Expedition: Dragonflower | CIS Dominion of Hex (T, 43)

[Ascendant Muse]

E X P E D I T I O N​

The Dragonflower Nebula.

One of the more constant themes of the Galaxy is Discovery. No matter which powers seize dominance across the stars, one truly never knows if they truly control it all. From the ancient Republic to the archaic Empire - nations have risen to be composed of thousands of worlds. Thousands. But not all. Today, in the post-Darkness reality, the discovery of new worlds is almost commonplace. Some simply stumble upon these uncharted gems by pure happenstance. Others diligently seek them out in the name of colonization or gathering resources.

Today, the Confederacy fell into both categories. Fortune would have it that a deep space probe, intended on detecting the movements of adversaries, veered horrendously off course. It drifted far away from the Corellian Run, eventually ending up in the Doldur Sector many months later. When the feed was eventually investigated, the surveillance crews were shocked to discover the furthest thing from fleet movements or smuggling. They discovered a new world. Straightway, additional probes were launched to the uncharted sphere as to best ascertain what they had stumbled upon.

There were no signs of intelligent life nor native, sentient species - though the planet could certainly support them. In a word, temperate is what described this world, for it was mostly covered in water but featured countless lush biomes ripe for cultivation. Sprawling mountains, fertile valleys, and dense forests dotted the landscape as far as the sensors could see. This was an opportunity to gather resources and to lay down fresh roots for the Confederacy. Seemingly overnight, a gathering of eager volunteers banded together.

Scientists leapt at the chance to study a new frontier. Colonists, excited for a fresh start, joined the expedition as well. And, of course, the Confederacy dispatched armed personnel to defend them. Today, the bold congregation would brave the Dragonflower Nebula and touch down upon the new world. A cadre of freighters and light patrol craft formed a neat semi-circle beside a pristine lake - the perfect spot for a colony. Within a few minutes' walking distance north were the foothills leading up to a larger spire. To the south was the fertile valley whose river flowed into the great lake.

There was plenty to explore, a colony to establish, and a new world to call home!

Spoiler: Objective

This is an entirely freeform Dominion! Feel free to explore this vast, uncharted world to your heart's content!​

Spoiler: Tag

[member="Aaron Stratus"], [member="Aedan Miles"], [member="Ahani Najwa"], [member="Ailuros"], [member="Aithne Charr"], [member="Akabane"], [member=”Alden Kyr’Nau”], [member="Aleksander Miles"], [member="Alistair Myre"], [member="Alyva Terrix"], [member="Amaya Cardei"], [member="Anastasia Verd"], [member="Anya Malvern"], [member="Aoker Veru"], [member="Aova Nerys"], [member="Arabella Darkhold"], [member="Archim Calixis"], [member="Aria Lyr"], [member="Arlox"], @Averin An’Arach, [member="Aya Clarke"], [member="Asher Mossa"], [member="Aston Jacobs"], [member="Auswyn Nothrael"], [member="B1-990"], [member="B2-D34T7"], [member="Ballen-Ist"], [member="Bulthos Dorrir"], @Bartic Myth’rand, [member="BBZ-20"], [member="Ben Mentel"], [member="BX-22222"], [member="BX-24601"], [member="BX-25233"], [member="BX-72967"], [member="BX-73300"], [member="BX-75244"], [member="Causstik Rahn"], [member="Chalim Vern"], [member="Chek Zun"], [member="Cim Salro"], [member="Chikako Liona"], [member="Connor Harrison"], [member="Dakita Calfur"], [member="Dalton Kenway"], [member="Damien Van-Derveld"], [member="Darth Atrox"], [member="Darth Illisus"], [member="Darth Inanis"], [member="Darth Malus"], [member="Darth Nius"], [member="Darth Phren"], [member="Darth Rixas"], [member="Darth Seraphic"], [member="Darth Zurvan"], [member="Daxton Bane"], [member="DE-16"], [member="Derek Dib"], [member="Dinah Vekarr"], [member="Drauchir"], [member="Duidatos"], [member="DV8-420"], [member="Eirene"], [member="Eladia Laux"], [member="Faeri"], [member="G3M1N1"], [member="Gerwald Lechner"], [member="Ian Sade"], [member="Ella Nova"], [member="Emberly Carrick"], [member=”Er’in Tenel”], [member="Faa Vera"], [member="Faustina Beryll"], [member="Fidelis"], [member="Galven Hansol"], [member="Gorm"], [member="Ginnie Verd"], [member="Hades Dai"], [member="Hircine"], [member="Hypatia Najwa"], [member="Iris Issey"], @Irys Arist’lar, [member="Ithiel Verd"], [member="Iskander Verd"], [member="Izak Verd"], [member=”J’Raa”], [member="Jack Anderson"], @Jahn Harrington, @Jasmine Zittoun, [member="Jakarn Verd"], [member="Julian Valentine"], [member="Jaya Tandris"], [member="Jayce Pryde"], [member="Jennifer Blanchard"], [member="Jia Darkhold"], [member="Jorco Czeku"], [member="Jaron Lesan"], [member="Jerad Lettiere"], @Kaiya Halcyon, [member="Kal Jaii"], [member="Kal Kandossii"], [member="Karlie Lynn Destat"], [member="Kas Varad"], [member="Katria Vekarr"], [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"], [member="Kayla Wylen"], [member="Keric Dynt"], [member="Ket Van-Derveld"], [member="Karlie Lynn Destat"], [member="Kas Varad"], [member="Kip Ridel"], [member="Kyle Ajahn"], [member="Kyber"], [member="Marcus Arterialis"], [member="Mercutio"], [member="Mynnic"], [member="Khia Varad"], Kilia, [member="Koda Fett"], [member="Kurayami Bloodborn"], [member="Kurenai Yumi"], [member="Lady Psyona"], Lanna, [member="Lera DeVana"], [member="Lewis"], @Lola An’Arach, @Lord Metallum, [member="Luna Terrik"], [member="Lyla Quinn"], [member="Lera DeVana"], [member="Meira"], [member="Maple Harte"], [member="Marcus Lund"], [member="Marek Starchaser"], [member="Maxerian Gron"], [member="Meira"], [member="Miki Starfallen"], [member="Mira"] Talus, [member="Muad Dib"], [member="Mythira"], [member="Nasho Vesh"], [member="Natasha Darkstar"], [member="Nayru Wyndaru"], [member="Nicholas Covosi"], [member="Nilia Saavilin"], [member="Noatyr Moldmerr"], [member="Pitts Carnegue"], [member="Nyx"], [member="One-Eyed Jack Varren"], [member="Orion Trex"], [member="Paige Blossom"], [member="Pitts Carnegue"], [member="Prime"], [member="Rog-r"], [member="R4N-JR"], [member="Rale Elysar"], [member="Rapax"], [member="Rashae"], [member="Raziel"], [member="Rex Taff"], [member="Riggs"], [member="Rima Orwray"], [member="Rosaline Rousseau"], [member="Ryker Wylde"], [member="Samantha Jade"], [member="Scherezade deWinter"], [member="Savoh Iaht"], [member="Sol Ordana"], [member="Sor-Jar Xantha"], [member="Shadar-Pox"], @Sko’saht, [member="Sol Damerin"], [member="Space Prius"], [member="Srina Talon"], [member="Sungie"], [member="Super TD-T47"], [member="Surnin Strenger"], [member="Taran Holt"], [member="Tevro"], [member="Tarssin Destat"], [member="The Fallen"], [member="The Slave"], [member="Titan"], [member="Tmoxin Temi"], [member="Tyrande of Isobe"], [member="Tyris Hayes"], [member="Tytos Ardik"], [member="Valis Marr"], [member="Valjan"] Hon’rey, [member="Verd Skirata"], [member="Veronika Fleischer"], [member="Viktor Hawthorne"], @Vinter Veers, [member=”Vuh’kis”], [member="Vulture 21"], [member="Vyra Silara"], [member="Werah Unon"], [member="Xero Wran"], [member="Yuna Hart"], [member="Zenva Vrotoa"], [member="Zephyr Carrick"], [member="Zesiro"], @Zhorin Cenvax, @Ultimatium, [member="Yuca Najwa-Keth"]

 

[Malok]

Location: Base Camp, New World
Interacting With: [member="Srina Talon"]
Objective: Hiking Trip!

This was just what the doctor ordered.

The past few weeks had been a nightmare experience for Darth Metus. What was intended to be the most benign of ventures of recent history turned into the most deadly at the drop of a credit. Zolan had left scars upon the souls of the Sith and his young apprentice - wounds that were unseen to the naked eye. While they would always put on the mask of strength for the good of the Confederacy, in their quiet hours they could be their honest selves. For Darth Metus, that meant holding a young woman who did not know what to make of her demise.

She had experienced death secondhand before. The visions born of their Bond had seen fit to illustrate the destruction of Mandalore quite vividly. But to literally feel the reactor's destruction on Zolan was an entirely different monster. Srina did not perish once. She, and the whole of the Confederate delegation, had perished twice. And now, Darth Metus was the one to console. Where once he would knock upon her door when the nightmares became too much, now he would never leave her side until she slept peacefully through the night.

Dragonflower was exactly what they needed. An escape from the dreams. A distraction from the pain.

In truth, Srina had been hinting at something like this for a long time. Ever since their initial visits to the Silver Rest on Kashyyyk, the young Echani had been chasing the experience. Geonosis and Ryloth simply were not as stunning to the eyes as the forested home of the Silver Jedi. But this uncharted world was a close contender. Darth Metus hoped that the fresh air and scenery would fulfill his Apprentice's desire to explore the "great outdoors." But, if the experience did nothing else, he hoped more so that the time away would bring her some semblance of peace.

Today, they weren't flying into a warzone or some other technological trap. Today, they weren't facing off against some genocidal maniac with a vendetta. Today...it was all about them.

After disembarking the dropship that had ferried them to orbit, the Sith took a few bold strides onto the planet's surface. The time was, at judging from the light flooding his eyes, just before noon. His footsteps crunched underfoot some wild grasses which reached past his ankle and gingerly touched the skin underneath his cargo pants. But, there was no sting, nor harm as far as Darth Metus could tell. In fact, by all accounts, the planet was harmless. Fresh air. Basic Flora. What more could they have asked for. For a moment, he reached his hands skyward and stretched before rolling his shoulders slightly.

"I'm sure liking the place of this, Nin Mel. Maybe we ought to make another Well out here!"

Turning on his heel, he offered the young Echani a wide grin. "I'm thinking we go for a hike while they get everything setup." he said, motioning his thumb at the rampant unloading occurring all around them. "We can go either way, north or south, your pick." As he spoke, Darth Metus made a concerted effort to remain cheerful. He wanted more than anything to lift her spirits, and would spend the whole day trying if necessary.

 

[Katrine Van-Derveld]

Objective: All the Fun
Wearing: This
Transport: Nocte Aranea
Company: Open to any Mandragora to accompany her on the ship!
Post: One

It had been done, the charge. Crimson Shadow had returned to slumber its long slumber on Ryloth, in Mother's private hanger. Everything had been moved, including some of the clothes Katrine would need. Mother wouldn't mind. She would go on to have a lot of clothes when Katrine was a little girl so she didn't imagine it would be any kind of problem. The new shiny ship created by Aegis Corporation and House Verd, Incorporated was a complete beauty; becoming of the Mandragora. It was her new home and home to all Mandragora.

Today's journey was something completely different, an exploration. It had been a while since Katrine had done something like that though this planet was completed unexplored based on what the experts had said, with no sign of intelligent life or native, sentient species. That was fine. From the look of the planet from her widow, Katrine was just itching for a good run. A real, four-legged, fur kind of run. No interruptions, just a wolf in the wild having her fun. Katrine really wanted that.

"Get us down," she instructed the pilot from where she stood. The ship had a crew of twenty people, each capable spacers. Katrine could pilot a ship but she couldn't pilot this ship, that was for sure. At her command, the ship began its descent. She moved back into the captain's chair and held on the ship began to shake during its atmosphere entrance, coming out of it soon enough. Through the window but from a distance, she could see the beautiful green fields ahead, making her smile. There was no need for further words, the pilot finding a wide enough plane for the Nightmother Mark 1 to land on, settling her down gently.

Once it was secure, she moved from her seat. "Open the doors and let them know we're going out," she told a second crew member before leaving the command level. Two levels down, she was in the cargo bay, from where she would exit the ship as the ramp lowered. Katrine didn't bother with the land speeders there, taking in a long breath as she took in the sights of the planet before she would exit. She was definitely looking forward to this.

The ship hadn't landed too far from the Base Camp, which she could see from where she was. Coming off the ramp, the Nightmother began her track towards it, spinning as she walked to take a better look at the place. This place was remarkable in its own way even if she had seen plenty of planets in the recent years, all thanks to her Uncle Isley and Confederacy. Some of them they had saved, on others, they had drunk and celebrated. Katrine didn't mind, either way, she just enjoyed the experience on all of them.

 

[Ilias Nytrau]

Location: Within one deep, dank, dark, and cold cave in the mountains
Interacting With: ???
Objective: ???

Sensors would indeed indicate no intelligent life on the nameless world. Anything they could penetrate would give off such readings, but any new world was bound to have its secrets, and if any clues remained after eight centuries, they would point to a fierce battle that had been carved into the foothills of a northern range of mountains. Somewhere in the earth thereby were bones that told the tale of the one who did not escape, and in the back end of a cave, to which the trail of blood on the ground was long-erased by time and the elements, was an opaque formation of crystal, claimed in part into the rock itself.

Nary a soul would recognise it for what it was; most would only see potential credits until sometime after mining of the deposit began, and would find themselves saddled with more questions than answers when nothing continued to be as it seemed, assuming they weren't dead. Uncharted worlds and their secrets, indeed. There was no knowing what could happen when curiosity, or greed, gets the better of you, and caution dances away with the breeze... but if you listen with the right set of ears, all might be revealed.

[member="Ahani Najwa"]

 

[Ahani Najwa-Zambrano]

Location: Bubble-de-hub
Interacting with: You. The one reading my mind. You voyeur! Get a job!
Objective: Hide

Dragonflower.

The planet sings to me a hymn electric, singing my veins with a deeper intoxication than the ixetal cilona I imbibe on a near hourly basis. [member="Darth Metus"] is talking to the little Echani [member="Srina Talon"] and I have to laugh at how obviously he’d split her thighs in twain and take the honey in the middle. It’s downright adorable. She doesn’t have a clue what to do with it. Wonder if I should tell her…

The hymn continues as I see far off a hill of earth covered over by eight hundred years of growth… yet still the land calls as battle scars on an Echani’s skin. Strokes upon rock, covered over, withered by wind and rain and moss.

The hymn grows into a horrible staccato in my head, marring my brow and taming the thoughts of walking to Srina and telling her how to… to…

… Anandi falls out of my hand, the Sith sword sliding across the ground to the feet of [member="Darth Metus"]. I launch into the air, hovering twenty feet above the Confederacy waypoint in this new land.

There! My body shoots off in the direction of the sensation and the chorus of crystalline vibrations, ones I recognize as I once created and added to the eternal hymn which both never ended, and never began in the first place. I fly to a mountain in what used to be the distance.

The hymn is louder here, cacophonous as the battle-scarred earth beneath my landing feet. Something in the cave, but I see not what. I see nothing here but the fog lessen, and thin.

I step into the cave, hands trailing against the rocks. [member="Yuca Najwa-Keth"]

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

OBJECTIVE: Run
WEARING: This
COMPANY: [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"]
POST: 1

​

Time had become something Gerwald could no longer track. The Confederacy was always on the move, and in the time since joining their Knights Obsidian, the Lupine could not recount spending his days on any one planet for too long. They spent a day here, two there, several on a ship traveling to and from the worlds they freed or requisitioned. It was the kind of life one had to get used to, not too different from the life of a warrior among his people. Gerwald only missed one thing, the freedom he had to transform into a wolf and run free for the night to hunt or simply... run. He was large for both a Lupine and Human, and there were days his size made him feel as though he were a prisoner when he traveled through space. Space travel was something he was not used to yet, but he was getting there.

Gerwald was happy to be on a larger vessel where he did not feel so packed into a confined space. He had been invited to travel as a guest of the Mandagora, specifically their Nightmother. Katrine was also a Lupine, and their meeting had been one of a surprise to them both. Gerwald had been raised under the impression that he would never meet another Lupine during his lifetime. They were a rare species, and to even be one meant a parent was one. While the trait was dominant, the species was not widely known. As it turned out, by meeting Katrine, Gerwald had discovered an entire family of Lupine. This part of his life was also an adjustment, but if he had not known this, what else could the galaxy offer?

The announcement came over the comms they were going to land. Gerwald prepared himself. This was the worst part of flying. Entering an atmosphere and then actually landing. No matter how good the pilot was, the turbulence was always there. He hated the feeling. It was over soon enough though, and the orders to disembark were given. It was time to explore the world.

Ger ran to the cargo hold. His dress was loose clothing. Black loose pants, and a hooded sweatshirt which he left unzipped. There would be nothing that was going to keep him from transforming into the animal that was desperate to be free for a run. It was a sunny day, and he was ready to play as only a wolf could play. A fun smirk was set on his lips as he ran past the nightmother who was taking in scenery. Gerwald didn't care about what the base camp looked like, or what the surrounding area did. He could smell the forest air near by.

"Catch me if you can," he playfully shouted to Katrine as he ran past her toward the forest. The hooded sweatshirt was tossed aside somewhere toward the base camp. Gerwald's torso drank in the bright sun as he pressed into the forest. Once he found a more convenient place to change, Gerwald's wolf would be free to run.

 

[Scherezade deWinter]

Objective: All the Fun
Wearing: This
Transport: Giggledust
Company: Going to get [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"] and other's companies
Post: 1

Shed chosen to arrive on her own to this place. While the new Mandragora ship was indeed as awesome as awesome was, she absolutely loved piloting on her own, and had done everything within her power to keep doing so when she had to get from place to place. The excitement was always high, and she was even getting better with the non-automated parts.

As the Giggledust landed, Scherezade quickly changed into clothes fit for picnic. Katrine was already on the ground, and since she wasn't masking her presence through the Force, all Scherezade had to do was follow the Force-scent. She'd just missed [member="Gerwald Lechner"] naked torso running by a heartbeat.

"There's supposed to be nothing of note here," she said as she crossed her arms across her chest. She'd been getting anxious lately when not presented with a plan or a chance to cause much damage, "why are we here anyway?"

 

[Er'in Tenel]

Objective: Ah am searching for treasure!
Transport: Jade Dragon
Company: So far, all alone...
Post: 1

Far above the planet in high orbit hung a luxury yacht, so small as to be unseen from the ground.

The central chamber of the yacht had once held a living space, now it was bare but for the metal bulkheads and the single pyramidal of the ancient Sith / Voss artifact which sat on a pedestal, currently unprotected, with the bare hand of the young Hapan woman resting atop it.

It was so hard - the tool brought visions of blood and death from across the galaxy, for there was slaughter plenty large enough to slake the thirsts of any corrupt Dark Jedi. But she was Sith, and to be Sith was to control power, not to be controlled by it... and here on this planet, there was... something, something she'd sought in the Rift, but not found. But something she had a clue to - something ancient, terrible, bright and noble all at once.

There. Blood dripped from her clenched hand as she muttered the Sith manta:

"Zhol kash valia nu enil nuyak dvasi kash zvelgti."

She gritted her teeth against the pain, the fear and the hunger, then drew all of them down inside her with a single breath, air onto hot coals.

There. There. A point of darkness and rage - but not, dark and yet light, terrible and beautiful.

She coughed, wishing for a moment she had an iota of power with mindspeech, but she didn't, so most prosaically she resorted to comms as she slowly reactivated the wards around the artifact.

"This is Tenel to anyone who's bored with the wonder of wide open and unexplored planets already. I've found that something I've been looking for - or something like it - somewhere in those forested hills a few hundred klicks north east of the base camp. I absolutely guarantee there will be danger, wonder and some sort of weird crevasse to climb down."

The yacht drifted out of orbit, settling onto a least-time course to the location on the planets surface she briefly broadcast along with her message.

"If I don't come back, at least make sure my funeral marker is bigger than my aunts? Oh, and carved from something other than sunstone. Do I look like a Hutt?"

She clicked the comm off after her... rather abrupt afterthought. Huh. She was rather looking forward to this.

 

[Katrine Van-Derveld]

Objective: All the Fun
Wearing: This
Transport: Nocte Aranea
Company: [member="Gerwald Lechner"] [member="Scherezade deWinter"] @Open to any Mandragora to accompany her on the ship!
Post: Two

Katrine had been walking at a normal pace, maybe a little slower than she'd even realized in the skirt she was wearing, when Gerwald had practically ran passed her with a quick shout at her. The blonde blinked as she realized the exposed flesh, the strong back the shape it took under the warm sun. "Why are you so good looking?" From her mouth, the question just rolled out without thinking. Not a pretty boy but still handsome. Like a beast, the thought settled just before she'd hear the sound of Scherezade's voice even if her sapphire gaze watched after the other Lupine even as she heard.

Pebble talked about the planet, wondering why they were here. The question managed to pry her away from her view, enough to look back at her. "We're here to run and have fun, obviously," she told her. "Come on, meet my new friend," the Lupine instructed before ran, bare-footed as she had exited the ship towards where she had watched the man venture. In the middle of her run, she jumped and in mid-air, she began to transform, bones altering within before her body would change on the outside as well, ripping through the clothes she had forgotten to take off in her run, shredding and falling behind.

It was her paws that landed on the ground again, her body still transforming. She jumped again, in the middle of it, her change completing in the air before she would run into the forest after the older Lupine without hesitation. In her natural form, she inhaled deeply, sensing both the Lupine ahead and the human behind her. Within the seconds, she'd howled before continuing to chase after Gerwald.

 

[Jorco Czeku]

Objective: Discover
Location: Along the Coast
Post: 1

Flying over the canopy Jorco was surveying the flora. From above he looked down from his new Belbullab-22 Starfighter that he got after his B-Wing crashed on Tatooine. Him and a team of his contractors were heading out to explore the planet. Despite the fact that they should flying in exploration craft they were in military grade vessels. Many of the contractors acting in teams inside of K-Wings. I guess if they came across something bad they could bomb the Kark out of it. But most weren't worried. Mainly this was some activity for him and his employees to do off their Venator.

However, during his flight Jorco was called through the comms. "Command, this K-13, we're located along the beach and there's- Keeerrrrshhhh" Static cut them off.

"K-13, come in.,over...K-13 do you read, over...." After a moment of no responses Jorco called out to the rest of his team. "This is command, since I'm close to K-13 I'm gonna check on them, over." There was no response. Man, there must be a bad signal. After that the Rodian pilot headed along the shoreline to find the unresponsive team.

 

[Asher Mossa]

OBJECITVE: Explore the woods
WEARING: This
COMPANY: None for now
POST: 2

​

Another day, another world. Some would say it was typical even, but not Asher. Today the man was several things he usually was not, the most notable was he had made an attempt to lighten up. [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"] had chastised him in a kind way about not being so serious all the time. While he still felt the loss of his wife and son deeply, and while he still searched for a way to break what he believed to be a curse, Asher refused to let that get in his way anymore. Asher had even succeeded in making a friend [member="Eirene"], the handmaiden of Queen [member="Vyra Silara"]. His role in the Mandagora and her role in protecting the queen meant they would not see each other often, but an attachment had been made. What would come of it was yet to be seen.

Today Asher would wander the woods. Any actionable intelligence of the world had said it there was nothing waiting for them. No violence would be required to secure the planet, nor would there be any resistance politically. It was the perfect planet for a man like Asher. His quiet and stoic personality needed the time to wander and refresh himself. The forest air would be much better for his lungs than the stale, recycled air he was breathing on the ship which was the mobile home for the Mandagora.

He shifted off of his bunk when the ship landed. His leather boots padded quietly to the exit and in a matter of minutes Asher was alone in the woods. No one would be able to pull him away from his solitude today. He was not followed, or so he hoped. Calloused fingers ran along the leaves that were in reach as his lungs pulled in a large amount of the fresh air. A contented sigh escaped his mouth, it was audible and shed the weight of his stress as it progressed. Asher felt as though he could remain on this world for a while. There was nothing to do, no deadlines, no killing, just peace.

Asher breathed in again. His eyes closed. There was a waterfall nearby. A smile pulled across his face because where there was water, there was fish. Perhaps his afternoon would be lazy, and dinner would be his catch. A good flame roasted filet sounded good to him, and with that thought in mind he moved toward the sound of the falls. It was some distance away, but he would find it. If there was one thing Asher was good at, it was getting lost in the woods without ever truly being lost.

 

[Samantha Jade]

Location: Heading in the planet.
post: 1

And so it was after having been sidelined by having to deal with some bad deal gone wrong. Where in he had to lay low and hide off for a bit when he found herself stuck in some non-friendly space. With some damage to her ship, she had to wait things out get her ship back in tip-top shape... When he got word thru the grapevine about some expedition which sort caught her fancy. At which time after gunning her ship across to the appointed location care not much about the particulars of when or where. As the length of time being out commision and hiding out made her looking forward to any adventure that could be hand.

 

[Daxton Bane]

Objective: Gathering samples
Location: woods
Interaction: open to whoever likes

When he wasn’t wearing his reflective battle armor, Daxton looked like a rather well of botanist. Holding a data pad in one hand, he carefully took samples of flora before wrapping them carefully and storing them in pouches strapped across his waist. While the others were out exploring the new world, he was busy gathering samples for study and carefully marking where he got them. Who knew perhaps he could find some medicinal herbs or stuff to brew into potent beverages for the Red Ravens to market through their network of contacts and allies.

Keeping a sharp eye on his surroundings, in case someone or something tried to sneak up on him, he continued his work content to be alone in the wilderness for now.

 

[Scherezade deWinter]

Objective: All the Fun
Wearing: This
Transport: Giggledust
Company: [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"]
Post: 2

​

Running through the woods. Of course. Scherezade rolled her eyes, but giggled, as she saw Katrine jump into the air and turn into a puppy. It was something she would never learn how to do; she wasn't a lupine or any other form of shapeshifter. Her human meat armor was all she had, and she usually did her best to take care of it. At least, when she wasn't playing the best pin cushion in the 'verse.

With a sigh, she broke into a run after Katrine. She had no idea where she'd lead her or where they were going, or even where that friend was. Silently though, Scherezade hoped they'd find something they break or kill. Still, with the wind through her hair and the occasional high sprint to make her feel weightless, there was no denying the smile on her face.

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

OBJECTIVE: Run
WEARING: Nothing
COMPANY: [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"] | [member="Scherezade deWinter"]
POST: 3

Once Gerwald was in the forest he ran toward the growth. He laughed as he began to transform running out of the loose pants. Ger was care free, paws pressing into the soil as he continued to run into the parts of the forest which could hide him easlily. His grey coat and brown eyes blended well in the dark green growth. The brown tree trunks blended with the bits of sienna fur that seemed to splash about Gerwald’s back in several places.

The comment Katrine had made went unheard at the pace he kept. By the time she had mentioned how good he looked he was past the tree line and halfway into wolf form. Now that he was fully, Gerwald picked up the pace even more. It truly was a game, one that would end when he was caught, if Katrine could catch him.

There was another scent on the air, human, young. She was chasing after both of them. Gerwald didn’t recognize this scent, but he didn’t care. It was a superfluous sense to the feeling of joy which courses through him as his wild nature took to running in the untamed wood. With every step he moved deeper and deeper into the forest, until he stumbled upon a small clearing. He slowed and sniffed about. This place was curious. It seemed a perfect circle. Now he would wait. Katrine would be interested perhaps, and perhaps not. Regardless this clearing was the perfect place for whatever game they would play next.

 

[Vyra Silara]

​

​

::Location:: ​

Secluded pool with waterfall | The forest depths​

​

::Objective:: ​

Unwind and explore​

​

::Attire::​

White Scaling Gear​

​

:eople In Range::​

None | Open​

​

It was the grey-blue mists, swirling lazily through the thick vegetation ahead that initially drew her attention from her planned path.​

​

Vyra wiped the sweat from her brow and raised her small terrain scanner towards the phenomena, watching the screen with interest, but nothing appeared. Puzzled, she tried once more. Perhaps the instrument was malfunctioning, but… again, nothing. She frowned at the mist, deliberating. Logic and self-preservation would have her ignore it, continue her pre-planned path through the woods that would lead her back to the colony where she'd be safe, especially considering she'd chosen to venture alone through the trees. But the thrilling promise of the unknown grew more undeniable the longer she stood there thinking about it, and oh, how she longed for the freedom of that adventure. It's why she'd volunteered herself for this mission. Vyra had a deep love for her work and the people of Relovian, but lately she'd felt she was losing herself under the weight of the crown she wore and the world she cared for. She needed a break, a moment to reconnect with the woman who'd freed herself from chains, conquered any mountain in her path, who'd survived the worst the galaxy could muster and met life with a sense of adventure.

Like her days of old, marching through uncharted territory with [member=Vidalu Na'an] and The Family, diving into mystery after mystery, barely surviving the chaos they dredged up wherever they went. Despite all the trauma and the soul-scarring pain they'd endured… the Naboo native had never felt more alive than when she was hurtling through life without a map or a safety net. Of course, her taste for the unexplored had gone somewhat sour for a time after her enslavement on Zygerria, and these days she couldn't afford to indulge in perilous, mysterious journeys. She had responsibilities, a planet to govern under the Confederacy, and a queen needed to keep some semblance of propriety.

Good thing she'd left all of that back on the beach.​

​

Here among the towering trees and mossy earth, the slim brunette was not a noble queen. She was not a skilled diplomat, nor a scarred victim, an ex-senator, a faction member. She was just a girl from Naboo with a curious soul, a blaster and a love of climbing.​

She was just... Vyra.​

Pointedly ignoring all the warning bells in her mind, Just Vyra set her jaw, drew her blaster from her hip and tucked her scanner into the small pack she'd slung across her body. And with a breathless smile, she ventured into the mists.

The further she walked, the more the mists cleared, and the scene that met her dark amber gaze at the end of her short 'journey' was nothing short of achingly beautiful.​

Vibrant green foliage embraced a wide, crystal clear pool of water, like leafy feathers around a nest. The water rippled across a small beach of blue-white sand, a rainbow of tiny, smooth rocks scattered like stars throughout the soil, while beyond cascaded a grand, silvery waterfall, frothing as it fed into the pond. Bright flowers brought bursts of incandescent color throughout the greenery, decorating giant Lilly pads floating in the quieter corners of the pool and filling the humid air with a sweet, peppery scent. In spots, the cool mist curled over the water and up the rocky face of the surging falls, blanketing the leaves in a dewy shimmer and obscuring the peaceful area from the rest of the forest.

It felt like a secret, untouched and undiscovered until now, and Vyra tried not to leave behind any signs she'd disturbed it as she made her way towards the waters in awe. Retrieving her scanner once more, she pointed it at the pond and was rewarded with a detailed reading of the terrain above and below the pond. She cast a glance at the wall of mist behind her, barely fluttering at her movement. So the fog had blocked her signals? Interesting. She made note of it in the small recording device on her wrist. Perhaps one of the scientists back at the base would be interested in her odd findings. With care, she examined the banks and surrounding vegetation, looking for signs of life and finding none. Her scanner would have picked up anything under the water, although it did show signs of a few caverns at its deepest, but the only thing that seemed to be 'living' here were the flowers. Vyra found herself mildly disappointed as she slid her blaster back in its holster. She hadn’t hoped for anything with teeth or claws, but it would have been satisfying to be the one to 'discover' a new species, be it small and cuddly or large and threatening.

No matter. She’d followed a mystery and been rewarded with tranquility instead of danger. Definitely not something she was used to, but absolutely not a bad thing. She wouldn’t let this gift go to waste.

That water looked so inviting. But first, to get a better view...

Leaving her pack, blaster and other gear behind in a neat little pile atop one of the dry, flat rocks on the beach, Vyra removed her light jacket and 'trapesing pants', the pristine white of her hot-weather active gear glowing like a traffic reflector as the sun filtered through the treetops. Skintight and extremely breathable, the flexible material was rip-proof and came with a detachable middle piece that gave her core extra support, which she removed. With just a single blade attacked to her thigh and a small jar of chalk for her hands, she raced over the rocks around the pool and took to the dry part of the towering rock face that supported the waterfall.

She reached the top in time after a slow ascent, arms burning pleasantly, legs the slightest bit shaky, the small, familiar sense of accomplishment flooding her spirit. There were no flashbacks this time, no endless replay of her best and worst defining moment on Zygerria. It was just Vyra, the falls, the mists, the climb. Just peace. A refreshing change from what usually ran through her mind when she scaled something and let her thoughts wander. Standing at the top with the water rushing past her on one side and the forest on the other, she squinted, trying to see past the thick grey-blue fog, but it obscured everything past the secret little lake and its banks. How curious.

She peered over the edge, eyeing the pure pool below with excitement. It was quite deep, and all the rocks were at the far edges of the water. Not about to traverse the steep, misty slopes, Vyra made her way to the middle rock that stood out over the waterfall and took a running leap without another thought about it, for surely she'd have talked herself out of the impulse if she'd given her mind a chance.

That indescribably perfect mixture of terror and complete freedom when there's nothing between you and empty space took hold. She was grinning like a child.​

'Just' Vyra hit the lukewarm water with a very unladylike squeal. She hung there underwater for a moment, watching the light sparkle on the surface above. Still high on adrenaline, she thought briefly about exploring the caves below but her ideas were dashed by her sudden need for oxygen. Holding her breath for long was never a skill she'd managed to master. Perhaps she could return with a rebreather? But for now, she'd enjoy the solitude her 'secret' spot allowed her. Remembering she'd brought a swimming suit in her pack, Vyra began peeling off her active gear as she swam for the banks, but the water was so perfectly temperate she was loathe to leave it. So, the young woman tossed her gear on the rocks and dove back in, letting the water caress every inch of her now bare flesh.

After all, she was alone, shrouded by mist and fairly far from camp. No one to judge her meant no need for 'decency' here. She could let her guard down a little.​

​

...Right?​

​

 

[Srina Talon]

Location: New World [Base Camp - Ground Zero]
Standing Near: [member="Darth Metus"]
Wearing: This

Quote: "I am afraid to think what I have done. What I may do. I dare not look upon it again."

The Sith Apprentice had become detached.

It was different than the way most would be used to. Her quiet countenance had always held a touch of indifference mixed with learned propriety…But somehow, this would seem different. She rarely left her quarters while at the Well, and if possible, seemed to avoid idle chit chat even more than she had before. Srina Talon was not a woman that had ever been able to suffer fools, but now, she seemed unwilling to do anything but carry on what she believed to be her duty. She had been born to fight. She waded through blood without fear and without hesitation. She had been taught to hunt, to kill, and to win—with grace.

The more nihilistic her thoughts ran the less she found herself burdened by the compassion that ate mercilessly through her core. She could not be bothered by the deaths of children, or, by the untimely passing of [member="Ginnie Verd"]. She could not allow herself to be softened by the bond she held with [member="Aryn Teth"]. She was, for perhaps the first time, contemplating requesting it of her Master that he attempt to remove the Force Bond that lay between the Apprentice and Commander. At first, Srina had hated what the Jedi had done. With time…She got used to it. Him.

Now…Now she couldn’t imagine not feeling either Metus or Aryn in the back of her head.

Yet, with recent events in mind, she felt as if she posed a real threat to Aryn. The path that she followed by standing tall at the side of her Master had led her somewhere she could not allow him to follow. Often, she could already feel the Jedi slipping. Losing his light. The little Echani had reacted by pulling the blackness out of him, using the bond they shared to devour it, and bury it. She had believed that with her training, with her resolve, she could contain it. Now, she was uncertain.

Her Master, Darth Metus, commanded. She obeyed. They needed the darkside to protect his Confederacy. In order to fight with him, to stand beside him, she had to embrace it lest she be consumed by it. There could be no other way, nothing but this chaotic fall that ended in…

Ended in what?

Srina pulled herself almost painfully from her thoughts when they landed on an unknown world. She remained silent as she watched droids begin to unload equipment and pallets for pre-fabricated outposts. Silver eyes took in the sight of so much greenery, so much beauty, that her heart should have soared just as high as [member="Ahani Najwa"]. Yet, it did not. She felt like the sword that her white-haired elder had tossed, rather curiously, to the ground.

She stepped down from the ramp as Darth Metus addressed her. Unfeeling, ice-laden eyes rest upon him, feeling little more than shame. How often had her dreams woken him? How often had the deaths of younglings caused her to weep? How often, had he hid her tears, protecting her from someone that might see the generally strong apprentice shattered among the ruins of her beliefs?

His warmth, normally appreciated, was paralyzing.

“We can look around if you wish it...”, she spoke, briefly, agreeing with his assessment of placing another Fortress in somewhere a little greener. He smiled, wanting to go on a hike, and she nodded her head slowly. Srina walked to the edge of the clearing they had landed in and took her time perusing the area. Just because scans hadn’t reported any structures or signs of sentient life didn’t mean that there weren’t dangerous. “Do you think they’ll be all right at base camo? Without us?”

Despite the fact that they had not seen hide nor hair of the enemy that Darth Metus had undoubtedly annihilated on Maramere Srina remained…Cautious. She was hesitant, where previously, she had been bold. Unstoppable. She couldn’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t over. Not by a long shot.

The young woman wore tall brown boots with protective leggings tucked in. Or her torso, she wore a sweater with large knitting and a cowl that occasionally his the lower half of her face. Realizing that her Master would likely not take no for an answer, she headed toward a supply crate, and fetched two botas of water. They wouldn’t be gone enough to need rations, but, who knew if the water was drinkable? Despite her disinclination, some part of her was curious about this place, and she couldn’t help but take cursory glances here and there.

Inquisitiveness had always been her downfall.

Some of the other members of the Confederacy barreled from their ships, like children, that had never seen a grassy field before. [member="Gerwald Lechner"] was one of them. She heard [member="Er'in Tenel"] call through the comms that she was going on an expedition of sorts. Srina could only wonder what she’d thought she’d found on such a remote planet. “I promise to erect a monument worthy of you. However, would you not rather we simply come find you before commissioning some devilishly angelic statue?”

[member="Scherezade deWinter"] and [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"] followed after the overly excited man and Srina watched the group disappear into the forest. There were dozens of Confederate souls spread out among the natural attractions the world had to offer. Distantly, she could feel a few Viceroyals, both [member="Jorco Czeku"] and [member="Vyra Silara"]. She had even seen the red and black sinned [member="Daxton Bane"]. There were others, she discovered as they made landfall, that she didn’t even know the names of.

It was startling to her to fully realize that some of the members of the CIS could die today—and she didn’t even know their names. It was different, on Eshan. Even in war everyone knew everyone. How could they do this? How could they hope to keep all of them safe?

“North.”, she announced suddenly, walking neatly over the sword Ahani had thrown, entirely missing the reason. If the elder Echani wanted to abuse fine, fine, weaponry—Srina couldn’t stop her. Despite the fact that it was a crime. Who threw their swords like that? Why? The small woman was very nearly offended by the action. “North, Master…I smell water.”

Where there was fresh water, for the most part, there would be life.

 

[Er'in Tenel]

Objective: Ah am searching for treasure!
Location: Forest, NW of Base Camp
Transport: Jade Dragon
Company: So far, all alone...
Post: 2

"Well, that would be nice. But I wouldn't want to spoil your downtime on such a peaceful planet, Srina. Maybe we can compromise on a quick search before the statue. Hold on, setting down now."

The Jade Dragon swept in above the immense treetops on repulsors alone, danced for a long moment in the air as its droid pilot searched for a landing spot, then seemed to wobble as Er'in took the controls from the droid.

"Oh honestly." She scolded. "Never send a droid to do a Hapan's work - just there, that patch of ground."

"Madame, that area is too small for..." The droids protests were cut off in a blast of startled binaric - Er'in never memory wiped her droids, she liked them quirky, they felt more like the palace servants she was used to - and the Jade Dragon swept into a space theoretically only just large enough to land the vessel. A resounding crunch announced that a tree branch had given it's all to stop them, and failed.

"Well..." She announced in faint awe at what sat before her. "Jackpot."

Five minutes later, Erin (now dressed for the occasion) stood on the edge of the immense hidden crevasse that ran through the forest at right angles to her chosen landing spot. She supposed the hundred meter wide rift - now overgrown from above with the canopy of trees - could be natural, but she'd bet an awful lot of credits it was an impact scar from something moving very fast. Something very solid moving very fast. Or an orbital bombardment.

"I've found a great big hole in the ground!" She announced proudly over comms, sharing the images from her sensory visor back to the main camp for permanent record. "Which is odd, because it wasn't on my scanners and isn't on the charts. I hope you all have a great deal of fun in the sunshine while I'm rock climbing."

 

[Sor-Jan Xantha]

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F7sdy2rZws​

[ Corellia Digital ship Odyssey in orbit of planet Druckenwell ]​

​

While Corellia Digital's so-called self-defense force was comprised of a mixture of Firemane and Kuat Drive System dreadnoughts, it's core exploration force was steadfastly Mon Calamari. Originally composed of just three MC42 Ruisto-class exploration frigates, that force had grown to become part of a paradigm that was known to the corporate board as the triad.

At the foundation of the triad was the company's shipping and commercial freighters, which constituted the bulk of Corellia Digital's interstellar traffic.

Second, as a result of the repeated attacks on their shipping, was the self-defense force. Vindica- and Venator-class star destroyers, supported by Recusant-class light destroyers, Sasori Hammerhead-class cruisers, and Jast First Rate pocket carriers.

But the heart of the triad were the ship's that pushed the boundaries of known space, mapping new trade routes and opening new possibilities for trade in an age of rediscovery and war. The MC80b, Odyssey, was the lead ship of that group. With a crew gathered from the Kathol Outback, the Levantine Astronautical Academy, and the Underground, they were the epitome of fringe explorers.

As such, being in orbit of a Mid-Rim planet was something of a disappointment. The Odyssey and it's crew had been routed north along the Corellian Trade Spine in order to deliver several trade and tax documents to the company's financial institution on the planet of Druckenwell. There, they had also undergone several crew rotations.

Captain Maddick had departed the Odyssey for command of one of the company's Recusant-class destroyers, a move that seemed typical of the corporate board to rotate the officers of the shipping, exploration, and combat ships in order to spread those knowledge, skills, and experience among the different platforms.

Horatio Janis had arrived as the Odyssey's new first officer, arriving from one of the Liorre-class superfreighters. The man stood on the bridge, receiving reports and tracking the vessel's status as he anxiously awaited the arrival of the Odyssey's new master and commander.

The stores had all been on-loaded. All departing crew had voyaged off. All expected crew were being checked aboard. Engineering reported all systems nominal. Once the captain arrived, the Odyssey would be ready to depart.

"Commander Janis, the hangar bay reports that the captain has arrived and is en route to the bridge."

Janis stiffened slightly at the news. Recovering his composure quickly, the man remarked, "Excellent." Hesitating only a moment, he started to ask, "Did the hangar report who we should expec..."

Behind him, the heavy blast doors could be heard opening as the mag-locks disengaged. The entry parted to allow passage, the biometric sensors having detected a corporate identicard that allowed access to the restricted area of the ship's command and control center.

A pair of dark trousers with a Corellian bloodstripe down the sides. A white, banded-collar shirt dressed his torso. A short, Corellian green cape hung from off his shoulders -- a trade off between the Jedi robes of his former life and the spacer's jacket of his personal preference. Soft, Selonian half-boots moved quietly across the deck plates, as the small Anzat youngling made his way across the bridge.

Janis blanched at recognition of the corporation's Chief Executive Officer, stumbling over his words as he managed to blurt out, "Gen... General Xantha, we... are delighted at your presence." Seriously. What the Hutt was the company president doing here?

Bowing slightly, the boy merely took the greeting in stride. "Are all stations ready to depart?" the child asked, curiously.

Janis blanched slightly more at the question. The company present couldn't possibly be intending to take them out? Coughing, Janis cleared his throat before managing to say, "At your command, General."

The boy gave only a nod, before walking to the edge of the command platform that overlooked the massive, dome-shaped bridge. A large, oval shaped transparisteel window peered out into the vastness of space, with the glow of Druckenwell illuminating the lower portion. One hand on the guardrail, the boy turned and looked back at the man. "Mister Janis, you were a navigator on one of the Liorres?"

The company president knew his name? Swallowing, Janis stiffened as he answered formally, "The Yamato, sir."

An enigmatic, Cheshire Cat smile ghosted along the little vampire's face. "Have you ever piloted a starcruiser out of orbit, Mister Janis?"

"No, sir."

The child merely beckoned toward Janis, before wordlessly turning and facing out toward the transparisteel porthole.

No pressure. No pressure at all. "Very good, sir," Janis squeaked, as he turned to issue commands down the well deck below them. "Hyperdrive core to power. Standby braking thrusters," the man issued, pausing a moment before adding, "Ion drive, ahead one-quarter power."

It was another moment before the affirmation came from below. "Ion drive, one-quarter power, sir."

Beyond the window out into space, the planet Druckenwell fell away from view. As the stars seemed to tilt and change perspective, the voice of the navigator trickled up as they heard, "We are clear of Druckenwell orbit and free to maneuver. What course shall I set, sir?"

Janis gave a sigh of relief. "Make your course for Silver Sta..."

"That will be all, Mister Janis," the boy intoned simply, before raising his voice and announcing, "This is General Xantha, I have the bridge."

"Very good, sir," Janis answered with a short nod. "Odyssey is yours to command, General."

A slight wave of one hand triggered a nearby intercom. Turning to peer around the bridge, the boy said, "Command Odyssey, this is Sor-Jan Xantha. I know that many of you were looking forward to making port at Silver Station, but I'm afraid that I must you to wait just a little longer."

Droids and humanoids alike were now peering up at the walkway as the boy continued. "Some time ago, the Confederacy of Independent Systems located a planet inside the Dragonflower Nebula," Sor-Jan noted, letting that revelation linger before he plunged on. "It appears on no star charts. There are no known or established communications with this world, it's history, or it's people... if there are any."

He was working with explorers. Fringers. People who liked walking the line where the map ended.

And now he had their attention.

"...let's go be part of history," the boy noted simply. "Xantha out."

As he stepped back to the edge of the walkway, leaning against the railing, the child said, "Helm, make my course two-eight-seven mark five."

"Two-eight-seven mark five, aye, sir."

"The hyperdrive core at nominal power levels. Diagnostics are green, sir."

"Navi-computer route calculated, General. Hyperdrive at your command."

"Punch it."

 

[Ria Misrani]

En Route to Dragonflower

---

---

---

HMEV Celestial Duchess

Now it had happened that Nysana traveled from Demonsgate through to Eshan, and took a slight detour.

Her long nails clicked and clacked along the surface of the console. "How long until we reach the nebula?"

"An hour." A man responded, and Nysana turned to him her nails now dragged across his skin and she smiled with glee. The Echani was now ready to reunite with her sister and oh what a reunion it would be she thought to herself. She traveled by ship a little something she grabbed from the Outer Rim, now it had been said that Nysana was something of a witch and perhaps those rumors were true but she didn't care. All she knew was that she aimed to meet with [member="Srina Talon"] the sweet darling had decided to live all the way out here? Was their dear Eshan not good enough for her? She aimed to find out, the pale-skinned woman descended the steps and placed her hands behind her back.

"We shall meet soon, sister, very soon."