One Giant Step [Dominion of Ralith]

[Judas of Vahl]

One Giant Step​

Empire Dominion of Ralith, Valen​

Just weeks prior to this very moment, dozens of Imperial cruisers dropped out of orbit over the planet Valen. The Empire had almost lost over 20,000 soldiers and crew when a Beelzebub-class Assault Ship dropped down into the atmosphere. The massive atmospheric storms threw it a little, but luckily the crews had already prepared for this event once the warnings started blaring a minute prior, detecting heavy winds and storm forecasts. But this glorious Sith Empire still managed to snag a foothold on the planet. A few test runs proved successful and allowed them to drop thousands of soldiers and logistics down into their recently captured city of Illenhelm. The citizens of the world were shocked at their new occupiers, resisting at first, but soon falling under the mighty hammer of the Emperor himself.

But now, now they were ready. Enough supplies and soldiers had accumulated at their beachhead to begin their progression outwards. Personally leading the charge, Darth Arcis and his 501st legion among other Imperial Army elements began their march into the nearby city of Ralith. War machines tromped towards the outer edges of the city, hundreds of elite Stormtroopers marched forth with their Army counterparts.

Would these people resist or welcome their new protectors?

 

[Dakil]

Despite being a fleet commander, TD-30 was actually quite skilled at ground combat. Probably even more so than the Sith Emperor standing to his right. Already, multitudes of his new battalion of Imperial Army soldiers began their moving forward into the city. He and the Emperor sat inside of a AT-TT, watching the streaking lines of white-clad Stormtroopers and Imperial Army soldiers sweeping the eerily empty streets. Blinds were folded over the windows of most houses, lights were shut off, and there wasn't anybody to be seen at all. Perhaps they'd all fled.

No, that couldn't be. There was a billow of smoke rising out in the further distance, by the looks of it, from the middle of the city. "My master, do you see the smoke? Shall we move towards it?" He turned to face the Emperor, his imaginary eyebrows raised questioningly. The billows of smoke were outlined by a little glow surrounding it, suggesting a fire. He didn't really know, this planet was in total darkness for almost 94% of the day.

 

[rain21199]

Cain stood in front of a large legion of stormtroopers. He knew that the Emperor of the Sith was only a couple meters away. Such a powerful man came to this battle personally. That means that this territory must be important. He skimmed through a briefing while the ship was shaking uncontrollably. It said that the planet had large amounts of cortosis. Just imagine if the Empire could get their hands on that. They would be able to outfit large portions of the army with lightsaber resistant armor. Maybe make some extremely powerful armor that is nearly indestructible. The things they could do would be incredible.

Cain was marching along. He could sense the amount of nervousness among the men. He could also tell how nervous he was. He had never done anything so big before. This was going to help him get that promotion that he has been striving for. He has been working for it for 2 years now. Nothing that he has done so far has caught anyone's attention. Hopefully this will.

 

[Nikolas Faselli]

Since the corruption, Lilith had thought about was almost every night. She had gotten so philosophical about it... She had thought:Is it good? Is it bad? What is war? How to prevent war? How can it be so cruel? and many other things. She had thought war is a horrible thing. Until now.

Now she was going with the most of the Sith Empire to conquer Valen and its cities. While on the way, she didn't think about war at all. She thought about her staff. She hadn't thought about a problem which was actually clearly seen. She didn't have a lightsaber nor was she very good at using the Force. But she had her staff. She can't kill with that, bu-... or can she?

As they went to the ground, Lilith followed the group with enthusiasm. She was so happy to be finally in a war. But she understood quickly, how cruel it was. She didn't see any people out. All of them seemed to be disappeared. Only the Sith Empire people were seen, but that's not what Lilith meant. A droid had seen smoke. Lilith didn't see it, but she assumed the droid is right. Because she knew droids can't lie like that and that they have to work as they were programmed to.

 

[Other Space Kaiden]

Spoiler

​

Thunderous beats of the drums of war echoed throughout the valleys of the Valen as Krag and his legion of Graug marched through the open air of the planet. Thanks to the new Graug Colony on Kalee, Krag was easily able to load an army of his soldiers onto Imperial ships and ship them to Valen for the coming war. Each one of the monstrous beasts were growling, their bloodthirsty nature charging forth from the deepest parts of their dark souls to bring havoc and fear upon their enemies. The Graug's green skin and dark armor were clearly visible among the seas of clone armor that marched towards the city in frightening unison. Krag knew that plenty of important materials lay under the surface of the planet, but the Gruag Knight cared little for the materials at the moment. Right now, the only thing on Krag's mind was set on now was the death of those who opposed the empire's will...let the mining be the worry of the Emperor. Taking a look back to his men, Krag looked upon the two gigantic Glycons that marched among his men, mass driver cannons strapped across their back. With a smirk he turned back to the city and imagined the buildings up in flames.

Spoiler

Glycon

Krag would be happy no matter which direction the Sith decided to go, just as long as he got to kill...and he did not have to pop out of a cake again....

 

[Lief]

@[member="Lilith Mae Lancaster"] @[member="Darth Arcis"]

Stepping up behind her Apprentice the Knight settled a hand upon the shoulder of Lilith and began to inadvertently guide her, while leaning low in order to whisper to her. The words were soft and gentle, reaching only the hearing of the girl before her; "You are to observe" she stated, before leaning back up, keeping a hand in place. "and learn, and when you are ready you may assist." Of course, Kara did not state how she would be assisting. Lilith had not been taught very well prior to having come into her grasps, and it hadn't been too long since that fateful day in itself. No, Lilith was not ready for war, but she had to gander some experience all the same.

Moving with the young woman Kara made her way across the field towards another, and to many watching it would seem a bold move; for it was the Emperor that she chose to present herself to, inclining her head softly. Releasing her hold of Lilith's shoulder for a moment she stepped forth, and again her voice lowered into a whisper fit only for Lussk's hearing. "Father," was the only word she murmured, before lifting her head and saying "My Lord Emperor, my men are at your mercy. What would you have us do?" And it was true, for several feet behind where Lilith stood a host of men had also come to a halt, newly recruited Imperials yet long-term warriors, if one could call them such, they were not lacking in experience and each man had been fully blooded even before she got her hands on them.

And, of course, there was @[member='Thyrian Ashborn'], somewhere amidst the clamour. She knew he would be joining her soon, he was loathed to leave her alone at all. Striding up to her side appeared Skydd, who inclined his mechanical head and murmured something about everything being ready. Then the droid straightened up and took its place at her left hand side, a foot back from her position. From his back he brought down his blaster rifle into his grip, and from that point on he was in full-bodyguard-mode, as alert as he could possibly be. Of course, none would be able to tell that the hulking metal man was a droid, his 2.5 metre frame covered in Sith-esque black robes which covered him from head to toe.

 

[Nikolas Faselli]

Now that Lilith knew her Master @[member="Kära Vi'dreya"] was also going to fight, she felt a lot safer. She carefully listened to her and tried to understand, what to do. According to the things her Master had said, she should stay away from direct fighting, but should be able to assist her and other Masters when they need help. She nodded and as she took her hand away from Lilith's shoulder.

Lilith then looked around again. She wanted to get to know a bit more about this planet. Fortunately, there will be more wars on this planet, so she had the chance to learn all about it. She turned around, but then she finally noticed a group of men. They had most likely come with Kära. Since she hadn't seen them before she had come, so... Of course they could've come independently, but... they seemed to follow her Master.

She tightened her grip on the staff and turned back towards her Master. She sighed and tried to relax a bit before the actual fighting will start. Of course there was a little chance, that there will never be fighting, but... it's the Sith Empire after all. The chance was very low.

 

[rain21199]

Cain heard the whispers of the men around him. They were all curious about one thing. Why the Emperor was here personally. Cain was wondering the exact same thing. He could tell that there were other Sith in the AT-TT. Why wasn't he invited to join them? He obviously wasn't the only one that was leading a small group of men. He saw cloaked figures here and there. All of them were walking with a sense of entitlement, with a lightsaber holstered on their belt. He was among them. The more he thought about it, the more he realized that he was an average Sith Knight. They all wanted power, they all thought they were better than everyone else, and they all hid behind their lightsabers like cowards.

"Lieutenant, tell me a little bit about this mission." He had picked out a random solider to talk to. "Um, well I know that the only time that this planet has daylight is during a large electrical storm." Cain smiled. This young man was shaking in his boots. Might as well mess with him. "Lieutenant, whenever you are talking to me, I expect you to call me Sir at all times." At this point Cain got right into his face. "Do I make myself clear?" The kid started shaking. Cain was wondering how he made it passed boot camp. He sounded extremely nervous "Yes Sir!"

 

[Judas of Vahl]

The rocking of the AT-TT as it moved forward set Arcis into a daze. The swaying motion of pure mechanical power surging forward into an unopposed city felt great. The sight above the buildings, the darkness all around save for glowlamps, and the soft ring of orange in the distance. That distanced ember was exactly what the droid beside him had believed it to be. Fire. There was no other way that something could show so brightly in the darkness of Valen, even glowlamps didn't produce that much light.

"Yes, TeeDee. Let's move closer." And with that, the entire armored column and their infantry elements shifted in direction to head towards the glow. "Keep your heads on a swivel, make sure the infantry don't bunch up." He sighed. "This whole scenario is ripe for an ambush."

Almost as soon as he replied to the droid, a pair of familiar faces materialized behind him from the passenger bay of the walker. His daughter, Kara Vi'dreya, and a sorceress he'd met personally during a meeting of sorcerers. His masked visage inclined in greeting towards her before he responded to Kara. "Lady Vi'dreya," He dropped his voice. "dearest, you can lead these men. They are at your mercy. That being said, don't give any of that to the opposition." The Sith Lord snorted in laughter before whipping around to stare out at the city.

-----​

​

And several minutes later, they were breaking the edges of a massive, circular courtyard. Various plants, playground equipment, and street lights aligned the interior circle. Surrounding the edges were many 2 or 3 story buildings, most of them seemingly durable looking and their blinds closed. However, this still wasn't the most interesting thing. At the very center point of the courtyard burned a tree. A perfectly normal, charring growth of vegetation. Yet it wasn't the plant itself Darth Arcis was interested in, rather the banner than hung from its side, mostly untouched from the flames consuming the tops layers of leaves.

STAY AWAY​

A smile cracked across Arcis's face. Oh. This was just too good.

 

[Marcus Faust]

Faust smirked underneath his wrappings at the sight of the banner. Was this some fear tactic of sorts? Were they really trying to scare off the Sith? Maybe they didn't know any better, but regardless, they would learn from their error. From the cockpit of his personal AT-FS, Faust watched at @[member="Darth Arcis"] and @[member="TD-30"]'s AT-TT stormed into the square. Marcus two remaining saber guards flanked his walker in AT-FS's of their own, silent as they awaited further orders from their commander, who oddly was also awaiting orders.

"My Emperor, what is your command?" He questioned over the communications line. The Imperial BattleNet had gone up the instant they touched down, keeping them all connected as they took the first of many steps to completely taking over the cortosis rich work.d Valen was theirs.

@[member="Cain Laatl"]
@[member="Lilith Mae Lancaster"]
@[member="Kära Vi'dreya"]

 

[Judas of Vahl]

An AT-TT was one of the finest Imperial war machines constructed. Able to hold out easily against enemy small arms fire and even light anti-tank weapons. That is, only if their opponents didn't aim for their legs. However, this Empire had updated their technology following the tragic events of history regarding the Battles of Hoth and Endor. These weren't just easily taken down shells of armor, no, these were machines of death and despair. A crackle came out through the comms unit at the head of the walker, the Sith Lord reached over the co-pilot to reply. @[member="Marcus Faust"]

"Faust." he chuckled. "We kill them."

As if on cue, dozens of windows were thrown open or smashed through. Hundreds of poorly armed, yet vicious insurgents threw their weapons into sight and began firing down upon the Imperials. A few automatic weapons nests were placed on high ground, occupying the third story of a few buildings, immediately starting a crossfire tactic. Their counterparts, the townspeople, fought hard just as well. Men, women, and even a few rebellious children fought back with old blasters and weapons.

It was almost just too cute.

The highly efficient Stormtrooper armor deflecting the first of the shots, the ground personnel scrambling for cover before returning accurate fire upon their attackers. They weren't fighting just the militia of this place, they were fighting the whole karking city. "Kara, Lilith!" Arcis shouted over the boom boom of the AT-TT's massive laser cannons. "Take these men and find the organizer of this little party." He gave a devilish grin behind his mask, noticing the 501st Stormtroopers behind the two young women began to rappel down through a floor hatch. "I'd like to have a little talk with him." @[member="Lilith Mae Lancaster"] @[member="Kära Vi'dreya"]

The rest of the ground forces will need a purpose as well. The augmented Graug forces were in position as well. A rather sinister thought crossed Arcis's mind as he clicked to patch through to @[member="Krag"]. "Lord Krag, I think you'll like this assignment." He said. "I want you and your Graug forces to split off from the main element, search each and every home in this city. Drag out everyone into the streets and gather them in the courtyard after we've cleared it up. Set up shop with a Forward Operating Base." He hesitated for a moment, considering his next words. "Kill those who resist. Oh, and take @[member="Cain Laatl"] with you as well."

 

[Paige Argous]

@[member="Darth Arcis"]

Paega Anginous found herself as part of the Imperial ground forces as it destroyed the foolish people that had dared to defy the Sith Empire. She simply observed from on top of a three-story building as the people that have dared oppose the Empire suffered the consequences. All of them, men, women, and children alike. She did have somewhat mixed feelings on murdering children, but it wasn't like as if she was in a position to question the Emperor's orders.

She took out her communication device, which was connected to the Imperial BattleNet, and decided to see if the Sith Emperor had any other specific actions he wished to see carried out. "Paega Anginous reporting, your majesty." she stated to the Emperor over the communication line, watching as Imperial troopers annihilated the rebellious locals below her.

 

[Marcus Faust]

Marcus laughed darkly as @[member="Darth Arcis"]'s order was relayed to him and his men, right as the resistance arrived. Taking the controls of the walker's anti-pensonnel cannon into his hand, and wicked grin flashed across his face as he pulled the trigger. Blaster bolts sprung forward at an alarming rate, tearing through the resistors on the first and second levels. With agonizing cries filling the air as limbs were torn from their bodies, and stomachs were blasted open, the grin faded as Marcus thumbed the switch for the anti-tank cannon, which loosed an explosive shot into the heart of the crowd sending body parts flying. He had to admit, being back in the field of battle was just a wee bit exciting.

@[member="Paega Anginous"]
@Cain Laatl
@Lilith Mae Lancaster
@Kära Vi'dreya

 

[Dakil]

Judging by the Master's actions and words, he seemed to be enjoying himself. Actually, almost all of them seemed to enjoy this. They were well within their right to retaliate this way. The insurgents had fired first, the Imperials now had the god-given right to strike back with force and slaughter all who opposed them. TD-30's mechanical heart held no resent in killing women and children, they were enemies as well. They were their future, if they could either be exterminated or subjugated, then all would be good and peaceful.

But nevermind that. TeeDee had much more fun things to do like drive an AT-TT right in front of the Master himself. The tactical droid pulled the control yolk backwards slightly, leveling the mass driver cannons out with a third level of a building, letting loose with a pair of massive blasts to blow apart the entire floor and topple the defender's automatic weapons capabilities.

 

[Zykhan]

The Sith had been on the ground as long as the rest of them had, clad in his usual armor and helmet, Alaxander Croix was ripe with rage, ready to annihilate anyone it took to get to his goal. It was going to be a bloodbath, the Sith always made sure of that. It was time for Ralith to taste the Dark Side.

Mortivious lived for the smell of blood and fire tickling his nose, it had been far too long since he had stretched his wicked muscles against innocents. He had been busy training back on Korriban the last few months; he hadn’t seen battle in longer. His eyes widened with hunger as the first explosions sounded, screams and agony resounded across the city. The Sith were here to stay, they would learn that soon.

The grip Alaxander held on his blade was strong and merciless, he had already deflected some rebel shots here and there, most of them being smart enough to avoid attacking an actual Sith, instead sticking to taking pot shots at the troops. The Sith Apprentice had taken the ground battle over the space or the machine battles, he wanted to see the death and experience the pain he caused. Explosions were nice but a lightsaber through the gut was better.

There was likely to be much more rebelling going on through the entire campaign but before the battle was over, Ralith would belong to the Empire. The crimson blade spun around to block another shot before the armored Sith took cover. It was time he get a real plan going, aimless slaughter under the guise of a mission was what Mortivious lived for. Recognition in exchange for what he loved to do best.

He figured it a long shot, but Mortivious attempted to contact the busy emperor, or anyone else who could listen in and needed help. “Mortivious here, my blade is at your disposal, Emperor.”

 

[Darth Kentarch]

It was a shame this place would burn. The constant darkness that loomed over the planet, and the luminescent plants made this place seem like a Sith world. Arcturus marched along side a battalion of soldiers who were heading straight for the city of Ralith. Ahead of him a large AT-TT led the advance on the poor city's defenses, which would no doubt kick into action as soon as the came into range of the urbanized buildings. "People should know when they are conquered." Arcturus said clenching his fist. A surrender would have been nice, while all Sith strove for conflict, there was a difference between a good fight and a slaughter.

None the less the Imperial forces began to pass through the outskirts of the city. Then the shooting broke out. "AMBUSH!" Somebody shouted. Acrturus began barking orders at the stormtroopers. A hail of blaster file rained down from the buildings, and the stormtroopers dove behind any available cover. Arcturus however would not cower behind some wall or in a ditch. His lightsaber came to life, the red blade raised in front of him, he deflected each blaster bolt that came within his reach. "Lets go! All fire teams advance!" Charging forward the Sith Apprentice smashed through a barricaded door, inside a team of enemy guerrillas firing upon the advancing imperials. Coming round with his lightsaber, he cut one man clean in half before using the force to send another flying out a window. One of the enemy guerrillas turned and fire his blaster at the Sith. Yet each blaster bolt was deflected with the final shot being sent back to the assailant's head.

Stormtroopers came racing into the building, and after several moments shouts came out that each floor was clear of enemy combatants. Arcturus however would not let the men dilly about. "LETS GO! NEXT BUILDING! MOVE." His voice boomed. The apprentice looked at the dead bodies and blood that caked the ground. "These people are looking at a blood bath." He murmured to himself. Heavy repeater fire soon came through the windows cutting down on a few of the stormtroopers. Arcturus ducked down behind a wall the reached for his communicator. "My lord Arcis, this is apprentice Procyon. Requesting some mortar fire on the enemy emplacements, over."

@[member="Darth Arcis"]

 

[Other Space Kaiden]

@[member="Cain Laatl"]

Krag's lips cracked a malevolent grin as the the Emperor's orders were relayed through into Krag's earpiece. This time for Graug dominance over the lesser's was at hand, the Graug would finally prove their superiority! With a nod towards Cain, Krag turned to his soldier and amplified his voice with the force "Today, we feast!" Krag shouted over the raging ocean of vile predators, who shook the ground as they pounded it with their boots and rocked the wind with their cheers "We will charge into the hive of these resistant parasites, drag them from their homes and kill all who dare fight back!" again, the cheers of a two-hundred Graug saturated the air "Now, we charge!" Krag roared, calling his lightsaber to his hand and igniting it. Krag stood his ground but the horde of demonish lizards thundered past him towards the city, giving the impression that the depths of hell had ripped open and unleashed a wave of death and destruction upon Valen. As his forces stampeded towards the city, Hunter's Bows and other such weapons in hand, Krag turned towards Cain and gave a fang filled grin.

Come, if you and your men are worthy , Krag said through a telepathic message to his fellow Sith. Adjusting the sling of the Anti-Material Rifle on his shoulder, Krag held his lightsaber high and joined in the mad rush to be the first one to gain a kill.

 

[rain21199]

Oh great, a giant army of flesh eating lizards. He was always put in awkward situations. Two red lightsabers detached from Cain's belt. They landed in his hands and ignited. He did a little twirl with them, and turned towards his small group of men. "We may not be the most skilled, or have the most numerous amount of soldiers in this little squad, but we have two things on our side. A banner that unites us together, and the force. We shall win this battle for the Empire!" Cain began to charge behind the Graug army. They looked weak and insignificant to them, but that was to be suspected.

 

[Other Space Kaiden]

@[member="Cain Laatl"]

It may come as a shock to most, but the tactics of Graug had not quiet adapted to the modern style of warfare found in the galaxy. Charging at a garrisoned enemy position was not exactly the holy grail of bright ideas and being in the back of the line was not what one would call a bad idea. As Krag and his army charged towards the city, the outlying buildings suddenly lit up with the flashes of E-Web blasters. The hail of blaster fire pelted the charging lines of Graug, the blue cylinders slamming hard into the first few lines of the army. A few feet ahead of Krag, a soldier spun around to reveal a burning hole in his head before falling dead to the bare ground of the planet. The Sith Knight simply deflected the bolts away from his body with a few spins of his lightsaber, but dozens of his warriors fell victim to the barrage of fire from the buildings ahead.

"Level those buildings to the ground!" Krag shouted to the riders on the Glycon war beasts. Two thunderous claps were the preludes to the plumes of smoke and ash that exploded into the air from the Mass-Driver Cannons atop the backs of the Glycons.

 

[Morticus]

Unlike his other Sith 'friends' Morticus was at the back of the legion, away from the whispering and distracting talking, but news of the Emperor himself being here had reached his ears. This battle must be very important for the Emperor to be here. The squad he was hiding behind charged suddenly, a red lightsabre was swiftly withdrawn from his belt and ignited, ready for battle Morticus charged with the squadron.