Order in a Hive of Scum and Villainy; Imperial Dominion of the Tatooine Hex

[Makai Dashiell]

Makai would grab his pack and slip the straps back on his shoulders. Flash light collected and he made sure nothing was left behind in the cave. Adjusting the weight on his back, he flashed [member="Danger Arceneau"] a smile. Dinner? Hopefully the redheaded Trade Queen wasn't cooking.


"Yeah, sounds great to me.You're not cooking, right?" A gentle nudge of her shoulder with his own. "You've been up to a lot then? I thought Dad told me you're supposed to be retired. Can't really picture you retired though, I mean...you're you!!"


Booted feet meandered towards the entrance with Miss Arceneau,shoulders brushing against her own. The teenage half-Galan wasn't surprised to hear Ellie was more than angry lately. Makai already knew the cause was himself. How to convey the issue was another story. There were some details that he was unsure Miss Arceneau would appreciate hearing.


Yet there wasn't much left to lose. Ellie wouldn't talk to him. She already hated his guts,probably called him an idiot several hundred times.


"Uh, its complicated."


Another long awkward pause, the only sound was their feet moving towards the front of large cave.


"I took Ellie to a friend's wedding. We're wandering around in the cold. We stop to talk and I don't know how I built up the courage but I kissed her. Probably the best day of my life so far, especially when she didn't end up punching me or making a silly comment."


Cheeks flushed red, not daring to look at Miss Arceneau. Not just yet.


"Some time goes by and I invite her out to go sailing with me. Haven't seen her since. Things start out great....more than great to be honest. We hit the water and at this point we've kissed some more. Pick up some stuff for Dad, we set off for this island chain I wanted to show her. I was worried she wasn't feeling well so we go down below decks since heading to the islands was going to take a bit."


"I was worried she was too sick to continue. Ellie was a little flushed but I figured we'd just cut the trip short. I went to kiss her again and I'm not sure what I did wrong. Surprised her or something. Ellie knocks her head into my eye and knees my groin. Completely on accident but still it stung. A comment later Ellie gets heated like she always does."


"I normally ignore her fussing at me. Ever since she figured out how to talk Ellie talks enough for the both of us. Since my Mom was back, staying with us, I just couldn't take it. I don't do well with yelling in situations like that. Ellie doesn't know that though, so its not her fault."


"Biggest mistake I guess was I said I shouldn't have kissed her, that Ellie probably thinks of me like some overgrown brother. Just made everything worse. We haven't talked since. If-If I gave you a note would you give it to her? It would just be an apology. I know Ellie doesn't want to see me."


Makai scoffed a little.


"Seems like every woman in my life ends up yelling at me and leaving. Maybe I need to give up."

 

[Travis Caalgen]

T A T O O I N E​

I N V R E C K O N E R​

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O P E R A T I O N : B L A C K F Y R E​

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"Reverting over Tatooine."​

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A single Acclamator-class assault ship, the INV Reckoner, came out of hyperspace over the desert planet of Tatooine with its sleek dagger shape pointed towards the surface. Director Caalgen sat comfortably in the bridge's command throne, several displays showing important information to the man "Inform the local authorities that we will be landing in the desert, but do not wait for authorization; we have a job to do here." Travis stated matter-of-factly, receiving a swift nod from one of the communications officers.

The vessel swiftly hovered through the atmosphere, cutting through whatever clouds had managed to form in the dry environment. Massive landing gears jutted out from their respective compartments and made contact with a relatively stable salt flat, allowing the ship to gently set down with no issues. Caalgen rose from his seat and looked out of the bridge's viewports.

"What is our compliment?"

"One full legion and several armored battalions."

"Good. Set up a temporary base and prepare to send out a few scout troops." He ordered, "Our information on where this Hutt slime was located is spotty at best, we must confirm before we send the rest of our forces out into the heat..."

As the Director's aide turned to relay his commands, leaving the man to divert his attention back out to the desert.

Who would want to live in this pit?​

[member="Danger Arceneau"] | [member="Makai Dashiell"]​

 

[Amun]

Tatooine was despicable to Amun's eyes. Full of honorless scum and lawless villainy. If there was a centralized, competent law enforcement, then he would have brought down the crime rate of this nexus of evil to a significant margin. Of course as a hired law enforcer, but that was impossible. Most if not all officers were corrupted by the power of crime lords that they abandoned their oath. Though what right did he had to criticize them? The Kyuzo was a paid Bounty Hunter by a notorious Hutt, and served him as his bodyguard and hunter that caught those that wronged the Hutt.

He was like the rest of the scum and villainy. Just a simple being getting his next paycheck to sustain himself.

Scouts of the Hutt crime lord came to inform the slug of the presence of the Galactic Empire that recently entered the system. Imperial forces inbound would only spill out conflict between criminal cartels and the Empire. Most likely the criminal enterprises operating here would join in a temporary alliance to protect their goods and repel the Imperials from their crime haven kingdom.

[member="Travis Caalgen"]

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Location: Tatooine, Arceneau Compound | Objective: Survive the Heat | Allies : [member="Makai Dashiell"] [member="Travis Caalgen"]

Well that was a mouthful. The more Makai spoke and elaborated on just what was happening in his life -- and apparently Myra’s as well -- the more those emerald eyes of hers grew wide.

At first, Danger wasn’t quite sure what he was going at, but then it slowly became a little more clearer. Why Myra had been in a rather difficult state lately and why it seemed as if everything had her going off. Kids were curious things, and if Danger was honest with herself, those memories of @Noxu Za’tire and of herself running around like snot covered brats made the story ache in familiarity.

As the younger Dashiell continued, Danger’s keen senses were able to ride along the emotional rollercoaster that Makai probably felt rather overwhelmed with. Was it a shock to think of Makai stealing kisses of Myra? Not really. Her little girl had been stalking the younger Dashiell with the stubbornness and focused goal oriented purposes for a long while now. Girl had a crush on him, no doubt about it. But she was young and she would grow up and it would take time to figure out just what she felt and if it could grow into something more. Danger knew that Makai was sweet on Myra as well, but again, the pair had been rather inseparable since Danger brought the little six year old to Dac to meet the Dashiell’s the first time.

At first, Myra had been more of an annoyance than a play buddy, but Makai had shown the compassion and patience most children his age lacked. Likely do to the sensitive nature in which his Ma had put him in, making Makai all the more sensitive to others sensibilities.

Course, that also crashed along with the thought of a boy[/b] kissing up on her young daughter. Barely a teen. Is this how all parents felt? As the story continued on and Makai got to the crux of his fight with Myra, what happened afterward, how he wanted to still be able to talk to her to the point of asking her ma to pass her a note, Danger was trying her best to not show the measure of amusement that shown in her eyes.

Course, once Makai got all down on himself and his shoulder sank about all the women in his life leaving him, it made her own heart ache in pain.

Taking him in close, Danger swept up Makai in her embrace again, likely confusing the boy. Her hand lightly went stroking though his hair.

“Well, sounds like my daughter got you all twisted up and vice versa, hmm?’ If anything Makai was a good lad. He meant well. Danger doubted he would ever do anything to hurt Myra. Stolen kisses aside, wasn’t much to really be all riled up about.

However, for the far more important matters…

Pulling him back, Danger settled one hand on each thin shoulder, turning to have the younger Dashiell look up at her.

“However you listen to me good, you hear?” Danger began, her tone serious.

“I want you to wash it from your mind about every woman yelling and leaving you, you understand me?” Her tone was even, but assured. She had to make him understand.

“Have I gone off anywhere? Yelled and you or left?” She asked him.

“Has your grandma? What about the rest of your friends, hmm?”

Leaning a bit closer, Danger took a breath then slowly let it out.

“Myra aint your ma, Makai. Neither am I. I know she done you something good with how she up and disappeared on you and your pa, but she don’t make the standard. That aint how a ma is supposed to treat her son nor her husband. That aint how I treat you and that sure as heck aint how Myra does as well. Sure, she can get all up and fuzzy but she burns hot with that temper and always ends up coming back.” She gave his shoulders a small squeeze.

“You aint the only one getting tied up in knots. Reckon Myra is also going through her own concerns and maybe that lashed back on to you. She’s young. Give her time. You care for her and it is pretty clear from her mood swings she cares for you as well. Just needs some growing up to do that’s all.”

The sound of approaching footsteps drew her attention. It was the Noghri guards of her compound. That got her attention.

“What is it?”

“We’ve picked up movement from the Galactic Empire. Some headed this way. An Acclamator Class Assault ship “

Danger’s lips grew thin. This was interesting.

“Alright, lets head back. See what they want.” Turning to Makai, she gave a gal smile.

“Want to come with me? Guess I wont be cooking dinner after all.’

 

[Makai Dashiell]

[SIZE=11pt]Worry grew with each passing second [member="Danger Arceneau"] was silent. Makai could have sworn there was a glint of amusement in her features but she could have been thinking of all the ways to disembowel him for kissing her daughter. Unexpectedly he was swept into a hug, his arm loosely hugging the older woman back in surprise. Before he could reply Miss Arceneau had already released him, both hands on his shoulders and her keen gaze searching his face.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Yes ma’am” Makai wasn’t entirely convinced but there was no use to argue with the Trade Queen. He knew there would be no other acceptable answer. “Yeah...I know. Its still hard.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“So she’s just incredibly mad at me?Not really surprised. Part of me probably deserves it.” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Especially after giving her the cold shoulder and calling her Myra instead of Ellie. They both were young but Makai was coming to learn the entire ‘feelings’ thing was probably more complicated for Ellie than himself. He was a couple years older, was the first one to make the move. Makai had been confident in his decision while Ellie had been more than likely caught off guard. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Maybe she’ll stop being mad in a couple of years. It’d be nice to have my best friend back.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]As the bodyguard talked to Miss Arceneau, Makai checked the message he had sent to Ellie earlier in the day, the sunrise. He doubted there was anything in there, anger coupled with lack of signal on Tatooine would see to that. Comm slid back into his pocket as Miss Arceneau mentioned heading back. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“No dinner? I’m a growing boy, this seems like child cruelty.” A boyish grin and some dark humor. “Sure, lets go visit people who would love to enslave my distant relatives.” [/SIZE]

 

[Arahael]

Post: 1
Allies: Galactic Empire

Browsing the holonet, Max was disappointed to find a lack of any major local affairs. The happenings across the galaxy displayed were either taken with no interest, or annoyance and disdain.

He stood up to get some stimulants as he started to notice his eyes getting heavier from the early morning. It always felt so wrong to get up later. Why sleep in, when you can make the most of a day you might not even finish?

Turning towards the terminal, the bright glow of a major news alert hit his eyes.

"The damn Citadel itself." He was stricken for a moment as he gazed at the report.

A request for entrance broke his thoughts. Opening the door, a senior official was standing there. A terse greeting and a nod was all he got before he was notified of the situation "I am here to inform you of your new position of High Moff. There is little time at the moment for a formal promotion, so I must request that you follow me to a briefing on the situation and your new position."

"Wait, what happened to Thurman?"

"It's as some have feared. He's turned, Sir."

 

[Taa Nul]

Location: Tatooine, aboard the Imperial Light Cruiser “Constantine”

Shortly after the bombing on Kamino which had cost the lives of the majority of the Moff Council, Grand Inquisitor Morcus had been swiftly deployed by the Emperor himself to assist Director Caalgen on Tatooine. Two vessels swiftly arrived in orbit, an Imperial Light Cruiser named “Constantine” which carried the Grand Inquisitor and a contingent of special forces assigned to him from the elite Imperial 501st, and a larger Imperial IV-class Star Destroyer assigned as it’s escort.

The Light Cruiser began it’s descent to the surface of Tatooine followed by a wing of LAAT gunships and escorted by several wings of TIE Fighters and Interceptors to ensure they were not harassed by potential enemy attack. When the vessel touched down upon the surface, the Baron quickly descended it’s boarding ramp, tailed by a four man squad of Imperial Clone Commandos. Behind them, squads of Imperial Shock Troopers quickly deployed to reinforce and protect the landing zone, while the LAAT gunships offloaded Clone Arc Troopers, elite veterans armed to the teeth and equipped with a mixture of Phase 1, Phase 2 and Stormtrooper Armor each modified and painted to their own individual tastes.

The Baron quickly entered Caalgen’s Acclamator, strolling confidently through it’s halls at a hurried pace before reaching the bridge. “Director Caalgen, we meet in person once more. I am saddened it is under such troubling circumstances, though I’m told the Grand Moff will recover from his injuries in time.”, Morcus said in a sombre tone.

[member="Makai Dashiell"]
[member="Danger Arceneau"]
[member="Amun"]
[member="Travis Caalgen"]

 

[Arahael]

Post: 2
Allies: Galactic Empire

Blue streaks brightened to yellow as the twin suns came into view. Max would be damned if he would be known to have stood by when Kamino was attacked. The extra help couldn't hurt, could it?

The rest of his selected fleet dropped out in formation, providing a dominating sweep into the system.

After making sure that his fleet had established communications with the others, Max raised his wrist speaking "Is the landing party prepped?"

"Ready to go on your mark. Planetary scans are up and we've collaborated with established forces."

With a lurch the shuttles descended towards Tatooine. The seemingly endless desert below was striking to Max. Why anyone would want to live here their whole lives was anyone's guess.

"When we land we need that FOB set up as soon as possible. We'll be heading out for some more reconnaissance."

Rapidly coming closer to the ground, the transport doors began to open. As soon as they touched down, troops poured out with equipment, ready to establish to needed FOB.

Max brought up a datapad, noting his position on the planet. Focusing his magnifiers, he zoomed in on a nearby settlement.

Anyone here could be the enemy. Or friend.

"Let's see if we can't find some people of interest."

 

[Desmond C'artyom]

[SIZE=11pt]Desmond treaded through the endless canyons of the desert. He once again cursed the heat and pulled the cowl from his mouth an inch so that he could take another swig from his canteen. The shadows in the canyons stretched low over the floor, but still the arid heat crept into everything making the Chiss’s blood boil. He walked for what seemed like hours through the endless cavern walls until he ended up at the mouth of a cave. At first glance it seemed like an ordinary cave, but odd paintings gave way to a more taciturn idea. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]They were old markings left behind by the rebels. The symbols were their to mark a hideout and it was here that Desmond would meet one of his targets. He made his way through the entrance and was pleased when he was met with a cool breeze that swept through the grotto. He walked a little farther until he reached a pool deep within the cave and stopped to look around. His cybernetic optics adjusted to low light vision and the Chiss finally got a good look at his surroundings. The whole area was littered with boxes that looked like they had been emptied in a hurry. A large pool lay at the base of the cave and a small shunt of light crept out from behind the pool. All in all it looked as though the rebels had left in a hurry. Desmond smiled at the carelessness of it all. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]The fact that they would leave so much behind that detailed their presence was sloppy. It was no wonder they had been crushed beneath the Empire’s mighty grasp. Desmond walked over to a nearby box and sat down. All that was left to do was wait for his target.[/SIZE]

 

[Travis Caalgen]

“Director Caalgen, we meet in person once more. I am saddened it is under such troubling circumstances, though I’m told the Grand Moff will recover from his injuries in time.”

Travis turned from facing the holoprojector on the bridge, giving a deep bow to [member="Baron [/FONT][/SIZE][SIZE=14px][FONT=georgia]Morcus[/FONT][/SIZE][SIZE=14px][FONT=georgia]"]. "Indeed, my lord. We should at least feel empowered in the fact that Grand Moff Graf survived the attempt on his life, the Empire would never be the same without him." Caalgen agreed, beckoning the Warlord of the Empire over towards the holographic display that gave them a view of all the Imperial forces on Tatooine.

"I've already sent out several scouting parties on speeder bikes. Most of them have found several outposts belonging to the benefactors of this planet; Arceneau Trading Corporation, the same one that assisted us in the construction of the Pellaeon." The Director informed "So far, I am only awaiting one- Ah, here it is now."

A box of information appeared on the hologram, relaying to the Director the scout troopers' finds. "Yes...yes...We've just confirmed the location of Soryk the Hutt's palace. I am deploying the legion and keeping the auxiliary regiments on stand-by alert."

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Sandtroopers moved by the hundreds off of the Reckoner into newly-deployed HAVw A6 Juggernaut, approximately three dozen in all which was definitely enough to ferry a battlegroup of around nine thousand of the Empire's finest shock troopers. One fully embarked, the convoy of the troop transports, escorted by AT-STs and MAVr A7 Broadsword-class Repulsortanks, began to roll out into the Dune Sea and towards the palace of the rebellious slug.

It would most likely be the first but not the last convoy, as Lord Morcus still needed to deploy his own forces. Director Caalgen sat quietly in the command center of one of the lead vessels, watching as they progressed along steadily on their route.

The perfect opportunity for [member="Danger Arceneau"] and [member="Makai Dashiell"] to intervene.

[member="Max Fel"] | [member="Aldrenek Valen"] | [member="Butch Mahan"] | [member="Amun"] | [member="Alema Valla"] | [member="Desmond C'artyom"] - [member="Sara Lee Jones"] | [member="Dominic Crowley"] (Space battle starting for you two soon!)

 

[Butch Mahan]

Iskalon was a beautiful planet, covered entirely in oceans inhabited by hundreds of non-sentient and sentient creatures alike. There had once been a connection between these sub-nautical dwellers and overworlders like Mahan, but that had been destroyed centuries ago. Now, it was just a blue blanket covering the surface of the planet, unhindered by anything like the floating city that had once been on Iskalon. That would change in the coming months, with the reinstatement of Butch Mahan, the former Grand Admiral of the Imperial Navy, and High Moff of the Kaminoan Sectory, as a High Moff once more, he needed a capital from which to reign over his new dominion. With the excursion and extermination of the former Moff Council, the Empire had needed Moffs on all levels, inquiring them to instate Mahan with the sector of Tatooine due to his former service with the Empire. Iskalon hadn't been his first choice, but he needed an interim capital until the planet of Pii III, his planned capital, was liberated by the Empire. However displeased with Iskalon, he found it a far better location than the derelict trade world of Tatooine, or the Felecat controlled world of Felecat. If Iskalon was going to be his new capital, Mahan needed a city form which he could stand, so he implored the Grand Moff [member="Tanomas Graf"] for the construction of a new city from which the Empire could reign, one from which Mahan could reign. Named in the honor of the Emperor himself, Kardal City, it was to be built to suit the Empire's needs, maximizing on government property and resources, over civilian facilities and residential zones.

Mahan was standing alone on the hangar door of the Imperial shuttle hovering close to the ocean's surface, gazing upon one of the many worlds now under his control. In the distance, gargantuan sea creatures were surfacing as they made their way across the world encompassing body of water. Under him, he could see a group of Iskalonians were subtly watching him from a dozen meters beneath sea level, watching the shuttle carefully. Mahan took a deep breath then twirled his finger in a circle, and the bay door began to close, his view slowly shrinking until it blinked out of existence, instead replaced by the bulkhead of the shuttle. Taking his time, Mahan returned to his seat on the shuttle, escorted by two stormtroopers and a civilian employee, a different experience than the one he had had as the Grand Admiral of the Imperial fleet. Mahan sat with a thud, immediately ordering his subordinate, "Viro," The young Theelin woman perked up, ready to perform, "Send a message to Admiral Shana Kaal, inform her I wish to meet with her in private in my personal quarters on Kamin, inform the Grand Moff that I will also be heading back to Kamino to conduct the preliminary business of setting up the new sector government, and the Bureau of Imperial Justice." Turning towards one of his own faceless guards, "Trooper, please inform the pilot I wish to return to Kamino, I've finished my business here." The stormtrooper stood to attention, and exited the passenger bay towards the cockpit. Not long after, the shuttle had entered hyperspace.

 

[Desmond C'artyom]

[SIZE=11pt]Desmond patted a pocket on his grey cloak until he felt what he was looking for. Satisfied the pack was still there he reached into the pocket and withdrew a small pouch of death sticks. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]A little something to take the edge off… [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]He pulled out one of the sticks and began to huff the drug in copious amounts. He was bored and getting high always took the edge off during missions like this. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Damn SJO… Can’t get anymore glitterstim becau- [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Desmond’s thoughts trailed off as the noise of footsteps began to echo through the tunnels. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Desmond cursed inwardly as a light came closer. He dropped the drug and quickly turned invisible with the help of his phrik weave cloak. Desmond took a few steps back then hid behind a pile of crates that had been overturned. A few moments later his targets appeared. Desmond’s technically enhanced ears zeroed in on what the suspects were saying.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Soryk’s getting antsy. He wants us to come pick him up now,” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Easier said than done with the Imperial army marching on the fething palace,”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Yeah well he’s paying big bucks and all we have to d-... What the? Is that spice?” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Damn[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]… Desmond cursed himself for the hundredth time.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Yeah and it’s fresh…”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“We ain’t alone!” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Desmond quickly emerged from the pile of crates and withdrew his verpine pistol. “Don’t move,” He commanded in his rich Imperial accent from the cover of the darkness. The rebels began to fire their blaster rifles blindly. While the darkness was a [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]hindrance[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] for the pair of newcomers Desmond’s cybernetic optics easily spied the duo. He fired his [/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px]silenced[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] pistol once and one of the duo dropped to the ground dead. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Holden!” The other shouted and dropped to his comrade “You bastard!” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]But, it was too late. While the man swaddled his dead companion Desmond had crept through the shadows till he was directly behind the man. Des raised his pistol and placed it to the back of the man’s head. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“You are going to tell me everything you know about where you are picking Soryk up,”[/SIZE]

 

[Varik Ice]

Varik Ice​

Post: 1​

Equipment: Lightsaber​

Location: Tatooine, Imperial Troop Transport "Antagonist"​

Status: Awaiting Signal​

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Blue eyes stared intently down, Varik's gaze fixated upon the helmet in his hands. This would be it, then; his first real taste of fighting for the Empire. It had all been so much to learn of the lightsaber forms and the ways of the force, but it hadn't been for nought.

Varik stared at the cold metal door of the dropship in front of him before his eyes examined the ship around him, and the men he had been given. They were clad in black armour, with an unforgiving visage and a heavy armament to boot. Deathtroopers, they were called, though these men were Pestilence; he supposed that would fit the bill.

Ice had spent a while learning on remaining calm and collected, to focus on the task at hand. This task however, was simply to wait. He was expected to sit and wait for the signal of some elite agent. Apparently good enough to gain information essential to the occupation of this desert ball. "But not good enough to do it on his own."

He hadn't cared much if the troopers had heard him, their job was to follow, not to question. He felt the rumble of the dropship around him as it began to move. Finally. Even if he was not landing now, it was a welcome change. His fingers turned around the helmet in his hands as it slipped over his face and head, sealing it tightly. His hood came over and covered him as he prepared. He supposed he should think that this was only a glorious day for the Empire, but it wasn't just that. It would be a glorious day for him.

[member="Desmond C'artyom"]
[member="DT-2417"]

 

[Desmond C'artyom]

[SIZE=11pt]“Please! I have a family!” The rebel shouted, snot flowing out of his nose and tears streaking his face. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Then tell me where Soryk is,” Desmond said as he pressed the muzzle closer to the man’s head.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Alright… He’s at Mos Anek. H-he and his men have it locked down tighter than a Jedi’s arse hole,” The Rebel stuttered and the Chiss’s devilish grin grew.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“You just leave th-” Desmond began, but before he could finish his enhanced cybernetic ear’s began to pick up footsteps from down the corridor. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Chit!” Desmond cursed just as blaster fire began to ring out through the cavern. Desmond grabbed hold of the rebel and used him as a human shield. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Please don’t kill me! Holden Call-!” The man’s words were cut short as several blaster rounds found their mark in the dark. Desmond ditched the body and dove behind a large portion of crates. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“This is Inferno 1. Clearance, Gamma Kresh,” Several blaster bolts struck the crates and Des’s cover slowly began to melt away. He reached a hand over the top and began to blindly fire the Verpine pistol. “I need immediate support! I am sending my location now!”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Desmond reached into a pocket and withdrew a Sat tracker. He activated the device and then risked a look to throw it over by the rebels, effectively marking the targets and pinning his location at the same time. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Targets marked! Hurry!” Desmond shouted as he fired several shots back at the rebels.[/SIZE]

[member="Varik Ice"]
[member="DT-2417"]

 

[Vestille Thumahra]

Tatooine
851 ABY
DT-2417
Call-sign Pestilence Actual
Post One
Objective: Await the call for reinforcements.

The waiting game, a double-edged sword to many. A necessity to most, a maddening state of affairs to others. However, within the Imperial Transport that Pestilence had found themselves aboard, it was neither of these; the game simply existed, something that held neither a positive or negative sway over the black armored troopers within the Antagonist, they simply stood there silently, immobile beyond the occasional jolt of the vessel as it started some form of movement. Whilst the mission that the squad had been assigned was nothing new or significant, there was certainly a VIP within their midst, a Sith. Varik Ice, his dossier file supposedly gave away everything DT-2417 had needed to know about the figure before their deployment. A tribal brought from his world of considerably lower stature compared to the rest of the Galaxy yet this man held talents within himself and with his connection of the force. Whatever the case, the Death Trooper Captain had a need-to-know basis about the VIP he was assigned to for this op, and he wasn't about to question or pursue any method of investigation into Ice any deeper. After all, there was a job to do.

All 13 Death Troopers of Pestilence were present, packed together with no complaints at all, even with the strange cold temperature that filled the passenger compartment. Not that it deterred the Death Troopers, nor did it raise any complaints. The silent angels of death, waiting for the call to action. As if all of a sudden, the call came from their contact on the ground and a waypoint popped up, they had their target.

Tatooine was about to learn of a terror greater than the Hutts and the dunes that swallowed people whole.

[member="Varik Ice"] | [member=Desmond C'artyom]

 

[Varik Ice]

Varik Ice​

Post: 2​

Equipment: Lightsaber​

Location: Tatooine, Imperial Troop Transport "Antagonist"​

Status: Providing reinforcements​

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​

Ice felt the sudden jolt from the drop around him, though his body remained perfectly still. It had taken more than long enough, after all. He would finally leave this box. As he felt the rush of the transport increasing in speed around him, he pondered on the force, and the instincts he had thanks to it. He often found he saw someone's presence in the force as a place; even now, he could feel the other Inquisitors and Force-sensitives of the Empire, many with the raging fires of their passion and emotions that swelled up inside them to be released in a torrent of fury. Then there were the Jedi; serene and warm, filling his mind with peaceful meadows and steady, flowing water.

He was neither of these things. When he looked inward, all he saw was Barab. The thick sheet of ice beneath his feet, a wasteland wih nothing in sight to walk to or hope for. He was cold, like home. He did not stoke the fires of his anger in the way a Sith did, to invigorate an inferno, nor did he carefully control the stream of his actions, like the Jedi. He was biting cold. Not calm, but...almost as though indifferent. He did not see anything that could be moved, forced away. Perhaps that was why he found it a foreign concept to exert the force outwards, sending large objects hurtling through the air or lightning from his fingers. Bringing strength, speed and benefits to his own form was easy. His body naturally utilized the force to protect him.

The Antagonist finally stopped and set down, as Ice closed his eyes for a moment. Their enemies were close. Very close. They shot open again along with the ramp, the Initiate stepping down briskly as he felt the solid boots of the Deathtroopers marching down in a quick pace alongside him. The sand was soft beneath his feet, though he didn't even feel the desert sun; it was still cool around him, his physical presence feeling almost like a cold wind coming through.

His lightsaber, red and malicious, activated as he kept it held low and marched into the cave mouth. The Shien form. He'd grown fond of this one, and it proved useful. Blaster bolts came flying towards him, his saber flicking upwards and changing position rapidly in repsonse, two bolts flying back and striking into their unseen predecessors. He coninued to advance, assuming the Deathtroopers would follow as he quickly slashed to his right while an opponent came from around the corner, hoping to catch him off-guard. The saber ripping through his middle showed him otherwise.

Thankfully, most sentients were light; at least, compared to the Force. Catching sight of another, Ice's saber sent his rifle's rapid bolts flying before his other hand shot up, an invisible grip ripping him into the air before he was violently thrown aside, careening into the cave wall. Allowing the Deathtroopers to deal with whatever remained, he continued marching inwards, searching for the spy. He was Chiss and apparently quite competent in his work, so the Initiate had no doubt he'd make himself known any minute now.

[member="Desmond C'artyom"]
[member="DT-2417"]

 

[Desmond C'artyom]

Desmond saw the glow of the Crimson blade before the man himself. He swept through the cavernous halls like a whirlwind. Cutting down the rebel commandos like sheep to the slaughter. Desmond took the moment to press the attack. As the rebels turned to face the forces approaching their backs Desmond reared out of cover and began to fire his Verpine pistol. Taking precise shots at the Rebels mid sections.

The Verpine pistol made no noise as Desmond pulled the trigger, discharging pellet sized death upon the enemies. While the projectiles were small they traveled so quickly they punched holes the size of small animals through their foes. The rebels didn’t even have time to scream as Desmond targeted one after the other.

Target… 11 meters

Firing Direction.. West

Muzzle Velocity… 2,520 m/s

The pellet raced forward at ludicrous speeds and entered the man’s back. The flesh imploded inwards and the pellet shattered into a hundred different pieces. The shrapnel flew forward at only a slightly slower speed, exiting out the man’s chest cavity. Bits of organ, vertebrae, and rib all spewed forth accompanied by a large fountain of blood. Desmond’s cybernetic optic’s caught every bit of the exchange even though it all happened in less then a second.

In that split second the Inquisitor had cut down half the Rebel commandos while Desmond had only killed three. The man approached Desmond and the cave grew considerably colder. Desmond’s Csillian blood welcomed the chill, but something about the man himself unnerved Desmond.

“Inferno 1, reporting for duty,” Desmond said in his rich Imperial accent “Once we’ve cleared up the enemies here we need to head to Moss Anek and quickly,”

[member="Varik Ice"]
[member="DT-2417"]

 

[Aryn Teth]

Moff Arix Valen
Location: Arriving at Tatooine, aboard the Raider-Class Corvette "Masquerade"
Post: 1

Arix adjusted the brim of his hat as he leaned back in the comfortable lounge chair of his quarters aboard the Masquerade. The Moff had gone to great efforts to refurbish the usually blander starship quarters into a fine living space, carpeted floors, even drapes and curtains hanging over the walls and by the viewport which looked out into the darkness of space. Casually, Arix flicked his finger over the datapad in his hand, re-reading the dossier he'd been given on Soryk the Hutt.

Arix had been dispatched from a meeting with the Grand Moff shortly before the bombing, and although he had heard of the event since he left, he didn't linger or turn back to offer any assistance back on Kamino. Arix knew well enough that Graf would have been more than displeased if Arix had sacrificed the duty he'd been given on Tatooine in exchange for offering aid to a situation which would already be well In hand. Tossing the datapad aside, Arix moved to stand as he sighed, walking over toward the holoprojector in his room as he counted down idly on his fingers as the ship began to lurch, re-entering realspace inside the Tatooine system, not too far from the desert world.

Glancing over the Imperial ships in order, the corner of Arix's lips curled upward in a smirk, his hands clasping behind his back as he waited for the familiar voice to come over the radio. "We've arrived in-system, Moff Valen, ready to open communications with Director Caalgen when you are ready." Arix didn't bother responding vocally, just sending a ping through the system as he waited for his crew to do the work of pinging the Reckoner down on the planet's surface. Arix often made an effort to keep his comings and goings a secret, even from his fellow members of the Council, but he wouldn't have been particularly surprised if the Director had assumed Arix would be coming - he was generally the tool the Empire used to deliver the final, usually humiliating blow against a defeated enemy - the peace treaty.

While his ship made its way towards Tatooine proper, Arix's smirk shifted into a wide smile as the communications link was opened, his gaze flicking between the Director and the Grand Inquisitor as he offered an almost-regal bow. "Director Caalgen, Baron Morcus, it's been too long. I do apologize for my delay in arriving, but I figured it only sporting to allow you a head-start before I arrived. I'll be making my way down to the Ravager as soon as I am able, but if you'd like me to order my troops or my ship anywhere before I do, they are at your disposal, Director."

[member='Travis Caalgen'] | [member='Baron Morcus']

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Makai Dashiell"] [member="Travis Caalgen"]​

"Trust me," Danger gave Makai's shoulder a small, comforting squeeze.

"I doubt it will take years for Myra to cool her head. She can't stay mad at you at all." there was a knowing smile in the words the Trade Queen said, encouraging the half Galan to head on towards the entrance of the cave.

"Give her a few more days. Bet she'll send word to you." as the pair began to move back up towards the mouth of the cavern, Danger would mull over just what the Galactic Empire was here for. A pinch of her brows expressed a mild, growing concern, but she had dealt with the government before during the construction of their flagship. Negotiations had gone well so there wouldn't be any bad blood.

Or, as far as Danger knew anyway.

"Well get you plenty of food, don't you worry." a ruffle of Makai's hair imparted a bit of that affection Danger held for the teenager.

"We'll see what the Empire wants. " moving ahead, the bright light of the Twin Suns came to shine down upon their faces, prompting the woman to bring back her scarf up to shield her from the heat.

Two Noghri guards came to her, and Barak, spoke, "We've caught sight of an Imperial convoy of sorts to the west. They appear to be on the search for something. We have not made contact."

"Well, reckon if they are already here... might as well go say hello."

"This way, ma'am."

Turning to Makai, she gave him a small smile. "How about let me do the talking for this one?" Following the guards, they turned to made headway towards the Imperial troops.

 

[Vestille Thumahra]

Tatooine
851 ABY
DT-2417
Call-sign Pestilence Actual
Post Two
Objective: Take out remaining rebel forces.

The battle had began and ended before anyone had any time to react. The Sith had jumped into the fray and killed many of the enemy opponents, as well as Inferno One having taken out three of those that dared defy the Empire. Whilst Inferno One and the Sith talked, DT-2417 waved his troopers on, several garbled transmissions emitting from their helmets as they began to go to work. Their job, at least for no until they relocated, was plain and simple clean-up. Whilst many of the rebel scum had perished, several remained in a mere state of being incapacitated, wriggling around on the floor in pain. These men and women in the immediate area were assisted in their passing; the Death Troopers acting in regimented and rigid doctrine as they performed their swift judgement and punishments upon those that had not been blessed with death when engaged by the Sith or Inferno One.

Of course, it didn't end there. Next came the sweep and clearing of any adjacent sectors that could be hiding any that tried to hide from their fate, small connecting caverns and the like. The process was nothing more than swift, effective and brutal. Whatever resistance that remained was swatted away and gunned down, the blaster shots echoing throughout the cave. After several minutes, the blaster and cries would soon cease, leaving only the garbled transmissions between the Death Troopers to be heard. Their task was complete.

The Death Troopers reunited with the Sith and Inferno One, standing in their ever rigid posture, awaiting instructions.

[member="Desmond C'artyom"] | [member="Varik Ice"]