
• CRC Csact'isi (Bulwark) [Fighter Screen-Class Corvette - 150m] [100% | 100%]
• CRC Lescah (Shield) [Fighter Screen-Class Corvette - 150m] [100% | 100%]

Fighters & Transport Vessels [Talon 4]:

• 15x Squadrons of Nssis-Class Clawcraft [120]
• 7x Squadrons of Clawcraft-X [84]
• 1x Squadron of Tether Ships [12]

 

[Samara Raine]

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Noris system, Unknown Regions​

CEDF 2nd Fleet, 1st Battlegroup, Talon 3 Group​

Objective 2/X - Killik Fleet/Medical Support​

Aboard the CNS Vun'ruti​

[member="Thorne"] | [member="Vhirr’bel'laminis"] | [member="Jared Starchaser"] | [member="Sivan"]​

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The space battle above Noris ensued. The tide seemed to be turning in the CEDF's favor. But in any conflict, even if you are winning, there are always casualties. The Solace was not yet in the fray, but it had begun to get closer with a near strike averted by Clawcraft pilots of the Sabers and ExPats.

"Captain... " the communications officer called from his station on the bridge, then the ensign swung around to look directly at Prad'elo'nurodo sitting in his command chair. "The Brrzt II has taken severe damage. They are inbound with wounded and ask permission to transfer them?"

"Granted," the Chiss ship captain answered with a curt nod, then he gazed over to the now empty spot where Brask'ari'sabosen had been standing a moment before. His crimson eyes noted the battle surgeon was already walking with purpose towards the turbolift. The Doctor was nothing but dutiful... and a sight to ponder. Elo's head snapped back, then he gave additional orders. "Also Ensign, sound an alert throughout the ship. Have the hangar bay and trauma teams standing by for incoming evac shuttles. Helm, maintain current course at half speed."

"Aye, Sir," the bridge officers responded in sync.

 

[Desmond C'artyom]

Location: Outskirts; House Noris Estate; Noris
Objective: Report to Chiss Fleet and Investigate House Noris' Demise
Objective 3
Nearby: @Thadrinn @Tryenu [member="Dezoti"]

Desmond slid back into the group's ranks and prepared to follow. He studied the commandos boredly, sinking his suits technical data with their own, so that he could see their IFF signatures even when they were all stealthed. Having completed that menial task Desmond quickly went about reactivating his own stealth suit. With a click of a button on his wrist he would turn almost invisible to the naked eye and most sensors. He unholstered his Verpine shatter pistol and aimed it towards the door, awaiting the Commandos next move. Whether they liked it our not they were in this together now, which meant they would have to act and function as a squad, despite only having just met Desmond. It was going ot be difficult, but not impossible, Desmond's own time done a commando would see to that.

 

[Samara Raine]

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9th Marine Platoon​

Objective 1 - Killik Colony ​

Staging Area, Noris​

[member="Farcarus"] | [member="Alezan"]​

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The praise that came from Captain Chaf'arcar'usorn for alerting him about the methane was well-received, but Suz did not let it go to her pretty head. She did though acknowledge the drink reward and thanks from her fellow Niners. "I accept and will hold you all to it," she nodded with a wide grin hidden by her helmet's visor, then the sergeant began changing out her weapons to be ready for the ground fight to come.

Once on the ground, a mixed mercenary squad joined up with the 9th Platoon. Their leader was some wayward Chiss, who had grown up in the Known Galaxy. Fraz'suz'safis was skeptical of any 'Outsiders'. but the ground forces could use all the help they could get to make sure the Killiks were stopped here and now. She would reserve judgement for later... That is if the merc soldiers survived.

The insect warriors came out of nowhere, well not totally. The Killiks had been waiting in their tunnels to strike in their swarm style. Shatter gun pellets started flying at the Chiss. Fraz'suz'safis and the rest of Theta squad took cover. The sharpshooter aimed her scoped-slug thrower rifle and systematically took out advancing Killiks as the bipedal insects came across the open space between the two sides. They were hard to kill with their chitin armor worn, though head shots usually did the trick.

One of the gunners nearby took a hit and slumped to the side leaving his weapon unattended. "Medic!" the sergeant called out for the wounded marine, then she quickly moved over to the heavy gun and began another barrage of suppression fire trying to thin the swarm to a more manageable level so the Marines could advance once the tanks were ready to deploy.

This was going to be a long day...

 

[Thadrinn]

Noris; House Noris Estate​

Objective 3: The Fate of a Lost House​

[member="Tryenu"] | [member="Dezoti"] | [member="Desmond C'artyom"]​

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Grunting in acknowledge as the Captain confirmed the spook's code, Mitth'adrin'nvtae rose from his kneeling position, rifle dropping as he held it in one hand and reached his other hand down tot he belt on his waist. Grabbing two of the knives that had given him his codename by the pommel, he drew them from their sheaths and palmed them in his left hand. Eyes focused on the life signs of the two Killiks as they drew closer, he slung his rifle back over his shoulder, letting it hand from the strap attached to it.

Moving forwards swiftly and soundlessly, he began to approach the Killiks, lethal intent burning beneath his skin. As he did so, his voice would sound over the comms. "Moving to eliminate the threat, their getting too close and might hear something. I'll remain in rear-guard Blackout, you and Vector continue with the spook here. By your leave Blackout?"

Having worked with the same group of people for so long meant that each knew the others, and their specialities, well. As such, Mitth'adrin'nvtae didn't pause to wait for his captain to confirm his movement and give clarify it in an order, instead, he simply went ahead and acted, knowing that Blackout would understand why he was doing what he was doing and trust his judgement in the matter. Rank within the 21st, after all, was pretty nebulous most of the time. The hierarchy was present with Blackout at the top as Captain, commanding them all, but, most of the time, they were permitted to act as they saw fit for the sole reason that each member of Duuvhal Squad specialised in different fields and that specialisation, on top of their experience, was respected by all.

Moving down the hallway, Mitth'adrin'nvtae slipped through the door that the Killiks were approaching, shutting it between him and the rest of the Chiss just as the two bugs rounded the corner and stepped into his line of sight. Tossing one of the knives into his right hand, Mitth'adrin'nvtae stilled himself, his breathing slowing just as when he had been up on the hill in overwatch. As he pulled both hands back, there was a brief moment where the Commando gave thanks to the fact that he was born ambidextrous and, as such, through hours and hours of trying and failing, had been able to train himself to throw accurately with both hands simultaneously.

Moments later, two knives were piercing the heads of two Killiks, stabbing through the brain and sending them into enough shock, whilst also doing enough damage, to prevent the Killiks from sending the message through their hive mind that they had been assaulted. Palming two more knives, they too were soon flying through the air with the accuracy that had named him Knives to pierce the throats of the pest.

As the two bodies dropped to the floor as nothing more than corpses, the entire thing taking on seconds and the mission's secrecy maintained, Mitth'adrin'nvtae was there to catch the bodies and ensure that they did not drop noisily to the ground. Instead, he lowered them gently and carefully, though without any sign of empathy, before dragging them off to one side. Dropping into a crouch, he pulled the holoshroud from his belt and activated it, the holo-imaging serving to hide the bodies since there was no convenient nook for him to hide them in. Wrapping a hand around each shoulder, he began to slowly drag them to where he could hide them, the enhanced strength granted by his armour aiding him in doing so.

As he did so, he whispered out into the comms once more, hoping that the rest of the squad plus intel agent hadn't stood around with their thumbs up their arses too long after he had moved to eliminate the approaching threat since, as focused as he had been on the Killik's life signs, he hadn't thought to check what the group had chosen to do and was unsure as to how integrating the spook among them would impact their behaviour coupled with his sudden movement. "Threat eliminated. Will move to your position as soon as bodies are secured. Knives out."

 

[Dezoti]

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Location: Outskirts; House Noris Estate; Noris​

Objective: Report to Chiss Fleet and Investigate House Noris' Demise​

Objective 3​

Nearby: [member="Thadrinn"] [member="Tryenu"] [member="Desmond C'artyom"]​

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"Understood." It was a brief confirmation for Knives, but more than enough. The 21st always operated in top efficiency. She continued to follow Vector as they went towards the computer room in the middle of the building. Oddly enough, despite the activity of the hive, there were none in the way. Almost as if the path was being cleared. As they approached another of the doors Dezoti glanced down near the base and saw it.

"Vector, do not open that door." There was an odd panic from the commander as she spoke. She crouched down by the door then, motioning to what had her so worried. A tripwire, and one that'd be familiar to the older members of the 21st. Brurc'diak'noris, eldest son of the Noris family. And known as Fissure, the Demolitions Expert of the 21st. He was thought dead by the 21st, having died setting up an explosion on a Jenari ship and having to stay behind to blow it up.

The mark shouldn't be here. Fissure shouldn't be here.

"We'll have to find another way around. Knives, eyes down. Fissure set a trap for our bug friends."