Dominion Operation Ashfall -DIA dominion of Asation Hex

[Zara Saga]

Anya, initially frozen, now moved with a newfound fluidity. Zara's subtle mental nudge had taken root, and it was a wonder to behold. The hesitation was gone, replaced by a controlled grace. Blaster bolts ricocheted harmlessly off her lightsaber, each deflection precise and intentional. She danced between the droids, a whirlwind of motion, disarming them with practiced ease, her movements imbued with the unwavering purpose that marked a true warrior. Zara's pride swelled within her, a quiet, burning ember.

One by one, the droids fell, their metallic forms clattering to the floor. Anya wasn't just surviving, she was thriving. She was proving to herself and to the force that she was not only capable, but powerful. Zara could feel the shift in Anya's connection to the force, stronger, more assured. The doubt had been replaced by strength, the uncertainty by a resolute will.

Finally, with the last droid deactivated, Anya turned her attention to the blast doors. Zara could almost feel her focus sharpen through the force as Anya manipulated the release mechanism. With a hiss of escaping air, the heavy doors retracted, revealing the corridor beyond. The path was clear.

Zara broke the force connection, pulling back to her own body, a small smile playing across her lips. "Excellent work Anya," Zara's voice crackled through the comms, her tone laced with genuine pride.

"Let's move. To the command center." She raised her chin, glancing at the security feed. The AI's chaotic energy was building, the lights flickering more erratically than before. There was no more time for these small lessons, for the path ahead would require them to use everything they had learned.

With a nod, Jaxon pushed through the open doorway, his lightsaber blazing a trail. Zara followed close behind, Anya falling in step beside her, their movements synchronized. The battle was far from over, but now they moved together, a cohesive unit, a force to be reckoned with. The next challenge awaited them in the heart of the Oracle, and they would face it together.

 

[Tertius C. Nargath]

Location: Asation system
Loadout: [X] [X] [X]
TAG: Laphisto | Zara Saga

While the NZV Paragon and NZV Artorius were doing their best to deal with the three squads of bombers, launching their own meager contingent of starfighters to try and neutralize the constant strafing done by the Y wings in the Gree's attempt to breach the shields of all three ships, the NZV Julian kept firing at both port and starboard side of the DNS Oracle, in its own way attempting to neutralize the ship's considerable defenses and act as additional support to those who had already ventured inside the warship.

"Isn't there something odd about the flightpatterns of those bombers?" Tertius asked Livicus while pointing at the holographic screen they were using to best coordinate the three ships' actions and to properly track the enemy's movement. The Centurion after hearing this, looked at the screen as well, noticing how the starfighters the Valkans were using standard counters to the runs the bombers were making, but as he continued to observe the runs of the bombers, something did strike Livicus as odd as well. "It's as if they are deliberately moving in a circular pattern, we haven't had any actual bombs or torpedoes being dropped either...as if they want to utilize everything they have til the last drop...the last energy blast, powercell and slug...strange."

It's when Tertius said these words, that Commander Livicus' mighty frame suddenly stiffened and one could hear him take in a deep breath in anticipation. "Mortis' balls...that fracking AI!!"

"What does it mean?" Tertius turned his attention from the map towards the centurion and back, only to finally allow the reality to slowly dawn on him as well. "Antiquated bombers...simple electronics, easily corruptable by a higher intelligence. You aren't suggesting the AI that's been corrupting the DNS Oracle's been orchestrating this...that has to be ZEUS, no...ATLAS level computing, our ATHENA's might not be enough to suppress that sort of AI."

"That's exactly it...think about it, what will the AI use when every piece of ordinance has been utilized?" Livicus ran towards the station of the communication's officer, nudging the man aside and hammering several of the buttons next to the screen. "ATTENTION, all starfighters...I repeat ATTENTION all starfighters, abandon defensive maneuvers, take down those bombers, take them down immediately, before they can...oof!!"

One of the bombers suddenly slammed into the shields, the ripple effect of the explosion sending shockwaves not only through the NZV paragon whose shield had been hit, but all three of the ships due to the interlocked shieldwall. "Take those bastards out, give no quarter...they're aiming for a suicide run on the shields."

"What is the tactic for this...suicide bombing against the SIXTUS shield system seems rather...oh," Looking at the holographic map, the Marquis enlarged the DNS oracle and finally realized it himself, the AI was attempting to take down the N&Z interference in one fell swoop. "if the bombers can remove our shields, it can utilize the main weapons to tear these ships apart, allowing the AI to fully focus on its invaders again."

" Laphisto , Zara Saga whatever you are doing...time is running out," The marquis of Valkan grimaced while looking at the map, thinking it might be a good idea for them to commission a carrier to the Valkan's arsenal next. "if the AI can take us down, it can refocus all attention on the commander and the archon... we MUST succeed, Centurion Livicus."

 

[Gavin Vel]

The air was thick with the acrid stench of plasma and scorched metal as Gavin Vel charged headlong into the chaos, his lightsaber blazing crimson arcs of destruction. The screams of dying Gree loyalists mixed with the sharp hiss of blasters and slug throwers. He was a storm of energy, his every movement fueled by adrenaline and raw instinct.


But amidst the chaos, Gavin barely registered the voice cutting through the din.


"Gavin, keep it tight!" Laphisto's tone was sharp, authoritative, and laced with frustration. "Push too far ahead, and you'll get cut off from reinforcements!"


The words barely made it through the haze of bloodlust that clouded Gavin's mind. His blade slashed through another Gree soldier, the thrill of victory pumping through his veins. But as the echoes of Laphisto's command lingered, a memory surged forward, unbidden—a lesson from Diarch Reign , spoken in that measured, almost detached tone his master often used.


"Recklessness is the death of potential," Reign had said. "Raw power is nothing without control, and no warrior stands alone forever. The strongest Sith are those who know when to fight and when to fight together. Alone, you may win battles, but with others, you will conquer wars."


The memory hit like a slap to the face, pulling Gavin back to reality. He paused mid-step, his gaze darting around the battlefield. He saw the soldiers of the Lilaste Order advancing in formation, their movements coordinated and precise. He saw the deliberate way Laphisto directed them, keeping their advance controlled even as chaos erupted around them.


And then Gavin looked at himself—alone, out ahead of the line, exposed. If the Gree turned their focus on him, he'd be overwhelmed in seconds. His recklessness wasn't just putting himself at risk; it was jeopardizing the entire mission. He had let his pride and thirst for glory blind him to the bigger picture.

Gritting his teeth, Gavin let out a sharp exhale. He turned, sprinting back toward Laphisto and the squad. His boots clanged against the deck plating as he closed the distance, his lightsaber still ignited but held defensively now. The rush of battle still sang in his blood, but he forced himself to focus, to remember Reign's words.

"Commander!" Gavin called as he reached the Laphisto, his tone steady but laced with a newfound humility. "Dont tell anyone I fell in line. I have a reputation to uphold."

As they moved, Gavin found himself adapting to the rhythm of the squad. He deflected blaster fire aimed at the soldiers, his movements precise and calculated rather than wild and reckless. When a group of Gree loyalists attempted to flank them, Gavin stepped in, cutting them down with swift efficiency before they could reach the formation. But he didn't chase them down, didn't overextend himself. He stayed with the group, his focus on protecting them rather than seeking personal glory.


The lesson from Reign echoed in his mind, grounding him. This wasn't about showing off or proving his strength. This was about the mission, about achieving something greater than himself.


As the squad pressed deeper into the Oracle, the hum of the AI core grew louder, its eerie blue glow illuminating the twisting corridors. The Gree's resistance intensified, but the Lilaste Order held firm, their disciplined approach cutting through the chaos like a blade.


Gavin's respect for Laphisto and his men grew with every step. They were a well-oiled machine, each soldier playing their part with precision. And for the first time, Gavin felt like he was truly part of something bigger, a cog in a larger engine driving toward victory.


"Suppressive fire! Move now!" Laphisto's command rang out, and Gavin fell into step, his blade flashing as he deflected incoming fire and cleared a path for the advancing soldiers.


When they reached a sealed door glowing with alien markings, Gavin stepped back, allowing the demolition specialist to do their work. He kept his saber ready, his eyes scanning the corridor for any signs of an ambush. The memory of his earlier recklessness still lingered, a reminder of how easily he could have jeopardized everything.

"Point me where you need me." Gavin said casually to Laphisto.

Laphisto

 

[Laphisto]

Laphisto barely spared Gavin a glance as the younger man fell back into formation, his tone calm but sharp as he issued commands to the squad. "Hold formation. Keep your fire disciplined. The core is close, and we're not losing anyone this deep in."

When Gavin Vel spoke, his casual words contrasting with his earlier recklessness, Laphisto allowed a faint smirk to tug at the corner of his mouth. "Point you where I need you?" he repeated dryly, his eyes still scanning the corridor. "How about you start by staying in formation and letting the squad do its job?" he found it half amusing when the man spoke about having a reputation for recklessness though he didnt let it show.

Despite the sharpness of his tone, there was no malice in his words. He was a soldier first, and what mattered now was the mission. Gavin falling back into step was a sign of growth, and while Laphisto wasn't about to coddle him, he wasn't blind to the effort the man was making.

"Focus on the rear flank," Laphisto added, his voice softening slightly. "We don't need any surprises coming from behind." he had hoped perhaps keeping the man in the back might prove a point that no matter where he was stationed within the dynamics of a squad, that his role was just as vital as being on the front lines

The faint hum of the AI core grew louder, the vibrations resonating through the walls as they neared the sealed door. The demolition specialist was already working, their hands steady despite the tension in the air. Laphisto shifted his stance, his blade humming steadily at his side as he kept his gaze fixed ahead.

"You've got talent, Gavin," Laphisto said quietly, his voice barely audible over the hum of the core. "But skill only gets you so far. What matters is how you use it. Stick with the squad, and you'll be more dangerous than you ever could be on your own."

The charge on the door detonated with a sharp crack, and the heavy plating hissed open, revealing another corridor bathed in eerie blue light. Without hesitation, Laphisto stepped forward, his blade igniting brighter as he motioned for the squad to advance.

"Let's move," he ordered, his tone firm but steady. "And Gavin—stay sharp. I'll tell you where you're needed."

The squad moved forward, their steps echoing against the metallic flooring, when Laphisto's commlink crackled to life. The urgent voice of Tertius C. Nargath cut through the hum of the core, relaying the dire situation topside. Laphisto growled lightly in frustration, his claws flexing against the hilt of his blade. The tension in the air grew heavier with the gravity of Tertius's report.

Pausing momentarily, Laphisto pressed the commlink on his wrist and responded, his voice calm but carrying the weight of the situation. "Solid copy, Tertius. We're nearly at the AI core—just a few meters ahead. If you need to pull back to save your men, do it."

He glanced back at his squad, their movements precise as they secured the corridor. Turning his attention back to the commlink, his voice hardened, tempered with resolve. "If it comes to that, my men and I will figure a way off this boat. We knew the risks when we boarded. You focus on keeping your people alive. We'll finish the job down here."

The channel went silent for a moment as Laphisto refocused on the path ahead. The corridor's eerie glow deepened, the hum of the AI core now almost deafening. He motioned for his squad to advance, his blade held steady and his resolve unwavering.

"Keep moving," he barked to the team. "We're not stopping now."

The squad pushed forward, the weight of the mission pressing down on them like the oppressive hum of the core. Whatever awaited them at the heart of the Oracle, Laphisto was determined to see it through, even if it meant they had to fight their way out alone.

 

[Ova Ziss]

Objective 2: Assault on Hypergate Operations Center
Location: Asation
Tags: Diarch Rellik | Rocho | Diarch Reign ]

Spoiler: Flavor Music

"I think I'm still not quite up to my usual speed like I used to be. Poor targeting decisions. Is there a preferred objective for me to take?"

"Yeah", Ova said promptly. "Stay with us, unless you want to go get Commander Reign. --hey...targeting...you just gave me an idea."

Ova stuck his blaster into the back of the Gree executive. He walked him across the wide room, and took him in front of the security console.

"Turn the base defenses off. All of them."

The Gree put his six-tentacles into the six-pointed module in front of the machine. It whirred and beamed, and then the console came on.

---
AIR DEFENSES - OFF
GROUND DEFENSES - OFF
DROID SYSTEMS - OFF
--

Ova nodded with satisfaction. "Great, let's see what else you can do.'

"Schematics. Pull up the base schematics. Where are we?"

A beep sounded. A map appeared of the facility. It was based on the design of an Imperial Detention Center, but the elevator shaft seemed to go on and on. It wasn't a normal Detention Center design, but an upgraded one that he had never seen or experienced before. When Ova took hold of the computer joystick and typed in ' query - elevator control' , the console spat out a useless list.
---
>>>SUB ONE
Sub two
Sub three
Sub four
Sub five
Sub six
Sub seven
Sub eight
Sub nine
Sub ten
Sub eleven
Sub twelve
Sub thirteen
Sub fourteen
Sub fifteen
Sub sixteen
Sub seventeen
Sub eighteen
* [Showing 1-16 entries]
--

"You are at sub-one", the Gree noted, as Ova puzzled at the list of basement quarters. He didn't hack computers often, clearly. "This is the security outpost for the ground level of the station. There are security outposts on every level."

"You mean there's more coming?!", Ova asked in utter horror.

The Gree made a gurgling noise that could have been a laugh. "A lot more...many, many more warriors...you are foolish to come here. Turning the alarms and defenses off did nothing, when so many are coming. You should have chosen to die with your pirates at home."

"Stop trying to piss me off." Ova spoke calmly - for once. He was the one in charge. He waved the gun at the executive, feeling his scant force powers sparking up across the barrel: a subtle shield against the Gree's manipulative attempt at intimidation.

"HyperGate controls. Location. Now."

"The HyperGate crystal matrix...is...sub thirty-six." Lykourgas gazed at the list, scrolling through the vast basement, then pointed three of his six tentacles at the monitor.

Ova glanced to the left, at Diarch Rellik , Rocho , and the two-dozen-or-so TAB droids that were assembled there. They had enough Scorpion Walkers to head down thirty-five more levels into the basement, but it would be a hell of a bumpy ride. Security would be swarming the elevator shaft from the moment they enter inside. There was currently three of them, and many more guards coming. It would be no use making a light infantry assault on the HyperGate itself, and especially on the cramped elevator shaft, until the full team was assembled. For that, they had to secure the rest of the ground level of the facility.

That meant doing the objectives in reverse.

How was the Diarchy to know that the HyperGate Operations Facility was dug thirty-six levels underground?!

"Everyone get in one of those walkers, if you want to live - that includes you", Ova said, pointing his blaster at the executive. "You heard Lykourgas. The security are coming from thirty-five other outposts in the basement sublevels. Let's give them a warm welcome."

Speaking to Rocho , Ova directed him at the doors and said, "When I say 'go', blast those security doors open with the Scorpion Walker's laser cannon. Got it?"

Ova's voice crackled over the comms, sending his voice topside to Commander Diarch Reign and his apprentice, Ryu Jung .

"Commander Reign, we're inside the base. It's an Imperial Detention Facility design. It goes down thirty-six more levels, and we just took out patrol number one. Are you coming to us, or should we come to you? We have SUBSTANTIAL hostiles on the way, over."

Ova elected to defend the basement, rather than going topside to rescue Reign, Ryu and the others from the Gree ground troops. He had to make sure that the two executives had a nice warm ride. Ova grabbed the Gree executive and stuffed him into the passenger seat of the Walker with the scruff of his neck, then put the Gree's seat-belt way too tight. Ova mounted his scorpion walker, got inside, and then slid the metallic black door closed. Again, he was bathed in the white and blue glow of the 18-monitor viewfinder system.

Ova took hold of the AT-SX joysticks. The frightening red beaming eyes of the AT-SX fired up, and Ova skittered carefully into place. Ova positioned the Walker carefully. The hall widened, and then narrowed into a security door. Ova knew that, if his memory of Imperial Detention Facilites served (don't ask), they'd be coming right...out...of...here.

It was a large blast door which hid the Gree ambushers. Because, of course it was.

The walkers were in position. It was time to mess up some traitors.

"NOW, Rocho ! SHOOT THE DOOR OPEN!"

Ova armed the entire Scorpion Walker up: the lasers, the heavy mortar, the laser cannon, the gatling guns, and the shields.

[ AT-SX FULL ASSAULT MODE - ENGAGED ]

BRATBRATBRATTEWWWBRATBRATBRATBRATTEWWWBRATBRATBRAT

Ova unloaded the gatling guns and laser cannon at the Gree security guards, who were hiding behind the door ready to ambush the team. They were blasted away by the relentless AT-SX assault, collapsing in a heap, dead before they hit the ground. Some got a chance to raise their weapons, but others were catapulted up and then onto the ground.

"KEEP MOVING! KEEP MOVING!"

Ova scuttled forward step by step as the team advanced. They stopped every few paces, with more Gree security guards coming in through the blast doors every two or three seconds. It seemed like a torrential and relentless assault. The Gree refused to give up the HyperGate. Ova eventually hung his AT-SX directly in front of the door, plugging over a dozen Gree as they came rushing through, blaster rifles at the ready, only to be dispatched immediately.

"THAT KARKING BANKING CLAN! WHEN I GET BACK TO DANTOOINE, I'M RAINING HELL ON SCIPIO!" Ova was referring to the headquarters of the Banking Clan, the ones who funded the Trade Federation's operations on Asation. Clearly, his company had been betrayed by the Gree. Clearly, he hadn't gotten his money's worth from the Federation's dubiously-named "investment on Asation". Which was supposed to be his.

 

[Diarch Rellik]

OOC: Catching up via brackets
Tags: Ova Ziss Rocho Diarch Reign Ryu Jung

Coming out of the office room Rellik could hear the main assault continuing forward. Deciding his first priority has been completed he moved to help out the battle happening near him.

Arriving as the TAB droids were exiting the security vault the Diarch took in the scene. For now they had a moment of respite. Calming himself among the storm and taking over inventory of the existing droid and scorpion models he pondered how the remainder of the night would go for those already inside.

As he deliberated to himself Ova would return with a Gree executive. Tossing his axe to the ground and moving to a six-pointed module the two would begin to decipher what they were up against.

Ova Ziss Said:
"What are we looking at here?"

Ova looking to the Diarch for confirmation, in a moment of hilarity between the two Rellik just shrugged his shoulders. As confused on the machinery as he was.

When Ova suggested Rellik tell the Gree how to get the machine working the Diarch reached into the executives mind and gave him a calm message. "Follow his orders or I will not kill you. I will alter the reality you see to be a living nightmare. Your mind will never know peace."
An accurate threat as the Gree would have been able to feel and hear the Diarch within his mind.
----------------------------------------------------------------

The arrival of Rocho as the duo were at the controls was a pleasant sight. Rocho "My friend! An honor to provide score today at your side. I hope the hunting has been good."

Rocho Said:
"I think I'm still not quite up to my usual speed like I used to be."
"Poor targeting decisions. Is there a preferred objective for me to take?"

The Diarch gave an approving nod to his compatriots statement as Ova worked over the executive. "You will get there, there is much more tally for us tonight! - for now, let us see how Ova decides to move forward. He has been impressive in this assault so far and the backbone of droid army is due to him."

Rellik had his hands tucked into the sleeves of his robe. Watching and feeling Ova's presence in the force. Deciphering how the man himself felt about the situation.
--------------------------------------------------------------
In a smart tactical move Ova helped the forces outside by having the Gree turn off air, ground/defenses and the droid systems. This boon should help Diarch Reign Ryu Jung get inside for the push down stairs.

As the map pulled up and Rellik assesed the situation all he could think was "Dank Farric". The Gree affirming his thoughts. The base was still full of many many more enemies.

The orders were given. Rellik himself took a defensive position to use Form III - Soresu to protect the walkers and TAB droids as much as possible. The Diarch would not need one of the Scorpions to survive.

Explosions and lasers unleashed upon the blast doors as the reinforcements arrived. Any enemies who were not catapulted into the air; had their blaster bolts sent back to them with the Diarch leaping/swiftly moving around to defend the assets they had remaining.

"OVA, ROCHO - I can hold the reinforcements here until Reign and Ryu arrive! If you want to move further into the facility with the scorpions digging potential that could work to split up their personnel. Leave the TABS with me. With majority of their leadership dead they will be disorganized. Do not fret my friends, I will be right behind you."

 

[Zara Saga]

Tags: Laphisto | Gavin Vel | Tertius C. Nargath​

The blast doors groaned as Zara and her team, Jaxon and Anya, sliced through the seal with their lightsabers, the golden glow cascading across the dimly lit corridor. The heavy metal panels retracted with a hiss, revealing the vast expanse of the Oracle's command center. It was a chaotic symphony of blinking lights and humming machinery, the very heart of the vessel. Zara could feel the chaotic energy of the AI swirling like a tempest, its power palpable, and yet, something felt wrong. The lights flickered, a prelude to the darkness that descended a split second later. The room was plunged into sudden, absolute blackness, save for the radiant, golden trails of their lightsabers, casting dancing shadows on the walls.

Despite the disorientation, Zara's instincts kicked in, her blonde hair flying as she moved with practiced grace. She stepped forward, her gaze fixed on the central computer system that housed the AI's core, the main objective burning within her. She reached the console, the metallic coldness a stark contrast to the heat of her lightsaber, and began to analyze the interface, seeking a way in. Suddenly, a shimmering energy shield flickered into existence, trapping her within its confines.

"Zara!" Anya's voice, laced with panic, pierced the darkness. The sound of blaster fire followed, accompanied by Jaxon's grunts as his blade met the onslaught of weapons fire. The room was under attack, the sudden darkness revealing the ambush. Zara could hear the heavy thud of battle droids lumbering forward, their mechanical limbs and heavy cannons firing relentlessly, punctuated by the higher-pitched bark of the loyalists' blasters. This was not training, this was a fight for survival.

Zara's heart constricted. She could hear Anya's panicked breathing, the sound of her lightsaber deflecting the onslaught, the fear creeping into her movements. Jaxon, usually so composed, was grunting with the effort of holding back the tide. They were surrounded, outnumbered. Her students, her responsibility, were in the thick of it, and she was trapped, a helpless observer.

Frustration and fury, hot and sharp, welled within her. She slammed her fist against the energy shield. It hummed with resistance, unyielding to her anger. She couldn't get out, she couldn't fight back, not in the way she needed to. This was not her style. She had to remain calm, she had to think. She had to trust her students.

With a sigh, Zara allowed her anger to ebb. Her feminine nature, the deep-seated care she possessed for her students, demanded she channel her energy differently. She lowered herself to the floor, crossing her legs, and closed her eyes. She reached out, not with her body, but with her mind, her consciousness expanding into the Force.

She could feel the fear, the anxiety, the determination. She tuned into Anya's panic and then gently pushed strength, a current of resolve, towards her. She could feel Jaxon's raw, focused energy, his will set like steel in the face of danger, and she amplified it, sending through an extra surge of focus. She felt the desperation of the small military detachment, fighting alongside them, battling against the waves of their enemy. Zara breathed in their fear, their adrenaline and then sent out waves of calm, of unwavering certainty, across the room. It was a mental balm, a calming presence that settled over the chaos, a beacon in the darkness. She infused her connection to the Force with her strength, her own inner calm, projecting it outwards, a silent, unwavering support for everyone holding the line.

As she sat, a small, slender figure amidst the storm, she felt her very essence expand to encompass them all. She could feel their renewed determination, their movements sharper, stronger, the fear receding like a tide. Even within her shielded prison, Zara was a force to be reckoned with. She was not fighting with blade and blaster, but with the most powerful weapon of all - the strength of her heart, the will of her mind, and the power of the Force. She was their anchor, and she would not let them fall.

 

[Ryu Jung]

Tags: Diarch Reign Ova Ziss Diarch Rellik ​

Just as Ryu was about to lead the charge, he turned to see his master walk up with his own contingent and give Ryu praise. His eyes widened seeing that his master came to meet the vanguard. Considering they had taken heavy casualties up until this point, it made sense the Diarch would come with his forces. He bowed his head to acknowledge his master's praise. "Thank you master." His voice slightly shaken from the suppressive fire and the words of his master. But he knew he couldn't waste time. With the forward positions, the stormtroopers could fan out and encircle the command center and meet their allies on the sub-levels.

"Allow me to clear the way! I'll breach their defenses and pave the way for your glorious victory!" With his lightsaber ignited, he went after to follow the rest of his men. The gree defensive lines had been cleared thanks to Ryu's diversion which gave his stormtroopers the momentum to push past the gunner positions and make for the control center. Gree squads were positioned in between them and the command center, the strategy being that the defenses would pin down the Diarch forces while the squads picked them off. But thanks to the efforts of Diarch Rellik and Ova Ziss it looked like the flak from the control center had let up and gree squads had no support. They had let up their suppression fire and found themselves fired upon as the Diarch stormtroopers struck with a fervor that came from the fact that they now had the upper hand.

Ryu led his contingent to cut down the gree that were unfortunate enough to be placed outside the control center. His had taken his first kills as he pounced on the gree, slicing through them with his saber and deflecting their fire. He was not used to this. His blood was bumping and the adrenaline shot through his body as he was in a fight for his life. But it was soon clear that was less of a fight for survival and more like a slaughter fest. He could feel his heart pound to the rhythm of the gree's screams. The red from his lightsaber the last thing the aliens saw before they were removed from their mortal coil.

"-Sir"

Ryu almost felt sorry fort the poor aliens as he cut them down. His victims were nothing more than livestock on the assembly lines. Even he was mesmerized by his own form and the singeing sound made by the saber once it made contact with laser, armor, and flesh.

"Sir!"

Ryu's adjutant, a woman just a few years his senior and a stormtrooper captain had caught his attention. He could finally take note of his heavy breathing and contracted muscles. He was surprisingly tense and he had to switch off his lightsaber as he tried to get his bearings despite how inappropriate that was given the current situation. He looked up however and saw the control center was just a few feet in front. Anti-infantry weapons were pelting the control center's firing positions, ensuring gree shooters in the structure couldn't pick off any more stormtroopers. His breathing was now back to normal.

"Orders sir?" She asked.

"Split the company and prepare to breach the control center. We'll eliminate all gree we come across inside before we push further into the facility."

"Aye sir."

The stormtrooper went off to fulfill her orders. Meanwhile Ryu looked down and at his feet he saw a gree soldier cut into multiple pieces. It wasn't something Ryu was used to seeing as he vomited his guts out and fell to the floor. The boy had a long way to go.

 

[Gavin Vel]

Objective 1: The Oracle
Tags: Laphisto Zara Saga

Gavin’s anger flared, his blood running hot as Laphisto tore into him. His fingers twitched at his sides, fists clenching as a wave of violent instinct surged through him. He wanted to strike the man down, to assert his dominance, to prove that he was the superior being. But the urge faded—quicker than he expected. The realization settled in. If he were meant to take this ship alone, he wouldn’t have been sent with a squad in the first place. Laphisto was right. As much as it grated on him, Gavin acknowledged it.

He exhaled sharply, rolling his shoulders before forcing a smirk. “Aye aye, Captain!” His voice dripped with sarcasm as he gave an exaggerated salute before slinking to his assigned position at the flank.

Moving with the squad felt unnatural. Gavin was a predator, a force of destruction meant to be at the forefront of battle—not a supporting piece in someone else’s strategy. Still, he followed orders, sweeping the flanks with sharp, predatory eyes. He adjusted, albeit grudgingly, keeping pace with the others until they reached a corridor and locked it down.

It was then that he felt it—a disturbance beyond the door. Conflict, struggle, the chaotic symphony of battle. His muscles tensed, his senses flaring with anticipation. He stepped forward, eyes glinting with excitement as he addressed Laphisto.

“There’s trouble through there,” he said, his voice practically vibrating with anticipation. This wasn’t nerves—this was exhilaration.

The moment the doors slid open, chaos greeted them. Three individuals were caught in a desperate fight, pinned down by a relentless barrage of Gree Loyalists. Gavin observed for only a second before his smirk widened.

“Sorry, Cap,” he said, voice filled with reckless amusement. The snap-hiss of his crimson blade igniting echoed through the chamber. “Teamwork isn’t really my thing. You guys get the AI, and I won’t get in the way.” He threw Laphisto another mocking salute before launching himself forward, unshackled, unrestrained.

Blaster fire converged on him instantly, but he didn’t flinch. He welcomed it, embraced the danger like an old friend. With a roar, he charged, his blade carving a fiery path through a cluster of droids. His movements were wild, unpredictable—a storm of violence and speed. Sprinting through the room, he became the center of attention, drawing fire away from the squad and the besieged trio.

Death held no fear for him. If anything, he beckoned it closer, daring the enemy to try and take him down. His crimson saber spun in a deadly dance, a whirlwind of destruction, cutting through metal and circuits like a predator tearing through prey. He painted the battlefield in flashes of red and the smoldering remains of his foes, lost in the thrill of combat—the only place where he felt truly alive.

 

[Ova Ziss]

Assault on Hypergate Operations Center
Location: Asation
Tags: Diarch Rellik | Rocho | Diarch Reign

"You've got it, Rellik! - You heard the Boss! Let's push forwards, Rocho!"

The combined firepower of the three Scorpion Walkers knocks the Gree back, but they are continuing to resist. The Gree fight with a rigor. It's clear that they intend to fight the Diarchy down to the very first warrior.

"Cover me!"

Ova turns on the temporary shield as Rocho and the third scorpion walker blast at the Gree. The Gree toss an incendiary grenade towards Rocho, and then dozens of grenades start getting lobbed at the Diarchy. Ova scuttles out of the way, double-tapping the Gree with his turrets.

Scuttling into partial cover, Ova frequently tapped his fingers on the monitors. He was moving the calibration for the depth finder. He was manipulating the holographic map, trying to find a way down to the HyperGate. If the Walker Assault Team could get within thirty feet of the HyperGate, they could drop in safely: it would not be a "danger close", and it was unlikely to damage the HyperGate. But, they would evoke the HyperGate's fearsome defenses, whatever they might be.

Ova found a weakness...but, again, they'd be coming in hot.

But...some of the warriors in the Diarchy liked it hot.

And Ova was starting to like it hot, too.

The combined assault keeps the Gree defenders from combing through the blast door, but the Gree are intelligent. You hear a flurry of movement, a series of beeps, an explosion, and the sound of rocks and debris. The Gree placed a det charge about a hundred and twenty feet to the left of that wall, and they blow through the durasteel. Now, they are coming through the wall. Then, a second explosion - about the same distance away. The Gree had blown two tunnels on either side of the blast door, and they were coming through.

The allied comms crackled with Ova's voice.

"Rocho, get ready to dig! Hey, Walker Three - fire a mortar at the catwalk as soon as we break through the floor!"

"We're gonna cut off the elevator acces. HEY YOU FORCE PEOPLE, I hope you people have practiced your force jump! We're digging straight down about three hundred feet. Y'all are gonna have to go down into the hole one at a time."

"Alright? Are we good?"

"One...two...three...DIG!"

[ AT-SX DRILL MODE ACTIVATED ]

Rock, cement, and dirt kicked up as the Scorpion Walkers blasted down into the ground.

"Rocho, we're heading to coordinates y 089, x 120. I'm gonna scan for traps. I don't trust these Trade Federation Gree. When we pop out, get ready for anything."

Ova turned briefly to the captive Gree Executive whom he arrested, who was still tagging along in the passenger seat. The other Gree Executive was in Walker Three. The HyperGate would require two Gree to operate, and the Diarchy had them. Then, Ova checked the depth detector. No lava, no bedrock, no landmines. It was safe enough for now...

Ova and Rocho emerged inside of a gargantuan, rectangular structure...

Image Credits: Star Wars Universe Dot Com
​

[ AT-SX DRILL MODE DE-ACTIVATED ]

It was there that they saw: the Gree HyperGate commands.

There were three portals in front of Ova and Rocho, and all of them were the same color. The HyperGate was in the center of the room, drawing energy from all of the portals. Each of the three portals had a six-sided Gree module on it, as well as a diamond-shaped indent where the HyperGate crystal needed to be placed.

All of a sudden, there is a flurry of movement and banging from the only blast door in the room. The Gree were trying to get through, and they would no doubt try and set a debt charge to get in. Two of their high-ranking Executives had been taken, and they were furious.

"Commander Reign, we've got a problem. The Gree are playing a street wager game down here. Three portals, one choice. We choose wrong...well, I'll let you use your imaginations. Someone topside needs to splice the computer and tell us which one to connect. We don't have much time, they're coming through the door!"

Ova's blaster comes out. "You. Gree. Which portal is it?"

The Gree shrugs its many tentacles. "You expect me to know that information, do you?"

"Hmph. Yeah, well, stay comfy in that passenger buckle. We'll need your tentacles in a minute."

 

[Rocho]

Rocho gave a sort of smile and nod in greeting to Diarch Rellik "Uneventful yet, but we have only begun. And yes, let us make this day a memorable score for us and the Diarchy." he agreed with a sense of determination. He appreciated the acceptance of his ways, and was all the more glad to accommodate the Diarchy's needs as his own goals.

Rocho tilted his head at Ova's response to his phrasing, however Ova Ziss quickly clarified and got to work. He watched as the results of the work came through, good, good, competent allies were always better. It meant greater challenges could be faced. The news that more gree were coming created two thoughts, one, that was probably going to be worth some points. But the other was that there were greater objectives than footsoldiers here, and getting distracted by such matters was an unnecessary risk with not enough rewards.

Again, Ova provided the solution this time. And the solution was overwhelming firepower as the gree tried to get to them. He felt them fall as he and the other scorpions weapons let loose on the targets. Death was a natural feeling, a finality that to him was like many tiny pings of a gong. These gree would not amount for much, not this way, but such was life. The Diarch however had chosen to stay behind, a respectable decision. So long as he survived it. Rocho didn't doubt that he'd be fine. The warrior sent a sense of acknowledgement in the force before he swung a hand hurling one of the thrown incendiaries out of Rocho's direciton. He began firing down on the gree as much as possible, moving the scorpion both to try and give Ova a little of his cover while also occasionally 'jumping' at the enemy to a degree to try and force them to either back up or risk getting even more easily pummeled by the weaponry of the scorpion.

With that, Rocho and Ova were away to the next objective. In the force, he felt the Gree preparing their countermeasures. "This is more worthy of a species of their regard. Maybe you are worthy." he said, more to himself. Thinking of the gree more as a whole than as individuals. He tried to minimize damage on his own scorpion, making as slight evasions as possible where he could, or trying to wave a hand and shove one of their efforts aside from within, but he was dedicated more to following momentum than durability. If they couldn't achieve their objective, it was irrelevent.

Ova's words came over the comms again, "Understood." he aknowledged on the comms as well, and began to dig once given the direction.

And down the came, Rocho sensed it well before he got out of the walker. It was a fascinating sensation, the warping of space. As he stepped out, pulling his axe to his hand but leaving it innactive still, almost like a cane. He looked at the great hypergate with more than eyes, and breathed in more than the scents his inferior human senses could detect, "Well done you strange people." he muttered, then looked to Ova and his next words, a low growl emerged from his throat in thought at the statement, "Your skill thus far has been admirable, this though-" he looked to the portals, stepping forwards, walking slightly in a semi-circle, taking in each of them, his hand opening slightly in their direction, "-is simpler with the force than digital data."

He smiled as he felt each portal through, reached beyond them to what lay beyond, to dangers or conveniences, to not just immediate threats such as walking into lava, but direct and indirect traps, and pointed out what he believed their desired portal, he looked to the gree, then to the blast door, and now again to Ova, "If they do get in, I'll be in the way. One way or another I'll have a score today." he said stepping so that he would be between the group and the blast door, and then began to focus, preparing his body and mind ever so more for the potential threat if they made it through before Ova and their tentacled friends did their job, then reached out a hand, beyond the door there was a sudden hurl of telekinetic energy, it was harder to direct effectively from this side, but he wasn't trying to necessarily kill them individually. Only cause distractions. That was all that was needed for now.

Equipment:
PS-1 Particle Shotgun at his side with extra ammunition on belt and legs
t-7-vibro-brace (left arm.)
g-11-shield-gauntlet (right arm)
Hekler'Kok LA-2 armor
The Beast strapped to back

 

[Ova Ziss]

Obective: Assault on Hypergate Operations Center
Location: Asation
Tags: Diarch Rellik | Rocho | Diarch Reign | Ryu Jung ​

"Your skill thus far has been admirable, this though...is simpler with the force, than digital data."

Ova smiled, and then talked into the headset of the walker to Rocho as the force-user got to work on the portals. "You know just how to handle these things, Rocho. I'll make sure that you're promoted. - Score."

Ova raised the walker up onto its hind legs and then extended the right drill arm forwards a bit, as if the walker were offering Rocho props with its fist. Then, Ova lowered the walker and pointed the walker at the door.

The durability of this security door was holding longer than the blast door - it must be beskar - but it wouldn't be long before the Gree defenders came through.

"Do your thing. I'll cover you."

Wham. Wham. The Gree security were throwing grenades at the door, and the concussive explosions did nothing.

Rocho thew a "force persuade" behind the Gree squad.

The Gree are distracted by the psychic kinetic energy.

"Behind! They're snuck behind us!" "Check that room!"

The Gree file down the hall, weapons at the ready. It would be long enough of a distraction for the others to arrive.

Ova loved watching the force user work, although he didn't understand the power of the force very well. It was like Rocho was weaving the energy around the portals. Rocho was moving his hands in sweeping movements, watching the portals as they changed their color and constitution. To Ova, it looked like Rocho was using a sort of Tai Chi form in one direction. The ancient Gree telecrystals seemed to hum musical responses to Rocho as he moved among the North Portal, then the East Portal, then the West Portal, and back again.

This would be more than a cursory exercise, however: to overcome the telecrystal security, Rocho would need time and cover. These portals were, after all, ancient and trapped. If the team made a mistake, if they chose the wrong portal, the results would be instant death.

"You'll have to teach me how to do that", Ova insisted. He watched Rocho's complicated hand movements. How does he do it?!

Ova watched the shield and armament levels rise on the interface, as the walker stood at rest. Ova was preparing to put the Scorpion Walker back in all-assault mode the moment the Gree broke through again. It wouldn't be long.

Turning the allied comms on, Ova spoke into the headset.

[ "Commander Reign. Rocho's working through the HyperGate telecrystals. We're pinned down in the Control Room until the Gate is working again. Can y'all buy us some time?" ]