Junction Rumble within Dee’ja Peak | Plasma Wars [NEO/RNR Junction of Farstine and Nimban]

[Cali Ziiva]

Foundation Ally | Dee'ja Peak, Naboo
Equipment: Full Mechanic Pack, Blue Lightsaber, Stun Gun, Smoke Grenade, Sonic Mine, Scanner, Medkit, Commlink​

Bright eyes stared into the depths of the pack propped up on the floor. Slender pink hands carefully moved and arranged the tools and gear she'd managed to stuff into the container. Looked like she had everything necessary for a big-time mech job. Which was good, because Cali didn't have the slightest idea just what was really going on out there.

No one ever invited her to the war councils. Not that she would be terribly helpful plotting battlefield maneuvers or whatever. If anything she'd much rather everyone learn how to solve their problems without killing one another. Zeltros, the galaxy was such a mess. But now that things had happened, and with the Mandalorians somehow this far inside the defensive line, there wasn't much point lamenting all the tanks and bombs and weapons brandished about.

The Mandalorians were an effective fighting force, but they hadn't had all the time in the world to clear the city. More, Cali knew how to fit inside tight places and crawl through confined spaces to get at hard-to-service components. So, it hadn't been that hard to escape notice. Little harder to reassemble a proper toolkit though. But, now that she had...

A handheld mirror allowed Cali to peek out from behind cover at the scene outside. Better than a pink head poking out of Naboo architecture. "Whoa." Looked like the Mandalorians were getting ready for a fight. Well, more than usual. Probably had to do with the counter-insurgency forces moving in on the Capitol Building. Well, there wasn't anything ultra important for her to risk broadcasting and getting caught, yet, so Cali would keep the numbers and disposition of the Mandalorians to herself for now. Those military types would probably have a better idea at a glance than her. Well, except for all the vehicles in play; Cali could probably tell their own pilots a thing or two they weren't aware of -- like how they needed to maintenance their thermal regulators more often.

Pack buttoned up, she slung it across her back and stayed low as she shuffled over toward a grate nearby. It was dirty work, but some cutey had to do it. Maybe she'd hook up with one of the assault teams or something. Would that calm her down, or amp her up? War zones weren't really a Zeltron's thing, but this was one Pink woman that had seen it before and wasn't about to let the fear of death stop her! Blaster bolt might, though, so she was going to try to avoid any spicy encounters for the time being. Sure, she had a saber, but she was an Engineer, not a Mandalorian.

Time to get to work so the people of Naboo could be at peace again.

FYI (Allied) Kellen Mynn | Jas Katis | FN-999 (restored) | Cerys Dyn | Niki Priddy
FYI (Hostile) Carduul Akahl | Vreegan Fett​

 

[Brent Warnel]

Brent funneled from the tunnel entrance with his Vod around him. The fog was thick in the air, covering his visor with a dense mist he had to wipe off continuously. It was as if the very air was against him. It is unnatural, Brent thought. As his men filed down the mountain past the entrance, they set themselves up in pre-designated defensive zones. Small trenches, nooks between rocks, elevated platforms in trees, behind defensive turrets; his Vod were prepared for whatever was coming their way.

"Snipers, sitrep," Brent comm'd.

"We're set, Alor. We wait."

"Copy. Stay in position, hold the entrance in case the enemy attempts to encircle us. Full spectrum sweep and watch your sectors; something is out there."

Now, they waited. It seemed like an eternity, but only a few minutes had passed. Brent continued to rotate his HUD through different visible spectrum's, attempting to make out anything through the fog, but his helmet could not pierce through it. There was nothing there but mist.

Brent comm'd back to the listening post, "Anything further from the Recon teams?"

"Negative. They've missed two check-ins, Alor."

"Then they're dead or otherwise incapacitated. Comm the main element in the city, inform them the enemy has been made aware of our presence in these mountains and our outposts are at risk."

"As you command."

As soon as the communication broke, the mountain erupted. Explosions from thermal detonators and other mined pathways further down the mountain reached up to meet Brent and his men. The rippling effect from the detonations and the shockwave from the explosions should have nearly knocked them off their feet, but this fog muffled the sounds as if they were from afar.

He saw warriors around him begin climbing from their positions, keen to close upon the enemy in disarray from the explosions.

"Hold!" Brent snapped over the comms, "Wait for the Breakers, then advance. Seal your suits."

A subtle whump and then a hissing sound emanated from the fog, reaching out to them as if a serpent was whispering in their ears. The Breakers had detonated, and whoever was advancing would soon be in for a surprise. Directly after the Breakers went off, the fog began to lessen. So it was unnatural, Brent thought. Force users were near. As the fog began to clear, it allowed his warriors to see down the mountain range and spot the flittering shadows that were making their way up.

Brent rose from his defensive foxhole, standing tall amidst his warriors and holding his rifle above his head as he finally saw his foe. "Advance! For Mand'alor! For the Crusade!"

A roar went up, the sound cascading down the mountainside to reach the invaders as a platoon of hardened Mandalorians pummeled down the mountain and into combat with this unknown enemy. Grenade launchers, thermal detonators, blaster fire and kinetic weaponry lanced down the mountain to detonate near the enemy. Automated turrets rose from hidden redoubts in the rocks and ground, firing fully automatic blaster fire to keep them pinned.

Brent sprinted down the mountainside, firing his rifle as he went, the built-in accuracy enhancement allowing his blaster bolts to acquire their targets, keeping the enemy pinned. As he closed with the enemy, he slid into cover behind a fallen tree, priming his under-barrel shotgun for close-quarters combat.

"For honor. For the Crusade," Brent breathed out before exploding from behind cover and diving into the enemy's lines.

Lorn Reingard

 

[Ala Quin]

​

Her first blade connected with the Beskad even as she brought the other to try fending off the whip. The second blade was ripped from her hands as she vaulted over the Mandalorian. The lightwhip had successfully pulled one of the sabers from her grasp. Within moments of the blade being pulled from her hand it turned off. The weapon fell free of the whip and clattered to the ground on the far side of her foe.

Ala landed in a crouch, blade up before her eyes, illuminating her delicate features with an eerie yellow hue. "Entertainment? You clearly missed sing-along night at the local," Ala said.

Pushing off from her crouch, she rushed forward with the aide of the Force. Her lightsaber swung quickly. On the far side of the enemy, her other hilt shook a little before lifting and hurtling through the air towards his back, igniting at only the last moment.

Tarrak Sharratt​

 

[Is'ekapi Rex]

The Armored Warrior vs. The Beast​

The Captain roared before looking at yet more soldiers approaching.

A true roar reverberated through the building and the chests of every combatant at the bank. The instinctual fear of roaring beast caused most to recoil. They could not help it. Hundreds of thousands of years of evolution bred this in. Fear was one of the most powerful emotions in many species after all.

A deep growl continued as Rex made her entrance. Ducking under the doorway the soldiers had just gone through. Claws scratching at the stone. The soldiers shuffled away to either side. Getting away from her, unsure yet who's side she was on. Soon they would know. Rex had locked her golden eyes upon the man who bellowed his challenge. A challenge meant for the strongest to face him. He was large for a man. Rising to her full height however, he was looked down upon. How small he looked in comparison. Armored, big spear, she took note. How formidable an opponent he would be was uncertain. There was only one way to find out.

Bringing her breathing back under control her growling stopped. "You want a challenge warrior? Then I accept." Rex took a wider stance. Raising up her left arm with an open hand to face him. While her right was pulled in and balled into a fist.

Makar Clyne

 

[Tasia Palpatine]

Carrying: Palpatine's Saber
Wearing: Raiments of Shiraya
Carrying: some explosives, a pocket e-warfare droid, climbing gear

Opponent: Serina Calis
Local foes: Tarrak Sharratt Brent Warnel
Local Allies: Ala Quin Lorn Reingard

Tasia kept a look out as her droid rewired the turret to send a signal to the other alarms, she wasn't clear on the how's, but the technician had told her that it would spoof the alarm system to make it see ghosts, guns would fire blindly at nothing, alarms would ping and would either grossly exaggerate the size of the incoming force, or just provide so much useless information and be ignored by the defenders, allowing them to slip in.

"This is strike force Gualaar, neutralised the perimeter, proceeding to the next check point, may the force be with you."

She and a dozen climbers continued past and moved up towards the top of the bluff they were assailing, her objective was the currently under construction comm section of the listening post, her droid would implant the same spoofing signals so if the mission failed, at least the data sent back to Mandalore would be utterly useless. She was apprehensive, she had never met mandalorians in battle before, she had met them passing through theed so she knew of them and their culture, and had trained to fight against similar foes, but never had one of the armoured warriors trying to kill her. The force teaches.

She reached the trees as the top of the bluff, as gunfire from a nearby turret crackled at an unseen enemy. Something felt wrong, to get this far unmolested by the enemy was deeply suspicious. The compound was not a hundred yards further but the cliff was behind them now. She activated the deep orange glow of her blade as the prickles on her neck stood up and she heard a crack of a rifle going off, blocking the shot with a shower of sparks.

"Cover! It's an ambush!"

 

[Makar Clyne]

The roar of the massive felinid caused many of the pirates to balk and hide, thinking some kind of massive beast was coming, they weren't wrong! Makar looked over, his eyes widening at visage of the nine foot behemoth of a cat woman. It was a rare occasion when the Epicanthix had to crane his neck to match eyes with an opponent, but he was not frightened, quite the opposite! He grinned at the sight of the muscular feline, finally a battle worthy of his blade!

"Had I known Naboo was home to such beastly creatures, I would have begun raiding this planet much sooner," Makar said as he idly twirled his Halberd in one gloved hand. "Worry not, I shall honor this kill with a suitable trophy of your greatness!"

It must have been quite the sight to those around them, for moments the two warriors sized each other up, both titans in regards to a baseline humans. There was a distinct look in Makar's dark red eyes, he was excited at the thought of finally being pushed to his limit in battle. He circled the floor slowly, occasionally flourishing with his weapon out of habit.

"Most of my crew refer to me as Lord Clyne, but you may refer to me simply as Makar. I must say, were you not on the side of my enemies I would find myself quite awestruck by such a creature. Powerful, yet graceful in your own way..."

In a snap he advanced, on the tigress, thrusting and stabbing with his spear to test his opponent. He was interested to see how his own speed matched up against the Togorian's feline reflexes. Every step was part of a wild dance that had no rhythm other than that of survival, neither warrior wanting to be struck by the other. Bodies moved together in a way that seemed almost professionally choreographed. In truth it was the reflexive muscle memory of two seasoned warriors.

Is'ekapi Rex

 

[Suhara Villow]

Foundation Ally | Dee'ja Peak, Naboo
Tags: Adenn Korar

​

"What's out there?" Suhara whispered, rechecking the ammunition cells in her blaster pistol.

It took a moment for Pieree to respond as he stared through the gaps of the boarded-up building. "Four Mandalorians on patrol. Just passed us by. Didn't seem to notice us I'd still say we stay low for the meantime."

"Not a possibility. We're on a time constraint here." Suhara shook her head. How in the Netherworld could a simple arms deal go so wrong? The quiet mountain city of Dee'ja Peak had proved to be the perfect place for the illicit purchase of arms for her Liberation Army. It had gone smoothly... until the Mandalorians showed up. Now, she and her men were trapped in this abandoned warehouse as the invasion waged all around them. Yet the fact that a corrugated durasteel wall was all that was between her and a horde of angry beskar-wearers wasn't the part that worried her the most. That part she could deal with. Her second-in-command and her protection detail would get her out of the city quietly.

No, it was her soldiers that was causing Suhara to have a silent panic attack.

No doubt, the rest of the Battalion had by now heard of the attack and knew that their Supreme Commander was trapped. The Mandalorians had implemented some sort of jamming network that was preventing her from getting on comms and telling her men she was safe. In the absence of communication, they would fear the worst and descend on the city in their hundreds. This occupation would then turn into an all-out war that would see this city leveled.

She had to get out and get the message to her soldiers that she was safe before that happened.

"Alright then, ma'am." Pieree nodded and turned to the squad of twelve Montagnards behind them. They were the elite of the elite within the Battalion, trained in shock assaults and infiltration tactics. "The back alley is clear?"

"Affirmative, sir," the soldier said. She was dressed in dark green khakis with brown combat webbing. A healthy bundle of thermal detonators hung off her utility belt. "There was a Mando sentry back there, but Richelieu slit their throat."

Suhara flicked the safety off her blaster pistol. The team filtered through the warehouse backdoor into the dark alley. In the distance, they could hear blaster shots and muffled explosions. Starfighters screamed above, locked in dogfights or strafing the ground with devastating sonic weaponry.

"What's the plan?" Pieree asked as he peaked around the corner. Another Montagnard was down the street and gave him the thumbs up.

"We've got to get back in touch with the rest of the battalion. By the time we get out of the city, it'll be too late to stop any attack they're launching," she whispered, stopping only to flinch as a Geonosisian aircraft came crashing down barely a block away, "Only communication that isn't being jammed that also has the power we need would be the one in the Capitol."

"You can't be seriously suggesting an attack on the Capitol Building, ma'am!" he exclaimed with hush tones, "With all due respect, it's crawling with Mandalorians."

"It's either that or the entire Battalion's going to turn this city into rubble to rescue me. We'd lose any goodwill we've managed to court with the Noobians. We'll be back to square one." She looked her second-in-command in his eyes. "I'm giving this order as Supreme Leader, Pieree."

He paused before a smile crept up his mustache.

"Nice to see you've come into your role as commander well, ma'am." Pieree turned to the Montagnards, "You heard the Commander. Keep to the alleys. Keep your blasters silent and your blades out."

After several minutes of skulking through alleyways, they emerged into a wide concourse, too vast to go around. No choice but to go through. It looked like fighting between Mandalorians and Nabooians had just died out. The whole area was on fire. Buildings were reduced to hollow shells by the firestorm, spurting flames and sparks from their blind windows. Burnt-out wrecks of cars and speeders littered everywhere. Bodies were strewn across the square, half-covered by the ash falling like snow from the boiling smoke. The heat from the fires was so fierce it felt like summer noon despite the city being located in the temperate mountains.

Quickly the squad began a bounding maneuver, using craters and destroyed vehicles as cover.

They were unaware they were being watched...

Spoiler: Squad and Equipment

• Suhara Villow
  • T73-Judgement Handgun
  • Foundation Trooper Armour
• Pieree Lambert
  • 31-11351 Scattergun
  • Foundation Trooper Armour
• Montagards (12 men):
  • 4 EE-4 carbine rifles
  • 4 A280C blaster rifles
  • 2 M-32 light repeating blaster rifle
  • 2 DLT-19x targeting blaster
  • 1 J8Q-128 Finbat Missile
  • Foundation Trooper Armour

​

 

[Tyrkhan]

Niki Priddy [Right Now] Lysander von Ascania Sibylla Abrantes [In a moment]
Crushgaunts | Crusader Assault Armor | Beskad | Kal Dagger | Commando Blaster Rifle | Custom Vambraces |

The Gran Captain firmly grasped the steering wheel as Niki Priddy 's Droid Fighter-Bombers targeted the deck of the Wanderer's Wail. Although the K-90S Storm Carrier's shields remained intact, they would require extensive recharging if the starfighter assault was not swiftly countered. With limited options available, he shouted over the wheel to the boatswains stationed at the control terminals below.

"Hard to starboard! Begin anti-aircraft battery fire on those droid starfighters and man the gunwales!" His command was delivered with urgent seriousness as alarms blared throughout the hoverbarge, prompting gunners to rush to their positions and unleash the gunwale firepower against the starfighters.

Beneath the shadow of the atmospheric warships, the full complement of Modernized MSP80 Pteropter hover pod and eight Modernized Pirate Dropships engaged in a desperate fight for survival against the onslaught of the Cloudscatter anti-air tanks and Nemesis MBTs from Kellen Mynn waiting in the wings.

Myr'sheen must have read the briefings wrong, as there was no indication that the Royal Naboo Republic possessed such firepower or that it was stationed near the secluded City of Dee'ja Peaks.

However, he did not have to wait long for confirmation, as a rogue missile impacted the engine pod of his Modernized Pirate Dropships, causing it to shudder and ultimately plummet toward the ground. His body reached over the control terminal of one of the cannons, to look down below in abstract terror.

"Wait a moment...I have a jetpack." He said amidst the winds and the panic of the other crewmen aboard. Swiftly clicking a button as his Crusader Assault Armor's jetpack came to life to propel him upwards as the dropship crashed into a nearby building.

 

[Tarrak Sharratt]

Ala Quin
Gauntlet Shields | Crushgaunts | Crusader Assault Armor | Beskad | Kal Dagger | Electro-whip | Custom Vambraces |

Tarrak's senses sharpened as her lightsaber sliced through the air, the clash of the blades against his Beskad echoed His muscles tightened and then relaxed, his gaze fixed on her next action as she propelled herself off the ground, her force-enhanced speed transforming her into a fleeting blur that even the Blademaster found challenging to track with his heads-up display.

However, he was not oblivious to the sound of Ala Quin 's second blade soaring through the air, igniting just in time to attempt a strike from behind, aiming to pierce him, as even beskar could not withstand a direct thrust.

Without hesitation, he pivoted, the beskar armor groaning in response to his swift movement. The lightsaber sliced through the air behind him, its intense heat searing the atmosphere as it barely avoided contact.

With precision, his unoccupied hand struck out again with the Electro-whip, aiming to ensnare the hilt of the lightsaber that had just passed, forcefully casting it aside.

"Perhaps they did not inform you of whom you are dealing with. I am Tarrak Sharratt, the First Mandalorian Knight." The Mandalorian roared, as her lightsaber came forth in an arcing motion, summoning the power of the force to Force Push her backwards potentially against the entrance wall.

​

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

// Objective One //

​

Dee'ja Peak Capitol
Waterfall cliff face
Interacting with Lysander von Ascania
Enemy - Eventually Tyrkhan
Gear x x x x x x

Sibylla Ynez Abrantes had read the history holos -- Queens and senators of Naboo's past had ruled with idealism and purity, weaving grand narratives of diplomacy and justice. But history and recent experience had also taught her something else; that those who didn't plan several moves ahead often found themselves on the losing end of history.

And she absolutely refused to lose. Toss in Lysander's sarcastic enabling, and her assistance at not standing still resulted in this situation -- hanging off the side of a cliff intending to slip into the drainage tunnels underneath the city, dressed in a borrowed retainer's scouting gear, while Lysander made yet another sardonic quip.

"Don't worry, Sib! I've seen this done in countless HoloDramas; they never lie! But let it be known.. if you slip, you might only get caught with sarcasm!"

There he was again with his usual flippancy. Honestly, after a year and their ongoing exchange of comm transmissions, she should've expected this. At least it prompted a slight upward twitch at the corner of her mouth when previously it had been pursed thin in concentration.

"Great. That means my landing will be both painful and condescending." Sibylla shot back, tightening her grip on the rocky outcropping as she descended. The thick braid down her back swayed with each careful movement, her dark leather armor creaking with tension. It was hardly the most elegant attire, but it was necessary. Ornate silk gowns weren't exactly suited for sneaking into a war-torn capital occupied by Mandalorian raiders.

The situation was dire. The Legislative Capitol of Dee'ja Peak -- her home, the Abrantes seat of power had fallen. The estate had held, thanks to their retainers, but there hadn't been enough forces to maintain a hold on the Capitol itself. Her father, Lord Abrantes, was away on an ambassadorial mission to Enarc. Her mother and younger sibling had been secured at the estate, but Sibylla hadn't been content to simply sit in safety while their city burned. She had always been taught to act, to lead, to defend their people. And Lysander, ever the instigator, had only needed to nudge her once before she made up her mind.

Cassian would be furious. Her eldest brother had his hands full leading the Royal Republic Security Forces and House Abrantes' retainers to reclaim the city, but the moment he learned she hadn't stayed at the estate, she was certain he'd have enough words to berate her for a lifetime.

If she lived long enough to hear them.

The sharp whine of StarFighter fire cut through the night air. Sibylla barely had time to register it before a gunship ( Niki Priddy ) overhead was struck, a spark of fire exploding shards of shrapnel before its smoking wreck spirling downward to the mountainside.

"What the -- "

The explosion tore through the night, the force of the blast sending a shockwave through her bones, the heat licking at her skin even from this distance. Then came the debris -- a violent, tumbling cascade of shattered rock and twisted metal.

She instinctively twisted, pressing herself against the cliffside, but it was too late. A jagged slab slammed against her shoulder, and pain flared white-hot through her arm. Her fingers, numb and unresponsive, slipped from their grip on the rock face.

And then --

Air.

A terrifying moment of weightlessness.

A muffled yelp escaped her lips as gravity took hold. The world blurred, the jagged cliffside rushing past her in flashes of dark stone and firelit sky. For a breathless moment, all she could think was, Well, this is an undignified way to go.

 

[Adenn Korar]

The wail of destruction howled forth from the mouths of the wicked apostates. Lo, indeed, he castigated them; he slew them as if they were shaaks to the slaughter. With Axe and Pistol in hand, the gnashing of teeth preceded him as a chorus. Past the crowds of civilians that lay smoldering and burnt, past the buildings that sundered the sky with their entrails of smoke and flame, there was the Alor of Clan Korar and his men. Beskar Axes drooled with blood; a throbbing feel accompanied his skull as if it pounded with the desire to kill, kill, kill!

The wicked of the galaxy must be slew, so that the final battle of all creation must ensue.

"Move in and guard the generators' entrance," growled the voice of the hulking Alor.

It was not long until the Mandalorian Alor and a squad of his finest men arrived close to the entrance within the capital for the power generation units, that he spotted the squad of saboteurs and such. He did not care for their existence. Filthy apostates, fit only to be scattered to pieces and dust upon the wind.

And indeed, as him and his men advanced, there was eight in total - seven of his men, and himself. Blaster pistols shrieked as they sought to lay into the squad of saboteurs. They didn't care, though, about exactly hitting - the fire proved more suppressive in nature. For the Apostastes' lives proved forfeit in his vision; Adenn Korar sought to butcher them in close-quarters combat. Thus roared his words frometh his lips.

"SLAY THE MISERABLE WRETCHES! GLORY TO KAD HA'RANGIR! GLORY TO THE MANDA! CHARGE!"

And thus did a full squad of eight Mandalorians rush at (somewhat slow) full speed. Weapons bristling and readied to stake their claim upon the godless abominations before them...

(SQUAD IS 7 NEO-CRUSADER MANDALORIAN ELITES + ADENN KORAR)

Suhara Villow Adenn Korar

 

[Ukvax the Gilded]

Ukvax the Gilded Niki Priddy Kellen Mynn Jas Katis

Dee'ja Peaks, contained within the Gallo Mountains of Naboo.​

There is, of course, the reality that the Meteors, as well as the Droid Fighter-Bombers, imposed. In conjunction with Cloudscatter Anti-Air Tanks, and furthermore, the Nemesis MBTs, the Nantexes, while massive in their sheer numbers and such, were woefully undergunned. Only the ones with the sonic cannons would prove appreciatively measurable against that level of enemy firepower... But it did not mean the situation was completely hopeless for the Geonosians. Indeed, as the Nantexes started to take fire, several of them either torn to bits, or in the case of several, deliberately crashing themself into enemy defenders or civilian-occupied buildings, they shifted their response. Tractor beams and repulsorlift generators engaged to life - the super-maneuverable nature of the Nantex's design meaning they were essentially propelling away some of the missiles fired back to sender (or otherwise just throwing them at whatever looked like an enemy close-by), or deflecting them.

Geonosian fighters swerved unnervingly quickly - the bonded pilots of the beak-wings moving to avoid heavy laser-cannon fire. Indeed, as KR1K Sonic Cannons discharged spheres of contained sonic energies, and amethyst bolts spewed from the singular laser cannon on those Nantexes without the sonic cannons, it became clear just how vicious the pilots were. Bolts and spheres were guided off-course as they moved to smash into anything considered vaguely an enemy. Some of the Meteors, as well as the Droid Fighter-Bombers, were beginning to receive these unique forms of fire as well as just general dog-fighting. The Nantex proved apt in this - maneuvering to get behind or into the blind spots of craft, utilizing every bit of agility and maneuverability to their advantage, as much as they could. Yes, a decent few were torn apart (as one crashed into an close-by group of Royal Naboo Security Forces in full view of Lysander von Ascania and Sibylla Abrantes on a crashing suicide run)...

But there were many more still flight-capable.

To this end, the Geonosian Starfighters got to work. One scored a lucky shot upon one of the Nemesis with a off-axis laser cannon bolt, disabling it and leaving the crew knocked out of combat. Another dive bombed a Cloudscatter tank unexpectedly - the KR1K Sonic Cannon proceeding to shred apart the tank as the sphere detonated and ripped it asunder. It was clear the squadrons of Nantexes, likewise, were brawling with the Meteors, who, while possessing a large amount of firepower, still had to contend with the realities of a gravity-laden atmosphere, at least for their design. The Nantexes did also, but thanks to their own in-built systems, this was not a problem.

Case in point, one Nantex proceeding to actually simply tug the engine of a Meteor out and "shoving it" with an array of tractor beam projectors into a crowded building. It was clear that, even though that particular Nantex was felled only seconds later by a Cloudscatter, that there were still enough of them to launch close-air support runs. Indeed, the dropships and other vessels would be covered by what few remaining were left to support them and not already allocated to varying tasks. Sonic weapons brought bellicose fury to the enemy as the Royal Naboo and their allies soon discovered. That, and of course... One of the Geonosian Nantexes, noticing the strike team led by Kellen Mynn , sought to fire its KR1K Sonic Cannon close enough, if hopefully on-target, to harry the strike team. Likewise, other remaining Nantexes would attempt to harry whatever they could see closing in on the capital building...

This was going to be a dogfight for certain, even as the Nantexes did begin to slowly atrophy in number...

 

[Seva Beroya]

GALAAR
DEE'JA PEAK | NABOO
ALLIES: Vreegan Fett | Tyrkhan | Makar Clyne | Carduul Akahl | Ukvax the Gilded | NEO
ENEMIES: Niki Priddy | Lysander von Ascania | FN-999 (restored) | Jas Katis | Kellen Mynn | Cerys Dyn | Cali Ziiva | Is'ekapi Rex | RNR
ENGAGING: Kellen Mynn | Jas Katis
GEAR: Everything in bio​

Spoiler: Strill'sevitar Force

• Company of Narglatch-riders
• 3 squadrons of Howler Basilisk riders
• 3 squadrons of riderless Howlers
• Platoon of Clansmen with jetpacks - each geared as Seva without a Narglatch or Basilisk

PNEUMA​

"Everyon'es in position."

Jet Beroya was standing next to Seva as she was observing the Naboo forces approaching the city.
"Good. On my word." she said as her visor glanced at him.
"One more thing, Alor." he said before turning away. "Word from orbit - Hellion ships arrived a while ago."
"That explains the tanks and artillery I saw arriving." Seva answered, looking back to where she saw the tanks last. "Let our basilisks employ extra countermeasures for those tanks and artillery. We know how those bastards can fight. And don't let the cats do a head on charge - they'll get obliterated." she ordered.
"Yes, Alor." he said before turning to relay the orders.

<Alor, we just received word of a Crusader garrison overrun by Naboo forces. A relative host moving on the city.> came Mira Awaud's comms.
<Hold position for now - prepare an ambush. Let them think they have breached. Engage when they are surrounded. Lets see how well Jedi handle a squadron of 6-barrel Particle turrets firing at them at once. I'll move between your location and Buruk's as they'll be engaging the Hellions.> Seva ordered back.
<Yes, Alor.> Mira said before cutting comms.

Seva looked at both Cabur and Beviin who were at rest at her other side.
"We'll be in the thick of it soon, darlings. Whatever you do, don't get killed." she told them as she lay a hand on each of them. Cabur rumbled as Beviin let out a purr before it evolved into a low growl and bared teeth.
"You'll get them soon enough." she told him before looking at Cabur. "We'll ride down. Watch over us from overhead." she told the droid.

<Let 'em have it, Vode.> came Seva's order over her Clan's comms from where she was now seated in Cabur's cockpit after they had entered the city.

From all around Kellen Mynn and his forces, Mandalorians bearing the crest of Beroya converged on them via jetpacks and firing down golden particle bolts while a haunting howl could be heard growing louder from all around.

Then a squadron of Howler Basilisks converged as their 6-barrel turrets whirred with golden beams as they shot down at the Vanguard, coupled with their Heavy Lasers.

Like lightning, Cabur dove straight at Kellen Mynn , his own turret whirring before his cockpit flipped open and Seva shot out with her jetpack right above him, her shotgun firing at him as Cabur strafed past.

"Your time is over, Jedi." she hissed through her vocabulator.

On Jas Katis ' side, things were much more difficult. This was not the first time the Hellions were introduced to Howlers and they knew how to deal with them. Instead of wasting time with turrets, they just zipped past some of the artillery emplacements and dropped some thermals on them. But not every basilisk made it out again.

While the basilisks were battling the anti-air armaments, Narglatch riders have dismounted and were fighting freely, raining golden bolts down at the hardy soldiers. While the Mandalorians kept the soldiers busy, the daunting feline predators pounced on occupied Hellions, teeth, claws and spikes cutting through where blasters couldn't.

Buruk himself launched into the air with his jetpack, deploying the shield in his vambrace while he fired his hybrid pistol with the other hand at the head honcho of the Hellion army, zipping to and fro with his jetpack as he did so. He had heard all the stories about this warrior, growing up in the Enclave. He still had some 'nades too, but he'll save those 'til he struggles with the Hellion Commander.

For now, however, explosions and particle bolts flew back and forth between the two armies. ​

 

[Ala Quin]

​

Her attack had almost worked, but the Mandalorian had something working for him that she did not count on. The Force? She flew backwards with the sudden push of energy that hit her chest. Ala's mind reeled as she sought to slow her acceleration.

Twisting with all the grace of a sick cat, Ala pushed back towards her destination and slowed her 'decent'. She hit the wall, jarring her knees, and then fell to the ground. Her mind flared with pain, which was quickly pushed back with the Force.

"Glad to fight you, and meet you...in that order," she said with an edge to her voice that faded with the pain. She stood, hand reaching and pulling her discarded saber to hand. Both blades flashed to life again, and spun about in her grasp.

"Has anyone told you that your breath really stinks?" She said with a scrunched up nose. His roar was just too much.

Crouching, Ala prepared for the next round. This time though, she prepared herself for more than just the normal Mandalorian trick box. "I thought you guys hated the Force...or something? Aren't you like a heretic or something?" She said, sincerely wanting to understand.

Tarrak Sharratt ​

 

[Carduul Akahl]

The sounds of battle filled the air, a symphony of war that echoed through the city’s streets. Blasterfire rattled in the distance, punctuated by the distant roar of explosions. Overhead, a squadron of Basilisk war droids streaked across the sky, their engines screaming as they dove toward fresh engagements. A dropship followed in their wake, momentarily blotting out the light above before it pressed deeper into the battlefield.

The people of this world would know war. In all its glory. In all its horror.

Perhaps, one day, it would inspire them to fight for something greater. More than just peace.

Carduul inhaled deeply, the scent of smoke and plasma filling his lungs before he stepped forward, armored boots firm against the cracked pavement. Within moments, a fire team approached—Rally Master at the lead, their warriors in disciplined formation behind him.

“You called for us, Mand’alor.” the crimson-armored individual said, his voice steady despite the chaos around them.

Carduul’s helmet tilted slightly, his stride unbroken. “Correct. What is our status?”

The Rally Master exchanged a brief glance with his communications officer before responding. “Reports are coming in. Squadrons holding the listening post are engaging fresh enemy troops.”

“As expected.” Was Carduul’s firm reply, “They have their orders—make them pay for every inch.”

The Rally Master fell into step behind him. “There’s more.”

Carduul turned his gaze upon the warrior, silent in his expectation.

“The full assault continues as planned, but several teams positioned to our rear have gone dark. No reports. No signals.”

The visor then angled slightly toward the city beyond them. Not secured. Not yet.

Communications could always be lost in times of war, but it was doubly so difficult for the Mandalorians and their comm units. Here, it meant something far worse—an infiltration. A strike force slipping through the cracks, seeking the city’s beating heart. The generators.

“Then we shall cover our warriors' flank.” Came the curt affirmation thereafter. He moved without hesitation, boots pressing forward into the next compound. “On me. There is an incursion to deal with.”

Most rulers distanced themselves from war, watching from the safety of their command ships or distant fortresses, mere specters of their own conquests. But not him.

The thrill of battle had not dulled. The fire had not waned.

If there was an enemy bold enough to challenge him in the depths of this war-torn city, he would oblige them.

With blade and blood.

Cerys Dyn

 

[FN-999 (restored)]

​

Infiltration Team: FN-999 | 18 Storm Commandos | All equipped a rifle, 4 ion grenades, and a vibroblade

Allies: Foundation | Jas Katis | Cali Ziiva | etc
Enemies: Mandalorians | Vreegan Fett | etc

Eventually, the team arrived at a large staircase that spiralled both up and down.

“The generator is likely below rather than above us.” claimed Nines. “Let’s head down."
​

“From here on out, we can no longer assume that we have the element of surprise.” declared the Baron. “We’re deep in enemy territory now, and the further we descend the more likely it is that we will run into one or many of the sentinels guarding this place. It’s a race to the bottom now, and I’m confident we will not lose."

“Remember, the Mandalorians are no ordinary soldiers. Underestimate them for a moment and they will tear you apart through uniquely creative methods. But they are not immortal. Find the gaps in their armor, and they will bleed just as much as any other organic being."

The Baron was abruptly cut off as a faint clanging noise began to fill the room. It seemed to be coming from above, and was slowly getting louder. He craned his head upwards, his focus entirely on the deciphering the growing sound. It resembled the banging of metal on metal, with a louder series of clanks interspersed with a series of quieter but more numerous clanks. His grip on his rifle tightened as the noises grew closer, still indiscernible but gradually becoming more and more familiar.

Then, Nines realized.

“They’re coming.” warned the Baron, a hint of foreboding in his voice. “Let the race begin."

​

The commandos around him nodded their heads before beginning a jogging descent down the stairs, their boots loudly clanging against the hard brick floor in rhythm with the steadily approaching Mandalorians in the stairs above. As they grew more confident in their footing, they accelerated, first into a faster jog and then into a full-on sprint, barreling down the staircase as fast as their legs could carry them. His heart was racing, his adrenaline pumping as the thrill of the battle to come entered his system. At this point, it was practically guaranteed that the Mandalorians above had noticed the infiltration team’s descent. The only question remaining was how fast they could run.

​

 

[Lorn Reingard]

Brent Warnel
Kellen Mynn | Ala Quin | Tasia Palpatine

​

The air hung thick, acrid, a chemical shroud that clawed at Lorn's very soul. It was more than just the burning in his lungs, it was a profound emptiness where the Force, his lifelong companion, should have been. It felt like a limb had been severed, leaving behind a throbbing, phantom ache. He stumbled, the world tilting precariously, and dropped to his knees. The fog, though thinning visually, felt denser, heavier on his spirit. Around him, the vital threads of his team's comms flickered in and out, barely registering. This was a new kind of hell.

Fighting through the fog in his mind, Lorn forced himself to speak, his voice raspy, strained. "All teams, be advised. Crusaders are employing chemical warfare. Repeat, chemical warfare. Adjust your tactics accordingly." He hoped Kellen's squad wouldn't run into this nightmare in the city.

A glint of metal caught his eye – a detonator, miraculously unexploded, nestled amongst the rocks. A faulty trigger, perhaps. He snagged it, tossing it to a nearby Vanguard. "Don't lose that. We need to know the long-term effects of this filth." He prayed it wouldn't cripple them all.

Drawing his golden blade, its familiar warmth a small comfort in the growing coldness, Lorn ignited it. A ripple of light answered as the rest of his Vanguard followed suit. Surprise was gone, incinerated by the explosions. The enemy knew they were here. They would ascend the slope, but slowly, cautiously, relying on grit and training where the Force had abandoned them. They were warriors, not just Jedi, forged in the fires of adversity.

An unsettling silence descended, broken only by the ragged breaths of his team. Instinct prickled his skin. Lorn held out his fist to step his team. He gestured to a pair of his sharpest riflemen. "Take the high ground. Now!" They vanished into the trees, silent shadows. Lorn scanned the surroundings, his ears straining, his nose twitching, desperate to reclaim the senses dulled by the Force's absence.

Then, the mountain roared.

A wave of Mandalorians erupted from hidden foxholes, their guttural war cries echoing down the slope. Blaster fire ripped through the air, punctuated by the earth-shattering crumps of grenade launchers and the searing heat of thermal detonators. Automated turrets, concealed within the rocks, swivelled to life, spitting a relentless barrage of blaster bolts.

Chaos exploded around Lorn. The Vanguard, caught off guard, scattered for cover. Their carefully orchestrated formation dissolved into a desperate scramble for survival. He deflected a barrage of blaster fire with his lightsaber, the golden energy singing as it met the crimson bolts. He roared, "Vanguard! Cover! Regroup!" He lunged, cutting down one Mandalorians who dared to close the distance. The familiar thrill of combat was muted, overshadowed by the gnawing emptiness within. He had to get his team out of this… somehow.

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Tags: Sibylla Abrantes
Tyrkhan (eventually)
Gear: The Honorblade | Theed Sharpshooter Rifle | Royal Standard (RS-29) | 2x Thermal detonator | Lightsaber

​

Lysander had been meticulously scanning the terrain. Between the information provided by Sibylla, combined with his own research and having studied a few maps, he could at least confirm they were close to the hidden grate leading to the drainage tunnels. Acknowledging it made their mission suddenly feel more real.

Her reply snapped him back to the present as she moved down the rope; and as always, he was quick to offer a dose of his optimism. "I'd rather you not, it would make for a rather flat–"

Before he could finish, the sky erupted in pandemonium. Clearly, a starship had met its demise. His body reacted instinctively, feeling the ground shudder beneath him. The force of the shockwave sent him stepping back, though ingrained reflex only pushed him toward the rope that was now swaying. A hand shot up to protect his face from the debris raining down like confetti, and he had to dodge a large chunk of durasteel that appeared to be heading straight for him.

A year ago, such a sight might have paralyzed him, leaving him struggling to make sense of it all. But that was before a journey to the Outer Rim, before he was forced to make choices that etched deeper scars into his very essence than the visible one above the blonde's left eye.

His boots shifted, and while highly attuned to the currents around him, Lysander's mind calculated different angles in a single breath. Smoldering embers of determination gripped him, searing away any possible doubt; he was no longer the boy who rebelled against responsibility. Every trial faced outside of Naboo had begun to further mold him, making him feel indestructible.

He wasn't thinking about the odds, or any potential failure. These thoughts no longer existed within. Instead, he simply acted and began stepping forward. Whatever was to come next, Lysander was already moving with purpose.

The fire burning within wasn’t arrogance, nor was it bravado; it was something quiet, something earned.

Bracing himself while assessing her current trajectory, his stance steadied, planting both boots firmly on the uneven ground. Adjusting as needed, he extended both arms, the dark energy within swelling rapidly, muscles coiling like a serpent as he was prepared to intercept. The impact struck hard as Sibylla collided with his chest, knocking the wind out and forcing him to stumble backwards. Another shockwave rippled through, this time being one that traveled up both arms. Pain radiated through the shoulders— a pain quickly pushed aside.

The following intakes of air were heavier, but the acolyte's still arms tightened around Sibylla, protective yet gentle, drawing her closer as if pulled by a magnetic force, shielding her from a threat that had all but passed. As he finally dared to glance down, his gaze softened, lingering on her face for a long moment.

For once, silence seemed enough; and though his mouth was partially hidden by the green face wrap, the corners of his lips began to lift upward. The thumping in chest calmed, becoming steady, and the words trapped in his throat finally broke free. "You're actually not allowed to leave me hanging like that," Lysander breathed, the warmth in his tone betraying him. "Without you, verbal spars just wouldn't be as fun.. even the more pointless debates. I'd miss them. And.. I'd miss you."

Adjusting his grip and weight, he began to assist the girl back onto her feet.

But then, the chaos of battle began to escalate. Enemy ships spiraled out of control, with some erupting into explosions, while others, recklessly, dove straight into their targets. The cacophony of engines and blasters filled the air. More debris rained down from above— both ship fragments and broken stone from the city above them. With each impact, the outcropping shook aggressively, as if it could give way at any given moment.

Scanning ahead, through the haze, he spotted a large grate mounted on the wall. "There it is!" Pointing toward it, he gave a small tug at her wrist, urging her forward.

 

[Kellen Mynn]

OBJECTIVE 1: Backyard Brawl
Location: Dee'ja Peak
Weapons: Lightsaber & Blaster
Outfit: Jedi Armor
Tag: Seva Beroya Ukvax the Gilded Lorn Reingard Jas Katis Carduul Akahl Sibylla Abrantes Lysander von Ascania

The approach to the city slowed as they neared the outskirts. The formation spotted several different groups approaching the city, mainly what appeared to be some mercenary mechanized force barreling down main street. He did not recognize them from this distance but could only hope they were friendly.

The city itself had already received more damage than he would have expected thus far. Especially with what looked like Geonosian fighters crashing into buildings on suicide runs, why or how they were here he did not know nor care. What he did care about was the fact they were killing Nabooian citizens in their homes as they tried to huddle from this chaos brought upon their peaceful life in the mountains. He knew of this city, as he knew of much of his homeworld, and Dee'ja Peak was always a beautiful and quiet place to visit. To see such destruction brought here bothered him.

Kellen pushed into the outskirts of the city before he slowly stopped, his blue eyes scanning the streets and rooftops while the battle above raged on with starfighters and other craft engaging and crashing onto the surface in balls of flame. Just as he spoke, one of the Geonosian starfighters trained its sights on their formation of soldiers and Jedi, engaging a loud sonic based weapon on them as it fired.

The Jedi Master yelled for his allies to get clear in time as he threw his hands up and projected a Force Barrier to absorb the impact. Though his barrier held as the sonic weapon made impact it certainly left his ears ringing and debris from the ground around flying up and back down like rain drops. Only they stung as they pattered across their armor. Kellen watched as the starfighter zipped back into the battle above, hopefully being the last he would see.

Exhaling, Kellen took a moment to focus as he attempted to center himself just as his comms rang up. It was Lorn, notifying them of-by the Force. Would the Crusaders really resort to such tactics? But even as he thought of that he knew the answer. Of course they would. He had faced Mandalorians in battle before but these...Crusaders, as they called themselves. They were different. Zealous.

And zealotry was dangerous. Especially in the minds of a martial culture.

While his formation regrouped, a couple of Beetles took the quick lull to drop down some more troopers from the RNR Security Force before buzzing off back to the Mountains. His element, now nearly company sized, was ready to begin an offensive push into the city from the north. His tactic was to try and draw out whatever defenses he could to aid those smaller teams attempting to reach the generators, no doubt. He could only hope whatever he did here would help contribute to their efforts.

The Jedi activated his local comms as he patched into the Vanguard, Commando and Security Forces present with him. "This is Master Mynn, we're moving into the city from the north to begin our assault proper. Stay with your squads and utilize combined arms, these Mandos will require nothing less to bring down. I want machine gunners and snipers to stay within the rocks up here, keep the height advantage and choose your targets carefully." Kellen took a moment to scan the still empty streets in front of him. "Vanguard and Commandos you're with me. The rest of you grunts, spread out and take defensive positions. Prepare to receive the enemy."

With that, Kellen and his Strike Team Ikopi approached the city perimeter. Just as all hell broke loose. The converged blaster fire appeared before the multiple Mandos popping out of covered positions. Lasers and explosions were going off around him as he ignited his saber and skillfully deflected everything shot his way, a couple of the blaster shots going back to where they came to ping off of beskar clad warriors.

Then that damnable sound. The sharp roar of Mandalorian Basilisk war droids. For fuc-Kellen dodged to the side as he narrowly avoided the six barelled strafing run of one of those damn pilots. Or pilot-less droids. It made little difference.

As the Mandos came charging forward, Kellen's Vanguard Jedi supported by Royal Commandos moved to engage them in clusters of small unit tactics led by a Jedi Knight or Padawan. Combined arms was going to win this fight, Jedi supported by infantry. Otherwise, these Basilisk were going to eat them for dinner.

"This is Mynn, get those Cloudscatters and Nemesis targeting these damn Basilisk! Keep them off our grunts!" He shouted into his vambrace. "Lieutenants, keep your platoons providing covering fire for us but stay on the defensive in the hills."

As soon as he finished his orders he turned in time to see a Basilisk diving straight for him, Kellen dodged out of the way of the strafing run. Just as he turned back to face it, a Mandalorian warrior emerged from it and fired a shotgun blast towards him as she engaged her jetpack. Kellen quickly utilized a Deflection to send the shots back towards the vocal Mando.

"Suppose that means diplomacy is off the table." Kellen quiped while smiling at his new foe. He would never admit how the rush of combat made him feel...connected and grounded but it did. He could feel his limbs flow with energy as he dove up towards the Mando with a leap and twist while spinning his blue saber at her.

Now the exciting part began.​

 

[Is'ekapi Rex]

A dodge, a weave, yet no attack from her. Rex was purely on the defensive. Circling around her quarry to avoid being forced against a wall. Still keeping up her stance. With his spear, Makar had the advantage of range. And so the offense. It was his only advantage however. Whatever he thought, the difference between them in terms of raw strength was incomparable. Getting past his weapon and into brawling range would seal the duel in her favor. He only needed to make one mistake.

"Soldiers. Go kill his men. Don't let some petty thieves steal from your people. They're no Mandalorians. He's their only real fighter." Rex goaded Makar. Tempting him into committing a real strike against her. Or turning his attention back on the soldiers to defend his men if he cared. To spell his doom or to have his plans fail. He may have the offense right now but she was the one with far more options. Rex lowered herself slightly, readying to react. The soldiers got on the move. Splitting to either side of the bank. "Pitter patter Makar." She waved her hand in a taunt.

Makar Clyne