Rangers Lead the Way - SJO Dominion of Antar

[Mariya Fleischer]

​

Objective 3: Survival
Location: Antar 4
Equipment: Ghost-class Armour, cloaking device, DC-17m Interchangeable Weapon System, Kyle Katarn's Lightsaber

It had been a while since she last worn her armour, a customised suit inherited from her military background for her stealth missions. Mariya was glad to be still able to squeeze herself into the body tight suit, an indication that she had been maintaining her body physically. The armour was a better choice than any of the her robes that she had been wearing since her training with the Force began for this mission. The Silver Order was expanding its reach towards the Antar system and the ex soldier turned mercenary was ready to join in their training.

Speaking of training, she looked at her fellow companions onboard the ship and realised that she was the new kid around the block. She waved to [member="Cassius Droma"], [member="Asaraa Vaashe"], [member="Token Waters"] and [member="Roona Osmari"] and introduced herself. "Hello, I am Mariya and I just joi... hey!!!"

The ship shuddered in the air and the blonde felt the effects of gravity, her body dragged downwards by the fast descending ship. "Oh crap, I hate crashing landing..." she cursed under her breath and looked out through the window, noticing the ship was moving too quickly to make a space jump. The only solution was to brace for impact. Luckily, her armour should protect her from most of it, though she had no idea if the others who wore robes would be so lucky.

She grabbed her helmet that was on her lap and slid it over her head for extra protection. That was all she managed to do before the ship landed on the ground and skidded across the fauna, finally stopping against a fallen tree.

"Cough... bleah. Everyone alright?"

 

[Mykes Vatak]

Objective 2

Mykes glanced up as someone spoke. Droidekas? He wanted to ask what a Droideka was, but kept it to himself as he didn't need a picture to go with the fact that they could simply put, shoot at them. It sent shivers down his good leg, and even his prosthetic leg rattled. Plus the fact that someone was asking if he was all right, he realized just how nervous he was appearing. So, he went with the usual excuse.

"Odd nerves. Happened with the accident" he gestured to his prosthetic leg. Mykes Taff lifted it up over his knee as he began to then tinker with it, it at least stopped him from shaking. The thought of needing a steady hand usually stilled his nervous tendencies. Once he tinkered enough, he stood up then donned his environmental suit as the others did so. "Mykes Taff, also new." Mykes said after Sabine introduced herself. He had to admit, he was loving the cheery tone from Yuroic. History wasn't one of the things he loved, per-say. But it was more the chance to look over such an old ship. See how ship life used to be. That's why he brought his tools. To tinker, to examine. To learn, maybe get some new ideas.

[member="Seth Brackson"] [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] [member="Sabine Galen"] [member="Sky'ito Yumi"]

 

[Sky'ito Yumi]

Objective: 2 The Dead Moon
Location: Silver Jedi Transport
Peps: [member="Mykes Taff"] [member="Seth Brackson"] [member="Sabine Galen"] [member="Yuroic Xeraic"]

Sukai followed the others in donning her own suit, a personal one from a while back, she had used it evey now and then but today was the first time in a year or so since it's last outing. She returned a way to Yuroic, "yo, nice to see you again, I hear you got yourself another new padawan", herself referring to Seth who was standing a few meters away. She had seen him during the talilsman construction event a while back, one of the many new faces among the order but full of potential, if but seeming to be a little shy for unknown reasons.

"History here we go, always wanted to look at a hyperspace wreak, you don't see to many super long battleships that have slammed straight into a planet at almost light speed". It made her wonder how said event even took place, the whole operation behind the destruction of such a ship was rather hush hush from what her mother had said, perhaps they would uncover such mysteries during their exploration of the structure. "Oh small question are we allowed to take things from the wreak for personal reasons"?

Lately the knight had been using her phyco-chemistry to look into the past and try and learn new things from simple everyday items. If so such would lead her to finding out some long lost information that only the higher ups in the republic from long ago would have had knowledge about. With such a possible goal in mind Sukai quickly put the rest of her vac suit on, forming up with the others as they approached the crash site.

 

[Syd Celsius]

"We believe it to be at least a century old. There are no identifying marks on the tomb..." Brannys the Toydarian explained to the Flame Geist as they came to the dig site. The tomb entrance was triangular in shape, and Syd could already see wards that had been carved into the stone by a foreign agent, suppressing whatever was inside the tomb. Syd adjusted glasses that did not work, approached the site and knealt down, studying what type of wards had been inscribed in place. Not just because undoing the wards might wake up whatever was inside, but also because depending on what kind of wards were being used, it could prove dangerous to her as well.

Syd's form was a psychic shell, sustained by both magic and flame, no matter the source. No blood was in her, nor muscle, nor organs. Just a living fire that could control non-living fire. This was why she was so dangerous, especially in forested areas: Once she got a blaze going, it was very difficult to stop the inferno that ensued.

But that shell could only take so much. And magic could be very dangerous to her in the right amounts, which necessitated a protective suit...that could take low levels of it. She had been meaning to obtain better Magical protection for a while now, but between setting up her spare civilian identity and cooking a dark adept like the old days, when you could just walk up and burn one in the middle of the street. Not many complained about it.

Syd, in many ways, had once been exactly the sort of creature Dark Adepts were taught to hate: A creature of unflinching duty, punishing free thinkers with a ruthlessness that bordered on the pathological, never once thinking about herself. Never really having more than a barebones sense of self preservation. Everything they so often accused The Jedi of being, she had literally embodied.

But times were different, now, and three centuries trapped in a chunk of nullification resin will change anyone's priorities.

You are a slave. You will die a slave.

That Sith's words, the first she had ever killed, refused to leave her, even as she studied the wards, and they almost distracted her from a sudden realization...

...these were Resistor Wards.

Her creators, a sect of Jedi Consulars known as the Resistance of Darkness had been here.

As she had been created using their Alkahest and the Forbidden Kolda-Bratha Calculus, she knew exactly what to do to undo the wards.

The trouble was...now she was having trouble deciding whether to undo the wards or not. You don't put wards up for nothing after all.

Just then [member="Willa Isard"] wandered in with a group of Jedi. Being the ghost of flames, Syd instantly knew another pyrokinetic being, and wondered if the Vahla would sense something similar.

Syd walked up, stiffly and awkwardly, usually preferring to float or fly. She was a little more comfortable than she thought she would be, and now was as good a time as any to practice her manners.

"Welcome, Master Jedi. Please be careful as you navigate the site. You could damage or set something off. These tombs have a bad habit of booby traps being inserted into them. We've found wards that seal away whatever is inside. I'm Celsius. Syd Celsius."

(Clip of Bond Theme plays)

Syd examined her new guests. "Have any of your men and women experience in navigating tombs? These tend to be rather tedious, dangerous affairs even if you know what to watch out for."

 

[Vertigo]

Objective: #1 Ready the Houks!
Location: Aboard the Kashyyyk-Breath a Lothal iii Class Interdictor.
Current Status: With the main fleet.
Post: #3
PCs: [member="Jessica Med-Beq"] | [member="Valkren Calderon"] | @Any Rangers in Space

​

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ke4n07LDCbg​

Shuttlebay Ambience.​

You might not realise it, but a lot of time in the service was spent exactly like this. Waiting in a cramped shuttlecraft, far too hot, carrying loads of gear, and everyone needing a shower. Hungry. Maybe a bit tired, but itching to go all the same. At least that’s how it was for Vertigo as he sat there facing his team, strapped in the transport and ready for the word. Waiting for the fleet call to go or stay, the Major himself had done the rounds twice and even stopped his bellyaching long enough for the banter to pick back up. At the moment he was in the hanger bay, giving them space, which meant…

“Right Hook Eh?” Dreggs laughed at the squad's designation, looking down his scope, and Vertigo grumbled. “Someone’s got a sense of humor.” Another Ranger called Tinns spoke up, leaning forward on his knees, Vertigo just grumbled again.

“Why the hell we waiting around?” The youngest ranger was tapping his foot.

“What you want to just roll up and start blasting? This kids straight from the farm” Dreggs muttered.

“Hey….”

“Bad enough I feel like squashed Wantha meat, with these damn Houks everywhere, and now I have to listen to you both bitching.” Tinns sniffed.

“Maybe if you lay off the Jumba-cakes you’d get you’re butt in the door easier.” A female ranger laughed.

Vertigo turned his head to Tinns. Sounding deadly serious. In a very deep bass voice he declared, “Got a problem with Houks.” He stared at him through the armor, a few of the Houks doing the same. Staring, staring, staring.

That went on for a minute, till Dreggs laughed breaking the silence. “I swear I have no idea when you’re joking,” Tinns sighed. Vertigo nodded, his usual bass voice grumbling, “that’s the point.” Houk humor. Not all it was cracked up to be.



Personal Gear:

Spoiler

Armor: Aegis Class | XJ9 Hololink | Main Weapons: OS-GG1 Chaingun | LPD-17 Grenade Launcher | Backup Guns: CB1-Icebreaker | Rangers Shotgun | Melee: Force Pike Equipment: Rangers Multi Tool | Rangers Grapple | Detonite Explosives | Backup Ray Shields (Blaster/Thermal) | Bacta Patches + Medkits

NPCs:

Spoiler

Teams: 4 x 13 Ranger Squads. | Team Member Breakdown: 9 Rangers + 3 Man 91st Houk Fire Teams + 1 Droid | Ship Crew: Wildcards as Engineers and Support Staff

 

[Willa Isard]

[member="Syd Celsius"]

Willa felt it, something from the girl... a pull. Vahla were fire made flesh if you went by the scriptures.... the ember might be well fanatical but they explained a great many things as few in the galaxy could actually compete with the fire skills of her people and then she could move around quickly without the whole bones... just a lot of muscles and cartilage. "I am Isard." She said it and looking at the chance to explore a tomb well was also important... who knew what they might be able to find down in there. "As for tombs, I usually protect the jedi when we are heading down. It is the job ranger's have." A smirkk on her face though without armor but she had her wrist pad and the RAC could send her armor and equipment if she needed it with droid drones.

 

[Silver Storyteller]

Antar 5

[SIZE=11pt][member="Jessica Med-Beq"] | [member="Vertigo"] | [member="Valkren Calderon"] | [member="Celiana"][/SIZE]​

“Sir, we’ve got incoming from hyperspace,” the communications officer piped up. Before Byrec could even ask, a large fleet was popping in from real space, right in front of their viewports. He didn’t need to ask how many ships there were – it was clearly more than the Red Hammer Mining Guild had. Byrec gripped his armrest and sucked in a breath, but kept his composure. Most of his crew were scared out of their minds – he had to show them that he was strong and that he had conviction.

There was an incoming transmission – Byrec waved for it to be accepted on voice channels. So, the Jedi had come after all. Even that being confirmed made Byrec shift in his seat over so slightly. Leaning on his elbow, he mustered what courage he could and spoke as clearly and firmly as he could.

“This is Byrec Arroyo of the Red Hammer Mining Guild – these are our demands,” he began his clearly prepared speech. “Higher pay for all of our workers, better working conditions for our miners, and the Antarian Trading Council must lower the mining trade tax rate by ten percent. Also, the contract awarded to the Antarian Mining Coalition for exclusive rights to the southern hemisphere of Antar 5 must be rescinded. Because of this contract, nearly five thousand of our workers will face unemployment.”

A pause – Byrec rubbed his fingers together in anxiety. Did he even need to say the next part? Would they bow to his demands any other way? “If these demands are not met… we are prepared to execute members of the Antarian Trading Council and the Antarian Mining Coalition.” Byrec nodded to the communications officer, who would send a video feed to the Silver Jedi cruisers – a room full of hostages that had been kidnapped earlier in the day and brought to the flagship Ambition.

“Sir… we’re not really going to… are we?” the communications officer asked, slowly turning around in her chair.

“Just make sure the transmission goes through,” Byrec grumbled, still staring at the Silver Jedi ships from under heavy brows.

 

[Cassius Droma]

Objective 3

Cassius’s eyes snapped open as he coughed heavily – the compartment was filling up with smoke and dust from the impact. A few of the more burly Rangers had pried the door off and were helping unload any of the wounded as well as supplies. Snapping his crash webbing free, Cassius lumbered up to the pilot’s position since he was closest.

Coming up next to him, Cassius grimaced as he saw that a large branch had crashed straight through the transpirasteel in the cockpit and pierced the pilot right in the chest. Looks like he’d died on impact. Frowning, he closed the man’s eyes and stepped back down into the main compartment.

“Pilot’s gone,” Cassius responded to the blonde woman as he made his way to the door, covering up his mouth by ducking his face into his elbow. He hopped out of the ship and as his boots hit the dirt, the thought occurred to him that he didn’t even know how many survived crashes this made for him. A dozen, maybe? Looking over to some of the Rangers, he saw that they weren’t so lucky. Two of them were lying on the ground, being tended to by their comrades. Cassius could already tell that they were already gone, though.

Reaching into his pack, he pulled out his communicator. Flicking it on, all he got was static. Of course… the valley wouldn’t allow any sort of transmission. That was the whole point of coming out here – isolation. Sighing, Cassius helped pull the supplies that weren’t damaged in the crash to a small clearing where they could start setting up a camp.

“Who’s wounded? Come over to me if you’re wounded.” Cassius reached for the med kit and opened it up. He was no doctor, put he could patch up a scratch, and heal with the Force if need be. Looking around, he realized he didn’t know a single soul among them. He supposed that’s what happened when he barely spent any time on Kashyyyk.

“Let’s make sure we account for all of the supplies, too…” he said over the noise and hubbub of everyone trying to figure out where everything and everyone was.
[SIZE=11pt][member="Roona Osmari"] | [member="Token Waters"] | [member="Asaraa Vaashe"] | [member="Kat Decoria"] | [member="Mariya Fleischer"][/SIZE]

 

[Jessica Med-Beq]

Objective: 1
Allies: Jedi [member="Valkren Calderon"] @Celiana @Vertigo
Suspects: Red Hammer Mining Guild

“This is Byrec Arroyo of the Red Hammer Mining Guild – these are our demands,” he began his clearly prepared speech. “Higher pay for all of our workers, better working conditions for our miners, and the Antarian Trading Council must lower the mining trade tax rate by ten percent. Also, the contract awarded to the Antarian Mining Coalition for exclusive rights to the southern hemisphere of Antar 5 must be rescinded. Because of this contract, nearly five thousand of our workers will face unemployment.”

"For the last point, I believe they're a little hasty: the contract they are referring to is now in the late stages of a trial, and the surtax is also an issue in that case" a diplomatic attache reported on this situation.

"It seems that taxation may be a little bit too heavy here: I don't pretend to know in-depth the financial situation of the Guild, but the payment of high tariffs seem to be preventing the implementation of higher pay and better working conditions - and not just for the Guild, but also the Mining Coalition's. This seems to be a ploy to force the tribunal's hand since the surtax on mining is part of the items of contention in the trial over these exclusive mining rights. Now, I acknowledge those... five thousand employees whose jobs are at risk may as well be following this court case, and the verdict, while not yet rendered, will soon be"

"If we repeal the ten percent surtax, then what do you propose to ensure that the cash flows will actually be used for higher pay and improving work conditions?" the Trade Councillor asked both Jessica and Byrec.

"The Red Hammer Mining Guild and, with it, the entire mining industry in the Antar system should be subjected to quarterly inspections of work conditions: pay raises are faster to implement than improvements to work conditions"

When one talked about the labor impact of industrial employment in the primary (resource) sector, and also in the manufacturing sector, there were direct and indirect jobs. Jessica could feel that Byrec was only referring to direct employment; heavy industries typically needed more support personnel outside of the industry proper to support the industry and the workers, as well as each other. If there were 5,000 direct jobs, the cold, hard truth was that there were many more indirect jobs at risk as well, which puts a much greater strain on unemployment welfare and other financial impacts than what Byrec was suggesting. It was the reason why Jessica was the one to handle trade disputes after Rozalyne returned to Andiri: she understood the implications of trade disputes better than any other Jedi. The main question is: would the financial impact of repealing the 10% surtax be offset by revenues from other sources? From increased activity in other sectors and the greater pay of the mining workers? In this respect it bore some similarities to what happened on Chandaar, but it differed in that a rogue ship, coming from outside the blockade, was headed towards the Concord and its neighbor, the Kashyyyk's Breath, intent on attacking.

"Open a channel to the Concord and the Kashyyyk's Breath"

"Channel open"

"Prepare for attack!"

 

[Sabine Galen]

Objective 2
Location: MOON
[member="Yuroic Xeraic"]| [member="Mykes Taff"] | [member="Sky'ito Yumi"] | [member="Seth Brackson"]

Sabine nodded to Yuroic, guessing he must be a senior Knight within the Order – he looked like he was used to taking charge of groups. She offered a smile of her own, not quite as cheery as Yuroic's, but not unfriendly. She'd also noted the young man seated near her, newly introduced as Mykes Taff.

“Good to meet all of you,” She said, and moved towards the exit.

Once all of them were gathered outside, suits on and tools in hand, Sabine remained close. Though, her instinct to wander away at will was quite strong. The case in her own grip was a small, but reliable seismometer that was capable of measuring ground movement. After setting the device up, they could connect their datapads and monitor the situation as needed.

“I've got this,” She held up the case, “We should survey the surrounding area for a good spot to set up the seismometer, yeah? It'll need to be bolted down, I'll probably need some help with that.”

In the distance, she could already see the outline of the crash site, the Malevolence waited. Her dark eyes lingered in that direction for a moment. Though she knew the scrap left behind would be of little use, it would still be quite an interesting learning experience. Sabine wondered if there was much left behind, but that would have to wait.

 

[WelshPsych]

Nodding his head, it was good to know the names of everyone in their group. Five members, it was a good group size with various abilities across them all. Yuroic watched as Sabine took the case and was ready to go. While he was use to being in charge and always lead by example, Yuroic often liked not having responsibilities and doing what he wanted. "Lead the way Sabine, seem confident." He gave a reassuring and friendly smile, his intentions were pure, Yuroic was here to see the ship and have fun he didn't mind someone else leading the mission. Looking over to Sky, he nodded his head. "Aye, Seth, this is Sky, she is another Knight in the Order. How's your brother doing?" Yuroic asked.

Switching a map of the area on his datapad, Yuroic wondered how close to the Malevolence the activity would be. "I'm sure no one will miss some outdated tech Sky." Yuroic answered her as he kept an eye on Seth. "The Malevolence was a ship under the CIS, not the faction we see today but one centuries ago under the rule of Sith. Captain of this ship was called Grievous, I think. Anyway, it was quite the ship back then but likely be destroyed by ships of today's standard. I'm curious to see how much of the ship remains now, you can bet scavengers have tried to pick the best loot from it already." Yuroic commented as he knew back in his scavenging days if his crew had the equipment to they would scavenge from ship wrecks like this one.

[member="Sabine Galen"] | [member="Mykes Taff"] | [member="Seth Brackson"] | [member="Sky'ito Yumi"]

 

[Valkren Calderon]

Objective: 1 - Standby
Location: With Main Silver QRF. - On Bridge of The Concord
Assets: 1st Special Tactics Group, The Concord

Lieutenant Harris almost jumped out of his armor after another voice came up, catching him off guard. Bewildered by the sudden appearance of the Shadow, he quickly moved to pick up the helmet is just dropped in reaction.

"Feth, don't do that!"

This elicited a quick chuckle from the commander, still being caught off guard himself, but enjoying his friend's reaction nonetheless. He slapped his friend on the shoulder plate before turning to [member="Celiana"].

"Don't mind him, he's a little hard of hearing if you know what I mean." He returned to a more professional outlook while doing his very best to erase the smile from his face. "We'd be honored to have you aboard, Knight Drayven. Although I'm not really sure how much action we'll be seeing today. Honestly, I got the feeling that this whole thing with resort out pretty nicely. They just seem like some aggravated min-"

One of the intel officers spoke up, directing the words towards the captain. They were just loud enough to make Valkren stop right in his tracks and listen.

"Captain Yul! Video feed came through from the blockade, they have hostages!"

Valkren blinked before cursing under his breath. Nothing was ever that simple for them. It wasn't long before another one of the crewmen pointed out another burning problem.

"We've got incoming! Rogue ship headed right for us!"

Captain Yul moved towards the center of the 'bridge,' just so he could get a good view out of the observation deck, and to the corresponding monitors and screens he needed to see. The Kel Dor's eyes darted back and forth to each crewmen's screen as he did his best to formulate a reaction. Just before the captain could issue the command 'prepare to fire,' Valkren was quick to arrive nearby and stop him. A gloved hand of Valkren's found its way to gripping the Captain's arm to get his attention. He kept his voice somewhat quiet to not be overheard by the others.

"We can't blow up that ship. Not yet." This was the only time Valkren could sense any emotion from the man, and it had to be confusion, the commander went to explain himself soon after, "Look If we destroy that thing as soon as it attacks us, if it even attacks us: it could spook the entire blockade and spark up something messy. Now I'm no expert about space combat, but a stand off is a stand off..Once someone makes a move everything changes. In this case, I think we have ourselves a distraction."

"What do you mean?" Captain Yul asked this, intent on getting a better explanation if he was about to give these orders.

"Hostages are still at risk. If it comes to it and you need to punch a hole through that ship, you do it and we can slip a strike team right by at the same time. I'm sure a little explosion will distract any 'Red Mining Guild' from seeing a spiral class assault ship zip by. That way, we get their only bargaining chips. Hostages are safe, and then hopefully the rest of the battle group could negotiate a peaceful outcome. You know, preferably." Valkren knew damn well better than anyone else that no plan survived first contact, but they had to do with the best they had here. Plus, as long as the enemy in this situation had these hostages, the whole operation rested very carefully on a public-relations wire. A whole lot of dead mining officials and mining workers would prove poorly with any locals in the area.

"Wait for further orders from Jessica and if it comes to it, blast it. But for now, don't you dare shoot at that ship yet!" Commander Calderon said this as he backed up towards the others, planning on moving to the armory to stock up as quickly as possible for crowd-control and non-lethal alternatives. "Also, tell Kashyyyk's breath I could use one of their fireteams with us on this one. Oh- And find me which ship those hostages are on!"

After his final statement as he exited the room came out, he turned to hurry his walk into a jog. The commander urged Celiana and Harris to follow, hoping to be at the ready as soon as possible. Captain Yul didn't quite know what to do with the information present, the special forces operative had dropped a lot of information on him. That information seemed to be like an order more and more to the calculated Kel Dor as he processed it. He quickly turned towards the observation window again and opened up a channel with the other ships.

"Kashyyyk's Breath, this is the concord. Commander Calderon is requesting a fireteam to join him on his word, patching you in to his channel on a separate frequency..Standby." The captain waited for a 'thumbs up' from another officer, showing that the job was finished, before speaking on the channel again. "Med-Beq, Commander Calderon is requesting to take a strike team to those hostages. He needs information on where they're hidden at."

Once the transmission was cut, he made a quick motion towards one of the bridge officers. "Ready weapons.." The Captain wasn't about to lose his ship over the hunch of a grunt, that was for sure. So atleast he'd be ready.

[member="Vertigo"] | [member="Celiana"] | [member="Jessica Med-Beq"]

 

[Celiana]

Objective 1: Standby
Location: With QRF aboard The Concord
Assets: You mean my chest isn't impressive enough?
Post # 2

Smirking at the seasoned soldier jumping I inclined my head slightly and said "My apologies, I thought spec ops heard everything." I snapped to attention at the word hostages. Never could just be simple could it? Looking towards [member="Valkren Calderon"] I jogged alongside him and his friend I'd startled. Seemed I'd be getting to serve with some rangers after all... I'd caught the last bit about patching Calderon into a secure comm. Smiling I simply unclipped my helm from my belt and slipped it on. I felt the seal close against the insulated bodysuit I was wearing under my Jedi robes, with a few seconds my helms' HUD flicked on and I patched myself into the secure comm channel with Calderon.

"So, Calderon this a normal day for y'all?" I somehow felt that both he and his hard of hearing friend would be surprised at the amount of weaponry I could fit on my person at one time. Then again....I was a fan of the philosophy behind Djem So saber combat. Peace through superior firepower, it did tend to end conflict quickly... Engaging the charge on my blasters I set them to stun. Yes I could riddle hostiles full of blaster bolts. Didn't mean they had to be kill shots, in my experience emptying a clip of stun bolts into people de-escalated situations quite quickly.

 

[Brooke Waters]

Tags: [member="Cassius Droma"] [member="Roona Osmari"] [member="Asaraa Vaashe"] [member="Mariya Fleischer"]
Token was super excited to be stretching her legs and wandering around. The girl had spent most of her time lately between Eira and Sabarene and was helping to link in some of the Jedi. But it meant more work for her and not really much field time. She understood the need to have a figure head but she was only now working on establishing herself as such for the Praxeum. But it also meant making friends in the other groups. She knew she could reach out to the Order of the Sacred Lotus and that would be fine, she was part of the Confederacy for a good long time-is-fluid-measure-of-time. But here she was, on a ship, with little in the way of supplies and a few students to watch out for.

But she was with the Silvers, and the Rangers. It would be the students’ secondary objective to help them, primary to survive. And the older, more experienced people? They’d help her kids learn a thing or two.

And you know what? Her too.

She wasn’t a soldier, not by a long shot. She could serve as an artillery caster, that was something that had been taught with her brief run in with the dark side. But to all this? She was pretty new. She smiled at the one introducing herself as Mariya. As she spoke, the ship took a turn for the worst and she reached to the Force, holding onto the students and grabbing the webbing herself.

Once the smoke fell and she heard some of the voice, she looked at Cassius and nodded. “I’m good…” She could feel a bit of confusing and concern with her NPC students and reached out to the Force, and honestly, anyone around, to see who she could help calm down. “I can offer some healing as well, kind of one of the things I’m good at.” She gave a small laugh and looked around, checking the students again.

 

[Vertigo]

Objective: #1 Fall in line.
Location: Aboard Vulcan-5 a Troop Transport
Current Status: Moving to link with Concords craft and follow them in.
Post: #4
PCs: [member="Jessica Med-Beq"] | [member="Valkren Calderon"] | [member="Celiana"] | [member="Silver Storyteller"]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ap78rNDSctU​

[member="Jessica Med-Beq"]
“Copy that Command. Any update or further details on the Sitrep?” One of the rangers added, more quietly, “be advised we are a bit heavy here,” he got a look from one of the Houks that sent a chill down his spine, “we’ll get there. Vulcan-5 Out.”

Farmhand, the new nickname for the youngest trooper from Coruscant, had just got up and stretched his legs. “Sitdown Kid.” Vertigo advised, but it was too late because they were away. Thud. “Ow.” The young man banged his head, rubbing the bruise. Shuttles pulling sharp out of the hangar bay, these troop transports were moving fast enough that any dampeners were maxed out, especially this heavy load. “Shake it off kid.” Someone shouted off from the back.

“And we are away!” Dreggs chuckled, holding a hand out to the youngest to pull him back to the seat. “Already a man down.” He laughed again and got farmhand strapped back in.

“Yeah and we already ready checked.” Tinns sighed, because the trooper had unbuckled himself after the check, but also because the major was doing the check again as the shuttle pulled away. Concord had requested one shuttle divert, the other remained on standby. Alpha-Angels and Beta-Right-Hook were on the way to link up. Several smaller Bobcat fighters in escort. Most people here were thrilled to get some action, there was an energy to the two squads, that this was the day they'd get to put their training together into use.

[member="Valkren Calderon"] | [member="Celiana"]

“Copy Concord, that fire team’s bird is inbound to your location. Oh and Vox says you still owe him that drink Commander, Over” “Two,” the Houk Major’s low voice reminded everyone. How much most Houks could drink, was a question for later. Vertigo grumbled about lightweight Majors somewhere from the back, checking the power armor with a clench of his fist. Vox looked over with a good Houk stare, o'rly.... cue the next round of Major-Vox's pep talk.



Personal Gear:

Spoiler

Armor: Aegis Class | XJ9 Hololink | Main Weapons: OS-GG1 Chaingun | LPD-17 Grenade Launcher | Backup Guns: CB1-Icebreaker | Rangers Shotgun | Melee: Force Pike Equipment: Rangers Multi Tool | Rangers Grapple | Detonite Explosives | Backup Ray Shields (Blaster/Thermal) | Bacta Patches + Medkits

NPCs:

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Teams: 4 x 13 Ranger Squads. | Team Member Breakdown: 9 Rangers + 3 Man 91st Houk Fire Teams + 1 Droid | Ship Crew: Wildcards as Engineers and Support Staff
1 Craft on Route, with 2 Squads.

 

[Roona Osmari]

Objective: 3
[member="Cassius Droma"]| [member="Token Waters"] | [member="Asaraa Vaashe"] | [member="Kat Decoria"] | [member="Mariya Fleischer"]

Roona opened her eyes to a scene of smoke, dust, and debris. Her vision blurred for a moment or two, causing a small but distinct rise of panic within the ranger. A hand rose to her forehead, fingertips touched a rather tender spot that made her eye twitch. And when she looked again, her fingertips had come away red. It's nothing, she told herself, just a small cut.

She stood, holding the back of a seat for support, and then followed the rest outside.

She'd passed by to hear that their pilot hadn't made it. And as she looked around, Roona quickly spotted a few bodies that had been pulled out of the ship, motionless. An unfortunate turn for an exercise, she thought. If not for those that didn't make it, she might have wondered if this had all been part of the plan – to throw them off and see how they could cope. Roona heard others asking injured to come forward for treatment.

“It's just a bump,” Roona said, pointing to her own brow. But, she was bleeding and her head did feel foggy. Still, the stony sharpshooter would be the last to admit that she really needed help.

 

[Jessica Med-Beq]

Objective: 1
Allies: Jedi [member="Valkren Calderon"] @Celiana @Vertigo
Enemies: Red Hammer Mining Guild

"We only have until the final verdict is rendered to rescue the hostages onboard the Ambition's cargo hold" she answered Valkren's query, along with a holographic map of the heavy cruiser, while the rogue ship was flying at speed towards the Kashyyyk's Breath. "All ships, weapons hold"

Since that unidentified ship was, in fact, a pirate, it could threaten both the Guild and the Jedi; luckily for the Jedi, shields were raised from the moment the standoff began. Weapons hold here meant that either they had to be under attack to fire, or ordered to fire; it was just standard protocol in standoffs of this nature, and when battle was joined, weapons tight was the way to go when facing that sort of force size. That rogue ship opened fire at the Kashyyyk's Breath, and its crew was rather foolhardy to think such was even possible since that rogue ship was attacking a cruiser-sized carrier at point-blank range, firing proton torpedoes at the engines as they flew past the cruiser. The only advantage the pirates had over the interdictor was mobility. Meanwhile, the Guild thought it could use the pirates as a distraction while they are patiently waiting the response from the court on the mining rights monopoly case, and the Antarian Trade Council. The counter-offer the latter party issued to the Guild to get the standoff to defuse may perhaps be a last-ditch effort to prevent a full-scale battle in Antar 5's orbit.

"Perhaps a counter-offer would be a provisional offer to maybe reduce the scope of the exclusive rights to a few regions within the southern hemisphere of Antar 5 and reduce the excise tax by 5%, but the industry is still subject to quarterly inspections of work conditions, so as to ensure that the money then saved will actually be used for improving work conditions" the Antaran Trade Council representative countered.

 

[Syd Celsius]

Post: 3

Objective: BYOO (Archeological Dig)

Syd nodded stiffly to [member="Willa Isard"], disappointed in herself for not being able to express full emotion. It had been a safety measure of her creators, with emotion came highs and lows. With emotion came ambition. A weapon such as she didn't need too much beyond a desire, a mild pride, to succeed at her job, but never more than that. Giving a walking flamethrower a huge ego was just asking for trouble.

Syd was, of course, proud of her nature...the Jedi had attempted to create such perfect creatures but it had always ended badly. Syd regarded herself as one of the few attempts at such a thing that succeeded and worked exactly as intended. Her loyalty to Jedi was beyond question--had she not gone back to them, despite having every conceivable reason to utterly loath them?

Syd wondered whether the ancient Jedi were turning over in their graves upon seeing what had become of their lofty ideals, adopted, cast aside, in some cases altered beyond recognition save for the core tenant of fething over The Bogan at each and every opportunity.

But never one to self reflect too closely, Syd mere said to Willa "I see...well, in that case, it is most fortunate you have chosen to come. In my experience there are two reasons you put these kinds of wards on tombs. One is to keep people out, or keep something inside. Sometimes its a Lich or spirit to powerful for conventional tactics, so they leave the Alkahest up until they have more power and resources to deal with whatever hilariously terrifying threat kicked their ass the first time..." Syd noted with a clinical distance. She walked back to the tomb entrance, chanting something ancient under her breath that cannot be accurately described with any sense of reliability, her fingers moving in very specific patterns on the ward sigils.

The tomb snapped open open, and booby trapped flame throwers blasted her at point blank range. But because she was made of fire, and because she already wore her skin tight red and gold chrome combat suit underneath, Syd merely huffed in annoyance as her civilian clothes were burned off, even as other workers scrambled away.

With a twitch of her eye, Syd forced the flames back into the nozzles they emitted from, causing the attached tanks to explode violently in their recesses. Syd waved the flames into nothingness a second later.

"Note to self, find flame proof civilian wear..." Syd muttered, floating off the ground casually and retrieving her curved lightsaber, a chrome red and gold hilt modeled after Count Dooku's and clipped it to the golden sash on her belt before floating inside.

"Shall we, Master Isard?" Syd asked. "And if there are any more flame throwers...I hope none of you had beans for lunch."

 

[Willa Isard]

[member="Syd Celsius"]

She was thinking about it an seeing wards was something. She knew the engineers had developed something similar. The lifeblood wards were ancient and mirrored runestones darksiders could use... with synthetic blood and micro solari crystals making it more literally a lightside version of itself. THe vahla though once the flames were coming held a hand out as they wrapped around her hand following her arms and disappearing with a look on her face. "Interesting." She said it but was impressed, without most of her weapons she was going and looking at Lorna. "Head back and get me my equipment please." The one soldier gave a nod and was moving quickly out of the way of flames she couldn't resist much. Willa on the other hand was moving forward and the civilian clothing she had were well a good uniform she could manage with... but it would only resist heat for so long without her skills. She was following after Syd with a nod of her head. "If there is soemthing trapped in here the wards and traps to keep it in would if that is the case be something that should be more effective against it. Makes it easier with the two of us."

 

[Mariya Fleischer]

Objective 3: Survival
Location: Antar 4
Equipment: Ghost-class Armour, cloaking device, DC-17m Interchangeable Weapon System, Kyle Katarn's Lightsaber

So the pilot was dead. [member="Cassius Droma"] announced the bad news to the rest of the group who had thankfully survived. Mariya fared pretty well in her suit of armour, suffering no scratch except for a sore body from some hard knocks. Cassius was the first one to offer healing to the rest. [member="Token Waters"], another blonde among their group offered the same as well as the rest of the survivors climbed out of the wrecked pile of metal. There was nothing to be saved except the supplies, which Mariya readily handed out to the rest of the people as quickly as she could while she made sure she was one of the last few to exit. Her armour was more than capable to protect her from the heat of the burning flames, but probably not safe enough to linger when the fire spread to the engines.

She did not want to die from an explosion, not yet.

"Last one coming out," she replied and made sure no one else was left behind her. A few were badly injured and the corpses were pulled out, while the wounded gathered around the healers. She thought she had spied the leader of the Silver Jedi while onboard, but there was no signs of [member="Asaraa Vaashe"] so far. There was absolutely no way a Jedi Knight would die from such a crash, with the ability to use the Force for protection. The Knight was probably somewhere among the crowd.

"That is a pretty bad cut," Mariya turned her attention to [member="Roona Osmari"] who dressed up like a trooper. The blonde had a soft spot for soldiers, being one herself in the past and channeled the Force to her hands. "I'll fix it..." Her hands felt warm, soothing as she raised her palms at Roona's forehead and performed what she was taught in her healing classes. She had never actually managed to heal a real injury out in the field yet, but the lessons taught her enough to make sure the raven haired woman stopped bleeding.

"Much better," she beamed. "I'm Mariya by the way."