Tags: Open
Objective: Take out the Enemy / Stabilize the Reactor
Location: Island Station Nilfheim
"Perhaps that's exactly what I'm counting on, Valin. A little discipline might do you some good. And look at this mess—they didn't think to put much in the way of defensive shielding on the building housing the last shield generator... Odd. I'd have expected it to be much more heavily defended."
Valin smirks, effortlessly sidestepping a blaster bolt before slamming his shoulder into an approaching soldier, sending them sprawling.
"Discipline's never been my strong suit. I prefer to follow my instincts—they've kept us alive so far, haven't they?"
Tirin gracefully deflects a series of incoming shots, his movements almost dance-like. Around them, the building bears the scars of the orbital bombardment: crumbling walls, exposed wiring, and flames licking at the edges of shattered windows.
"True, but imagine how much more efficient we'd be if you combined those instincts with a bit more... strategy."
Valin laughs, the sound hearty amidst the chaos.
"Leave the thinking to you, and I'll handle the smashing. It's worked out pretty well up to now."
Tirin takes a brief moment to assess their surroundings. The corridor ahead is littered with debris, and the once heavily fortified doorway now leans precariously, barely holding together after the bombardment. He glances at Valin, a plan forming in his mind.
"That entrance looks like it's on its last legs. Think your 'smashing' can finish the job, or should we try a more subtle approach?"
Valin's eyes light up at the challenge, gripping his vibro blade tighter.
"Watch and learn, my friend." He charges forward, channeling the Force to amplify his strength as he delivers a powerful strike to the door. The metal groans under the impact and, with a final screech, collapses inward, revealing a squad of surprised enemy soldiers on the other side, some already retreating, clearly shaken by the destruction.
Without missing a beat, Valin leaps into action, using the element of surprise to his advantage.
"Knock, knock! Delivery for the Empire of the Lost!" His blade swings in wide arcs, disarming and disabling foes with raw power as they scramble to flee.
Tirin follows closely, his movements precise and controlled as he weaves through the fray. With a swift gesture, he uses
Force Push to send a cluster of enemies sprawling backwards, clearing their path further into the facility. The smell of scorched metal and ozone fills the air as they advance.
As the last soldier falls, Valin wipes a bead of sweat from his brow, grinning at Tirin.
"See? Who needs subtlety when brute force works just fine?"
Tirin smirks, his tone light but edged with sarcasm.
"And yet, it was a touch of finesse that ensured our swift victory."
Valin rolls his eyes playfully as they proceed deeper into the facility, the distant sound of collapsing structures echoing through the halls.
"Always have to have the last word, don't you?"
Tirin glances over with a serene smile.
"Only when I'm right."
They arrive at a large chamber housing the shield generator, its hum filling the air. The room is guarded by a contingent of elite soldiers and automated turrets, though many of the turrets spark and sputter from the bombardment damage. The defenders look shaken, their resolve wavering as they witness the state of their once-imposing fortress.
Valin whistles low, eyeing the defenses.
"Looks like they've rolled out the welcome mat for us, but it seems the cleaners missed a few spots."
Tirin's expression remains calm as he surveys the situation.
"We'll need to disable those turrets first. Cover me?"
Valin grins, cracking his knuckles.
"With pleasure. Just don't take too long—I can only look this good under fire for so long."
Tirin shakes his head with a slight laugh before darting to the side, moving swiftly between cover as Valin charges forward, drawing the attention and fire of the defenders. Blaster bolts ricochet around him as he deftly deflects some with his blade and dodges others, creating chaos among the enemy ranks.
Channeling the Force, Tirin focuses on the nearest turret, extending his hand and crushing its internal mechanisms with a precise
Force Crush. The turret sparks and sputters before falling silent.
Meanwhile, Valin engages the elite soldiers head-on, his combat style brutal yet effective. He parries an incoming strike and counters with a powerful kick, sending his opponent crashing into a console.
Tirin continues disabling the turrets one by one, their defensive grid rapidly deteriorating under his calculated assault. With the last turret destroyed, he turns his attention back to Valin, who is finishing off the remaining soldiers.
As the room falls quiet, Valin breathes heavily but smiles triumphantly.
"Not bad for a day's work, huh?"
Tirin approaches the central console of the shield generator, examining it carefully.
"Indeed. Now, let's finish what we came here for." He begins accessing the controls, fingers flying over the interface as he works to shut down the generator.
Valin stands guard, but his curiosity gets the better of him.
"Need any help with that, or is this where your 'finesse' shines through again?"
Tirin smirks without looking up, his focus unwavering despite the rising tension.
"Unless you've suddenly become an expert in Imperial technology, I think I've got this covered."
Just as Tirin finishes his sentence, the sudden blare of alarms echoes throughout the facility, red lights flashing ominously. The structure around them shakes slightly, dust and debris falling from the ceiling. Valin's eyes dart around, muscles tensing.
"Looks like we've overstayed our welcome. Any chance you can speed that up?"
Tirin's expression sharpens as he works more urgently, bypassing several security protocols.
"Working on it. But something's not right… these readings… Valin, the reactor is destabilizing. If it goes, this entire island—and possibly more—will be vaporized."
Valin glances around, his usual bravado faltering for a moment.
"Can we stop it?"
Tirin's brow furrows as he considers the options.
"The reactor's control systems are damaged. I can try to stabilize it through the console, but I might need to use the Force to directly interact with the reactor's core. It's risky, and it's going to take everything I have."
Valin grins, his determination renewed.
"Risky is my middle name. Lead the way, Tirin—let's save this rock from going up in smoke."
Tirin nods, his resolve steeled as he pulls up a map of the facility.
"The reactor control room is just below us. If we move quickly, we can get there before the meltdown reaches critical mass."
They break into a sprint, navigating the crumbling corridors as the facility continues to shake. The sound of approaching footsteps echoes from behind them, but Valin keeps them at bay with quick, decisive strikes, buying them the precious seconds they need.
Bursting into the reactor control room, Tirin immediately takes in the chaotic scene: consoles sparking, warning lights flashing, and the reactor itself emitting an ominous, deep hum.
"I'll need you to keep everything off my back while I work. This is going to take every ounce of concentration I have." Tirin says, already moving to the central control console.
"You got it," Valin responds, positioning himself at the entrance as the first wave of soldiers pours in. He slashes through them with brutal efficiency, holding the line as Tirin works frantically at the console.
Tirin's brow furrows as he accesses the reactor's systems. The readings are grim—time is running out, and the damage is severe. Realizing that conventional means might not be enough, he closes his eyes and reaches out with the Force, focusing on the chaotic energy within the reactor core.
"Come on… let me guide you…" he murmurs, his voice tense with concentration.