Standing upon the Edge of Doom. (Open/Dev Thread/Republic)

[Serah Oricion]

Yusan looked over the grounds before him as he had figured this would be the place that would be the beginning of a new era, his hands crossed behind him. If the Republic failed there would need to be a safeguard, a place to house those willing to risk everything to see the worlds protected by the republic did not fall. And now he stood, watching as a project he was funding completely, with money he had saved up from his career as a politician and during his time as a crimelord, creating a new base on Bilbringi that would serve as the primary outpost for future operations. He needed to keep the precautions true to what he also planned though, so in extension to a simple outpost, he had started on the creation of a housing building for Senators and a enclave for force users.

He didn't know why he did this, nor did he understand why he had send out a notice for financial backing of the Outpost itself to all the companies associated to the Republic like Kuat, Rendili, Eshan, and Blastech. Who knew, if any of them backed this they would help secure the future or millions and that was his true purpose now. His hand glided over his saber though, tapping the pommel and sighing as he closed his hand around it, he didn't know what was right anymore. First his mind had shattered, brought back by the words of a Sith of all things, and now he spent his savings on a effort in which to create a back up for the Republic incase it should fall under siege once more. He smiled, such was the ways of war.

 

[Maximus Stanforth]

[member="Memorial"]

Maximus strode up in full Republic Armor to report to the Senator a full Platoon of soldiers behind him two squads forming a perimeter, a third squad setting up and making sure comms were secure, and the last sticking to his six awaiting orders.

Maximus stopped a few feet behind the man popping a crisp salute speaking through his helmet.

"Sir, LT Maximus Stanforth reporting." "Command said you requested assisting securing a new forward base of operations."

Maximus would hold the salute until acknowledge.

 

[Gir Quee]

Vinnath-class Pocket Carrier Crescent Light, in orbit via Bilbringi

The Crescent Light swam through space in the black sea of space, flitting around the space traffic of the system. Shuttles, bulk freighters, and other Republic warships drifted among the stars to and from the world. On the bridge of his corvette, Gir wondered how many peoples were in space around him. And many of them had been like his now-deceased parents. He shook the thought from his head and spared a glance at his console. Still on time, it looks like. He cleared his throat, causing Davos and Toka to both turn and face him.

"I'm heading back to the port hangar to grab a shuttle to the service. Ensign Davos, you have the bridge. Toka, give me a call if any developments occur in space."

Toka, the mon calamari, let his fish-like briefly drop, "Where will you be, sir, if you don't mind me asking?"

He eyed the alien intently, "I'll be at a meeting, but I swear that I'll keep me comlink on...wait...you want a clarification of "developments', didn't you?"

"Ah, yes sir."

Gir nodded, "If things are getting blown up, if we're getting blown up, if someone dies..."

Toka's lip curled up in what Gir interpreted to be a grin, "Only red alert items, sir, got it."

Nodding, Gir excused himself to go down to the surface.

 

[Gir Quee]

In the past…

Captain’s Quarters, Vinnath-class Pocket Carrier Crescent Light, somewhere in deep space

Gir’s sapphire blue eyes poured over the text slowly rising on the console’s display pad, oblivious to the the hazy blue visage of the Mon Calamari standing next to him. The man frowned and slowly shook his head. Several light years away, the Mon Calamari cleared his gravelly throat.

“It is bad Gir.”

Gir pulled his eyes up to meet the gaze of his adoptive brother.

”Yes, it is,” admitted Lieutenant Quee quietly, “every government stumbles sometime, but you’re right, things are not looking…good.”


“So you will help me,” decided Salmakk.

“I didn’t say that.”

“So you are willing to let the Republic falter.”

“No,” replied the blonde man.

“You’d rather uphold its legalities rather than its spirit?” questioned the Mon Calamari, “That is rather unlike the Gir I grew up with.”

“The military’s different,” sighed Gir, “and that’s something that I learned at the academy. I can’t just go out and break regulations, even if it is for the Republic’s sake. But let me work with what I’ve got. I can’t give the info that I know, it’s strictly on a need to know basis Salmakk. But that doesn’t mean that I can’t help.”

Back at their family’s home, Salmakk slumped at the kitchen table, “Gir, I will not tell you that I know what it is like being a soldier. I know it’s not the life for me. I know there are hardships beyond imagine, sending off your friends to possibly die in battle, but I know that I can help you, if you help me. We help each other.”

“I can’t give you classified data,” said Gir quietly, “it’s beyond discussion, but I will give you all the expertise I can. Look Salmakk, I really appreciate the spirit that you and your friends-”

“They are not friends,” interrupted Salmakk, briefly leaning forward, “Apologies Gir, I don’t know what came over me.”

“Fellow believers?” suggested Gir, slumping back into the chair of his own quarters, “our world always was good at raising idealists.”

“Idealists can change the world, with the right tools, brother. I know you believe that, otherwise you wouldn’t have become the man you are today,” persisted Salmakk.

“Has Lucerne Labs found a benefactor? I get that you guys are all working pro bono, but that doesn’t account for facilities…”

“No benefactor,” admitted the mon calamari, “though our house has worked well enough for the designing part, but that’s another area you can help with. Surely you rub shoulders with people interested in benefitting our military, maybe even willing to help themselves in the process…”
Gir disregarded the slight with an off-kilter grin, “You better not be the Lab’s normal spokesperson.”

“We are looking into getting a protocol droid for that,” admitted Salmakk, “not everyone understands me like you brother. But I’m an engineer, I don’t need to talk to people for that…”

Gir nodded, “Well, not yet anyways. Listen Salmakk, I’ll see what I can do. Maybe the Republic will adopt and put your superweapon into
production.”

“It’s no superweapon, but it’s another tool in the arsenal of freedom and tolerance.”

Gir raised an eyebrow, “A Carnwennan warhead, an anti-ship missile is the tool of democracy? Well…sadly, you may be right on that. But that info that you have is dangerous to possess. When people find out what you’re doing, they’ll be coming for you. Not for your idealism, but for the power of that knowledge. Listen Salmakk, you guys can’t keep working in our home. I’ve already lost one set of parents, one family. I don’t need to lose another.”

Salmakk closed his rubbery lips and tilted his head forward, “I will do what I can. If you can find a better place for us…I know you will do what’s best for us.”

“I do love you all,” said Gir, “I will put as much effort into your venture as I can Salmakk, I swear. I’ll soon be heading to a world where I might be able to do some of that.”

Salmakk eyed him closely, “And where is that?”

“Bilbringi.”

 

[Serah Oricion]

[member="Maximus Stanforth"] [member="Gir Quee"]

Yusan looked up from the numbers on the screen, happy that things were going as planned for the outpost. "Yes, i need your men to set up and make sure no one messes with the construction or is caught spying, i don't need another set of eyes on us and studying the construction of this outpost.

 

[Maximus Stanforth]

[member="Memorial"] [member="Gir Quee"]

Maximus cut the salute giving the man a nod.

"Already in progress Sir." "Got two squads setting up the perimeter and a third working on secure comms." "Is there a central hub the video and audio feeds into?"

Maximus thought for a moment.

"I could also use an update layout of the facility and extended grounds." "Need to make sure all the angles are covered."

Maximus turned as one of the Sgts walked up reporting perimeter and comms up. Maximus nodded with a smile.

"Well done Sgt start up a rotation for 24 hour coverage."

 

[Gir Quee]

[member="Memorial"] [member="Maximus Stanforth"]


The present…

Somewhere on Bilbringi…

Lieutenant Quee strolled down the ramp of the transport onto the world, his blaster pistol holster clattering against his side in the near silence of nature. The man glanced around, seeing little but wilderness. He glanced at his datapad. I’m close enough to the right coordinates…there must be a hidden base or encampment nearby…He half-considered drawing his blaster, just in a case a wild animal appeared, but quickly thought better of it, not wanting to accidentally be shot by friendly fire. His blue eyes scanned the horizon. There have to be sentries around here somewhere. The man quietly treaded through the undergrowth, but took care not bother to conceal himself, lest he appear to be a blatant intruder. A gruff voice suddenly called out to his left.

“Halt, identify yourself.”

“Lieutenant Gir Quee, captain of the Galactic Republic corvette Crescent Light,” rattled off Quee.

The other man approached out of the undergrowth and eyed him up and down, “Well, you look the part. ID?”

Gir slowly handed it over to the man for inspection.

“Well, checks out. Come with me sir, I’ll take you to them.”

“Thank you,” said Gir quietly.

The two men strolled forward, eventually ending up in the hustle of the somewhat completed Galactic Republic outpost. As soon as they had entered the outpost, Quee ’s eyes darted around, trying to find the man that Lars, a cultured man with a tendency to frequently snap his fingers, described. Lars had shown him a grainy holo of a robed figure, though the man said Yusan Fenn would be most easily identified by his silver hair, despite his relatively young age. As he recalled the Echani’s image into his mind, a brief glimmer of hope stirred him. If Lars is right, he might be one of the connections that can help jumpstart Lucerne Labs. The grizzled ground-pounder who had escorted him stood beside him and stared him down.

“Are you all right, sir?”

Quee briefly blushed, “Sorry, yes. I was just thinking of an old friend. You wouldn’t happen to know where I can find Senator Fenn, would you?”

“Let me take you to him.”

 

[Jsc]

Bilbringi Enclave
Touring the place

Jerry was taking a tour of the privately funded Enclave. Looks like old Yusan was building himself a private kingdom out here. Equipped with a little something for everyone too. Hehe. Fascinating. Made her wish she had all that money too. Could have finally bought that little penthouse on Corellia she'd been looking at. Ah well. Maybe next year she told herself.

Mars was wearing her EVA suit and cradling her helm underneath her arm. It was becoming something of a commonplace that Jedi like herself developed a more warlike attitude to the universe. She felt less like a monk everyday. Indeed, watching this fortress world rise from the ashes seemed only to reinforce that warlike effort. I guess the war wasn't going as smoothly as the Senate would have liked.

The red Zeltron female stopped just inside one of the newly renovated Training Rooms in the Enclave. It still smelled like wet paint and cut stone. She nodded her head and sighed,

"Man. Makes a girl question her priorities in life. If I'd known there was this much money in it? I would have gone into politics years ago. Hehe."

She shrugged and walked out further down the hall. There much have been a Council Chamber somewhere in here too. She'd stop there next.

 

[Maximus Stanforth]

[member="Memorial"] [member="Gir Quee"] [member="Jerry Mars"]

Maximus looks up as one of the sentries he pushed out to set up a perimeter comes walks up with what Maximus assumes is one of the Navy guys. Which is confirmed when he hands Maximus the man's creds. Maximus nods sending the man back out to the perimeter.

"Welcome to Bilbringi LT." "I am Captain Maximus Stanforth Republic Army."

Maximus motions to the Senator.

"I take it you are looking for the Senator." "Command didn't say we were getting Naval support but I am glad you are here anyway." "If you will give me your crew roster I will add your men to the access list so there are no more surprises."

 

[Gir Quee]

[member="Memorial"] [member="Maximus Stanforth"] [member="Jerry Mars"]

Quee hesitated and briefly glanced down, "Thank you captain, I'll signal my ship to download a crew roster to hand over to you shortly."

He fiddled with a bulky datapad, which managed to just make signal contact with the Crescent Light in orbit. A few short texts between the two sent the crew roster streaming down in data packets to the datapad, which would then assemble them shortly into a workable crew roster to give to Captain Sanforth. But that would take a few minutes given the distance and subsequent data lag. He glanced around the base briefly before making eye contact with Maximus.

"Should be just be a few more seconds. It looks like you and your men have been busy captain."

 

[Jsc]

Bilbringi Enclave
Made for Lunch

Mars didn't find the Council Chambers just yet. Rather, she stumble quite happily into the Mess Hall. A large circular room made from cold stone and a high, sloping vioglass ceiling. There were many tables in the hall filled with workers on break and blue-prints dashed about empty tables. She was glad to have found such a busy place amongst all this new construction. New Enclaves are empty Enclaves. Thank goodness she'd found some food.

The cafeteria was unstaffed and looked to still have a few electrical additions to be made yet. But there were vending machines in all types and colors huddled against the far wall. At least she would be able to keep her hunger occupied for the next thirty minutes. That thought brought a smile to her lips.

The soldierly woman bought a cold meal and took a seat near the middle of the room. She could use a quick break.

 

[Serah Oricion]

[member="Maximus Stanforth"] [member="Jerry Mars"] [member="Gir Quee"]

"Im sorry, was i distant again?" He glanced over his shoulder, eyes carefully looking over the captain before fully turning and inspecting him very, very closely. "You are not a normal one, Nor am i though, so things even out. My name is Yusan Fenn, call me Senator if you want, i don't care. But a simple warning, if you are here to screw up anything involving the defenses being put into place, then i sure do hope that your life insurance covers a saber to the heart."

 

[Maximus Stanforth]

[member="Memorial"] [member="Gir Quee"]

Maximus nodded to Gir.

"Nothing worse than wasting time when there is work to be done." "I will get this out to the rest of the Company and go from there." "If you need anything let me know."

Maximus turned to Yusan when he finally spoke.

"With all due respect Senator Command sent me here to make sure this place stays intact." "You don't want any of the current defenses fubar'd then works for me." "That is precisely why I asked for what was already in place to suppliment it not replace it." "You don't want us here and all you have to do is say so and me and my boys will pack up and leave you to it." "They would much rather be out fighting the enemy than wet nosing some secret pet project anyway."


[member="Jerry Mars"] ((don't want you to get bored ))

Just as Jerry sat down to enjoy her vending machine feast about a dozen Republic Troopers in Armor came through the door fanning out and looking around the room before noticing her. Walking up one of the Troopers with Sgt. insigna speaks through the helmet microphone to Jerry in a confident but clearly female voice.

"Sgt Kemora Republic Army may I see some ID please."

The Sgt. pauses as her datapad chirps with a new list of authorized names for the access list. Looking up she asks a follow up question?

"You with the Navy crew Ma'am, what's your name and rank?"

From the other side of the room a few of the troopers watch their Squad Leader closely while the others look over the vending machines in thge corner trying to decide which is the lesser of two horrible tastes Army food or the stuff in the machines with an unknown expiration date.

 

[Gir Quee]

[member="Memorial"] [member="Maximus Stanforth"]

Gir raised an eyebrow at the Yusan's threat. I'm not so sure about what Grant said now. The naval officer slowly shook his head.

"If I wanted this place destroyed, I'd initiate an orbital strike and not be standing here, senator," announced Gir, "but I am not here solely on official military business. My ship is in orbit right around Bilbringi to receive supplies and other necessary provisions after a voyage of training. As for myself, I am here on company business. I work on the side with a company called Lucerne Labs, we're a starship systems and starship developer. We have some great ideas to better improve the Republic's navy and its defenses, but we're lacking a little political influence in getting into the system itself. There are some big names out there that don't seem to want us in it. I thought if I showed you our first product, that you might be willing to give us an 'in' to the political side of the system. A mutual acquaintance, Grant, maybe you remember him from some meetings on the Senate floors, said you might be interested in backing us. I've brought the plans and several feature holos demonstrating our new anti-ship missile, the Carnwennan, if you'd like to take a look."

 

[Jsc]

The Enclave
[member="Maximus Stanforth"]

Mars seemed surprised at the arrival of the soldiers. She'd cleared customs and her presence onworld was already green-lighted. Still, best to cooperate. Roving patrols meant something bad might be up too. She'd best be careful.

Jerry reached into her yellow coat and retrieved her Republic e-passport as well as her Jedi Temple ID card. It was stamped Ossus Academy. She placed the ID's on the table and leaned back to consider the soldier's response. The last thing she wanted right now was trouble.

 

[Kyber Salurra]

Kyber was half excited and half bored with his first official assignment in the Republic that wasn't linked to his squadron. He was sent as additional security as well as to make sure any and all defense systems were being assembled and installed properly on the outpost. He felt alone on his way to the outpost without his squadron there, but he descended through the lower atmosphere to land nonetheless. Kyber made sure there were no snags in clearing customs before landing his unusual choice in spacecraft, a Geonosian Sloop a little ways off from the outpost at a completed space port.

He exited the ship with all of his weapons adorned and his Mandalorian Armor on, the only piece that was missing was his helmet, however that was replaced with his personal pair of Flash Goggles. He had his cloak loosely linked to his belt so it only covered his back as he climbed off his BARC Speeder, not wanting to be confused with a shady character. He'd ridden it to the outpost from his ship, figuring it was better than walking the distance. As he made his way to the perimeter of the ouptost he encountered some military types, but Kyber made sure he had his Orders from Naval Command and his Republic Military Personnel ID ready for the inspection;

Sgt. Kyber Salurra: Sharpshooter // Starship & Weapons Mechanical Specialist of Wraith Squadron​

//ORDERS//​

Primary Objective: Go to Outpost -REDACTED- and oversee Construction and Installation of the Outpost's Defensive Measures.​

Secondary Objective: Report to Cpt. Maximus Stanforth to aid and assist him in any way he deems necessary for your skillset.​

He held up his Order Forms and his ID to who he assumed was the Leader of the squad that was patrolling the Perimeter and awaited confirmation to enter the grounds.

// [member="Jerry Mars"] // [member="Gir Quee"] // [member="Maximus Stanforth"] // [member="Memorial"] //

 

[Maximus Stanforth]

[member="Jerry Mars"]

The Sgt. picked up Jerry's e-passport and Temple idea looking over them for a moment before getting on the horn with Maximus on the security channel.

"Kilo-23 to base got a Padawan Mars in the Temple looks like a Ossus Academy ID with a Republic Passport."

After a few minutes the Sgt address Jerry once more handing back the passport and Temple ID.

"Here you go ma'am." "A few follow up questions." "Where is your Master, how many other Jedi are there on the grounds, and what are their names?"

 

[Serah Oricion]

[member="Gir Quee"] [member="Maximus Stanforth"] [member="Kyber Salurra"]

"I was not threatening you Mister Stanforth... and do continue Mister Quee, your offer is very much so enticing and i would be very interested in hearing of these new missles. I know of this grant you speak of, fine fellow, bit on the Odd side." He said as he turned around again, and seemed to be chatting half to them, and half to himself. His eyes did slide back to them both though, blood red eyes that focused in and then out on them before his smile grew wide and curled up to his cheeks. "Oh yes, come, walk with me. Both of you, i wish to see these improvements as they happen and i would love the input of a man who is serving in the military itself currently. After all we will be fighting together i hope, both of you that is, and i would be more than happy to get to know those i will be fighting against. An Echani always defends his home, as such that is why you will have my blade ever the two of you." He smiled wider and started walking, eyes infront of him. Yusan was two things, both calm, collected, and highly intelligent. But also cruel, vindictive, and ready to sacrifice anything to protect home and family... one of those things already taken from him.

 

[Jsc]

The Enclave
[member="Maximus Stanforth"]

Mars placed her cards back into her pockets and shrugged,

"I'm just a tourist today. Your welcome to have a look about yourself though."

She placed both hands on the table and looked back the soldier with a casual boredom. Her food was getting cold. Well, colder than usual anyway. Damn vending machine lunches.

"As far as I can tell, this Enclave was built with private funding for a private purpose and is far, far, from the Jedi Order's attention right now. I doubt you'll see another Jedi within these walls for weeks or months really. That is, if the Order even figures out this Enclave exists at this point?"

The Jedi Order already had more Temples than they could staff. Only the Gods knew why anyone would build another one. Jerry sure didn't.

 

[Maximus Stanforth]

[member="Memorial"] [member="Gir Quee"]

Maximus looked at the Senator for a moment a little more than annoyed at the way the conversation was playing out and glad he had his helmet on to hide his facial expressions. Jedi were normally not this difficult to deal with and there was still the matter of the current security plans that were still not being provided after a second request. None the less Maximus followed the man for now leaving his XO in charge of keeping things running smoothly until he got back from whatever little trip they were about to take.


[member="Jerry Mars"]

For a few moments the Sgt looked like she was catatonic before she popped off her helmet revealing a mid twenties Chiss female with light blue skin and softer red eyes than most Chiss had.

Sitting down in front of Jerry the Sgt. smiled.

"You said it ma'am." "Oh and now Army Command knows about this Enclave being here so I am sure the Order will very soon." "We are with Berserker Brigade we work with Jedi all the time." The Captain knows more than a few Knights in the order maybe even a master or two." "Curious though how did you find this place if the order doesn't know about it?"

The Sgt's squad all milled around while the rest of the soldiers disappeared back out the hallway to finish their sweep of the Enclave grounds.