Public Into Grievous' Depths (Exploration of General Grievous' Fortress on Vassek) - Open to all!

[Jin X]

Richard Ramirez by SKYND

Character Voice: X

Location: Vassek 3, Inside Fortress (Lowest Level)
Objective: Loot
Gear: Lightsaber, Light Whip, Pistol, Sniper Rifle
Tags: Akemi Io / Valkren Calderon / Alessandra Io / Diocletian Kahmen’’a​

The initial inspection of the surroundings produced only one result: she was in some kind of underground housing center, where the entire garage was covered in a near complete darkness, except for the small well-placed lights that allowed her to take notice of the droid corpses, several outdated and non-functioning droids, and droids in stasis that laid scattered about. Technically she was inside the fortress, but it only appeared to be the lowest level. One by one she examined the droids to get a complete understanding of any functionality. Walking into the unknown of this mighty fortress with some droid assistance would be both beneficial and advantageous to the darksider. Jin X knew how to bend the wills of droids, turning them into mechanical thralls through the technique known as Mechu-deru, unfortunately these droids had long since expired beyond any amount of usefulness. This garage, for a lack of a better terminology, was a droid graveyard. Her next move, find an exit out of this garage.

After a few moments of searching the garage, which to her amazement was far larger than first expected, she found a massive double-door with a smaller, average side door next to it. The gigantic double doors were most probably used to shuffle the droids in and out, whilst the other door for personal passage. The double doors appeared to be eternally shut, and the other door sat slightly askew beckoning her to step through. Jin X didn't possess fear, but she was intelligent enough to know that this door should not be set in such a manner. Either the door was broken beforehand, and its awkward angle was that result; or someone or something smashed through it. She recalled the beast in the tunnels and the things lurking in the shadows prior to her introduction to that monstrosity, settling on the decision something passed through it in a hurry. Most likely culprit would be a frenzied droid or droids. It was too early to form a conclusion based off these little facts.

With her left leg, she pushed the door further open, waited a few seconds and passed through it. What awaited her was another tunnel, illuminated far better than the previous garage area, where several doors lined both sides of the tunnel's walls. Perhaps, she wondered, this was the research and development section of the fortress, which made absolute sense considering the massive housing center behind her. This would be an excellent start to search for anything useful.

 

[Jho'Henig]

JHO'HENIG

Location: Vassek system, Vassek 3, inside the Grievous' Fortress (Lowest level)

Armed with: Vintage A-212 battle pistol

Goals: Treasure hunting

Allies: ???

Enemies: ???

Tags: Akemi Io / Valkren Calderon / Alessandra Io / Diocletian Kahmen’’a / Jin X / Beltran Rarr

---

Jho'Henig entered the Fortress. He saw a lot of old and used B1 battle droids that Separatists used during the Clone Wars.

"Look, Henig,", Jho said, "there are many vintage B1 battle droids, we cannot take the whole droids, but let's take their parts, vintage droid parts are not that expensive, but they can help us make some credits."

Also, Jho'Henig noticed that there were footsteps and they are not alone, someone arrived to the Fortress before them. When he was landing to the Vassek 3, he noticed that there were some spaceships on the planet, that's why he carefully prepared.

"Yes, Henig, there are other people that are exploring the Fortress too, we need to be careful", said Jho, Jho'Henig started exploring the Fortress

 

[Akemi Io]

Communication "verbal" <<technopathy>>

<<lovely work, if we can rescue him after the battle, mother will be happy. Some of those old designs are worth investigating.>>

Akemi landed the Loralora nearby the wall of the fortress and hopped off with Allesandra. In days gone by it wouldn't have been the easiest approach to the fortress, there was a long bridge over a deep natural chasm, defended with turrets leading to a large mechanical door. The electical radiation indicated the turrets were thankfully no longer operational. After all these years, giving up their sentinel for long dead masters.

<<So sister, would you care to join me for a nice stroll across the bridge, the view looks lovely if you don't mind the height.>> Akemi grinned and practically skipped out into the open of the bridge. She reached onto her back, unclipped and extended her electospear.

She reached out to hold Alessandras hand with her free hand as two HRDs enjoyed their stroll across the old bridge, she pictured what it much like in the glory days of the machines, she overlaid the image of columns of battledroids, AATs and MTTs over her visual field and smiled. "have a look at this" and she shared the augmented reality visuals to Alessandra. "its almost romantic isn't it, all those droids giving their lives to try and overthrow the Republic. Its a shame what happened to them all." she shuddered at the thought of trillions of droids being told the war was over, deactivated and that was that for them. Melted down for materials or put into deep storage.

As they strolled, Akemi repeatedly clicked her staff on the bridge, as if deliberately announcing her presence. "did you know, the CIS used to line the undersides of these bridges with dormant spider droids that would lie in wait until their target got half way across the bridge before ambushing?" she gave a knowing grin to Alessandra as she let go of her hand and started walking backwards towards the door, activating her Mimetic generator and vanishing.<<you keep our little chattering friends off me while I focus on getting the door open?>>

Loadout:
Loralora interceptor swoop
Gei Borugu Electro Spear
Light Saber (peony colour blade)
Laser Lance


Alessandra Io Beltran Rarr Diocletian Kahmen’’a
Valkren Calderon

 

[Beltran Rarr]

"Is it really you, Beltran?"

Even as the droid ship zipped by in the distance, dogged by a pair of fast moving vehicles, and met its end, Beltran felt his blood run cold. He'd been aware of the approaching figure, but he'd simply expected another treasure hunter. Not...not this.

To say that Beltran would have recognized that voice, and the remaining pieces of armor that accompanied it, anywhere would have been one of the single most potent truths in the Lorrdian's existence. There were few beings in this galaxy who had the kind of impact on Beltran that this man that now stood behind him had. Not even the likes of Darth Solipsis had done more to fashion Beltran into the man he was than this man.

"Valkren." Beltran spoke, turning around slowly to face the man who was breathing hard. His voice was quiet, but the Force carried it easily across the space between them even as his cool green eyes met the helmeted gaze of his friend.

The Lorrdian took an involuntary step toward the man, and then another before stopping. Cocking his head to the side, he considered Valkren's other questions. "This some kind of nightmare?" and "This isn't real. Is it?" In truth, it wouldn't be the first time that Valkren Calderon had appeared in one of the Lorrdian's night terrors, but this time felt different.

No, it had to be real.

"It's real!" He called back, a little louder this time. "Has to be! I don't see any clowns!"

The Lorrdian didn't offer any explanation of his logic, but Valkren might well remember his, almost primal, fear of clowns from there previous association. He wanted to ask all the questions one would expect, but he could see the flyers who had downed that droid ship come to a landing position on the other side of the bridge and he knew that the time for talk would have to come later.

Even as the words left his mouth, however, the fortress doors groaned and began to open-seemingly of their own volition. As the doors opened Beltran could see that the Fortress seemed to powering up as lights flickered on.

His ears next detected the sounds of skittering legs, coming from underneath the bridge. Spider droids maybe?

From behind him, he then heard the sounds of clanking as-somewhere deep in the Fortress-dozens, maybe hundreds of droids were beginning to wake from a deep slumber. (area where Jin X and Jho'Henig are)

"Yeah," Beltran called out to Valkren. "I didn't do that... Time to move!"

He indicated for the older Ranger to push passed him into the Fortress even as the first of the spider droids became visible, coming over the side of the bridge. Levelling his hand-cannon, he sent a pair of shots into the first pair to crest the bridge's sidewall, exploding them with the depleted baradium slugs.

"Push into the Fortress," Beltran told his friend. "Shoot anything that clanks. I'm on your six!"

OOC: Akemi Io and Alessandra Io , please ignore my post as it related to you. I thought you were on the same bridge/passage as we were. Feel free to assume that spider droids are attack your position as well though.

 

[Jin X]

Richard Ramirez by SKYND

Character Voice: X

Location: Vassek 3, Inside Fortress (Lowest Level)
Objective: Loot
Gear: Lightsaber, Light Whip, Pistol, Sniper Rifle
Tags: Akemi Io / Valkren Calderon / Alessandra Io / Diocletian Kahmen’’a​

The several doors presented before Jin X was like a looting buffet. Every door closed held something potentially useful behind it. The doors numbered twelve, six on each side. She knew time was not on her side, and the possibility of exploring every room guarded by these closed doors was beyond impossible. Before undertaking this quest, there was an idea of what she wanted, required from this fortress, and anything not on that mental score card was useless to her. From time to time, she would scavenge to employ credits into her financial coffer; today was not such a day. This place was dangerous, she could sense it as if an open book was placed before her studying eyes. She embraced the coldness of death, but via the Force there was much pain, agony, and tragedy here. As a student of the dark side, she embraced it; yet the sense was still overwhelming.

The first two offices she explored bore no treasures, just a waste of her time. Doors three through five, the same. Door six, there was something stirring inside. Placing her hand on the door handle, an odd construction of this time or times gone-by, she felt through her ability of Psychometry a major shift in discovery. This Force ability could not detect the residue of droids, or anything mechanical in nature; but what she felt was a sense from an organic. The feeling was one of pain and fear, a bloating growth of tumorous fright. The images sent to her via this ability was clouded, though what laid beyond this door was treasure.

Then snapping her out from the reverie, came the breaking sounds of drumming clanking. The beat, stampeding and broadcasting in tandem meant only one thing; the droids of Grievous had awoken.

{OOC Jho'Henig , care to write this out with me?}

 

[Jho'Henig]

JHO'HENIG

Location: Vassek system, Vassek 3, inside the Grievous' Fortress (Lowest level)

Armed with: Vintage A-212 battle pistol

Goals: Treasure hunting

Allies: ???

Enemies: ???

Tags: Akemi Io / Valkren Calderon / Alessandra Io / Diocletian Kahmen’’a / Jin X / Beltran Rarr

---

Jho'Henig visited the battle droid armory room. He saw a lot of weapons and other equipment that battle droids used during the Clone Wars, such as E-5 blaster rifles and radiation cannons. Jho'Henig started to collect these items.

"These will make a fine addition to our collection", Jho said

(OOC: Yes, Jin X, I can write this out)

 

[Valkren Calderon]

Location: Vassek System, Vassek 3 Surface
Assets: Cheron Light Freighter - Civilian Tags
Allies: Beltran Rarr
Enemies: ???
Current Objective: Survive | Stay sane.​

Valkren could only crack a half-hearted grin behind his visor as he heard the man's responses. Maybe this would be easier than the aging soldier had thought. Maybe.

No clowns, huh?

He craned his head about one time, eying the smoke trail from the fallen gunship for a moment before eventually returning his gaze to Beltran. He recalled Beltran's telling of what Valkren could only call PTSD, he just didn't know that it would come up now.

Funny what you remember about friends, right?

Before either could say another word- the doors behind Beltran began their grumbling scene of an opening. As this fresh area was presented, a slight instinct of Calderon's would kick in- immediately taking the place beside Rarr, and lifting his carbine into a readied position from beneath his cloak. He'd gaze over the top of the sights, awaiting any kind of hostile that would approach.

When none came from within the mouth of the entrance, Valk' moved his weapon into a low-ready position- throwing Beltran a glance as he'd make the statement about the door not being his own doing.

"Really? Thought you might've had some new tricks up your sleeves!" Valkren called this out before spinning back around at the sound of skittering legs, only to see the hostiles he was searching for. Spider bots, his favorite.

Thump Thump.. Thump Thump..

Valkren could practically hear his own heart as its pace began to rise. The barrel of his carbine jumped from one spider bot- then to another as it appeared, then another; yet, he hadn't fired a shot yet. Then came Rarr's next set of words, ushering the soldier inside the newly-opened fortress.

'I'm on your six!'

Without any hesitation, he backpedaled- then spun about to rush through the doorway. Suddenly he felt as if he was back with the Rangers, breaching rooms and securing compounds. Many of the memories that he had of these kinds of actions were being held behind a thin mental wall as Valkren rushed forward into possible chaos. As he entered what could've been the lobby of the fort, he'd come to a skidding halt behind a set of crates- his carbine resting directly across the stop of one of them for stabilization.

Ahead of him, next to one of the few doorways that would lead deeper into the area, rested two security units: commonly holding some sort of droid ready to be activated at the moments notice. With the current date and age though, most of the B2 super battle droids that had been mounted and readied in these systems were piles of wreckage by now. All were fried and destroyed but one, with a single pair of B2 droids that were doing their very best to unhook themselves from the rusted units.

As one valiantly freed itself, sending sparks and bits of the security system about the room, it turned immediately to Valkren. The mans eyes went wide behind his visor as his finger slid from the side of the carbine, to the trigger. With a quick breath, he squeezed- letting a quick burst of blue bolts rush from the end of his weapon. The first bolt flew clear to the right of the droid, but just as the enemy began to lift its weapon-integrated arm towards the soldier- the other two rounds slammed into its' chassis.

Suddenly, it clicked.

By the time the first droid had crumpled back into the security unit, Valkren was already setting his sights on the second. With another four bolts, the weakened armor of the battle droid caved before it could even escape the confines of the unit it was hooked to. After watching the second cease its movements, Valkren stood and side-stepped the crates, keeping his weapon trained on the deceased droids before he came closer to the door. As he reached the entry way, he'd shift the barrel of his carbine down the hallway. He could hear the whirring of machinery deeper within the guts of the fortress.

He could hear more droids.

"Don't know where I'm goin,' here!" He'd shout this out, shifting to the right side of the doorway and stabilizing his carbine against the wall in order to maintain sight on the end of the hallway. Valkren didn't know if his ally was still behind him- he trusted him to be, as he knew all well and good that Beltran's skillset was superb.. It was more of the fact that Valk' hadn't run through a proper room-clearing for years.

With a vital mistake, he began to take his eyes away from the hallway in order to search for his comrade. However, before he could even look into the room behind him, a red bolt screamed past his visor. Back at the end of the hallway, a squad of rusty B1 battle droids had now made themselves known.

"Sunova'-" He'd cut himself short after shifting into cover beside the entry to the hall. After checking his weapon once more, he'd lean quickly into the hallway- several bursts of blue bolts were to follow as the man began to pick off each of them. Once he had realized that they weren't advancing down the hallway, and that he had thinned their numbers slightly- he yelled out.

"You with me?!"

Tags: Beltran Rarr | Jin X | Alessandra Io | Akemi Io | Diocletian Kahmen’’a | Jho'Henig

 

[Jho'Henig]

JHO'HENIG

Location: Vassek system, Vassek 3, inside the Grievous' Fortress (Lowest level)

Armed with: Vintage A-212 battle pistol

Goals: Treasure hunting

Allies: ???

Enemies: ???

Tags: Akemi Io / Valkren Calderon / Alessandra Io / Diocletian Kahmen’’a / Jin X / Beltran Rarr

---

Jho'Henig started exploring other rooms after looting the armory. He explored rooms that Jin X already looted. He was very disappointed that he could not find something in these rooms, because someone already looted the rooms. He is now completely confident that he is not alone.

And then he heard sounds of old battle droids. Both heads prepared their pistols and Jho said "Yeah! It's time to fight!"

 

[Beltran Rarr]

Beltran Rarr

Location: Entering Grievous' Fortress
Objective: Don't die
Allies: Valkren Calderon
Enemies: Whoever tries to kill him
Loadout:

• Armor: Tactical Ballistic Vest
• Clothing: Military Style Fatigues, Traditional Jakku desert garb, Bantha Load-bearing system
• Primary Weapons: Lightsaber (clipped to waist), Death-Dealer Handcannon (drop holster, right hip - loaded with Sith-Killer Ammunition)
• Secondary Weapons:, Pulse Pistol (chest holster), Lightsaber Pike (strapped to back), Tactical Vibroblade (right boot),

"Really? Thought you might've had some new tricks up your sleeves!"

"I've got one or two!" Beltran shouted back at his friend while he continued to take out the spider droids that crested over the side of the bridge. Volleys of blaster fire came from out of his view, raking the spider droids as Valkren backpedaled into the newly opened fortress. It was a familiar rhythm that the two aging warmakers fell into. It could have been any one of a dozen battles they'd fought together. Myrkr, Kintan even.

After his sixth shot, Beltran holstered his hand-cannon on his thigh, and pulled his pulse pistol from the holster on his chest. There wasn't time to reload the large gun, so the smaller would have to do. Firing controlled shots, Beltran let the Force flow through him-guiding his aim.

One shot, one kill.

He too backpedaled moving closer to the fortress opening. Eventually the fire from over his shoulder ceased and Beltran knew that Valkren had turned to dash into the massive structure. As he passed the entry console he'd been working on, he noticed that it was now active. "Better late than never," he said triggering the doors to close before putting a pair of super-heated mag pallets into the thing.

From behind him, he could hear the sounds of blaster fire as Valk engaged the B2's. He couldn't hazard a look as he was still picking off any spider droids that got to close to the now rapidly closing entryway.

"Don't know where I'm goin,' here!"

"Yeah, me either!" Beltran shot back wryly as he watched the doors finally come to a close. "Just don't die!"

With the spider droids locked outside, at least for the moment, Beltran turned and headed after Valkren. He passed the remains of the two B2's who'd never really made it out of there security pods when he heard the sound of blaster fire in a room ahead of him and his friend's surprised curse. Shifting his pulse pistol into his off hand, he drew his lightsaber from the sheath on his waist.

Taking off into a controlled run, he closed the distance and found Valkren engaged with a squad of B1's.

"You with me?!"

"I'm here."

Slipping passed his friend, he entered the room and darted right so as to stay out of Valkren's line of fire. Raising his pistol, he dropped one of the droids with two shots. Then in a swift motion, he ignited his father's sunset orange blade and proceeded to redirect several of the droid's shots back at them, dropping another.

"It's a Jedi!" Cried out one of the droids in that sing songy nasal tone that the B1's were so well known for. "Get him!" The fire of the remaining droids shifted away from Valkren and began to focus almost exclusively on Beltran.

Beltran has suspected this would be their reaction given their original programming, which he figured would give his friend the chance to finish them off. For his part, Beltran's blade whirred as he deflected the incoming fire. Some of the fire he was able to redirect back at the attackers, but most was deflected safely into nearby walls or the floor.

For all of his years of practice, Beltran was not the greatest swordsman. So wherever he could, he evened the score with a well aimed shot from his pistol.

When, finally the droids were all scrap, Beltran extinguished his blade and sheathed it. He then quickly set to changing out the mag on his pulse pistol, holstering it, and then loading six more rounds into his hand-cannon. Looking down at the smoking hunks of metal while he worked, he said. "And I'm not a Jedi."

Looking back to Valkren, he nodded. "All good?" He asked as he approached his friend. "We need to get moving. I suspect that Grievous' trophy room is on one of the upper levels. That's the best bet to find anything interesting." The Lorrdian considered asking his friend why he had come, after all these years, but he didn't.

Valkren would tell him when he was ready.

 

[Jin X]

Richard Ramirez by SKYND

Character Voice: X

Location: Vassek 3, Inside Fortress (Lowest Level)
Objective: Loot
Gear: Lightsaber, Light Whip, Pistol, Sniper Rifle
Tags: Akemi Io / Valkren Calderon / Alessandra Io / Diocletian Kahmen’’a​

The drumming began to grow louder, and not wanted to risk being trapped in this current room, she unholstered her pistol, placing her back against the wall near the opening. Through the Force, she could sense the mechanical vibrations which acted like an early warning sign to her. Closing her eyes, she drew upon the Force, let out a huff of air; and stepped into the corridor. Down the hall shambled a trio of MagnaGuards on patrol. Reacting quickly, she squeezed the trigger on the pistol, dropping two of the guards with precision shots through their mechanical heads, but the third droid managed to dodge the initial shot. Activating his electrostaff, it twirled it once and began stomping toward Jin X in a speed that even surprised her. Changing tactics, she holstered the pistol and drew upon the lightsaber hilt dangling on her side, activating the weapon.

The crimson blade hissed into existence, the familiar sound echoing in the corridor. The lightsaber technique she employed would not fully assist her against the mechanical foe due to the closed quarters, but the emotional side of the form would serve her best. With calculated steps Jin X moved toward the guard, eyeing both his movements and weapon, striking swiftly when the pair reached fighting distance. The MagnaGuard easily parried the attack, proving almost at once the formability in which it possessed. Jin X knew nothing of these MagnaGuards, but the Jedi of old knew them all too well. Back and forth they fought, each one driving the other back occasionally until Jin X caught a glimpse of opportunity.

As the MagnaGuard swung his crackling staff, Jin X slid under the attack, timing it perfectly in the process and unclipped the other hilt from her waist; her lightwhip. The lightwhip was a rare and ancient weapon, rarely employed for many drawbacks but in the right hands and deadly mind; it was a devasting weapon. The moment she cleared the swing, she ignited the lightwhip, spun on her knees and slashed it toward the droid's legs, wrapping around them and quickly severing them from the main body. Crashing loudly, the deformed droid was nearly defeated; but as the Jedi of old had experienced; they didn't go silently into the night. With staff in hand, it began crawling toward her seeking to claim victory spite its current situation. Again, Jin X used the whip and this time removing the staff-held arm, and finally with her lightsaber driving it through the head of the MagnaGuard; eventually ending its existence.

There was something else she sensed, an organic being ( Jho'Henig ) within the vicinity. Both weapons at the ready, she waited for this being to expose itself as friend or foe.

 

[Jho'Henig]

JHO'HENIG

Location: Vassek system, Vassek 3, inside the Grievous' Fortress (Lowest level)

Armed with: Vintage A-212 battle pistol

Goals: Treasure hunting

Allies: ???

Enemies: ???

Tags: Akemi Io / Valkren Calderon / Alessandra Io / Diocletian Kahmen’’a / Jin X / Beltran Rarr

---

Jho'Henig noticed Jin X and then he said:

"Oh, hey there! I'm Jho'Henig, the first head is Jho and the second head is Henig. We, paaerduags, are born as a separate two beings, but at some point in our life we merge together and become one creature. I see, you are a fellow treasure hunter like me. Maybe we should unite our forces, so we could defeat these droids, get treasures and get out of this rock?"

 

[Alessandra Io]

Location: East Bridge, Grievous’s Fortress - Vassek 3
Objective: Obtain Galactic Empire Artifacts
Dialogue Legend: <<Technopathy Link>> │ “Verbal”
Tags: Akemi Io Beltran Rarr Valkren Calderon Diocletian Kahmen’’a Jho'Henig Jin X

<<So sister, would you care to join me for a nice stroll across the bridge, the view looks lovely if you don't mind the height.>>

“With pleasure, dear Akemi~” Alessandra purred in response. And so, hand in hand, the two sister HRDs skipped across the bridge in the manner of Naboo handmaidens frolicking through a field of Rominaria flowers, the dark sky overhead not in the least dampening their vivacious moods. As Akemi unclipped her electrospear, Alessandra mirrored her sister’s actions in eerie synchrony, unsheathing her energy sword and activating the blade with a distinct hiss, illuminating her immediate area in a glow of pink light. As the blade sprang to life, her sister projected an augmented image over her photoreceptors, depicting columns of ancient battle droids, MTTs, AATs, and even the roar of droid gunships like the one she had struck down only moments before, flying overhead.

These were the ancient, Clone Wars-generation of droids in their prime. In many ways, they were her ancestors, even though her organic, Vong-derived design was a sharp departure from their inorganic frames, she felt kinship with them regardless. Unlike them, the Chaplain was capable of crying, to which Alessandra could only just hold back as she took in the ancient image.

"its almost romantic isn't it, all those droids giving their lives to try and overthrow the Republic. Its a shame what happened to them all."

“It is, sister.” Alessandra answered softly, as she took in the scene. "They're our...family, in a way. Ancestors. Without them, we wouldn't exist." The HRD said with an uncharacteristic, meditative pause.

Suddenly, her reverie of the ancient was interrupted with the sound of blaster fire and energy signatures picked up by the sensors in her bodysuit’s neck piece. Picking up the metallic chittering of dwarf spider droids, the Chaplain lowered herself into a defensive stance, energy sword held in a reverse grip to leave her left hand free as the droids crawled out from under the bridge. Without hesitation, Alessandra charged the electricity-generating organs in her arms, unleashing a cracking stream of cascading electricity that jumped from one droid to the next, overloading three of the ancient machines before they could target her sister. The smell of ozone, almost like chlorine gas, filled the HRD’s olfactory receptors as her electricity surged through the air, laced with a slight note of charred metal. Nevertheless, as two more of the droids skittered out from under the bridge, they met the same fate, though one managed to get a shot off, striking Alessandra in her energy shield and knocking her back from the kinetic force.

“There are two life signatures ( Beltran Rarr Valkren Calderon ) in the lobby. I think they came in from the west bridge.” Alessandra said as she regained her balance.

“How much longer, sister?”

Spoiler: Loadout

• Eversor Bodysuit
  
  • Gauntlets
    
    • FAE/MDW-01 Active Defense System - L
      
      • Nagnol Gas Nano Missiles
  • Energy Shield
    
    • Phase III “Force Avenger” Energy Shield
  • Droid
    
    • IBIS Drone
• Eversor Rings
• House Io Citizen Energy Sword
• G-20 Glop Grenade (2)

 

[Jin X]

Richard Ramirez by SKYND

Character Voice: X

Location: Vassek 3, Inside Fortress (Lowest Level)
Objective: Loot
Gear: Lightsaber, Light Whip, Pistol, Sniper Rifle
Tags: Akemi Io / Valkren Calderon / Alessandra Io / Diocletian Kahmen’’a​

Mouth agape, Jin X stared in confusion of the named one, Jho'Henig , before her. This thing, this monstrosity was nothing like anything she saw; then it spoke, which lent more baffling to the Fiend. But it was friendly, which meant it could be manipulated. Powering down her weapons, Jinx X replied, "That is a very long name to pronounce, with a lot of alphabetic pieces to stitch together. Glad to meet to you," the Darksider said whilst the wheels of how to exploit this potential ally could best serve her. "I must address, I find it rather impressive you survived amongst these killing machines," she concluded waving her right arm in the direction of the destruction she recently constructed. "You can call me Jin X, and yes, by your gaze I'm a cyborg. Not by choice....but we have bigger problems crawling like infested worms through rotting intestines: murderous droids!"

Jin X wasn't how sure, honestly, this creature could be of assistance, but in a pinch, it would make an excellent shield against droid blasters and electrostaffs. "Yes, we should unite. Three heads are better than one, right? But first, tell me....friend.....what do you know of this fortress?"

This innocent being was rather cute, a great ally and friend potentially. In fact, this being could be more useful in so many ways; afterall it survived this far and quite possibly knew more about this fortress than she or the previously owner of the now crushed datapad. Sadly, in the end her new temporarily found friend was nothing more than an object to use for manipulating purposes. There was a reason she haunted the galaxy alone.

 

[Jho'Henig]

JHO'HENIG

Location: Vassek system, Vassek 3, inside the Grievous' Fortress (Lowest level)

Armed with: Vintage A-212 battle pistol

Goals: Treasure hunting

Allies: Jin X

Enemies: ???

Tags: Akemi Io / Valkren Calderon / Alessandra Io / Diocletian Kahmen’’a / Jin X / Beltran Rarr

---

"OK, nice to meet you, X. I think you will make a great ally.", Jho said.

Jho'Henig noticed that another wave of droids was coming and Jho said: "Look! Another wave of droids! Prepare to fight again!"

Jho'Henig prepared his blaster pistols and started shooting at battle droids. While he was fighting, he talked about the Fortress: "Isn't this the fortress where Grievous lured Jedi Master Kit Fisto and his padawan?"

Jho'Henig finished one battle droid, he quickly came to the remnants of the droid and collected his parts that he would sell later. After that he quickly ran back and continued fighting.

 

[Valkren Calderon]

Location: Vassek 3, within fortress lobby
Objective: Assure survival of Beltran Rarr and self
Allies: Beltran Rarr
Enemies: ??? | Droids​

It wasn’t long before a relieving voice was heard from over his shoulder. Before Valkren could give a reaction or any kind of response- Beltran darted out from the corner of his peripheral, shooting to the right to avoid Valkren’s line of fire. As he did so, he ignited his blade, giving out a tell-tale sound that Valk’ knew by heart.

Different saber?

This was indeed a new trick for the sight of Valkren, as he was taken back for a moment as his friend and ally shot past him and immediately took any agro that would be plaguing the soldier away. As the squad of droids began to turn their blasters on the new threat to the firefight, the commando would take his opportunity. With a side step or two out of cover, Valkren would stabilize his position again, remaining standing as he picked off the remaining of the droids with precise shots.

After a stutter-step forward and realigning his shot on his final target- he’d pause for a moment and flick at a setting on his carbine. With a pull of the trigger, a series of flechette escaped its barrel, peppering and tearing apart the entire torso piece of the B1.

Valkren stepped over the pieces as they scattered across the floor, trailing the barrel of his carbine among the far corners of the room. Eventually, he’d note that their immediate area was relatively safe.

“Clear.”

He shifted his weapon into a low-ready position, turning about to get a gauge on their location as his friend spoke. Valkren moved his gaze back to Beltran, giving a nod in response to his inquiry about the soldier’s status. Valkren listened as he spoke about the upper levels of the fortress while in tow behind Beltran.

He wanted to say something. Anything, but how?

“What are you expecting to find here exactly?” He piped up from behind his visor. Not exactly what he wanted to say to his estranged friend- but it was the better option opposed to a very awkward silence before the next batch of droids came their way.

While on the move ahead to one of the next rooms, he'd begin to realize that past the lobby this place shifted into a maze of hallways. Once again- no intel meant Valkren was in the dark.

He'd lift his carbine up one of the hallways that led to a set of stairs that nimbly twisted upwards- flashing the light on the end of his weapon momentarily in order to get a glimpse of what was ahead before eventually retreating back to cover.

"Looks like we've got two ways up that are main stairs for this area- but I'm sure if we don't want a direct route up we can find some kinda' maintenance shaft tucked away-"

It was just a thought, besides- Who knew what kinda' mechanisms would be in Grievous's fortress. He figured the amount of security in the fortress had to be terrifying, even at the current rusted-age of the building. The chances of any maintenance shaft or tunnels having its own security were fairly high as well. With his focus shifted back to Beltran, a flurry of emotions would suddenly choke the old soldier up. As the fighting had suddenly come to a halt for the moment, it seemed as if Valkren was just now processing the fact that he was with Beltran once more. He knew he'd owed this man the world, and a world of apologies at that. The aging ranger had asked so much of the assassin, pulled him into so many combat zones that he couldn't keep track of. Would an apology even help? Maybe a simple acknowledgment of what he had done?

How could he ask Beltran for anything else after their past?

He gulped, forcing down any emotions and words that were meant to come up in this moment. He'd glance back to his ally once more, giving a nod in his direction.

"-Your choice, boss. I'm with ya'."

A step closer to finding her.

Beltran Rarr | Alessandra Io | Jin X | Akemi Io | Jho'Henig

 

[Beltran Rarr]

Beltran Rarr

Location: Entering Grievous' Fortress
Objective: Don't die
Allies: Valkren Calderon
Enemies: Whoever tries to kill him
Loadout:

• Armor: Tactical Ballistic Vest
• Clothing: Military Style Fatigues, Traditional Jakku desert garb, Bantha Load-bearing system
• Primary Weapons: Lightsaber (clipped to waist), Death-Dealer Handcannon (drop holster, right hip - loaded with Sith-Killer Ammunition)
• Secondary Weapons:, Pulse Pistol (chest holster), Lightsaber Pike (strapped to back), Tactical Vibroblade (right boot),

"What are you expecting to find here exactly?"

Beltran turned to look at his friend, offering a slight shrug. "I don't really know," He answered truthfully. "I just like exploring ancient ruins."

He met his friend's visored gaze for a moment before deciding to offer a little more. "The last few years haven't left me a lot of time to do things for myself," He explained, suddenly feeling a little foolish. "Everything I did, it feels, was with the aim of stopping the Bryn'adul from overrunning the galaxy. Now that's it's done, and I'm no longer a soldier-I have to ask myself who I am now? What do I want?"

"You know my past," Beltran said, knowing in fact that Valkren was one of the only people who knew who he'd been before joining the Rangers. "My options have always been...limited. I suppose what I'm looking for here is a perspective before I arrive in the Empire and find myself surrounded with a whole new set of obligations."

Beltran hadn't really intended on dumping all of that information on Valkren, but it had kind of just come out. There was a time when he wouldn't have even dreamed allowing another person to see through the stone mask of coldness that he generally carried himself with. Even today, he couldn't think of any other he would have said these things to.

There was a moment of silence before Valkren spoke up.

"Looks like we've got two ways up that are main stairs for this area- but I'm sure if we don't want a direct route up we can find some kinda' maintenance shaft tucked away-"

Snapping back to the business at hand, Beltran nodded as he weighed the options. "I'm hesitant to delve into the maintenance system without having a blueprint of the structure or really much in the way of intel. While we would probably have less of an issue with security that way, we may easily get lost or stuck. We will likely encounter heavy resistance if we travel the stairs, but at least we'll have a more direct route."

"-Your choice, boss. I'm with ya'."

A younger Beltran would have automatically deferred to the man he had considered his Commander, but years of Command of his own under his belt allowed him to make his decision quickly.

"The stairs," He said, moving toward them with purpose. "I'll take point, you bring up the rear?"

Hand-cannon once more in hand, Beltran led the way. The two would move rapidly up the large staircase, intent on trying to make it to the top before they were intercepted. Unfortunately luck would not be with them. Just as they were about to reach the top, a pair of Magnadroids jumped down from somewhere up above to land in front of them. Another pair landed to their rear, boxing the two in.

As all four activated their electro staffs, Beltran set his jaw and raised his hand-cannon and fired...

 

[Diocletian Kahmen’’a]

Objective: Get as much valuable stuff as possible
Location: Inside Fortress
Equipment: Ship Armour Scimitar Railgun Carbine Rifle Thermal Detonators BARC Speeder
Ally Tag: Open
Enemy Tag: Open

Battle Droids, a rare sight indeed, reputed to be chatty and not exactly formidable. A few were lying around the main fortress, body parts all over. This Grievous fellow must not have liked these droids very much, oh well, he could always use them to patch up his ship. Waste nothing, every part of a droid has its uses. Except it's vocaliser, that will not be good for anything. A toaster with one had to be thrown into space., would not shut up about buttered toast.

A misguided present from his brother, it was supposed to tell him that he needs to take the bread out BEFORE it becomes charcoal, but it talked his ears off. So out it went. Diocletian chuckled humorlessly at the memory, he swerved to avoid a large ominous obelisk that suddenly loomed in front of him.

Parking his BARC Speeder he entered the small hole at the side of the fortress, just big enough for him to squeeze through, flexible spines are a blessing. Switching the torch on his helmet, he pressed forward swatting aside any spiders that crawled on him. He even splattered a large one onto the wall when it got too close.

Diocletian also got to work on pocketing valuable equipment and taking monitors apart for the glass and conductive metals., no one else here needs it, so why should it rot in a place like this?

 

[Valkren Calderon]

Location: Vassek 3, within fortress lobby
Objective: Assure survival of Beltran Rarr and self
Allies: Beltran Rarr
Enemies: ??? | Droids​

Valkren only nodded after Beltran offered him the answer on their approach, shifting into pace behind his ally as they began to ascend the main stairs. The thought of the 'empire' kept ringing through his mind.

What does he mean..What Empire?

He could only ponder it for a moment before Beltran kept his advancement further up into the fortress.

Valkren's barrel trailed the first opening above the pair, before rotating back behind the two as they slowed their advance. His focus maintained on the odd structure and small crevices that surrounded their ascent, looking for any enemies that could be tucked away and waiting for them.

'Click'

What was that?

Suddenly his attention was pulled the other way, up towards where Beltran was advancing towards.

Big mistake.

It didn't take long until the four droids were upon the two soldiers, surrounding them with a pair on either side. As their electro staffs ignited, Valkren attempted to spin his weapon about in order to counter the first strike, but was met with the end of one said staff as it knocked the carbine's direction away from the two on the bottom area. A single round was sent into the wall to the right of them as his weapon was pushed in a different direction, giving Valk mere moments to look for the next oncoming strike. It was already too late, the same droid that deflected his carbine had brought the staff around to crack the soldier across the face with a solid hit. Lucky enough for Valkren, his visor and helmet took the brunt of it.

A mix of white and blue pieces were tossed from the initial hit, sparkling amongst the reflections of purple-ish light that vibrated from the end of their enemies weapons. Time seemed to slow for him as he stared out his now-cracked visor up to the ceiling.

Been awhile since you took a hit like that..

He remembered how much he didn't enjoy taking a hit to the face.

With his teeth clenched, he'd release his grip on his weapon- letting the sling carry the weight. His left hand suddenly reached out, seizing the staff a few feet from the end. With a quick motion from his right, he'd rip his sidearm from the holster on his rig.

Not as quick and pretty as his counterpart, but Valkren would do his best to smoothly draw the weapon and shove the barrel towards the lower abdominal section of the droid, firing off four bolts into the mix of wires and plating. There definitely held some inspiration from his gunslinging friend, but with his own brute force twist.

With each shot the droid became weaker, stumbling and sparking as its lower section was quickly separated from its torso.

Out of the corner of his peripherals, the second staff from the other came spinning about. Yet, Valkren was mad and ready this time. With one quick motion, he'd toss the staff, enemy torso still gripping for dear life, right into the swing of the other.

This next move has no Inspiration from Beltran, as it was all soldier- now that his left hand was free and the last remaining enemy in his vision was distracted by the torso of his ally- he'd flip his sidearm around, using the grip to deliver an absolutely devastating haymaker.

With a battle cry that hadn't been heard in years, he'd send the two bodies of the magma droids plummeting down the staircase Beltran and himself had previously advanced up. He wasn't sure what was happening to his ally- he was in tunnel vision as he stood at the top of his section of stairs, his chest heaving with every breath as he looked upon his enemies.. Waiting for any movement.

There was none. With gritted teeth still he'd spin about, his eyes looking past the now-glitching HUD to search for the status of his ally- his grip moving to secure his primary weapon after stowing his sidearm.

"You good?!"