Junction Eternal Crusade: Let the Sunshine In (SGHW) | EE/AC/Maw Junction of Odessen/Tion/Lequabis

[Laertia Io]

POV:

House Io Mercenary Droids (70)

Mercenary Droid Equipment: Elemental Assault Carbine, Type 1 (Crippling Scope, 40mm Grenade Launcher undermount)

Ultralight Ion SAW Type 1

E-60R

Multi-Damage DMR, Type 1 (Acog Scope)

A20-CFE (Pistol)

Plasma Grenades (40mm)

Ion Grenades (40mm)

Adhesive Grenades (40mm)

Radiation Grenades

Vibrodagger

Medical Nuetralizer Model 1 (42)

Medical Nuetralizer Equipment: Io Series Laser Carbine

Healing Blaster, Type A

Bacta Grenades

Objective 1 (Mercenary Droids, Medical Nuetralizers)

Objective 3 (Mercenary Droids, Medical Nuetralizers)

Objective 4 (Later)


House Io, ever determined to strike at the Maw when possible, couldn't be out here in Force just yet. But they had managed to gain clearance on the ground in covert fashion.

Laertia hadn't sent her mechanical Nuetralizers. Those were way too high profile and would give away the game too easily. Instead, she had gone low profile.

House Io Mercenary Droids, heavily modified B1 units had been sent to the planet, along with disguised Medical Nuetralizers, customized for individual appearance. Their chassis had been painted entirely black, save for the Eternal Empire's tri-pointed symbol on their chassis. They were armed with prototype weapons, deadly accurate, and well equipped to deal the unexpected Force Sensitive threat...or expected, in this case.

The Mercenary Droids had taken an active interest in defense of the trenches, a small squad of Medical Nuetralizers sent there in disguise also to drag away the wounded, and kill any who would dare to interfere with this. They had constantly been dragging as many wounded away to safer areas as they could, and of the fourteen who had been deployed, four were already shot up pretty bad, despite remaining functional.

Then the artillery had hit, and they had lost four immediately, shredded beyond belief or hope for repair on two, the other two blasted apart in such a manner that it would be hours before they were fit to move. Twelve Merc Droids had bought it in the first salvo. Some of the Merc Droids made excellent shots of some incoming rockets, shooting them down in mid air, just barely getting a few pockets to not be totally wiped out by the barrage

Max, one of those droids, had been temporarily knocked offline by a nearby impact. He had woken up next to dead Ultranauts. The Maw Brotherhood used brute force effectively.

Max grabbed his CFE Pistols. He heard dogs. Screaming warriors. Dozens of screaming warriors.

Seems like even the sky wants a piece of my Droid ass... Max thought in an overly dramatic noir-like fashion.

His sensors located an Ultranaut screaming as he was torn to pieces by one of the cybernetic war dogs sent by the Mongrel. Max ran his Droid Enhanced reflexes making everything slow down from his perspective as he leapt, having plotted a firing arc as he fired both pistols at both the dogs and approaching berserkers.

Only the dog moved fast enough to react. A Tarar Berserker and two others got hit by eye shots, dying like Moe Green looking up from a massage. But the dog kept dodging Max's shots due to cybernetic enhancements.

This dog...snarly bastard covered in metal like beasts from some Corellian Hell. Pooch came here to munch. All these soldiers must have looked like an all you can eat buffet during weekend discount.

Max kept firing, still prone on the ground, shots from the warband peppering his position.The Pooch rushed him. Max heard the snarls of more dogs coming into the trenches behind this one. Max was strong. All the Io Merc Droids were. But he still didn't like his odds against that beast up close.

As it got within meters, he activated the miniaturized advanced Gravity generator in his right arm and generated a swell that slowed the creature down just enough to let Max take aim and blast it rapidly in the eyes and mouth. The beast fell dead. Max got up.

"Sorry, Doggy..." Max said. "Looks like you're getting your kibbles 'n' bits with a side of brimstone 'n' pitch fork."

Max, however, could only run as the rest of the Force arrived en masse. His internal hud flashed a critical warning at detecting the Lightning Guns.

Max ran, constantly having to evade the lightning guns. The dogs were fast on his Droid heels, barely being missed by the lightning blasts, which would have fried his circuits utterly had they scored a hit. He spotted one of the Elemental Carbines they had been equipped with, this one with a grenade launcher undermount. He swiped it as he ran.

His audio sensors allowed him to approximate the position of the dogs and he dived forward, twisting in mid-air to fire behind him, shooting the Carbine's ionic bolts into the mouths of three dogs in a focused burst, firing the 40mm plasma grenade round into the gangs of Tarar that had finally zeroed him.

The blast flung him backward, Max banging his head on a corner within the trench. His vision was occasionally filled with static and one of his audio sensors had been knocked out.

The blast hit like the punch from a Wookiee, except there was no fur, just hate. Max thought.

Max retreated further, having only momentarily bought himself time as more war bands and Cyber dogs chased him.

Doggies have my scent. Do cyber dogs process metal? Is that what I'm about to be, a giant metal turd some cyberdog leaves behind?

Max turned, sprayed the ground ahead of him with his carbine set to Cryonic mode. The cold blasters bolts were swept along the trenches where the dogs ran, hitting some in the legs, the metal on those parts starting to get compromised due to the Cryonic damage slowing the dogs down, causing some to trip and tumble but not truly stopping any of them. Worse yet, the the lightning blasts from the warbands were getting closer as whole sections of the trench were swamped by the marauding warriors, both behind him and ahead of him.

"WAR! DEATH! REBIRTH!" The Warriors shouted, now locked at knife fight range combat with surviving Ultranauts.

Max sprinted.

"I'm no one's turd." he said quietly as he began blasting at full auto ahead of him, diving forward and shooting ahead haphazardly, aim unsteady due to only using one arm, missing most but causing many of them to scramble, giving some Ultranauts precious time to shoot their attackers. He used his other arm for one of his pistols, firing at the pursuing dogs and war bands, twisting in mid air as before as he hit the muddy, blood and gore soaked ground and slid across it, now firing both his pistol and the carbine in the direction he had jumped away from. This time his shots landed, killing one more dog and getting three more Warband guys in the chest, bug the other dogs just kept coming and his pistol had already clicked empty, making him drop it and firing with both hands with the carbine and killing another dog, but there were half a dozen still dashing towards him and the warband soldiers began to pour fire on him. Parts of his chassis got blasted off but he still kept firing.

A storm of blaster fire slammed into the Maw belligerents, some of it shredding more dogs and Warband., Causing the rest to scramble for what little cover there was.

Max looked up, one of his photo receptors non functional.

More of the House Io Merc Droids had survived the bombardment than had been destroyed, though they themselves were quite damaged. But they remained functional enough to fight, backed by surviving Ultranauts.

Max crawled to them, until one snatched the damaged Droid up.

"PULL BACK!" one of the Ultranauts yelled, "They're gonna shell the trenches again! RUUUUUNNNN!"

Max, held up by another Merc Droid, continued shooting at the Maw Forces advancing on them as they retreated. By now, the level of fire being poured on them as they retreated was so intense, Merc Droids were rapidly getting turned into confetti as they fled the Maw.

Max, quickly loaded another 40mm grenade into his carbine launcher, an Adhesive one this time...

The tell tale thud of EE artillery alerted Max that he had seconds. He fired the adhesive grenade into a cluster of war band. The sticky goop caught many, especially some more dogs, who struggled to free themselves.

Max and the Droid helping him stand broke into a run with Ultranauts as the whistle of incoming artillery shells screamed towards them.

The trenches erupted in fire and Max dived backward in an overly dramatic fashion as a Cyber Dog that was in fire leaped out of the inferno, emptying the last of his clip into the dog.

Max got up, having barely managed to retreat to line 2, limping behind cover as another of the surviving Merc droids tossed him a clip and a small repair kit.

Rolling Snake Eyes. Max thought, loading the gas clip into his carbine. I think that about describes the amount of luck this day has had at being not chitty.

Meanwhile, more Medical Nuetralizers dragged wounded EE Soldiers, treating them in the field as it were. One of them tossed a member of the Squad led by Anashja Tal a belt of hyposprays containing Regenerative Enzyme treatments and Bacta Grenades.

"We getting a surge of shrapnel injuries incoming! Good luck!" she yelled, clad in a dark jumpsuit with the EE symbol on her chest, appearance customized to be that of a dark skinned woman with brown hair as she ran off to find more wounded to rescue.



Brimstone

The Mongrel

Ingrid L'lerim

Aximand Sicarus

 

[Heinrich Faust]

Heinrich Faust: Grand Marshal of the Ashlan Crusade

Allies: Oraada Laabre , Katella , Nyrasa Emrick , Mia Serenvale

Enemies: Tegan Starfall , Ami Dracov

Crusaders

"A pleasure, Oraada. I'm glad that Ashla saw fit to bring you to us."

Heinrich may not have been a leader in his own eyes, yet the rhetoric of his station still bled out from time to time. Maybe there was an element of leadership within the Essonian after all. That, or he was just spending too much time around the Cardinal. As he spoke, those of the Sons of Ession that had accompanied him to the planet took their seats, getting what rest they could before the inevitable threat of the Maw reached the doors. Unfortunately, that rest would be all too short.

The distant ringing of the barrage from the Mawite forces began to echo through the halls of the base ever so slightly, causing the smallest of ripples throughout the facility. They were far from the vicious fighting that was no doubt beginning outside, and yet, their was little sense of safety, even behind the walls of rock and durasteel. Heinrich took a moment to breathe, saying a silent prayer to himself as his hand instinctively reached for the lightsaber at his side.

"I'm afraid the meal will have to wait. They will be upon us soon."

He could already see the Sons of Ession checking their weapons at the table, taking care to remain prepared for the eventual defense of the facility. The brave veterans of countless fights barely said a word to each other, each already understanding what would need to be done. As they each found themselves suitably prepared, they began to rise one by one from the table, slowly making their way back towards the door of the cantina.

"Tell me, Oraada, have you experienced battle before?"

 

[Scipio Kaarz]

Scipio Kaarz: Magister Militum Dei of the Crusade

Allies: Belisarius Vactovion, Hi'los Krai , Eleena Salwa , Brimstone

Enemies: Keilara Kala'myr , Zachariel Steelblood , The Mongrel

Angels of Death

Scipio took in each piece of information as it was relayed to him, weighing their options as he did so. In short, there were only bad options, yet he would act accordingly. This project was meant to create another front against the Maw, and the Magister was determined to see its success. The Field Marshal seemed to be all business, which was something Scipio could respect. After all, there was little time before the Maw would be upon them.

"Commander Valgo, you are to take your forces to the South to rendezvous with the Hades commandos and the Sisters of Ashla. Should they push with artillery, send the grenadiers to meet them. I'll hold the North with our forces here. May Ashla bring us victory."

Commander Valgo spent no time replying, opting to immediately turn and take his leave, relaying orders as he made his way to the Southern entrance to the valley. Scipio turned his attention back to the North, his troops already taking their places among the trenches. They were dug in, or at least, as close as they could get to such. Scipio didn't bother asking the Field Marshal any further questions. One didn't reach such a rank within the Empire without an understanding of war, and he knew this territory better than Scipio. For now, he would let the man lead the defense. This would be a difficult fight, and only through their combined efforts could they hope to achieve victory.

Some time later, at the beginning of the Mawite attack...

The thunder of artillery fire echoed through the valley, followed by the shouts and screams of those in the trenches. The Ashlan forces had taken up positions within the first two trenches, holding the line as best as they could. The Maw were nothing if not vicious, however, and their unrelenting fervor to their dark gods pushed them to almost suicidal persistence. The tide of marauders continued their push against the trenches, almost paying no attention to the explosions that crashed against the ground around them. Barbarians... all of them. Scipio had been making his way toward the trenches with blaster rifle in hand, though his progress had been impeded by the artillery barrage. Smoke filled the air as he pushed his way forward, finally making his way as far as the second trench.

"Hold the line! Do not give them any ground!"

As soon as the words left his mouth, more explosions rocked the trench lines, sending shrapnel and dirt in all directions. Other officers may have found themselves rattled by the pandemonium, but Scipio had been a soldier long before he became Magister. His body moved instinctually, barely dodging a piece of flying debris that would have almost certainly impaled him. He stuck close to the wall of the trench, only taking shots when he was able to make them count. Whatever happened today, one thing would be certain... they would make the Maw pay for every inch of ground.

The Southern defenses were taking an equally unrelenting beating, with their forces having been pushed back to the second trench. Commander Valgo was doing what he could to hold the line, shouting orders and attempting to rally their forces as they pulled back into the trench. As the Gen'dai called for cover, Valgo ordered the grenadiers to assist. Their grenade launchers began raining explosive rounds down upon the attack Mawite horde, providing extra cover where they could. Commander Valgo quickly sent a transmission to Brimstone, keeping his head low as the ground exploded all around.

<<This is Commander Valgo to the Hades commander. The grenadiers are covering your forces, but you'll need to move fast. We are working on a solution to stop their advance, but I need our left flank intact. Keep them off of my men until we can get these charges planted. Valgo out!>>

Several units of grenadiers had already begun planting charges along either side of the valley, placing them in key spots along the cliff side in hopes of creating a new barrier between their forces and the Maw. It was a gamble, but one that would have to be taken. If they could bring part of the mountain down upon their enemy, perhaps the advance would be slowed enough for the allied forces to regroup.

 

[Eina L'lerim-Vandiir]

Lady Eina L'lerim-Vandiir
The First and the Light of Ashla
Heiress and Princess of the Eternal Empire and Terraris; Angelic Mascot and Representative of the Ashlan Crusade
Eternal Empire's Ambassador to the Ashlan Crusade; Matriarch of the Valkyrja; Leader of Sanctuary and the Fjölkyngi Smiđr Guild​

Objective: Stop the ritual, and defeat the Sith
Location: Above the ritual site, surface, Odessen
Equipment: Sverð Fyrstr (swords) | Ljósspjót (spear) | Skrúð Engill Fyrstr (armour) || Empyrean gland | OPBC-01m || Current appearance
Allies: Greer Caimbeulaich | Open
Enemies: Khaostra Devoid | Open

[ Angels Calling ]
<"High Nelvaanian"> | ~ telepathic communication ~ | << comm. channel >> ​

"Oh, that's the merit of Lord Geiseric, not mine." she said, blushing a little; the Valkyrja knew Gei would protest if he hears that, because he always says he wasn't a lord, but he was to Eina.

It was that she herself shone in the Force just as brightly as Geiseric’s vocation, devotion and his love for Ashla, which ones Eina reflected in the Force. Another matter is that by now she was almost completely healed, the missing part of her soul was almost completely regenerated. The Sanctuary Nexus and the Crown of Ashla were very helpful to him. And of course, Gei, without him, is unlikely to have ever been okay. Without him, she would probably have given up the fight a long time ago.

She felt something strange, dark nearby; something that was different from the others. There was someone here who was different from the others. Darkness permeated them like Ashla's light did in her case. This was unusual for the Valkyrja. She had only seen something similar in the past near those who have dyad, but here she didn’t feel this now, she didn’t see it.

"There is someone here who is different from the others… There is a shield down there that protects the place. I can't teleport in or get in in immaterial form." she told the girl.

She sensed and saw unpleasant vibrations from Greer's direction in the Force, as if the girl was excited to kill as many people as possible and torture them to death. Eina definitely saw the Bogan's sign in the Jedi's aura. It was hard for the Valkyrja to believe that no one had noticed this before; true, she herself saw the Force differently than the other crusaders.

She didn't smile; instead, rather she looked at the young woman with a stern look. Now maybe she was as scary as her mother.

"Listen to your thoughts and feelings, Lady Greer. These are not worthy of Ashla, but are woven with Bogan's corruption. We do not fight or do war because we find joy in it; fighting means we have to kill others, and this can never, but never, bring joy to a Jedi or a crusader. We are fighting because we need to protect others from the Bogan. You are talking about torturing others 'til death. I will inform Lord Faust and Lord Demici of this. Maybe it would be best if you stayed up here and thought and meditated on what you had wanted to do before the Bogan reaps a complete victory over you." she said in a stern voice.

She hadn't been strict with crusaders many times, but now she felt the need.

"We carry the light, not the seeds of destruction." her voice was quite different now than usual.

Here she reached into the Force and sent a message to the one from whom she felt the darkness.

~ I feel your presence, come forth; if you help us, no one will hurt you; we can even help you get back into Ashla's light. ~ she sent a telepathic message to Khaostra.

 

[Lena Dracov]

Location: Near the ritual site
Objective: Master of Puppets (II)
Equipment: Ichor MK. 1 Assassin Armour | Twilight Blade (concealed) | Overseer-pattern HPI Biochip | KIIR-24 'Stormclaw' Gauss Pistol | Lightsaber (concealed)
Tags: Eina L'lerim-Vandiir Greer Caimbeulaich Khaostra Devoid

The Nightsister stood from afar on the surface. She summoned and dismissed her blade over and over again, watching the green sparks that flew from every use of magick. She looked up at her speeder, tempted to make her way to the source of darkness she had felt, but opted against it. Now wasn't the time, not yet.

She had decided against staying in the main battle, mostly out of confidence their forces could take care of it, but partly out of cowardice. She knew there was a chance she would see her. What had happened to her had been entirely Lena's fault, she knew that, and yet she was still terrified of facing the dark form of her once innocent sister.

She sighed as she stood up, taking out her pistol and aiming it at a stone, she mimed shooting it, then moved to get her data pad from the speeder. Though before she got there she hesitated, then suddenly the stone was gone, turned into a pile of ash from the quick burst of energy from her pistol.

A gleam in her eyes as she imagined doing the same to all that apposed her, that wish would soon come true. Her data pad lifted into the air, gently coming up against her palm as she grabbed it. Today she had chosen not to don her heavy Hellhound armour, after all this wasn't a Hellhound mission.

This was one of the first times she had gotten to use her assassin armour in months, mainly due to the lack of missions that required it she had been given. Today she would make good use of it, now that she was concerned she would need it. She had trained for decades in the ways of the Force, or whatever people wished to call it. It was all one singular idea, whether the name was different or not. Some petty Sith shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Aximand Sicarus]

Spoiler: Fighter Deployment

(Deployed/Destroyed/Total)

• Lancer Fighters: 96/0/384
• Haxor Interceptors: 0/0/72
• Hornet Bombers: 32/0/112

Spoiler: Task Group Gorgon - 15k Total

• (1) Regency-Type Star Battlecruiser - Assault, Flagship (Unique Submission Pending) (4.5km)
  • ENS Tiberius
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (4/4) I-3A Lance Squadrons (48 Fighters)
    • (2/2) RX-4 Hornet Bomber Squadrons (16 Bombers)
    • (2/2) INT-1A MK.I Haxor Interceptor Squadrons (16 Interceptors)
    • (5/5) Shuttlecraft (20 Shuttles)
    • (5/5) Gunships
• (1) Eternal Class Star Destroyer (20th Heavy Assault Line - 2km)
  • ENS Bastion
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (3/3) I-3A Lance Squadrons (24 Fighters)
    • (2/2) RX-4 Hornet Bomber Squadrons (8 Bombers)
    • (1/1) INT-1A MK.I Haxor Interceptor Squadrons (8 Interceptors)
    • (2/2) Shuttlecraft (8 Shuttles)
• (2) Demeton-class Heavy Cruisers (20th Heavy Assault Line - 2km)
  • ENS Braccus
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (2/2) I-3A Lance Squadrons (24 Fighters)
    • (1/1) RX-4 Hornet Bomber Squadrons (8 Bombers)
    • (1/1) INT-1A MK.I Haxor Interceptor Squadrons (8 Interceptors)
    • (1/1) Shuttlecraft (4 Shuttles)
  • ENS Oberon
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (2/2) I-3A Lance Squadrons (24 Fighters)
    • (1/1) RX-4 Hornet Bomber Squadrons (8 Bombers)
    • (1/1) INT-1A MK.I Haxor Interceptor Squadrons (8 Interceptors)
    • (1/1) Shuttlecraft (4 Shuttles)
• (2) Ashkelon-class Escort Frigates (20th Heavy Attack Line - 0.8km)
  • ENS Crucible
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (2/2) I-3A Lance Squadrons (24 Fighters)
    • (1/1) RX-4 Hornet Bomber Squadrons (8 Bombers)
    • (1/1) Shuttlecraft(4 Shuttles)
  • ENS Shield of Salvation
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (2/2) I-3A Lance Squadrons (24 Fighters)
    • (1/1) RX-4 Hornet Bomber Squadrons (8 Bombers)
    • (1/1) Shuttlecraft(4 Shuttles)
• (4) Coda Assault Frigates (20th & 56th Heavy Attack Line - 2km)
  • ENS Dreigo
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (2/2) I-3A Lance Squadrons (24 Fighters)
  • ENS Brutor
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (2/2) I-3A Lance Squadrons (24 Fighters)
  • ENS Macabre
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (2/2) I-3A Lance Squadrons (24 Fighters)
  • ENS Haske II
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (2/2) I-3A Lance Squadrons (24 Fighters)
• (4) Disruptor Mk. III Corvettes (31st Assault Line - 0.4km)
  • ENS Haska
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
  • ENS Jotun
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
  • ENS Jicaoa
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
  • ENS Rehl
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
• (4) CR90 Mk. VIII Assault Corvettes (31st Assault Line - 0.4km)
  • ENS Vekt
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
  • ENS Y’varra
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
  • ENS Galatine II
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
  • ENS Iganic
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
• (4) DP20 Mk VI Siege Corvettes (56st Heavy Attack Line - 0.4km)
  • ENS Mavan
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
  • ENS Maulus
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
  • ENS Prenom
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
  • ENS Hestian
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
• (1) Bakura-class Support Carrier (32nd Carrier Group - 1.5km)
  • ENS D’aarmont
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (5/5) I-3A Lance Squadrons (60 Fighters)
    • (3/3) RX-4 Hornet Bomber Squadrons (24 Bombers)
    • (2/2) INT-1A MK.I Haxor Interceptor Squadrons (16 Interceptors)
    • (3/3) Shuttlecraft(12 Shuttles)
    • (2/2) Gunships
• (1) IST-671 ‘Flurry’ Carrier Cruiser (32nd Carrier Group - 1km)
  • ENS Lachish
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (4/4) I-3A Lance Squadrons (48 Fighters)
    • (3/3) RX-4 Hornet Bomber Squadrons (24 Bombers)
    • (2/2) INT-1A MK.I Haxor Interceptor Squadrons (16 Interceptors)
    • (2/2) Shuttlecraft(8 Shuttles)
    • (2/2) Gunships

Objective: IV - Another Brick in the Wall
Location: Odessen, High Orbital Blockade
Tags: Open Tegan Starfall Ami Dracov Isla Draellix-Kobitana SUWACO


”Sir, we are receiving a direct transmission from one of the spider cruisers.”

”Put it through.” Aximand responded, his hands clasped behind his back. The frantic voice of the slave echoed over the comm frequency:

"Hello, I don't know who this is but we aren't Maw, we have taken control of these ships we were being ship to the surface…I think to dig trenches."

"The ships were under the leadership of Tegan Starfall, we have her captured."

’Tegan Starfall’ Aximand had heard the name before, as it was fair to say her reputation had preceded her across the entirety of the galaxy. She was credited with the death of Irvric Tavlar, the former Imperator of the New Imperial Order, and was easily considered to be one of the most influential and dangerous members of the Maw. The prospect of capturing her was very appealing to say the least...

Yet, something about this situation felt off. If this were simply one aircraft, the scenario of the ship being overrun would be far more believable. The likelihood that a ship full of slaves - which were usually restrained by explosive collars - could subdue a force witch such as she was beyond the realm of likely.

"I really would love to see my family and homeworld of Cerea again, please I beg you. My name is Seth Jabak." The bridge was so quiet, one could hear a pin drop. The emotion carried within the slave’s voice as he begged for he lives of those aboard with him; it was enough to even give the Admiral pause. Although the plea was compelling, one of Aximand’s singular strengths was his ability to remove his sense of duty from any emotional trappings.

A man in his position was forced to, at times, choose between the lesser of two evils. If he allowed these ships to land, it was conceivable that these slaves would be able to do as they said. Yet, it was far more likely that this witch would kill every last one of them to a man once planetside. If she was capable of laying waste to the NIO capital building, she was capable of freeing herself from ‘captivity’ amongst her slaves. If he chose to shoot them down, at worst he would be responsible for the deaths of thousands of slaves who simply wanted to get home. Yet, he would also end the life of one of the most wanted women in the galaxy.

He ruminated over the decision for a few moments, and eventually broke the silence. ”Order weapons free for all point-defense weapons in range of those cruisers. None of them are to land on the planet.” As he gave his orders, his eye met the shocked expression of the ensign at the tactical console. The Rear Admiral’s gaze was unwavering, and it did not move until the ensign set about executing his orders. Aximand’s gaze drifted up to the lieutenant overseeing the tactical section, a slight nod indicating that he expected the officer to ensure his orders were complied with.

Within moments, the volume of firepower being levied against the spider cruisers increased tremendously, with the distress calls either going unheard or being ignored from the perspective of those aboard the vessels. As the screen of firepower intensified, Aximand turned his attention once again to his comm frequency with the Ashlan Crusade, who set about transmitting their data from a neighboring system. The Final Dawn would be here soon, and when they arrived - they would be focused on breaching the blockade. ”We will reorganize our advance corvettes into a skirmishing force.” He began, addressing Admiral Draellix: ”I will give them orders to move in concert with your advance forces. Perhaps we can waylay them enough before they hit our blockade proper.”

Objective: IV - Steel Commanders
Location: Strafing Run, External Defenses of Allied Base
Tags: The Mongrel Hi'los Krai Belisarius Vactovion Keilara Kala'myr Zachariel Steelblood Khamul Kryze Eleena Salwa Scipio Kaarz Anashja Tal Brimstone Laertia Io

The sounds of scores of aircraft deployed from the Eternal Empire carrier group sped through the low atmosphere of Odessen, bee-lining to the last known location of the drop ships detected on the fleet’s orbital scans. The squadrons adopted a wide formation, actively plying their sensors to find any trace of the presumed Maw landing party. As they approached, dozens of explosions surged onto their sensors from positions near the Allied Base. The squadron repositioned, and soon enough confirmed the presence of Maw forces massed in strength, assaulting the front lines of Imperial defenses.

The first few squadrons arrayed themselves in an attack run, strafing the no-mans-land between the Maw forces and the first trench. While the first wave of dogs and troops had clashed against the first trench, two lancer squadrons strafed the area as move forces attempted to come in behind them. Meanwhile, two more squadrons set about spotting the forces moving within the canyon, strafing the left flank of Mawite forces attempting to flank around allied defenses. The remainder of the air group, some (4) lancer squadrons and (4) hornet bomber squadrons; began an attack run on the Mawite back lines, where their reserves and artillery positions were held.

The main attack would begin with (2) of the remaining squadrons strafing the artillery positions, then carrying on to assail the reserve forces in the back. Then, the four hornet squadrons unleashed their payload of javelin torpedoes and stinger missiles upon the mass of smoke concealing the movements of the mobile artillery, opting for the tactic of peppering the entire area since line of sight would be impossible.

Spoiler: Fleet Actions & OOC

• The blockade has intensified its firepower upon the Spider Cruisers.
• 8 Lancer Squadrons and 4 Hornet Squadrons have engaged the Mongrel’s forces.
• Aximand has ordered his corvettes to form a skirmishing force in tandem with the Ashlan Crusade’s advanced corvettes.

​

 

[Ruldan Torz]

Location: Base
Objective: Destroy the invaders, or die trying.
Tags: Heinrich Faust

Ruldan was a loyal operative. So loyal, in fact, that his superiors had tasked him with staying behind at the base, with full knowledge that he could probably die. They knew he wouldn't have a problem with that. Earlier, the Givin agent had been on the front lines, but was quickly injured by a pulse grenade. Knowing that he wouldn't be much more help engaging the enemy head-on, command had sent him back to base to rest in a bacta tank. There, he could heal up for a better performance while fighting the Mawite invaders.

Unfortunately, in all of the confusion following the battle outside, the medics had forgotten to release him from the tank. But, Ruldan heard the battle noises outside. He released himself.

"Sir, you are not done healing" said a droid.

"Healing is unnecessary" replied Ruldan in a tone that indicated that further argument would not be welcomed.

The droid nodded and went to check the status of the next patient.

Ruldan quickly slipped his armor and gear on and headed to the nearest terminal. He removed a code cylinder from a pocket and slid it in to a slot, unlocking the terminal and allowing him to get access to the outdoor cameras. Ruldan stared at the screen, watching as soldiers fell, guns blazed, and missiles blew holes in the hard, rocky ground. He would be needed soon.

The Givin quickly withdrew his code cylinder, slipping it into his pocket. He wanted to join the fight immediately, but knew that he shouldn't do anything without permission from a superior. So, he went searching for one.

He walked into a break room. There was sure to be a superior there amid all of the soldiers prepping for battle. Ruldan approached a man who looked to be in charge of an Ashlan regiment. Since the Ashlan Crusade was allied with the Eternal Empire, this man was his superior as much as any EE officer.

"When can I fight?" the Givin asked.

 

[Zachariel Steelblood]

Tags: Belisarius Vactovion | Eleena Salwa | The Mongrel | Keilara Kala'myr | Aximand Sicarus Anyone else in the base
Directly Fighting: Belisarius Vactovion
Links: Weapons and Chosen in Sig

​

From his perch, Zachariel watched the chaos unfold, watched the battle begin. It was a glorious view and prompted him to stretch out his senses, to feel the death all around. He was brought out of these thoughts by the sounds of aircraft, enemy aircraft. Looking towards the skies, a scowl crosses his face upon seeing the enemy fighters. He had hoped they wouldn't use those, for fear of the Maws own fighters, or even the anti-air. But it seems they were desperate. And unfortunately, the anti-air was still being deployed, because the artillery was to be used first.

As such, the strafing run of Eleena faced no true anti-air fire, instead simple ground to ground weapons fire. Those in the rear lines saw her approach and were quick to open fire, yet they couldn't stop the attack. The torpedoes fired flew into the ground in slow motion, at least to Zachariel. He saw in painful clarity how they crashed into the ground, exploding upon contact near some batteries. Two artillery batteries and their crews were fully destroyed immediately, while the two closest to that had their crews scorched.

The various marauders in the back line were swift to take cover, hiding from the vengeful fire coming towards them. Those manning artillery stations also took cover, avoiding the worst of Eleenas fire, though a handful still died to her blasts. A score of them had died, but they were soon replaced by other marauders taking over their positions. And where he stood, Zachariel continued to scowl, watching the swoop vanish into the forest. Opening a comms channel, he roared to his forces.
"Bring out the anti-air pieces! These fools will not be so deadly the next time."

Turning away from the back lines, his gaze swept the enemy lines once more. Already he could see artillery fire streaking towards the troops on the ground. Elsewhere, there would be those whose jobs it was to determine where that fire was coming from. And then, cal that in to their own artillery for counter fire. But even as the enemy artillery hit home amongst the swarming mass of cultists and slaves, they still rushed forward. Explosive ordinances blew cultists apart, and they still charged, or dragged themselves forward should they have lost limbs. More were burned, for those were area of effect weapons, and suited for such crowds. And still, they charged, screaming even as they burned alive.

They charged for two reasons, only two. One, the enemy provided them a chance at death for the slaves, and glory for the cultists. Two, every last soul there feared Zachariel and his Bloodsworn far more than they did death. So they charged, nearing the trenches and soon reaching it. Countless scores of them were cut down, and still they charged. They left behind a carpet of the dead, uncaring for their own losses. Finally, they did reach the EE/AC trenches, and were quick to engage with screams of terror and hate.

Setting upon their lines, they beat at the disciplined soldiers with melee weapons and limbs, shot with whatever weapons they had scavenged. And behind them, the artillery finally opened up, firing towards the allied lines. With them came the anti-air pieces, deployed at last and watching the skies for the enemy. The Bloodsworn had unleashed hell upon their foe.

 

[Katella]

Objective: Write a report, form up with other soldiers
Location: Odessan, Ashlan/Eternal Empire Base - Cantina
Equipment: Viper MK I Skinsuit, Work Clothing, BAR-58 Blaster Pistol, Four Extra Power Packs, 3 Flashbang Grenades, Commlink, Medpack, Vibroknife
Tag: Allies: Heinrich Faust Oraada Laabre Ruldan Torz Nyrasa Emrick
Enemies: Tegan Starfall Ami Dracov

The ground and walls shook with the constant attacks on the outside. As she sat at her table, Kat watched the water in her cup vibrate. She took a deep breath and calmed her nerves. Since joining, she had mostly been on guard duty, data analysis, and tailing missions. Even before, she had never participated in something as large as this. In her job, the moment the heavy guns started blasting, it just meant you failed. Fear? Yes, she was afraid. But there was far more to it than that. The teenager was excited. Honestly, in the galaxy it was only by fighting through moments like this that one truly lived.

Even so, it was with delight that she grabbed her datapad and commlink as the Blackwatch comms and datastreams went alive with the news of the slaves on the enemy ships that were headed straight for them. Quickly, she pulled the recording logs, as much of the warship footage as she could. Immediately after reviewing what she could, she began to think and write out a threat analysis. It was better than sitting there nervous, THIS was something she was used to.

Multiple enemy ships, each claimed a successful rebellion and take over. Not only, they claimed to have taken Tegan, one of the Eternal Empire's most wanted and a Maw leader prisoner. She tapped her fingers on the table and quickly typed it out.

To: Blackwatch Command

From: Operative Third-Class Katella

Topic: Threat Assessment of Reported Revolting Maw Slaves

Threat Level: High

Prognosis: Invasion Imminent

Certainty: Probable

Reasoning: A multiple ship slave rebellion, after having captured a well-known leader, is a massive security breach. Yet, we see only minimal attempts to take out the ships from Maw forces. Though the footage of this is grainy and would need to be confirmed by detailed analysis before a choice is made using film. Next is timing. The rebellion happened in the middle of a warzone, and has headed straight towards the base, the most important strategic target. They claim to not be able to pilot the ship, how then are they in control of it? The timing, the use of bait in Tegan, the fact it is multiple ships rather than just one that overpowered, and that maw forces are not heavily engaging in an attempt to stop a leader/ships from giving enemies information, based only on the fact the ships are still in one piece, sows a great amount of suspicion. The only recourse is to act as if the six ships are enemies and destroy them before they land.


Now, there is a high probability that this too is part of their plan. However, the only way to know for sure, is if later, after the fact, they showcase proof to the galaxy that we attacked and murdered innocent slaves. If they have such footage, it means they clearly understood what was happening, and made no attempt to stop it, meaning that was part, if not the, plan. Meaning, it would be disregarded as nothing more than enemy propaganda by us, and our allies.


Yet, the threat level remains high. Even if the slaves were genuine, there are too many unknowns. The ships could be autopiloted to plow into the base, using our good will as cover. It could be the slaves have explosives attached and become moving bombs inside the base once we offer assistance. Brain washing, chip implantation, and so much more could also be at play, and we would have no way to ever know until it was too late. So once more, despite the risks, it is in our best interest to assume it is hostile and eliminate the ships to protect our forces. However, this is not guaranteed to stop the imminent invasion of the base.


Recommendation: Destroy incoming ships as enemy combatants and bring the base to full alert and battle stations.


As she looked over the quickly typed report, the comm chatter continued. It seems one of the Admirals was ahead of her and had opened fire on the spider ships. Well, she was a tad too late. However, she pushed the send button anyway. It may help with justifications later. Her logic was sound. True this was not based on ANY proof. But sometimes coincidences are just too much, and one had to act quickly. Besides, she had a BAD feeling about those ships. Like if they landed, a great many people would die. Though, she wasn't sure why. Still, her job was to protect the Eternal Empire and its allies, not random slaves. Besides it was all a guess in the end. With her report done, she felt better. More calm. Her fur rippled for a moment, and she pulled herself together. Kat pulled out her blaster pistol, and quickly moved out of the Cantina. It was a good central location; however, she was far out of her element, she needed support. While the Crusaders would be good for it, they would be in the thick of it. She needed to think smarter. The girl quickly moved to the east and met up with a group of soldiers and droids. While not the most powerful of allies, it was safer to move in a group, besides, here she had some sort of authority, as an E-7, and as a member of Blackwatch. The small fuzzball entrenched herself behind cover, and prepared.

 

[Hi'los Krai]

Hi'los Krai
Lord Commander of the Wardens of the Shroud | Field Marshal of the Eternal Army | Baron of Tygeria
The Undying

​

Location: Odessen, Military Base "Eternal Crusade"
Objective: Steel Commanders (III)
Equipment: Hersir Imperial Uniform | 2x Shroudsabers (Hidden) | Overseer-pattern HPI Biochip | KC SAT Pistol

EE: Belisarius Vactovion | Eleena Salwa | Anashja Tal
AC: Brimstone | Isla Draellix-Kobitana
MAW: Keilara Kala'myr | Isla Draellix-Kobitana

​

The sounds of battle were droned out suddenly by an explosion, it was getting closer, and closer. It wasn't like the vehicle explosions going on in the open field in front of the Field Marshal, no, these were something stronger. The Maw forces were slowly getting closer to the first trench, and Hi'los realised why. The Ashlan artillery and Eternal Empire artillery weren't coordinating enough to deal major damage.

He activated his comm link and addressed it to his XO, "Lieutenant-General, I want a bombing run on the enemy artillery, they may be mobile but they can't avoid that much fire. Have three quarters of our artillery redirect their fire on the field in front of the first trench." Then hesitating, he added, "Have the cannons ready to fire on the first trench."

Silence, then the XO's voice came over the comm line. "But... sir, aren't you there with our men?" He didn't understand, no one could. Thousands of years of war, he had learned that sometimes you had to make sacrifices. "That's an order."

"Yes, sir." While the man may have disagreed with his Commanding Officer, he was loyal. He stood up above the trench line and unholstered his pistol, firing at the approaching wave. The waves of various maw soldiers were intriguing, their diversity amongst their ranks led many to believe they were a disorganised hoard, but they were more then a mindless savage army. Hi'los admired that.

Suddenly he saw dirt flying from his right, he ran to the body of a soldier, large blotches of red seeped out of his body. With his last breath, the man reached out his hand, but it became limp a second later. He examined his surroundings to notice many similar bodies. The blasted artillery! Quickly he reached for his comm system, "Where are those bombers! The artillery is pounding the first trench." The moment he finished his transmission he flew back as an artillery shell fell right in front of him.

He awoke to find dozens of bodies around him, and more men rushing in to take their places. He struggled to stand up for a second, still regenerating from the blast, within moments of the blast he was alright, as if nothing had happened. The artillery stopped soon after, while the battle still raged on, the soldiers were confused. Why would they halt their artillery? Suddenly a 2 Maw warhounds leapt up from the battlefield, quickly tackling 2 soldiers, then circling the Gen'Dai as a 3rd joined them. The other soldiers were either too preoccupied to notice, or they had faith in his abilities. He hoped it was the latter.

All 3 of the hounds suddenly froze, and leapt at him but they froze mid air. Suddenly they went limp as if killed by an unseen force. Hi'los's hands were raised, as he suddenly pushed them out farther, sending the 3 hounds far into the distance. He wouldn't run or hide, he would fight. supported by members of his Brigade, he moved up from the trenches to push the enemies back, shot after shot blasted through him, but to no avail. Then suddenly, a voice came. "The bombers have arrived, commencing bombing run." For the first time in days, Hi'los let loose a smile at the sight of 3 dozen I-4V Dive Bomber.

​

 

[Eleena Salwa]

​

Location: North Section of Valley - Odessen
Call Sign: Mermaid Two - “Queen”
Unit Support: FAE/AV-02 “Loralora” Interceptor Swoop Craft (8)
Dialogue Legend: <"High Nelvaanian"> │ “Galactic Basic”
Allies: EE (Belisarius Vactovion Hi'los Krai Laertia Io ) │ AC ( Brimstone Scipio Kaarz )
Enemies: BotM ( Zachariel Steelblood Keilara Kala'myr The Mongrel )
Direct Engagement: Zachariel Steelblood

Alarms vibrated against Eleena’s ears, warning her of the integrity of her swoop’s defensive barriers, which had been taxed by the small arms fire from the ground. With their capacitors reading at less than half-strength, the Twi’lek knew that she no longer held the element of surprise. If she engaged the Mawites in the same fashion again, she was likely to meet a barrage of anti-air fire that would force her to withdraw, if she was lucky. Nevertheless, MEIPOC confirmed that she had inflicted not-insignificant damage to the Mawite artillery, in addition to cutting down over a dozen marauders.

It was enough to set her nerves alight with adrenaline.

<“Good effect on target.”> She said over comms, her voice not betraying a hint of the excitement coursing through her veins. <"Cycling back.”>

Taking full advantage of her swoop’s maneuverability and diminutive frame, Eleena flew at low altitude, harnessing the terrain itself to avoid enemy detection as she flew along the perimeter of the Zachariel Steelblood's forces in the north of the valley.

Her next run would come less than a minute after the first.

Approaching the Chosen lines at a low angle to avoid AA fire and visual detection, Eleena came in from the east, unleashing a barrage of high-powered energy torpedoes on the Mawite guns, as they initiated their bombardment.

The Eternal Empire would win this battle from the skies.

 

[Darth Solipsis]

DARK LORD OF THE SITH | VOICE OF THE MAW
Darth Maledictio

​

“Empire?”

The Dark Lord stood monolith against the drifting backdrop as harsh winds and scorching sands beat against him in a constant barrage. White hair blew fluttered wildly from his brow much like his dark trappings that battered the air around them. He faced away from the figure unfazed by the violent storm, silently he animated with slow casual movements.

A deep voice beckoned from within the Scion of Darkness, a call, one made to the shrouded power known as Curse. The terrible glare casted out over the lost dunes fell over and upon the centuries old Sith Lord. Sulfuric eyes stained with the insufferable hatred that would swallow the galaxy whole if left unchecked gazed intently, the Dark Lord of the Sith spoke.

“What is an empire to a god?”

His right hand squeezed together into a tightly knit fist, his black glove stretching as it strained aloud. The Sith’ari rose his fist waist high and smiled venomously.

“My designs would see the galaxy wiped clean, born anew. What would you have to trade for this Eternal Empire, what ambition brings you here.. to me?”

 

[Khaostra Devoid]

Post: 2
Objective: Bitter Beings
Equipment: Red Midnight Duster | Red Sith Armor | Sith Mask | Grav Boots | CrushGaunts | x2 White lightsabers | Forearm Lanvorak | Wrist Laser | Variety of Explosives | RSKF-44 heavy blaster | X-21 shock glove
Allies: Brotherhood of the Maw
Enemies: Eina L'lerim-Vandiir | Greer Caimbeulaich | Lena Dracov
Special Tags: Eina L'lerim-Vandiir

​

A voice swirled to life inside Khaos's mind, the voice sound almost angelic if there was such a thing. "I feel your presence, come forth; if you help us, no one will hurt you; we can even help you get back into Ashla's light." It spoke out to her as their minds briefly touched in that telepathic moment Khaos's felt the light emanating from this person. It was like being baked in the rays of direct sunlight. It nipped at the that darkness that enveloped her wanting to devour it. Then there were the words that were spoken, of the Light Ashla what ever that was. Khaos luck she was being contacted by another religious nut job she had to wonder if this would lead to a blood feud as well.


Then again, all Khaos was surrounded by were religious zealots Mawites, Sith, and even her damn mother. Maybe that was her damn lot in life to forever need to be purified and baptized in the truth of who ever hells name. It was bad enough she half-assed her dathomiri faith in the Fanged God and the Winged Goddess. Still the voice lingered trying to entice her away claim she would not be harmed but all faith was harmful Khaos had seen how the Jedi and Sith face screwed up her older sister. She saw how her mother own claims of godhood had taken her further down the rabbit hole of madness.


So Khaos returned the Message. "Thanks for the Offer but I have to decline, go preach your faith on some other lost cause." It was with that the vines spoke to her of the presences on the surface, those that should not be there. The roots of the trees, the leaves blowing in the breeze, and vines that slithered felt the vibrations in the ground and air. The whispered to Khaos the location the telepathic relay also helped in given away one's position causing a slight ripple in the force.


The ground under Eina L'lerim-Vandiir , Greer Caimbeulaich , and a little further away Lena Dracov erupted vines coming out from under the ground and attempted to wrap around the feet and legs of the women to try and pull them underground to suffocate them in the earth itself. Gods be damned weather they be light, dark , or whatever the hell else Khaos didn't care she would take on all their wrath

 

[Darth Maledictio]

Curse | Darth Maledictio
The Shadow Dragon, Sith Lord, One of leaders of the Spear, Nite inner circle member, Archon of the Primyn Group​

Objective: Meet with Darth Solipsis
Location: Unknown Location, Maw Space
Equipment: Empyrean gland | Amulet of Many || OPBC-01m
Tag: Darth Solipsis

[ Heart of Darkness ]
<"High Nelvaanian"> | ~ telepathic communication ~ | << comm. channel >> ​

He watched the other man; they both walked the path of darkness, yet they could not have been more different. There were similarities, of course; this cannot be disputed either, yet they both followed a different power, a different worldview, a different future. They both had their own ideas, their own visions of this. Fortunately, however, the two futures did not affect each other. They had shared similar powers, yet were quite different.

Paradox.

And yet, Curse interpreted that they both wanted the same thing. To force their own visions to the Galaxy. Darth Solipsis had the more spectacular and grandiose plan; Curse’s is less spectacular, but at least as grandiose. In the limelight and in the shadows. Another paradox. He looked at the storm for a few moments, then looked back at the Sith’ari. The grey-haired man shaped the present to the future; Curse wanted to revive a very powerful piece of the past which one was still alive in the Spear and in the Sivary; the power and knowledge of the Ancient Mavors.

The common feature; they both played on the chessboard of the galaxy. One in the limelight, the other in the shadows. Another paradox.

Puzzle! Another piece of the puzzle.

"A puzzle piece, nothing more." he replied, even in Curse's eyes, the Eternal Empire or any other state were nothing more than a piece of the Jigsaw "Territory you can subjugate and get without any loss; that you can shape into your image without resistance and you can use their army and raw materials for the bigger cause."

He lived long enough to pay attention to the small details as well. You may lose somewhere; yes, because defeat may be necessary for the later, greater victory, and at that moment, victory would bring defeat later. Not just the big picture was the point, but the tiny, tiny pieces that seemed insignificant as well.

"What am I asking for? A piece of another puzzle that doesn't affect your plans. Just when the Shadow Empire ritualists would have near to successfully summon their god, I want them to be killed; ask the members of the New Sith Order to kill them, all of them. Neither you nor I want a former Sith Lord in the Unknown Regions who considers himself a god. It would upset and maybe ruin the plans of both of us." he explained.

Another chess piece moved on the imaginary chessboard; another piece of puzzle perhaps closer to its goal.

 

[The Mongrel]

Location: Odessen, War-Torn Valley
Allies: Keilara Kala'myr | Zachariel Steelblood
Foes: Belisarius Vactovion | Eleena Salwa | Anashja Tal
Engaged With: Hi'los Krai | Aximand Sicarus | Scipio Kaarz | Brimstone | Isla Draellix-Kobitana | Laertia Io

Spoiler: TL;DR

• The Mongrel remembers a bit of his old self, for better or for worse
• The orbital strikes, airstrikes, mortar attacks, and concentrated trench fire break the first attack
  • The Firefang Wardogs and their Tarar support units are either dead or scattered
• The aerial and artillery attacks on the Mawite artillery cause severe damage
  • Most of the LuchsHai technicals and some of the War Skiffs are destroyed
• The remaining War Skiffs convert their main guns into flak cannon mode
  • They fill the canyon's limited (and crowded) airspace with a mass of flak
• The new Wolf Droids climb around the side of the canyon to attack southern defenses from behind
• The remaining Mawite forces mount their Heavy War Bikes and charge along with the War Skiffs
  • Their goal is to use speed and powerful defenses to punch through the enemy lines
    • The rest of the trench lines in this part of the canyon don't block the road
  • The Mongrel bears down on Hi'los Krai , the biggest visible threat on the main field
    • He attempts to shoot the Gen'dai with his speeder cannons, then ram him

In his mind, they touched. It was a gentle moment, the kind of tenderness he had not ever known in all the days since the Maw had taken him... until Mercy. Had there been others, in the life he'd had before? Family, friends, lovers, people who would touch him without malice, people who would speak to him without hate? He could not remember. The pieces of who he had been were like the jagged shards of a broken mirror. If he tried to handle them, he would cut himself, and feel only pain... but he could see pieces of a reflection in them.

A reflection of his old self, now lost forever.

I missed you, she told him... and that was strange, new, unfamiliar. He was the one they called The Mongrel, that wretched warhound who burned worlds and enslaved their people, who left in his wake a devastation as deep and dark as his own torture soul. No one missed a monster like him. But in here, in the little mind palace Mercy built for them, it was different. He did not have to be conqueror, killer, maker of ruin in the name of the gods. He could be someone else, someone from before.... someone that could be missed.

I missed you, too. Strange. Twisted. True.

He reached out and grabbed a shard of memory, let it cut him until he bled. He ignored the pain. Looking deep into that shattered reflection, just one of the pieces that the Heathen Priests had tried to grind down to nothing but never quite succeeded, he pulled out a little bit of before. Kallan, he told her, shocked at his own words. This was not the warlord speaking, but the last little spark of the man he'd been, locked in the iron cage at the bottom of his mind. My name was Kallan. In here, call me that. Not... not Mongrel. He shuddered.

The Mongrel belongs to the Maw, he told her.

But Kallan... Kallan belongs with you.

He leaned in and kissed her.

​

The Brotherhood of the Maw had successfully projected the image of a great, all-devouring horde as it began its colossal war against the galaxy. It had given the impression to the people of "civilized" space that it was so vast as to be limitless, with such momentum as to be almost unstoppable. Perhaps it was Csilla that had created that reputation, the Mawites becoming the first galactic government to utterly eradicate an entire planet since the Galactic Empire of old. But it was all a facade in the end, a veneer of propaganda and wielded fear.

The Brotherhood was always, always outnumbered.

The Mongrel reflected on this grim reality as the battle before him unfolded. There were no less than five enemy commanders directly targeting his forces, five commanders calling in air support and orbital strikes and supply drops, five commanders throwing their forces at him on land and in the skies while he stood alone. When the truth set in - that the fiction of underdog Alliance and overwhelming Maw was just that, a fiction, and the roles were actually reversed - there were only two possibilities: to break down and flee, or to have faith.

That was why the marauder tribes were the true core of the Brotherhood, the bedrock on which all else could rest. When the cause seemed totally hopeless, when the enemy had them outnumbered and outgunned in every battle, only fanaticism could carry them through. Their absolute trust in the Dark Three, and their fervent belief in the Galaxy To Come, empowered them to fight on despite impossible odds. It did not matter how many of them fell here. Their entire path up to this point had been strewn with the bodies of their own.

So without fear they would fight, strive, and die for their Dark Voice.

It hadn't truly been the superweapon that had destroyed Csilla.

It had been the faith of a million martyred believers.

The first orbital strikes slammed down onto the valley floor, targeting the warbands moving along the rocky slopes at the edges; the ground forces must be feeding the Ashlan fleet targeting information for them to make such precise attacks. As fire fell from above, obliterating marauder squads like the wrath of some pitiless sun deity, the Mongrel looked up at the sky and cursed. Where were Sularen and his Final Dawn? Their delay in arriving here had cost the ground forces dearly; such losses might well cost them the battle.

Faith, he reminded himself. Faith is all we have. Hold to it.

With the Brotherhood's spaceborne support conspicuously absent, the Eternal fleet had evidently decided to pile on as well. The skies were suddenly full of incoming starfighters and bombers, no fewer than fifteen squadrons of heavy air support moving in to bomb the valley floor and the concealed artillery positions alike. Surely that sight alone proved that it was laughable to see the Maw as a numberless horde; the enemy's support units practically outnumbered the Brotherhood's main force. But the Dark Voice had spoken.

And even unto death, the Brotherhood obeyed.

At the Battle of Hoth, a single Rebel air support squadron had held back the enemy walker advance until the evacuation could be completed. One squadron. At the battle of this small southern valley, one part of the larger struggle for the Alliance base, the Eternal Empire had deployed fifteen. But deploying so tremendously many starfighters in such a narrow valley had its drawbacks; the craft would be practically tripping over one another, with little room to maneuver. With such limited airspace, they would find it hard to evade incoming fire.

After the horrific losses inflicted on Mawite formations from above during the battles of Nirauan and Roon, the Brotherhood had begun preparing countermeasures to air attacks. They could not effectively contest the skies against the great numbers of their enemies, so they did not even try to employ close air support of their own. Instead, they had opted to make the skies so hostile that the enemy would be sending their close air support into an aeronautical minefield. That was why The Mongrel had ordered his artillery to cease firing.

After the creeping barrage, they had a new task.

In the concealment of the smoke, the War Skiff crews had been switching out the highly-modular barrels and ammunition of their MetaCannons. Now, instead of arcing high-explosive shells, the big guns had been converted into flak cannons. These guns fired durasteel flechettes and microexplosive pellets, bursts of deadly anti-air fire to clog the skies with hull-shredding, engine-rending particles. Let the Mawite artillery belch out a cloud of flak so thick that flying over their heads was like rolling around in razor blades.

Let the fifteen squadrons packed in here try to dodge.

Mercy's spy droids would pinpoint their positions anyway.

It would mean no more artillery support for the ground forces, of course. Many of the War Skiffs and Technicals were being hit even as they fired back with their flak, and even if their return fire managed to shred the enemy air support as effectively as The Mongrel hoped, they could not change back to ground attack modes while under fire. He would just have to hope that the creeping barrage covering their initial advance would be enough to buy them ground within the valley, because one way or another, the Mawite artillery was finished.

And so was the battle if they didn't thin the air support.

But The Mongrel couldn't allow despair or overwhelming odds to keep him from his duty to the gods. He had to keep fighting this battle, doing the Dark Voice's bidding, or he would never pass into paradise... nor would he ever see Mercy again. He would fight with all his strength for both of those things. With the situation in the air handled as best he could, he focused his attention on the ground. Most of the enemy was falling back to the second set of defensive lines, set into the sides of the valley. They'd be far harder to crack.

... but perhaps he wouldn't have to.

Holding that thought, The Mongrel assessed the situation. The Ashlans had pulled back and set up shield generators deployed from orbit; even if he'd still had ground artillery, it would have been worthless here. The only way to crack those positions now would be a physical charge right at them, and the casualties would be catastrophic. But of all the enemies the Ashlans could have given that physical charge ultimatum to, the Brotherhood was the one that might actually take them up on it... and maybe even stand a chance of breaking through.

They were not afraid of close combat or mass casualties.

But before they could worry about charging shield bubbles, the Mawites needed to consolidate the ground they'd taken so far. The Ashlans, much like the NIO on Csilla and the Mawites on Ilum, were quick to ensure that their own trenches could not be used against them. As their forces pulled out, a mortar barrage covered their retreat, collapsing the earthenworks and shredding most of the pursuing Wardogs. Between that, the orbital strikes on the Tarar, and the airstrikes on the valley floor, the first Mawite push was finished.

Time to send in the reserves.

"It's time," The Mongrel rumbled, his voice reaching all of his lieutenants at once on a secure frequency. While Mercy and her shapechanging team moving in to disable the EE artillery on the north side of the valley, the warlord aimed to use one of her gifts to disrupt the southern defenses as well. While the battle raged over the open ground, the new and improved Wolf Droids she had brought him were climbing up the rocky formations of the western slopes. Stealth systems active, they circled around the southern defensive line...

... and then pounced down on the defenders from above.

With horrible mechanical roars the droids leapt to the attack, jumping through the shield bubble rather than trying to shoot at it. Their vorpal claws and fangs sank easily through even armored flesh, and the blaster cannons in their eyes opened fire on the enemy from behind. Each one was larger than a landspeeder, and now that they were not using their stealth systems to blend into the rock, their very presence was surely terrifying. Perhaps they could not take the southern defenses on their own, but surely they could disrupt them.

For the rest of that disruption, the only other chance he had to distract and weaken the enemy defenses before his desperate push, the warlord could only rely on Mercy herself. Her sniper team idea was a good one, though not one natural to the Maw; the marauder tribes valued close combat, and viewed long-range weapons as cowardly. Still, he would look into it, especially to keep her safe. ~ I won't let you down again, never again… ~ I know, he told her, her voice still in his mind ever as she drew further away. I trust you.

It felt strange, vulnerable even, to actually say it.

But it was true. It had been for a long time.

Now The Mongrel prepared the second of Mercy's gifts to deploy: the swift and well-defended SHT-26 Heavy War Bikes. It was time for a change in strategy. The initial assault had largely forced the enemy to withdraw from the first trench - though one Eternal Empire commander, a seemingly-invincible Gen'dai, still held the center while the Ashlans fell back - and had sabotaged their defenses in their wake. That left the Maw with no covered position to occupy. They'd still be trapped in the open when they tried to advance again...

... and this time four defensive lines could shoot them.

But they didn't actually have to clear and capture every defensive line to claim victory. After all, this meatgrinder of a valley was not the objective; it was the base beyond. And the first trench line had been the only one out of the Eternal Empire's defenses that was actually blocking the road. The Maw didn't have to break what they could simply bypass. It was time to use their legendary mobility to its full advantage and make a break for it, past the lines of the defenders. It was risky, a victory or death kind of move.

But they were outnumbered. In a slugfest, they'd lose.

This was their only chance.

Mounting his own Heavy War Bike, The Mongrel prepared to lead the charge. "Forward!" he howled, wrenching the speeder to full throttle. "Engage your afterburners and MOW THEM DOWN! WAR! DEATH! REBIRTH!" Behind him, countless voices echoed the cry, audible even over the thunder of engines. A huge wave of warbikes shot forward, bearing down on the mostly-destroyed trench line and the valley beyond. It was a straight shot until they passed over the trench, so they didn't have to worry about the maneuverability hit.

Behind the bikes came the surviving War Skiffs. Although their MetaCannons were still pointed upward, belching flak into the sky, their deck guns (E-WEB repeaters and missile launchers) were still free to be used by their crews. The huge, well-armored skiffs became the anchors of the mobile force, providing them cover to fall back on and putting out covering fire. The bikes themselves roared in with their front-facing blaster cannons blazing, tanking incoming small arms fire with their shields and protecting their pilots well.

The sight of that mechanized charge was awe-inspiring.

Win or die, it would be remembered.

With the speed of their afterburner-boosted bikes, the vanguard of the Scar Hounds bore down on the mostly-destroyed forward trench in seconds. The Mongrel aimed his own bike straight at Hi'los Krai , the most physically dangerous of the enemy frontline commanders. If he could take out the Baron, or at least hold him back while the rest of his forces advanced, he might be able to turn the tide of war. The towering alien was easy to spot, especially with everyone else falling back. "YOU ARE MINE!" The Mongrel howled.

He pointed his blade and gunned the engine, cannons blazing.

Ramming speed.

 

[Aldo Garrick]

R E B I R T H
MAW HOLY ARMADA
Fleet Admiral Aldo Garrick
ORBIT OF ODESSEN | BRIDGE
The "Hierophant"​

The strained stars that had been stretched out across the cosmos from the tunneling blue stream of hyperspace reigned in. The star system self-corrected as the distorted view came into close proximity as the battle group came barreling into the egress point. Several audible booms actually managed to sound out in the cold vacuum of space as the imposing shapes, warships from the amassing armada near Mobus. One could not play with fire without getting burned, the Eternal and Ashlans had garnered the attention of the Brotherhood. Their response to the transgressions of these interlopers would be remorseless and cold.

War. Death. Rebirth.

The unholy half-dead Sith Cultist stepped toward the glasteel viewport, eyes glazed over with the haze of death. He looked out over the horizon and scoffed, they who would set fire to the stars and turn nations into glass had to suffer the insolence of another front, another bold attempt to stand against the unyielding tide of darkness.

“The weak should learn when they are conquered.”

The near-zombie Neo-Imperial turned abruptly to his deckhand, a midnight armored silent strider, a commander within the ranks of the MAW HOLY CRUSADERS. Each tribe had contributed many of their best including the sects such as the Final Dawn, only through the most grueling torture and training provided by Tu'teggacha could such marvelously zealous killing machines be forged. The Krath must have been proud of the results, he knew he was.

“Reinforce the Scarhounds and Bloodsworn tribesmen planetside and by Sadow, let no Jedi or servant of the false path survive your wake.”

His hand rose as his gaze violently flickered back to the space before him, “Captain! Bring the fleet in close for orbital bombardment, draw the enemy in close enough for the Crucifix II’s to make physical contact and contact the Grand Overseer. Let him know we have arrived.”

“Praise Sissiri. It is time.”

Spoiler: Fleet Composition

• Crucifix II Destroyer “Hierophant”
• Crucifix II Destroyer “Dauntless”
• Crucifix II Destroyer “Spear of Caelitus”
• Crucifix II Destroyer “Kingslayer”
• Praetorian Class Star Destroyer “Zannah’s Wrath”
• Praetorian Class Star Destroyer “Mandate of Bogan”

 

[Keilara Kala'myr]

Ziare Dyarron | Keilara Kala'myr (Mercy)
COMPNOR (ISB) Junior Agent, Nite agent | Marauder and Agent of the Maw, Mongrel's advisor​

Objective: Doing her job and follow the warlord's commands.
Location: Near to the Ashlan Cruade/Eternal Empire's base.
Equipment: FS-18-UP2 Assault Rifle | 2x Sunfury Pistol | Light Armour | Viper Mk. I Skinsuit | 2x Vibrodagger | 2x Riftblades || Cloaking Device | 5x ASBF Probe Droid || OPBC-01m
Allies: The Mongrel | Zachariel Steelblood | Khamul Kryze
Enemies: Belisarius Vactovion | Hi'los Krai | Eleena Salwa | Scipio Kaarz

[ Poison ]
"Galactic Basic" | ~ Telepathic communication ~ | << comm. channel >> ​

Spoiler: tl;dr

• Mercy also introduces herself under her real name to Kallan
• Sends droids lower so they aren't ruined by bomber / fighters.
• She sends her team to the top of the long outside military base to sabotage the defence there.
• Mercy arrives in the area in front of the base on the rock wall, where the soldiers, turrets and cannon are.
• Mercy asks for confirmation from Mongrel of the order to destroy / unarm the weapons or direct them at the enemy.
• Mercy asks Kallan to take care of himself.

~ After the landing ~ ( The Mongrel )
I don’t know if I was the only one imagining it, or now the whole situation was somehow different. I wasn't sure. However, I felt something was different. Maybe it's because I disappointed him? Maybe he really thought so despite saying the opposite? I could have found out, I just had to reach a little deeper in his mind. But not! I trusted him, I gave my life into his hands more than once on the battlefield, I will not spy on him. I would have done it on anyone else, but not in him.

Maybe I was afraid I would find rejection? Never, has anyone been as gentle with me as he is, which was ironic. There was no one with Ziare, she never had relationship, no. Our brother's Sith friends used her, yes, but nothing more. Only one was friendly with her, but she considered him as a friend, Mordaen Moldenson, he recruited her into the Nite. And I didn’t even have one-night affairs here; during the short period of my existence, that is, rather during my freedom, since I have always existed in some form. Ironically, he was the first who was be gentle, who treat me like a woman and not just an object or a tool...

I liked this side with whom I could talk, thanks to him I had to realise that I love mechanics. I mean, Ziare had a mechanical engineering degree, so I know all of her knowledge, but I had never dealt with it before Mongrel. I thought it belonged only to Ziare. I couldn’t deny that the Warlord’s self impressed me, especially in a hierarchical system like the one we lived in. But as I got to know him, I wanted to know more and more about him, who he was. Not the legend, the man. And while I admire the warlord, the legend, I liked and maybe I loved the Mongrel, the man…

The one that only I can know. Now I felt that it was not the warlord who embraced me, but Mongrel; in reality I never called by his name, only by his title. So for me, the Mongrel was the man and not the legend. I looked up in surprise at his words, I was glad he missed me too, but the memory shards that appeared were weird, I had never seen so many of them. Would the damaged parts of his mind start to heal? Or…? I couldn't imagine. When he touched one of the shards and cut himself with it...

~ No-! ~ I wanted to tell him not to do it anyway, he still hurts himself a lot all the time, don’t do it even voluntarily. However, due to his gaze, I did not continue.

I just gently reached out to his hand and closed his bleeding hand or palm on my own, gently, caring, so as not to cause pain to him with my touch. Kallan? At first I didn’t know what it meant, it was such an unexpected change of subject. Oh! I looked into his eyes in surprise; something has really changed. He had never opened so much, so far when he had tried something like that, it had been a huge pain for him. Some of me wanted to tell him to finish and not do it, but I wanted to know him so badly.

~ Keilara Kala'myr, I was born under that name with Ziare when we were the same person. ~ she didn't use that name even when she was just an insurgent, she was already Ziare, only the family called her by her real name. But I felt this was more real when I had to choose something over Mercy, but I liked the name that I chose here. ~ Kallan, like it, it fits you, thank you for telling me… ~

I whispered in response, yes, definitely more personal than the Mongrel, if only because I didn't think he was a mongrel at all. In his next words… I think I blushed.

~ I don't care what name you call me. Choose the one you like better, what you think it to fit me better. My loyalty is primarily yours, not the Maw's… yours, you might be the Warlord, the Mongrel or Kallan, I will always be by your side, I will always be yours. ~ I whispered, no, this time I thought this not as a slave, it was not in my mind now, but like maybe a partner…

As our lips touched and I kissed back, I let myself be immersed in the feeling, the moment, his embrace; for at that moment only the two of us counted, no one and nothing else, just Kallan and I...

~ On the mission ~
As I was running, I paused for a moment as the sensors signalled the lights behind us. I looked at where the orbital bombardment had arrived. For a moment, my heart sank due to fear, what if he was there too; however, it responded to my later thought. Surprised; not his answer, that is, it is. But the fact that he heard me from so far away, I thought the connection was broken somewhere after two hundred metres, but no, now the distance between us was almost two kilometres...

Something has really changed today. I positioned my droids a little lower over the battlefield because of the huge air traffic, it was doubtful they would be able to avoid the bombers; and let them see in a smaller area than we might become blind from above, because we shall lose them. At the same time, the other two were still flying around us in the air to watch and look for the enemies.

The forest was still calm, I could hear the sounds of fighting from the valley, the roar of wolf droids. The air was full of fighter jets. I couldn’t even count how many of these were because the air was full. I could only hope we weren’t going to be noticed. So I went to the densest part with the team. It was a little slower, but safe cover was more important than they might notice and shooting us. When we were close, I sent the two droids forward to look around at the two turrets and a cannon.

One thing is for sure, these were very massive pieces. I looked at the agents with me, telepathically instructing them to go down here to the battlefield and from there, from the ground to the military base and the top of it. There were also E-webs, those had to be neutralised. And when they're done, join me at the inner base. I watched for a few moments as they set off and before that I took some grenades and explosives from them as well, then ran on.

The droids relayed that he was also going into battle. That’s why I was reluctant to disturb him, but I needed to know if the plan and the order had changed.

<< Warlord, because of the myriad bombers I have to ask… should I try to destroy the two turrets and the big cannon, or rather reprogram them to shoot the enemy? >> I asked him.

~ And Kallan… Please take care of yourself! ~ I whispered telepathically.

I secured the Grappling Hooks into one of the rocks above and then descended silently into the area in front of the base built into the rock wall. It was a huge place with soldiers and even snipers up here…

 

[Tu'teggacha]

Location: Odessen, High Orbit
Tags: Tegan Starfall | Aximand Sicarus | Aldo Garrick

Spoiler: TL;DR

• Four squadrons of Divine Eagles arrive in the system
  • They taunt the Eternal Empire fleet on an open channel
  • They attack the blockade vessels trying to destroy the spider cruisers

"How exceedingly cold," came a sudden voice over an open channel, the same one that had been used to broadcast the distress call by Tegan's captors. "All that pleading, all those innocent people begging for mercy, but it could not move your stony little hearts. I wonder what the holonews will say tomorrow." The vile, self-satisfied smirk that the speaker wore was all too evident from the tone of those words. "Shall I venture a guess? I imagine the headline will be something like 'Eternal Empire Butchers Captive Civilians'. Perhaps they'll even play an audio clip of their pleading for mercy."

The voice paused. "You know. The moment their hope dies under your guns."

The voice belonged to Diomedes of House Daedalon, Knyght Commander of Dolor Flight. At his back were four full squadrons of Divine Eagles, the trademark elite starfighters of the Knyght houses. They had arrived alongside Admiral Garrick's fleet, late to the battle and eager to make up for it in blood. "It's so good of you to ensure they can't escape from us. Since you're so eager to see them killed, I'll be sure to send you a recording when we've finished torturing the ringleaders to death." He sighed theatrically. "Unfortunately, we can't just waste them all. Even vermin have their uses, I suppose."

His vile humor faded, voice becoming hard. "So we're going to put a hole in you."

Four squadrons of Divine Eagles were certainly outnumbered by the blockading Eternal Empire forces - even as elite as they were, they would have had no chance on their own. But they weren't on their own. Even now, Admiral Garrick's fleet was moving into position to unleash a bombardment upon Odessen, and Sularen's forces were not far behind. The Eternal Empire blockade was about to have much larger things to worry about than a couple of spider cruisers that weren't even firing back... and Diomedes intended to intensify that distraction. "All pilots, arm your proton bombs and prepare for an attack run."

"Target those corvettes and bring them down, in the name of the Dark Three."

The Knyghts made their acknowledgement and fell into their attack patterns, their heavily-armed and armored starfighters streaking straight at the blockade. With the guns of the enemy directed elsewhere at the moment, and a large number of the enemy fleet's starfighters apparently sent down to provide planetary air support, they'd have a smooth approach unless the enemy commander rapidly retargeted his fire. Anything that was attacking the spider cruisers - but especially the Jotun and Shield of Salvation - was a valid target for the blood-hungry Knyghts, and they came in weapons hot, beam cannons blazing, bomb bays open.

Weapons cold, possibly hijacked spider cruisers, or openly attacking fighter-bombers?

Better make a choice about what to shoot, and quickly.

 

[Khione]

Maw allies: The Mongrel
Enemies: Brimstone Aximand Sicarus Isla Draellix-Kobitana Laertia Io
Directly engaging: Hi'los Krai

Fighter support
3 squadrons of 12 Chir'daki

An eerie green shadow descended upon the southern end of the valley, as high above, several tons of aerosilsed green minerals and gases were dumped into the atmosphere, creating a strange, whispy green cloud that coloured the light striking the ground below, those that knew her would know that finally, the air support had arrived. Seconds after the descended, three squadrons of heavily armed Chir'daki, descended from the sky. The green cloud not dimming the sun enough to reduce the blinding effect as the fighters struck out of the sun.

The Emerald Nebula had only recently sworn itself to the Maw, and this was Khiones chance to prove the the worth of her clan to the Maw. Her father was more interested in the spoils from this mission, but Khione was young and saw the bigger picture, flying in support of one of the Maws greatest warlords, now that is how a clan gets itself recognised, not through picking up a few pieces of tech.

Her fighters were agile and heavily armed, they relied on their quad laser cannons for damage, below them were the heavily bunched up Eternal Empire dive bombers, flying in support of Hi'los Krai and striking The Mongrel positions. "Clansmen! Engage the bombers, rain their metal down onto their friendly lines, stay high, avoid friendly flakk."

This should be a slaughter, the flakk below, heavily armed fighters above and the valley to either side of them. Her xfoils rolled around the cockpit as they opened and she opened fire, followed by the guns of her brethren. There weapons raked the bunched up and heavily laden fighter bombers of the Eternal Empire. Khione had so many advantages that she would press into the first few seconds of the engagement. She was outnumbers five to one though, so if the fighter bombers broke off their attack repel them, she would need to disengage. But either way, it would reduce the pressure on the ground forces.

 

[Khamul Kryze]

The Unchained

Tags: Ingrid L'lerim

Loadout: Mandalore's Lament, Regret, beskar'gam

Pit of Fire

The Red Witch... a moniker Khamul knew all too well. The kills under her belt were numerous, and her skill legendary. Finally... a proper enemy for the Hellhound of Mandalore. A chuckle escaped the confines of his mask as he slowly continued to close the gap. He eyed her every move... every facial expression, every twitch of the hand, anything that would signal her move. Despite his best efforts, she gave nothing away. It was a small matter; Khamul trusted his skills well enough to carry him through the fight. His blade slowly moved in front of him as he listened to her taunts, his cold, masked gaze remaining ever-locked on the Empress.

"I have no chains, witch. Not even the Dark Voice holds sway over me."

There were no bonds holding Khamul to the Maw. He only ever used them as a means to an end, a step forward to achieving his true goal. The marauders and Sith among the Brotherhood's ranks were all simply pawns he would use in his great game, each slowly falling into place as he continued to amass his powerbase. Eventually, all would give way to the Demon Mandalore, and the galaxy would once again shudder at the very mention of his people.

The darkness was swelling within him now, his hatred and rage reaching a boiling point. This woman would be nothing more than a fly beneath his boot, a mere moment in the vastness of his greater machinations.

"And you, Empress, are nothing but a footnote in the annals of history!"

The Mandalorian broke out into a sprint, his pace enhanced by the Dark Side as he closed the gap with incredible speed. Mandalore's Lament lashed out, slicing through the air with a wicked hiss as it cut toward Ingrid's torso. His strike would be swift as he attempted to end the fight before it even began. All the while, the darkness poured forth, as potent as a vial of the deadliest poison.