Dominion Race Against Time | EE Dominion of Keskin

[Greer Caimbeulaich]

Objective 1: Horde Mode

Piloting: AM-S03 Phoenix
Equipment: Lightsaber Claymore, explosives, Icarus gravpack
Tags: Ebony Ambrosia

Greer found herself torn, the words the dark one used were words that were heavy in dark connotations, but their aims were aligned, could she do this? She knew there was precedent, putting aside a difference temporarily for the defeat of a greater enemy.

The gun fired again, snapping her out of her contemplation and she saw just how close the shield was. There was no time for debate, her judgement would need to be right.

"You will help me defeat this monstrosity? Then we are for this moment allies, but if you try to attack or manipulate me, consider our ceasefire ended, call me Greer"

The two women's conversation was cut short by blaster fire coming from along the gantry, Greer deflected this, but her momentary distraction allowed them to bolt the door. "Lead the way"

Greer followed the short distance to the command center. The door was bolted shut, but this would prove no problem, she stuck her blade and began to cut, working her way through the thick metal, until she could push the centre of the door through.

She stepped in.

"Stand down all of you, I am taking this vehicle in the name of the Eternal Empire, you are defeated."

A couple of the lower ranking soldiers put their hands up but the commander took aim with his pistol and fired at Greer. She deflected the bolt and in a single bound, crossed the room and took him down with her blade, before finishing off two more. Now the only creatures on the command deck were Greer, the dark one and the two cowering technicians. She held the lightsaber towards them, she would not strike down surrending foes.

"Turn the main battery on your allies and you shall go free, I wish to destroy your weapons, I have no need to kill you today."

Reluctantly, and through sheer terror, the two technicians ground the vehicle round on the spot, only one track working caused it to the a shuddering and noisy turn. Before long the main gun was pointed right at the flank of the other vehicle.

"as you assisted me," she smiled at Ebony, "would you like to do the honours" and she gestured at the trigger button.

 

[Anashja Tal]

Location: on the ground
Tags: none
Equipped: Beskar'gam, lightsabers, healing supplies​

The young Togruta flew across the the battlefield a hundreds of km/h surveying the field. It was a warzone and there were tasks all over that could use her skills. Here dreamsight array rapidly updated with battlefield information including distant to her intended target. Apparently a starfighter had crashed into the small isolated homestead and there was reports of casualties. It would be difficult to reach on the ground, the people being isolationist, but she would be there very quickly.

She saw the homestead far below her and she can in for the approach. The well tilled fields had a a streak of black across them with burning debris where the pilot had crashed trying to land on the field she assumed. The homestead itself was partially on fire, but from the colour of the smoke and the heat signatures, she could tell the fire was out.

Anashja Tal kicked out her legs in front of her to come to an abrupt stop a few feet above the ground and then dropped to the floor. She drew her lightsabers, just as a precaution, the locals did not want the Eternal Empire here, and would have no way of knowing she was Baar'ur.

"Hello!" She called out "I am Anashja of Clan Tal, I am only here to help you!" She waited a few moments "please, show me to your wounded, I will stay no longer than they need me"

A blaster rang out that and a bolt went past her, missing by a foot or so.

"Get lost Empire..." came a shout "that was a warning"

"I am only here to help" she said, she could sense the fear in the voice of the shooter, she could defuse this and the do her work. "I will place my lightsabers on the floor and will kneel, you may then choose, kill me, or let me help you" She had to have faith in their humanity, but also importantly she had to have faith that her armour could protect her if he decided she needed to die.

Dropping to her knees, she awaited his decision.

 

[Ebony Ambrosia]

Ebony smiled when Greer accepted they were allies. They had turned slightly to look back at the woman as she deliberated internally whether to trust them. Why not trust them? If they intended to murder her, they would have done so already. "Ebony," she replied, eager to see what this one had in store for them.

At the woman's insistence, Ebony turned and began to lead the way to the command center. Once they arrived, Greer used those lightsabers to cut a way through the door. Must have been how she'd entered the fortress from the top earlier, Ebony reasoned. Jedai and Sith loved their glow-things.

Despite the lack of 'trust,' Greer took the lead entering Control and started commanding its personnel do exactly what she said. Ebony, meanwhile, casually stepped through the hole Greer made and looked at the squishy ones inside as one taking inventory.

Their eyes slid over toward the Commander that fired their weapon. Greer deflected the bolt, but instead of engaging in a speech or using some power to knock the annoying thing unconscious, the woman marched over and killed him. What wasn't to enjoy? Plus the two extras was just sugary-confection on the backed good.

The lack of death for those with their hands up, however... Ebony's eyes narrowed ever so slightly at the scene. Until Greer told them to turn the main cannon toward the other hobbled fortress. That brought cheer back into Ebony's dark world. Apparently the two of them thought alike! Though Greer was probably thinking it was necessary to keep the other one from shooting the Eternal base, whereas Ebony knew that wasn't necessary, but doing it anyway would be fun.

"Thank you," Ebony replied before they crossed over to the firing station. "This will be a crushing blow to their advance." Their voice was level and evenly paced without the hint of anxiety or impatience. They had learned mortals liked rousing statements, but that didn't mean Ebony would be screaming, shouting, and general whooping while doing them.

Without further ado, Ebony pushed the button to blow the other fortress to pieces.

That done, their black eyes turned toward the two technicians that surrendered. Ebony then turned their attention to Greer. "You should kill them. They will only incite violence and rebellion if they live. By their mouth, or in others seeing them, they will be a lightning rod for nuisance." Also, killing them would be good for Greer's soul. It wasn't manipulation if one genuinely believed it.

Of course, if Greer didn't kill them -- if Ebony couldn't convince them -- then Ebony would.

Tag: Greer Caimbeulaich

 

[Aximand Sicarus]

TAG: Priscilla

Spoiler: Eternal Fleet Status

(1) Callides-class Heavy Carrier - Flagship

• ENS Retribution | Shields 56.4%, Armor 100%, Power 93%, Subsystems 95%

(1) Adjudicator II-class Star Destroyer

• ENS Njaalgard | Shields 77%, Armor 100%, Power 95%, Subsystems 95%

(2) Demeton-class Heavy Cruisers

• ENS Revenant | Shields 83.25%, Armor 100%, Power 95%, Subsystems 95%
• ENS Rupture | Shields 82.85%, Armor 100%, Power 95%, Subsystems 95%

(2) Ashkelon-class Escort Frigates

• ENS Crucible | Shields 78%, Armor 100%, Power 85%, Subsystems 90%
• ENS Magnate | Shields 79.8%, Armor 100%, Power 85%, Subsystems 90%

Spoiler: Belshai Empire Fleet

(1) Turbulent-class Star Destroyer

• Shields 0%, Armor 0%, Power 0%, Subsystems 0% (Destroyed)

(3) Katana-class Heavy Cruisers

• Glaive: Shields 47%, Armor 100%, Power 95%, Subsystems 95%
• Rapier: Shields 61%, Armor 100%, Power 95%, Subsystems 95%
• Shoto: Shields 70%, Armor 100%, Power 95%, Subsystems 95%

(4) Starhammer Attack Corvettes

• Torrent: Shields 0%, Armor 0%, Power 0%, Subsystems 0% (Destroyed)
• Jerjerrod: Shields 0%, Armor 0%, Power 0%, Subsystems 0% (Destroyed)
• Rakarr: Shields 0%, Armor 0%, Power 0%, Subsystems 0% (Destroyed)
• Striga: Shields 0%, Armor 63.8%, Power 50%, Subsystems 71%

(2) Phalanx Corvettes

• Cataphract: Shields 35%, Armor 100%, Power 76.8%, Subsystems 95%
• Falchion: Shields 39.5%, Armor 100%, Power 78.63%, Subsystems 95%

(2) Hellstorm Strike Corvette

• Zenith: Shields 31%, Armor 100%, Power 76.1%, Subsystems 95%
• Decima: Shields 43%, Armor 100%, Power 78%, Subsystems 95%

From the weight of fire plied against the Star Destroyer, the formerly formidable craft’s armor buckled inward, causing catastrophic hull breaches. The cruiser missiles fired by the Officer Cadet aboard the Retribution was the final nail in the coffin, as the heavy missiles impacted against the engine compartment, causing a catastrophic chain reaction unable to be contained. With the destruction of the flagship, several more corvettes followed suit and met their destruction as well at the combined onslaught of the Ashkelon frigates and starfighter squadrons. The remaining ships became far more frantic in their attack against the Eternal Empire’s ships, with the cruisers coordinating their assault against the Retribution. Alarms fired off as the carrier’s shields endured a series of volleys from the ships, with the capital ship doggedly pushing forward with the other vessels.

The bridge shuttered with the last impact, the voice of Lt. Commander Aierka echoing through the blaring alarm: ”Shield integrity at 56-percent Commodore, and holding!” Her voice was firm, carrying a composure under fire that few others acquired without experience. Aximand’s expression was steely, his mouth opening as sharply as a bear trap as he ordered: ”Move in to engage the cruisers at close range. Order the cruisers to focus fire on our target!” Immediately, the helmsman set a course to bring The Retribution closer to the encroaching cruisers, so as to apply its full firepower upon them. The Demeton cruisers followed suit, their Troika mass-drivers thrumming rhythmically in concert with the Carrier’s desolator barbette batteries. The bombers of the third wave finished their attack run through the corvette formation and swept around to engage the cruisers from the rear.

An overwhelming sense prevailed amongst the fleet, as the battle was nearing its crescendo - the Eternal Fleet priming itself to break through once and for all against the Belshai defenders. The Commodore gritted his teeth as his ship rumbled forward alongside the rest of the fleet. This wasn’t over yet.

 

[Priscilla]

Location: Bridge, ENS Retribution - Keskin System
Weapons: KC-208 ‘Phalanx’ Cruise Missile Tubes (10)
Personal Equipment: Hersir MK. I Military Attire │ KC-77N Hybrid Pistol
Tags: Aximand Sicarus

“Confirming...” Her statement was cut short as long lashes batted over glowing ruby eyes, moving in disbelief as they processed the impact of her cruise missiles and the ensuing series of explosions which erupted through the battered form of the Turbulent-class star destroyer. The Cadet had always prided herself on her ability to maintain focus and poise under pressure, but live combat was far different from the simulations. The weight of knowing that she had just killed thousands, which was ironically, also accompanied by a sensation of delight at her achievement. Her thoughts pulled her one way, then another, but the latter emotions ultimately won out, a smile suddenly manifesting across her features which was promptly hidden from view as she placed her hand over her mouth.

“M-missiles hits confirmed, sir!” The Cadet stammered out, before quickly turning back to her console, not wanting her commanding officer or worse, the Axe, to see her excitement.

Just as she calmed herself with a deep intake of air, the bridge shook as retributive fire was laid against the Retribution from what remained of the Belshei fleet. Fortunately, the voice of the tactical officer cut through the artificial air to deliver the news that shields were holding in spite of the impacts. Then, the Commodore ordered that fire be concentrated on the three Katana-class cruisers, seemingly prioritizing targets from the largest to the smallest vessels.

Without delay, Priscilla set about laying in a course for the five remaining cruise missiles as fresh ordnance was loaded into the other five tubes. However, with the bombers executing attack runs on the cruisers from the rear, the risk of friendly fire was small, but nevertheless a factor that needed to be lent heavy consideration. She didn’t want a court martial to go with her capital destruction badge. Fortunately, her task was made all the easier by the fact that the Katana-class, a vessel which the Eternal Empire had faced in small quantities in engagements against the Alliance during the Third Imperial Civil War, had pitiful point defenses. As much of her education at the academy had been focused on identifying and memorizing the traits of common New Imperial and Alliance warships, Priscilla was relieved to know that her long hours of exhausting flash therapy and study might translate to practical application.

Once she finished laying in the courses, the estimated trajectories of her missiles would show up on the HUDs of the bomber and small craft pilots, warning them to steer clear. Then, after a few seconds, Priscilla pressed the command to launch, unleashing a salvo of five cruise missiles on a sharp vertical parabolic trajectory, timed to impact the top-stern of the Glaive from above a few seconds after the bombers resolved their attack run, where by then they would have flown clear out of any potential collateral.

A few moments later, the next five cruise missiles were launched as well, their courses laid in almost as soon as they were loaded into the tubes. However, they were set on almost completely opposite course from the initial five, set on an inverse parabolic trajectory which took them down relative to the Retribution’s orientation, rather than up. Targeting the bottom-stern of the Rapier, the missiles were set to deliver a decisive, finishing strike on the cruiser after it was softened up by the bombers.

 

[Greer Caimbeulaich]

Objective 1: Horde Mode

Piloting: AM-S03 Phoenix
Equipment: Lightsaber Claymore, explosives, Icarus gravpack
Tags: Ebony Ambrosia

Greer smiled, there was something poetic about turning the enemy weapon against itself, the vehicle was still functional but with not crew it would not prove a problem and she could easily destroy the command room with a few swings of her lightsaber.

"You should kill them. They will only incite violence and rebellion if they live. By their mouth, or in others seeing them, they will be a lightning rod for nuisance."

"Whilst I understand what you are saying, and do not entirely disagree, it is not my people's way to kill surrendered enemies." Her success has quashed her anger so she was now in much more control. "I appreciate your assistance and I feel there is more we can do on this planet, and plenty of enemies have not surrenders, if combat is your goal?"

She ushered the two men toward the emergency escape, she planned on letting them drop down and then run away, before she and Ebony finished destroying this vehicle. She was feeling more and more discomfort in the presence of this woman, but knew, for the greater good she needed to ignore that for now.

"We have succeeded here and I feel we should leave, where are you stationed? I can see you back to your people if you would like to party ways?"

 

[Ebony Ambrosia]

Disappointed. Yes, they were disappointed, but not surprised. It was the taint within Greer. The Light. A foul, odious thing that tried to push back the darkness -- it sought to remake the world in its image because it was 'better.' What was better about the world with people sacrificing their selves so others could live? What a foolishly mortal thing to do. They had a single existence and they waste it keeping some nameless creature alive. Ebony would never understand it.

"Combat?" Ebony echoed. "We are not a mercenary with a gland that secretes adrenaline and endorphins that triggers a primitive chemical chain reaction driving them to battle. We are the Darkness. We are Death." The 'woman' with Greer intoned. "And we are never alone."

Shadows seemed to expand over the surfaces around Ebony. They turned abruptly and shot forward in the direction of Greer's captives. However quickly Greer reacted or what she did, it would need done quickly. Tendrils would burst out of the shadows and lash out at the mortals in the woman's charge; whether to crush them, pull them apart, or skewer them only time would tell. "We will not let them go because we are not compelled to do so. Your Code means nothing to us. Your Order means nothing to us. We had hoped you would show wisdom and end these pitiful things; but we will do this for you, as we have done many times before."

Tag: Greer Caimbeulaich

 

[Aximand Sicarus]

TAG: Priscilla

Spoiler: Eternal Fleet Status

(1) Callides-class Heavy Carrier - Flagship

• ENS Retribution | Shields 49.7%, Armor 100%, Power 82%, Subsystems 95%

(1) Adjudicator II-class Star Destroyer

• ENS Njaalgard | Shields 70%, Armor 100%, Power 95%, Subsystems 95%

(2) Demeton-class Heavy Cruisers

• ENS Revenant | Shields 77%, Armor 100%, Power 95%, Subsystems 95%
• ENS Rupture | Shields 79.3%, Armor 100%, Power 95%, Subsystems 95%

(2) Ashkelon-class Escort Frigates

• ENS Crucible | Shields 67%, Armor 100%, Power 85%, Subsystems 90%
• ENS Magnate | Shields 70%, Armor 100%, Power 85%, Subsystems 90%

Spoiler: Belshai Empire Fleet

(1) Turbulent-class Star Destroyer

• Shields 0%, Armor 0%, Power 0%, Subsystems 0% (Destroyed)

(3) Katana-class Heavy Cruisers

• Glaive: Shields 0%, Armor 75%, Power 50%, Subsystems 71% (Main reactor offline)
• Rapier: Shields 48%, Armor 100%, Power 82%, Subsystems 95%
• Shoto: Shields 59.8%, Armor 100%, Power 87.2%, Subsystems 95%

(4) Starhammer Attack Corvettes

• Torrent: Shields 0%, Armor 0%, Power 0%, Subsystems 0% (Destroyed)
• Jerjerrod: Shields 0%, Armor 0%, Power 0%, Subsystems 0% (Destroyed)
• Rakarr: Shields 0%, Armor 0%, Power 0%, Subsystems 0% (Destroyed)
• Striga: Shields 0%, Armor 0%, Power 0%, Subsystems 0% (Destroyed)

(2) Phalanx Corvettes

• Cataphract: Shields 0%, Armor 70%, Power 60%, Subsystems 70%
• Falchion: Shields 11%, Armor 100%, Power 68%, Subsystems 79%

(2) Hellstorm Strike Corvette

• Zenith: Shields 0%, Armor 85%, Power 62.1%, Subsystems 75%
• Decima: Shields 23%, Armor 100%, Power 70.1%, Subsystems 77%

As the Eternal Fleet pushed its assault into the Belshai resistance, the Katana-class cruisers began to succumb to the onslaught. The Glaive’s shields went offline, and from the well-timed volley from Cadet Priscilla’s cruise missiles, so did the main reactor as they impacted against the armor plating of the reactor compartment. While the cruiser’s remaining vestiges of shielding plus its considerable armor plating prevented a major hull breach at the compartment, the impact was enough to cause the entire deck to shudder. The brutal vibrations from said impact caused electrical connections to break and key conduits to burst, resulting in the main reactor’s failsafe protocols to kick into effect causing it to shut down. The sturdy cruiser’s emergency power stepped in to allow it to remain in the fight, but not without being severely crippled.

The Rapier and the Shoto still remained stoically resolved to resist the Eternal Fleet’s advance, dumping their firepower against the Retribution’s shields. ’Prioritise our power relays to keeping our shields stable, Commander.” Aximand ordered coolly. Lt. Commander Aierka complied wordlessly, her fingers dancing upon the display in front of her as she did as ordered. The only reason the Heavy Carrier was not suffering more so against the dwindling, but still considerable amounts of firepower impacting against their shields was due to the dual-shield array system the Retribution possessed. Even though her shielding was reduced to nearly 50% strength, now that the reactor’s relays were focusing on keeping the shield system stable, the flagship would be nigh-impossible for the current Belshai fleet presence to breach before their own ships succumbed to the weight of fire from the Eternal Fleet. As she set about finalizing the sequence of commands to maintain the reactor’s steady flow of energy, Lt. Commander Aierka spied a volley of cruiser missiles flying dangerously close to the fighter squadrons completing their attack run on the cruisers. Thankfully, the cruiser missiles skimmed past them on their trajectory against the Rapier, with the Eternal fighters flying harmlessly by (harmlessly being relative as they still had to avoid the enemy cruiser’s paltry but still present point defenses).

Janine turned to the Cadet and said sharply: ”Cadet Priscilla!” Just as she was about to berate the Cadet for timing her shot so close to the fighter squadron’s flightpath, she checked herself. Serving under the Commodore had made her a tad more regimented than she had been when she started, and to be honest - she sensed a little bit of herself in the younger woman’s calculated risk. In truth, it was a fortuitous timing of the volley, as the point defenses were focused on the fighters which had deflector shields, which allowed the unshielded ordnance to impact with the highest level of efficacy. To be honest, she may well have done the same nary a few years ago. Rather than berating the cadet, the Lt. Commander adopted the faintest hint of a smile, which bore with it a touch of warmth as she said: ”...Nice job with that volley. Keep up the pressure!”

Whether unaware of Lt. Commander Aierka’s attention being diverted elsewhere, or not caring, Aximand’s voice chimed up again: ”All hands keep steady! The enemy fleet will break. I can feel it.” Clearly, the man was in his element. He had a glint in his eye not dissimilar from a man feeling fully alive doing something he was passionate about. For many, that was playing dejarik in a recreational park, or in hiking trails upon serene worlds with plentiful mountain ranges. For Aximand, it was the art of naval warfare - plying one’s intellect against another in the ultimate struggle of tactical acumen and will. He had not met his match upon the field of battle yet, and today was not the day it would happen. It was not a feeling he felt on his own, but rather his sheer conviction was electric amongst the crewmen on the bridge as they carried themselves with a renewed air of purpose. The Belshai fleet was close to breaking. It was decapitated by the Axe, now it was time to put it to rest for good.

 

[Priscilla]

Location: Bridge, ENS Retribution - Keskin System
Weapons: KC-208 ‘Phalanx’ Cruise Missile Tubes (10)
Personal Equipment: Hersir MK. I Military Attire │ KC-77N Hybrid Pistol
Tags: Aximand Sicarus

Her senses, connected to the targeting systems via her biochip, immediately registered the confirmed missile hits in her awareness, foremost being the disabling of the Glaive’s reactor as the vessel’s power readings began to come down the local EENet. However, she winced at how close her second salvo had come to the bomber squadron. Fortunately, her calculations had been correct, but it was a little too close to comfort. However, that was the risk inherent in engaging targets which were already being strafed by friendly fighters.

In hearing her commanding officer’s sharp tone register in her ears, Priscilla thought that she knew what was coming, but was relieved to hear the shift in the Lieutenant Commander’s voice as the complement left her lips.

“T-thank you, ma’am!” She answered, her voice initially faltering before her tone shifted towards confidence.

Nevertheless, the Cadet hoped that she wouldn’t need to take a risk like that again, but she could rest easy knowing that the cruisers were now on their last legs. Upon receiving confirmation that the cruise missile tubes were reloaded, she set five of warheads on a course towards the estimated position of the Glaive’s reactor, while designating the rest for the Rapier.

Hearing her thoughts echoed by the Axe, Priscilla couldn’t help but to let a soft smile color her expression. Indeed, victory seemed close at hand.

​

Line Captain Elissa Vene watched with wide, fanatical eyes as the cruise missiles struck down the Turbulent-class flagship, her gaze still and unflinching in the face of what could be certain death. All the while, three of the Starhammer-series attack corvettes succumbed to fire from the frigates, while her Hellstorm-class corvettes were put under more pressure, with the Decima’s shields being just on the edge of collapse.

“Shields at 23% and falling!” Her shield officer called out. “I’m doing everything I can, Captain, but I need more power!” The panicked Ensign added.

Missile corvettes like the Hellstorm-class were dangerous ships to serve on, as while they had impressive firepower, that same firepower could be their undoing if they were destroyed while still bearing ammunition. There would be little time to get to an escape pod if that happened. As such, Elissa knew immediately the order that needed to be given.

“Tactical, initiate Protocol A-12. Fire everything. Helm, charge up our hyperdrive! Comms, send orders for Zenith to do the same, targeting their star destroyer. Give clearance for all non-essential crew to launch escape pods, if any of them want to take that chance.”

“What is our target, Captain?” The tactical officer answered.

“Take out their cruisers.”

At her command, the Decima began to unleash what was left of its ordnance towards the ENS Revenant and ENS Rupture, delivering salvo upon salvo of assault concussion missiles and proton rockets, jettisoning those warheads that could not be fired within a short timeframe while largely ignoring heating management protocols in favor of rapid, unrelenting fire. If they survived, the launchers would need to undergo extensive repairs from heat damage. However, that was among the least of their problems. At the same time, they began to jettison or fire any missiles that were not in effective range, most notably being the point-defense nano-missile payloads, many of which were launched vaguely towards the Eternal fleet. However, even if they scored direct hits, the starfighter-grade ordnance might only do minor, if not entirely negligible damage against a capital ship.

Before long, the Zenith followed suit with the same, locking onto the ENS Njaalgard and launching their own salvos of assault concussion warheads and proton rockets.

Elissa could only close her eyes and wait for the inevitable. This was their very last play.