Requisition of the Past | CA dominion of Ilum [Hex S-16]

[Desmond C'artyom]

Desmond floated listlessly with his flight lieutenant on his side. The other flight consisted of the other two squadron's clawcraft. Desmond smiled beneath his rebreather as he watched lasers dance across the night sky. It was almost poetic. A hundred new stars born in a moment only to dissipate with the taking of a hundred lives.

He dodged between las rounds weaving his ship in a intricate dance that spoke of the claw crafts true capabilities in such a experienced pilot's hands. He dove between debris avoiding another hit and loosing his pursuer. It was only when he was at about the heart of the enemy formation that he realized that his squadron was having troubles keeping up.

Desmond sighed, he was not flying with Inferno anymore... He needed to pace himself. Something he found hard to do in his drunken state. He wanted to chase down the enemy and destroy them wherever they hid. This to was a unhealthy coping mechanism. One that Desmond would medicate with very heavily.

He sighed as he knew he was only as good as his squadron, and so would have to slow down in order to let them watch his back. Over time he had gotten to know these men. They were good Chiss. But, they weren't the best. Something he would have to rectify.

As they finally caught up Desmond began giving orders.

"Gale three and four, hang back and cover the six," He paused for a moment, they were nearing the heart of the battle "Gale two you're with me," Gale three and four gave a wing tip of acknowledgement and peeled back so that they might hang some distance behind the two lead fighters.

Desmond was thankful for this opportunity. It was really just practice, albeit with live rounds. But, a band of untrained pirates would be hard pressed to stand up against the might of the Csilla Navy. In truth a milk run, if ever there was one...

 

[Vilaz Munin]

Location: Ilum
Objective: BYOO

Ilum. It was a symbol to the Jedi, but it was also a symbol to the Mandalorians. He remembered when a small company of Mandalorians invaded the Jedi Temple here on Ilum. He wasn't a part of those maruaders as he went out hunting, but he had wished he was a part of that team. They came in and conquered the temple and its inhabitants, rightfully taking their spoils from the mission. Many Jedi fell dead, even the younglings fell to their wrath. What followed shortly was a huge controversy for the Mandalorians between them. Some cried foul when this happened, showing their love and fondness for the Jedi, and demanded that swift punishment be acted on the raiders. Others, like Vilaz, did not care and praised for the raid.

It was a symbol for the Munin that showed how weak his people were. How soft they became. It disgusted him to call those his brethren when they shed a tear for aruetiise, especially for the Jedi. Rather than being conquerors and the scourge of the Galaxy, they sounded to be more like guardians of the weak.

What a shame. Where did they go wrong Vilaz always wondered.

But he would make sure to carry the true traditions and customs of his people, and he would make sure that his children and clan would honor those for generations. So here he was back on Ilum, acting as a mercenary for the Chiss Ascendancy. Their rebirth to the Galaxy caught the attention of Vilaz, seeking to make some sort mutual agreement between his clan and the Chiss. While a conqueror at heart, the Warlord knew who to make alliances and mutual relationships with.

His services were accepted by the Chiss and, per his suggestion, was out hunting Jedi and other elements on Ilum that would be a pest for the Chiss Ascendancy.

He was not alone for this task. Vilaz brought a platoon of his finest warriors, trekking the Eastern Ice Shelf of Ilum which was home for the Jedi Temple and other interesting sites.

"Be alert for animals too. Gorgodons are not to joke around. The scum of the jetti will no doubt use their ways in having beasts against us," the Warlord advised to his warriors via private comms.

The survivors of the Jedi no doubt had followers too. Personnel that were not wielders of the Force. Antarian Rangers and whatnot could be out there. They would all die the same as their Jedi counterparts, nevertheless.

 

[Dezoti]

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Ilum System, Unknown Regions​

In Orbit of Mayferria​

Objective BYOB- Investigation​

[member="Sentiri"]​

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"Stealing tech from a bunch of folks who use said tech to help their budding civilization? Do they consider it a godly presence? Or do they know it's tech?" Once on the ship Dezoti replaced her helmet. There was no longer a reason to have it off now that Sentiri and her had met properly. She pulled out her heavy blaster, briefly looking it over to make sure all the components were in the right order before re-holstering the weapon.

"And do we expect any hostility? From the locals or otherwise?"

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[Sentiri]

Objective: Investigate the moon-structure Amily
Location­: Feria system, Mayferria, en route to the third moon
Ally: [member="Dezoti"]

"According to the Chiss colony on the planet, the Mayferrians were once quite advanced. Less so now due to some complications, but they are aware of the outside galaxy and its superior technological prowess. More just... unconcerned. They don't consider this artificial being to be a god, but they do consider it to be a revered source of knowledge." Sentiri cast a sideways glance at the Commando, the woman's helmet had been replaced and the mask left Sentiri gazing at an emotionless visor. "We would never steal anything from these people," she admonished lightly. "After all, they have granted a Chiss civilization to thrive planetside for generations. They are allies."

Sentiri's attention returned to the console in front of her as they neared the moon-enveloping construct. "But that doesn't prevent us from learning all we can, even if that means removing sections of the construct for further study. Hostility from the native population is highly unlikely thanks to that. As for Amily, I haven't the slightest idea." That thought did not sit well with Sentiri. But then, that was why the mission parameters had included an armed escort. Better to always err on the side of caution in the line of Intelligence work.

This particular dyson sphere was not a pretty thing. Even from a distance of several thousand kilometers, a visual inspection would detail an incredibly bumpy, at times jagged sculpture of metal. The coloration was as inconsistent as the shape and a scan revealed that the metal composition was just as if not even more diverse. While not aesthetically pleasing, the size of the structure was daunting enough to impress. A closer inspection and more detailed scans revealed that the structure was constructed of welded together ship parts. Most of those parts were massive unto themselves, and the shuttle had difficulty separating classifications in many instances as ship components and whole ships themselves jutted out at odd angles and with varying amounts of themselves visible on the surface. The moon almost appeared as though it were once a great sea and waves of crashing metal had flash frozen them into some kind of great graveyard.

As the shuttle approached on a flyby, just outside of the moon's surprisingly normal gravity well, motion sensors detected a number of objects floating about on the surface. Droids flitted here and there in the vacuum of space around the moon, performing whatever task they were assigned to do. If the artificial intelligence were dead or dying, then the power source for those droids was autonomous, which was a good sign for the recovery of anything potentially.

"Keep a lookout for anywhere for us to either enter the sphere with the whole ship or at the very least dock. We'll only learn so much out here."

 

[Matt the Radar Tech]

UNKNOWN SPACE​

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Crystal Cave Entrance; Ilum​

Objective 3: The Crystal Caves > Objective 2: The Jedi Temple​

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The planet Ilum was kind of amazing. There was an underlying sensation of the Force about it, something Chaf'ivl'oarrou hadn't really felt before. Usually most planets he had been on - which was three, admittedly - were just like normal planets, silent and... planet-like? But this one seemed to hum with the Force, like a small vibration felt through the power. It was neat, to say the least, and he wondered if it was due to the crystals. Either way, Chaf'ivl'oarrou had a job to do, and so he stood at the entrance to the crystal cave system, staring at a large portion of seemingly natural formation, with marines and other forces nearby.

"This is it," The young Viziter said, eyes narrowed as he concentrated. "One of the entrances is here, Captain Chaf'arcar'usorn. I'll open it."

The Viziter looked to the nearby marine leader, smiling. Few knew he was Chaf'ivl'oarrou's uncle. So now was especially important to do well, what with being one of House Chaf's resident Force users, of which there were not many at all. So the youth reached out, using the Force like he had been taught, treating the power as something of a pragmatic lockpick to the proverbial cave lock. It took a few moments, but with some effort, the Viziter felt the cave entrance give way and suddenly open...

"There!" Chaf'ivl'oarrou said with a grin. He looked to the marines, nodding. "Good luck, marines. I won't be joining you, since I've been ordered to investigate the temple after I opened the way."

Chaf'ivl'oarrou gave his uncle a smile, before he turned and began walking toward the ancient structure with a quick pace...

 

[Dezoti]

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Ilum System, Unknown Regions​

In Orbit of Mayferria​

Objective BYOB- Investigation​

[member="Sentiri"]​

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"Understood." With all the facts given, Dezoti resumed the roll of imposing protector. She fell silent, her rifle in hand as she prepared herself for what was coming. Babysitting, where she couldn't take hostile action against the locals. Aboard the shuttle she was no different, keeping silent ever still as she glanced out the window, taking in the sight of the droids. Builders. Autonomous? Under her helm she gritted her teeth.

If the builders were separate of the AI, would there be guards? And more importantly, would they be defective?

"Up, to the left. There's a droid intake that seems large enough. Probably has a dock inside." She finally broke her silence as she saw the hole in which the droids came and went, presumably to recharge and repair. "Provided it isn't guarded."

 

[Samara Raine]

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Ilum​

Objective 3: Crystal Caves​

MEMC 9th Battalion ​

[member="Farcarus"] | [member="Alezan"] | [member="Kee"] | [member="Fivlo"]​

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Sergeant Flaz'suz'safis motioned with her gloved hand to where she wanted the three fire teams of Theta squad to take position up just outside the closed entrance to the cave Viziter Prospect Chaf'ivl'oarrou had found. She didn't feel comfortable around Force users in general, but Chaf'arcar'usorn seemed to trust the young Chiss so it was good enough for her unless he gave the marine sergeant concern otherwise. Trust, but verify... she had been taught at the military academy.

"Niner Actual, this is Theta One... Ready and standing by for infil," Suz keyed over her helmet comm to the CO of the 9th Battalion.

The sharpshooter raised her charric rifle to the ready and prepared herself. Who knew what would great them on the other side when the Viziter opened the entrance with his magic that Flaz'suz'safis could not fathom how it actually worked and why some had it and some didn't.

But this was a mystery solved for another time... Suddenly the cave entrance gave way revealing the eerie darkness from within.

"Theta Squad, move in. Heads on a swivel. Three take point."

Since this wasn't a breaching action no flash bangs were tossed in first. Instead, Theta squad moved in with trained precision yet caution to secure the first several meters of the tunnel for the rest of the Marines to follow, laying down glow rods behind them as they proceeded with their night vision. Gods how Flaz'suz'safis hated the dark.

 

[Samara Raine]

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Ilum ​

Objective 1: Pirate Base​

CEDF 2nd Fleet, 1st Battlegroup​

[member="Thorne"] | [member="Vhirr’bel'laminis"] | [member="Flitha'urian'alan"] | [member="Lannis Morcus"] | [member="Kvelduf Ioscyn"] | [member="Desmond C'artyom"] | [member="Karisa"]​

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Hess'iva'nuruodo's knee moved up and down in a nervous tick while awaiting clearance to launch. It was the only time that the elite pilot got antsy about what was ahead while just sitting in the closed in confines of the spherical-shaped cockpit. Once space borne the nerves gave way to all encompassing focus on the task at hand.

"Flight control here, copy that, Saber Lead. You are given permission to launch," The Chiss officer said, voice crisp. "Your orders are to advance on enemy fighter squadrons, engage and destroy. You are then ordered to begin diversionary tactics on pirate support vessels, while Talon One and Two engage the larger pirate fleet. When you are ready to engage the larger vessels, you have been given command of three bomber squad held in reserve, designation Lancer One, Lancer Two and Lancer Three. Good hunting, Saber."

"Roger, Flight Control. Sabers commencing launch sequence now," Iva answered, then she pushed the initiation button on her flight console with a gloved finger.

The Wing Commander was pressed hard into the pilot couch when the tractor beams took hold of the Nuruodo's bird and catapulted the Clawcraft forward, to be joined half a second later by the additional kick of the Chiss fighter's afterburner. The bay wall rushed past the frontal viewport of the spherical-shaped cockpit with rapidly increasing speed. There was the familiar crackle of the containment field followed by the noise of displaced air ceased as the blackness of space embraced her craft.

The Chiss Clawcraft of the 201st shot out from the main hangar of the Sovereign, then flew quickly away from the MOHN-class Battlecruiser and formed up on their leader in a fighter screen to hit their pirate adversaries head on, which were few and far between as Admiral Flitha'urian'alan's fighters had gotten the first jump on the enemy forces. That just meant as soon as they cleaned up here, Saber Squadron could move on to hit the support vessels.

 

[Lok Xiangu]

Location: Ilum
Allies: [member="Zsuzsa"] | [member="Kee"] | [member="Farcarus"] | [member="Fivlo"]
Objective: 3

They had received their orders to move out to Niner-One which is where the Commanding Officer would be. Orders they acknowledged and moved their ship in at that location. Everyone from his team were prepared and ready with their gear. Would be their first debut with the military forces of the Chiss and he wanted them to be seen as seasoned professionals which they all were. Worked with Hutts, governments, and anyone that required paid muscle with their own unique style.

That was just code that they possessed illegal grade weapons that militaries like the New Republic would not have in their hands.

Boots were on the ground after moments passed, their feet crunching at the snow covering Ilum's earth. All walking as a group, avoiding any interaction with the marines. Of course the Chiss spoke in their own tongue after seeing these outsiders, no doubt throwing insults and slanders. Slanders Alezan understood.

"Alright, Captain. Where ya need me," the Chiss asked to the captain as he stood facing the man.

 

[Sila]

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Objective 2
Extract Information


The small group eventually reached the ruins of the archives. Dust covered the room in a blanket of dark gray. The scientests begna to spread out amongst theirselves while the security stood watch at the door. Marina supervised her subordinates for a moment before moving deeper into the archives and begin the extraction process.

"Ms. Kuhn. We are 92% towards readiness for the extraction. Just need your authorization." one scientist stated. Marina walked over to the console prepared for her. She placed her right palm against the glass pane. The device scanned her handprint. In a few moments it verified her biometrics then the extraction process began.

"In just 30 minutes, we will know everything the Jedi archived. Some of the data might be corrupt, but we do find we shall work with hte Viziters to decihper."

 

[Kee]

Objective: Ilum
Allies: [member="Alezan"] [member="Zsuzsa"]

She saw the cannon fodder, ask the captain where does he need them. The answer should be simple, at the front so they got shot, not true chiss. She waited for the captain to give his orders, she wanted to see his face when they where told to take point. After all this was the most dangerous job in any mission, the second most was bringing up the rear. As that was the two places the ambushes started, but traps where always on the front. The rear guards job, was looking for other people who have taken up point. She stood silently waiting nonetheless, as she did want to give of a sign of smug superiority when they told them their job, as they where better than these half casts. They where true berthern of chiss ascendancy, thus they where expendable, though no need to gloat about it.

 

[Sentiri]

Objective: BYOO - Investigate the Dyson Sphere around Amily​

Location: Feria system, Mayferria, in orbit the planet's third moon of Amily​

Ally: [member="Dezoti"]​

The moon of Amily had not been all that big, relatively speaking. According to records of the astronomical body prior to being overcast by the presently surrounding machination, Amily was approximately 1500 km in diameter. That was just large enough to have formed a roughly spherical shape. The shape of the construct, from a distance, reiterated that spherical shape on a larger scale. Using the moon as an architectural foundation not only provided a literal foundation to build from but also enabled the dyson sphere to gain a structural integrity, binding everything together under the gravitational strain, however sleight, that the moon put upon the sphere.

That was typical for dyson spheres around stars as well, which was the same idea in theory, though just on a much grander scale. Dyson spheres surrounding stars were less unusual due to their function. Harnessing energy from one of the most powerful forces in the known universe, that being a star, was a straightforward concept. A main series star would go on burning at a constant rate for millennia, far longer than any civilization could hope to last.

A dyson sphere surrounding a moon, however? That brought up a series of unknowns. Was there something of value on the moon worth protecting, some mineral, or resource? Surely whatever material present was of a finite nature. So why go to so much trouble to enclose Amily in a megastructure? Even a manufacturing plant of any variety would inevitably mine the moon dry and require materiel to be shipped to the place en masse. Perhaps the structure served some other purpose entirely? A listening post? A tomb? Surely whatever power generated by the dyson sphere had was as finite as the moon itself was. How long could any function hope to last?

"Good eye," Sentiri responded to the Commando at her side. The Intelligence operative, lost in her thoughts was more focused on the readouts and her own speculation than observing what was in front of her face. Needless to say, she was quite sure they weren't going to find any answers outside.

The intake was sparsely occupied by some of the droid population flitting about. Their tasks seemed to be of the caretaker variety, rather than defensive. None had moved to to impede or even scan the shuttle as the two Chiss women flew in the space around the sphere. Sentiri pushed the throttle ever-so-slightly towards the droid intake. Letting the autopilot functions kick in, the computer navigated the narrow passage better than Sentiri had the training to accomplish. Just inside the portal was an obvious hatch that seemed to open and close for the droids. As the shuttle neared, the door opened wide and allowed the ship entry. Sentiri was thankful that the mechanism seemed to function on proximity rather than identification.

Inside, there was mostly darkness. Sentiri triggered the deep space rated explorational lights on the shuttle. A long metal corridor lit up around them, just as jagged and awkwardly melded together as the outside of the sphere. "Scans indicate the corridor opens up half of a kilometer ahead." Sentiri cued the autopilot to continue on, following the route the shuttle's own scan highlighted. The shuttle took up most of the corridor, but the droids that came and went still seemed to pay no mind. They squeezed their way around the shuttle as if the obstacle was just another normal part of their usual procedure.

And then, at last, more darkness. So much so that, though the shuttle's lights shone at their maximum intensity, the abyss that stared back at them was so great that the dark seemed to neutralize the light completely. Nothingness stared back, unfazed.

Sentiri continued checking the readouts from the continuously running scans that the ships systems were taking. "Radar clearly detects a rocky surface tens of kilometers beneath us. Sensors also indicate several metallic support beams descending from the sphere to that surface. We still haven't been scanned or pinged." Sentiri kept her speculation to herself. But if there was no sign that their intrusion was seen as a threat, or even with any sense of curiosity on the part of the AI said to be housed within the megastructure, then her best guess was that the AI was either dead, dying, or incapable of making any attempt to communicate. "The computer can make out what appears to have once been the docking bay of an old Dreadnaught-class heavy cruiser. The force field appears to still be active and there appears to be atmosphere inside. Let's see if we can set down."

Sentiri nudged the controls into manual once more, inputting their desired course before allowing the autopilot to take the ship the rest of the way to landing. While the ship made way to the docking bay, Sentiri readied the equipment the CEID had supplied to her for the mission: belt and backpack with utility scanners and engineering equipment, a floating probe droid with its own complement of scanning, slicing, and engineering utilities, a pair of blaster pistols, and plenty of gravfield, void, and rebreather gear in case the atmosphere is not as stable in other parts of the structure as the docking bay. She momentarily envied Prusde'zoti'lore for her all-purpose armor.

The shuttle touched down in the bay with a bump and a shudder. Walking back to the hatch, Sentiri checked the atmospheric readouts once more to be sure, then flipped the switch. The air that came through from the ship beyond was stale, rather metallic, but not offensive. "Care to lead the way?"

 

[Dezoti]

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Ilum System, Unknown Regions​

In Orbit of Mayferria​

Objective BYOB- Investigation​

[member="Sentiri"]​

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"Course." Dezoti had fallen into silence again as they descended deeper into the darkness. She hated every moment. Not being able to see what was in front of her always made her skin crawl, but as a Commando there was no way she'd let her fear get the better of her. The Captain hoisted up her rifle in a ready position as she exited the ship, her mask's filter already doing the work of removing the stale metallic taste.

"I'm not a fan of dark places. Too many places for something to attack from. If I get any sense of hostility from these droids we're turning right around and heading back. Understood?"

 

[Matt the Radar Tech]

UNKNOWN REGIONS​

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Ilum; Space.​

Objective 1: The Pirate Base​

[member=Flitha'urian'alan] | [member=Karisa] | [member=Sivan] | [member=Vhirr’bel'laminis] | [member="Kvelduf Ioscyn"] | [member="Lannis Morcus"]​

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The Csahn'arcsi continued to fire, spraying the larger pirate vessels with impressive amounts of blue maser beams. The large triangular battlecruiser traded blows with the inferior enemy ships, the shields only starting to feel the strain of sustained fire on them, the armor largely in tact across the hull. There was something to be said about Chiss engineers, as they did the task very well, crafting beautiful vessels of war. Still, Mitth'orn'eruod didn't want to waste time reflecting on Chiss mechanical aptitude, instead refocusing on the battle before him. As per command, the Clawcraft-X bombers were remaining in the sensor shadow of the considerably larger Csahn'arcsi... and when the Vice Admiral noted the shields failing on one of the larger pirate vessels, a well-armed frigate, he ordered the bombers to engage.

From behind the battlecruiser, the nimble starfighters raced forward, weaving through the laser and maser-filled zone. The advanced maneuverability systems on the Chiss fighters allowed pinpoint responses to evasion and avoiding concentrations of defensive fire. And within moments they were upon the failing pirate vessel, unloading with explosive payloads, blowing hull and munitions and armor to pieces. Mitth'orn'eruod watched with approval as the frigate began to lull lazily through space, it's ion drives flickering and sputtering out.

"Call the bombers back, resume position behind our sensor shadow," The Vice Admiral said, before motioning to the decimated pirate frigate on the readouts for his bridge crew. "Continue fire on the frigate. I want nothing remaining of it, then we move to continue assisting the Admiral's fleet. Maintain formation alongside her vessels."

So far the battle in space was in the Chiss' favor, simply by having larger numbers and more advanced technology than a band of pirates squatting in a stripped down base above Ilum...

"Communications, have all First Battlegroup forces report status updates."

CEDF - 2nd Fleet, 1st Battlegroup

Spoiler

Commanding Officer:

• Vice Admiral Mitth'orn'eruod

Command Vessel [Talon 1]:

• CSB Csahn'arcsi (Sovereign) [Mohn-Class Battlecruiser - 5000m] [92% | 88%]

Front-of-Line Vessels [Talon 2]:

• CSD Vumesin'ci (Wayfarer) [Mohe'in-Class Star Destroyer - 900m] [97% | 70%]
• CSD Nehso'cssa (Blackhole) [Ticsuti-Class Escort Cruiser - 500m] [99% | 87%]
• CSD Rcati (Star II) [Ticsuti-Class Escort Cruiser - 500m] [100% | 98%]

Support Vessels [Talon 3]:

• CSC Tsicert (Ferryman) [Tsicah-Class Star Carrier - 1137m] [100% | 100%]
• CNS Vun'ruti (Solace) [Medical-Class Frigate - 300m] [100% | 100%]
• CRC Csact'isi (Bulwark) [Fighter Screen-Class Corvette - 150m] [100% | 100%]
• CRC Lescah (Shield) [Fighter Screen-Class Corvette - 150m] [100% | 100%]

Fighters & Transport Vessels [Talon 4]:

• 15x Squadrons of Nssis-Class Clawcraft [120]
• 7x Squadrons of Clawcraft-X [84]
• 1x Squadron of Tether Ships [12]

 

[Sentiri]

Objective: BYOO - investigate dyson sphere around Mayferria's third moon​

Location: moon of Amily, planet of Mayferria, system of Mayferria​

Ally: [member="Dezoti"]​

Despite new models of starfaring vessels being released on a near constant basis, the basic construct of starships had not changed significantly over the past several millennia. They all relied on computer cores running the many necessary functions with sentient interaction performing a variety of necessary command functions. Depending on the intended internal capacity of the ship for housing sentient crew, the ratio of sentient command functions to computational functions varied across different designs. Adding a compliment of droid crew could easily offset the necessity of sentient crew if manpower was less available. Regardless, all ships, no matter how big or small, had the same basic components.

Thanks to that, finding a terminal capable of controlling a series of functions was no trouble. Whether or not Sentiri would be able to turn on the lights, however, was not a guarantee. Amily's dyson sphere was anything but predictable after all.

All of the lights were off in the docking bay. Not even the emergency lights shone. The Commando's headlamps and the probe droid's flashes were the only sources of light. Their sources were enough to paint a clear picture of the bay in every direction that they focused. Still, Sentiri understood Prusde'zoti'lore's concern. They could only see what was in front of their lights. If anything threatening were to approach silently from any other direction, they would be caught unaware. Sentiri had no desire for that to happen, now did she want to be accompanied by a jumpy rifleman. Lights became the first priority.

After a moment of scanning, the Agent set off towards what appeared to be the main exit out of the hangar and into the rest of the ship. Typically, the majority of controls could be found there. Indeed, a terminal embedded into the bulkhead lit up as they approached. So the ship still has power, she thought. Let's see what else it can do.

A simple touch of the panel caused the exit door to open automatically. A creak of metal startled Sentiri and she was thankful she understood what had happened in time to hold back from jumping. The options on the terminal were simplistic and with a few more inputs the main lights came on, not just in the hangar, but throughout the vessel.

"There. That's better," Sentiri stated. She looked away from the terminal momentarily and stared down a long, empty, pasty white hallway. Empty, without even a speck of debris, Sentiri immediately wondered if being able to see was actually better. In fact, the level of quiet in the ship with the lights on was eerie. Her senses became intimately aware of all the noise that they were making and in response, she did everything in her power not to pay attention to suddenly being able to hear her pulse.

"Well..., let's get to the bridge." Sentiri's lips turned into a sarcastic sneer. "If this thing has a bridge," she added, muttering.

 

[Dezoti]

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Ilum System, Unknown Regions​

In Orbit of Mayferria​

Objective BYOB- Investigation​

[member="Sentiri"]​

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"That's much better, yeah." Dezoti already let out a breath of relief as the lights came on. Being able to see made finding the danger that much easier. So far though, nothing. An empty vessel save for the droids who worked on it. They continued about their daily tasks one after another in their simple attempt to follow the orders they were given so long ago. Not that she lowered her fun of course.

"You think what we're looking for will be at the bridge? Blackbox sorta thing yeah?"

 

[Matt the Radar Tech]

ILUM
Objective 3: Secure the Crystal Caves
Location: Ilum Crystal Caves

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[member="Alezan"]

Chaf'arcar'usorn nodded to the mercenary, noting the band of individuals who were working with him. A motley crew, if ever there was one. Still, so long as they did their job, that's all the Captain wanted. Ahead, the Niners had moved into positions near one of the supposed cave entrances, so the mercenaries had arrived just in time.

"Join in with our ranks, Alezan, we're moving into the caves to secure them," Chaf'arcar'usorn said casually, despite the tense situation of entering an unknown and hostile area. "Orders are to attempt removal, if possible, but if not we eliminate and make the cave system ours. Any questions?"

Turning a red eye toward a small Chiss ahead, Chaf'arcar'usorn recognized the form of his nephew. Chaf'ivl'oarrou was a Force user, for better or worse, and the marine Captain wasn't quite sure how he felt about it yet. Sure, there was less of a stigma about having the Force in modern Chiss society, but some elements of that remained within older generations. There was no denying having the abilities to call on in the field were helpful, but the uncertainty behind how it worked, how it affected someone, and what it could lead to left a lot to be desired.

What if the Viziters decided to take over? Become another group like the Sith?

Either way, that didn't matter right now, so Chaf'arcar'usorn focused and watched as the entrance to the cave began to creak open. There was a burst of cool air, followed by misting across the ground, before the young Chiss Viziter announced the task complete and moved back toward the temple beyond. Chaf'arcar'usorn nodded to the boy.

"Good work," He said, before lifting a hand and motioning for the Niners and mercs to move. "Alright, let's get this done. Mind your corners, staggered formations. Go!"

 

[Matt the Radar Tech]

UNKNOWN SPACE​

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The Jedi Temple; Ilum​

Objective 2: The Jedi Temple​

​

The trip back to the temple was short, with Chaf'ivl'oarrou jogging the distance in his excitement to finally explore a Jedi location. The training to become a Viziter had been grueling, invasive, clinical and generally hard. Just when the young Chiss felt he couldn't survive another day, he made a break through that improve his abilities with the Force and urged him to keep pushing through. So, the opportunity to finally have the freedom to study, explore and take in the remains of an ancient Jedi temple was stupidly exciting.

Running up the stone steps, Chaf'ivl'oarrou looked around the main entrance room with wide red eyes. He took in every detail. The sculptures on the walls, the cracked and decaying statues in the middle of the room, the pillars with ancient text carved on them around the outer edges. It was a lot to absorb. In fact, Chaf'ivl'oarrou wasn't sure where the other Viziters were, but he supposed they had also been required to open the crystal cave entrances for the ground forces like he had. Hopefully they were on the way, so the group of Chiss Force users could share the enjoyment of walking through such an area, seeing what many had never seen before.

I hope we can find some secrets, too. Chaf'ivl'oarrou thought to himself, as he walked into the large room, running his hand along the wall, feeling the carvings and smiling. Maybe some sacred texts, or an old Jedi's lightsaber, or even some old robes?

Chaf'ivl'oarrou paused to study some words he found somewhat familiar, from his training and sources the Viziters had used back then, inclining his head.

"Huh, interesting..."

 

[Rorschach]

Rorschach was among the grand halls of the Jedi Temple, if one were to call such icy views grand. He knew this place was a holy site for the Jedi, in what research he has done of an already new and unknown galaxy to the now Independent Chiss. It was said that the Jedi came to build Lightsabers as Padawans, whether it was still practiced he could not say. The old Chiss had come here himself to explore the very halls. To see if he could learn more of the Jedi Knights.

With the Chiss finally free of any foreign influence for the first time in perhaps decades of switching between different groups who wanted nothing more than to use Chiss resources. Now finally free to expand beyond that of it's borders, Ilum was something of an old world to Rorschach. He had come to the snowy plains when the Iron Empire ruled. Learning their ways of mixing them what he could learn from that of the Sith Occupiers that came before them, and now here he was. Standing in the same place he stood decades before. Finding it in a sense some odd irony that here he was and now wondered what to do with the Temple.

Some part of him wanted to leave the Temple open to the Jedi, another part of him felt like the true national. He wanted to claim the temple for the ascendancy and desired to use it for the training of the military's Force Users. Yet he remained indecisive, continuing to explore old and ancient halls. Whispers of the past had hung thick in the air as with every room he saw remnants be it tattered and destroyed cloth to the Kyber Crystals within the very walls. There was much to be decided.

[member="Fivlo"]

 

[Samara Raine]

Ilum
Objective 3: Crystal Caves - clearing tunnels/mapping
MEMC 9th Battalion
[member="Farcarus"] | [member="Alezan"] | [member="Kee"]


​As the 9th Battalion entered the crystal caves, their primary task was to clear the tunnels in a systematic fashion so that the topographers could follow and map out the ice caverns present day as the CEDF and CEMC only had old charts to work off of.

There were two types of known fauna that dwelled within the icy depths of the harsh, cold interior of Ilum that the Niners had to be mindful of; Bismals and Razhaks.

The former were rat-like quadrapeds that on the face didn't cause too much trouble as they mainly feed on insects and cave fungi, but their painfully loud shrill shriek was another thing. It was capable of causing a cave-in and could even shatter the precious adegan crystals within the ice walls if enough of them grouped together and shrieked at the same time.

The latter were worm-like creatures on average 8 meters long that burrowed deep within the walls. They were carnivorous in nature with rows of serrated teeth. They moved swiftly and struck like a serpent. Their armored, flat bodies were superheated allowing them to burrow and melt the ice in an instant or sear an opponent. Definitely both foes needed to be taken out quickly and decisively especially in the close quarters the marines found themselves in.

"Niner Actual... This is Theta One," Suz keyed over the comm to Captain Chaf'arcar'usorn as Sergeant Flaz'suz'safis was leading Theta squad currently.

"Tunnels One and Two are cleared. Topographers may proceed. Moving to Tunnel Three, over."