Pain and Gain [Republic Dominion of Attahox]

[Marcello Matteo]

Marcello's glacier-blue gaze diverted from the face of the young Padawan to the holocom that activated prior to a response being offered. Immediately, Marcello was able to recognize the general shape and outline of [member="Aaralyn Rekali"]. If there had been any doubt, her personality shattered that doubt swiftly. A thin smile played on the Jedi Master's lips as he gazed at the holographic projection of the Sword.

"Attahox needs your help," Marcello corrected in what passed for a playful tone from him. The comment about criminals though was...mostly accurate. Naturally, the request had been framed more in the light of conducting an investigation. "You have the general premise though. Far as I am aware, a criminal element has already lingered, but they were mostly benevolent and the people of Attahox did not complain. The rather abrupt interruption of the planet's chief export being shipped off-world bodes well for...no one, supplier or consumer."

Adjusting his brown leather flight jacket slightly, Marcello smiled as a few loose strands of long hair fell in front of his face, concealing his right eye partially. "Misfits I can handle, but I'm doing my part to ensure the Sword has enough action to keep her...reputation intact."

 

[Aedan Miles]

Aedan sat in the background as another member entered the room and started talking looking up he smirked a bit before waving his hand absently calling out calmly. "Who has seen combat? I have seen a bit from various different positions ranging from fighter pilot to above that in rank but I am no stranger to combat." When the call to attention went out Aedan calmly moved to his feet smoothly his eyes flicking towards the door as the CO of Wraith Squadron walked in. Aedan had heard a few rumors here and there about the CO and XO of Wraith Squadron but those were just rumors. If they were true well that sucked if they weren't he would live and no harm done to him. He had already started customizing his x-wing a bit earlier and R8 was probably still tweaking the changes he made to it they weren't major changes just slight adjustments to account for his reaction speed and such.

[member="Rion Ke Teldan"] [member="Keanu Shan"] [member="Kelly Perris"]

 

[Keanu Shan]

[member="Rion Ke Teldan"] [member="Kelly Perris"]
"Well I hate to take all the glory, those bright spotlights hurt my eyes" Keanu stood slowly when the commander entered. The CO seemed preoccupied, he sat down again without saluting. "Hey, Mama how goes it in the roost upstairs? Any news from the rooster in-chief?" turning to Rion he added "Bah! I dont need that stuff, these eyes and hands are a fine tuned machine my friend. No need for a tune up with that liquid".

 

[Sen Kando]

[member="Kelly Perris"] [member="Rion Ke Teldan"] [member="Keanu Shan"] [member="Aedan Miles"]

Wraith squadron. Most likely the best squadron in the galaxy unless aliens count. Sen didn't doubt it in any way though no matter its labels. He walked into the room casually but moving his arms, legs, and neck in a way of a warm up. Not everyone enjoys being cooped up or at least he don't. Sen gave a nod when a one of the commanders walked in. He could probably tell but Jedi don't solute, simply a bow or whatever they do. However, he would solute if he gave that look. He continued walking till he could sit down in an appropriate spot.

 

[The End Narrator]

Aaralyn’s expression shifted slightly at his last remark. The look was one of disbelief mixed with unimpressed amusement. She would then let out a soft chuckle before turning away from the holocam, her visage shimmering on the other end as she stood up. The camera adjusting to show her full body and height on the other end. “You’ll have to give me a bit, I’m stuck in the Teraab Sector, probably about 10 clicks from Ruusan System itself.” She shrugged lightly and tossed the rag to the side.

She looked at the chrono on the panel and sighed. “I’ll need about an hour or two before I can be there.” She waved a hand slightly, leaning down to press a button on the comm panel while giving [member="Marcello Matteo"] at firm glance. “I don’t think it’s me who has to worry about reputation, from what I hear…you’ll be selling hair care products next.” She said with a chuckle before cutting off the comlink and heading towards the exit of her cockpit.

Now it was time to see what that R9 droid of hers was up to, hopefully he had gotten that modulator fixed. If he had, well she’d plot a course for Attahox and get cleaned up and dressed properly while enroute.

 

[Marcello Matteo]

Marcello...didn't say a word. A smile settled on his lips and remained until [member="Aaralyn Rekali"] signed off from the communication. Once the holocom deactivated, Marcello casually made his way to the shipboard communicator and picked it up off the wall. "Captain. Proceed to our new destination."

"Of course, Master Jedi."

Turning to regard [member="Caleb Brolen"], Marcello gave the young man a slight nod. "It will be a few hours prior to our arrival. Listen for the announcement." With that, the Jedi Master turned and departed the briefing room.

 

[Gala Geert]

Republic Shuttle​

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The message from those up top had filtered down through the ranks, and persons had been dispatched based on availability. Apparently the issues were stemming from bath salts or some sort of medication thing — shipments were being cut and investigations necessary. Sounded like something for diplomats, but if there was any opportunity to get her hands on some drugs too — that was optimal.

“Painkillers are a mouse’s drug.” Gala muttered, the tip of a blade twisting into her emerald fingertip. The edges of her hands were exposed from the personalized glove — leather essentially to optimize her grip. The heel of her boot was wedge in a ridge that jut out along the inside of the dropship — some standard regulation vessel that the army types got shipped around in. As a Rogue, she was used to all sorts of vehicles and transportation situations — the ones involved with missions stamped with Republic approval were far nicer than some of the tin cans she was familiar with.

She shifted forward, knife tapping against the outside of her leather boots as her elbows dropped to her thighs and she glanced skyward at the metal ceiling — currently dimly lit. Things weren’t quiet for the army, but she wasn’t one to stick around in a single area either. Speaking of sticking --- which is a terrible segue to the next sentence -- a hand dropped to her hip out of habit, double checking to make sure she was still armed. Of course she was armed -- anybody who tried to hassle her toys usually ended up disarmed themselves. Both organically and inorganically.

[member="Trevin Neros"] | @AnyArmyBros​

 

[Zane Watts]

Good enough to call upon the Colonel. Not good enough to call upon Strike Ops.

Zane sighed, helmet beside him, plasma assault cannon sitting on the floor under his boots. He could have brought the lighter one, but no, that wouldn't be fun. Zane was slogging it today in his Strike Ops combat armour, obviously ready to drop something or someone in a torrent of burning plasma death. This was basically the gun version of a lightsaber. Also which he had on him.

So, cue the shuttle.

Helmet sitting on his lap, reclining back in his chair like a lazy bastard, Zane was thoroughly enjoying himself about as much as one could enjoy a shuttle ride into a non-combat zone. In this case, not at all.

"Anyone else bored?" Zane commented off-hand.

[member="Gala Geert"] | [member="Trevin Neros"]

 

[Gala Geert]

"Only boring people get bored, tiger." Came the reply from deeply coloured lips before a heartbeat could pass between the Special Operative's sentence and hers.

The dim lighting caught the movements of her blade as it twisted, a neat little party trick for the easily entertained. Shortly it was tucked into the side of her boot for her trick access and she locked her fingers, pressing outward until a satisfying crack manifested.

"Cute suit." Comparative to her tightly formed leather goods "Think this diplomatic outreach is a bit of a stretch too, do ya?"

[member="Zane Watts"] | [member="Trevin Neros"]

 

[Zane Watts]

"Hey, there's gotta be a time between one royal asskicking and the next," Zane said, grinning madly. "Unfortunately, this is that time."

Cute girl in leather and playing with knives. His kind of woman, really - the more dangerous, the better. It was how this worked - live a dangerous life, get a bunch of thrills that way. So much more interesting.

"Well, I have to look stylish when I'm melting the faces off Sith," Zane shot back. "It could be worse. People need help even if this is clearly just a blue milk run. I'm sure we could solve this a quicker way if we need to."

[member="Gala Geert"] | [member="Trevin Neros"]

 

[Varus Shatterstar]

"Attahox is in need of every able hand. I'm sorry, Varus, but everyone is being called up for any support they can provide. Guardians, Healers, Peacekeepers, Investigators... everyone who can provide support is being asked to."

The look on Varus' face wasn't one of disappointment, but it was sober. He realized that the situation on Attahox was growing more serious by the minute, and with such instability he had figured that he might get drawn into the fray sooner or later. He just wished that he wasn't being called away in the middle of an instruction he was giving to three, young initiates who sat cross legged in front of him, eyes closed and meditating. It was an important time when a Padawan hopeful made efforts to grow closer to the force in order to strengthen their connection to it. It was one of a few things necessary in order to call on the force as easily as someone like Varus could in the most important of moments.

Glancing back, Varus nodded at the young man behind him, assuring him that he'd received the message. He was a newly made Padawan, and it seemed that one of his first assignments was to play messenger and run back and forth throughout the Temple of Ossus notifying every Knight and Padawan he saw of the change in plans in addressing the situation on Attahox. It was a necessary job, though Varus had never been assigned something so simple. He was older when he'd begun his training, after all, though he'd known the Force practically all his life by the time he'd been discovered by Kian.

Pushing up from the ground, Varus clapped his hands together and startled the three youngster's eyes open, a big grin on his face to greet their confused eyes as they saw him. "Alright! That's enough for today.", he told them, stepping forwards as they all stood up from the ground they'd been sitting upon. "You've all done so well today, but it seems our lesson will have to be cut short. I'm sorry, but we'll have to continue, hopefully in just a few days, but I can't be sure when I'll return.", he said as he reached down and patted a back or rubbed the top of a head.

The children weren't overly pleased, but Varus playful nature with them had drawn out a smile and a giggle or two. "I expect you all to meditate for at least an hour a day, though if I were you I'd double that. After all, meditation and self exploration is one of the only ways to grow your connection to the force. It's very important, so please take it seriously.", he said as he stepped past them. He then turned and began walking backwards as he watched them, that smile still on his face. "There will be a few instructors around while I'm gone, so if you desire more instruction, seek them out and know that I am proud to have shared with you what I've only just learned myself."

Turning from the three of them, Varus let his face fall to a serious look of stone. It was hard to share the positive look for the younglings when he knew things might be dreadful on Attahox, but it was all he could do. He knew that the young were why they did what they did to begin with. They were everything...

---

The Hanger

The Hanger on Ossus had been the most lively place in the entire Temple, Knights, Padawan and even Masters alike rushing this way and that making sure ships were prepared and properly supplied before they began the trip to Attahox. It was an interesting site to see all the ants of the massive mound that was the Temple scurrying about and carrying out their duties that made them what they were. Servants.

Their Queen wasn't there, however. Their Queen was the Galaxy, and more directly, the innocent and defenseless that required strong shoulders and true hearts for salvation. It was why Varus had chosen the Jedi's path. It was why he wasted no time sifting through the gathered Jedi looking for his place, knowing that a few spots in the gathered teams of Jedi would need to be filled.

It was time again to be the legs of those too weak to stand... the hope for those too beaten to believe.

@Everyone on Ossus

 

[Gala Geert]

Thin lips hardly curled at the banter that was offered back to her. Instead, a single brow lofted in response as she rolled her shoulders back to meet the wall of the ship as it shivered and cut through the onyx backdrop of the cold, milky mists of space. From this vantage point, she was looking down the barrel of her nose, peeking over the green tip at the carved face of the soldier. Sometimes she wondered what it was in all of their mentalities that made them do this, that dedicated them to this cause with such fervent perseverance that they boasted about it. It's not like they were forcies and could bounce back from the dead. Such thoughts however usually were chased away with a hard bar shot and a sip of a deathstick.

She was living on borrowed time anyhow.

“Blue milk and you bring the can and the Sith Sizzler?” Those thin lips now pursed to host a whistle, which was a short tune of mock amazement. “Do the tux and titan get dragged out for the real deal? The most regal of royal asskickings?”

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[member="Zane Watts"] | [member="Trevin Neros"]​

 

[Caleb Brolen]

As the Master left the room I soon left after him so I could return to my quarters. I took me a few minutes and like 2 turbolifts but I got there. When I got there I contemplated rather to sleep or to meditate until we reached the planet. So I simply took out a few stones that I practice levitation on and sat in the middle of the room. I closed my eyes and felt the force around me then I lifted the rocks until they were in steady orbit around me. I waited for someone to tell me when we approached the system.

 

[Zane Watts]

Zane couldn't help but chuckle. Oh, she was a fun one. Sardonic, sarcastic, entirely enough to keep him on his toes. He wasn't prepared for this. Maybe he should have been. Very likely as keen with a blade as she was with her tongue-- and how much fun that thought could be in the wrong hands-- Zane was entirely sure she was here to get into some trouble and bust up some criminal hideouts on Attahox. He was hoping he'd get the call to do the same.

"When I travel, I travel in style," Zane explained, spreading his hands wide like she'd caught him in a great lie - but the amusement on his face said it all. "When I go big, I'll bring two plasma cannons and probably my Star Destroyer. Maybe an adorable little nexu cub to be a distraction."

Well, if they were going to play, they could play. "Zane Watts, ma'am. Do I get to know the name of my brand-new interrogator?"

[member="Gala Geert"] | [member="Trevin Neros"]

 

[Caid Centurion]

The Captain gave no reaction to the Commodore's terse response. Silently, however, he hoped she'd get it together before speaking to the Admiral. As Velez had been unable to reach Commodore [member="Gir Quee"] just yet, he transferred Camellia independently.

Caid glanced up from his work as the holographic image of [member="Camellia Swift"] appeared. If he could see any signs of stress or exhaustion on her face through the blue-hued image, he didn't show it. More importantly...he didn't care. This was her job and they were at war. His opinion to the matter was that she could get over it or quit. They had all dealt with loss, defeat, and exhaustion. However, he managed a thin smile either way. "Commodore. Good to hear from you again. I've read the initial reports on Zeltros, but I eagerly await your personal account."

Raising a hand as if to silence any follow-up statements about Zeltros, Caid got to the point. "We've been asked by the Jedi Order to lend assistance in a humanitarian operation on Attahox. I'm sending you the details. Just spare them a medical support element and whatever you're comfortable dispatching as an escort." As he spoke, Caid sent the same information to Commodore Quee albeit in text form. He knew how these Jedi were...always jumping at the opportunity to help the good ol' folk of any bacwater planet. Last thing he needed was them creating a situation they couldn't handle indepedently which, based on track record, was...you know. A lot.

 

[Marcello Matteo]

Location: Attahox - Enroute Phosovane Production Plant
Objective: Investigate what happened to dem salts

Hours Later...

Marcello gripped one of the leather handholds casually as the transport rocketed low over the terrain of Attahox. There did not appear to be anything that passed for...orbital defense or port authority on the planet upon their arrival. As such, the Jedi Master had simply elected to depart the Praxeum and send it out of the system. He recalled all too well the recent boarding attempt by two, as yet, unidentified individuals. Since then and has should have been done in the past, the Praxeum vessels were rarely alone outside of patrolled Republic Space.

Glacier-blue eyes gazed at the facility in the distance. Marcello had contacted [member="Aaralyn Rekali"] upon arrival, but he'd also sent a message to [member="Kiskla Grayson"] notifying her of the initial response arrival. By now, Marcello had patched his personal communicator into what the military crew onboard the Praxeum had said was the assigned tactical frequency for this mostly ad hoc operation. At the very least, it would keep him in contact with any other Republic resources that arrived.

Beyond that, the assault shuttle he and [member="Caleb Brolen"] were in contained a transponder with a specific identification code indicating it as a military vessel on temporary assignment to the Jedi Order. Obviously, the code was encrypted so identifying it without the proper crypto and equipment, nigh on impossible.

 

[Evard L'Rik]

Now, Evard wasn't strictly allowed out on missions. He knew that. His unwillingness to fly anything other than his own custom-modded Nubian yacht was a bit of a sore point with the brass he'd met, and the fact that he was totally immersed in the Dark Side didn't help his case much with the Jedi. But, what the hell? He needed some fun, and there was something exciting going on. Or at least something that had half the Ossus temple scrambling for their ships. Either one was a good enough reason to earn a paycheck or two covering some Jedi ass.

He got the ship warmed up, and sent a quick message to [member='Mallisi Kyrgen'], saying not to worry about him, he'd be back, etc. It occurred to him that she and her master might have also been called out to help, but he'd find out later. Less than five minutes later, he and the electrum-enameled yacht were circling above the temple, tapping into some signal that went to the Jedi temple so he'd know when it was time to go.

He just had to make sure his own 'friends' didn't shoot him down.

[member='Avalore Eden']

 

[Caleb Brolen]

Location: Attahox - Enroute Phosovane Production Plant Objective: Investigate what happened to dem salts

As the dropship descended to the planet below I couldn't help but say "I gotta bad felling about this". I kinda had a picture based on two things that will happen when we hit the surface. If we get shot at then that's who took the shipment if we don't then the first person we see that doesn't belong took it. I might be over thinking this to much and it's just one big misunderstanding but then again when is it ever that easy. As we waited I asked Master Matteo "What do you think that happened to the shipments".

 

[Ryan]

The Prince, a man that had spent most of his life in the Adumarian military lifestyle and well schooled in etiquette was appalled at the very scene that was played out before him. Three of his pilots had shrugged off the command to Stand Too for what ever various reasons that had perverse them. Rion would slowly dismiss himself of the standing position of attention and began to stalk forward as if he was a wolf to prey.

"Did they forget to teach you all proper drill?" Rion hissed, his visible face expression of pure disappointment and anger "Or did the collective brains of all three of you have a brain fart at the very moment I gave a command? Cause thats the only bloody excuse I can come up with...." He waltzed passed them and towards main entrance to the Ready Room.

"We are an Elite unit of the republic starfighter command. We are the best of the best, and hand selected for this very unit" The Lieutenant commander continued on with his rant lecture " Hand selected by the very man that you all just chose not to show your respect towards. If it weren't' for Commander Perris, none of ya would be sitting here and now"

"So, we have a few choices here. If it was just a mere lapse in drill... I can march you all out to the flight deck and we can go over the basics till its properly ingrained into your body and soul. Or if it were the off chance you thought you were above proper military etiquette because you are highly skilled individuals such as top pilots and jedi in this room, I will give you a split second to stove that Attitude and rise to your feet now and properly come to attention" Now rion's eyes glazed over with murderous inferno "IF it was out of pure disrespect, the frakking door is right here. Use it and don't come back for I do not have the time of day for those that can't follow simple commands. Refuse to take orders now you will do so when it really comes to matter!"

"What will it be?"

Spoiler

[member="Kelly Perris"]
[member="Rion Ke Teldan"]
[member="Zooey Walsh"]
[member="Iasos Kontarr"]
[member="Keanu Shan"]
[member="Ar'rek Zavros"]
[member="Aedan Miles"]
[member="Sen Kando"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus heard the call to action and headed for Raven. OK, officially it was a Republic ship that was designed of the Jedi for missions - but to her it was Raven.

She'd sent out a request for any interested Padawans to join her her and so she waited anxiously for them to arrive. She'd prepped the ship and waited by the ramp for both Jedi that had requested a 'lift' to arrive. They promised to be the future of the Jedi from what she'd seen of them so far. Neither was perfect - but who was? Often that made the Padawan try that little bit harder and that is what Corvus liked best about them - their work ethic. Of course she would never tell them that to their face...

[member="Tia'Ilandra Shaasa"] | [member="Varus Shatterstar"]