Extending the Front (The Moross Crusade Dominion of Ceto)

[Sam Aellin]

Sam let out a groan. Four months pay. It was so much money, it was...it was...

He needed pants.

“Okay.” Sam said meekly just as the line finally moved forward and allowed him to move into the freshers. Slowly the Crusader began to clean himself up. He rinsed himself, showered, and then threw away the soiled pair of pants and underwear, never thinking about the incident again. When he was all done he reached out from behind the shower curtain and grabbed the pair of pants from Brill.

He slid them on, realizing that going commando wasn't always that great when in the military.

Then he stepped out of the freshers a new man, incident completely forgotten.

“Right.” Sam said looking down at the Cantrosian. “I need a drink.”

The invitation was very much implied and quickly the man stalked off towards the second mess hall, no one will have heard about the...incident there yet.

 

[Blackthorne]

"Capital Ships?" Loxa inquired with some curiosity. The Ambassador was no specialist on ships herself, but so far as she was aware, Moross had not arrived with anything larger than a frigate - hardly considered capital ships when compared to their actual capital ships. Then there was the numbers involved ... just two ships. No more, no less. They had others waiting in the wings outside of Ceto space, but that was simply a precaution taken in the event the Horde had beaten them here or tried to intervene. One could never be too prepared.

The Priestess looked amused for a moment, "I suppose the presence of any unknown religious entity might seem rather imposing. I do hope to change that. I am prepared to depart for the surface, if that is the course of action you wish to take. Crusader [member="Crystal"], will you be joining me or staying with Commander Vorru?"


@Judah Dashiel

 

[Judah Dashiell]

[member="Loxa Visl"] [member="Crystal"]

Sola Tanau nodded once. She started to gather her things so she could travel to the surface.

"Again, perspective may be taken askew. One must remember that the Horde has been on our doorstep. No doubt the rumors on the ground are more in relation to them rather than yourselves. We have a team working to give a press conference on the media channels to allay the fears any may have. Very brief, mainly that no one is being invaded and you are not the Horde. There will be time for more press releases in the coming weeks."

"Departing for the surface would be wise. There is little left to discuss here and it would be wise the finer details be left to Representatives on each side."

Meanwhile, Judah got up and stretched with Chalu. He wasn't sure about the entire ordeal but things seemed to be progressing. The salvager and the Mon Calamarian made their way out of the conference room, lingering in the halls. They were waiting for [member="Thessa Kai"] to arrive on the transport. It was probably best she missed most of the diplomatic negotiations. Diplomatic subtly was certainly not the mermaids strong suit.

"Think we can put the facility back at full production? Recall the workers and their families?"

"Not just yet Chalu. Lets give this new partnership time to settle in. Honestly, I still expect the Horde to show up and challenge this Crusade. It wouldn't surprise me and I don't think we would be in a good position to have to evacuate everyone again. Remember Silk has their plan with the children, no doubt we'd be called upon to help."

"You do have a valid point..."

 

[Siara Vorru]

Listening to the discussions continue Siara couldn’t help but outwardly smile and inwardly laugh at the idea that an organization that decided the fate of a planet suffered no corruption. Government corruption was universal and often a source of pay for someone in her profession but that didn’t matter, she wouldn’t be any part of whatever council decided the fate of Ceto in the future. She would instead be on the front lines of whatever future battles with the Horde occurred and for that she was thankful, that was much simpler.

As the negotiations seemed to come to a close for now the Kiffar woman was thankful she would not have to go to the surface and glad hand the populace, [member="Loxa Visl"] seemed much better suited to that task. Better yet she was going to get to negotiate deployment of their forces and possibly spend someone else’s credits, which certainly appealed to her. She found it likely if this [member="Selka Ventus"] woman was looking to make a sale she would have a complete inventory of designs at her fingertips available, perhaps she would take a peek through for herself, see if she could arrange for a ship of her own. Cruising around in the ships of Moross was all well and good when she was working for them but once she got this mission out of the way she may want to take on contracts for others and for that she would need a means to get around on her own.

Her responsibilities calling Siara looked at Loxa. “If you are going to the surface I would like you to take an escort, take [member="Piraiba"].” She looked at the big Togorian with a smile. “Try not to scare the locals too much, we want them to feel at ease with this arrangement, if they see someone like you on their side it ought to bolster their moral, after all what sane person would want to take you on.”

 

[Crystal]

Crystal nodded in agreement. "I would like to join you, yes." She smiled. It would be an interesting experience to make first contact on Ceto. Especially since the last time had not gone so smoothly in the beginning. That poor wolf had got himself singed for not responding as she might have liked. Communication failure, no less.

Sola had things well under control from what she could tell, reporting the truth rather than spreading fear and terror to the population. Of course there would always be those that were skeptical of what they saw on the holo, which was not always a bad thing.

The Sith Princess watched as [member="Judah Dashiell"] left and Sola gathered her things, and prepared to follow her and [member="Loxa Visl"] to transports to the surface. [member="Siara Vorru"] suggested that they take [member="Piraiba"] with them. Crystal grinned. "Here Kitty Kitty."

 

[Blackthorne]

Rising from her seat, the Priestess gave a quiet nod in return to the words of Sola Tanau.

"As you wish, Commander Vorru," a subtle glance was given to [member="Piraiba"], though Crystal seemed to have the warrior well in-hand. Loxa walked with Sola as the group made to leave the meeting chamber for a transport in the hangar bay.

"I have never been to a water planet before," Loxa admitted, walking with her hands lightly clasped at her back, robes quietly swaying around her in rhythm with her stride, "I am very curious about your deep-sea dwellings. Are they much like those the Gungans inhabit on Naboo? I have read about them in my studies."

[member="Judah Dashiell"]
[member="Crystal"]
[member="Siara Vorru"]

 

[Judah Dashiell]

[member="Crystal"] [member="Loxa Visl"] [member="Siara Vorru"]

"The more the merrier to the surface. There is little for us to do here in space." Sola walked along with Loxa, mirroring a similar position. Ceto Representatives filed out behind the Moross group into the hallways, murmuring to themselves or on their comms busy coordinating recent developments. It was as if a small swarm of low buzzing insects were following.

"They are similar to what the Gungans have, yes. Due to our large Selkath and Mon Calamarian population they have tweaked the designs and mingled them with their own. Humans often find the first few trips unnerving. Being so deep with nothing but a shield system to hold back the water. Its truly beautiful though. We're quite proud of our metropolis under the sea. Most non-aquatic species live dotted on the larger islands that make up the surface."

 

[Blackthorne]

An easy smile crossed Loxa's face, shadowed by the hood of her robes.

"I have only the deep underground caverns of my home, Aaris III, to compare to. Not quite the same, I do not think. To imagine I never once believed I would see the stars as I do now - a distant dream for someone who was once a slave."

[member="Judah Dashiell"]

 

[Piraiba]

Piraiba eyed Siara, and then Crystal as he assumed they were both having a good chuckle at his expense. This had been a rather dull mission so far, but maybe Crystal and Loxa would get into some trouble. Then again Loxa didn't seem the type to get into trouble. The Togorian frowned, but ultimately nodded in agreement.

"Piraiba will follow, but does he get armor for the surface?"

[member="Loxa Visl"] [member="Crystal"] [member="Siara Vorru"]

 

[Judah Dashiell]

[member="Loxa Visl"]

"I imagine the caverns would be slightly different, especially for someone of your background. You must be extremely proud of where you've come from compared to now. It would be no easy task to do such a feat. Most people aren't even lucky enough to travel outside their system."

A transport to the surface was docking, letting off a few passengers. Mainly Silk employees and a rather disturbed looking mermaid. A clear berth was made before the Representatives were allowed to board the shuttle down to the surface.

"Is there some place you desire to see first?"

 

[Vascious Relens]

[member="Thessa Kai"]

A human man with short cropped gray hair, was making his way back to his seat as Thessa sat down. The man was old, but everything about his posture, clothing, and grooming screamed military. His complexion was even a bit on the lighter side, but this wasn't too uncommon among those that wore armor long term.

The soldier became amused as Thessa started to to pass out her hateful look to those that had been eyeing her stomach. He leaned forward and squinted his eyes a bit to get a bit of a better look at her.

"Was the pregnancy worth losing your wings for several months? I saw your face once in the Vagrant Fleet. You were a pretty good pilot if memory serves me correctly."

 

[Blackthorne]

"I am proud, yes," Loxa replied as she followed Sola onto the transport, "and I am grateful. I would never have accomplished these many things, seen these planets, if not for the people of Moross. I would still be a slave, dreaming of stars."

Golden-hued eyes turned to [member="Piraiba"] and [member="Crystal"] as they loaded onto the transport. The togorian seemed bored, and this drew a wane smile to the Priestess' lips, "Where we go, you do not need armor, friend. Let us view some of the islands from the sky before we see your cities beneath the water."

 

[Crystal]

Crystal accompanied Sola, [member="Loxa Visl"], and [member="Piraiba"] to the transports. "I haven't been to a water planet in a very long time," she commented. She chuckled at Piraiba as he asked if he could have armor now. She knew the answer of course, and could only chuckle. The Sith Princess clapped his paw "It's okay. We'll have fun."

She listened as Sola and Loxa discussed the water world. It sounded interesting. And impressive. It should be quite the sight. Crystal boarded the transport and found herself a seat for the tour. It seemed they were going to see the islands before seeing what lies beneath them.

[member="Judah Dashiell"] [member="Siara Vorru"]

 

[Thessa Kai]

[member="Vascious Relens"]

Iced-azure gaze panned to the grey-headed man. She wracked her brain for the memory the voice stirred-up. Sparky gave off a sassy-warble at her side. "Who said I stopped flying," the Galan quipped, recognition creeping over her features. "And you are wearing a lot less armor. What're you on - vacation - retired?"

The shuttle rocked slightly. A tremor of pain ran through her. Grimacing, she ducked her head, fingers gripping the edge of her seat. Something wet trickled down her leg. Eyes snapped-open. "Oh. Stars. THIS is happening! No...no...no...no". Another tremor of pain ran through her and she hunched forward.

Sparky let off a high trill and a series of beeps.

She attempted to stand. This couldn't be happening. Anywhere but here. Judah wasn't even here!

 

[Judah Dashiell]

[member="Loxa Visl"] [member="Crystal"]

Sola Tanau was one of the last to board. She made sure the Moross people had window seats at the transport. Ceto officials were crammed into the back where the views would not be as spectacular. No doubt they already knew the topography quite well. Her head poked in to explain to the pilot what their intentions were and how to circle around the planet.

"Indeed, we will have some fun. Everyone should be in for a real treat. I'm having the pilot circle a number of sections. We might even land along the way.Let everyone stretch their legs, experience our first class beaches and scenery."

The transport lurched slightly, hurling the group of officals down towards the planet to view the sparkling tropical waters.

Meanwhile, Judah was still waiting on Silk Holding's ship for the arrival of one [member="Thessa Kai"] . He wasn't sure if the mermaid had decided to turn around and get chocochews or a kelp shake or who knows what. Leaning against the cold wall of the Pathfinder-class ship, he turned back to the comm.

'You three get lost? Waiting for you up here.'

 

[Vascious Relens]

[member="Thessa Kai"] [member="Judah Dashiell"]

The old man raised his eyebrows in genuine surprise that she was able to faintly remember him. They were not close accomplices during the Vagrant fleet days, but he supposed both of them had that subtle characteristic that stood out in one's memories.

"Certainly not retired, but I suppose you could call me a tourist. I was curious of Ceto's people and of its beauty," added Kalee right before she suddenly felt her tremor of pain and leaked onto the transport's floor.

As the Galan tried to stand, the Mandalorian was right in front of her in an instant. The man placed a hand on her shoulder and gently stopped her from getting off of the seat. "It's ok ... take a deep breath." His voice was soft and calm despite the panic that had rushed through her mind at that moment.

A curious warmth permeated through her body from where the Aesir had placed a hand on her shoulder. Vascious was not capable of healing like the Jedi or Aesir Inari. He may have been far from a stereotypical Sith, but there was no denying that he was still very much darkside aligned. His powers could be of use to her though. The tendrils of darkside energy that flowed into Thessa's body from his hand had immediately started to dull her pain receptors. He couldn't knit flesh together, but he could stimulate a body to ignore pain and blood loss for a time. It was how a Sith could continue to fight even if it meant death was all the more guaranteed.

"Deep breaths. The shuttle will land soon. Is there someone that you can call?"

 

[Piraiba]

[member="Loxa Visl"] [member="Crystal"]

The Togorian eyed Loxa and then Crystal as she clapped him on one of his claw adorned hands.

"You think the planet is that safe," asked the creature with a bewildered look on his face as they led him onto the transport. The large cat didn't seem to understand the concept of a planet that wasn't crawling with danger. It seemed likely that he hadn't been through many peaceful suburban neighborhoods on backwater planets.

As the others went to find seating he stayed nearby with a hand on the ceiling. It was difficult if not impossible to find the Togorian sufficient seating on most ships.

 

[Thessa Kai]

[member="Vascious Relens"] [member="Judah Dashiell"]

She bit back a scream as the first contraction peaked and then...dulled. The gaze of a crazed-hormonal pregnant woman snapped up to Vascious. With surprising strength for a non-force user, she peeled his hand away in a crushing-grip. "If my memory serves me right I know enough of your character to realize you are trying to help. But so help me, I will overcome the nine circles of hell if you ever try to affect me with any sort of force mumbo-jumbo again and I will break every bone in your hand. This. Hand." He wouldn't know about her past. He wouldn't know about the torture from Daxton Bane and how wary she was against any force users. But he would understand her tone and hopefully, respect it.

She gulped down another breath, scrunching up her face in pain as another contraction worked its way through her. Most of the other passengers were wise enough to give them space, making room for the Galan to lay down if she so desired. Her comm buzzed at her side. She released Vascious' hand and shoved the comm toward him. "Now," she managed between breaths, a surprising picture of calm on what needed to happen, "please text my husband. Judah. And for kriff sake, SOMEBODY GORRAM LAND THIS SHUTTLE!"

Years of Naval training was really starting to pay off.

 

[Vascious Relens]

[member="Judah Dashiell"] [member="Thessa Kai"]

As Thessa gripped his hand in self defense and looked up at him, she was met by the expressionless eyes and facial features of the Aesir that tried to help her. Her words and tone were full of hormones, which was understandable given her predicament. Still the threat seemed to roll right over him.

In truth he had the impulse of wrapping his free hand around her throat and giving a comparable squeeze. The Mandalorian was able to refrain from this though and instead placed his free hand on her other shoulder. He was able to smile despite her anger.

"You may choose the pain if you wish it. I will not stop you."

When Thessa handed him her phone, she was able to finally put a dent in his external emotional armor. The old man narrowed his eyes in confusion as he looked down at the device.

"Text?"

There was a long pause before he finally pressed the button to call Judah instead.

 

[Judah Dashiell]

[member="Thessa Kai"] , [member="Vascious Relens"] , [member="Piraiba"] , [member="Crystal"] , [member="Loxa Visl"]

Sola's gaze kept flicking to the large feline creature that seemed to have trouble relaxing. Maybe it was the fear of crashing above open water. A number of their visitors got a little anxiety when they saw the vast expanses of crystal blue water glittering below them. The transport had swung low in the atmosphere, gliding smoothly over the planet. Much of the traffic was centered around the main island of Lir. Boats - both primitive and modern created wakes in the ocean, gliding across the surface.

"As you can see, we are passing the main island of Lir. Most non-aqauatic species live near Lir or its chain of small, outlying islands. On Lir resides our largest spaceport, with another on the second largest island of Ahti. Ahti is located roughly halfway around the planet. Currently it is typhoon season so we may see several tropical waves on our fly by of the planet.We're currently headed towards the undersea city of Sobek. It is our capital and the largest city on planet."

Judah was still leaning against the cool walls of the transport, in conversation with his Ceto project manager.

"....We're on schedule for that space station. Once its finished I'm just going to auction it off. The cost to repair and modify has been minimal compared to what we can get out of it. I mean, Salacia salvaged the thing. The biggest expense has been repairing that gouge and hiring a navigator..."

Buzzing and chiming alerted him to an incoming transmission. Pausing mid-sentence, he quickly saw it was Thessa. Odd she didn't text him back. Maybe she was walking around somewhere and didn't have the time to.

"Get lost on the way up here Darlin'?"