Invasion [GA | DE] Operation Shadow Hand | GA Defense of Tython, Empress Teta, & Prakith

[Makai Dashiell]

EMPRESS TETA

Casteel Mer'taal

“An excellent plan, Castie but there is one flaw. You don’t fly.What do you have, a chauffeur down here, chained to the wall, waiting for a war to break out?”

Stepping onto the turbolift, Makai leaned his back against the wall as he spoke to the man. Wrist buzzed, chronometer illuminating with the incoming message reply from Ellie. He turned his arm to look, it was evident she was not aware of the news quite yet. A good thing. Makai was confident El-Three would tell Ellie at the right time his situation ; it's not that he didn’t want to, he just knew his fiancee would have questions he couldn’t quite answer yet.

“I would hazard a guess that we wouldn’t have to worry about someone trying to break in until after the initial shelling. After I would suspect looters and those just trying to survive emerging and starting to poke around. Not to mention any lingering opposing forces.”

Turbolift descending, Makai guessed they were going down far enough to prevent the largest of bombs or shells from penetrating the bunker. Knowing Mister Kuhn, nearly everything had been thought of right down to the decor. The half-Galan didn’t have to wait long, turbolift doors opening into something that looked more like a luxury flat rather than a stark, military bunker.

“It looks like you down here Castie”

Setting the crate of supplies on the countertop, chronometer was buzzing yet again. This time it was a call from Ellie, no doubt trying to get a hold of him to ensure his safety. El-Three must have delivered the news to her,which Makai was surprised he did so quickly. Always looking out for their best interests, their protocol droids often took their own liberties.

He held up his wrist.

“Dark Net is still working.I’ll call her back in a moment.”

Makai set his briefcase down on one of the couches, planning on trying to sit and re-assess their situation shortly. Once he was certain they were fine for a moment he would speak to Ellie. Talking to her without the facts would just make things worse.

“What now? I assume everything is secure. Do I need to go check on the vessel or any generators or…?”

 

[Sahar]

Sahar|Empress Teta|Dark times​

"I Will honor their sacrifice, who will honor yours?"

She offered An eye roll before she sprang into action, activating her lightsaber just in turn to deflect his blow, holding it in place and pushing back before answering with a few heavy and harsh swings and strikes of her own.

The two danced the duel of death amidst the chaos of the urban sprawl; the harsh hue of Sahar's orange light saber illuminated a face full of terrifying indifference, once an unblemished visage now marred by the hand of a Jedi. Sahar had had years of solitary confinement to stew over her failures towards her Emperor, and it all manifested in a boiling rage and determination to get revenge no matter the cost to her or anyone around her.

With the two locked in a struggle, she took the moment to examine the Jedi, whose curls and looks reminded her of someone she once knew in another life. Someone she'd also tried to kill and nearly very much succeeded.

Dagon.

That look of indifference soon twisted into one of pure hate. And she tried to use that pause to grab the Jedi and pull him in for a savage headbutt. All sense of formality in the duel was thrown out of the window as the Kandaran saw red.

Alicio Organa ​

 

[Jonyna Si]

​

Tags: Detritus Ren Taam Moghul
Gear: See Bio
​

Detritus would try to retaliate in kind by taking his free hand that absorbed the electrical attack, and channeling his pain into his rage would he attempt to use the Force by first summoning objects he could from the ground, then sending a barrage of large rocks, metal, and pieces of the ancient temple from millennia of decay would be sent flying towards the two, as if to overwhelm the two for a brief moment, and provide the Master of Ren an opening to retaliate against his foes.

Taam's hand extended, a subtley shimmering shield of the Force spreading out to deflect the debris from he and Jonyna. Moving forward, the shield advanced with him as he closed in to meet this stranger blade to blade.

Jonyna was quick to shift her movement, hiding behind the shield her mate had summoned just long enough to deflect the incoming debris, before suddenly her feet erupted with flame, shooting her over the shield and towards her opponent. She didn't know if he was sith, or something else. It didn't really matter to her, in the end. He was attacking a sacred temple, wielding weapons of the dark side. Once in the air, Jonyna slashed not with Liz, but with her saber Lucy, a river of flame shooting towards Jin's head, before Jonyna twirled mid-air, flame bursting from her arms to rocket her around, lightning once more shooting from Liz as the songsteel blade came around with a forceful blow aimed to slash at Jin's face.

Normally, this would be a swift battle, over in an instant. Jonyna didn't like these drawn out battles. She hoped that with Taam drawing the man's attention, she could get in a killing blow, and end this swiftly. The longer this went on, the more things could go wrong. The more the risk of her or Taam getting hurt. She couldn't risk that. The wind stirred more, the sound of low tribal drums filling the air. Taam could hear it, the sounds of Cathar behind them, cheering them on. Sure, it wasn't some crazy force power, pushing them with vigor to keep fighting, but rather it was nature itself, showing it's support. The Force answered Jonyna's request, and now it willed them forward, while taunting the enemy.

The clouds above stirred as well. Thunder rolled in the distance, as heavier clouds rolled in. The planet itself was slowly beginning the stir.

 

[Aron Thress]

Obj 3
Tag: Spindle

The hallway was still, itself, eerily quiet. The battle down the hall continued to rage, but to see the untouched marbled hall itself was something of a disconnecting event for Aron. He continued to wait, pacing back and forth, but spied the figure coming down the hall from the direction of combat. A figure wrapped in the brown robes of the Jedi, accented with red.

It didn’t immediately cause alarm for Aron, himself draped in unconventional Jedi attire. What did cause concern, however, was the direction the figure was walking.

They were walking away from battle.

“Hey?” He said, questioningly, stopping his pacing, returning to the center of the hallway.

“What’s happening? Why are you here?” He asked, pointing back towards the battle, “is it going poorly?”

 

[Jon Hojkstra]

ONCE LOYAL // Issue 2​

Cinnegar East Bank, Empress Teta
Allies: Thomas Barran Salvor Thul Kroeger
Enemies: Ashley Nevermore Gress D'ran Lycus Merita (lmk if missing someone)
INTERACTING: KN-967 TK-818

​

They trudged onward, each step bringing them closer to Maglev station. Another power pack spent, another reminder of the relentless onslaught they faced. Starbird forces lurked around every corner, every floor, every room.

Outnumbered and outgunned, backed into a corner by a shimmering dome looming over their heads, the stormtroopers pressed on forward without much of a choice. They were behind enemy lines, clawing deeper and deeper towards the station, risking an easy encirclement should they even stop for a brief respite.

"Ugh, your daddy is griping about your comm issues," Kane called out and he raised an eyebrow wondering what the hell she was blabbing about.

"What're you on about, kid?" the question remained unanswered as she swapped helmets with a fellow comrade, further enshrouding her gibberish in mystery. The veteran's gaze remained on the two stormtrooper's faces—kids; young enough they probably had no memory of the Empire he'd once served two decades ago; old enough to die for the Empire in a foreign world.

Jon Hojkstra had once sworn an oath upon donning the famed white helmet.

He had to get these kids out of this world.

"Here," she tossed a long-range comm of those found in a stormtrooper's helmet; he could forget his name tomorrow, but every nook and cranny of a stormie's helmet would live on in his memory unmoved.

"Kroeger, huh?" Jon said to himself, realizing what the Corporal was talking about moments ago. Before he could add anything else, a blaster shot rang too close and another of Kane's stormtroopers fell cold on the ground, head disintegrated into mush.

Mourn later.

"We're sitting ducks out here in the open, kid." Jon remarked the obvious as he primed a smoke grenade "Get to that skyscraper and we might have a chance after all." he hurled the smoke 'nade up ahead to cover their advance.

"Go!"

 

[Aziraphale]

He moved quickly, seeking out the source of the pain, but there were obstacles of his own to overcome, and it seemed he would not arrive in time to intervene...​

TAGS: Denn Verdan

Denn was right; he would not arrive in time.

A shadow, ominous and all-consuming, swept over him, a precursor to the dread that followed. This chilling presence brought with it an aura of sheer despair that seemed to seep into every crevice of the surroundings, draining color and hope with its oppressive weight. As this darkness claimed the ground beneath Denn's feet, a figure with hair like blazing infernos descended from above, his arrival marked by a precision that spoke of lethal intent.
This figure, clad in a bodysuit as black as the abyss, landed with a grace that belied the doom he heralded. As he unfurled his wings, an even deeper chill permeated the air, the kind of cold that clung to the soul. His presence alone was a maelstrom of sorrowful despair, casting a pall over the environment that was almost tangible in its intensity.

"And where do you think you're going, little Jedi?"
he asked, his voice a cold purr that wove around Denn like chains. The large, black wings fanned out, dwarfing Denn and amplifying the sense of entrapment. Across his features spread a frightening, malicious smile. This grin was not one of joy but a harbinger of suffering, a cruel anticipation of the havoc he intended to wreak.

With a menacing flourish, Aziraphale ignited his violet light whip, the sound of its activation a sinister hiss that accompanied the despair washing out from him. The plasma seared the ground, drawing lines of fate in the dirt with as it's length snaked outwards, preparing to ensnare Denn in its deadly dance.

" Tell me; have you ever felt the lash's kiss ?"​

​

​

 

[Gnost Zym]

Ko Vuto​

---

Darth Howl wheezed through his mask. It made unsettling sounds only Ko would easily recognize as muffled kel dor laughter.

"I can feel your anger," he sounded pleased, "Good. Embrace it. Through passion you gain strength."

The Sith acolyte raised a hand and lightning arced from each fingertip igniting the corrupted aberration in a burst of flame. It howled in something like agony. As if demonstrating Howl's point the pain drove his sithspawn creation into a blind rage. Burning branches swung down in his would be Jedi apprentice's direction like clubs.

"Your master will fall like all the others. I showed you the fate that awaits your Order when we first met. Together we could alter destiny itself."

He reached out but this time no lightning issued forth. Instead Howl's upturned palm was open in a gesture of comradeship.

"Join me, Ko. Only I can complete your training. You aren't strong enough to stop what's coming. Not yet."

 

[Vulpesen]

Every second that passed, Vulpesen felt strength flow into him. The more Alicia attempted to rebuff his attack, the more he drew from her power. Though, faced with her as he was, the Valde was still able to notice her movements and the surge of force energy to his side. With a growl, Vulpesen deactivated his saber and dove forward. He could feel the wind of the debris above his back and he bit back a yelp as a chunk of it slammed into his tail. He'd managed to avoid the worst of it, though he stumbled a bit as he regained his footing, his balance a bit off due to a crook in his tail.

"That was better," he grumbled in acknowledgement, his saber clicking into place at his hip. Like Drey, he too raised both his hands. Despite the ache in his tail, he knew he'd found a working strategy against his opponent. She might have been clever, a fantastic infiltrator, and a powerful spellweaver, but she was also the patient sort. She gathered her energy would strike out with devastating force whenever given the chance to collect herself. He wouldn't give her that chance. Relentless as a flood, he doubled down on his force drain, once again attempting to drain Alicia dry of force and life by launching an even greater web of crimson tendrils. Any energy offered by her shield would simply be channeled back through, empowering his attack.

Alicia Drey

 

[Casteel Mer'taal]

The Shopping District
Empress Teta - Cinnagar
Interacting with: Makai Dashiell Once more, Casteel regarded Makai with an incredulous expression before remarking, "Piloting droids are quite common, Makky. Rest assured, I do not have an Ugnaught pilot dwelling underground awaiting my command." His tone carried a hint of amusement as he scoffed lightly. With purposeful strides, he made his way toward a control panel situated on the right, overseeing the operations of the entire bunker. This subterranean facility, spanning numerous levels beneath the surface, offered a sense of security against the distant echoes of potential bombardment.

With deft movements, Casteel activated the air conditioning and the ventilation fan, ensuring a continuous circulation of fresh air throughout the bunker. Raising an eyebrow at Makai's remark about the bunker resembling him, he mused, 'You mean organized and functional?'

He accepted the implied compliment gracefully.

Upon Makai's assurance that he would call her back later, Casteel casually began to loosen his tie. There was no need to maintain formal attire in such circumstances. "It would be prudent to return her call promptly. Delaying may only serve to heighten her concerns if she is unable to reach you."

As for their immediate course of action?

Casteel took a moment to collect his thoughts before tilting his head in contemplation. "How about a drink?" he suggested with a faint smile.

 

[Denn Verdan]

​

As darkness seemed to unfurl around him, Denn couldn't help but think about his time among the Aing-Tii.

That had been an Oasis of peace in a life that had subsequently been dipped into the realm of Shadow. Sith, Sith Abominations, and even the Dark Undead had consumed his life since he'd returned to the affairs of the galaxy in the wake of Aing-Tii annexation.

Now those horrors had come here, to the Jedi Temple.

It seemed to envelop him in its grasp.

The plasma-like whip sizzled ominously, as Denn prepared himself for its onslaught.

"I have not tasted such a kiss, nor do I intend to.

My only wish is to evacuate the people from this Temple.

I care not what you wish to do with this place once the people within are safe.

Allow me to take our people away from here, and you will receive no opposition from me.

There is no need for us to battle. We can both have what we want.

You can claim victory here without ever needing to land a blow."

There was no stone, no patch of ground, no relic, no sacred site that was worth as much to Denn as the living beings who used this Temple and were caught up in this whirlwind of evil.

If he could save the people and surrender the temple, he would consider that to be a trade well made.

---

Aziraphale

 

[Aziraphale]

Denn Verdan

Aziraphale's laughter erupted, with manic, boisterous echoes that filled the air with foreboding. "What I desire," he proclaimed, his voice dripping with malice, "is to savor the melody of your anguish, little Jedi. I am beholden to no faction; my fidelity lies solely with the caprice of my whims and the delight I take in tormenting the playthings I stumble upon... So, tell me, will you crumble with the ease of fresh snow beneath my boot? Or will you quiver like leaves in a tempest? Perhaps, you might even implore me, begging for the mercy only I can bestow."

His words were a chilling taunt and temptation, hung heavy in the air, promising pain and pleading in equal measure.

 

[Denn Verdan]

​

Denn's gaze dipped for a moment, his shoulders slumping slightly. A vision of defeat.

"If all you desire is suffering, then you are lost. You've been consumed by the Dark Side."

Then he lifted his gaze once more. "I will do my best not to harm you."

He pushed a slide on his saber hilt, and a stun field enveloped the blade. Whenever Denn could, he fought this way. Light sabers could be terrible weapons, severing limbs with a flick of the wrist. Boiling guts inside of your body. Roasting the air in your lungs.

If he could stop someone without hurting them, that was always his preference.

"If begging you will make you reconsider, if that is something that would please you, then I beg you to let me evacuate this place.

If not, and if the attacking force is repelled, then I will do my best to get you the help you need."

He stood, ready. He would not be the first to attack, and shut the door on negotiation.

As long as there was life, there was hope for a better way.

---

Aziraphale

​

 

[I'dadr Gargon]

Location: Objective 2, Teta, Eastern Front, Concealed Signal Post

Objective: Coordinate the artillery line with accurate information , from concealed recon position.

Friendly Units: 1st Gargon Forward Recon Platoon "Rats of Gargon"

Positioned looking East -Recon 1st Squad (Also includes me): 1 Sniper , 1 Spotter , 1 Heavy Repeater , 1 Rocket Launcher , 1 Infantry

Positioned looking North- Recon 2nd Squad : The same as above, excluding myself

Hidden Deep inside the south side of the signal post - Signaler Squad: 5 Infantry with Basic Portable Signal Array, and Tactical Battlnet

With the Signal Team as ordered -Med Team: 3 infantry , 2 Medics


Personal Equipment: [PKA] PL-1 "Ghost Stalker" Heavy Sniper Rifle
Basic Beskar'gam Styled Armor with Jetpack
[PKA] PH-1 "Barve Stopper" Heavy Revolver

Allies: Shev Skirata Ruus Kote Anakwor Farlorn

Enemies: Thomas Barran Janus Cassel

The front was static to the normal eye, but not to the forward lead scout analyzing the position. Which would be Gargon and his rats that had managed to finally succeed in creating the signal post for their forward concealed recon position. I'dadr was raised by his buir that the most dangerous soldier is not a tanker, not an infantrymen, not even a drone, but an operative on the ground that can scout positions and coordinate fire support. That was what his men were trained for, they were forward recon signalers trained to conceal and then map troop movements and coordinate strikes when the opportunity arose. On a low frequency the rally master would begin calling coordinates to his compatriot Shev Skirata.

" My men are relaying information on several grid squares, enemy transport has crash landed on grid square G725. Artillery barrage is recommended , to fire for effect."

On his comlink he would then relay information to a Ruus Kote, he had worked with another clansmen with the last name Kote in the past. On his comlink he would speak more commonly, at this point he would be given a tough tactical decision early in the battle. Due to the tactical information that his observation post was spotting.

"Vod, it looks like our front is being probed by several smaller squads in preparation across the eastern front. From what it looks like there will likely be a larger offensive that may take place on the east. However the north is dealing with the brunt of the action right now with a large droid attack, we cant make out what they are armed with but they should be considered very dangerous. Jate Oya'karir!"

It was not his decision to make with how to deal with the probing attacks, it was just his job to pass along information from his observation post and then through his signal relay and mobile battlnet where his unit marks the spotted troop movements from way up close to the front. After relaying information he began looking through his scope from his concealed position. The marksmen looking for opposing forces out there that are isolated or lost, that could be picked off. They may be hidden, they were in a forward position where the action could heat up at any moment. The north was getting karked by the looks of it, either the north gets reinforced, or the east gets reinforced with anticipation of a possible offensive. Only the force knows what will happen.


Summery:

-Signal post is operational
-Recon signal operations are underway.
-I'dadr is attempting to scout out and learn more about Thomas Barrens forces
-An pinpointed artillery barrage is called on Janus Cassel's position
-Recon Ambush shenanigans if an isolated unit comes across my concealed position.

 

[Thomas Barran]

4th Post

-TERROR PREVAILS-

THE_BLOODHOUND
GREAT KHAN OF THE SCAR HOUNDS
WARLORD OF RHIGAR & MAR'ZAMBUL
DIVINE CHAMPION OF MOTHER REBIRTH

Tags
Friend: Ardana Vorco Kroeger Maestus
Minako Aoki-Barran KN-967 TK-818 Kazian Blackwood
Jon Hojkstra Sahar Rath Nihro Salvor Thul

Foe: Ashley Nevermore Gress D'ran Makai Dashiell
Casteel Mer'taal Lycus Merita Alicio Organa
Silas Westgard Damian Du Couteau I'dadr Gargon Ruus Kote
Vo Pandyn Shev Skirata Anakwor Farlorn

A NEW CENTURY, A NEW TERROR II: ULTRAVIOLENT BEGINNINGS - PART 6

​

GREYZONE OUTPOSTS,
BATTLEFRONT: NORTH,
CINNEGAR, EMPRESS TETA (901 ABY)

-DARKHANS III-

'Alright then, Aspirants.... Show me what I'm supposed to see.'

Show me the Marauders of the next generation.
​

'We've got some areas locked in, geolocated with potential strong-points, artillery installations and such.... But we've been busier a little farther afield, as you can see on the projection there behind you.'

​

With the UAV-swarm running it's course just minutes before the varying droid-attacks, it gave the analysts below-ground a clearer picture of the arrayed forces holding out against them, though they knew the information and locations gathered would be but a small fraction of the arrayed defence to the south, west and east of the Grey-Zone. A small sacrifice for the findings they wished to eradicate before the second wave, but for all the Great-Khan wished to achieve without needless cost of Mawsworn lives, all that could not be seen would ultimately prove to be the elements that cost the most souls before the day was done.

​

'Flanks look occupied, but only insofar as a few blocks away from the northern river approach - or is that just a shooting-gallery?'

​

The next batch of gifts from the Mawite lines were also running late by then, mostly on account of the recent surprise-attack on the Khan's compound holding up the drop-pilots' momentum, giving the forward-operating Darkhans no other option but to commit as far as they could, and with it - as far as they previously intended.

'Sadly the latter, Darkhan.'

<"All Darkhans! Whatever ya got - send it!">
<"About fething time, Rook! On it now.... Nail - out!">
​

The closest positions would be the first targeted by droid-ordnance, attacking any and all lingering defenders found remaining within the Grey-Zone after the initial landings' hostilities, anything of the sort that had appeared as out of the ordinary from before, all would be considered before the main lines were embraced. But after a certain point, there was nothing left but the geolocated targets within the defenders' static-line, and it was in this part of the first wave that all predicted challenges to arise; as such was always the risk with redundant, retrofitted and jerry-rigged droid-projects, and especially so against an enemy of significant technological advantage, and yet the results would help the Maw to learn it's true extent either way.

The high-powered explosions would ring out with expected potency from the south, as was expected from the explosive FPV-drones sent to Nail's place beyond the spearhead, then soon the lesser, grenade-pressure detonations were heard close by and in the east alike, heralding in the first wave with aggressive effect. But the long-expected jamming actions would be put into effect all too soon for the Darkhans' liking, and all before the first minute's droid-harryings had subsided, leaving all the Aspirants around Rook to groan in disdain for the jamming-tech the defenders' had at their disposal, as more of the same droid-varieties were leaving their reserve positions to pile on the pressure at the time. With little more than a jamming-pulse, only the fortified positions had any such safeguards against jamming-tech, thus the Grey-Zone would be subjected to the nullifications of the defenders, at it's mercy for mere moments - and those moments were more than enough to cripple the majority of the assault's first wave.

A simple flip of a switch, only that would be needed to cancel-out and disconnect the attacking droids from their receivers - with the southern FPV-drones being the only sort to carry risks in their plummeting freefall to the ground below.

​

'Oh, so now they decide to jam our signals? Send riders to retrieve the nearest - I have all the intel I need to formulate a plan without them.'

'War, Death, REBIRTH!!!!'
'War, Death, REBIRTH!!!!'
'War, Death, REBIRTH!!!!'
'War, Death, REBIRTH!!!!'

A NEW CENTURY, A NEW TERROR II: ULTRAVIOLENT BEGINNINGS - PART 7

​

MARIMA BOULEVARD,
BATTLEFRONT: NORTH,
CINNEGAR, EMPRESS TETA (901 ABY)

<"Nail to Bloodhound! They're jamming the droids! Rook wants to implement old-skool methodologies, what do I tell him?">

<"The feth you askin' me for, Nail? You can take up stone-age tactics for all I care.... If you think they'd work, rest assured I quite believe you! SO GET FETHIN' BUSY - CLOCK'S TICKING!!!!">

<"Copy that, Bloodhound! Nail - out!">
​

Some of the Beastriders had been early to find their quarry, but unfortunately for those most-eager, most-earnest of Onderonians, no such safety-nets of nearby support were available to them, thus these unfortunate braves would be left alone at the mercy of the compounds' suprise-attack contingent for too long to survive the encounter. Making the process of finding the counterattackers all the more difficult, and by the time the main swathe of head-hunters had found their own bearings in the search, the Bloodhound soon realised they'd need to act fast, as there was much and more that was being held off in the prioritisation of the search over everything else. Even the bodies (and the dead/dying beasts with them) would be found before the next firefight rang out to the north, marking with it every last step they were trailing behind the infiltrators at the time.

'Ghoul, go back to the inner-citadel.... We don't need to stop supplying the outposts, or at least, not on account o' chasing our own tails here.... I'll handle this for now.'

'War, Death, REBIRTH!!!!'
​

'Great-Khan, if I may....?', the Beastriders' new leader stepped in to speak, showing great courtesy since the night he accepted the Bloodhound's offer, and this alone was viewed as reason enough to humour and heed any insight offered on Zhuratt's part. Nodding permission for the sake of the ticking clock, Barran patiently listened as the young Warlord explained,'We've been sweeping northwest to southeast, then north again from there, and though most of us don't even realise it yet - we've still been utilising pastoralised, livestock-herding methods to effect.... Likely drawing our opposition back in the direction they came from, so it should be nothing more than a case of staying the course from here.', bowing his head in clear subordination to the leader's ultimate decision at the end of the hunt.

'Here's hoping this turns out t'be true.... Lead the way, Zhuratt. Time's a-wasting here.'

As the search-parties made off on another northward sweep, it was only then that Thomas looked to the skies again, only to find himself raising an eyebrow at the sight of three giant smoke columns at the general whereabouts of the three forward-operations bases, but it wouldn't take long for Barran to see what reasoning guided the necessity behind the latest of unorthodox ideas. Not if the rising southward breeze-intensity was anything to go by, as any wind that caught the smoke columns would kick the plumes outward, consequently obscuring the viewing clarity of any would-be counterattackers, and for as long as the fires beneath continued to burn, the true extent of the smoky haze's reach would continue to spread out through all the streets beyond the reach of the Khanate Grey-Zone.

'Heh!'

Ye best be quick with those package-drops, Ghoul....
Something tells me your fellow Darkhans are growing a little impatient.

​

 

[KN-967]

Location: Empress Teta, Cinnegar East Bank
Allies: Monos | Salvor Thul | Kroeger | Thomas Barran
Enemies: Ashley Nevermore | Gress D'ran | Lycus Merita
Interacting: Jon Hojkstra | TK-818
Theme: [x]

The hellfire of war surrounded the small batch of troopers, only a few remained. With each loss, their effectiveness dropped. The amount of fire they could return, the number of doors they could cover. The situation had started off desperate, and now with the loss of Recon and earlier, High Light and Team Aurek, the last flicker of hope seemed obscured by fog and smoke, barely visible in the grim reality of combat.

The small team, now numbering only five, had managed to slog their way to the shadow of the skyscraper, meter by bloody meter. Enemy guerilla tactics forced them to slow to snail’s pace, crawling through rubble and short exchanges of blasterfire with Alliance soldiers. They had to stop, deactivate antipersonnel mines under threat of enemy fire, or purposefully detonate them using grenades, greatly reducing their supplies. She had scavenged a few anti-tank mines the group passed and she deactivated, but only a few. Jon and TK-818 maintained a grueling pace, decimating enemy forces with surgical precision, making up for the team’s lack of numbers.

With smoke to cover the sprint across the highway, the stormtroopers took off. Blasterfire erupted from all sides, spraying trails of deadly bolts across the road from high windows, ripping through the air and turning up the asphalt into a trail of potholes. The group broke into the skyscraper’s bottom floor, issuing blasterfire into the lobby.

Above them, alliance soldiers had surely placed traps in the stairwells and turbolifts. Clearing the building was out of the question, it would take too long and too many resources. Resources they did not have to spare. Kane still had one spare powerpack for her ARC, but she was down to her last grenade. Lane had all his det-charges and det-putty. If they used it now for makeshift grenades they might not be able to make a run on the Shield Generator complex, which was surely guarded. She had Bravo cut the skyscraper’s main power once they cleared the bottom floor, hoping only to slow down the starbirds in the upper floors from assaulting their tenuous position.

“Jon, Taker.” Kane began catching her breath and taking quick stock of the situation as she spoke with the more veteran, more experienced troopers on the ground. She had lost two of her boys already, and the team was shaken. “Maglev entry is there,” she pointed at the staircase across the highway leading into the underground tunnel. “If we are lucky, we might be able to turn it into a battering ram. Cut the safeties, ram it down the tunnel at full speed loaded up with our demopacks. Won’t take out the generator, but might clear a path for someone else to make a run on it.”

 

[IMPERA]

O P E R A T I O N_S H A D O W H A N D
Objective : Ashla's Tears

DARK EMPIRE
TYTHON, DEEP CORE

CAPTAIN CORA BAIZE
NIV GLADIATOR
​

"Ma'am we just got word from Admrial Cott" cried out the Senior Communications Officer. "We are to hold our position and to shift towards a more clandestine behavior." the officer finished. Baize sighed as she heard the order signaling for her bridge offiers to carry them out, with the NIV Gladiator soon positioning itself along with the rest of Admiral Cott's fleet while powering down, proceeding to shut down it's shields, weapons, engines and sensors while only keeping power to the command bridge and the life support systems. So far no major action had taken place with more Alliance Warships having joined in the fray to reinforce the flotilla that that was waiting for the Imperial Fleet.

After a few more minutes of sitting around and doing nothing, with Baize and the bridge crew vigilantly waiting for new orders from their superiors, the same Senior Communications Officer spoke up once more, this time with important news for Captain Baize. "Ma'am, we just received new orders from the Grand Admiral. He is already on his way to join us and has authorized us to begin executing the plan." the Officer said. Upon hearing these new orders issued by the Grand Admiral, Baize smirked finally eager to see some action after so much time of waiting. "Good to hear, inform the Grand Admiral that we will begin the second phase of the Operation" The Captain then took out one of the commlinks from her pockets and proceeded to contact Titan Leader. "Titan Leader. When will your Air Wing be able to deploy?" the Captain asked.

"We are all ready and await further orders." Titan Leader responded from the other side of the call. "Very well then. Take your Air Wing and begin scouting the Debris/Asteroid Field in order to find potential blind spots so that we can begin executing our plan" Captain Baize ordered. "Yes Captain. It will be done" Titan Leader said in response, soon terminating the communication. Thus Captain Baize was left gazing upon the large debris field and asteroid field that stood between the Imperial Fleet and the Alliance Armada, wondering what move the Grand Admiral would execute next.

TITAN LEADER
TIE/haB BRUTE
TITAN SQUADRON | 4/4 TIE/haB BRUTES | 4/4 TIE/fdT TERMINATORS
SUPPORTING SQUADRON | 12/12 TIE/INx INTERCEPTORS
SHADOW SQUADRON | 6/6 AV86 CONDOR UTILITY SHUTTLES

​

Inside his TIE Brute, Titan Leader made a few final adjustments as he and his Squadron prepared for deployment. Already he had seen action on Onderon against the Galactic Alliance's Revenant Squadron and he was eager to once more be thrown into the battlefield to lay waste to the pilots of the GADF. However today, his superiors had something else in mind. As part of the Grand Admiral's overall strategy to defeat the Galactic Alliance in orbit of Tython, instead of confronting the larger enemy fleet head-on, the Imperial Fleet would use deceit and the terrain to it's advantage. Key to this plan was Titan Squadron although their mission precisely relied on not confronting the enemy fleet or any enemy starfighters that was.

Thus, the 20 Starfighters that made up Titan Leader's Air Wing along with the 6 Utility Shuttles they were escorting departed from the ventral hangars of the NIV Gladiator as they would begin making their way towards the Moon of Ashla, using the large mixed field of asteroids and debris to cover their approach and avoid getting targeted by the enemy fleet. "Keep an eye out for potential enemy starfighters." Titan Leader said to his squadmates. "We cannot allow the enemy to find out about the ruse." he added. At first glance it would appear that Titan Leader's Air Wing was headed straight towards the enemy fleet, however as time would pass by they would never emerge at the other side of the mixed asteroid/debris field, instead making their way towards the far side of the moon of Ashla, away from the Alliance Fleet once more trying to remain hidden within the field of asteroids and debris to avoid detection.

After a few more minutes, Titan Leader's Air Wing would arrive at their destination marked by the wreckage of several Mawite, Ashlan and Alliance Heavy Capital Ships with the debris of these vessels being large enough to conceal the Air Wing's true intentions : the deployment of masked transponders, which once they would be laid down within this portion of the debris field near the far side of the moon of Ashla, would be activated by the Grand Admiral from his flagship, creating the illusion that a large Imperial Fleet had emerged at the other side of Ashla's Moon and was attempting to flank the Alliance Fleet from behind in an attempt to catch them in a pincer maneuver. As part of the plan, the six Utility Shuttles who were carrying the masked transponders via their magnetic clamps would begin slowly releasing their payload one by one, arranging them in a way that would allow them to appear to the sensors of the Alliance Fleet as a large Imperial Fleet consisting of 24 ships all in a tight and neat formation ready to attack their foes from the rear.

Thus, Titan Leader would watch from his TIE Brute along with the rest of the Starfighters within his air wing as they watched over the Utility Shuttles as they carried out their work, all while keeping an eye out for potential enemy starfighters. If the ruse worked, then the Empire would be one step closer towards securing victory over Tython and successfully avenging the Maw's defeat here decades ago.

​

Spoiler: AAR

• The NIV Gladiator shuts down it's hields, weapons, engines and sensors while only keeping power to the command bridge and the life support systems as ordered by Admiral Cott
• Titan Squadron accompanied by an additional Squadron of TIE Interceptors, proceeds to escort a small group of Utility Shuttles to the far side of Ashla away from the main Alliance battlegroup
• Upon arriving at their destination, the Utility Shuttles begin deploying masking transponders with the entire Air Wing using the wreckage of Second Great Hyperspace War-era Battlecruisers as cover to avoid detection.

Tags [Friendlies] | Zethran Cott | Ignacious Korvan | Aerarii Tithe
Tags [Hostile] | Cessair Ideon | Amelia von Sorenn | Bané Zirbils | Arla Rodarch | Vaux Gred | Reiner Ghadi ​

 

[Alicio Organa]

Cinnegar, Empress Teta
- Sahar -
​

His opening move was met with strength, orange clashing against blue and black. Alicio tested their lock for a moment, before pulling away, and beginning the duel in earnest.

As opposed to his opponent's heavy, chopping swings, Alicio was like a coiled serpent, striking out at awkward times, sliding out of the way of the imperial's slower strikes, and gently guiding her quicker attacks to the side. All the while, he met her bored gaze with one of intense, cutting concentration, as strategies were born and died inside his mind.

A few seconds before it happened, Alicio tasted something. A warning from the future. An opportunity.

With impeccable timing, Alicio's arm shot up to cover his head, as his face tilted down to brace the appendage with his forehead. He still felt her headbutt shake his brain like so much jelly, but the impact against his armorweave sleeve was far preferable to the bridge of his nose.

And now, for his riposte.

Alicio's blade flashed close to the woman's face. It was a feint, to hide the swift kick to the inside of her shin, designed to nudge her boot, and break her stance. Then, with naught but a flick of his wrist, Alicio launched a respectable Force push, attempting to smash her into a nearby wall.

 

[Janus Cassel]

OPERATION: SHADOW HAND

Allies: TK-818 , KN-967 , Jon Hojkstra , Kroeger , Sahar , Thomas Barran , Salvor Thul

Enemies: Lycus Merita , Gress D'ran , Ashley Nevermore , I'dadr Gargon

T O R M E N T

The cover and move proved fruitful, at least a much as it could under such dire circumstances. The "unit" had mad their way into the ruined building near their crash site, allowing them at least some small semblance of reprieve from the onslaught of the Alliance's barrage. Janus took these precious moments to catch his breath. Assess... Analyze... Overcome... it was something he had come to learn in his early days. To know one's enemy, environment, and self was to know how to handle the task at hand, and he would apply such ideals to their fullest extent.

"Get our comms up. If anyone else made it through that cluster, I need to know."

His men were likely scattered to the wind, but if at least some of them made it through, there was hope for some semblance of coordination.

His eyes turned to the ISB rat next, his hand reaching for the man's uniform, pulling him close.

"You better spill whatever you know. Your people karked this whole operation, and my men will not die needlessly."

A bold move, to be sure, but when it came to those under his command, Janus felt little about the pecking order involving the intelligence community.

"I only know what I've been told... we were to make contact... nothing more."

"Well, making contact is well fething beyond us now."

His hand motioned for one of his officers.

"Map, now."

The holomap was arguably outdated, especially considering the damage the Alliance had done to their own structures at this point. Yet, it would give Janus at least a somewhat accurate idea of the battle as it was, and what this ISB rat may contribute.

"Where was our contact? What intel were we relying on?"

The ISB held their intel close to their chest, but under the current circumstances, Janus could not care less.

"My... my contact was across the bridge... but if they've blown them..."

Janus instantly pushed him to the side, fighting every urge to put a piece of plasma right between the man's eyes. Of course his intel was weak... the ISB was known for the segmentation of intel, which, on paper, was good for secrecy. But in the heat of a firefight, well... the cracks certainly showed.

"Sir, we have comms from fireteams Krill, Xesh, and Forn. Heavy casualties, and scattered to the four winds, but relatively intact."

"Get their locations. We have little time to waste."

 

[Aerarii Tithe]

LINE OF SUCCESSION // ALLIANCE ONE
Auteme

The turbolift whisked Tithe along the length of Alliance One, putting as much distance between himself and the bridge as possible.

An alert flashed across his data goggles - his bodyguards had stopped reporting in. Trained by the Bank of Aargau Security, the elite Aargauun Underwriters never stood a chance against a Jedi Master. But they had served their purpose and hopefully delayed Auteme’s pursuit.

Nevertheless, the Chancellor was coming to claim her dividend. Tithe needed to move quickly.

The turbolift slowed as it approached its destination. Tithe exited the transporter into a cacophony - battle alarms blended into the alert klaxons caused by his sabotage of the comm system and the sounds of explosions as Dark Empire ships fired on the executive cruiser. Crewers and marines hurried down the corridors toward their assigned station, not giving Tithe a second look amid the choas. He moved down the hallway, guided by a copy of the ship’s original Trade Federation blueprints, and ducked through a small alcove.

A burly technician in stained coveralls stepped from the shadows to block the Aargauun’s passage, menacingly hefting a massive hydrospanner. Tithe did not break stride as he withdrew a 10,000-credit chit from his pocket and flicked it to the man. Satisfied that the agreed-upon bribe had been paid, the technician grunted and stepped aside, slapping a blastdoor release latch. The banker offered no acknowledgement as he stepped past and into the main engineering compartment of Alliance One.

It was the literal belly of the beast, the primary powerplant and sunlight drive system for the kilometre-long command ship. A set of overalls would have helped Tithe blend in among the engineers covered in drive fluids, but he couldn’t bring himself to soil his fine draperies. To avoid alarm, he would have to rely on an air of confidence that he belonged and the distraction of the busily working crewers.

Tithe paced along the main catwalk toward the sublight fuel regulator. If the device was disabled, Alliance One would be dead in space and easily captured by the Dark Empire - or so Tithe had been informed by the Trade Federation shipwrights who had built the cruiser. He typically did not bore himself with such mundane matters.

He was almost at the regulator when he heard someone land on the catwalk behind him. Tithe paused and slowly turned around.

“My dear friend, I find myself yearning for a more auspicious meeting. I’ve always harbored the belief that our companionship would not only be enriching but also yield bountiful profits beyond measure.”

 

[Lord Kalrath]

Kaleth
Tags: Braze , Aris Noble , Zaiya Ceti

"Oh?"

Kalrath glanced up at the attack that had been coming for his head. His decaying maw formed into a cruel grin. Perhaps he had judged this child to quickly. Kalrath stepped to the side, letting the boy’s strike fall past him.

"I stand mistaken," the man boomed, shaking the ground. "Perhaps I should not be so surprised... your master is the heir to Kai'el's legacy."

His voice was dripping with hatred and resentment, but there seemed to be a level of respect that he held for the name he spoke with such bile. After all, he had dedicated his life to ending that cursed bloodline. The ancient eyes of the Sith Lord shifted to his friends, who were also in shock from the raw power of his voice. Kalrath couldn't help but be satisfied by this. After all, the voice was power in it's purest, supreme form. No conduit for dark energy was more potent or commanding than spoken word. To will your desires into existance simply by speaking was the greatest achievement: Magnum opus, good work.

Kalrath stepped back from the Echani, drawing his lightsaber. He assumed an opening stance, Form II.

"Assume your position," he ordered the boy. "I've not dueled in some time... I'd like to entertain myself."

A taste test to see what this new Kai'el was capable of. It would give his friends time to recover, but Kalrath hardly cared. He had been waiting seven thousand years to be in this place, so close to the bloodline he despised once more...

He had all the time in the galaxy.