Marching Along

[Ria Misrani]

FIMB Horus
Aryx Channel, Cerea

[member="Jackson Mills"] | [member="Gunther Creed"] | [member="Eli Brooks"] | @Commonwealth Soldiers, Officers

Lt. Ranulph Tarkin welcomed the change of scenary, the lush green fields of the Aryx Channel were a breath of fresh air. As opposed to the arid conditions of Yalara. He adjusted his uniform, black on black with polished black boots. White trims, with the stormtrooper corps emblem on his lapel. Ribbons decorating his service and particiation, along with a patch of his unit. The 103rd, 10th Company 3rd Platoon otherwise known as the Bloody Banthas. A pair crisp blue orbs surveyed the surrounding area, his blonde hair combed neatly within regulations.

Behind him stood the First Imperial Military Base Horus, named for the First Order's ally and former leader of the Commonwealth. It was their way of honoring him and perhaps the entirety of the small nation for their service during Castameer. He waited for Colonel Gunther Creed who had been among the first of the Commonwealth to transition into the First Imperial Army. Standing with Ranulph was Sergeant Viramontes, also with the 103rd. Her uniform wasn't much different from his, although her uniform bore no white trim and was rather plain in comparsion.

It was quiet here, just the sound of the wind, boots marching and the flags as they moved with the wind. The First Order flag at the highest point, and just below that on a sperate staff the flag of the Commonwealth, and on the other side of both the flag of Cerea. Starfighters could be seen off into the distance going on sorties, or conducting practice runs. All of it reminded Ranulph of how grateful he was to be here, to be in uniform. Memories of Cloud City's attack still fell into his mind from time to time. Destruction rained down from above, threatening to end not just his life or the lives of the men and women under his command. But the life of Doctor [member="Audrey Saint George"], it had only been the second time he'd been assigned to assist her.

Still. He couldn't help but feel protective of her, although she could do very well to hold her own. Of this he had no doubt, his blue eyes were lost in the fog of memories unaware that anyone had approached.

 

[Jackson Mills]

Staff Sergeant Jackson Mills observed the scenery through the speeder window, which was quickly approaching the imposing First Order military base. The place was not too dissimilar to the plains of his former home, Alexandria, where not long ago war had raged and he’d fought alongside the First Order. For a long time the Commonwealth of Alexandria and the First Order had stood side by side, each ready to aid the other in time of need, but neither fully dependent on the other. Commonwealth blood had been shed on behalf of the First Order, and First Order blood had been spilled on behalf of the Commonwealth. Were it not for that relationship, Jackson would not be here now.

The Commonwealth had dissolved. A powerful spacefaring nation, but more importantly his home, had vanished not with a bang but instead with a barely audible whisper. Leadership had vanished, and with it the bonds that had maintained order. Without that the society had fragmented, and the military without the support of her people had ebbed away. Now there was nothing left of the once proud people but drifters and soldiers with no country. Soon, however, that would change for Mills.

The speeder slowed to a stop outside of the military bases’ defensive perimeter. Jackson paid the cabbie and stepped out, then began his walk toward the entrance of the facility. He saw a pair of figured in the distance, both in black uniforms though one could be observed as being more elegant even from this distance. Jackson himself was in Commonwealth Marine dress uniform: A pure white coat, trousers, and service cap bearing the Marine Corps logo, gold trim and buttons, black shoes polished to a mirror shine, a gold Aiguillette, a technicolored array of ribbons and medals above his left breast pocket, and his shoulders bore the chevrons and rocker of a Staff Sergeant. The Commonwealth military may not have existed anymore, but Mills was intent on representing well what was as of yet the only organization to which he was attached.

When he reached a respectful distance between him and the man and woman in front of him, he stopped and snapped a salute, then dropped to a rigid attention stance. “Sir, Staff Sergeant Jackson Mills, former Commonwealth Marine Corps reporting, Sir!”

 

[Alleycat]

FIMB Horus
Aryx Channel, Cerea
w/[member="Ranulph Tarkin"] [member="Jackson Mills"]
---

Sasha Starkos was on the military base the First Order had named after the Commonwealth's revered Lord Admiral, Horus Nelson, as she had already transitioned into the Stormtrooper Corps and served with them during the war with the Galactic Alliance; first as a trooper, then a scout. The Sergeant's position was fluid at the moment though awaiting further orders.

The former Commonwealth Marine Corps sniper felt the bittersweetness of being back on Cerea. The fierce battle here against the invaders from the Unknown Regions had been the start to the end of the once strong spacefaring nation based out of Alexandria. With the loss of their high ranking officers in the battle including her estranged father, who went missing and was presumed dead, the mission forward had become muddled and disorganized. The final straw came when the homeworld was attacked and the people began to realize that the military could no longer govern nor protect the Commonwealth any more.

It was a sad day when that happened, though Sasha had not been there for the final nail in the coffin so to speak. The red-haired Corellian by birth was already in First Order territory, having been taken there for medical treatment for her battle wounds. After recuperating, she joined the Imperial faction.

Dark green eyes spotted a familiar face as a rather rugged man made his way from the security gate to the courtyard where the flags of each faction and Cerea's were flying together. The Staff Sergeant sure did clean up well and did the Commonwealth proud wearing his dress uniform as it should. Sasha no longer wore that one; hers was that of the First Order, though a Commonwealth pin was allowed to be worn on the collar of the black tunic for this special occasion.

Sergeant Starkos stood at parade rest with those already gathered; her long, copper red hair pulled back into a neat bun at the nap, though the breeze was challenging how tightly held back it was. If the Corellisi could just have one more thing, it would be a pair of shades as the sun was seemingly brighter today. Maybe it was because those lost fighting for the cause were smiling down on them now as they came together as one.

 

[Ria Misrani]

FIMB Horus
Aryx Channel, Cerea

Lieutenant Tarkin watched as the two approached him, still behind him the beautiful base loomed over them all. Formally the base was called Horus Nelson, colloquially just refered to as Horus. Sgt. Viramontes called for the salutes from the First Order detail, and once it was done the officer moved up and began the introductions, "at ease Staff Sergeant Mills, I'm Lt. Ranulph Tarkin and this is Sgt. Angelica Viramontes both of the 103rd. Traditionally we would be out in the Western Reaches on Yalara, but today we came all the way over to give you a proper introduction into the First Imperial Military."

Sgt. Viramontes gave Tarkin a simple look, and he turned his attention toward Starkos. "Sergeant Starkos, am I correct?" He gave her his brightest smile, "welcome, welcome. Well, perhaps Colonel Creed will join us later, the two of you may recall him. Believe he was General Creed for the Commonwealth."

"While today is a gorgeous and beautiful day. I believe our paperwork is in there," the Lieutenant gestured to the base with the secure gates in front. Guards who worked the checkpoint raising and lowering aforementioned gates. The officer turned on his heels and headed up toward the checkpoint, followed by the Sergeant. "Oh and one, more thing before we actually..." The man stopped and reached within his sleeve and withdrew a Commonwealth pin. "For you Staff Sergeant Mills," he presented the pin to [member="Jackson Mills"] as a commemorative token of the fallen nation.

[member="Sasha Starkos"] | [member="Gunther Creed"] | [member="Eli Brooks"]​

 

[Jackson Mills]

The Staff Sergeant lowered himself into an at ease stance at the Lieutenants command, and nodded respectfully to both the Lieutenant and the Sergeant. Though technically he out ranked the former, it was only a matter of technicality. His military entity didn’t exist anymore, and he was on First Order grounds. He intended to show all the respect due from an fresh green Private. He also nodded in the direction of the other party present. At first he didn’t recognize her, though he thought that she looked familiar. The pin flagged her as former Commonwealth (he surmised) and he was still trying to place her when the Lieutenant did him the favor of saying her name. A wave of recognition passed over him as everything came back. He hadn’t known her well, in fact they’d had very little interaction at all, but the familiar presence reassured him that things were well, and that he wasn’t making the wrong decision.

“Thank you, Sir, for your hospitality. It is greatly appreciated.” He said in reply, before they began the walk toward the checkpoint. The entire feeling was surreal. They were on a planet that less than a year ago he’d been fighting to occupy in the name of the Commonwealth. He’d fought, been wounded, and had friends die on this planet. Now it was held firmly in the hands of the First Order who had succeeded where the Commonwealth had failed, and maintained order from a base which was named for the Commonwealth and flew her flag. The Sergeant dismissed the feelings and continued along, before the Lieutenant stopped, pulled something from his pocket and handed it to him.

He looked at the small golden pin in his hand. It gleamed in the light of the day, and Jackson felt a lump developing in his throat. He swallowed the lump down, doing his best to maintain an impassive expression, and placed the pin into his trouser pocket. It didn’t belong on his Commonwealth dress uniform, and in the present situation it wouldn’t do to attach it now regardless. He would keep the pin and wear it when able as a reminder of things past. “Thank you, Sir. I’m honored.” He said in thanks. He then continued on, following the First Order officers deeper into the facility.

 

[Alleycat]

Sasha stepped forward out of line and joined in beside [member="Jackson Mills"] as she was addressed by Lieutenant [member="Ranulph Tarkin"]. The Stormtrooper officer had striking blue eyes as his bright smile made them sparkle in the sunlight.

"Yes, sir! I am Sergeant Sasha Starkos, a former Commonwealth Marine Corps sniper now a First Order Stormtrooper scout," the red-haired Corellisi answered with a bit of pride. The mention of [member="Gunther Creed"] did ring a bell.

"You would be correct, sir. General Creed did serve with the Commonwealth," she nodded affirmatively, then walked with the group into the facility where the staff sergeant would most likely take the same pledge she had to become a member of the First Order military.

 

[Ria Misrani]

FIMB Horus
Aryx Channel

Once cleared for entry, the Lieutenant led his group through the base. It would serve as the basic military training for recruits in this sector. Training that could be seen as they went by. Young men and women in formation at attention with a drill instructor dressed in a black camoflauge pattern broke them down. They passed one or two of the advance training schools, various barracks, healthcare facilities and the motorpool before making a turn that led them toward the administration building. A small monument outside with the phrase, "always remember." Listed below it were the men and women lost at Castameer on behalf of the Commonwealth.

The building's exterior was a smooth muted tone of grey on either side of the oversized doors were the banners of the First Order. Draped for all to see. Glasteel doors slid behind black duracrete as Ranulph led everyone through the foyer. They walked across the tiled seal of the base that read FIRST IMPERIAL MILITARY BASE - HORUS NELSON; THE NEEDS OF THE FEW OUTWEIGH THE NEEDS OF THE MANY. The center of this seal bore the man's image vectored behind him the combined symbols of the Comonwealth and First Order.

Inside, the building was much like any other cooled with air conditioners. Brightly lit, men and women in uniforms walking to and from. Holodisplay of the time, Lieutenant Tarkin led everyone into a conference room where an oval table laid stretched out before them all. "Please take a seat, of course Sergeant Starkos, you've most likely already have been through this process. Staff Sergeant Mills, did you have any questions for me before we begin any sort of paperwork for your transfer into the First Order Military?"

Anyone who had been running late or were behind schedule would be directed to the Lieutenant as they brought in a few tablets of data, and the projectors were turned on.

​

[member="Gunther Creed"] | [member="Eli Brooks"] | [member="Sasha Starkos"] | [member="Jackson Mills"]​

 

[Alleycat]

FIMB Horus had been build in a very mindful way; giving much credit to the Commonwealth and its honorable leader in the monuments and such, yet showing that the First Order was in charge here. It was just what it was. Sasha had already accepted that mindset so it didn't faze her, but wondered how [member="Jackson Mills"] might see it being a proud Alexandrian and a staunch Commonwealth patriot.

After being led inside the pleasantly temporized building by [member="Ranulph Tarkin"], the former Commonwealth sergeants were offered seats at a table. The atmosphere was that of a military installation, an Imperial one with personnel working diligently.

"Yes, sir... I have been through this process already on Dosuun," the redhead nodded affirmatively after taking her seat, then added. "My first engagement as a First Order Stormtrooper was fighting against the Ssi-Ruuk on G'rho in a sniper position. I also was part of the invasion force at Skor. Since then I have been assigned random scouting missions, but am not attached to a particular unit presently."

 

[Jackson Mills]

Jackson followed the Lieutenant through the base alongside Sergeant Starkos, and took in the base as they passed through. It was a strange, confusing feeling to walk through the facility. On one level there wasn't much difference on the surface from any other military base he'd been in. There were men and women working their duty posts, training exercises and PT, MP's making their rounds and standing watch. There was a difference here though, one which he was trying to figure out as they went along. The atmosphere was different here, for sure. Every location in the Commonwealth had been permeated by the unique culture of the Marine Corps and Navy. He didn't know the culture of the First Order. He didn't know how the NCO's and officers interacted with each other, or how any of those social relationships worked here. He had no idea how his experiences would translate over to the First Order. Of course, soldiers are soldiers no matter what faction they claimed. He knew that eventually he would figure it all out and would slot right in, but right at this moment he felt truly alien and alone for the first time in his career.


As they continued through the base, these feelings continued to grow. On the one hand, the banners and monuments were a genuine honor, and he felt happy that the First Order had continued to value the friendship and mutual service of the Commonwealth. On the other hand, it all served as a reminder to him that those days were gone. Actually, walking through this spectacle in his Marine dress uniform and Commonwealth insigne almost made him feel silly: The proud soldier representing a nation that no longer exists. Oh well. This was going to change in short order. He wondered whether or not his body language was communicating his discomfort. He hoped that he was masking it well, but he couldn't shake the feeling that his shoulders were just a little lower than usual.


When they finally entered the briefing room, Jackson took a seat as he was directed. He listened to Starkos recount her post-transfer service record, and nodded his head slightly in approval. It was good to know that at the very least he would be able to get back to what he was good at: soldiering. To the Lieutenants question he responded, "My list of questions is brief, Sir. Upon my transfer, what rank will I be given and in what role and position? Needless to say, based on my experience I would prefer to be a combat infantryman, but naturally I'll fill whatever role is needed."

[member="Sasha Starkos"] [member="Ranulph Tarkin"]

 

[Ria Misrani]

FIMB Horus
Aryx Channel

After they had sat down at the table, Starkos went over her time thus far with the First Order. Viramontes prepped the paperwork and then the two turned to Mills and listened to him. Rank, role and position very fair questions Ranulph thought. He took the datapads as they were handed to him and passed them down to Staff Sergeant Mills. “I don’t know if you’ll retain your rank or not,” he honestly did not see why he shouldn’t but those matters were left up to people with a different paygrade than himself. He was just an officer for the 103rd and they were your standard infantry platoon, “there’s always a need for a good infantryman.” The lieutenant gave the staff sergeant a reassuring smile, “such as my platoon the 103rd now then.”

“The First Order does have Marines but they’re a rather specific set dedicated to boarding and anti-boarding aboard vessels and stick closer to the Navy as you can imagine.” The blond-haired man shifted his weight in the chair, “now from there we have our Imperial Army or the Regulars, lightly armored men and women who rush into the thick of it. They seize and defend our worlds, command our heavy vehicles but the Stormtrooper Corps. We’re the first to go in, we often blitz enemy lines or rush to destroy fortifications and often with a very heavy loss to our own lines, but that is what we do and so I say to you Staff Sergeant whatever choice you make, be sure it is the one you wish for.”

The room around them was quiet, Viramontes had moved to set a small holographic display of the various branches. Imperial Marines were in fact part of the Stormtrooper Corps just as well, as the infamous war vehicles commanded by and utilized with great force by the Imperial Army were displayed. The First Order’s own Imperial Military worked in tandem each one with their own particular roles, “and as for you Sergeant Starkos, if you would like – you are more than welcomed to place a transfer or unit attachment request for the 103rd. You would be more then welcomed with us back on Yalara.” Which was where the unit was actually stationed.

[member="Sasha Starkos"] | [member="Jackson Mills"]​

 

[Jackson Mills]

Mills listened attentively to what the Lieutenant had to say. Rank didn't matter so much to him, he had only mentioned it because he wanted to know what would be expected of him in terms of responsibility upon his enlistment. The fact that the Lieutenant wasn't informed was expected, but it was a possibility that he had been briefed so he'd asked anyway. What he paid more attention to was the way the Lieutenant had answered. Part of being a Staff Sergeant in a combat unit was working under junior officers with little experience and usually a massive chip on their shoulder, and learning to work around them. The fact that this officer openly admitted to not knowing something without bluster or deflection was a good sign, which probably meant that he was a good officer who would be easy to work with. It was a quick assessment with little to back it up, but Jackson was generally good at reading officers.

He also was already moderately aware of the various divisions of the First Order military, from working with them on an operational level. The Marine Corps in the Commonwealth had been a rough counter part of the Stormtrooper Corps, unlike most nations' Marine units. They tended to act as shock troopers and the bulk of invasion forces given that they were garrisoned in such great number onboard the ships of the once vast Commonwealth Navy. He did make note of Tarkins' emphasis on their casualty counts. Risk of life and limb didn't phase him, but the Marine Corps had always placed a heavy emphasis on maximum combat effectiveness with minimum casualties where possible. He'd never worked directly with the Stormtroopers, and wondered if the 'no man left behind' culture was as prevalent there as it was in the Corps.

"It doesn't matter what I wish for, Sir," He said respectfully in response to the Lieutenants last words to him, offering a small smile, "It matters where I can do the most good and put my skills to best use. It sounds like my skillset best fits the Stormtrooper Corps." Jackson had never been known to be very reserved around officers. Always respectful, but never reserved; so, he continued, "Honestly, Lieutenant, you seem like a descent kind of officer with your head screwed on straight. I'd rather not end up under an officer who doesn't know jack about what he's doing, so if you've got room for another Sergeant or whatever the hell I am now in your platoon, consider the position asked for." He finished, signing his name on the final line of the datapad and sliding it toward the Lieutenant.

[member="Sasha Starkos"] | [member="Ranulph Tarkin"]

 

[Alleycat]

The spirited redhead sat and listened thoughtfully to the spiel that Lieutenant [member="Ranulph Tarkin"] gave her former Commonwealth comrade, [member="Jackson Mills"]. It was a familiar one. The Staff Sergeant would have the same choices for service to the First Order as were presented to her. Sasha was still getting used to the Imperial faction as a whole, but had adjusted as best she could so far.

The Corellian missed her beloved homeworld, but knew it would never be home again. The planet was still broken in her mind even though efforts had been done to restore it to a livable degree. Alexandria had been nice, though it had never been home. The only reason Sasha had gone there was to get in touch with her estranged father... and now he was gone. But the man had never been a part of her life in the first place, so no big loss there. That is how the Corellisi had come to be a Commonwealth Marine, and knowing of Mills. They had never served together as the CW military had been a large entity with many different moving parts just as the First Order's was. Funny how now they were meeting for the first time.

Dark green orbs perked up when the Lieutenant's attention moved back to her. Tarkin's offer was most generous, though Yalara, really? The desolate desert planet of the Noghri in the far western reaches of Wild Space was definitely not the paradise Starkos was hoping for to be stationed at, but she did like the man's leadership style and thought they'd be a good fit. Plus, he was easy on the eyes. Though being they all wore helmets most of the time and armor kinda was a lost point, but one could hope, right?

"Thank you, sir... I will make a transfer request then," the cooper red-haired sergeant nodded appreciatively.

 

[Ria Misrani]

FIMB Horus
Aryx Channel

A sensible man, Ranulph thought upon hearing Staff Sergeant Mills. The officer's piercing blue eyes studied Mills a moment or two and smiled. He seemed rather bashful for a moment, "that is due to her work." He motioned to Viramontes, "she's kept me on my toes and knocked any sense of entitlement right out."

Viramontes only grinned.

Of course the colorful language would need work, after all they were Imperials. Sgt. Starkos seemed a bit on the shock and to be honest it meant he'd have to cash out one of his infantry squads for recon/scout squad but he'll take it if it meant an increase in effiency. Ranulph sat there a moment as he took the datapad and read it a moment making sure it was signed, dated, and everything else administration would want. He slid that datapad over to Viramontes who got a look over it again and placed just off to her left.

"I don't doubt that we do have the room and if the 103rd is where you want to be, then were I you. I would make that known on the paperwork and I am beyond flattered," as there were plenty of other platoons within the myraid of forces that the First Order had. They weren't even the most prestigous group that honor fell to another group within the Stormtrooper Corps. Indeed the 103rd or the Bloody Banthas were the ragamuffins, the cast offs who hadn't quite cut it to be in the 1st Company or even the 3rd. No they were 10th - stationed out in the most remote parts of the Western Reaches. "Once all the paperwork for your official transfer is complete, you'll be stationed with us out in the Western Reaches, namely Yalara."

Desolate, desert, "there's a citadel there where we're housed currently until our base is built. We're in the middle of specialized training for Sandtrooper work for the moment, but I would be more than honored to have you among the platoon Staff Sergeant Mills."

He then turned his attention to Starkos, "and as for you Sergeant Starkos. You'll be assigned a few young lads and a lass as for the new recon/scout squad for our platoon. It'll be a first for us but I feel it'll help our efficency as opposed to running blind." Skor came to mind and the thought of it burned into his memory. He watched the four men and women die and so diligently carried them all the way through the battle ensuring their bodies were returned to their families proper.

Viramontes gave Ranulph a nudge with her elbow and pointed to her wrist. "Oh right, yes, so once again I am more than happy to have you both board once all the paperwork is approved. If there are no further questions, Viramontes and I need to be going back to Yalara and our tram leaves shortly."

[member="Sasha Starkos"] | [member="Jackson Mills"]​

 

[Gunther Creed]

​​FIMB Horus, Cerea

The Commonwealth.

​They were a different breed of soldier that Gunther Creed hadn't seen before. As a dedicated General who served two different Sith Empires the force was always an integral part to the military and its invasions, always they had Sith Lords and their followers leading the charge reinforcing them. In some ways it was helpful to have a Lord leading the charge crushing tank barrels and breaking an enemy strongpoint single handed, letting the Iceman lead his men out of the trenches in a charge against their greatest enemy. But in many more ways it was a hindrance with their games of politics, their often appalling orders. But he never complained, he never once questioned them.

​The things that he had to do under these Lords were unspeakable, dreadful acts of horror that no soldier should have to experience. But as commander it was his cross to bear. But when Horus the Lord of Admirals came to Panatha and pulled him out of his dusty estate and gave him the chance to come to the Commonwealth, he took it. As the Marine General for a time it was refreshing being around so many fellow soldiers, waging wars with clear R.O.E's again. Most of all he didn't have to commit more acts of horror by Horus's word, they did what was necessary. But just as it happened twice before no matter what he did from his position, the Commonwealth fell. It wasn't all bad though.

​In the aftermath he met his beloved wife [member="Valessia Creed"], and integrated into the First Order. It was a welcomed induction. Colonel Creed he was yet again. The Iceman was once more dressed down to the nines in his perfect black and red uniform of a full colonel as he walked down the halls without the familiar executive officer at his back. He didn't need his aide lingering around for the transition meeting.

"Lieutenant Tarkin." ​Gunther said in the deep, commanding voice as the group of [member="Ranulph Tarkin"] alongside [member="Sasha Starkos"] and [member="Jackson Mills"] entered into view.

 

[Alleycat]

"Thank you, sir. I look forward to serving with you in that capacity," she nodded humbly to Lieutenant [member="Ranulph Tarkin"].

The thought of having an elite scout/sniping team under her command made the spirited Corellisi quite proud. Things finally seemed to be falling into place now under the First Order banner. Up until this point, the scout trooper had been assigned where ever she was needed. A home with the 103rd gave Sergeant Starkos a better sense of purpose amongst the Imperial faction. Hopefully [member="Jackson Mills"] would find the same now that the former Commonwealth Marine had signed on with the FO Stormtrooper Corps and would be in the same regimen as her.

A deep voice Sasha had not heard since the Ceremonial Banquet held on Dosuun honoring those who served honorably at the Omega event including the Commonwealth's Lord Admiral reverberated within the hall. The redhead stood up immediately from where she sat at the table and saluted when dark green orbs saw Colonel [member="Gunther Creed"], formally a general for the Commonwealth, enter the room. It was good to see the "Iceman" as he was affectionally called still active within the military.