Our Place Among The Stars [Galactic Alliance Tier 3 Dominion of the Copperline Hex.]

[Magdalena Lethe]

G U I D E
Aboard the GUIDE HQ: Beacon of Broadcast
In orbit over Kriselist
Objective III: The Coin of Many Faces
Post 9 for GUIDE

Objective 1: Coordinate and provide needed humanitarian aid across Kriselist settlements and refugee camps.
Objective 2: Establish a global network system to enhance communication between settlements during the rehabilitation process. Uplink to orbital projects for early warning raid systems.

~~

Magda lost track of her brows as they escaped up into her hairline at the sass spouting from [member="Isaiah Dashiell"], bold as brass. Yes, apparently it had been that long. Lips pursed, the GUIDE CEO quietly withdrew her datapad and took two steps to the right in order to see around the pilot's seat at the code designation painted in white across the front face of the forward console.

Two eyebrows slowly dropped down as she tapped several commands across the screen, a faint twitching reminiscent of the thinly veiled temper she'd inherited from her mother.

Somewhere in the cabin there came a soft beep.

Tap tap tap tappa tap.

Beep.

Tap tap tap.

BEEEOOOOOOO. The backlight to the entire console switched from pale white to an angry red. Izzy would find himself locked out of the controls. The engines sat idling.

Magda blinked daintily from where she stood and gave a wistful look about the cabin.

"Oh my ... how strange... is this normal?"

 

[Isaiah Dashiell]

G U I D E
Aboard the GUIDE HQ: Beacon of Broadcast
In orbit over Kriselist
Objective III: The Coin of Many Faces
Sub-Objective: Help [member="Magdalena Lethe"] with stuff
"What-I"
He frantically started tapping keys and flipping switches as the entire console lit up bright red. Even the others on board began to panic slightly. The com blinked green indicating someone was hailing the ship. Finally a friendly color.
"Tiefling 4 are you and your crew alright? We're reading a system lockdown and lockout." Izzy pressed a shaky finger to the com button,

"Everything is fine. Everything is awesome."

"We're sending someone up."

"No need. We're doing just FINE."

His eyes flashed orange in anger, but he calmed himself with a deep breath. A calming Force washed over him and he looked up at his employer with a smile.

"Ma'am you're delaying the mission. Please take a seat and unlock the console."
He didn't know where this animosity was coming from, but he didn't appreciate it. Was this because of that one time? Had she actually been avoiding him? Maybe he was just taking it a little too personal and overthinking it.

"The people await!"

 

[Iestyn Nova]

G U I D E​

Aboard the GUIDE HQ: Beacon of Broadcast​

In orbit over Kriselist​

Objective III: The Coin of Many Faces​

[member="Magdalena Lethe"] [member="Lily Kuhn"] @Iestyn Nova [member="Isaiah Dashiell"] [member="Gabriel Lethe"] [member="Aeshi Tillian"] [member="Veronika Nova"]​

| 4 |​

Objective 1: Coordinate and provide needed humanitarian aid across Kriselist settlements and refugee camps.​

Objective 2: Establish a global network system to enhance communication between settlements during the rehabilitation process. Uplink to orbital projects (Lily Kuhn) for early warning raid systems.​

~​

​

​

Parts of the world were actually still glowing from orbit, such was the level of destruction. There was no point even entering those regions of the world themselves, instead they had sent some of their probes to try and determine what - if anything - was still alive there. The Eyrie came to land near the outskirts of one of the worst regions. The rest of their team were back in orbit. Ellis was attempting to provision some serious computing power so Howell could start spinning up some environmental simulations. They needed to get as clear a prediction as possible as to the environmental position for the next few centuries. Had enough debris been thrown up to cool the world? How much atmosphere had the bombardment stripped by dumping that much energy into the atmosphere leading to energetic particles breaking free?

Iestyn was helping Veronika into her hazard suit. Standard procedure for the classification of their landing site. They were on the border between one of the areas of mass destruction and a populated region. They'd started to re-establish their connection over the last few months following Togoria. Even though he couldn't see her stripes he was intrinsically aware of her feelings again. Lovalla liked enclosing suits even less than humans. Iestyn and Veronika had to give public talks as part of their work and had lived away from home for a long time. As such they both used almost as much inflection in their voices as humans. For the rest of their kind it was different. Whilst their base colours slowly shifted to display emotional state, the mottling and stripes could subtly shift between hues very quickly to convey expression with speech. Being completely enclosed in a suit hampered communication even more than it did for most species.

"We'll get some readings and soil samples, then head for the high ground and get a view of the damage? I've sent one of the probes ahead to check for hazards."

 

[Saffron]

Kriselist
Objective Three
Post 4 for Potential Haven Shipyards Contract / Sponsorship for Bid on Trade Station Aurek
[member="Astarii Saren"]
| 10 |

Pleasantly surprised and offering a warm smile, Saffron gave a small incline of her head and extended her hand.

"Greetings Mistah Shule," the blonde would say, a glint of curiosity in her hazel eyes. While Saffron was Force sensitive, it didn't make her any more skilled than a youngling. Her talents lay in reading emotion, getting an empathic feel for clients and those around her.

One may wonder if Human Replica Droids felt any emotion or if they were just logical? What would Saffron read off the man once they shook hands? The Force, after all, was a curious and magnificent thing.

"It is a pleasure. I am Saffron, of Arceneau Trade Company." her smile would broaden. "While I do keep myself informed, it is always nice to be able to make personal acquaintances. One never knows when a mutually beneficial arrangement may come to pass when placing a bid." like resources or utilizing local subcontractors for the work. If they were able to subcontract Alliance based companies, all the better. Not only would ATC gain a contract, but also the smaller business? Would they be able to do the same with Republic Engineering Corporation?


Just then, her datapad gave a small beep. With a brief apologetic smile, she said, "Pardon one moment, I just have to read this real quick."

A scan of the contents made Saffron smile. [member="Linna Beorht"]'s memo's were always a point of highlight for the blonde. They held such interesting tidbits of information, and at times, it was staggering just how on pointe she was with them. The Zeltron had the affinity of being able to get the information needed for the project at hand with mindblowing swiftness; she was well worth the staggering amount of credits and company benefits afforded to her.

So there was some hesitancy over the trade station by the Killaniri System. That Linna was able to pinpoint that and the opportunity there to not only smooth over tensions but provide a chance to expand the Killaniri's distribution of blaster ammunition was superb.

ATTN: Linna

Thank you for the update. Please do all you can in smoothing over relations with the Killaniri System and Justa. If possible, do relay that ATC is willing to not only offer a broader range of distribution of their products but also provide new job opportunities for the local population not only at the Trade Station but any starports and warehouses in the sector. The availability of Haven Shipyards proprietary goods is an excellent suggestion. If required, a higher tariff paid by ATC could suffice as an added monetary incentive.

Namaste,

Saffron
Arceneau Trade Company

 

[Magdalena Lethe]

G U I D E
Aboard the GUIDE HQ: Beacon of Broadcast
In orbit over Kriselist
Objective III: The Coin of Many Faces
Post 12 for GUIDE

Objective 1: Coordinate and provide needed humanitarian aid across Kriselist settlements and refugee camps.
Objective 2: Establish a global network system to enhance communication between settlements during the rehabilitation process. Uplink to orbital projects for early warning raid systems.

~~~

Fascinating.

Biting at her lower lip with excitement she pivoted once on her heel. Hadn't had a chance to use the system override feature before - there'd never been a need. It really was an ingenious addition to all GUIDE ships. So glad she thought of it.

"Delaying? Nonsense," Magda smiled brightly around at the angry red lights filling the cabin, "I'm merely ensuring all system functions of my ships are in proper working condition. It appears that they are."

Tappa tap tap tappy-tap.

BEEEOOOOO.

Pale white lights returned just as Magda turned to exit the cabin, airy voice growing fainter as she stepped casually down the hall.

"Can't have my Pathfinders piloting faulty equipment. Oh no, that would be awful. Carry on."

[member="Isaiah Dashiell"]

 

[Aeri Vyn]

Kriselist
Objective Three | PharmaTech & Mara Tibx Contract and potential Sponsorship.
Post 4 for PharmaTech
| 11 |

---

A smirk would go dancing over Aeri's lips at Linna's memo. There were few of her kind that Aeri took to, her cousin Kiran being one of them. Having another Zeltron who expressed just how passionate and intelligent their race could be was a plus. Truth be told, Linna was spectacular with her memos as she was with her body. A thought crossed the leggy Zeltron of perhaps exploring that a little further. What's a little pleasure in business?

Unfortunate that things hadn't gone as expected with the Yuuzhan Vong Willard. However, with business going as it was, who knew -- perhaps she'll come across the metropolitan [member="Willard Jamaane"] soon enough.

"Well.. what do we have here?" the chic female in the a-line hair cut would murmur.

"Oh I do love it when you give me slides," a mischevious grin dazzled the Zeltron's coral visage.

"Nine out of the argicultural sites fall under privately owned farmland." a nod. They would have to approach them individually to see what PharmaTech may do to aid in bringing the land back to full production. The burial and historical sites were going to be a bit more tricky. They would have to go through the government to suggest methods that would conserve the sites with little damage.

However, it was the water politics areas that made Aeri grimace. Water rights feuds could turn bloody quick. That would require an adapt diplomat to ensure cooler heads may prevail.

A quick tap back to Linna followed:

ATTN: [member="Linna Beorht"]

Fantastic work as always Linna, love. All of this information is valuable. I'll focus on the water rights and the watershed. I'll send the information so that we can fine tune the bids for reconstruction and clean up of the agricultural and those burial and historical sites.

Cheers,

A. Vyn
Arceneau Trade Company

 

[Veronika Nova]

G U I D E
Aboard the GUIDE HQ: Beacon of Broadcast
In orbit over Kriselist
Objective III: The Coin of Many Faces
Magdalena Lethe Lily Kuhn [member="Iestyn Nova"] Isaiah Dashiell Gabriel Lethe Aeshi TillianVeronika Nova
| 12 |
Objective 1: Coordinate and provide needed humanitarian aid across Kriselist settlements and refugee camps.
Objective 2: Establish a global network system to enhance communication between settlements during the rehabilitation process. Uplink to orbital projects (Lily Kuhn) for early warning raid systems.

Veronika spun on the ball of her heel. After Iesytn had completed helping her into her suit, she did the same for him. It was as much for security and peace of mind as it was for being able to show a measure of affection. All the more when the thick suits were unable to relay the subtle nuances and changes in the color hue that was the bulk of Lovalla communication.

"Kyck?" that was the endearment for the survey droid that her mate had commissioned for them both. Kyck was a term for Lovalla much the same as that for a youngling.

"How is that?" she asked, looking him over to check his suit. The Lovalla was fussy, showing her concern with excessive gestures. She could sense her mate's concern through their empathic bond, and in turn, Veronika attempted to show a measure of reassurance through the rush of color changing hues under her clear, egg-shaped helmet. Along with that Iesytn feel a wash of warmth telling him that she was okay. A bit out of sorts, but okay.

"This is what we do best." at least in terms of gathering samples and data.

 

[Jairus Starvald]

Location: Kriselist.
Objective: 3
Post 1 for Fa Holdings

Time was a circle.

It had a tendency to repeat itself the farther along they came down the road. The sentients of the Galaxy did not learn from their mistakes and instead opted to continue on making the same ones over and over again. At least, that was the Thirriken's particular perspective as he looked through the viewport of his yacht's observatory deck.

Kriselist wasn't a pleasant sight from where he was sitting.

The Vanguard Fleet had bombarded it, just as the Galactic Empire had all those years ago, before a plague had swept through the Galaxy and wiped the slate clean.

"Round and round we go.​

No end in sight, is that right?​

I think not, friend Vnut."​

​

The Balinaka shrugged heavily. He did not look at or even through the viewport, instead his attention was on his hands and the nails at the tip of them. It was a much nicer view than the wreckage of Kriselist.​

​

Yet, the Thirriken nodded, almost as if Vnut had said something.​

​

"No, not right indeed.​

Yet, here we are, to fix this.​

As good as we can."​

​

Fa Holdings was an investment company, first and foremost. It looked at opportunities and then it attempted to capitalize them, one way or another. This was a cold approach, true, yet where there was profit there was also the opportunity to do some good. The strong ruled, yes, but this strength came with responsibilities.​

​

Otherwise, you might as well simply rule over the ashes.​

​

Tai Fa had never liked ashes much.​

 

[Linna Beorht]

KRISELIST
OBJECTIVE THREE
HAVEN SHIPYARDS 5/5+
WRITER POST 8

ATTN: [member="Saffron"]

The tariff suggestion is a good one, and it may turn out to be necessary. The authorities on Justa are concerned about ATC attracting skilled workers away from local firms. It's a protectionist stance, and from their perspective it does make a sort of sense. My response has been to connect with local technical training authorities, making inroads for future partnerships. The locals can't complain about stealing all the local skilled labour if the absolute volume of local skilled labour rises. I'm waiting to hear back about the feasibility of that plan before I broach the topic of extra tariffs. Frankly, I think we can swing the system while paying lower tariffs, given the increased volume of traffic that we'll be bringing into the system: even at a lower tariff point, the local government will be seeing a net profit.

That's my feeling, anyway, and I think the numbers bear me out. I've attached my latest presentation deck from yesterday's meeting with the Justan port authority and other local stakeholders. The next meeting is scheduled for tomorrow. In the meantime, I intend to speak with the guildmasters and union leaders of the gas refineries. There may be more of an opportunity here than meets the eye.

Best wishes,

L. Beorht
ATC Government Relations

 

[Arieth zh'Vranthi]

Objective Three: The Coin of Many Faces.
Aboard Galactic Alliance Dipomatic Vessel the Dawn of Sullust.
| 13 |
Contract Confirmed for Theed Hanger

After reviewing the first few bids and proposals, the Ambassador gave a small nod. She would send the first few approvals via written transmission.

ATTN: [member="Ajira Cardei"]


Ms Cardei,

The Galactic Alliance along with the Kriselist have reviewed the customs and law enforcement support for reconstruction efforts on Kriselist by Theed Hanger. We are greatly impressed by your contribution and bid. The funds to fulfill the contract will be transferred to your account.

Thank you once again for your contribution.

Ambassador Arieth zh'Vranthi
The Galactic Alliance

 

[Jairus Starvald]

​

Location: Kriselist.
Objective: 3
Post 2 for Fa Holdings

Elsewhere within the Centrality, on the world of Erilnar, Fa Holdings had bought a contract.

It was the responsibility of restoring the monorail across its world and ensuring it would be in working order again. This would be a long process, but Lord Fa knew that it was the first step towards greatness. This, Kriselist, did not fit in those particular plans -- yet, here the Thirriken was with his trusty bodyguard, Vnut. In truth, this was a preparation of sorts. The more they worked on similar projects, the better they would get at them; experience and if they were able to make money at the same exact time?

That would be a boon for all people involved.

This is why Fa Holdings had approached the Alliance with a proposal.

The refugee camps of Kriselist were many and they stretched out across the surface of the world. Yet, there was little in the way of infrastructure at the end of the Vanguard's assault on the planet. This is where Lord Fa wished to step in. By assessing the situation, diverting capital and assets, he was particularly confident his company was capable of establishing superior transportation between and above the refugee camps themselves.

"Please land us there, friend.
Yes, quite right there will be fine.
Close enough to see.

Far enough to look.
We need to see the picture.
In its entirety."

The pilot nodded, yet Lord Fa could see the confusion on his face. It mattered little. The shuttle was already making its way to a little plateau that looked over the various refugee camps in the vicinity.

Yes, this would do quite neatly for the meantime.​

 

[Arieth zh'Vranthi]

Objective Three: The Coin of Many Faces.​

Aboard Galactic Alliance Diplomatic Vessel the Dawn of Sullust.​

| 14 |​

Contract Confirmed for Abregado-Rae Guild of Hammers​

ATTN: [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
Firemane Industries


Ms[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"],

The Galactic Alliance along with the Kriselist have reviewed the humanitarian aid and reconstruction provided by Abregado-Rae Guild of Hammers. We are greatly impressed by your contribution and bid. The funds to fulfill the contract will be transferred to your account.

Thank you once again for your contribution.

Ambassador Arieth zh'Vranthi
The Galactic Alliance

 

[Linna Beorht]

KRISELIST
OBJECTIVE THREE
PHARMATECH 5/5
WRITER POST 9

Linna smiled faintly as she read the memo. Aeri, Miz Arceneau's personal assistant-slash-advisor-slash-emissary, was a Zeltron's Zeltron. Not the cliché, not really a libertine: deliberate and in control of decisions that other people, other species, would make by accident or on a whim. A professional, in short. Someone who could be trusted to do as she would without risking The Ginger's public image.

Discreet. That was the word. Linna quirked an eyebrow and began typing.

ATTN: [member="Aeri Vyn"]

My pleasure. Glad you found it useful.

I really would tread lightly on the burial ground issue, and make sure that the local Ryquist faction is comfortable with bids on land surrounding the actual bombardment craters. The Ryquist faithful have made a point of telling me that they consider the craters just as spiritually meaningful and symbolic as marked grave sites. Only three percent of Kriselist, pre-bombardment, self-identified as Ryquist, but they're not a faith to cross unnecessarily.

All the best,

L. Beorht
ATC Government Relations

 

[Magdalena Lethe]

G U I D E
Aboard the GUIDE HQ: Beacon of Broadcast
In orbit over Kriselist
Objective III: The Coin of Many Faces
Post 14 for GUIDE

Objective 1: Coordinate and provide needed humanitarian aid across Kriselist settlements and refugee camps.
Objective 2: Establish a global network system to enhance communication between settlements during the rehabilitation process. Uplink to orbital projects for early warning raid systems.

~~~~

"Scholar team aboard Tiefling 2 have confirmed secured landing. Teams 1 and 5 inbound. We have confirmed LZ's at sectors 3, 4 and 6, Captain."

"Send in the remaining teams," Captain Miet'ra replied over a bated purr. The Felacat was wary of this mission and the dangers it presented. Though little in the way stood before the GUIDE teams as direct threats, the prospect of exposure on this recently bombarded planet did raise a few hairs along her spine. Then there was the ever-present lingering danger of an enemy fleet only a hop, skip, and hyperjump away. Miet'ra kept a very close eye on the incoming data streaming from [member="Ajira Cardei"]'s Jamillia.

"Captain," another Comm officer looked up from his holoscreen, "we are ready to place the Beacon Relay."

"We await Team 6's departure," Miet'ra tapped clawed fingertips over her console, "what's the hold up?"

"Tiefling 6 has been manually overriden."

Miet'ra sniffed, eyes narrowing, "I gave no such order."

"Not from Command, Captain. The override was done internally."

"By who-" Miet'ra stopped herself. There was only a very small collection of people who had access to override codes and one of them, she knew, was aboard that particular ship. Miss Lethe. She felt her lips draw thin

"...Tiefling 6 has departed, Captain. We're clear to release Relay Team."

"On my mark."

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Post: 4/??
Location: Kriselist
Objective: Establish major Aurora operations in the Kriselist system (III)

As the work continued, more pre-fabricated shelters and facilities were being put up by the newly hired work force and the Aurora builder droids. A slowly forming campus of buildings for droid design, fabrication, and research was being constructed on the surface now, not unlike the beginning stages of what was the massive operations on Saleucami or Kesh. Jaxson was pleased with the current progress, and definitely with the deployment of their Crucible shipyards. Once those were done, they would start to work right away on developing a new ship that Taeli had ordered built and those yards would be the exclusive company production site for what would be the Stalwart-class Pocket Star Destroyer... or Defender depending on who was asking about it.

"Sir, the relief supplies Miss Raaf asked to be sent have arrived on station, just need your signature..."

He signed the datapad without looking, authorizing the large delivery of medicine, food, and potable water to the refugee camp that Taeli was at. Taeli would be free to continue looking for more specialists, having secured the abilities of the two she had already found for cybernetics. The medical facility that Aurora Industries was expanding was being retrofitted with much of the tech that existed at the Erilnar cybernetic lab and the Rhinnal medical lab to give everyone there state-of-the-art equipment and resources for whatever projects they would be called upon. However, the really secret stuff was being moved into an underground lab that was even now being carved out of the mantle by Aurora workers.

Security was tight around both campuses, Watchmen security droids and Aurora personnel on patrol for any troublemakers... but they had orders that if natives approached to help them along to designated sites on the campuses to supply them with aid or a job.

 

[Jairus Starvald]

Location: Kriselist.
Objective: 3
Post 3 for Fa Holdings

As they watched the scanners of the freighter map out the area directly around them, Tai Fa could not help but wonder what it took for an organization to get this stupid. It was quite similar to that one time Eriadu had been glassed by the First Order - back before they had turned into quite the galactic behemoth.

There was no class involved.

It almost felt like dealing with a little child, being denied something and throwing a tantrum in response. What exactly did glassing an urban center like Kriselist or Eriadu do for these organizations?

The populace would always remember what had happened. The galactic nations would as well and if you ever managed to get into a position to return to said world... you would have to foot the bill for the repairs yourself. Oh, sure, there would be some manner of shock and awe, some sentients afraid and cowed for a while.

But there wasn't any loyalty involved, just fear. And the moment you were in a position of weakness, they would turn on you, and that was the end of that.

"The plan is simple.​

We build the infrastructure.​

This is the first step.​

​

Then we maintain it.​

Those who build it, would know best.​

That is the step two."​

​

Lord Fa suddenly said, more to the empty air than anything else. Once again Vnut nodded - he knew in what kind of mood the Thirriken was, it was only echoed by his own.​

​

What a waste.​

​

The data from the scans were slowly coming in. They were already mapping out several choke points on the continent, places where the aerial traffic would be best routed through to ensure efficiency, while being cost-optimal. Things like that. The next step was even simpler than that.​

​

It would involve reaching out towards the locals and seeing if any enterprising individuals remained.​

​

Investments into the local economy would always pay off, in goodwill from the populace and the acquisition of local talent.​

 

[Aeri Vyn]

Kriselist
Objective Three | PharmaTech & Mara Tibx Contract and potential Sponsorship.
Post 6/5 for PharmaTech
| 15 |

"You're telling me," Aeri would murmur, thinking about just how several different religious groups had managed to turn the cogs of the galaxy. One Sith, the Jedi Order, the Silver Jedi... all were religious organizations pushing their own agenda.

Working with the Ryquist faithful would be in their best interests.




ATTN: [member="Linna Beorht"]

Will do. I know full well how sects of faithful can become rather zealous over the protection of sites they consider to be important.

So they find the craters just as spiritually meaningful as marked grave sites? Well, maybe we could draw up a proposal for setting up a small site nearby the craters they deem to be important. Kinda like an information center or site for them to congregate in.

At the very least, see if we can remove any radioactive or dangerous material following their guidelines. This is their world, and we are only here to help. If they want to keep it that way, then that is their prerogative. Three percent is still a pretty loud voice.

Lunch sometime soon?

Take care,

Aeri

Arcenau Trade Company

 

[Arieth zh'Vranthi]

Objective Three: The Coin of Many Faces.​

Aboard Galactic Alliance Diplomatic Vessel the Dawn of Sullust.​

| 16 |​

Sponsorship Confirmed for Pharma-Tech​

ATTN: Aeri Vyn
Pharma Tech

Ms Aeri Vyn,

The Galactic Alliance along with the Kriselist have reviewed the humanitarian aid and reconstruction provided by PharmaTech. We are greatly impressed by your contribution and bid. The funds to fulfill our continued partnership will be transferred to your account.

Thank you once again for your contribution.

Ambassador Arieth zh'Vranthi
The Galactic Alliance

 

[Geloyra Malleus]

Objective Four: Down the Darkened Path I Wander (Calonica)
Post: 1




"And you're sure you want to go down to that planet alone, Padawan," the deck officer inquired examining the young girl up an down. He knew she was new, probably uneducated enough to make a trip alone, and barely looked old enough to handle herself if the situation went south. Geloyra could read his face like a holobook, and though whatever he was thinking was probably spot-on, she needed to do this. For herself more than for the Jedi Order. "Your concerns are duly noted, sir," she responded stepping around him to enter the only shuttle remaining. "Besides, according to the records, all the mines scattered across that planet have been disarmed. But..." The deck officer spun on his heels, placing his hands gently on her shoulders adding, "It's the 'but' that has me concerned now. What is it you are looking to unmask down there, Padawan?"

That was an excellent question, one she didn't have a proper answer for. But there was something there. She could feel it, almost sense it. As if something was calling to her and her alone. The rest of her brothers and sisters had went elsewhere, so if there was something reaching out to her, why had they not felt it? Maybe there wasn't anything there, but only dreams of a young girl seeking something that doesn't exist. Was she allowing the guilt of her mistake invade her mind again, leading her down the rabbit hole to chase the echos of what never was. For one brief instance, she thought about abandoning this nonsense and meditate on it, but as quickly as the thought of turning away emerged, it was gone and she found herself gently removing the deck officer's hands from her shoulders.

"Something. Anything," she replied making a second attempt to enter the shuttle. "Wait Padawan," the deck officer chimed, motioning for one of his comrades to join them near the shuttle. "You're in charge until I get back," he told his fellow officer, then turned back Geloyra adding, "I'm coming with you. That is not up for debate."




Calonica



The shuttle landed with a rocking thud on the surface of Calonica. Before Geloyra could reach the exit, the deck officer brushed past her, produced his blaster, and promptly hit the button to release the landing ramp. She watched as he cautiously walked down the ramp, his head turning left and right while his blaster followed a second behind in whatever direction his head turned. "You are aware that I'm a Jedi," she said fighting the condescending tone in her voice from emerging. Looking over his shoulder, he smirked then followed it up by replying, "How may encounters have you experienced, Padawan? How many times have you found yourself in a situation that was a life or death matter?" She narrowed her black eyes to slits, knowing where he was going with this as she said, "None."

"I've seen Jedi much experienced than you never come back from the simplest of missions. And those Jedi, Padawan, had left the academy more than once." She cringed slightly at the last part of his statement. This was the first time she had left the safe confines of the Jedi Temple since her arrival. This was, in fact, her first mission, if it could be called a mission. It was starting to look more and more like she was going on a field trip, and this deck officer was her chaperone. Pulling the folds of her Jedi robe closer around her meager frame, she said, "You're only doing this because I'm sixteen."

"Sixteen? Hmm. I hadn't noticed," he replied with dripping sarcasm in his voice. "This is your outing, Padawan, so lead the way." Looking around the area, she was unsure where to go. That feeling of calling had left her the moment she stepped foot onto the planet. She had no plan now. She had no idea what to do or where to go now. Then she remembered there was an ancient structure not to far from where they had landed. She couldn't recall many details about it, but it had once been an old Imperial outpost or something. If anything, maybe she would discover something of historic value. She did love history. "Do try and keep up old man, I'm sure those old bones of yours haven't been rattled in some time," she said adding a hint of mockery in her voice.

And just like that, the odd couple headed toward the old Imperial base.

 

[LT-137]

Location: Orbital Defense Platform "The Fanged Maw."
Objective One: His Last Command - Finish This Fight.
Allies: Galactic Federation of Free Alliances.
Enemies: The Imperial Vanguard.
Post Count: Six

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They were the spear that sought to pierce the heart of those that ruled in the shadows of night. They were the bloodied hand of vengeance that desired nothing more than to bathe in the aetheric fires of life once more. They were born for this moment, and those that followed, for War, was all that they would ever know. Weapons in all but name bereft of the very thing that anchored them to their humanity. They were forged upon the anvil of zealous Imperial Ideals, and tempered by the relentless hammer of combat. Thus, as they served their time and were born anew under the blessed grace of their Jedi Saviour, the Soldiers of the Fighting Fifth - formerly drawn together from various Legion’s in service to the One Sith - took to the stars once more.

It was here, above the world of Bomis Koori IV that an estranged element of that Band of Dishonoured Brothers sought to reclaim their place in the Federation. They had struggled for so long against their differing ideals, that the people and soldiers they fought against looked down upon them with disdain. Such was only natural for former enemies when they became allies. With this in mind, Gideon had placed his men at the front of every engagement the Legion was deployed. He ensured that even though their casualty rates were significantly higher than any other fighting unit in the entire Galactic Alliance - earning them the respect of those that fought alongside them. It was all they could ever ask for in the end. There was no way for them to wash the bloody sins from their armor, regardless of what banner they fought for, so - the fires of combat would be their atonement. If they were to fall, they would do so redeemed and welcomed with honor into whatever life awaited them on the other side of this reality. Yet, despite all of the times he should’ve died, Gideon knew that it wasn’t enough. The Fighting Fifth would be nothing more than a glorious footnote in the history of the Phoenician Alliance and their beloved Federation, swept under the rug as the last man could stand no more. He would fight against such an eventuality with all his might and devote himself entirely to the cause.

Blinking away the perturbing thoughts of events yet to pass, Gideon watched as the Gunship’s aft mounted deployment ramp lowered, filling the troop compartment with the soundlessness of the void. His suit was sealed, as was those of the Soldiers that stood impassively behind him. They felt nothing as the crimson light bathed their armored forms, save the rising heat of adrenals pumping through their veins. They were ready. They were eager. Good. Tossing his concealed gaze over his shoulder and looking down the length of the compartment at the alabaster-clad figures within, the former Stormtrooper raised a fist, silently signaling them to follow his lead. Their rifles snapped to their armored breasts with a soundless clatter as they waited with baited breath for the command to be given. Seconds began to rifle downwards, passing them all by as the Gunship’s engines began to re-ignite. He waited. Waited until the time was right and their window would be open, allowing them - provided they were quick enough - to surge through the yawning maw and into the uncertainty of space without the fear of being vaporized against the station’s shields.

Suddenly, a tremor rattled through the entirety of the vessel, and an encoded message was relayed to the Major, notifying him that the missiles were away. Across the battlefield, dozens of officers had received the same alert as specialized torpedoes were unleashed into the darkness of the void. The sapphire-hued veil that encapsulated the orbital defense platforms rippled as hexes of hardened light winked out of existence, collapsing as glass would - once broken by an errant child’s game. In that breach, the gunships would advance with their retros burning hot. They banked from right to left, doing whatever they could to dodge the incoming wall of point-defence weapons filling the void with wasted munitions. Their craft swooped low as the flak began to thicken, nearly scraping the tail end of the descended maw atop the plated exterior of the orbital platform. Seeing his moment, Gideon ordered his soldiers to disembark with all the alacrity they could muster. Waving his hand as his soldier’s filed out one after another, the Major turned towards the cockpit and nodded his silent thanks - for it was unlikely they would survive the return journey towards the Federation’s battle lines. With his duty done, the oathbound warrior leaped from the troop deck and crashed down onto the exterior of the battle station.

They had much to do, and little time in which to do it - thus time was of the essence.