Paradise Lost (Republic Dominion of Mimban & Gyndine Hex)

[Kara Runo]

Denon
Traveler's Bard Star Port
Two days ago
1103

"I think they called us." Kara looked over at one of her comrades who was picking up his bag as Symara pointed out. Kara took a big gulp of drink finishing half of it. As the Republic naval officer joined Kara gave a smile.

"How is it going Captain?" She gave a salute. Although Kara was technically in the employ of [member="Caius Flavian"] she still observed military customs being essentially part of his own Private Military. The former Imperial still wore her black star fighter uniform. Each of the pilots were all dressed still the same and wore blue arm bands with the symbol of a fist clenching a wreath.

She turned and leaned against the bar as she took a gulp of her drink. Being off duty had its perks. Her Corellian friend muttered something in Corellian, a dialect she hardly knew having grown up in the Borderlands region, but she figured it was something good.

"Yeah I figured your deck Chief was gonna have his hands full trying to shove our little TIE's in the hangar. I guess that's our transport" She knocked the remainder of her drink back before setting the empty glass down on the table. She turned to the bar tender "Looks like that Caf is go for the Captain here"

She reached down and picked up her ditty bag
"So tell me Sniper what is the best shot or kill you've ever made?"

Kara was like everyone else unaware of the conflict to come but certainly the journey to there would be one of story sharing or who knows.
Shipping out across the sector was certainly a prospect.
With the GR making inroads into this region once more leads to opportunity.


[member="Dallen Thayne"]
[member="Symara Tarriq"]

 

[Dallen Thayne]

Location: Enroute to Mimban from Gyndine, 102nd Task Force
@Kana Runo [member="Symara Tarriq"]


Fleet:

Spoiler

102nd Task Force
Republic Class Destroyer x 1 [Aurek Tactical Strike Squadrons x 3]
Centurion Battlecruiser x 1 [Aurek Tactical Strike Squadrons x 3] [R46 Valiant Squadrons x 3] [Scuurg H-6 Bomber Squadrons x 3]
Deliverance Heavy Carrier x 1 [R46 Valiant Squadrons x 3] [Scuurg H-6 Bomber Squadrons x 3]
Hammerhead Cruisers x 4 [Aurek Tactical Strike Squadrons x 1 per frigate]
Katana Corvette x 2

Saluting the former Imperial back before he let himself get comfortable, the Republic officer looked briefly at the menu as he sat. Though it seemed no sooner had he sat down then it appeared as if it was already time to go as someone seemed to be signaling to the pilots and troopers that the shuttles were ready for departure. It left Dallen grinning as he shook his head thinking to himself how poorly he timed his caf break. "Well I guess 'it' and myself are heading right back to the landing pad. Didn't know last call was going to be this early. The caf will have to be to go like you say." While the girl's collected their things, Dallen waved for the staff to bring him a chocolate caf while he put away the datapad he had just set down.

Those leaving the bar seemed restless and nervous, but Dallen wasn't quite so distressed himself. "We have our duty, but everyone seems too down for a simple deployment. We'll just be patrolling the route around Gyndine is all. Fresh faces in the 102nd should feel welcome and relaxed. If something does happen remember we have the finest ships and the best of comrades at our sides. Anyone feeling stressed should try and relax during the hyperspace jump." If something did happen he was rather confident it could be dealt with. However, he didn't want the new or temporary faces aboard the 102nd to worry before anything happened.

 

[Ria Misrani]

Location: Denon - Traveler's Bard, Spaceport // En Route to Gyndine.
Objective: Join Republic forces on Mimban
Allies: [member="Kara [/FONT][/SIZE][FONT='courier new'][SIZE=14px]Runo"], [member="Dallen Thayne"] // the Republic
Enemies: - N / A -

Wordlessly, Symara downed the rest of her caf and headed for the transport. She didn't which one annoyed her more, the question about kills - which might've been appropriate on the Imperial's side of the Galaxy. Or to do good commanding officer who was doing his best to keep morale up. Probably the pilot. "Kark, kid. Don't they teach you guys manners?" She said abruptly while crossing the spaceport. "Anyone who actually enjoys taking a life, probably shouldn't be someone behind this scope." The former CorSec lieutenant gestures to her rifle.

Adjusting said rifle along her armor she headed for the ramp. "Best shot's the one shot that puts down your opponent." So long as it put them into the ground, and they didn't get back up. One, it meant it was a quick death for them and two it meant she didn't have worry about wasting ammunition, especially on this rifle. Nothing about being a soldier was glorious if you lived for a kill count, if you lived for blood then you might as well be one of those crusading Mandos. Or some rampaging Imperial who didn't give two karks about the lives you took and destroyed. Not saying she was the holiest of snipers, there had been one or two kills she may have had pleasure in it, but it felt perverse. Wrong.

"I might've had one or two guys that yeah, I think putting them in the ground felt good, but - then it felt wrong." Like if you could just be okay with that, and blink it away, did that make you a monster? Ideas that Symara didn't like talking about. Settling into the transport, the sniper buckled herself in. "Since you asked me, I'll ask you. Best shot? Dogfight? Takedown?" She rapidly asked her three questions as she set her back against the cushion of her seat, or rather the lack thereof.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Location: Commenor
Posts: 19/25

Kay was about to thank [member="Veiere Arenais"] for wanting to come with her to the Elders when the air in the room seemed to change. Danger and death was coming. It wasn't close, but it was enough to cause a stirring in the Force. She gripped the end of the table. It was history repeating itself or at least that was how it felt.

She got up from the table and followed Veiere to the cockpit, turning on communications so that they could hear the chatter. All the while she listened to it, Kay just stared ahead, trying to figure out what to do. She had a job to do here and shouldn't leave. But that didn't mean that he couldn't.

"Veiere, you can take Terrac and the Free Lady. I have to ensure that protections are in place here. Commenor could be blocked on all sides. I'll be safer here, so you don't have to worry as much." She looked to him now, wondering what his choice would be.

 

[WolfMortum]

Location: The Free Lady, Commenor.
Allies: [member="Lady Kay"], The Republic.

How long had it been since Veiere had been engulfed in a battle of the like, that which the communications hub told them through the frantic transmissions between peoples of the Republic trying to get themselves into position and prepare for the coming fight. With the noise in the background, he turned to glance to Lady Kay listening to her suggestion and considering the weight of his decision; "So far we only know they plan to take Mimban, don't let your guard down, I'll be sending Terrac back here for you once I'm on the ground there...-If they attack Commenor and the Republic's focused on Mimban, you need to leave...", saying this out of concern and suspecting that she might not agree, he didn't give her the moment to argue. Kay wasn't a woman who's ideals gave out at the slightest sign of conflict, Veiere didn't expect her to do what he told her though his only priority up until now had been her safety. With this coming attack, the needs of the many outweighed the needs of the few. "TERRAC!" He called down the corridor of the freighter, loud enough to wake him in a mid-panic; the same sense of authority in his tone he had held the day of the assassination attempt on Kay's life, it whispered of another side of Veiere though only a small glimpse.

He again turned to Kay, "I'll meet with the Republic and do what I can on the ground..." his tone faded a moment, his gaze shifting in thought. There was few certainties in war, death for many yet the chances of survival were slim to none; even the Jedi themselves weren't invincible and the Order he had served had been adamant that they were peace keepers of the Galaxy, not Soldiers. While Veiere could argue that he was doing what needed to be done to ensure the safety of Kay on Commenor, clearly his alignment had shifted, as had many other branches of the fractured Order to date. "Meet with the Elders quickly, get the defense grid active..." He smiled fondly to her as Terrac entered and stood there listening to the communications report; "Trust in the Force Kay, it will serve you well".

Kay's pilot, Terrac now began to question what was going on, still a little dazed from the rude awakening. Veiere turned to him and gestured to the pilots seat, time was of the essence and Kay would know that, so he spared little in explaining while she had the moment to disembark; "We're going to Mimban, you're going to drop me as close to the heart of the Republic there before doubling back and returning for the Lady".

 

[Kay-Larr]

Location: Commenor
Posts: 20/25

Get out if Commenor is attacked? That will probably be easier said than done. Of course she understood the reasoning behind it, even though she didn't agree. If push came to shove, would she do it? Probably not. Hard to say at this point.

Kay nodded in agreement, however, to put [member="Veiere Arenais"] at ease. First thing's first though, she needed to pack and leave. Without a word she hurried to her quarters and started to throw a few bits of clothing and her small blaster into her satchel. Then she skidded into the kitchen and grabbed her tea supplies, enough for a few days at least.

Once she returned, Veiere was already filling Terrac in. Kay watched them for a moment before interrupting. "Be safe you two. I'll be okay here and I'll watch my back. Hopefully this is just a scare tactic or just a ruffling of feathers."

There wasn't much else that she could say. She had to leave so that they could go. Kay bowed her head to them and then ran down the ramp. Once she was out, she walked at a brisk pace, glancing over her shoulder at The Free Lady. Hopefully it wasn't the last time that she'd see it.

Facing forward once again, she hurried over to the Capital building. It wasn't as grand as the others nearby, but it didn't have to be. She did her best to remain calm as she was searched, leaving her satchel with security while she gained an audience with the Elders. It was odd as the trio was expecting her. Time to give them all the news, including her request to run for Madam President.

 

[WolfMortum]

Location: En-route to Mimban.
Objective: Rendezvous with The Galactic Republic.

The Free Lady cleared the atmosphere of Commenor in full impulse, the port and starboard wings of the vessel trailing air in its wake as the freighter left in haste, making it's beginning journey to Mimban, Veiere Arenais seated in the cockpit alongside Terrac who fortunately knew how to handle a vessel professionally and so the force user was able to push his anxiety from his mind, priority on reaching their target destination, the coming battle to much of an importance to allow himself to become caught up in his lesser fears. The pilot held an expression of grave distaste towards the mission, clearly not happy to be leaving Kay only to be flying through space head first into a war zone, the younger male was fortunate that he was only dropping the former Exile off on the contested world and not being called up into duty for the Republic itself. "Worry not, Terrac...-The Force is with us and [member="Lady Kay"] will be fine...-So will you" He added the last three words out of hope of reassuring him, casting a genuinely caring glance before turning back to the front view port, silence taking him while he questioned the outcome of the war to be fought, and his part and fate within it.

Unstrapping himself from his chair following the worse of the departure, he placed a hand on the pilots shoulder, speaking gently "Inform the Republic of our arrival, have someone meet me on the ground so I might offer them support...-I will be in the back, doing some preparing of my own". He then left Terrac on his own for the rest of the flight, moving down the corridor to find the heart of the vessel, the large open space to which held several seats, compartments and many of their belongings, the trio of them, himself, Kay and Terrac. His time in service to Kay had thus-far been short and though he wasn't certain that he would be able to continue to provide her with his protection, he trusted that the Force would continue to guide her forward in the right direction, that which it willed and meant for her.

 

[Alyona Volkovna (Алёна)]

Location: Mimban​

Objective: Firebreathers, Locate the Ancient City​

Allies: Republic Military and Jedi, CSAF​

[member=Kane Chasta] | [member=Acaleus Thorn] | [member=Ali Hadrix] | [member=Darth Lykos]​

Enemies: Firebreathers​

Post: [7/25]​

​

Alyona's trek continued throughout the next two days. She made short stops when she must, such as during the intermittent storms native to the season, though otherwise only rested for short periods of time. Her path wore its way over the mountain's slopes, up steep inclines and rocky trails worn by native game. At times she reached low cliffs that required skillful scaling, which proved to be little trouble for a Jedi of her experience and talents. Each step brought her closer to her destination, the ancient Jedi Temple that had been hidden away in the mountain's reaches for centuries.
Well into the morning of her fourth day, Alyona completed her trek through the pass bringing her between the first and second peaks. She remained some 2,000 feet below their heights, though the summits were not her goal. Alyona crested the final pass way through a gorge cut between the two mountains, bringing her to a view that stole her breath.
Looking down across the northern slopes of the mountain range, Alyona gazed upon the landscape below. From thousands of feet up she could see all the lands had to offer. Snow-laden slopes gave way to rocky declivities and forested hills, which in turn became swampy marshlands once more. Low-flying clouds obscured her vision miles off here and there, but she could see nearly all that lay before her. After taking in the sight for some time in silence, Alyona drew her map and oriented herself toward the direction of the Temple. It was built into the cliffs and slopes of the Northern side of the tallest mountain, to her North-West. Alyona gazed that way, noting the rocky inclines and snow-capped hills through which she would have to trek. The Temple was supposedly nestled amongst these hills, though she could not see it from where she stood at the summit of the pass.

 

[Alyona Volkovna (Алёна)]

Location: Mimban​

Objective: Firebreathers, Locate the Ancient City​

Allies: Republic Military and Jedi, CSAF​

[member=Kane Chasta] | [member=Acaleus Thorn] | [member=Ali Hadrix] | [member=Darth Lykos]​

Enemies: Firebreathers​

Post: [8/25]​

Alyona shouldered her bag once more after stowing her map, and began her downward trek as the morning surrendered to the afternoon and the sun reached its zenith. Her path was arduous for a time, bringing her through rock-walled passageways that obscured her destination from sight; she was forced to reorient herself using her map several times along the way as she struggled to find trails West along the northern slants of the mountainside.
The pathways ahead of her were less forgiving, Alyona found herself scaling nearly twice the number of cliff walls as during her ascent from the South side of the range. The snow buried itself in her clothing, freezing her feet and hands despite the garments she wore to ward off the cold and wet. Several times Alyona had to stop and focus her power on Tapas, building the heat within her body to dry herself. Such measures were temporary, however, and she grew wet quickly after as she continued her trek.
At mid-afternoon, Alyona was forced to seek shelter for the night, several hours before she had intended to. The cold was simply too strong as the winds railed the mountain range from the north. She had been spared this during her ascent from the south, and now her pathway was under greater threat of sudden storms. One of these struck in the midst of the night, waking Alyona from her slumber beneath the lean-to she had constructed out of branches and brush gathered from the gorge in which she'd decided to make her camp. She woke to howling winds, channeled through the high walls of the gorge, and a torrent of rain that bombarded her construct. Pulling her knees beneath her, Alyona sat against the wall of rock to her back and gingerly gathered the extra wood from her lean-to that remained dry. With a gentle application of the Force, gathering kinetic energy from the winds themselves, Alyona caught the kindling aflame. Quickly the flames enveloped her fuel and the fire grew, she felt the warmth beaming from it and smiled gently to herself. Deprived of her chance to sleep while the storm lasted, Alyona's thoughts turned once more to things external. Xavka, the Jedi, the Republic...these were all things that wore heavily on her mind. She had long since given up hope that her Master, Corvus Raaf, would return, and had taken it upon herself once more to complete her training. Most of Alyona's life as a Jedi had been lived under self-instruction, and the knowledge she had garnered during her years at the Jedi Temple on Ossus had proven its worth time and again.
Still, she missed the companionship that her mentor had provided, and Alyona knew that true growth could not take place in a vacuum. She needed something more to develop as a Jedi, though perhaps that did not require the companionship of a teacher. Alyona had grown lonely during her years on Ossus, older than her fellow students, but never taken as an Apprentice. As a result she had felt alienated and isolated from her community. This was something to which she'd adapted, though that hunger for companionship always remained in absence of peers or mentors. Perhaps this was why she had grown so swiftly attached to Xavka. He lived the life of a Sith, though not one without conscience, and there was much about him that Alyona respected. Relationships had always been foreign territory for her, however, considering the social isolation she had experienced in her youth, and which persisted in her adulthood.
She needed people in her life, and this made her question her judgment in regards to the Zabrak male she'd encountered on Togoria. Her attraction to him was as much mental and emotional as it was physical. He was a warrior and a hunter, yes, but he was also tall and well-muscled, and the tones of his skin were vibrant. His horns, not a feature found amongst Echani, were alien to her, but not unattractive. They boasted a symmetry that she found appealing, and signaled to her his virulence. Something roused within Alyona at the thought of coupling with him. She shifted her thighs beneath her as she felt a familiar warmth beam inside her loins. Alyona chewed on her lip on impulse for a moment as she indulged herself momentarily. While the Jedi who had raised her preached a separation from attachment, such ideals had never been impressed upon her during her childhood on Eshan, and as such had never taken root during her years on Ossus. She welcomed attachment, craved it, even, and so allowed her indulging thoughts to sweep through her mind and body, distracting her from the cold and wet around her.
Alyona felt a sudden desire to see Xavka again, though she knew she had to treat their relationship with care. It would do neither of them any good to rush things between them, and Alyona had no interest in poisoning a potentially positive relationship with sex alone. In spite of her desires, Alyona reminded herself that the man was of the Sith, and his allegiances could easily lead him to deceive and betray her. She would have to tread carefully, though she had gleaned little malice from the Zabrak during their confrontation and following confab. For the moment, Alyona tore herself away from such thoughts, and allowed her imagination to lull her back to sleep.

 

[Alyona Volkovna (Алёна)]

Location: Mimban​

Objective: Firebreathers, Locate the Ancient City​

Allies: Republic Military and Jedi, CSAF​

[member=Kane Chasta] | [member=Acaleus Thorn] | [member=Ali Hadrix] | [member=Darth Lykos]​

Enemies: Firebreathers​

Post: [9/25]​

​

Alyona woke the next morning feeling refreshed and revitalized. Her personal, pleasurable excursion the evening before had energized her mind and body, despite waking later than she had wanted and remaining somewhat damp and cold from the storm. She stretched beneath the waterproof sleeping cover draped over her shoulders, working out a kink in her neck that had developed as she had slept sitting upright. This was the only thing she regretted about the evening prior, though the discomfort soon worked its way out of her spine as she gathered her things and tore down her shelter. She strapped several of the smaller boughs she had used to her pack, intent on using them again in case she found herself without natural provisions in the rocky crevasses toward which she was destined.
As she stepped out of the mouth of the gorge, Alyona realized she'd slept much later than desired; the sun was already climbing toward midday. Alyona cursed herself silently for sleeping so long, though blamed the storm the night before for her lateness. She would merely have to increase her pace through the rest of the morning in order to keep time. Her intent was to arrive at the ancient city in the early evening, which certainly remained an attainable goal.
Alyona began her trek with a bounce in her step, breathing in the cool midmorning air. A light breeze caressed her face, warm enough to finish drying the gloves and socks she'd worn the day before and strapped to the outside of her pack. She made her way down the craggy steeps, around hillocks of rock and down minor cliffsides. Game trails were less common here, on the northern slopes; the less predictable and accommodating weather kept most of the local animals sheltered on the south side of the mountain range. Even so there remained some to be found, and Alyona took advantage of each of them.
As the day wore on and the sun reached its peak, Alyona found herself traveling through more gorges and depressions than before. These pathways had more structure to them, and many looked as if they had been machined. I must be getting closer, Alyona told herself. Her bumpy paths gave way to stone-laden walkways, signaling her approach to the ancient city. She continued west, energized by the thought of reaching her destination before evening. The setting sun would be in good position to illuminate the city itself once she arrived.
After a several more hours of travel, during which Alyona broke for a light meal and a slow-walking snack, her path turned upward once more, scaling the mountainside southward. Here she discovered well established pathways, set in cobbled stone and marked by aged wooden guide posts. Stone tablet signs marked kilometers along her way. The numerals were not ones she recognized, but seemed to be counting down as they grew simpler with each tablet she passed. Eventually, Alyona's trek turned northward once more, and she walked steadily down the slopes. The simple road soon lead to a crest that turned west into a steep declivity, and it was here that Alyona was able to gaze upon the ancient city for the first time. She stood at the turn in the road and dropped her bag as she looked down upon the sprawling constructs below through her macrobinoculars. The structures varied in design, but all were made out of stone; there were no modern materials to be seen from her position.

​

​

The city was spread out along a flat rise that jutted out from the mountainside. A great wall wound around the precipice of the outer cliffs, after which a sheer drop vanished into clouds. A large tower rose in the distance midway along the wall. The highest and tallest structure was built into the very mountain itself and a massive waterfall cascaded down behind it; it ran underneath the construct before winding through the city and draining out of a thick metal grate built into the far wall. The path upon which Alyona stood entered the city at the base. From there the city spread outward into a collection of moderately sized buildings, most connected by rooftop pathways of stone or rotting wood. Old banners and linen tarps hung ragged from posts and beams between buildings; an entire series was found near the center of the city that Alyona suspected had once been the primary bazaar, or marketplace. Several other such areas she could spot to the north and west. From her estimate, the city covered roughly 15 square kilometers, massive for a city built onto mountains. What surprised Alyona the most was the sheer amount of greenery that pervaded the city's landscape. Trees sprung up above the rooftops all down the riverbanks, and throughout the rest of the city as well. It seemed nature had reclaimed much in the centuries since the city had been abandoned by the Jedi. Alyona paused for some time as the afternoon continued on toward evening, using her datapad to take imagery of the city that she would later turn over to the Republic Jedi Order and Academy.
As she prepared to move down the slope and find shelter for the evening, Alyona spotted movement in the city below, some distance off. She narrowed her eyes, but could only see vague impressions of moving shapes here and there. They were ovoid and moved slowly, and appeared brown in color. Some sort of local creature? Alyona wondered, before her eyes caught sight of structures and walls marred by black scouring. Fire, Alyona realized, and she pursed her lips. She spotted several of the creatures now as she looked on; Firebreathers had infested the ancient city.

 

[Alyona Volkovna (Алёна)]

Location: Mimban​

Objective: Firebreathers, Locate the Ancient City​

Allies: Republic Military and Jedi, CSAF​

[member=Kane Chasta] | [member=Acaleus Thorn] | [member=Ali Hadrix] | [member=Darth Lykos]​

Enemies: Firebreathers​

Post: [10/25]​

​

After keeping watch for several hours into the evening from her perch on the pathway leading down into the city, Alyona felt confident she could venture in through the gates without attracting the attention of the local Firebreathers that had taken to wandering the city's streets, burning here and there as they were wont to do. Only twice during her recce did Alyona catch sight of flames in the distance. Considering the damage to the city was not very extensive, Alyona concluded the Firebreathers did not spend much of their time loosing gouts of fire, or they hadn't been in the city for very long.
What could have driven them here? Led them here? Alyona wondered silently as she gathered her things. Another storm seemed to be drifting in from the northern landscapes; the wind was picking up and the sky had darkened too swiftly after sundown. Clouds had gathered, and showers wove in and out. Alyona would have to be careful, another storm like the night before would hinder her senses. The Firebreathers, like the Voxyn that were her namesake, had a particular affinity for Force Users, despite being more or less dead themselves to its influence.
After gathering her things, Alyona removed the boughs from her bag and left them; she would not need them in the city. She packed away the socks as well, and donned the gloves, then pulled her bag over her shoulders and fastened its spare strap around her waist. It would not due out here for her to lose anything. Gripping her lightsaber in her off hand, Alyona made her way carefully down the road's steepness, and soon came to the gates of the city. To her west was the grand waterfall and bridge; the river ran from its pool through the city and to the walls in the north. The city tapered off to the east, Alyona's right. The buildings there were smaller and more dispersed, likely not residential but utilitarian in nature.
As Alyona made her way through the gates, she stuck to the shadows, weaving through the desolate streets toward the riverside portions of the sprawling polis. The trees provided her cover, and here she could relax somewhat; the Firebreathers seemed to prefer the open avenues of the city in their wandering. All in all, Alyona had counted twelve of them during her recce, though there could easily be more. They wandered alone, however, which would allow Alyona to tackle each one of them in turn with little concern over multiple simultaneous engagements. Her work here would easily span the next few days. As Alyona wandered the streets, looking in through the open windows of clay and plaster, she wondered what life had been like in the city at its peak. Clearly, some great nation had once lived here. Whether that city was Jedi in origin, or the Order had simply come to occupy the expansive polis at some point in their history, was unclear. Alyona was learned, but she was hardly an archeologist, and could discern little from the myriad bas reliefs, tapestries, and sculptures she found throughout.

​

After reaching the river, Alyona continued her path northward, following the banks toward the center of the ancient city. There she found wash stations built into pools along the riverside and ancient screw pumps for gathering water. Crumbling stone troughs, likely for the feeding of livestock and pack animals, were dispersed alongside the banks as well, giving the city yet another layer to its life. Alyona eventually reached an open courtyard where the river widened, near the center of the city. A large round platform crafted of stone blocks had been built here, with four branching bridges linking portions of the city together across its expanse. One of the bridges had collapsed over time, another had been crushed by a large boulder that appeared to be made of a chunk of building. Alyona looked around and indeed saw the remains of a once great tower along the riverbank, its walls scattered in ruins across the road. What happened here? Alyona asked herself thoughtfully, knowing she would likely never truly have an answer. Many things had clearly happened, though as she was unable to identify any sentient remains, doubted illness had struck. In all likelihood, the city had fallen as most civilizations did: Through neglect and disrepair, until its citizens merely disperse to seek greener pastures and greater opportunity.
The base of the fallen tower retained its primary level, and there, stepping through the broken wooden door banded with steel, Alyona made her camp for the night. She was dry and warm enough to have no need of a fire, and so did not draw one. It would be better to avoid catching the attention of any wandering Firebreathers anyways. Alyona barred the broken-hinged door as best she could, and stripped down out of her clothes, leaving the sweat to dry from the fabric. Her minor armor plates, the shin guards, bracers and shoulder plates, she stacked neatly off to the side, next to her bag. An old molded straw mattress was set off in the corner of the room, and there Alyona laid down for the night, her lightsaber tucked comfortably against her hip. Holding one arm under her head, Alyona enjoyed the cool breeze that drifted in through the cracks in the door, giving her naked skin a slight chill. It was comforting for a while, but before drifting off to sleep, the ashen-haired woman covered herself in the sleep system she'd brought.
I'm finally here, Alyona thought to herself as her mind meandered off into slumber. The first...in centuries. The next day would surely bring surprises, Alyona knew, and she could hardly explore the city until she had cleared it of Firebreathers. Yet that was an adventure for tomorrow, and until then, Alyona could dream of hidden wonders and ancient secrets to satisfy her curiosities...

 

[WolfMortum]

Location: The Free Lady/Orbiting Mimban.

Much of his time had been spent in Meditation for the coming battle, preserving his energy, his focus for a challenge that Veiere wasn't certain he was ready for; not after twelve long years of exile on the world of Alzoc Three. Terrac had kindly offered him some of the gear that was already stowed away on-board from former adventures of Kay and his, a particular set of Armor fashioned for the Republic by a company he recognized not. Veiere had accepted it, though he hated to have to wear anything of the sort, these were Mandalorians that were coming for Mimban and they were the kind that came in strong, relying more upon the strength of their arm and the plating covering their chests than strategic battle tactics, in his experience at-least; ignoring his discomfort for the new attire, his cloak still sat nicely atop it all and more or less still held the symbolic Jedi look on the outside. The Black and Red Reconnaissance suit however was far tighter than he was accustomed; surprisingly, it didn't do much to lessen his maneuverability.

Still seated, Veiere's eyes opened, staring directly through the adjacent wall and waiting a moment or so before the intercom opened and Terrac's voice hailed through on the interior speakers, "Coming out of hyperspace now, get ready to-..." His voice was suddenly cut off as the freighter was rocked violently and the sound of a smaller craft shot overhead from one side to the other, the sound of its engines suggesting Terrac had brought them in far too close to the action for Veiere's comfort. "EVASIVE! HOLD ONTO SOMETHING!" Terrac's voice came back through though this time he was yelling frantically while the ship again lurched and Veiere had to make a quick grab for one of the cargo nets to keep his balance, the gyro stabilizers working overtime to simulate normal gravity while the freighter itself spun a multitude of times, blasting at full impulse to get them clear of the battle of the fleets. Veiere shut his eyes a moment, tightly, to pull his focus into his center in order to maintain his composure and concentrate on the task ahead of them. There was nothing he could do regarding the fate of the ship, he couldn't pilot and he despised flying, the best he could wait for was that Terrac didn't get themselves killed on their way down into the planets orbit.

"Flying is for birds..." Veiere scowled under his mouth, barely parting his lips to speak the few words in great disdain while the freighter rocked back and fourth; several shots must've hit the aft shields because over the intercom he could hear Terrac complaining, the man hadn't thought to shut it off and who could blame him, very few people in the galaxy didn't enjoy space travel, not when it was such a massive part of galactic society and necessary travel especially for those of the Jedi Order...-Or well, had been in his case, Apparently still was. "This ship will be the end of me before I even set foot on this cursed planet..." He grumbled, forcing himself to walk as steadily as he could down the corridor back towards the cockpit to which Terrac was still speaking louder than Veiere would have liked; "Calm down and focus on getting us down there, Lady Kay will have your license if you break her ship and I won't be of any help to these people, dead", his left hand reached out to grip the pilots shoulder, firm yet not forcefully, his mind shifting to call to the force so that it might move to the mans mind like it would with Veiere communicating telepathically; instead of words however, he found his own calm and conveyed those emotions whilst ignoring all other things within and around them. While Terrac would pilot the ship with a much clearer mind, Veiere's sole purpose for the time being now resided in keeping the host to his presence sedated and on point with the objective.

Reaching Mimban; finding the Republic.

 

[Alyona Volkovna (Алёна)]

Location: Mimban​

Objective: Firebreathers, Locate the Ancient City​

Allies: Republic Military and Jedi, CSAF​

[member=Kane Chasta] | [member=Acaleus Thorn] | [member=Ali Hadrix] | [member=Darth Lykos]​

Enemies: Firebreathers​

Post: [11/25]​

​

Alyona woke the next morning feeling more or less rested. The straw mattress had been lumpy and uncomfortable, resulting in further aches in her backside and shoulder, but these would resolve themselves during the course of her morning preparation. She sat up from the aged bed and pulled on her trousers and shirt, then fitted her utility belt around her waist and donned her bracers and spaulders before lacing up her boots and securing her greaves. Afterward, she downed a light meal and meditated for an hour, preparing herself for the hunt upon which she was about to embark. The city would need cleansing of its Firebreather infestation, and Alyona was the one to take on the task. She had estimated a three day time frame for its completion, after which she could begin truly exploring the city and logging data for the Order.
Alyona threw her bag over her shoulders and secured its strap around her waist, then forced open the janky door and stepped outside into the mid-morning light. The sun had climbed over the mountains to the West, though remained low, casting a salmon-orange glow across the landscape. The city was alight with fire where the sun bathed white rock and steel structures, reflecting white as it struck ancient glass panes. Alyona began her mission by scaling the building aside the ruined tower where she'd rested overnight, using crags and faults in the walls to pull herself up to the rooftop. Turning West, where the bulk of the Firebreathers had been wandering the night before, Alyona leapt across a cluttered rue below and onto a nearby roof, then scaled the adjoining wall of an adjacent building. The tallest structure in the area was roughly four levels in height, and it was there Alyona wanted to initiate her morning recce and determine the location of her prey.
Soon she was pulling herself over the edge and clambering on top of the roof. She found the wood planking unstable and rotten here, and therefore tread carefully, sticking to the outer edges of the roof. Alyona looked out across the city, using her macrobinoculars, and began searching for the Firebreathers wandering the ancient city. Soon enough she spotted four of them, each in different areas. The beasts were either fiercely territorial, or merely avoided grouping naturally. She knew enough of their physiology to understand the type of food sources they required. For the most part, the monsters fed on low density minerals such as limestone. Their original food sources were unknown to Alyona, though she at least understood why the monsters had attacked buildings throughout the city. As best Alyona could tell, they fueled their combustive functions by drawing nitrogen out of the atmosphere and converting it into methane. The hydrogen-sulfide they also used in this deadly mixture was likely generated by the mineral resources they consumed.
As for their other characteristics Alyona knew a great deal more. They were slow moving, and hardly maneuverable. They took moments to turn and face a new foe. The proboscis they utilized was much more agile, and could whip back and forth before the beast's main sensory organs could be brought to bear on a threat. Their pores released anti-aerosol chemicals that dampened the power of energy-based weapons, and their hide was tough enough to withstand turbolaser blasts. Thankfully for Alyona she only intended on using her lightsaber, which was much more efficient and deadly. Alyona also knew that a glottal structure located within the base of the proboscis was needed to control the flow of fire from the creature; she had taken advantage of this several days before as she encountered one of the beasts in Mimban's southern swamps.
"Looks like I have it then," Alyona muttered to herself, sweeping up a small handful of dirt into the palm of her hand and rubbing it with her thumb. "I'll have to ensure they remain isolated from one another, so as to avoid multiple engagements. The proboscis is their most dangerous asset, so I need to damage or destroy it first. I was able to rupture their hide before with my lightsaber, then light the gasses that leaked from the wounds; I can use this tactic again to great effect. The beasts have many legs, but it would be worth it to me to incapacitate them if possible before closing in on the main torso."
Alyona nodded to herself as she concluded her self-summary, then dashed the dirt in her hand into the wind. It dissipated instantly and vanished with the breeze. Wiping her hand off on her trousers, Alyona stood and stowed her macrobinoculars in her bag, then identified the nearest of the monsters and targeted it for destruction. "Well...here I go." She muttered aloud. For a brief moment, Alyona wished Xavka had been with her on this hunt. She quickly drove the thought out of her mind; she couldn't afford any such distractions, no matter how attractive they were. Bringing her ankles together, Alyona took a deep breath, then summarily dove off the edge of the rooftop.

 

[Kara Runo]

Kara let the kid thing slide, ranks and such, but hell she never was one for it. A lot people simply assume that since she wears this uniform it mean't she was a stiff. Few peope outside of her Remnant comrades knew her back ground of just being a junker pilot and scavenger before joining up with the Imps. Still though everyone had a different attitude from life experience.
Growing up in outer rim Kara had witnessed death come and go for many.
Essentially her outlook sometimes bordered on nihilism.

The buzz thus far was enjoyable.

As they were getting aboard a few of the transports crew members were taking the bags and such and moving them over to storage compartment. Kara reluctantly gave hers up and proceeded to follow Dallen and Symara up into the transport.
Kara sat down alongside Symara and buckled in.
"Neh, never asked whether it was enjoyed or not!" She pointed out and then thought over an answer hoping she wasn't about to piss off her new acquaintance "So far my best shot was when a Primeval raid came into a system in the outer rim at the time we were protecting. Those slavering marauding zealots came in a swift force looking to cull a mining colony. My best shot was slinging a torpedo right into the engine of one their corvettes. Wove my way through a cloud of flak and my co pilot just barely leveled the sights. We lined that up just right and still managed to break away with our body's intact. Although my co pilot Frank nearly puked from how close we came to adding ourselves to the dust. I so far consider that my best shot, a bombardier sling shot."

Unlike her compatriots stimmed on Caf, Kara was looking forward to the alcohol helping her settle in and catch a snooze on a comfy bunk up on the vessel awaiting them in orbit.
She mulled over the questions again though to see if that story fit the bill.


"So far that is the best shot I can claim. I've switched on over to piloting fighter craft so despite being the commanding officer I'll be flying as a wing mate rather than my flight. I primarily stay in the lane of bombers, dropships, shuttles, and corvettes. My best take down so far I guess would be pretty much a static one. We were tasked with taking down a traitor. To do so though we had to disable their ships before they could escape. An ISD and a couple of Vics berthed at a not so hidden asteroid base. My squadron managed to slag a defense platform, punching a hole right through their defensive screen. Thanks to our void jocks clearing the path we got to exploit our Intel to the fullest. This led us to catching their capitals right in the middle of drydock procedures, so aside from troublesome fighters looking to stop us the grey hulls found themselves at the mercy of our Ion bombs. Phew I think the biggest thing I had to worry about in both situations was just flying through the flak. You never know when its your time to be pierced to ribbons by hot lead and las bolt."


She looked over to Dallen and asked "What about you Captain? What so far has been your best take down as a naval commander?" the Imperial woman leaned back in the chair just a little.

[member="Symara Tarriq"]
[member="Dallen Thayne"]


3rd Post

 

[Alyona Volkovna (Алёна)]

Location: Mimban​

Objective: Firebreathers, Locate the Ancient City​

Allies: Republic Military and Jedi, CSAF​

[member=Kane Chasta] | [member=Acaleus Thorn] | [member=Ali Hadrix] | [member=Darth Lykos]​

Enemies: Firebreathers​

Post: [12/25]​

​

Alyona knelt behind a waist high partition of plaster and stone that ran along the edge of the rooftop. She was on the fourth level of what had once been a scholarly or religious construct, roughly 5 meters above the height of her target. The Firebreather lumbered slowly down the dirt avenue, its long, powerful legs pushing over debris and rot-infested wooden carts and containers. It grumbled quietly to itself as it dragged its proboscis back and forth along the walls of the buildings on either side of the road, presumably in search of structures boasting the mineral composition it needed. That told Alyona the appendage contained sensory structures allowing it to determine what was food and what was not. Interesting, she thought, peaking out over her cover to watch the beast trail passed. The damned monsters were tall; an average of 25 - 30 feet in height. Considering the relatively short structures that comprised most of the ancient city, this offered Alyona few areas where she could maintain the gift of elevation. She took full advantage of it now.
Pressing a hand atop the short partition, Alyona threw herself forward over it and off of the rooftop. Turning her lightsaber downward as she careened toward her foe, Alyona ignited the brilliant green-white blade with a snap-hiss, burying the plasma beam into the hide of the behemoth. The monster roared and shook back and forth violently as it writhed in pain. Its proboscis turned upward and over its head, intent on swatting the threat away with the powerful limb. But Alyona was already gone, her lightsaber deactivated as she flipped through the air and onto an opposite rooftop. As she passed overhead, gasses from the beast's interior fuel organs began to seep from the wound. Its proboscis cut through air and the Firebreather struggled to turn to identify its attacker. The beast was too late.
Alyona gathered the Force within the gas itself, amplifying the excitation of molecules in the air so strongly that they sparked, lighting the escaping gasses aflame. The combustion consumed the exterior cloud of gas immediately in a flash of flame, before lighting the toxic mixture within the creature's torso. With a great roar, the detonating gasses tore the monster apart. Flame erupted into the air in a large plume, spreading outward swiftly and consuming the oxygen available. Alyona felt herself grow temporarily short of breath as the wave of heat washed over her. She threw herself to the side to avoid being harmed by the explosion. Viscera and debris were scattered all over the area, and after a moment, the legs of the beast collapsed, and it fell, dead.
Alyona leaned over the edge of the rooftop and reviewed her work. "Easy enough I suppose." She muttered to herself, clipping the lightsaber back onto her belt. She turned away and clambered up a nearby wall, returning to a position of heigh in order to recce the area for her next target.

 

[Alyona Volkovna (Алёна)]

Location: Mimban​

Objective: Firebreathers, Locate the Ancient City​

Allies: Republic Military and Jedi, CSAF​

[member=Kane Chasta] | [member=Acaleus Thorn] | [member=Ali Hadrix] | [member=Darth Lykos]​

Enemies: Firebreathers​

Post: [13/25]​

​

The next day, as Alyona enjoyed her midday meal atop a guard tower in the Eastern region of the city, her gaze landed on the massive cylindrical construct to the North, built into the wall that rung the perimeter of the city. The tower was the tallest structure by design in the entire city. The wide-based castles built over the falls lacked baileys, and were rather squat in their design as most of the structure consisted of a bridge that connected the two constructs. The perimeter tower, or the Sun Tower (as Alyona had come to reference it because of how the sun's zenith rested immediately over the tower's peak), reached a height of nearly 120 meters, an achievement for such an ancient civilization. From her location, Alyona estimated she was within a kilometer of the construct, and a sudden desire to reach its summit came over her. She had made considerable progress against the Firebreathers that remained within the city, and was not concerned with any of them finding their way out. They were not very intelligent it seemed, and had only wandered into the city by chance through a breach in the Eastern wall. Alyona had killed five of them in the last day, making quick work of each foe. Only seven remained, and she was glad to be well ahead of her intended schedule. Her supplies would only last another week and she was anxious to get to work investigating the city.
I've got time, Alyona told herself as she finished her nutrition bar. She swallowed a mouthful of river water she had purified that morning to replenish her stores, then gathered her things and resecured her bag to her back. Traveling across the rooftops, Alyona swiftly made her way to the North wall, and the base of the Sun Tower. Gazing up at the ancient construct, Alyona was in awe. The tower was roughly 40 meters wide, and boasted two steel-banded wooden doors built into the wall on either side. Stepping through one of these, Alyona investigated the rooms within and began preparing for her climb.
A winding stone staircase lined the interior wall of the tower, giving way to wooden planking some half way up. Alyona tread carefully upon reaching the wooden portion of the stairwell, noting which boards were rotten or poorly fastened before determining where to step. To her initial disappointment, the staircase only reached three-quarters of the way up the tower, ending at an open balcony that ringed the circumference of the tower. Stepping out onto it, Alyona gazed out across the city, in amazement of what she saw.

 

[Dallen Thayne]

Location: Enroute to Mimban from Gyndine, 102nd Task Force
@Kana Runo [member="Symara Tarriq"]


Fleet:

Spoiler

102nd Task Force
Republic Class Destroyer x 1 [Aurek Tactical Strike Squadrons x 3]
Centurion Battlecruiser x 1 [Aurek Tactical Strike Squadrons x 3] [R46 Valiant Squadrons x 3] [Scuurg H-6 Bomber Squadrons x 3]
Deliverance Heavy Carrier x 1 [R46 Valiant Squadrons x 3] [Scuurg H-6 Bomber Squadrons x 3]
Hammerhead Cruisers x 4 [Aurek Tactical Strike Squadrons x 1 per frigate]
Katana Corvette x 2

Dallen wasn't much of a pep talker, but normally he didn't have so many new faces along with the Task Force. Perhaps he was too young himself and was worrying too much that they seemed stressed when they might actually just be simply anxious. Regardless, the Republic Commander gladly accepted his caf to go as he stood and sipped his drink while joining the two accompanying women out of the bar as they carried on their conversation. They seemed to be in slight disagreement over semantics though he didn't have much to offer on the matter. At least until they addressed him for his own best feat story. It actually took him a moment to decide on how best to answer the imperial pilot when she asked the question since he hadn't done much worthy of note in his own opinion.

Nonetheless as they exited the location, he opted for something recent. "In all truthfulness I haven't had the honor of participating in a grand battle as of yet. I've mostly dealt with small pirate and criminal elements along the hyperlanes as they've come up in the sectors the 102nd has been assigned to. However, I suppose we did play a part in driving the Youzhan Vong off of Denon when they attacked so I guess I would say that, though I am not leaping at the chance to stare down a crazed droid again anytime soon. Maybe if we get another shot at the Sith I can give you a better story."

 

[WolfMortum]

The Free Lady finally touched down upon the landing pad, already from the cockpit Veiere could see Republic Personnel getting into action, soldiers running ahead to follow the commands of their superiors while the civilians in sight were running the opposite way. His hand let go of Terrac's shoulder, the exile stepping forward to look out the view-port trying to find the place where he needed to be to be of some use; the pilot turning to glance to him and swallowing almost audibly before speaking up, "It's going to be rough out there, you're sure you want to do this?"; they had not spent a great deal of time in each others company and yet the concern in the mans voice was most humbling.

"A lot of people here are going to be seriously injured and likely many more will be killed. I am no exception to that but I cannot stand idly by while other people are threatened in such a way, it is not who I am..." he spoke to reassure the pilot, offering only a brief smile before turning away and beginning to leave. "Leave Mimban as soon as I'm clear, return to [member="Lady Kay"]...-She's going to need your help", spoken as if his services were suddenly null and void. Veiere, for a scholar, was a fairly decent sized man, broad shoulders and the physique that came with Jedi training over the years; his weight carried with his footsteps, the alloy boots of the reconnaissance armor clanking against the metals of the vessels flooring. It felt like a much longer walk, leaving the ship, the impending fight that was looming overhead and the anxiety and fear around him, felt through the personnel outside of the ship, Terrac and even himself. 'Only fools do not fear war yet know that in the Force, there is hope and all that one needs in life to achieve, is Hope and the will to persevere...', an encouraging thought and memory of his own Masters guidance long ago when Veiere was first shown the tides of battle as an apprentice; ironic that it would come to mind when he required the guidance most.

Behind him, he heard the freighter fire up again, the repulsorlift thrusters lifting the Free Lady from the permacrete floor and sitting there a moment, Veiere turning to look to the cockpit to which he saw Terrac offer a final wave, soon turning the vessel away and setting back off, up towards the planets atmosphere. It was the last remaining piece that he needed to see gone before he could focus on being of aid to the Republic Forces here on Mimban; knowing that Terrac and Kay were to be safe, Veiere began to set out towards the closest station he could see to be of military like, hoping that the Republics base of operations would be nearby and otherwise, if not, finding someone who could show him where his presence would be of the greatest service, a gifted medic; a Jedi Knight of the old way.

 

[Alyona Volkovna (Алёна)]

Location: Mimban​

Objective: Exterminate Firebreathers, Explore the Ancient City​

Allies: Republic Military and Jedi, CSAF​

[member=Kane Chasta] | [member=Acaleus Thorn] | [member=Ali Hadrix] | [member=Darth Lykos]​

Enemies: Firebreathers​

Post: [14/25]​

​

Alyona found the remaining climb rather exhilarating. She had never climbed a higher lone structure before, and the sheer drop in the mountainside just outside the city wall amplified this experience ten-fold. When she looked down, Alyona couldn't even see the ground below; the city was at such high elevation that clouds had wandered in from the north and obscured any sight of the lower slopes. She used crags and bumps in the rocky tower to propel herself upward minute after minute. She was a moderately experienced free-climber, though here she relied more upon the power of the Force to ease her tired muscles and extend their stamina. Meter after meter she climbed, wondering how, without a staircase to allow them back down, the tower's builders had managed to return to the bottom after completing the tower's peak.
During moments of rest Alyona looked about at the mountains around her and the city below, though it wasn't until she completed her climb that she was able to truly enjoy the view the Sun Tower had afforded her. She reached the uppermost portion of the tower's wall, taking a moment's rest before looking up and gauging her next move. The tower's rooftop jutted out from the wall roughly two meters, and Alyona was roughly the same distance below. A four meter jump...Alyona took a deep breath, identified her next set of grips along the roof's edge, and gathered her legs beneath her. Empowering herself with the energies of the Force, Alyona leapt. She extended her arms as she propelled herself powerfully upward and away from the tower wall, slamming her hands against the rooftop edge and grasping it as tightly as possible as her legs swung outward beneath her. Alyona let the momentum carry her away from the roof's edge and pulled herself upward, the Force amplifying her strength and sending her over the top of the tower. She landed simultaneously on her hands and feet, splaying herself across the rooftop and keeping a low profile in order to maintain her balance. The rooftop was not steeply angled, allowing her to sit upright on its surface and take a deep breath. Adrenaline coursed through her body as she endeavored to calm herself.
Good on you, Alyona thought, congratulating herself on her achievement. Leaving her bag on her back for the moment, Alyona leaned against it and took in the view. It was beautiful, truly. She almost felt as if she were on a starship in low orbit, she could see so much of the planet around her. For miles and miles the landscape stretched outward toward the horizon; Alyona could almost gauge the curvature of the planet in the distance. To the South, the mountain's summit rose above her, obscured by a blanket of clouds that covered nearly all the sky. She could see open skies and sun-bathed lands in the distance, a stark contrast to the overcast day she was experiencing on the mountain. Alyona vowed to remain as long as the weather permitted her presence, thankful for the reminder that the galaxy was indeed filled with beauty and peace.

 

[Matsu Ike]

Matsu stood there as she was getting the information from what they gave in. Ayumi and Sai Fel had preformed tests with the fighter and the meh that was being developed. The information was coming into her and Matsu could work with it all for the refinement proce. THey had tested a swoop with the same materials and gotten results that were just as good while she walked back towards her ship. Able to leave some of the station where they needed them in orbit of the planets as well a provide their equipment and training. Matsu stood looking at the fighters when they had been brought to her for returning to the main labs and stations. "Well that was successful, continue working on it and we will have a refined model for you to use later."