Strength Through Joy [FO Dominion of Trenwyth Hex]

[Asharad Graush]

Location: Annaj Swamps
Objective 7: Resistance Bustin'
Allies: [member="Rexus Wenck"]
Post Six.

As soon as the bolt had hit the Gunner Lieutenant, the forest had been awakened with the colours of blue, green, and crimson bolts by the First Order troops. Even as they fired and Rexus voiced his opinion of taking the fight to them, they were set upon by the resistance members. Yelling and screaming, some form of primitive vibroswords, but were still dangerous enough to harm those like Rexus who bore the exosuits who weren't careful.

"When we're through here. I'll discipline your unit," he said. At that point, he rose back up to his feet, just in time to send a phrik covered fist into the face of some humanoid, the phrik crushgaunts working well enough to shatter the bone structure of the man before he collapsed to the ground and out of sight.

"Test your limits!" A'sharad said. It was battle. But this was also a mission, he had to balance out his own bloodlust with his responsibilities and duties. Up until now, the suit would've been weighing him down, but when the Sith High Colonel said, "Turn it on!" A button on the man's wrist, when Rexus pressed it, he would've felt the weight of the exosuit disappear, and find he had the strength to punch a hole through... Well... Anything that didn't have a form of armour that protected them from kinetic armour.

Not to mention the speed at which he could do so.

 

[Basileus Isauros]

Post: 2
Location: Xal 3
Objective: Assist with construction on Xal 3(Objective 9)

Several long hours uneventful hours have passed before Basileus hears any news. He is mildly frustrated that he was not told about the the weapons testing on the planet, but regardless, desiring to keep his position chose not to leave his post.

"Escorts are under fire sir! Engineers have fallen back to the shuttle bay. We don't have any identification " says Officer Yarmin

"Send down additional reinforcements and order them to protect the ICE workers. Scan all ships in the shipyard and prepare point-defense weapons. Prepare interceptors for launch. This has just became interesting," Basil orders, suddenly moving to different officers to tell each a command.

"Send a message to the shipyard, tell them that we have been fired upon and that we are putting the shipyard on lock-down, any unidentified ships will be destroyed."

"All First Order personnel, we are under attack, Threat level 2, I repeat, Threat level 2." Basil orders over the Excubitore intercom.

 

[Rexus Wenck]

Post: VII
Objective: VII: Being shot down by [member="Asharad Graush"]
Location: What are doing in this swamp?!

Rexus chuckled, "What if we smash the suckers, will we be reprimanded then?" he asked before running out into battle with a rifle. The anarchists forces tried to capitalise on the First Orders charge. However, the rebels found themselves either in the scopes of their snipers or crushed under the weight of the stormtroopers charge. Unlike the White Wolves who avoided hand to hand combat, the Gunners relished the chance to brawl with the enemy. Rexus beat one of the anarchists who ran to meet the charge, slamming the poor idealists head against a tree, and then dragging his under the slimy stagnant water of the swamp. "Come on boys! Up an at'em!"

 

[Asharad Graush]

Location: Annaj Swamps
Objective 7: Resistance Bustin'
Allies: [member="Rexus Wenck"]
Post Seven.

A'sharad didn't carry the exosuit, regardless, Rexus Wenck was appearing to be enjoying himself.

The Sith Knight ignited the golden and white lightabre beam in his palm before splitting another resistant member in half. It wasn't like Zarnathea at all. It was a mess. The White Wolves towards the rear and flanks mainly fired rather than engaged in personal close quarters combat.

Not like the Gundark Gunners who appeared to enjoy going head to head.

The stream of resistance members had slowed down since the Sith Knight had activated his lightsabre. Chancs were they expected him to be a Knight of Ren rather than a Sith, no matter.

The Sith Lightning exploded his palm as it struck through one, and then two resistant members. It burned the point of entry, all that could be smelled was ozone, not heavy enough to be smelled in the filtered air of the stormtrooper helmets, but just from how volatile the purple forks appeared to be, one could only imagine what it was smelling like. Outlines of their skeletons appeared before they dropped down to the ground, only the electricity electrifying their spinal cords kept them standing straight, and when it ceased, so did their bodies functioning correctly.

Smoking husks, the Sith Knight continued forward.

Their stealth operation was over.

"The Resistance have a base at the end of the Swamp." Probably more of a medium sized bunker. "We're clearing it out," the Force carried his words.

 

[Basileus Isauros]

Post: 3
Location: Xal 3
Objective: 9

Tension was high aboard the Excubitore. the combat on the shipyard was localized in the life-support area, one missed shot could mean a station wide evacuation.

"Sir, reports say that enemies are wearing no visible insignia, they are either bandits or part of the Resistance."

"The fact that they were on the station shows their staff weren't screened well enough. We can't jump to conclusions though, so orders will be maintained."

A soldier's suit recording says "Sabotage attempt... life-support cleared... left the... in weapons..." before ending. A sudden shaking began as the ship was hit by shipyard cannons.

"Damage Report"

"None, shields holding."

"Return fire, ion cannons only, minimize damage."

 

[Rexus Wenck]

Post: IX
Objective: VII: Being shot down by [member="Asharad Graush"]
Location: What are doing in this swamp?!

The Gundarks lead the charge, "Come on boys, we have them on the run!" Rexus snarled, firing at the fleeing resistance members. The snipers left their posts and followed swiftly behind. Some of the Gunners yelled out to the White Wolves, playfully jeering them. The Gundark Gunners pursued the Resistance, stopping a hundred meters from the entrance to their base. From there, they fanned out, and took cover. "Colonel, we've persued enemy forces to their base. We've fanned out, and are preparing to ambush the karkers."

 

[Tanomas Graf]

Post: 1/???
Objective: 6
Location: Annaj
Allies: The First Order, [member="Natasi Fortan"]

​

The durasteel grey hulk of the FIV Abdicator gracefully jolted out of hyperspace, followed by an escort of two Victory XI-class Star Destroyers. The trio of ships hovered thousands of kilometers above the surface of Annaj, looking as if they were slowly creeping across the starscape to any observer that dared look up at the fearsome underbelly of the Imperial X. Minutes passed while no discernible action could be seen, until an Upsilon-class Command Shuttle descended from the hangar bay along with two TIE/in Interceptors that swept after it, accompanying the shuttle on its journey.

While the small contingent of Death Squadron ships leaped back into hyperspace, having fulfilled their duty, the shuttle entered a low atmospheric orbit, approaching its destination, followed closely by its TIE honor guard. Two crewmen sat in the cockpit of the shuttle, one of them piloting and the other on the auxiliary station, a few switches were flipped on the auxiliary station and a channel was opened. "Annaj Starport, this is Upsilon 3 hailing from the star destroyer Abdicator, we're starting our approach, requesting landing clearance, transmitting our command codes now..." The crewman stated, typing the codes in Aurebesh and sending them on an encrypted transmission.

Landing clearance was soon granted by the starport authorities, and the shuttle began a rapid descent. The co-pilot narrowed his eyes "Scanners report that the Grand Moff's ship has already arrived." He mused, glacing over to the side at his comrade. The pilot gave a short response, obviously trying to focus on piloting, "Send out an IFF report to them, with our designation and the commands codes if you have to." He drawled, not even breaking his view from the ports.

They broke through the usual fog that surrounded Annaj and not long afterwards set down gently on their assigned landing pad, with the massive stabilizers of the shuttle folding upright. The TIEs that were following them touched down as well, being compact enough to fit perfectly with enough space to spare. With an audible hiss and steam escaping from it, the wide ramp lowered and hit the pad with a clang. Three pairs of boots strode down, finally on the ground after the long trip from Dosuun.

Admiral Graf had arrived, dressed in a near-pitch black uniform, a change from the dull grey color of Commodore. With his mustache ruffling as he pursed his lips, the old man set off to greet the Grand Moff, flanked by two soldiers, covered head to toe in thick Stygian-triprismatic polymer. These two were the 'prototypes' of Graf's long awaited project, the Dark Troopers, and he was damn well going to show them off.

 

[Asharad Graush]

Location: Annaj System
Objective 7: Resistance Bustin'
Allies: [member="Rexus Wenck"]
Post Eight.

Where the first attack had been poorly managed, the Gundark Gunners chased after the fleeing resistance members. In A'sharad's mind they were both poor excuses for military strength, but what was he to do? Train both the Gundark Gunners and the elite White Wolves at the same time? In place of A'sharad stopping the Gundarks, for he imagined they wouldn't listen, not when there was combat, he had been the same, ignoring commands to kill.

A great past time, undoubtedly.

But within the First Order there were times for that.

Chasing after the Resistance wasn't the time for that.

​

​

The Gundarks wanted to lead the charge.

So they did.

Right into amicably hidden trip mines, jerry-rigged to land mines and other forms of explosives they got there hands on from offworlders, and then the forest went up in flames!

A'sharad didn't react, not visually, anyway. Even from his further distance, he could feel the flames on his face, the loss of life especially. His golden orbs brightened for a moment before darkening again, he wished it had been him who had blown up the forest.

"Rein. Them. In."

Behind him came the rest of the White Wolves, hopping over logs, even his Hydrastaff came around and slipped up his leg and back around his waist.

 

[Rexus Wenck]

Post: IX
Objective: VII: Being shot down by [member="Asharad Graush"]
Location: What are doing in this swamp?!

"Cowards!" Rexus snarled. Casualties had been about one squad worth of troopers out of the seven deployed. Perhaps a little less he hoped. The adrenaline wore down, and the exoskeletal suits began to constrain the troopers. The medics began to mull over the wounded and combat engineers sprung into action, beginning to disarm the still primed and ready traps. Rexus mulled over his failure. What had he done? He'd just led his men to their own doom. When the White Wolves pressed forward, he bowed his head, and awaited for the inevitable lambasting he felt he deserved.

 

[Basileus Isauros]

Post: 4
Location: Xal 3
Objective: Objective 9

"We need support. Why are our long range comms not working? Launch a ship to the nearest comm buoy and tell command that we need assault squads to deal with this... incursion," Basileus ordered.

The Excubitore was quiet for nearly an hour. Short range communication was quiet.

"We've cleared the shipyard, no life signs anywhere near besides the safe point," a Stormtrooper said, breaking the silence.

"We are still detecting life signs, check again," Basileus replied.

 

[Asharad Graush]

Location: Annaj
Objective 7: Resistance Bustin'
Allies: [member="Rexus Wenck"]
Post Nine.

The Sith Knight deactivated his lightsabre at long last and clipped it back onto his waist.

The Lieutenant had bowed his head when the White Wolves began taking up positions. While the Gundark Gunners pulled their dead, and wounded from the fallen trees and any other potential threats. The Sith High Colonel took command when the White Wolves moved independently into position. They covered the Gundarks, firing at any Resistance members that popped their heads out. When the Gundark snipers came about, he pointed to them and said, "See if you can get an oversight in the trees!"

He turned back to the Gundark Lieutenant who quite clearly expected to receive some form of berating. Sure, he could've, but personally, A'sharad couldn't say he cared. They weren't the lives of his men, not personally, some he could even say he 'enjoyed' their presence. Or rather, could appreciate their existence. "Discipline, Lieutenant," he started. High Command would see the footage from the audio and visual recordings anyway. "Your men are your friends. Remind me that you're their leader." Taking a step back, he keyed in on his com.

"Cresh and Desh Platoon are soon to be in position. They'll be spotted soon enough," he turned his head to Rexus.

"How is the exosuit?"

 

[Rexus Wenck]

Post: XI
Objective: VII: Being shot down by [member="Asharad Graush"]
Location: What are doing in this swamp?!

"Well sir," he said, "The suits a bit tight when you're not in combat." he said with a bit of grimace. The exosuit wasn't helping with this fresh discomfort he was feeling., "It loosens a bit when the blood starts flowing, and feels like a tighter version of the usual kit." The trooper said, "As if this could get any worse," he added with a chuckle, "It's at its worst when standing to attention though." he added, "So I wouldn't suggest making us wear it on parade, unless you're a sadist of course." And knowing the familiar Sith eyes in the colonel's skull, he probably was. "So if we could loosen this, or find something that doesn't cut so deep, that'd be real nice."

 

[Basileus Isauros]

Post: 5
Location: Xal 3
Objective: Objective 9

"Move the ship close, we are going to use the ship's tractor beam to pull all ships into the Excubitore hanger for inspection. Order all ground crews to go back to the shuttle and return. Have armed guards ready to inspect the workers and potentially rogue crew," Basil tells his XO.

Basil's mind raced, was he to be methodical and to the book or be quick and decisive? The situation seemed to have cleared on the shipyard, so he decided he would take the long approach to finding who was responsible for the attack.

"I will investigate each man myself."

 

[Asharad Graush]

Location: Annaj Swamps
Objective 7: Resistance Bustin'
Allies: [member="Rexus Wenck"]
Post Ten.

Criticisms.

That's what he got.

When you were Sith, you didn't got taught to handle criticism. You were supposed to handle it on your own, or lash out, and be disciplined. A'sharad's eyes narrowed at the end of the feedback, but he nodded his head slowly, as if that would prevent him from strangling the Lieutenant where he stood, before a smile that certainly didn't reach his eyes broke his lips that were currently in a straight, grim, line.

"Fixes will be made," A'sharad answered a few moments later. "Plans are in motion to have it equip onto the armour, rather than having to remove plates." Though, the Sith Knight wasn't sure as to how intricacies such as that would work. Probably a drilled hole through the plates, or something that actually involved science. Whatever it was, his people would figure it out, until then, they had to survive this.

And then it was back to the mission statement.

"Our rear guard will take care of the wounded. We're moving into the base," he said.

That's when the White Wolves began advancing, marching through the brushes in a low crouch. They were spread out, thin, perhaps too thin, but they'd need to give the semblance of being more in number than what they actually were. The main force was to sweep over the flanks while they cleared the forest of patrols, perimeter lines, and distracted the base from the main threat. They were the distraction while many miles away, a real military garrison was in the process of being constructed.

 

[Basileus Isauros]

Post: 6
Location: Xal 3
Objective: Objective 9

The Excubitore ground crews, after being questioned were glad to return to their quarters after a long day. Several had lost squadmates and friends.
From construction freighters to shuttles, nothing was left unchecked. ICE construction crews were disgruntled, with some obviously nervous. With his mask on, Basil could be an intimidating sight. He was doing the interrogation more for show than anything else as he had crew records, showing ICE the thoroughness and seriousness that the First Order shows for its clients and partneres.

Basil addressed the construction crew but directed his speech towards the remaining bandits he knew were on board. "No harm will come to you if you choose to surrender yourselves now. If you attempt to attack anyone on the crew, you will be shot on sight. If you attempt to run, you will be shot on sight."

Basil studied the crew again, some had stiffened, while others had relaxed. He wished he had ordered his ground troops to stun the bandits, who were of no use to him dead.

"Separate them into groups of five, search them for any weapons or communicators. Stun any who make any movements for their pockets."

The search took some time, leaving all involved tired.

Several groups had communicators and blasters, not uncommon but undesired in this current situation. The last group had their possessions in front of them in a pile for each person.

"You!" Basil called. "What is your name."

 

[Rexus Wenck]

Post: XII
Objective: VII: Being shot down by [member="Asharad Graush"]
Location: What are doing in this swamp?!

The lieutenant nodded and crouched, the Gundark Gunners slowly moved towards the base, weapons raised. Rexus took the lead and breathed in and out slowly, trying to keep calm. There was no room now for any kark ups. He'd already lost more men then he cared to count, and hated the fact that they were approaching an enemy fortification which had already unveiled a surprise, who knew what else it held. There was a sudden click, and then from a slit in the bases armor, came the unmistakeable barrel of a heavy repeating blaster. "Take cover!" Rexus called out, hiding behind a tree as it began to hap hazardly open fire on the approaching force.

 

[Saffron]

[Objective 1: Help import exotic fauna to Trenwyth and turn the planet into a place of vacation and enjoyment for the First Order populace![


[member="Ludolf Vaas"]
Trenwyth. It was a planet rich in minerals and ore, but very difficult to get to. The electrical storms made it a dangerous planet to travel to, forcing all starships to use the light side of the planet for their safety. It was a planet with a wealth of opportunity, one that Saffron would be aiding in expand not only in reconstruction, but for the betterment and improvement of the population therein.

The young blonde woman would step out of her shuttle, her hazel eyes adjusting to the bright light. Nearby was a grand gathering. A light smile grew upon her lips. The new Supreme Commander Vaas was overseeing this project personally, and it was an honor for her to be able to work closely with him. The small tidbits of information on the man intrigued the young Companion, and she was anxious to get started to ensure that their terraforming and horticulture would fulfill their needs.

Alongside her was [member="Mir Nehrahn"], a most recent and welcomed addition to PharmaTech's researching team. He would be here to lend aid and support.

"Quite a sight isn't it?" her melodic voice would drift towards the Ithorian. Before them was the grand sight of the assembly that had seen the Supreme Commander preside over earlier.

"Miss. Saffron." A voice called for her, turning the blonde attention to the First Order detail sent to fetch her.

"Yes?"

"Please, follow me." he instructed, gesturing for her to follow him. From here they would be escorted to meet Supreme Commander Vaas.

 

[Dunames Lopez]

Post: 2/38
Location: Xal 3
Allies: First Order and friends ([member="Basileus Isauros"])
Enemies: unknown
Objective: Help in the construction of a shipyard on Xal 3 (objective 9)

"We have a new contact on sensors, FIV Excubitore"

"All clear"

"Appears to be friendly. They will ensure our security while the components are being deployed"

"It appears that the FIV Excubitore was hit and attacked by some other party"

"We are in no position to help out. No fighters, no ion cannons, this is not a situation where lethal force would be called for"

Dunames wanted no repeat of Korriban despite having rather similar firepower to the Mateus at her disposal. Korriban was a disaster, she did not want that to happen to the First Order too. While the Excubitore was attacked, Dunames happily continued to have the Ultima disgorge its components as well as utility and astromech droids so that assembly of the drydocks in orbit could continue. There were enough components inside the Ultima to build about a half-dozen Egroegs and a Sacul or two. That's how many components could be stored inside the Ultima; thank the Force for such a ship! Tugs and their crews tirelessly worked to carry the components out of the ship and into orbit while the drydocks were being assembled. But Dunames couldn't help but curse Jessica for her Silver Jedi allegiance - and her failure to actually do anything regarding Xal 3. The worst in all that was that Jessica actually was a Jedi, unlike Charzon - especially since she contributed some content to the Star Tours Guide to Force Specialties.

 

[Jairus Starvald]

Location: Annaj, Iron Crown Enterprises Headquarters.
Objective: Six- Maintain the status quo.
Allies: [member="Natasi Fortan"] | [member="Tanomas Graf"]
|1|

"They have arrived, sir."

"Very well. I expect the envoys are already awaiting them?"

"Yes, sir."

Irani nodded, before returning his gaze towards the skyline of Annaj. The headquarters of ICE dominated this part of the capital city, in times past it used to be the main government building of the Fringe -- the nerve center of the Lords of the Fringe's hold over the most of the Unknown Regions -- in this... the usage of the building by ICE was a statement. Perhaps even a declaration of truth; that with the Fringe's collapse and disappearance in the void there was a new successor.

Another entity laying claim on their legacy. It made sense, to a degree, for Iron Crown to be that successor. Back way when the corporate entity had manufactured everything from ships to weapons to other equipment for the Lords, it had been owned and operated by said state and to this day the imprint of the lost nation was still on it.

From Annaj to Xal 3, from Bakura to Bespin, O'reen to 244Core... Iron Crown was there. They supported the trade in, out and between the worlds of this region: it wasn't a coincidence the corporation was literally called the Gateway to the Unknown Regions.

Heavily entrenched, a part of the daily lives of many sentients; either through job employment, security or a combination of the two, the Unknown Regions were difficult to imagine without Iron Crown.

"Notify me when they are near the headquarters, Ash. I would like to greet them personally."

Them, yet it was only one person he was truly interested in seeing.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Post 2
Attn: [member="Darell Irani"] | [member="Tanomas Graf"]

"I'm afraid we're going to have to leave it there," Natasi told Dr. Penneford firmly as she saw [member="Tanomas Graf"]'s shuttle approach the spaceport. Her words indicated regret, but in truth she was relieved to have the session done with. She stood from her seat and put her arms back through the sleeves of her dress, then turned away. "Would you be so kind as to zip the fastener?" she asked over her shoulder. Penneford agreed, reaching over to pull the zipper up to her neck.

"Remember to take it easy," said Penneford as Natasi donned her Balance pendant and leaned over to study her reflection in the mirror. "You need to rest."

"And so I shall, once I have completed my part of operations here." Natasi slipped her shoes on.

"At least finish your breakfast."

"Of course." Natasi saw Penneford out, then took a few bites of yolk-dipped toast. Close enough, she told herself as she wiped her lips. It wouldn't do to keep Admiral Graf waiting. Natasi put her coat on, collected her handbag, and walked briskly with Malvarn Greye towards the front of the ship, where they disembarked and strolled over to meet Graf. "Admiral, good morning. They're just unloading the limousine now." She gestured towards the back of the ship, where an armored airspeeder limousine was being unloaded from the Frontrunner. "Are these the latest from your project? I am eager to see how they perform."

The speeder wheeled around to stop nearby, and her security detail --including [member="Viktor DuSang"] -- escorted Natasi to the door, then held it open for Graf and Malvarn after she climbed in. "Tell me, Admiral, have you met Mr. Irani before?"