First Order: Beyond Darkness [Dominion of Rakata Beta]

[Valessia Brentioch]

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UiXrIOtF4Y&t=221s[/media]​

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AS THE CIENA REE APPROACHES RAKATA BETA, IT SEEMS THOSE WHO WISH HAVE THEIR VOICES HEARD.​

ASSEMBLE A WELCOME PARTY FOR THE FIRST ORDER ARMADA. UTILIZING OLDER TECHNOLOGY, ELEMENTS OF RAKATA BETA'S NATIVES EMERGE FROM THE ATMOSPHERE - FORCING THE FIRST ORDER TO MAKE A QUICK DECISION. STAY THE HAND OF COMBAT, OR MOVE FORWARD THROUGH THE HAILSTORM AND OPEN THE​

HAND OF DIPLOMACY. ​

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ON THE SURFACE, AN AGENT FOR THE FIRST ORDER IS ALREADY AT WORK, BUT WILL HIS ATTEMPTS RESULT IN SUCCESS OR FAILURE?​

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MEANWHILE THE KNIGHTS OF REN DEPART THE CIENA REE HEADING FOR AN UNDISCLOSED LOCATION ON RAKATA BETA, WHERE THE ALLURE OF ANCIENT RAKATAN TECHNOLOGY WILL SURELY DRAW THEM TO THEIR DOOM...​

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BRIDGE: Captain Rudolf Sturgeon

Things were relatively quiet now, as they prepared to enter realspace. Sturgeon turned his back to the large viewscreen and began his walk, content that he had delivered the armada safely to their destination. Had he known, that when they entered realspace - what they would be faced with - he would've brought a bigger ship that was for certain. No one quite knew just how far the Ssi-Ruuk had been driven back, or if they would be returning but one thing was for certain - the bloody scales were real good with surprises weren't they? Nevertheless, as the Ciena Ree emerged from hyperspace she was greeted not by the vastness of the stars that surrounded Rakata Beta but by a salvaged fleet, ships that had been brought back to life from the literal grave it seemed. "By the balance..." He whispered beneath his breath and then turned to his first officer and trusted tactical officer, "Rubani - RED ALERT! ALL HANDS!"

The sirens blare throughout the ship, lights flashing red. The Ciena Ree isn't the only one with all hands on deck, the total of Task Force 23 all sounds the alarm. Once more the First Order had been caught off guard. Behind the Ciena Ree were two Stormcloud-class assault cruisers followed by Raptors, Empires, four Inflictors and a hand full of Bolts, Daggers and a flotilla of Conyers-class ships. Met with old Sovereign-class heavy cruisers, Aurora-class frigates, Gehenna-class frigates and at the centre, the Attrition-class light Star Destroyer. Captain Sturgeon gritted his teeth, "ready the guns, and deploy the fighters, now!" He shouted to Rubani who did as ordered and hit the communications line to the hangar.

"DEPLOY ALL FIGHTERS!"

It seemed this would not be a routine diplomatic mission, after all...

"Of that I have no doubt," Valessia replied to Gunther and just as she was going to say anything further she saw that they had emerged from hyperspace and even she could see the 'welcome waggon' that awaited them. "But something tells me they're not here for a friendly hello-"

The Ciena Ree is hit, struck by missiles that just graze against her shields. "If we're going to get down to the surface, we need to go now." Valessia turns on her heels and orders the diplomacy corps, "get to the armoury grab some gear, and double time it to the hangar." There was a chance they could get dirtside in the chaos of the battle if they made it down in one piece well that was another story altogether now, wasn't it?


Hangar: Lieutenant Commander Steahle

No one needed to tell him twice that chit was going to feth in a hyperminute. Grateful that a platoon or two had been assigned to the Ciena Ree, he managed his way onto the comms. The Ambassador wanted to get down to the surface, but there was no way she was going unguarded nor was anyone who needed to get down there. "Ready up 4th Platoon! Get to the shuttles, we've got some VIP wanting to make it down to the planet-" The Ree was hit again, "bloody balance it all, make sure they get down there in one piece! We'll worry about getting them back up here later!"

A full scale naval battle was already in the works with the Ciena Ree giving her own reply to the welcome waggon, the First Order would not be denied this planet. It would submit one way or another, and the will of Seiger Ren would be done.

[member="Gunther Creed"] | [member="Irajah Ven"] | @Jaina Ventor | [member="Quin Leeman"] | [member="Pharazon Draken"] | @KoR​

 

[Maurice Dalton]

Post Five.
Xenotech Laboratories Facility.

"Commissioner Dalton," the lead humanoid was saying. Tall, blue, and evidently muscular. Definitely ventured to the gym most days of the Galactic Standard week. The Chiss was tall, taller than Maurice himself, additionally he had dark hair that was pushed back and partially went down his back. It almost appeared to be uncivilized, in a way tribal, or even, warrior-esque.

The former One Sith Commando approved.

"A pleasure to have been placed here at your recommendation." A nod from Maurice. "If you'll follow me, Sir, you'll find that we already have multiple gas tanks awaiting to be transported to our Yalaran Headquarters."

"Very good. No need to transport all of them. We may test it here."

 

[Pharazon Draken]

[SIZE=14.6667px]Location: FIV- Ciena Ree, Rakata Beta, on-board VIP landing shuttles[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]Objective #2: Black Blood on the Shore (maybe a little bit of crossover with any diplomatic objectives)[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]Post #: 2[/SIZE]

[SIZE=14.6667px]The red lights and cacophony of klaxons roared and bellowed their song of warning, the light refracting off of the perfect white of the assembled Stormtroopers of 4th Platoon. The instant Lieutenant Commander Steahle gave his command over the comm 4th Platoon exploded in a rush of activity, frenetically but efficiently and professionally loading their assigned shuttles with the last of their ammunition, explosives, support equipment and other necessary supplies that had not been loaded when the alarms had begun.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=14.6667px]“Let’s go let’s let’s go!” Pharazon bellowed, spinning his right hand in the air while directing his platoon to their assigned shuttles. “All squads to your assigned shuttles on the double, the safety of the diplomats and officials is now pivotal, expect and prepare for extreme resistance” Pharazon boomed modulating his pitch for maximum authority and bass.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=14.6667px]“When we hit planetside I want anything or anyone waiting for us annihilated if they so much as look at the shuttle or the diplomats oddly” [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]he roared.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=14.6667px]At least I will be able to rid the galaxy of a few Rakata this day Pharazon mused darkly, lustfully.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=14.6667px]“Cain!” Pharazon roared for his protege, “You and Squads one, two, and three will accompany me directly in the Ambassador’s shuttle, she must reach the surface and remain protected, she and her aides are our top priority” Pharazon barked, it was not a request. [/SIZE]

Cain, now completely professional and disciplined, simply nodded and jogged off to assemble and board the thirty requested Stormtroopers onto the main shuttle. The hanger shook slightly as the ship was struck by a grazing barrage of missiles, but the Stormtroopers of the 4th Platoon 189th Grenadier Company paid no heed as they marched at speed in unison up loading ramps into troop bays or seating areas of the several shuttles that the diplomatic corps would soon be boarding. Inside the shuttles for the minor officials they would find at least a squad of ten Stormtroopers waiting for them, prepared to do whatever was necessary to ensure their survival in the coming landing. Inside the shuttle which the esteemed Ambassador would be flying in, however, were thirty heavily armed and armoured specially chosen Stormtroopers. Many of whom were well above six foot who were personally devoted to the First Order and Pharazon and had served together for sometime. They would not fail Ambassador Brentioch, even if it meant dying down on that beach and providing their bodies as cover so that the Ambassador and other officials might live.

[SIZE=14.6667px]Pharazon and Cain swiftly joined the three full squads boarding the main diplomatic shuttle, their armour clacked together as they ran up the shining and sterile ramp, red lights coating everything in baleful flashes. Cain took his place among the men and Pharazon stood by the loading ramp, prepared to receive the Ambassador, her aides, and to direct the other officials to the other shuttles were his Sergeants would be waiting to take care of them.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=14.6667px]“Lieutenant Commander Steahle” Pharazon said firmly into his comm, opening a direct channel to the Lieutenant Commander. “This is Lieutenant Draken, TK-6850, 4th Platoon has embarked and is ready for deployment and to receive the diplomatic corps, we are ready to assume full protective duties” Pharazon finished simply, keeping his report to his superior officer brief and succinct.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=14.6667px]Looking out over the hanger, lights and alarms still flashing and blaring, Pharazon checked that his rifle was set to full power and was ready to belch death at a moment's notice. He hated the Rakata for what they had done, but he knew they would not be easily defeated if they were to fight. Steeling himself for the coming combat, Pharazon began to grow his hate within him feeling it energise his body and clear his mind while feeding the simmering fury of his lust for battle. He never knew why, but he always thought and fought better when he controlled but harnessed his anger.[/SIZE]


[member="Valessia Brentioch"] | [member="Gunther Creed"] | [member="Irajah Ven"] | [member="Jaina Ventor"] | [member="Quin Leeman"]

 

[Jarven Zexxel]

"Ha, hahahahaha..."

It was an odd response to Jarven to see a man, seemingly at his own mercy, to start spontaneously laughing. Odd laughter could always be the most indicative sign of game changing inside of tense negotiations.

"...In my opinion, devil, you're trying to sell yourself really hard. Too hard, perhaps...You see, I know of your ships that have arrived. I know they are now in direct conflict with a mysterious, ragtag enemy fleet. For now, I shall...help you help us. If all goes well with your fleet, then this will all be one nice, big transaction. However, if your ships go kaput...you're dead to me. Am I clear?"

"Crystal..." replied Jarven. "However, when our ships win the battle above and I accomplish this task for you and your faction grows favorably in the wake of your enemies' demise, you will meet with our diplomats and negotiate favorably with them...lest you end up like your rivals. Now...Tell me what I need to know. Who and where is this rival faction of yours?"

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The Red Packers? More like "what-the-hell-kind-of-gang-name-is-this?". Must have been a cultural thing. According to Infinitum, the Red Packers were based out of the entertainment district; a movie theater of all places. This gave them close access to the shops of the strip mall nearby and the food places as well. Somewhere, hidden, locked away, the ancient artifact (the source of their increased support) was kept in secrecy. He would need to infiltrate until he was able to operate overtly in the good ol' beat 'em up style, interrogate them for the location of the artifact and either destroy it or claim it for Infinitum.

Jarven took the public transportation back to the entertainment district. On the way back, he was behind a woman who was carrying a young child. It was able to look back at Jarven over his mother's shoulder, so Jarven waved. For whatever reason, the child thought it was appropriate to flip Jarven the bird and change its focus onto something else. Was that their idea of stranger danger on this planet?

 

[Quin Leeman]

Spoiler

Location: hanger bay, FIV-CIENA REE
objective 4, protect the CIENA REE
Secondary objective, protect the diplomatic shuttle.
friends, first order.
Enemies: Rakata beta salvage fleet.
Post #2

Quin had polished his helmet no less than 7 times while in route to Rakata Beta. he hated being in hyperspace, he was a born flyer. and not being able to fly was like having a strait jacket on. so he kept doing mandarin tasks to keep busy.
When the announcement over the ships comms that they just entered real space . the Battle Alarms immediately went off another call went out,

"DEPLOY ALL FIGHTERS!"

​That's what Quin was Waiting for, it was his time to do his job, Kill all fighters who appose the First Order. HE quickly climbed in to his Tie/IN interceptor, he threw on his seven time polished helmet. making sure that the Air hose was connected. he checked all flight controls, weapons, and shield systems. he was ready to go. he saw A few shuttles being filled with several political figures and the whole of 4th platoon.

​Before he would leave he would check his orders. "Lieutenant Commander Steahle, Flight officer Quin, what are my orders, escort the shuttles or target enemy fighters?" he then waited for his orders.

Gunther Creedhttp://starwarsrp.net/user/6975-gunther-creed/http://starwarsrp.net/user/6975-gunther-creed/ | Irajah Ven | @Jaina Ventor |Valessia Brentiochhttp://starwarsrp.net/user/11442-valessia-brentioch/http://starwarsrp.net/user/11442-valessia-brentioch/ | Pharazon Draken | @KoR

 

[Kriel Firin]

Objective #1
Post 2+1

Spoiler

Note to self: Don’t start a theme of songs with ‘ancient’ in the title without checking there was a plentiful supply of videos available!

Kriel glanced around the somewhat rudimentary seating area of the shuttle. It was, truth be told, a cargo vessel which had some basic seats welded into place for this mission. There was clear logic – to make the ship look as low-key as possible. The Knight of Ren did not mind at all. He had endured worse – such as landing in the fireball that now ensured he wore the mask of a Ren not just for anonymity, but to allow him to breathe more easily.

He noted the two Disciples carried theirs at the moment, as opposed to wearing them. All three were dressed relatively low-key – with black appearing a popular colour and the ubiquitous cloak a fashion accessory of choice.

He surveyed the two Disciples in front of him. One he was beginning to know – she was his apprentice after all. Her dislike of flying was new to him and he intended to ascertain the reason at some point. Maybe she just hated inactivity? Regardless, the nervous energy she was leaking should be harnessed into something more productive.

The other was a closed book to him. She appeared a loner – which came with benefits and drawbacks – and she seemed calm to the point of relishing the solitude of meditation. He sensed the dark-side around her too – but she seemed to be feeding off it, rather than the other way around.

Finally, a light above their heads flashed and the cabin lights were switched from white to red light. They were no doubt landing at night and this would acclimatise them to the environment. And soon they landed with a bump and Kriel stood and with a few long paces was at the exit ramp as soon as it began to lower. As it did, he strode down, never looking back. “Follow me,” was his only interaction.

[member="Ara Ren"]

 

[Perth Levov]

Objective #1
Post 2+2

Perth remained motionless. Travel was something she used to abhor. It was wasted time in her opinion. But since she’d understood she had an affinity for using the Force, her outlook had changed. Meditation had allowed her to connect more deeply with her emotions. It also gave her the opportunity to review her notebook and either practise her use of the Force or review the various clues it contained.

Which is what she’d done prior to the mission, ascertaining how valuable and specific the information contained was. Sometimes it contained a name of a cult or a specific location. This time it only shared two things – the name of the planet and the word ‘Temple.’ It was not much help, but it was enough to encourage her to participate.

Once they landed, she rose and joined the short procession that was exiting the ship. Her pale eyes scanned the immediate surroundings. They’d landed next to a forest and this was clearly as close as the shuttle could get them to their destination. It seems a number of potential locations had been identified and this team was assigned the one that was quite literally in the centre of the woods. It was cold and dark and as the wind picked up, she drew her cloak closer to her body. At least it wasn’t raining!

 

[Dunames Lopez]

Objective: Build a spaceport in an industrial area
Allies: First Order
Enemies: Unknown
Post: 3/20

"We're being hailed"

"On screen"

"This is the Rakata Beta authorities. You have 10 seconds to explain your presence here"

"We are here to repair a run-down spaceport"

"While we appreciate your effort, it seems that the First Order's hand is at work here"

That's not good, she thought. By now it was painfully obvious to everybody and their dogs neighboring First Order space that Star Tours was associated with the First Order. But here it was equally painfully obvious that the spaceport where she was about to land on was in dire need of repairs. Cracks in the duracrete, a terminal that was about to crumble, a tarmac that was ridden with potholes, that was what the First Order would need to repair. Plus the spaceport was destined primarily to cargo use in an industrial area, so that repairs can be conducted with minimal fuss from the locals. Yet Dunames feels that the timing is not right to commence the repairs. Maybe it's because there is some red tape she isn't aware of, maybe it's because she isn't familiar with the layout of the stuff, or even the local construction codes. But the Rakatan construction codes are an unknown quantity to her. True, she didn't want a repeat of Jiroch-Reslia but she had no idea what it means at all in this context.

 

[Zmej Ren]

Location: Rakata Beta
Objective: 1
Post: 3


Nothing interrupted the shuttle’s brisk descent through the atmosphere, spearing towards the position destined to become their new home. Unlike others, the only Force sensitive aboard experienced the exact opposite of a relaxing flight; a growing sensation of unease pierced Zmej’s focus – something in the Force did not feel right, violently disturbing her meditation. Upon reaching out to it in hopes of pinpointing and identifying this disturbance with her limited skill, the anomaly mockingly vanished, only to reappear someplace else, laughing a cold laugh while brushing against Zmej’s signature with ease. The disciple had felt several Force oddities in her life, yet none so alien and obscure – and this unknown quality made it all the more unnerving. It toyed with the young Ren, studying her presence in the same manner scientists observed experiments.

All privacy was lost when she felt it going through her memories, trying to read each year of life like a story meant for little children. It was perverse, every event trying to replay inside her head against the young woman’s will as she suddenly remembered pointless details from childhood. Suppressing the attacker became top priority. Clearing her mind equalled denying the alien presence the chance to probe deeper and further – anything to stop it from reaching her training, First Order’s secrets. Fear gripped Zmej’s heart, as she was caught completely off guard by the unexpected mental battle.

Fear leads to anger.

Anger raced to fend off this overly curious invader, repelling its presence with aggression summoned at the Ren’s command, spewing hateful flames and burning the invader out. Quickly recalling a technique to steel one’s mind against outer violations, Zmej reinforced her mental defences against any future assaults on her mind while looking at her fellow passengers with suspicion gleaming in her corrupt eyes. None of them could defend themselves against mental attacks, not effectively, anyway. Have they also been examined, without standing a single chance of realizing it? Storing the thought in the back of her mind, the disciple of Ren fell back into trance, though not without cautiously searching for the invading signature first. This strange event definitely warranted a detailed inspection and she made a mental note to inform the captain once they settled.

 

[Nisha Skaiyr]

Location: Aboard the Ruination​

Allies: First Order, [member="Darth Carnifex"] and co.​

Enemies: Rakata Beta Opposition Forces​

Objective: Cathartic Bloodshed​

Equipment: Sith Sword; Armorplast-&-Weave; Respirator​

Post #1​

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Sat in a small room on the Ruination, a grey-skinned Sithling by the name of Nisha Skaiyr prepared for battle. But unlike the common soldier, her preparation was less practical, more spiritual.

A small scrimshaw knife, enhanced by ancient Sith magic, carved delicate, intricate runes upon the armorplast breastplate with which Nisha was provided. Each rune was a name, each name that of someone whom her Master had murdered. Ninety-nine names, and all of them ended with "Skaiyr."

It wasn't often that Nisha cried, but as the final details of her memorial were completed, she allowed herself a moment of weakness. Tears streamed down the face of the War-Witch, and in quiet, hushed whispers she rambled in Indoumodon. She spoke of violence and vengeance, of hate and pain, and of the many, many tortures which she would inflict upon Carnifex, as soon as she had the power to do so.

Five minutes later, and Nisha, having mostly recovered, made her way to the Deck of the Ruination. Blackblades and other soldiers of the Panathan Empire skirted around the edge of Nisha's personal space - whether this was out of respect for her position as Carnifex's Apprentice or fear for the same reason, Nisha didn't know. But she had to admit, it was a deeply satisfying reaction to her presence.

Soon enough, the young woman stood beside the towering figure of the Butcher King, arms crossed respectfully behind her back, tone as polite and humble as the Indoumodian Acolyte could manage. But no matter how flat and neutral she attempted to portray herself as, there was no containing the hint of eagerness in her words.

"Battle is soon upon us, my Lord. I can feel it in my soul."

 

[Ara Zambrano]

Objective: #1
Post: 2

As the lights flashed and the cargo ship landed with a bump, Ara swore and clutched the hilt of her saber tighter. The landing knocked her off of her perch, eliciting a quiet, yet emphatic, comment about space travel. Clipping her weapon to the belt she wore, the disciple followed her Master and comrade off of the ship happily.

The moment her feet touched solid ground, the snapping, anxious energy abated, soothed by the feeling of solid, natural earth. Noting that the other disciple chose not to wear her mask, she tucked her own away, preferring to see without the strict confines of a mask. Not to mention that she would be virtually blind while wearing it. Her Hapan heritage meant that she struggled to see as well as others in any low-light setting, and a mask would filter and restrict the natural light surrounding them. While she'd learned to compensate for such a disability with enhanced hearing, she knew that she'd be better if she did not have to relay on her ears alone.

The woods around them whistled with the sound of wind whipping through the trees, the sound eerie and echoing the engine noise of their transport. The cold seeped into her bones, a familiar ache from years on the streets. She was glad that she'd opted for full coverage for today's mission. Not just fro protection from potential enemies, but from the weather itself. She flashed a glance at Perth and noticed the woman clutching her cloak tighter. Ara was tempted to do the same, but pride, and vanity, kept her from doing so. Instead, she pulled the cowl of her hood a little further, protecting her ears, eyes, and nose from the cold sting, and stepped up just behind Kriel Firin.

He was still an enigma, but one she respected. He never treated her as incapable or weak, and she appreciated it more than if he'd coddled her. A few bruises and welts remained from their sparring sessions, but she found she liked that he did not pull his strikes to avoid leaving wounds. Each one was a lesson she'd remember and not repeat again.

"Your orders, sir?" She still wasn't sure if 'master' was the proper term, they rarely used titles when sparring. If he took offense, she'd change her wording.

[member="Kriel Firin"]

 

[Quin Leeman]

Spoiler

Location: space near the FIV-CIENA REE
objective 4, protect the CIENA REE
friends, first order, knights of Ren
Enemies: Rakata beta salvage fleet.
Post #3

​Quin could not what for orders anymore he had to get out there now. he lifted off the rack and slammed into space. it was already turning to crap, he scanned the area for enemy fighters or bombers, the radar light up with bogeys. they where heading for the Ciena Ree, Quin would not have that he flew to engage the bombers first. he speed towards them shields full power and weapons ready. he knew their ships were old and salvaged from whet they could find. so he'd have a good chance of getting a decent amount of kills while remaining pretty safe. he went in for the kill on a squad of three bombers, and he destroyed them fast and easy, but Quin was not fooled he knew there were some ace's out here. it was just a mater of finding them. he would love a challenge. he continued to pick of rookie pilots

 

[Zmej Ren]

Location: Rakata Beta
Objective: 1
Post: 4


They landed on a small clearing, far away from the First Order’s forces. Trees and tall, lush grass painted a picturesque image that soothed all minds with its healthy green colour and fresh air humming across the green plains. It would be terrifyingly easy to forget everything, let go, lie down and watch the sky for all eternity. Definitely a vacation place for some, but not for Zmej Ren, who intended to leave as soon as her work here was finished, still feeling the strange signature’s trace linger about. Unable to get it off her mind, she was the last one to exit the shuttle. Soldiers fanned out at great speed, dragging heavy weaponry and equipment, weapons ready and issuing a challenge on anything that would dare to test the First Order’s finest. No signs of hostilities yet, but better safe than sorry, and so they immediately set up defence positions around the landing zone, the shuttle’s long range transmitter presenting the only mean of contacting their allies and requesting supplies or backup.

Silent footsteps produced by her booted feet brought the Ren upon solid ground. Free to reach out through the Force once more and feel the surroundings, Zmej shut her yellow orbs closed, brows furrowed in focus. Immense concentration often produced results, such was not the case now though. Alongside the ant-like soldiers, many distractions polluted the disciple’s senses – yet none remotely similar to what she had experienced aboard the shuttle. Perhaps if she devoted enough time to the task, she’d achieve better results. Smouldering ashes of anger continued to exist in her heart, providing an excellent fuel for the dark side. If the alien presence approached again, she’d be ready.

Harshly playing with her cloak, a sudden gust wind tore Zmej from her silent contemplation, gaze immediately hunting for the man in charge. Greene stood by a tree, leaning against its trunk, eyes watching the horizon with worry and anticipation. When the disciple approached, he did not turn around, lost in thought. Much like her, he also looked forward to leaving the planet, not foolish enough to be lulled into a false sense of security by its serene appearance. While the white-clad troopers continued to unload material and equipment, the two glory-seeking artefact hunters were permitted a moment of privacy.

“Captain, tell your men to stay vigilant. We are being watched.”

“Our readings show zero-“

One gesture of her hand and his mouth stopped.

“Something attempted to invade my mind through the Force. Do not let your guard down."

Disconcerted, he nodded.

“I need to meditate. No one is to leave the landing site until I permit so,” Zmej spun on her heel, but before departing, one last glance met the captain’s, “And captain? May the Supreme Leader watch over you.”

 

[Darth Carnifex]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7c-n4k3XrU​

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Aboard the Ruination
Enroute to Rakata Beta

Like [member="Nisha Skaiyr"], the Dark Lord of the Sith Darth Carnifex was undergoing his own pre-battle ritual and meditation. He sat cross-legged in a small chamber adjacent to his own private quarters, his body stripped of garment until only scarred, calloused flesh was bare. Eldritch Sith tattoos ran the length of his torso, twisting and curling in on themselves as they displayed blasphemous words and phrases in the ancient Sith tongue. Each word seemed to smolder lightly in the chamber's eerie gloom, wisps of smoke rising up from his flesh as he bowed his head in reverence; his lips moving in a silent prayer to honor the Dark Side of the Force.

From the darkness emerged beings shrouded in billowing cloaks, and in their hands they held metal basins of sickly sweet oil that sloshed slightly with each meticulous step. They knelt before the Dark Lord and bowed their heads before dipping their fingers into the oil. They then began to slather the Sith Lord's naked flesh with the oil, taking great care to smear the liquid on every conceivable surface, into every nook and cranny.

Once the Dark Lord's body was slick and shiny with the substance did they finally back away into the darkness only to return with various pieces of clothes and armor. Carnifex stood and allowed them to dress him first in practical skin-tight vestments before they began to assemble his gray-green battle armor onto his body one piece at a time. Only when he was fully clothed did they finally disappear into the darkness never to emerge, leaving Carnifex truly alone in the smoke-heavy gloom. He strode cautiously over to a marble basin elevated upon a pedestal, the basin's interior filled to the brim with the ash and soot of hundreds of slain Jedi.

Resting upon this mound was the Dark Lord's battle helmet, horned and cruel, and with nimble hands he lifted it up from its perch and carefully pulled it down over his head. On the way out of the chamber he plucked both of his lightsabers from a plush pillow on a table near the exit, sheathing them to his hips as the door closed behind him.

The journey to the Ruination's main deck took no time at all for the gigantic Sith, and his arrival was met with devotion from his barbarous subjects. Yet he had not been there for but a moment or two before his newest apprentice rolled up on the scene bedecked in combat armor inscribed with runes that caused him to scowl beneath his horned visage. "You'll be feeling that sensation quite often, apprentice. The galaxy is wrought with conflict and strife."

The Ruination burst out of hyperspace in orbit of Rakata Beta alongside the rest of the Imperial incursion fleet sent forth to claim this world for the greater Order, and soon the might of the Panathan King would descend upon its barren wastes.

 

[Dunames Lopez]

Objective: Build a spaceport in an industrial area
Allies: First Order
Enemies: Unknown
Post: 4/20

"Explain what you have found around the abandoned spaceport"

"Really? Traffic control made me land into an abandoned spaceport?"

"It wasn't technically abandoned, more like it was a white elephant"

"Cracks in the tarmac, run-down, possibly ruined buildings: we have come to rebuild the place"

"What assurances do we have that the First Order will actually end up being any better than the last faction to have controlled the place"

Time to make this white elephant a better place, she thought. The Lords of the Fringe have been acting like Sith factions, when they were around, to the best of her knowledge, which is fragmentary at best. The First Order has been a much less evil (even if dark-sided and perhaps a little fascist) faction compared to Sith factions: Yula mentioned it as much in the Je Suis Sith Inquisitor issue of the Sith Inquisitor, published after the attack on the Sith Inquisitor and available onboard the onboard library of the Ultima. But Virginie wastes no time in uploading the local construction codes into the ship-wide neural net of the ship, so that they can ensure that the proper precautions are made if and when the local authorities will actually let them rebuild the spaceport. Yet, to Dunames, something wasn't right: it's not about how outsiders face more red tape than locals, but how the local authorities consider the place an abandoned spaceport, or even a white elephant. But she decided not to commence reconstruction work just yet.

 

[Aran Piett]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------​

Bring your own Objective: Show of force to Rakata Guerilla Forces​

Location: FIV Subjugator​

Post: 1​

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Looking out into the darkness of space as the Subjugator traveled through hyperspace to the planet Rakata Beta, Aran kept thinking about how it felt to be back aboard her, though he loved the Resurgent, and couldn't wait for his new command ship to be built by the Corps of Engineers. He still missed his old Victory Class. ​

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"Lieutenant, time until we arrive at Rakata Beta?"​

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"10mins Sir."​

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Orders for the Subjugator were to drop into the atmosphere and make the First Order's presence know to some militia forces that could be a problem for the boots on the ground. The orders also gave Aran discretion to provide fire support for any forces calling "broken arrow." Though he felt it would be a bit over kill to do so, if the need arose he would be inclined to provide support.​

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"Commander, arriving at Rakata Beta."​

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"Thank you crewman."​

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The Subjugator lurched out of hyperspace, the planet of Rakata Beta nearby, Aran didn't have to give the orders to descend to atmosphere, since he already briefed the crew before leaving the Endor Sector.​

 

[Hansen]

Agent Totallex
FIV-Ciena Ree Ventral Hanger

The klaxons sound throughout the ship as it enters realspace. Jaina sits in the cockpit of T-70 X-wing, canopy drops down with a low whine and her astromech droid makes a series of chimes. "We have our orders; Rendezvous with the Subjugator and neutralise the insurgent leadership. Just another day at the office Lowie." Jaina's left hand depresses the throttle with the right hand around HOTAS guiding the X-Wing through the hanger Deflector shield; Crimson One goes on the hunt. Green eyes study the salvaged fleet from behind cockpit canopy and polychromatic visor. Missiles whizz past the X-wing and presumably slam into the Ciena. "Woah!" Jaina's fighter performs a roll to the right and tries to glances over shoulder, Lowie releases an alarmed scream. "I know, I know! I saw it!" Crimson One's pilot growls angrily S-foils split and fan out to help disperse the heat licking along the X-wing's airframe. Jaina's emeralds keenly study a ship that abruptly shoots into her path with Rakata Beta, albeit at a distance away. "Ah! The FIV Subjugator." Jaina comments within cockpit after an analysis of the Ship's registration on flight computer. "Lowie, I want you to hail the Subjugator. We might be able to enlist their services for our activities on the surface." Crimson One hails the Subjugator as it closes the distance between itself and Rakata Beta.

[member="Aran Piett"]

 

[Dunames Lopez]

Objective: Build a spaceport in an industrial area
Allies: First Order
Enemies: Unknown
Post: 5/20

Dunames drew a blank: she wasn't familiar with exactly how Star Tours or the First Order could provide assurances that they would prove better than the last faction to ever have held that region of space. Obviously the galactic game of thrones as it pertains to this region is a little sketchy; it is wild space after all. Kaeshana was making the residents of neutral regions around First Order space a little uneasy. If the First Order is at war against the Alliance, who is to say that the Alliance wouldn't raid Rakata Beta? The suspicions of the Rakatan authorities are understandable in the context; perhaps these suspicions wouldn't have been present pre-Endor (or even pre-Kaeshana). Yet the words white elephant resonated with Virginie, taken aback by that wording, and those unpleasant memories of Hoth resurfaced. It was perceived on Bespin, Skye and other major First Order worlds that the location was not viable, but whereas the original plan called for dozens of alpine skiing trails, only a half-dozen have actually been built, with only one ski lift in operation, with the main complaints being planet-specific.

"You told everyone onboard not to repeat the mistakes made on Hoth. The location just wasn't ripe for that sort of thing: too cold. But, while you were busy on Vorzyd, I tried to get preliminary work done on Dosuun's mountains for something that will, hopefully, prove to be less problematic than Hoth was"

"Just submit the applications for the construction permits"

"We still need to ascertain the layout of the resulting spaceport, and this is why we hired RCA Architects for this plan"

"Boss, there will be a white elephant-shaped annex for the museum on the Infinite Empire"

"Virginie, was that your idea again?"

 

[Micah tol Powl]

RAKATA BETA
Location: Knights of Ren Landing Site Echo-7
Nearby: [member="Soleil Ishtar"]
Equipment: Sasori Toolkit | Rusty LBP-2

Echo-7 was the callsign for one of several locations planet-side where the Knights of Ren were to insert themselves.

As a more secure location than some, it doubled as a kind of base camp for the terrestrial operations that were occurring. As such, the landing site was guarded with stormtroopers who patrolled the perimeter in order to maintain security around the shuttle and its escort vehicles.

Just as before, when he'd traveled into space in order to learn how the Navy operated, the young Pantoran was along for this ride in order to observe both the Knights of Ren and the stormtroopers in the field. As such, he wore his Junior Imperial Academy uniform. Albeit, somewhat altered by the inclusion of his weaponized gauntlets and the subcompact blaster that he carried.

It probably sounded exciting... it was actually kinda boring. For the most part, his duties consisted of taking lunches to stormtroopers deployed afield and taking sensor measurements. When he'd asked what the point of that was, he'd been told that shifts in the electromagnetic spectrum might indicate power converters, shield generators starting up, or other indications of adversary movement. Of course, his next question had been... what's an electromagnetic spectrum?

Unlike before, however, this time he wasn't the only Ren Hopeful along for the ride. There was a girl, which was disappointing. But she was younger than Boo was, so at least she wasn't as annoying as the [member="Zmej Ren"] types.

Was the teenage Ren even on this planet?

...and did they have to take her with them when they left?

In any event, the boy had been taking and refilling canteens for the stormtroopers. So, he'd been going by the water supplies frequently. And he'd picked up a spare water ration for the girl.

Because it was the right thing to do. Not because he liked her or anything...

Walking over toward her, the blue-skinned boy held the ration out toward here. "Here," he offered simply.

He hadn't even asked her name yet. And he wasn't planning on it. Asking for names was the start of a slippery slope in the elementary and junior academy grades. If you knew each other's names, people were going to think you were friends. And if they thought they were friends, then they'd think she was his girlfriend.

Nope. Better, then, to keep the conversation to a minimum.

See? Girls were nothing but trouble. You couldn't even talk to them!

 

[Zmej Ren]

Location: Rakata Beta
Objective: 1
Post: 5


Something powerful and dangerous was coming, arriving on the foul wind of several deaths. The Force told her as much in a foreboding sensation, revealing much anger and hatred swooping on the landing zone. Opening both eyes and letting their corrupt yellow shine across the woods, Zmej Ren stretched her arms and rose up, swiftly putting the menacing helmet back on after removing it prior to kneeling in a meditation. Rushed steps carried the woman back to her allies, intention of warning them further increased her brisk pace. Worry started to creep into her thoughts, cut short upon seeing white figures through the trees, facing no attack whatsoever. Time to prepare was running short though. In a few moments, her robed figure stood in front of the captain again, finally noting the decrease in numbers and frowning.

“Captain, where is the rest of your men?”

Truth to be told, she did not really care about an explanation, as her order before departing into the woods was clear. More irritation seeped in, causing an uncontrollable shaking, fists clenched. Not being taken seriously made the woman's blood boil.

“I have sent several men to scout the area ahead. They should be back soon.”

There it was, the explanation of deaths she had felt.

“They’re already dead. You should have listened to me.”

Gloved hand moved down, seizing the lightsaber hanging on her hip.

The captain opened his mouth to speak when she hit him in the jaw. Although a much stronger, larger man, he was caught by surprise, giving Zmej the opportunity to hit him again. And again. Once more. Just for good measure. The Ren continued to relentlessly pummel the man’s face with the cross shaped lightsaber, robbing him of any chance to retaliate until a short fall brought him to the ground, nose broken and bleeding all over the grass, short gasps leaving his mouth.

“Listen, captain,” Zmej started, every word dripping with suppressed anger, “Either share the glory and prestige of completing the task with me or get crushed under my heel. I will not allow your ambition endanger the mission.”

Before the situation progressed any further, first shots rang out, alarming the entire company. A nasty-sounding snap-hiss that radically differed from those usually produced by the iconic weapons and the captain found himself bathed in red light, stare locked with a crackling beam of pure plasma. Fear appeared in his gaze, body frozen and unable to act, silently awaiting the judgement. Instead of bringing the weapon's terrifying blade upon him, Zmej mindlessly charged into battle, finally having an opportunity to fully unleash her wrath.