In A World Where the Kings Are Employers (First Order Dominion of Thakwaa Hex)

[Dunames Lopez]

Location: In space over Thakwaa
Allies: First Order
Enemies: Thakwaa natives
Post: 4/20

She returned to ship while her bomb bays were empty. With her ship being lighter by two tons, that is, the weight of two heavy Tearstunners, she feels as if she can actually keep up with TIE fighters without slowing them down. That reminds her of the arcade game she played at a TKFC on Bespin which was founded back in 0 ABY, by some stormtrooper TK-421 which left the Imperial Army of the time as a deserter that had a track record of almost never being at his post. In that arcade game, she controlled a character that had to take out as many T-65 X-Wings, BTL-A4 Y-Wings and so on, so forth. Of course, TKFC is First Order property, part of it being public under the flag of the First Order Thrift Investment Board, part of it being private, and the company was stagnating for quite some time. And indeed, she could fly in close diamond formation with three TIE fighters.

"Sable 12, there are new orders for you: after you've returned to ship, bring your craft to the forward command base, and do recon around the area where you last dropped bombs"

"What are we looking for?"

"Signs of enemy activity, survivors of the attack, as well as any peculiarities with the survivors themselves. Damotite was never used on Thakwaash before, let alone as a weapon"

"Hangar crew, this is Sable 12, reload my craft with four medium Tearstunners filled with damotite"

 

[Isla Ashen]

Location: Retribution-class Star Destroyer Reprisal
Allies: The First Order, [member="Anor Ren"], [member="Allana S'hadar"]
Enemies: The Thakwaash
Post: 3/20

Isla’s head bowed slightly in response to Anor’s praise, but with those words also came a warning. She held the saber hilt up for a moment, a finger twitched slightly, but she replaced it upon her belt. The Knight of Ren was correct; she had little experience with her saber thus far. Her green eyes fell upon the cybernetic hand that he brandished, and she watched as the fingers opened and closed before her. She spared a thought for her own hands.

“I rather like my limbs, they have served me well.” Isla said with a gentle nod, her eyes closing for a moment. She imagined what it would be like to be augmented with cybernetics. It would surely be strange. Perhaps though, it would make her stronger, or make her run faster. Just when it seemed that Anor’s words of reason had reached her, she turned to respond. “But I would welcome any new parts.”

A shiver went down her spine, and she looked around the shuttle again. All she saw were the pristine forms of the Stormtroopers, and Anor Ren’s dark cloaked figure next to her. But there was somehow a feeling of being watched. Her eyes would sweep over the spot where another woman stood hidden from sight and from the untrained senses of Isla. Though she seemed rather aloof at times, Isla was always watching, and she had seen that Anor’s eyes had traveled in the same direction.

Isla’s hands gripped the armrests as the shuttle left the shelter of the Reprisal. She disliked flying, for now her life was in the hands of the man at the pilot’s seat. Silently she watched him, hoping that his skill would see them to the planet.

 

[Allana S'hadar]

Location: Retribution-class Star Destroyer Reprisal
Allies: The First Order, [member="Isla Ashen"] [member="Anor Ren"]
Enemies: Thakwaash
Post: 2/20

Allana continued to study the pair as they discussed the mission details. Remaining cloaked with a shroud of the Force, the young acolyte sat patiently as the shuttle operators began to prepare for take off. The Shi'ido was prepared for the chaos on the planet below however her thoughts remained clouded when it came to the outcome of her intervention in the two Force-users mission. While the knowledge would prove useful to her training, she began to doubt whether the rewards outweighed the risk. However her thoughts flashed back to reality when she felt the gaze of several eyes coming to rest on her.

Draping herself heavily in shadow and light manipulation, Allana hoped to hide from the physical realm, deceiving most Force adepts however those more proficient in the ways of the Force may have been able to see through her illusion. As the eyes of the Zabrak came to rest on her form, a shiver tingled down the woman's spine. While the man appeared to be able to see her, Allana remained completely still, frozen in the hope that her shroud had remained intact. The other woman now seemed to have sensed her presence as well however both appeared to not act on their senses. Relaxing slightly, Allana watched the pair more carefully, her own senses on high alert as she withdrew her Force aura within herself so to avoid any mental detection. She would have to move more carefully now, be more discrete with her actions. However this did not deter her from the mission.

Allana's body buckled as the shuttle began to rise from the ground, beginning its journey towards their destination. Gripping her lightsaber for some form of comfort, the Shi'ido breathed softly, calling on the Force to assist her in the trials that awaited her on Thakwaa.

 

[Ludolf Vaas]

Objective: Establish Forward Command Base
Allies: [member="Adalric Vastor"]
Posts: 2/20

Even though Captain Vastor was a new addition to the First Order, he had a lengthy history elsewhere, one which Ludolf had studied intently. He was expecting good things from this Captain, and today he would be tested.

"Very good, Captain," Ludolf responded. "Launch now. Take us down to the surface."

The General found a seat behind Vastor and buckled in to endure the descent. On one of the transports he would find his Imperial walker, loaded and ready to go. Just like all the other times, Vaas would lead from the front and take active command of the troopers. At that moment, his comlink beeped. It was one of his subordinate officers, which Ludolf had tasked to gather reconnaissance of the planet's surface. The General pressed a button to answer.

"General, the drop zone looks clear," The officer's voice came over the comlink. "We're detecting no signs of activity or alien life forms in the area. There's no indication that the Thakwaa aliens have spotted us yet."

Only Ludolf could grimace at what sounded like good news. He would be very surprised indeed if the aliens did not put up any resistance whatsoever. For them to simply land on the planet unopposed would fly in the face of all his expectations. If General Vaas had learned anything during his time in the military, it was always to plan for and expect the worst.

 

[Dunames Lopez]

Location: In space over Thakwaa
Allies: First Order
Enemies: Thakwaa natives
Post: 5/20

Atmospheric bombing runs... oh these pilots doing those were often considered second-class by those fighter pilots, especially as far as certain strata of the First Order society were concerned. But Dunames has little concern with social standing, fortunately. It was already hard enough for the First Order to find and retain bomber pilots, it was even harder to get a bomber pilot test an unproven prototype. But as her craft is being reloaded, with four medium Tearstunners loaded with damotite, Dunames didn't take a hit... yet. She somehow sensed that it could be about to change, once on the ground, so she brought a standard-issue F-11D blaster carbine, nay, was ordered to carry one, despite having better aim with a MR-73 sniper rifle (or just about any of those sniper rifles) or any other long-barrel implements. Presumably because there was no room for a MR-73 or a SI-74, the latter of which she purchased onboard a Star Tours flight to Lanteeb.

"From this point onward, Sable 12, you will be based out of the forward command base on the ground"

"Roger, captain"

Dunames was to go back to the area of her first bombing run; if she locates another Thakwaash settlement within range of the forward command base, she is to drop bombs. But with the Tormentor having been displaced in the meantime, she took off again and she found the settlement that was bombed in her initial bombing run, prior to arriving in the general area where the base is, only to discover that the native survivors were... intoxicated. Many toxicomaniacs are afoot and they all seem to be wasted or stoned. It appears that only few were killed in the attack, but the bulk of those were very close to the detonation point. She opens a comm channel to whatever communications facilities existed in the base at the time.

"Sable 12 to command base, the survivors of the damotite attack among the natives appear to be intoxicated"

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Posts: 5/20
Objective: Establish forward command base
Allies: The First Order
Enemies: Thakwaash


Natasi stood in the command center, her slender frame bowed slightly over the map of the area of operation. She was resplendent in the simple uniform of a First Order Moff which -- while optional for individuals of this rank in every-day work -- had been made mandatory for operations of this type. She leaned closer, watching the signals twist and transform, watching this one flash and disappear, watching that one reverse course. She heard the voices of the men and women fighting for the First Order and felt her pulse quicken every time she heard that certain one...

Please, she prayed silently, taking advantage of her position to closer her eyes, unseen, and her gloved hands slid close together, in front of her body. To anyone in the room it would look like she was inspecting the battle, but in fact she was praying as sincerely as she ever had. In the name of the Balance, of the light and of the dark, of the bowl and of the feather. I beg you to keep him safe. In the name of the Balance, of the light and of the dark, of the bowl and of the feather. The Moff remained silent, almost penitent, pleading with the cosmos for the life and health of [member="Ludolf Vaas"].

"Moff Fortan," a voice chimed from behind her. Natasi flinched and turned to face an ensign who saluted. She inclined her head, raising her eyebrows. "Your transport is prepared, ma'am. You'll be ready to launch as soon as we receive the all clear from the AO."

"Thank you, Ensign," said Natasi. "Keep me updated. And see if we can expand our sensor range. I don't want anything surprising us."

"Ma'am," the Ensign saluted again. Natasi smiled and reminded him that he needn't salute her, and he simply looked sheepish and moved away. Natasi turned back to the display, her dark eyes darting over the round command display until it found a specific blue icon. Her eyes followed it as she opened a channel. "Sable Squadron, please report on your operation. Was it a success?"

[member="Dunames Lopez"]

 

[Ashin Varanin]

4/20

Considering the life of General [member="Ludolf Vaas"] was of prime importance to the First Order, and considering the odds of actual space battle were negligible, Vastor was piloting the primary stormtrooper transport personally. In his heart of hearts, the assignment suited him better than running a carrier. His tension melted away as the transport dropped from the bay of the Remembrance. He could maneuver a privateer frigate like nobody's business, and the stormtrooper transport felt like a starfighter to him.

As the General received updates on the drop zone, Vastor received similar notices from the Remembrance's orbital overwatch. He'd been getting ongoing updates about the landing site for a while now. Aurek Squadron surged ahead to control the surrounding airspace and flush out any hidden threats; Besh Squadron remained on close escort.

Apart from a crisp 'Yes, sir,' Vastor didn't bother talking with his esteemed passenger. The Underground hadn't been active in this region for a few years now, apart from a couple of suspected collaborations with the Resistance. Both organizations, though, were notorious for taking any opportunity to waste lives and materiel.

 

[Cameron Centurion]

The Immortal Adjudicator and its two escorts reverted to realspace just inside the Thakwaa System in an almost abrupt fashion. The officers attending to the navigation and general command of the vessel from the Command Deck did not appear particularly unnerved by the rather sudden navigational adjustment during a hyperspace transit. The Adjudicator and its escorts had been enroute to Dosuun to meet with representatives of the First Order. The journey had not been publicly disclosed to other elements within the Triumvirate and, as such, no meeting had been pre-arranged.

"Commodore. Be sure that our IFF is activated. We are approaching a military force."

The airy voice of the cloaked figure standing at the forward viewport somehow carried across the expanse of the bridge without issue. The Commodore and most of the men and women serving on the vessel knew why, but it didn't make it any less of an eerie experience. "A military force, Lord Marduk."

Marduk, nominally a recent acquisition to the forces of Darth Ashmedai. In the wake of Chalacta and Ruusan, Ashmedai had taken a more direct interest in the direction of the First Order. Officially, the Triumvirs were dead and the government was being maintained mostly by a number of government functionaries that had been put in place during their reign. While the Sith Lord was aware of motions being made on Nan'thri for replacements, he saw little reason to concern himself with the minutiae. "Yes. And I sense..." The experienced Sith Knight allowed his presence to expand over the system. "...the dark side."

"Sir! We're getting faint sensor readouts orbiting the main celestial body, Thakwaa. Data-linking with the rest of the task force now."

The Commodore reacted swiftly as he picked up the communicator attached to his command chair. "General Quarters. Navigator I want a high-inclination orbit intercept plotted with the maximum safe velocity. Weapons, we'll stay cool on the guns, but get me more information on what's out there and have firing solutions on standby." There were a flurry of responses as the Commodore contacted the stateroom belonging to their resident Sith Lord. "Mi'lord."

"We've dropped out of hyperspace early, Commodore. Why?"

"It was brought to my attention that we might not need to travel all the way to Dosuun."

A pause.

"Do not bother with the firing solutions. Hail the largest vessel you detect."

"Mi'lord, I strongly recommend that we follow proce---"

"You did well over Chalacta, Commodore, but I have yet to receive guidance suggesting that I answer to you."

The Commodore swallowed. "My apologies, Mi'lord." Once the line was clear, the Commodore amended his orders. "WEPS, focused scan now. We'll hold off on the firing solutions. NAV what you got for me?"

"Course parameters are laid in sir."

"Very well, Officer of the Deck, prepare for orbital insertion and hail the unidentified vessels the moment we are within range."

[member="Natasi Fortan"]

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Post 6/20
Allies: First Order!
Enemies: Thakwaash!
Intriguing Strangers: [member="Ashmedai"]!

A series of alarms called the attention of those in the command center. The captain of the vessel ordered general quarters and alarm klaxons rang. Reluctantly tearing her gaze away from the little blue shape that represented a certain First Order vessel, Natasi turned and hustled to the front of the bridge, looking out into space. "What is it?"

"Unidentified vessel reversion from hyperspace," the captain said, pointing at the readout on the screen before turning to the bridge staff. "Shields up at maximum, ready the guns. Signal our support group to move into defensive positions.

Natasi leaned over and read the results, pressing her lips together in an anxious white line. "Friendly?" she finally asked, looking up at the captain. The captain shook his head and said he didn't know. Natasi grimaced. "Do a scan. See if the signatures match any known Resistance--" Her voice was cut off when the signals officer called across the bridge that they're hailing, sir. The Captain walked briskly over to the communications console, the Moff hot on his heels.

"Moff Fortan, if you could stand out of range?" He gestured to a spot out of view of the communications transmitter. "We don't know their intentions yet, but if they are unfriendlies, we don't want them knowing you're on board." Only when Natasi had stepped into the designated position did the captain signal the communications officer. "Open the channel, but maintain defensive stance. Unidentified vessel, please be advised you are approaching a military operation. Declare your intentions immediately." The threat, which was implied but not stated, hung in the space between them as the First Order battle group's long-range weapons came online.

 

[Cameron Centurion]

Post 2/20
[member="Natasi Fortan"]

"Commodore, channel is open."

The Commodore walked the short distance to the vessel's holocom. Clasping his hands behind his back, the middle aged naval officer gave no visual reaction to the commands of the individual on the other end. It was quite clipped, but the Commodore did suppose they were intruding. In a neutral system... "This is the Immortal Adjudicator of the Sith Triumvirate." How did you tell people you were only there because their presence had been sensed from hyperspace? It sounded ludicrous. "We are currently engaged in a diplomatic mission in this system, please identify yourself."

"Commodore! Reading energy spikes from the unidentified force."

The Commodore did not bother to turn his head from the holocom, merely smiling. "There is no need for hostilities...is there? I do believe we presently stand in neutral, uncontested space." Near the rear of the bridge, the Commodore could hear the blast doors opening. The military officer was preciously aware of who had just entered as a number of individuals out the corner of his vision not engaged in other tasks took the opportunity to bow respectfully.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Posts: 7/20
Allies: First Order!
Enemies: Thakwaash!
Intriguing Strangers: [member="Ashmedai"]!

The captain glanced at Natasi. A diplomatic mission was her purview, after all. She raised an eyebrow and nodded. The captain squared his shoulders. "My name is Captain Kendir Black of the First Order Navy, hailing from the First Order vessel Indomitable. First Order forces are engaged in a military operation in this system. If you are seeking a diplomatic mission with the Thakwaash, I'm afraid you're only just too late. They are becoming loyal citizens of the First Order." Natasi tried not to roll her eyes and signaled for the captain to take it down a notch. He cleared his throat and looked back to the camera.

The Sith Triumvirate were neutrals as far as the First Order was concerned, though she had long since thought it time to repair that situation. She frowned and then stepped into the vision field, despite the alarmed look of the captain. "Greetings. I am Moff Natasi Fortan of the First Order. We do not wish to engage in hostilities. My forces will not track you with weapons while we converse. To whom are we speaking?"

 

[Dunames Lopez]

Location: Over Thakwaa
Allies: First Order
Enemies: Thakwaa natives
Post: 6/20

"Forward Command, this is Sable 12. These Thakwaash appear to be showing symptoms of drug withdrawal. It's hard to make out what they are saying over comms but they appear to be asking for more damotite"

"This is Sable 3. There is only possibly one way they could even had absorbed damotite in the first place: inhalation, since we dropped a crowd-control bomb on the coordinates Sable 12 is transmitting to you. Forward Command, if we could capture a Thakwaash prisoner or two in that camp, we could study in more detail what exactly are the effects of damotite on the Thakwaash"

"My craft doesn't have a tractor beam and neither do standard TIE fighters. Our best bet is to send a craft with a tractor beam and haul the prisoners away using the tractor beam"

Much like those unscrupulous spacers, most of which are slavers, who mount tractor beams not for the purposes of salvaging, but for the purposes of crime. There is some indication that one could use damotite as a drug on Thakwaash. Unfortunately, Dunames was no medical researcher and she had no clue how to even conduct proper medical research, even though that was part of the objectives set forth by the Supreme Leader when Thakwaa was attacked. Hopefully she would pilot the medical research team's ship, whatever said ship is. Sure, she could pilot an AT-AT barge capable of picking up prisoners with tractor beams, or some other landing craft so equipped, but she would have to change spacecraft once on the surface where a makeshift airfield is under construction. Or even return to ship a second time...

"Thus far we know only one thing and a half: Thakwaash are vulnerable to damotite as an inhaled drug and we could indirectly estimate the concentration required for them to act as toxicomaniacs. This is as far as my medical knowledge can take the mission: the medical research team has to take over but I can probably ship the specimens. I'm afraid that the specimens are too wide to fit in a TIE Reaver's bomb doors however"

"If it is as you say, we need damotite, ordnance down here, Sable Squadron"

"Forward Command, this is Sable Leader. Since Sable 12 has experience with supply ships, she will pilot the supply ship down to the surface"

 

[Coffeeccubus]

Location: In Orbit over Thakwaa
Allies: The First Order
Enemies: Thakwaash savage scum
Post: 1/20

​

Arriving from Virgilia, Charlotte's ship begun to come in, and as soon as it stopped at orbit, she pressed a button, releasing her small ship and begun to go down towards the planet. She would of course, volunteer to fight for her beloved First Order, even if she was illegally trading things such as drugs and other forms of things that are NOT allowed. She was willing to fight for her beloved First Order, and help her home planet as much as she can before she dies. After all, even if her power is now severely weakened and she's back down to an apprentice stage, she was going to help. Besides, it might help her retrace her steps. And she might find a person whom might be willing to become her new master if she fought along the side of the First Order.​

​

She begun to enter into orbit of the planet and such. With her small ship that was literally a pod loaded with a few guns on it, she went down towards the surface. She had her saber and stuff ready to fight off these savages. Shouldn't be too hard to fight and stuff. After all, the Thakwaa people were weak, insuperior to the might of the first order. She was all ready to go and to get them. She picked up her radio getting ready to announce her arrival into the planet... but should she really? She glanced at the communication device... Ahh why not. "This is Charlotte Miraak of Virgilia. I'm arriving and approaching the site of Forward Command Base." she said on her communication device as she kept going down to the surface. She was just... a bit nervous. If anything, if they knew that she was a criminal, she could be in trouble. She breathed softly hoping that they would not know this. She was dressed readily in her battle uniform, which composed of her cloak, and her black robes.​

 

[Cameron Centurion]

Post 3/20
[member="Natasi Fortan"]

The Sith Lord's concern about the holocom connection with the unidentified elements in the system was...practically non-existent. Quietly, he busied himself with a cursory evaluation of the tactical situation as projected by the holographic display just out of the holocom transmitter's viewing lens. The confirmation of the First Order in the system did not seem to pull Ashmedai's attention to any great deal...as if he had already presumed that was the only likely option given their proximity to First Order space. To be sure - an element of arrogance played into his perception, but that didn't make him wrong.

"Greetings. I am Moff Natasi Fortan of the First Order."

The Sith Lord heard nothing else as his silver-green gaze swiftly locked on to the Commodore. By the time the Moff had finished speaking, Ashmedai had stepped casually in front of the holocom transmitter. The blue-hued image of the large Sith Lord was slightly obscured by the large hood that covered the vast majority of his facial features. Casually, a deep voice reached across the connection, seeking to speak directly to the Moff. "Moff Fortan." The Sith's tone suggested that not only was he aware of the advancement, but he approved of the decision by First Order leadership.

"Ashmedai - though you may yet recall me by one of two other names." Cameron paused momentarily. "As we have interrupted your operations, I am happy to take your suggestion for the location of a...rendezvous. How fortunate we stumbled upon you in this system as we were on our way to Dosuun." There was no real luck involved. The Force had directed them to their current location.

Also drifting into the First Order's most defended space may just have ended poorly.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Post 8/20
Allies: First Order!
Enemies: Thakwaash!
Reunited (and it feels so good) former colleagues: [member="Ashmedai"]

Natasi's face broke out into an almost-disbelieving smile. She knew that voice. "Ashmedai indeed," she said on a laugh. "I cannot believe -- " Her voice broke off as she felt the curious looks of the comms officer and the captain boring into her back. She cleared her throat; there would be time for pleasantries later, but her mind still raced with questions. What was Cameron Centurion doing all the way at Thakwaa? Did he mean to interfere? Was it safe to meet him?

On this last question, Natasi gathered that she would be safe. After all, she would propose to meet aboard her ship, a mobile command center, office, and home, with her bodyguards on hand. "Perhaps you would be good enough to meet me planetside." She suggested a set of coordinates rather farther away from the AO than she had initially planned to land, but an area that intelligence estimates suggested was more or less safe from the locals' interference. "I would be pleased to meet you aboard my diplomatic vessel, the Frontrunner, if that will suit?"

She ignored the bristling of the captain; she would be perfectly capable watching over -- well, over the entire operation, of course -- from the Frontrunner.

 

[Davin Jusik]

Post 3/20
Location: Planet Surface, Hot LZ
Objective Alpha
Allies:[member="Dunames Lopez"] [member="OK-3103"] [member="Fenix la Fortune"] [member="Tanomas Graf"] [member="Adalric Vastor"] [member="Ludolf Vaas"]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r9Vd-UQBoM&list=PLu1PQD_70CrnUoHptSCjKMOTcG3gVpxOb

The faint sound of screeching Ion engines filtered through the headset of the Platoon Leader, distinguishable even against the backdrop of the heavy blasterfire that permeated the air. Radio chatter intermediately interrupted.

"TROOP. RAIN INCOMING." Amin shouted over his coms. The Platoon immediately responded, a mass of spread out white covering themselves the best they could. A confused section of the natives looked toward the extra terrestrial force that had until a mere second before been unleashing hell on them cower. Why were they doing this? They obviously had an advantage, even a half demented mind could recognize it. The screeching wasn't just in the Lieutenant's earpiece anymore. It was in the trees. In the ears of the natives. A growing sound, like a violin. Frantic. Rising. Onward to the cosmos. Eyes rose wide towards a sea of blue. Then the rain came. Bright orbs from above to send the locals to their gods. Entire bloodlines ended in a flash of brilliance. The ground shook and the air pressure popped blood vessels. Sent a kill switch through the brain for those close enough to be affected by the change but not evaporated entirely. Pieces of their kinsmen were all that remained for the eyes of the surviving members of the tribe.

What would come next was a mercy.

Amin was the first to resume an appropriate firing position. He fixed his kit's bayonet on the end of his rifle as the others raised themselves to see a now partially scorched field, with what could equate to the living dead picking themselves up from the underworld.

"Fix bayonets." He ordered mechanically. The Platoon that had weapons that would fit them obeyed, with the rest slowly advancing, blasters at the ready.

"Forward."

The Reapers of worlds advanced on a shellshocked enemy and killed anyone with a pulse. Those lucky enough to die in the bombs didn't escape an elongated knife being plunged into their sternums. Per doctrine. Just in case. Amin made sure to lock eyes with those who he killed in such a manner. Absorbing their pain as he fought his own natural empathy. To do anything but would be an act of cowardice. Sins committed for the greater good were sins none the less.

A few of the new men vomited in their visors, but dutifully carried on. Amin would not permit anyone to berate those who had. So long as they carried on.

 

[Cameron Centurion]

Post 4/20
[member="Natasi Fortan"]

The sound of recognition in Natasi's voice pulled a thin smile to Cameron's dark features. It was comforting at least to see that the familiarity of his past interactions with the woman set the current path of conversation down one of productivity. Had he elected to leave the diplomatic liaising to the Commodore, the Adjudicator would have undoubtedly ended up perilously close to an engagement that neither side needed at the moment.

"I am happy to oblige, Your Excellency." The Sith Lord paused only long enough to throw a nod in the direction of Lord Marduk. The younger Sith bowed respectfully before immediately turning to see to his task, readying his Daisya Infiltrator for departure to the indicated coordinates. Returning his attention to Natasi, Cameron resumed his easy smile. "It will take approximately sixty minutes to reach that location from our present position. In the interim, my forces will remain near the edge of the system so as not to impede your ongoing operations."

The Commodore considered lodging a protest or otherwise showing his displeasure through non-verbal methods. However, a cold glance from the Sith Lord dissuaded the military officer from actually acting on his thoughts.

 

[Ludolf Vaas]

Objective: Establish Forward Command Base
Posts: 3/20
Allies: [member="Adalric Vastor"]

The Thakwaa natives were primitive and savage, and as such, had nothing in the way of naval resistance. Thus, the flight down to the planet's surface was uneventful - just the way Vaas liked it. In fact, if the entire campaign could proceed the same way, without a shot even being fired, Ludolf would consider it an ideal situation. The truth was that the First Order faced enemies much more powerful than the Thakwaa in the galaxy at large. If casualties could be minimized here, their forces would be much stronger when they needed to face enemies that would pose much more of a direct threat.

Not only that, but the General had overheard the transmissions of an unidentified vessel approaching the First Order fleet in the space behind them. Being without the Force, Vaas never would have been able to know that it was in fact [member="Ashmedai"], someone he knew. But it did raise General Vaas' alert levels. They were not alone here on Thakwaa. As the transports touched down in the designated landing area, Stormtroopers began funneling out to secure the area, followed by workers whose job it was to get the compound up and operational. Before he exited, Vaas stepped up from his chair and turned to the Captain.

"Captain Vastor," He said, "I want you in charge of aerial security while we establish the compound on the ground. Especially with these reports of unidentified vessels following us here to Thakwaa. Make sure nothing gets through to harm us here."

With that, he turned and made for the docking ramp. Other First Order soldiers had already been mobilized planetside to 'pacify' the more obtuse aliens. He would first check with his men such as [member="Amin Garith"] to see the progress on the ground.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Post 9/20
Allies: First Order!
Enemies: Thakwaash!
Reunited (and it feels so good) former colleagues: @Ashmedai

Natasi glanced at her chronometer and then looked back up into the transmission field. "Very well. I'll meet you then."

The Moff turned back to the captain. "Dispatch observation probes to synchronize above these coordinates and inform the Major I'll take a division of stormtroopers for security," she said authoritatively. "Inform the flight deck that the Frontrunner will be launching in ten minutes and alert my crew to prepare for my arrival." Natasi turned and strolled back to the command center, then glanced over her shoulder. "Captain, the Indomitable is yours." The Moff swept her cloak over her shoulders and strode briskly out of the command center, her two plainclothesmen falling into line beside her, one on each side, as her cape billowed behind her.

Three minutes later, she was standing at the base of the main boarding ramp of the Frontrunner, her Consul-class diplomatic frigate. It was a large, imposing vehicle, communicating something of the First Order's relative power, wealth, and influence. Around her, the deck was busy with preparations. The vessel would be escorted by a flight of TIE fighters, and a division of Stormtroopers would accompany her in their transports to secure the area. These were standard practice for when the First Order's most senior government official was traveling outside of First Order secured space. After a few quick words with the shipmaster, they parted ways and she climbed the ramp onto the ship. During the course of the journey, Natasi was buckled into some subtle armor, so that if the natives managed to overcome the ship's defenses, she might still be safe.

Their flight, too, took about forty minutes, leaving Natasi arriving with about ten minutes before the prescribed meeting time. She took to the observation lounge and surveyed the secluded savanna in which they had landed. They were bordered on there sides by forest, on one side by mountains. It was not an ugly place; Natasi knew that its strategic value more than made up for any of its aesthetic shortcomings. If only they could scrape those Thakwaash off the planet without getting a reputation for genocide.

 

[Isla Ashen]

Allies: The First Order, [member="Anor Ren"], [member="Allana S'hadar"]
Enemies: The Thakwaash
Post: 4/20

Isla continued to hold her armrest in a white-knuckled grip until she felt the transport settling down on the surface of the planet. Her lids were closed over her green eyes, and she opened one just a touch, as if to check that it was now safe. Finally, they had arrived. As soon as the ramp was lowered, Isla nearly burst from the inside, speeding past the sturdy men in their white armor. Nimble fingers twitched, and her hands rose to pull down her hood, letting the daylight touch her wild red hair and pale face. Isla knelt down slowly, her hands spread softly on the grass, feeling the ground as if she needed reassurance that it was still there and solid beneath her. Her eyes shifted up, there were sounds coming from the distance –the unmistakable sounds of battle.

She understood that the Thakwaash were some kind of strange beings, strong and somehow touched mentally... but not in a good way. And though she could not see them from where she knelt, she knew the fate that they were meeting.

“Just like animals,” she remarked quietly, “Ready for the slaughter.”

Isla stood up once more, her cloak falling neatly around her tall form. For a moment she wondered if she could slip from the watchful eyes of Anor Ren, perhaps she could run with the wolves after all...