Giving the Givin [CIS Dominion of Yag'Dhul]

[Scherezade deWinter]

Wearing: Armor | Pathfinder Boots | The Forgemaster's Ring | Ring of Stasis | Sofitor
Wielding: 10 Czerka knives | 2 Nastirci Combat Knives | Copero's Wail | Fire and Smoke (lightsabers) | Combat Gauntlets | Knight Obsidian Sword | 2 Dissuader K-30 Pistols with Glitter Bullets
Direct Tags: [member="Daisy Americus"] | [member="Kaden Farr"]

Her blades were spinning like miniature tornadoes inside the Givin that were in the Command Center before she heard Kaden's warning – clear out. When it came to battles, when it came to fighting, Scherezade rarely had to think; the bloodlust was strong with that one, and she heeded its violence and embrace. And its protection. The warning that came was a good one. Instantly, the Sithling's blades flew back to her, some of them hiding beneath her green armor, others placing themselves in their spots atop of it. And out.

Looking at Daisylicious, the Sithling nodded. "I could eat a whole bantha, but I'm-"

Distracted. That was the word she'd been going for. Because while answering Daisy, the whole bibbipity boppity about bloodlust and being smart during a fight went through the window, and the smile upon her face instantly vanished. Right. Because Kaden had thrown grenades, and had suggested seconds ago it was best she cleared out.

Scherezade launched towards Daisy and Kaden, hands outstretched as she covered the three of them with a Force Bubble. Only moments later did she realize it wasn't those kind of grenades – looking over her shoulder, she now saw what it was. EMP grenades. Okay. There hadn't been a need to protect anyone aside for her weapons.

Rising back up, Scherezade dusted her hands on the sides of her hips. Totally cool. Everything was cool. She had totally not just almost died and attempted to protect her friend and her potential paramour in the process.

When Daisy asked if they'd won, Scherezade peered into the command center again. Yup. It was dead. As dead as electronics went.

"Ah-huh," she nodded, and sighed, glancing at the information on her commdevice's panel, "Command Center out, space ship boom… Looks like our job is done."

Flicking her device off, glowing green eyes looked at her blonde friend and the dude. "C'mon, let's go eat something. Next round of bantha wings' on me."

 

[Kaden Farr]

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Objective: Celebrate good times C'mon!​

w: [member="Scherezade deWinter"] | [member="Daisy Americus"]​

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The Force. Kaden could feel it as Scherezade moved about killing and slashing her way through the givin which were between them and finishing their objective. The sensation almost made Kaden forget about the quasi frustrated flirting that may or may not have been happening with Daisy. There was so much happening at once, but Kaden did not lose sight of the fact that something was there. Granted he could also feel the fact Daisy was about ready to smack him hard if he didn't stop getting so close. Still Kaden was tempted to defy the grave warning and see just what would happen.

Things seemed to move faster and simpler than what they should have. About the time Kaden felt and heard the shock wave of the ship being taken out, he was tossing the grenades. Scherezade covered them with a force bubble. He felt the Force tug at him once more. Perhaps he would seek out Selene to figure out how to use the force exactly. It was a mystery to him, impacts of the Netherworld and changes that he never expected to feel or have happen in his body. Kaden wanted to woop when everything shut down, but instead he chuckled at Daisy and how she questioned everything.

<<< "As long as there is no surprise second wave, we are in the clear," >>> Kaden replied after Scherezade spoke up. He liked to see people gave friends even if Kaden was new to the concept. None of them could empathize with his experiences, and the only one who could had rejected him. Kaden feared he would be doomed to repeat the same fate over and over again. Naturally the celebratory mood of the heavy set warrior pulled Kaden out of his own thoughts and back to the present.

<<< "Resolve, this is Kaden Farr reporting in. Ground Assault successful. Command Center is down. I repeat Command Center down. We are headed your way!" >>>

Kaden nooded when it was suggested they find something to eat. If Scherezade was buying Bantha wings, Kaden was going to make sure to get as much out of that offer as possible. There was nothing like fighting to work up an appetite. <<< "I suppose that means I am getting the tihaar then," >>> came Kaden's reply as he turned to Daisy to see what she thought. <<< "How about you... you down for some wings and booze?" >>>

Kaden waved toward the exit.

<<< "Let's get the hell out of here." >>>

 

[Zef Halo]

OBJECTIVE: Infiltrate and acquire data on a prototype Givin astrogation technology. Chat. Learn something. Not die?
LOCATION: GIVIN DREDNOUGHT CALCULUS PRIME CIS BOARDING POD
TAGS: [member="Voph"] / [member="Srina Talon"]

Just a few feet standing behind both the Miralukan and the woman [Voph & Srina], Julius observed the same grotesque picture of victory they did. The massive explosion of the Calculus Prime lingered like a wet painting on the viewport of the boarding pod. A cemetery silence engulfed the pod each of them deep in thought of the cost of war. The cost of victory.

Thousands had perished and millions more could have had the blindfolded man given the order. As a soldier himself, Julius knew he could've easily pressed for the complete obliteration of the Givin forces. His own direct commanding officer, admiral [member="Arage Bao"], would have possibly ordered the annihilation. The Confederates did not.

They accepted surrender. And they honored the deal they struck earlier, for now at least.

Despite their interference, the Confederates indirectly had helped the operatives of the Humbarine Naval Intelligence in their mission. The concealed frigate Vherdun was safe now as the war in space began to cease.

He gave a glance at his two subordinates Rix and Lena sitting holding a railing tight silent and as he turned to face back the two Confederate leaders Julius came upon the woman with her face revealed from the concealment of her hood. White hair like satin fell down her shoulders. Skin as the snow on the canopies of Hoth and a face sculpted of features only a perfectionist master could create and crystal ice for eyes in which she carried a burden of galactic proportions. Beautiful was an understatement.

“I am Srina Talon. Exarch of the Confederacy of Independent Systems—Who are you?”

So this is the Exarch.

He gazed at her for a moment before retracting his own helmet back revealing his own face. Tan of color, eyes of olive hazel and the look of a soldier. Sweat had broken over his brow some of which had weighted down a few strands of hair down his forehead. Julius gave her an inquisitive look as if trying to read something barely visible.

"Lieutenant Commander Julius Rhein. Humbarine Naval Intelligence." He replied matter-of-factly, spine upright and chest wide open as a typical soldier. Julius dabbled over some thoughts as if carefully deciding on what card to play. His hand was nowhere near an Idiot's Array. That was for sure.

"Noble act here, Exarch." He commented gesturing with a nod over at the viewport. "Many would've pushed for a complete military destruction."

Julius paused, a brief smirk flashed through his face as he slightly tilted his head to the side.

"Maybe I would've, too."

 

[Paragon of Virtue]

Nothing is perfect. Upon arriving to Yag’dhul the Confederacy discovered, unfortunately, that they had been misled. All sources prior to their arrival had hinted to certain insurgent groups holding an isolationist policy against foreign powers, however, none had known of the true depths to which these prejudices ran. It was supposed to be a minority. Instead of arriving to a planet ready to accept them with open or somewhat open arms, they had indeed been welcomed, but with turbolasers. Their aid had been unwanted. Their protection had been unwanted. They had been unwanted. War had broken out. The first shots had been fired by the Givin, however, the Confederacy answered in full. What other choice did it have?

If they turned tail, with one of their newest Super Star Destroyers leading the way, the Resolve, it would portray weakness that the Droid Nation could ill-afford. It had already cost them manpower, ships, and the ability to tactically retreat with minimal losses. Instead, at high costs, the Confederates stood their ground and fought back. A group of Octarchy soldiers from the Resolve managed to implant a bomb within the Calculus Prime. It went off, as intended, and destroyed the Givin vessel from the inside out. Ground forces assaulted and disabled the Command Center, removing, their ability to control planetary defenses.







With those two blows—The Givin were firmly subdued. Some of the Confederate forces had been skilled enough to hack through their newfound enemies like butter, while others had fallen, and the losses were numerous. It was a difficult call to make, in the end, but [member="Voph"] of Vylmira made the decision to try and offer the Givin some sort of a chance. An armistice. This was a small war, a battle, that didn’t need to happen. The Confederacy hadn’t come to annihilate their people, their homes, or their way of life. The had come, expanding, but offering trade. Goods. Knowledge.

With that in mind the Yag’dul were not bombarded. The civilian areas of the planet remained untouched. After many losses on both sides, and lengthy overtures through droid envoys– the issue has been hesitantly, and tentatively, resolved. There was nothing the Confederacy could do about the lives that had been lost on both sides. There was nothing they could do to take back the pain, the explosions, or the assumptions that led to open warfare.

Instead—The Confederacy offered what they could in exchange, mostly, for not being shot at. Reparations would be made while an official gathering of minds would be assembled to discuss their differences. The Givin… Would not be left to suffer alone. It wasn’t fair to let an entire populace suffer when it was only the actions of the militant to blame. Negotiations took place and peace, while currently somewhat shaky, was agreed upon. It would take time before full trust could be given and taken on both sides, but both sides were willing.





Anything to avoid winding up with a new massacre. The Confederacy was used to blood on her hands, but not undeserving, at least, by their adjusted moral compass. And thus, carefully, the Confederacy invested once again – in the future.

Mission Amendment: There were a group of unknowns that were given safe passage from the Calculus Prime. At the time of this memo, their identities, and purpose are unknown. Investigation Pending.

 

[Kyyrk]

Objective: Destroy the Dreadnought Speak with the Humbarine Operatives
Location: Yag'Dhul Orbit
Tags: [member="Julius Rhein"] | [member="Srina Talon"]

Voph reached up, and pulled the simple band from his hair, letting it fall about his head and rebreather. They were in no immediate danger. His cloak hung at his back, lightsaber firmly on his hip. The crimson armor that adorned his body was burnt and smoldering in places where it had absorbed a shot or two. His blind gaze snapped to [member="Julius Rhein"] as his brow furrowed in concentration. Humbarine. One of the Core Worlds. And if he remembered his political breifings well enough, it was perched right between the Silvers and the Corellians.

What were they down here for?

"Not everything is solved with death and carnage. I've seen to many wars like that." Voph reached up to pull his shoulder pauldrons off as he offered the man a simple nod. "Voph." He claimed no titles, but his tone did not betray if he had no titles to list, or if he did not deem fit to share them. Voph turned away to place the pauldrons on the bench near him, his chest and back armor soon to follow. A medpack was collected from the wall terminal as Voph set about patching up the few wounds that had penetrated his armor. And yet, he was as casual as fixing a rip in a shirt. "What business has Humbarine down here?"

 

[Srina Talon]

Objective: Strangers in a Strange Place​

Location: Yag'Dhul Orbit​

Tags: [member="Julius Rhein"] | [member="Voph"]​

Her focus slipped from [member="Julius Rhein"] to inspect his crew. They were quiet. Afraid? Her head tilted while eyes of mercurial steel bore holes through them. Unclear. The Exarch did not have enough data to make the assumption of fear yet. Instead, the more correct term, wisely adhered to considering their current position, would have been apprehension. It was required for self-preservation. They were smart, at least, though the rest of her deductions would have to wait.

Their leader was removing his helmet. Finally. Armor was unnerving, in that, facial features were hidden. She couldn’t read the autonomic responses that gave away what people were feeling, thinking, or planning without ever saying a word. Starlit orbs swept over the well-bred features of the operative and noted what she could. It amused her when she realized he was trying to do the same thing she was. Figure out a puzzle. Acclimate to something new.

He would find it far more difficult than she did.

“Greetings, Lieutenant Commander Julius Rhein. You—”, she trailed off, taking a step closer, as if to see more clearly,”—Are very far from home.”

Srina fell still whilst primrose lips pressed together to allow silence to momentarily pervade. The operative, no, the soldier, began to comment on their treatment of the Givin and for the first time her eyes moved. There was something in them, a shattered glimmer, that could have been mistaken for laughter. The small breaching pod would dock with the Resolve soon. “There is nothing noble in being superior to an entire world while the remains of their people float outside the viewport.”

There was gamble. A good deed, often, failed to go unpunished. They took a very real risk that the Givin could rise up again to take revenge. Hopefully, that wouldn’t be the case once the Confederacy made the appropriate overtures.

“My companion wishes to spare them. To forgive their oversight. At this time, I do not disagree with his initial assessment.”

It was, strangely enough, that simple. Lieutenant Rhein might have pushed to eradicate the Givin from their homeworld. Her Master might have. If the Givin managed to incur her wrath on this venture there was still a chance that the bloodletting had not yet ended. The decision to live or die had been placed in their hands. Should the people of Yag’Dul choose incorrectly? Nothing would stay her hand, not, when she was already bending what sins the Confederacy was willing to accept. The Exarch would place the lives of her people above anything else in all things. If the Givin attacked anew once they licked their wounds… There would be no mercy. No more.

“The bench beneath your friend. There are water packs.”

She could hear [member="Voph"] behind her and turned away from their Humbarine guests as he spoke. A medpack made its way into the Councilors hands and Srina shook her head slowly. He could not see as the rest of the individuals in the small pod could, however, he would know she was there. He asked the questions she held, and grateful for it, she reached out to lay a hand flat to his chest. “Inhale.”, she uttered, pulling on the Force, to bring his injuries to repair themselves. Dark Transfer was a skill that Srina had picked up long ago. On Monastery, of all places. She would heal his hurt. Take away the blaster burns. They were wiped away—As if they had never been. “Exhale.”

The ivory haired woman pulled away without looking. Instead, she took a seat on a spare spot of the bench. It wasn’t comfortable in the slightest but from her position, none would know, while she leaned against the wall. She was slight of frame, wearing armor, but for some reason seemed almost as if she were holding court. Her expression flickered while she waited for a response from the soldiers. So far, they had been amenable, but the Confederacy would expect a reply.

 

[Zef Halo]

OBJECTIVE: Chat. Learn something.
LOCATION: CIS BOARDING POD
TAGS: [member="Voph"] / [member="Srina Talon"]


Julius was no interrogator nor detective to produce deduction based on what seemed small talk but as an officer in an intelligence unit he grasped the basics of that well. He needed to. Nonetheless, as his eyes briefly winced piecing together a puzzle of microscopic sizes concealed beneath the Exarch's facades upon facades. You didn't get to be the second-in-command of one of the strongest governments in the galaxy if you were easy to read.

She hardly gave him the choice to do so when she shut the gates by pointing him at the water packs situated below next to his subordinates. As dazzling to the eye as she was, Srina Talon looked equally dangerous.

The Lieutenant Commander shuffled his own mental cards deciding on his the next move he'd put on the table. He moved to pick up a bottle of water, opened it as quick as a professional bartender and knocked half of it down his throat and set the bottle aside before turning back to Srina who seemed to be performing what looked to him some sort of healing ritual. The Force? It just looked like it.

He looked at her back and played his card. "Hopefully yours who have given their blood today do not disagree with that assessment." A comment wrapped in an honest package of politeness but containing a subtle provocation. Art of the conversation they called it.

Julius' attention hopped from the Exarch to the Miralukan named Voph. No titles, no grand introductions. A stolen glance caught the lightsaber on the man's hip. The name sounded familiar to the intelligence officer but he was not in the most comfortable situation to dig through the library of his mind for details on the familiarity. What he picked up from the Miralukan was the enigmatic aura he carried. A leader with reluctance to lead, perhaps? Certainly a man who had traversed a many of battlefields in his life judging by what he said, his clear commanding role on the Calculus Prime and his general appearance.

"What business has Humbarine down here?"

It would've been suspicious if that question was not raised. As Srina had pointed out earlier, Julius was certainly far away from home.

"Confidential business." He replied calmly appearing as if he would not further elaborate. The Lieutenant Commander glanced at the Exarch for a moment as if still trying to read her thoughts before his olive-hazel eyes locked with the mysterious eyeless man.

"Pirates under the Corellian Confederation's flags were found using Givin technology." He said building the lie brick by brick with half-truths. There was no better lie than one containing a dose of truth within it. It turned lies into a locked track in which investigators would run around in circles. "We had to investigate right in the core of the Givin. The Calculus Prime."

"Do the Givin have any greater ambitions with the Corellians? I do not know. You saw the military they've built." He gave a nod at the viewport behind them. "You can trust me that their intelligence network would be twice as stronger."

"If you get tip-offs on terrorist activity in your territory in the future, I'd not be surprised if it ends being linked to them." Julius concluded before adding. "Accepting their surrender may be the noble act now but would it be the right one for the future?" There was no judgement nor questioning in what he said, merely an observation.

 

[Kyyrk]

Objective: Speak with the Humbarine Operatives
Location: Yag'Dhul Orbit
Tags: [member="Julius Rhein"] | [member="Srina Talon"]

Though Voph's facial expression didn't change, a feeling of...annoyance began to seep from him. Not that he was displeased with the Exarch, but it would be clear to her that Voph did not think himself worth the effort on her part. But regardless of what silent words might have been shared between the two he simply said, "My thanks." He turned around and sat down on the bench, picking up his breastplate and beginning to assess the damage to it. He didn't look up at Julius, but it was abundantly clear that when Voph did speak, he spoke to him.

"Vengeance is never worth the price paid. How many widows and orphans would be left in the wake of seeking vengeance for a handful of soldiers? How many more would be lost in a vain attempt to kill more soldiers to make up for their own losses? Can you fault them for following orders?" Voph looked up, focusing an intense blind stare at Julius. "Are you willing to condemn their families to a lifetime of grief because after the fighting stopped, and the surrender was issued, you felt the need to get even?" Voph shook his head as he turned back to his armor. "A day will come when a merciless assault will be necessary. But not against people such as these."

He fell silent for a moment, then set his breastplate aside, and looked back to Julius. "So the Givin are supplying, willingly or not, your next tool to use against the Corellians. Or do you intend to continue your assault on Balmorra?" Voph's brow raised in a knowing gesture. "I doubt the Corellians will stoop to such levels as random acts of violence. Not officially. Starseeker isn't the type. For what little I've spoken with her. And if they are foolish enough to launch attacks against us...what does it matter if they are supplied by the Givin? One weapon of war works just as well as another. More so when one is fueled by nothing more than hope and desperation..."