Invasion Technologic | SO Invasion of GA Held Woostri - Objective Three

[Ysennia Lee]

Lt. Col. Ysennia Lee | 42nd Assault Battalion

​

Although Gen. Lupa Visz was the ground commander, she relied on the two officers below her to execute the plan. Ysennia knew she and her troops had to put on a good show. Her men had experience dealing with insurgents, separatists, and the like. But now they get to face the Alliance's greatest threat and she made it clear to her company commanders that the Sith were no pushovers. None of them had encountered an imperial cohort before but their eagerness could make up for that discrepancy.

Ysennia was hanging back with Courier Company who had set up a mobile command post so she could coordinate with her troops and other allied forces. She was surrounded by her staff who were monitoring all the essential systems. She eagerly stared at the holomap in the center of the speeder truck, Patchy. Her heart pounded as she waited for the Sith's arrival.

"Ma'am."

Ysennia's heart skipped a beat as one of her officers turned his head to call for her.

"What is it, captain?" She responded.

"Scans have detected a large orbital platform entering the planet's atmosphere."

'Orbital Platform?' She said to herself.

The landing castle's signature had appeared on the holomap. Just as it made its presence known, the thundering sound of the 34th's Screaming Falcons unloading had echoed all the way to her position.

"Hellstomper Alpha to Stormpiercer Alpha, relaying coordinates for your Artillery. Fire at will."

"Stormpiercer Alpha copies." Ysennia got off and started relaying orders. "We just got word, tell Marskman to fire on that platform."

"Coordinates received ma'am. Relaying now." The comms officer replied before contacting the artillery officer. "Marksman Alpha this is Patchy Bravo, requesting fire on the descending orbital platform. Relaying coordinates now."

"Solid copy. Beginning fire sequence. Batteries fully charged in 30 seconds."

From the back line, the 6 SPMAC-A's had charged their batteries and concentrated beams from their agrocite cannons had fired upon the landing castle. All the while, Ysennia anxiously gripped the table displaying the map.

 

[Ko Vuto]

​

Location: Woostri
Objective: Counter Intelligence
Tags: Quinn Varanin | Kaila Irons | Eira Dyn

Despite the gravity of the situation Ko believed that the Alliance had the tactical advantage here. The databases here were too valuable to be recklessly targeted by orbital bombardment. The Sith will likely be pulling their punches. All the while ground forces could fire back into space against the invaders.

The Kel Dor had his arms crossed as he stood up on the roof of a large data center. The fierce winds and harsh rain drowned out some of the noise created by orbital cannons firing off into the clouds above. The storm visually concealed much of the invading force. He trusted that the Alliances’s military leaders will make good use of the golden goose that was this planet’s defenses. Ko even wondered if perhaps the GADF should maybe even look more incorporating battle droids. That pragmatist in him believed that if soldiers were going to have to die because of this work then it might as well be the Sith. With worlds like this, Mechis III and more in the Alliance. Then this work of attrition they found themselves in should be a lot easier. By burying the Sith under a tsunami of droids. So the Galactic Alliance could preserve the lives of their soldiers while the Sith lost theirs.

Ko let out a deep sight, his breath hissing through his antiox mask. Such cold and callus thinking was really quite unbecoming of a Jedi. Perhaps he could be thankful that he wasn’t a general. It wasn’t really his place or responsibility to decide how the Alliance chose to wage war. But sometimes Ko just felt like a helpful force multiplier for the GADF.

He wasn’t with many of his Jedi comrades further out in the city. Instead finding himself in the backlines. Standing at the ready to deal with any Sith infiltrators that might manage to subvert the defenses here. Keeping his 'eyes peeled' to pounce onto any intrusions. Since their valiant defense could come undone if even a single spy or assassin made it through and had access to the wealth of knowledge stored on Woostri. Away from the chaos of the front lines he could better center himself and focus. Utilizing his vision through The Force and farsight, Ko could survey his surroundings and peer within the datacenter. Looking through it as though its walls were made of glass. Even though he was subject to the elements and the hurricane on the roof, he found it oddly comforting. Kel Dor weren't anything if not capable of weathering the harshest of storms. ​

​

 

[Jhyrack]

TECHNOLOGIC

ENEMIES: Ran Serys

The Maldrani had been forged in the crucible of their homeworld. They were a species of eight foot tall minotaurs. They each grew sharp horns and were covered in muscle. Yet, to the predators of their mountainous, harsh climate they were little more than prey.

They had survived and flourished and made war on themselves and then the nearest worlds. Now they had found the greatest battlefield.

Lord Jhyrack was one of the three rules of his world. Three was important. It was balance. If any two lords weakened themselves in a protracted war then the third would take advantage.

He stood at the front of the dropship, as was his right. He held his hammer at his side, lightsaber at his belt. Most of his landing party were not students of the Force, but they did not need to be.

"Show me the landing zone again!" he demanded.

. "This isn't a building, a structure, a facility. We protect something more valuable than a vessel for information.

He was shown a holographic image of the terrain and their objectives.

"This looks like a building full of pointless books!" Jhyrack spat.

"The Jedi will be defending it," answered his taktikan.

"The Jedi?" Jhyrack replied. He grinned from ear to ear. "A real fight then. Get us to the ground!" he roared.

 

[Haro Aven]

​

LOCATION: EXPANSION REGION > WOOSTRI > OUTSKIRTS OF GOPSAL​

OBJECTIVE: BREACH THE CENTRAL ARCHIVES AND COMPUTATION BUILDING...UPLINK THE INFORMATION TO MORS MON​

EQUIPMENT: Bodie | Field Com-Scan Link | Kor'ethyr-Issued Sith Trooper Armor (Permission) | Vibroknives | "The Vora" Hand Canon | EMP Grenades | Smoke Grenades | Electronic Lock Breaker ​

TAGS: Naamino Zuukamano | Lysander von Ascania | Gavin Vel | Madrona A’Mia ​

​

​

​

PRE-LANDING...
​

Staring ahead as if lost in thought, Haro was uncharacteristically quiet, solemn even, as the Requiem descended to the surface of Woostri. He had been antsy up until this last stretch of the journey – fidgety, chattery, cracking the occasional joke, all in an effort to cope with the anticipation of the impending battle. At this point though, his anxiety had him in a chokehold and it showed in his furrowed brow, shallow breathing, and tense stillness. Well. Mostly stillness. He sat beside Naamino, his knee rapidly bobbed and he fiddled with some little trinket with one hand while a tempest to match the stormy atmosphere of Woostri raged within him. The Zabrak's sturdy presence was surprisingly comforting, especially since he'd been exceptionally chummy with Haro on the trip over. The two had been training together a lot lately in preparation for a deployment like this and Haro was glad to have his warrior friend watching his back but, as they grew closer to their mission, he became increasingly worried about what complications this battle might bring.

This wasn't the first time Haro had been to war but it was the first time he would be deployed as part of the ground troops on the front lines. He was far more comfortable in the cockpit of a starship, especially in conflict, but he knew he'd be able to glean more useful information this way. Besides, he needed to be able to hold his own on the ground just as much as in the air if he hoped to survive in the long term. It was their opponent that concerned Haro the most in this battle though. Despite the fact that Woostri's defenses were mostly automated emplacements and droid soldiers, the reality that he and his squad would likely be directly clashing with Galactic Alliance forces weighed heavily on him.

Haro barely heard the scary tree lady's address to him and the other students over his own thoughts. Focusing on her was certainly not going to make him feel any better or more prepared, so he tuned her out. What did pull him out of his own head and back into the moment was when the noticed the new guy, Lysander von Ascania , approach and pull up next to Naami, leaning in to issue his challenge before sauntering off. Haro glanced sidelong at his friend, wondering if he would make the guy regret his words sooner than later. Thankfully, he just watched him walk off but predictably accepted the challenge in his own way.

Haro met Naami's look with an unspoken "I know right?" and shook his head. He made his best effort to return the reassuring smile, an effort that became much easier when the Zabrak threw an arm around his shoulders. He took a deep breath, as if that small show of solidarity had visibly helped unburden at least a little of his anxiety.

"Heh... Yeah. Go time."​

POST-LANDING...​

Praetorian Guards and Sith troopers filed out of the stealthy battlecruiser along side the Kor'ethyr students after they'd touched down as close to the Central Archives and Computation Building as they could get. Howling winds and rain like bullets buffeted them but fortunately the Sith Empress's massive Landing Castle had cleared most of the battlefield for them. They organized into their pre-determined squads, Haro and Naami splitting off from the others with a small squad of guards, before they advanced on their target – a massive complex so tall that it neared the edge of the world's atmosphere.​

 

[Everest Vale]

Location: Woostri, City Streets
Outfit: Battle Tunic, Padawan Robe
Equipment: Valery Noble's Lightsaber (1), Backpack, Bacta supplies
Tag: Tigris

A strange silence hung over the city. Unease could be felt everywhere, like a dark cloud pressing against the minds of everyone present, waiting for a storm to hit. Everest could feel the hesitation, the gently bubbling fear at the base of the hearts of so many present. But not everyone. Some, like her Jedi seniors, and the more seasoned soldiers of the Alliance, held an undeniable stoicism that stood out, bringing a much needed hope and motivation to the space.

For Everest, she was unable to feel or think. All that revolved around her mind in those moments was the face of her mother — calm, serene, loving — as a stone in her stomach weighed her down. She hadn't told her she would be a part of the Woostri defence in light of this sudden invasion, and her mind began to plague itself with the worst hypotheticals. What if she died, and she would never know? She would be left waiting for her next letter, and it would never come, and she would spend the rest of her days wondering what happened to her little girl. The thought broke her heart.

But she was snapped back to the moment as Knight Katherine Holt began her speech. Her words caused the reality of the situation to truly set in for Eve, for better or worse. To her side, Tigris seemed to hold herself with the composure Eve expected from her, but she knew they would both need each other for this. Silently, she reached to find her hand — always so tender and warm for her — and squeezed it gently as if trying to strengthen their confidence, perhaps for her own benefit more than Tigris'. She glanced at her, and those dark almond eyes told her so much as always, and for a moment she felt a wash of much needed relief to simply know she was there. Her smile didn't reach the lament of her silver eyes.

The speech finished, and Eve placed a hand over the hilt of her Master's lightsaber that hung at her belt, as if reaching for the confidence and strength she so effortlessly expressed and shared. She was out there too, readying herself for what was come, and the mere thought of it gave her a needed sense of calm.

I'll do you proud, Master.

The group started to split up, organising into their respective divisions, and as the space shifted energy, Eve couldn't help but notice an infantryman sitting silently and alone on a storage crate away from the rest, shivering uncontrollably. Eve knew the feeling extremely well, and without any forethought she found herself moving to him. She knelt and faced him.

"Hi," she said gently, the sadness and apprehension in her eyes suddenly pushed aside and replaced with an unexpected warmth and quiet confidence, as if there were more pressing matters suddenly at hand for her to worry about. "Are you okay?"

The man — just a boy not much older than she was — looked up to her, and Eve could see a profound fear that had taken the young man so vehemently. She understood it, for it reflected her exact same fears, only she had opportunity to work through it. The boy wouldn't speak.

"I'm Eve," she told him, gesturing gently to herself. "How about you?"

"P-Private Tanners, Ma'am."

"Eve— please. It's okay. Deep breaths." Through the Force, Eve allowed a soft wash of Light to extend to him, wrapping itself around him like a gentle blanket. "What about your first name?"

The soldier hesitated, but breathed in slowly, more relaxed.
"M-Michael— Mike." He looked at her. "Y-You're Jedi?" Eve nodded.
"Mhm. What gave it away?" She smiled at him in a way a mother might. It surprised even her when it came to her. "Talk to me, Mike. It's okay."
"I— I'm not ready. H-How can— I... I don't know what to do against th-th— these..."

Eve placed a hand on his shoulder and hushed gently. This fear was so immensely recognisable to her. She felt it almost all the time in some capacity, but something about seeing it in someone else had suddenly awoken some instinct in her, pushing away her own apprehensions and anxieties, as she felt the overwhelming urge to make him feel okay. Suddenly, she understood in part how her Master must have felt towards her, on that one particular day...

"Mike, tell me about your family?"
"M-Ma and Pa, o-on Dantooine..." Eve's smile didn't falter.
"Anyone you're... sweet on?" The young soldier's eyes seemed to look beyond her for a moment, and he nodded, but didn't say anything else. "I'm sure they're very lucky to have you, Mike. Did you know, and this is a secret..." She leaned in closer to whisper in his ear. "This lady behind me? She's my sweet thing. Aren't I lucky?" Eve could sense the soldier's mood lifting slightly, as she took his hands in her own, speaking more confidently and directly to him. "And you know, I would do anything for her." As she spoke, she could feel her own eyes welling at the mere thought of Tigris, let alone everything else that circled about her mind. But she was adamant to keep strong for this boy. He needed it far more than she did right now.

"Let me tell you something my Master told me— Valery Noble — you know of her, right?" Mike nodded silently. "She once told me — not all that long ago — that the reason we're here doing this is because of the one's we love. We fight so that our loved ones don't have to face those things that threaten us alone." As she spoke, it was as if the voice of Grandmaster Noble herself came from her, as she repeated word-for-word that wisdom given to her that she so needed to hear not so long ago herself. "And as long as I can fight, as long as I can stand between people and the horrors out there... I will."

She smiled gently to the young man, offering more soft washes of Light to fill his mind with ease. His breathing returned to normal, and he had finally stopped shaking. Eve squeezed his hands, and she was sure she even saw a small smile form on his face.
"Th-thanks, Ma— Eve." She nodded to him.
"You have a lot of people rooting for you, Mike. Now find your men. We will see you out there, I'll be alongside you, and we'll get you back to your sweet thing in no time. Okay?" He nodded, and promptly stood, giving a strange, awkward bow as if that's what was expected of him, and shuffled off to find his platoon.

It took several moments for Eve to catch up with what happened. She had never done something like that before, and something akin to pride swelled within her for a moment— but it was suddenly overshadowed by an exhaustion of having to hold such a space for someone for so long, and the moment she looked back at Tigris, a broken, anxious exhale escaped her, tears trickling down her cheeks. She stepped to Tigris, her eyes dark and focused but tinged with undeniable lament, as she searched in her eyes for something she so greatly needed that only she could give her.

 

[Jessikal Skea]

Objective: Aid GADF Forces Against the SO/Give Medical Attention To Those in Need
Tags: Shan Pavond
Equipment: Standard 44th Equipment

​

Extra protecting from the elements was a welcome one. The Ariem seemingly lined up in an orderly fashion to receive this Force Runes that the Jedi were going to give them. Jessikal would be the last one to receive one, ensuring all the others got their protection before her. As she stepped up to Shan, he would tell her that he intended to protect the 44th the best he can. But he also warned that Jessikal shouldn't try to be a hero. It would be hard on her peeople to attend her funeral if she were to fall in battle. The Force pulse through her did help ease her nerves, allowing her to speak in a more calm tone.

Jessikal gave a nod as she watched on Shan put the Force Rune upon her armor. "I understand what you are trying to say Master Jedi. I will do my best to not purposely put myself in harms way. But I do feel responsible for them all. Imagining hundreds of your own people joining up because they were inspired by you. Of course you know and they know that they will be deployed onto battlefields such as this. That some of them may not come back. But that doesn't mean you wont try your hardest to ensure they do come home."

Jessikal seemingly gave a smile before putting on her helmet. "We should get going. I fear the Sith Order do not have to deal with the emotional attachment of losing their soldiers. We best be ready for them. Today will be a day that good won against evil. And we, Ariem shall do our part." Jessikal after saying that will be jogging out to the rest of the 44th, beginning to give orders to squads as they began to move to depolyment points. Jessikal was keeping her ear close to the comms, as she looked to Shan, awaiting for him to join them out in the city.

 

[Darth Nefaron]

PRIOR TO LANDING
DIRECT TAGS: Veradun Sharr
INDIRECT TAGS: Credius Nargath Darth Callidus Lycus Merita Nos Voros Connel Vanagor
EQUIPMENT: Mind-Breaker Toxin Injection Gauntlet, Grenades
​

The vast fleet of the Sith was truly a wonderous site. From the colossal dreadnaught that could bring death to entire systems alone to the fighters that formed up for battle. It was understandable why one might be swept up in the majesty of the fleet.

In comparison, the humble freighters that Nefaron had brought to battle were hardly impressive. They were not meant to engage Alliance ships, but instead to ferry the vast Corpse Legion to battle on the surface below. Darth Nefaron looked out on the space battle that already raged on, eager to be done with this spectacle and return to his own schemes. Still, this was to be a momentous day for his Apprentice, his first true encounter with the Galatic Alliance and the Jedi who served it. Would he come out stronger in the Dark Side? Would his corpse be tossed into the past pyres that would be needed to clear the streets? The future was uncertain, but Nefaron knew that he would either have a stronger Apprentice or he would have to be more careful in selecting his replacement.

The boy, Veradun, stood at the Corpse Lord's side. The transports were still being loaded with the broken warriors in the Corpse Lord's service, the two Sith would be the last to board before they headed for the surface.

"You have done well, my Apprentice. You have surpassed my expectations so far, but this day shall be a true test of your commitment to the Dark Side."

A thunderous explosion rocked the freighter they were aboard, a nearby cruiser having split in two from the resulting blast. Nefaron was unmoved, entirely trusting in the power of the Dark Side to ward off danger.

"Our landing will not be a soft one. No matter what we encounter, our goal remains the same. The data stored on this world shall be mine before I pass it on to the Mors Mon. I do not care for the machinations of other Lords or the anti-aircraft guns. We will bypass them, allowing others to fight and distract the Jedi while we secure the data. The Sith might lose the day, but the war will be ours."

Nefaron turned then, his ragged cloak barely concealing the toxin canisters on his belt. He looked upon his Apprentice, the simple robes he had been clad in having been replaced with the armor of the Order he once served. This to was a test, as were all things Nefaron gave to his Apprentice.

"Our time has come. Together, my Apprentice, we shall secure our future."

The shuttle rattled as it entered the atmosphere. Darth Nefaron, his Apprentice, and about a dozen Corpse Legionaries huddled in the dim red light of the vessel as it descended upon Woostri.

Already, several transports have been downed by anti-aircraft fire, exploding into millions of pieces or hurtling toward the surface in an uncontrolled crash.

Nefaron, sucking in a breath, gripped his Apprentice by the shoulder, the force swelling around the pair.

"Brace"

A simple command, spoken only to his Apprentice. A few moments later, the ship was struck by surface fire, a hole torn in the side of the craft as several Legionaries were sucked out to plummet to their deaths. Yet Nefaron stood, as did his Apprentice, but even the Sith Lord strained to keep the pair steady.

The ground approached. The impact was not pleasant.

"Do you live, Apprentice?"​

Darth Nefaron grumbled, his bones popping as they shifted back into place. The ship, or at least what was left of it, had tumbled on his approach to the ground. From the look of things, it had impacted the street before settling against a wall of one of the buildings that remained.

To his credit, Nefaron did check on his Apprentice before he did anything else. Though roughed up by the crash, the boy was strong. His role in this was not to end in the crashed remains of a shuttle. Several more Corpse Legionnaires had died in the crash, their remains scattered within the shuttle, but two still lived and were able to lift their weapons.

Once assured of his Apprentice's condition, Nefaron rose from his kneeling position to inspect his surroundings. They were sealed in, durasteel on one side and the ruins of the building on the other. The Corpse Lord gathered the Darkness within himself and unleashed a blast of power from his hand, sending the shuttle door flying upward to reveal the sky, though it was also filled with grey smoke as the battle raged on.

"Secure our surroundings. Alert me if more of our forces survived."

"Yes, Master!"

The Legionaries climbed out of the shuttle, making it obvious that they were in fact sideways. Nefaron turned back to his Apprentice then, offering a withered hand to the boy.

"Come. We have much to do."

​

 

[Shan Pavond]

Objective: Slow down Sith Forces and protect the 44th.
Tags: Directly interacting with Jessikal Skea
Updating Everest Vale Tigris Katherine Holt Lupa Visz Gress D'ran Ysennia Lee Nos Voros
Equipment: Armour, Blaster, Lightsaber

Shan felt responsible for all of them. It was his job to protect them. Whilst also trying to hold back the Sith in any way he could. It'd be difficult with his focus pulled in so many different directions. There was a part of him that felt like he should focus on trying to make the traps and holding back the enemy Forces but the 44th were a far more important goal for him. Protect them at any and all costs. Slowly making his way out into the city with the 44th. He had to keep himself open to the Force. Open to any communication that might be sent his way whilst at the same time being aware of anything that might be trying to sneak past them.

This was still going to be a hard battle for Shan either way. The Mirialan ignited his lightsaber, letting the green glow light up his surroundings. Listening to the sound of raindrops evaporating against the plasma blade. Whilst the 44th waited for orders to move out, Shan went to work on the street they were on, using the Force to work at softening the ground. Moving his hands swiftly to mark some of the street off with Force Runes. They'd work for that extra little push for the trap. It'd be harder to work on the traps as they moved away from the database but right now he can put as much focus as he needed to.

"Update to Strike Team Vos members. Knight Pavond here, I'm placing traps through the streets as I and the 44th move through them. If things go to plan, the Sith will get stuck in some of them and become sitting womp rats. I'll update you all as they're placed. That way we won't become the rats."


With that, he worked on saying the locations of his traps. Hopefully some of the enemy fell for them, and could get taken down or stay stuck there until the end of the battle. Who knows, maybe they could catch a trooper or two...Though Shan had the opinion that the Sith troops probably would have some kind of tactic to stop themselves from being taken alive.

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Mors Mon //:
//: Before Landfall //:​

//: Attire //:

Kaila Irons​

​

The hum of the massive destroyer loomed as they traveled, drawing closer to their war. Despite being warriors, always prepared to die - there was something human after the raging party of the second legion. Gerwald's theory was to celebrate life and prepare for death. The last moment with those you considered family and comrades should be joyous. Mourning the dead was for later; celebrate life while you still can. It was a concept Quinn was learning to accept - allowing his virtues to heal her after so much death.

She appreciated the man who, like a few others, stepped in and became more like a father to her. His stern hand guided the young woman, teaching and instilling the values she needed. Glory would be brought home, the Princess carrying its mantle.

Her amber eyes opened, staring up at the woman above her. The focus she found in Anathemous' eyes startled her. Her mouth hung slightly as the brush dragged along her cheek and under her eye. Quinn felt the ink of the warpaint starting to dry with each application from the woman's brush.

Something hit her as she watched Kails; something was warming from the closeness they shared even now. She leaned closer, and Quinn caught her breath, catching the delicate scents of the woman's hair as it cascaded over her shoulder. Was it always like this? Quinn's mind swirled, drunk off the tightness in her chest and having Kaila so close. She closed her eyes and let her mind wander, wishing they weren't going to war. Something began tearing her heart, a sorrow she had known only once.

"Kaila," the Princess whispered as she moved slightly, pinned under the woman's weight as she applied the warpaint. Letting Kaila sit up slightly, Quinn followed, resting on her elbows. Her eyes refused to look at her paramour. "I -" Quinn choked on her own words; she needed to say this - the feeling that if she didn't and something happened, Quinn wouldn't forgive herself. Glancing from the corner of her eye, the Princess caught the Knight's gaze.

"I love you; I know I have for some time now." Quinn exhaled a breath she felt she had been holding since Kaila had started to paint her face. "I'm scared." Her hands gripped the bed sheets they had recently shared, "I don't want to lose you, and I don't want what happened on Susevfi to happen again."

Quinn lay back down and stared at the ceiling. Her fear grew, knowing that the Force disliked her finding any semblance of happiness.

"Tell me that I'm not foolish and you feel the same; I've felt it - even on Susevfi, I felt you." Quinn felt her face flush under the black makeup. For being someone who fed off the emotions of others, her own often confused her. They scared her, but being close to Kaila like this, feeling her warmth while in death - she felt safe. Once more, the Princess adjusted herself; reaching into the breast pocket of her undershirt, she procured a silver band.

"Give me your hand," she commanded despite the nerves bleeding into her words. Carefully, she slipped the Eshan silver band over the woman's ring finger. "It's imbued, wherever you are in this galaxy - I'll be able to find you, and if you focus hard enough, you'll be able to find me as well." Quinn smiled as she raised her left hand and showed a braided version of the same ring. They were simple and easy to hide, which was done on purpose. Quinn lowered her hand and smiled sheepishly, "I'm sorry I have to hide you, but even so, I see you, I love you, and I hope that is enough; I hope that I am enough."

---

//: Landing Castle //:
//: Attire //:
//: Kaila Irons //: Eira Dyn //:
//: Ko Vuto //: Colette //:
​

Peace is a lie.

The thought lingered in the woman's mind as preparations were made to land. The massive castle, one that she had remembered seeing moments before her unsuccessful death, fell towards the planet's surface. The Jedi fought for Peace, but it was a futile attempt. Someone or something would always be searching to disrupt someone else's idea of Peace. It was just an idea, one that could never work.

There is only Passion.

Quinn felt her eyes drift from the viewport; she watched Eira, the woman having vowed her life to the young Princess. The Passion that burned within her for the power she sought was inspiring. It made the Master want to be better and teach her everything she knew. The Acolyte was more than the fire that burned beneath the surface. Quinn turned her attention from her Acolyte. Her will pulsing through their shared connection meant to guide the young woman. Eira was destined to be great, and Quinn's hand would help guide her.

The planet drew closer, and Quinn exhaled softly, finding her center within the turmoil of emotions. She held onto the recent memory of her and Kaila's conversation. It helped ground her and gave her something more than her desire to unify the Empire. Darth Anamantheous represented more than Passion for the Princess. Her feelings ran deeper than she could fathom; having her fight beside her gave Quinn the strength she needed. Holding on to that strength, she would use it to return to Jutrand. For a brief moment, Quinn's mind drifted, leaving the palace and thinking of the one she left at home. The war had terrible timing, and the revelation found on Weik weighed on Quinn's mind. As much as she needed to be here, Kirie also needed her. She was being pulled to so many places, but her mind needed to remain focused. Without this victory, without survival, everything would unravel around her.

Quinn's eyes opened as the surface of Woostri came into focus on the viewport; one more mind lingered, one that held importance to her. A smile curved along her black-stained lips, he was here, and through their shared connection, her voice would echo. << Don't die on me, Boy-King, I might miss you.>> Darth Malum of House Marr He was a constant, a surprise confidant in her life. As much as she liked to humble him with her words, he was one of her closest friends. Her connections, every one of them, weaved their will around her. Through them, she sought strength and power - through them, she would find victory.

 

[Kaila Irons]

Before landfall...

Kaila lay atop the princess, her golden eyes aglow with inhuman focus she applied the war paint with the careful brush strokes of an artist. Quinn herself was a work of art, and she deserved the gentle care with which one may handle a priceless painting, or a sculpture created long ago, the masterpiece the likes of which could never be matched.

But she was also so much more.

To the outside looking in, Kaila was the greedy dragon which loomed over the princess, guarding her like a hoard of gold.

She only ever did as Quinn asked of her. To Kaila, she was everything. And to her, she would give everything. Her oath, her life, her love... Following her resurrection, The princess had laid claim her knight. Darth Anathemous vowed to play the part well.

"Kaila,"

"Are you alright, my lady?" Kaila sat upright, looking down in worry.

But when the princess found her words, the young Darth was speechless. They were words she'd been waiting to hear since Susevfi, words which she had so desperately wished to say herself, but knew the princess was not ready to hear.

Until now.

Kaila hid behind her balled hand, gripped tightly around the brush, her chest tight with something far more pleasant than anxiety, but no less robbing of breath. Perhaps it was ironic. She'd earned her name for reacting to fear with vicious frenzy, and for the stoicism with which she approached overwhelming odds.


But the sight of a little ring brought a tear to her corrupt eye.

She reached out with a shaky hand to accept the ring around her slender finger. It was a shame that to kiss the princess in the way she deserved would risk smudging the warrior's markings they'd so carefully painted. Instead, Kaila carefully lowered herself down to gently kiss her forehead.

Her smile was a rare sight, and for the first time in her life, she smiled so sweetly that it made the underdeveloped muscles in her cheeks sore.

"It took you long enough." she sniffled.

"Of course I love you, Quinn... You give me purpose... You are the reason I still fight, and live to see the sunrise after."

"I believe in the empire, because it is your home." she carefully brushed that silken hair behind Quinn's ear.

"Because some day, you and I will make it a place worth fighting for. Even if I must do so in your shadow."

OBJECTIVE Ⅲ

​

Location: Landing castle
Wearing: Armor + Helmet
Allies: Quinn Varanin | Eira Dyn
Enemies: Ko Vuto | Colette

Darth Anathemous stood beside her princess as she had done since Susevfi, arms crossed as she stared out the viewport in eerie silence, only the subtle ✱woosh✱ of breaking atmosphere and thunder outside the castle to cover the sounds of her own heartbeat.

Anathemous had fought many times, but Jedi? She hadn't fought their ilk since they invaded Echnos.

Vengeance was overdue.

But to involve Quinn, no matter how powerful the princess was, Kaila often selfishly wished she would not come to such violent places as the battlefield. But as her sworn knight, she would voice no such concern, choosing instead to focus on the mission as she had always done before their meeting.

Besides, she could take comfort in knowing that she was not her only guardian this day. Whatever differences she had with Eira could be put aside, for they both served a greater purpose today.

"We may require a vantage point to maximize the efficiency of our plan," her modulated voice broke the silence at last.

"But we must remain in constant communication to cover every angle. I am not too proud to call on you if need be, Eira, trust that you may do the same."

She subtly brushed her arm against Quinn's, a silent vow in the echani's own language.


"We are not alone, nothing can stop us this time."

 

[Festerruman Sachiel]

"I will bring distress upon men, And they shall walk like blind men, Because they have sinned against our LORD; Their blood shall be poured out like dust, And their flesh will turn to rotten refuse."

Tags: Gress D'ran Ysennia Lee Nos Voros Jessikal Skea Shan Pavond Katherine Holt Tigris Everest Vale Azurine Varek Ashley Nevermore Srina Talon Commodore Helix

Objective: Clear the landing path. Cleanse the City.

Above the world of Woostri, the First Seal was broken.

And the hosts of Pandemonium were unleashed.

In the aftermath of the EMP blast there lay a great silence. For a moment even the approach of Mor Mons since to dissipated. The wind did not even whisper.

An eastern door opened out over the ocean. Cool air began to come in over the city. In mere minutes it had grown to a blistering gale-force gust that lashed against the coast, knocking men off their feet and ripping branches from their trees. The Gods of the Seas began to rouse, gusting white-top wave upon white-top wave that crashed against the coast and eventually broke the flood embankments.

The earth below shook and trembled as if a terrible iron anvil had fallen on it. But it couldn’t have been the Landing Castle for it had already landed. Then, came a noise that simply could not be described. The loudest noise any man has ever heard and not kill him. It was the sound of an already wounded atmosphere caving in as billions of tonnes of metal ripped it asunder without a care in the world.

It swelled into a deafening roar, an avalanche of engines grinding through the air as the Sith bombers appeared. Their vast silhouettes cast shadows that raced across the churning sea. Hundreds of them, in tight formation, a mechanical swarm blotting out the stars, their fuselages gleaming like the black carapaces of locusts that blocked out the darkening sky above.

The air became thick with anti-air fire from the city’s remaining defence turrets. Missiles shrieked upwards, tracers chased, and black puffs of smoke erupted amongst the bombers.

Dozens upon dozens of them were knocked out of the air by Alliance guns. Their flaming bodies sent careening downwards with their crew still screaming. But they kept on coming.

The bomb-bays opened and dropped their payload.

Geysers of fire erupted from the city in their dozens. Deathball Proton Bombs crumpled building blocks like a giant’s fist smashing through a child’s sandcastle. Incendiary payloads turned the streets into rivers of flame, fire licking the sides of buildings like the tongues of some ancient, wrathful god. The sky flashed white-hot, and in an instant, entire districts were gone - replaced by a gaping wound of flame and pulverized brick.

The river that separated the city became a charnel house. The surface ran black with soot and blood, its waters choked with the broken remnants of ships and people alike.

The Cathedral of Reason, constructed by the architect Shome Trahan on the eve of his death, was a testament to his mathematical genius and cold logic. Arches and pillars placed with molecular precision spelled out a formula that even the great minds of the Galaxy had yet failed to decipher. It would never be solved. A single bomb shattered the domed roof and detonated inside, incinerating everything. Ten thousand years of history and Woostoid culture were forever lost in an instance. It would not be the last.

Carnage. Death.

This was the only language that the inhuman Sith could speak.

They could never be capable of creation. Only senseless destruction of jealousy and childish temper-tantrums against a Galaxy that was moving on without them.

Below, the city had turned into a scene from Hell itself. Firestorms continued to sweep through districts. The flames stretched like an ocean, consuming everything in their path. The heat was suffocating, the air thick with the acrid stench of burning wood, melting steel, and the sickly, unmistakable scent of charred flesh. Once distinctive, the entire city skyline had become an infernal silhouette, black spires twisted and writhing in the choking smoke.

The surviving Bombers limped away back to the Mon Mors.

Their job was done. The beach front had been levelled and prepared.

Then the landing waves came in.

The ships came in, droning like plagues of crop-devouring insects, born aloft by the wind, before billowing outwards like grain scattered from a sower’s hand. Barely skimming the waves to avoid the worst of the anti-aircraft fire, they came forth in their thousands towards the beachline.

Just as the guns of the defenders spoke their reply, every single comms-line and holonet channel in Gotshal erupted as a voice screamed through it:

“Defenders of Gotshal! The Death God hangs above your rotten city! The Iron Spire has pierced your fortress walls! The Pact of Apophis has come! Your cowardly leaders hide like vermin on Coruscant, having abandoned you all and cowering at our approach. Defend this doomed city if you wish—it will not save you. Your blood will stain these streets, your bodies will feed the carrion, and your tombs shall be the streets. We will crush all who dare to resist the Warmaster!”

“Abandon your homes!”

“Abandon your posts!”

“Abandon all hope!” ​

 

[Kartus Lok]

"Ma'am"

A single word and a sharp salute was all the acknowledgement Kartus gave the Empress as he turned from the wintery woman to step across the floor towards the nearest console. Dark eyes scanned across the shifting lights of the computer before he reached out, digits dancing across the surface as the lights throughout the ship took on a red hew, a klaxon sounding out a warning to anyone who didn't notice the ship around them taking on a blood-red coloration.

"This is Sargeant Kartus Lok to all hands, prepare to land and engage the Alliance Defenders."

It was amazing how different the ship seemed after the warning to prepare, how every landing craft always seemed to change. There was nothing he could put his finger on, nothing that he could point at as different. The change was in the way that people focused, a change in the way they carried themselves and the whispered conversations that filled the room. There was a touch of fear here and there, a touch of bravado and a smidgeon of quiet confidence. It was the same cocktail he'd seen on countless dropships before, in units veteran and new. Everyone had their own rituals and traditions to banish the pre-drop jitters, or would develop them if they lived long enough.

It was the truth that underpinned every action, every emotions, they could all die. This wasn't training, it wasn't practice, the reality was that everyone from the most raw trainee to the greatest Sith Lord could be killed at any second. It was that primal kind of fear that you needed to face and move past, or would leave you paralyzed and useless.

The man straightened, hands instinctively reaching for his weapons, cycling the power-cells in that ritual of preparation he'd act on a hundred times more before they landed.

For a moment Kartus' gaze fell on the viewscreen, watching the flame wreathed sight of the landing castle falling towards the planet as a small smile touched the corner of his lips. It looked like a bullet racing towards it's target, a sniper round that would bring a world to it's knees.

Or that was the plan.

The reality was, he had no idea what would happen, how the conflict would actually play out, but if he was an alliance soldier with that castle racing towards them…a tactical retreat might just be in order. Still, fingers brushed against grenades before checking his side arm as he stepped away from the console to turn back to the Empress, if they decided not to run, that would just make the job a little harder, he fully intended to be one of those who would survive this fight, like every other that had come before.

Srina Talon

 

[Eira Dyn]

Location: On the Mors Mon
Outfit: Assassin Gear
Equipment: Mask, Vibro-daggers, vibro-sword, blaster pistol
Allies: Quinn Varanin | Kaila Irons
Enemies: Ko Vuto | Colette

Staring at her mask, Eira wondered if it was time. She had adjusted the mask given to her as a life day present. Giving it a design that was very Eira in the looks with the tools that had already been part of the mask. She breathed in deeply. Eira had given her cause fully behind Quinn and Quinn needed her on this mission. There was no second guessing whether it was the time to be the assassin. To be the horror that lived in the shadows. This was the only chance she would have to prove to Quinn that the trust given to Eira was deserved.

Eira adjusted the light armouring she had on her body, nothing that would stop a Lightsaber but better than simply wearing robes to the invasion. She knew that they were part of a team aiming to extract information on Woostri since the files there were massive and dated far back. It was information that would give them a chance over their enemies. Eira was aiming to just keep Quinn safe and let her Master do the extraction if they were given the opportunity. Quinn succeeding in this mission would elevate them both.

Placing the daggers on her body in various places, Eira thought about the missions she had been on before. The trials she had faced under Carnifex. The invasion of Echnos. The fighting she had done on Susevfi. Every part of her training up until now. Her mind was lingering on all of it and how she could use all of that to become the best fighter for this mission. Eira was not the best with a blade, especially against skilled Lightsaber fighters, however, she had the Force. She had the shadows and Eira had the ability to be manipulative and tricky.

Those were skills she needed now. The Jedi were likely going to be out in force and Eira did not doubt that she would be in a lot of trouble. Especially for her since Eira had some experience in fighting Jedi but she had not come across many strong Jedi. Especially Jedi with years of fighting experience. And that was something that she would likely be facing today. It was something that lingered in her mind as she held the mask and looked at it deeply.

Donning the mask, she breathed in deeply. She pulled the hood up and knew she was ready for battle now. She was curious to how her voice would sound with the manipulation she gave it with the Force on top of the voice modulator as well. That was something that could be deeply terrifying to hear and Eira was keen to find out as well.

She left the room, where she had been sleeping. Wandering the halls to meet with Quinn and Kaila before they headed down to the planet’s surface.

Objective 3
Location: Landing Castle

Standing beside but not too close. Eira knew that Kaila and Quinn were sharing their moments before the invasion began in full. The Sith apprentice knew that her Master was softer in nature and probably feared losing someone she cared for. It was perhaps callous in Eira that the fear did not exist. Even though Quinn had basically died, albeit very brief, Eira put it down to the simple fact that she had not been there. Now she was present. There was nothing to fear.

Looking over to Kaila, she tapped the mask she wore by her ear. “Encrypted communications.” Her voice was even deeper and more demonic than it had been before. Warped by the modulator as well as her own vocal manipulations. “I’ll have you both covered from the shadows.” Eira stated simply, placing her hands on her hips as she felt the impatience of waiting to be on the ground and fighting kicking in.

“Let’s show the Jedi why they should be fearing us.” Eira grinned behind her mask.

 

[Srina Talon]

Ally Tag: Sith Order - Lysander von Ascania | Gavin Vel | Naamino Zuukamano | Haro Aven | @Madrona A'Mia | C1-1347 | Kartus Lok
Enemy Tag: GA - Judah Lesan ..Soon? ( Gress D'ran and Ysennia Lee )
Location: Now on the Beach - Outskirts of Gopsthal
Equipment: Robes | Saber | Ring | Ring
Ship: Landing Castle x | Cruiser [Requiem] x | Frigates [3] | Beacon
______________________________________________________

<<The landing castle has been target-locked, Lady Talon.>>

That was fast.

<<It is being fired upon.>>

The AI aboard the Requiem was no Typhojem from the Mors Mon but it computed well enough to give accurate updates in a timely fashion. She sat up in the command throne a little further and aureate eyes fixated on the data for what felt like forever. It was the span of a heartbeat, it was nothing, just a few seconds but her knuckles curled tight—Showing white.

"Maintain our current trajectory and keep stealth engaged—"

Her expression was empty while the delay between a weapon being fired and the impact made time stretch into eternity. Streaks of light lanced across the void, but, the turbolaser fire from orbit wasn't headed toward the falling landing castle. The attack to her planet cracker was coming from the blue-green pearl of a world below and there wasn't much she could do about it. It was anticipated—But the decoy vessels were too far away. The spike-like structure burned in its descent, defiant, a spear that had been cast from the stars…

<<Contact.>>

Bright light filled the holo-screens for a moment and her jaw set tight as the Requiem continued to glide through the chaos, untouched, and seemingly undiscovered. Slowly, her clenched fist unwound and her digits continued to press lightly on the cold metal of the command console. Her corrupted gaze tracked what was happening. Some of the artillery had missed. Some hadn't. The landing castle had flared in the lower atmosphere with one of its stabilizers sheared away in a brilliant explosion. It might have been worse were it not for the fact that it was made to survive the equivalent of a kinetic nuclear detonation. Still…

"Status?"

<<The landing castle is still intact. It is self-adjusting to align with the pre-designated coordinates.>>

Which meant that blowing off one of the stabilizers might have thrown a perfectly calculated descent into disorder. A lesser person might have flinched at the implication—Srina did not. It wouldn't matter if the Alliance sent the black spire end over end because from her estimation it was too massive, too well defended, to be vaporized completely. It would still fall to the planet. It would still serve a purpose.

Just not the one intended.

Srina watched while the castle fired thrusters to compensate and remained silent while it dragged a fiery scar across the sky. It would land. Her mind stretched outward to asses the shifting tides of battle. The enemy was not in a panic, not in so many words, but there was a sense of grim determination. They would be able to cheer for striking a wound but it would not stop the killing blow from coming. Not when there was the potential that they could knock the black spike into the city if they kept pressing their luck. If it landed on Gopsthal…The battle was done. There would be no data left to find, no people, left to protect. This was a game that the Alliance…Couldn't help but lose.

They were close enough to see the final explosion when the landing castle hit the beach. Far enough to avoid the EMP—a silent pulse of death—but close enough to see the devastation of the flora and fauna from the shockwave. It left an unimaginable crater. Her focus remained fixed while the plume of sand, fire, and glass that rose toward the sky. There was a beat of silence, perhaps, in the wake of something so devastating or perhaps from fear that the Empress might somehow make it worse.

The Requiem dove.

It was time.

______________________________________________________​

Location Now: Outside Landing Castle [On the Surface of Woostri]

Srina stood at the Requiem's drop bay threshold, a specter, barely there against the backdrop of a strangely barren landing zone. The pristine white sand had turned to glass and the landing castle was beginning to unfold to perform its primary function. Creation. It took resources from the planet it landed on so that it could replicate droid legions, even, after the initial complement had long since been exhausted. Her watchful eye lingered on the Kor'ethyr Students while they departed, surrounded, by Praetorian Guard and Sith Elite. Naamino Zuukamano , Lysander von Ascania , Gavin Vel , and Haro Aven had thus far passed her sight. Their names lived in her memory.

A mother worried for her children. But… Madrona A’Mia would not have brought them if they were not up to the task. The Neti had offered her a respectful bow upon her exit and Srina returned the gesture with an inclination of her head. Mutual respect, with mutual knowledge, of what lay ahead. There wasn't time for any great speeches. There wasn't time for formality.

Sith Bombers were already flying over Gopsthal and it simply added to the cover they needed for infiltration. The city streets would likely be full of opposition…They needed every advantage possible.

"Sargent Lok—See that the device is unloaded from the Requiem and prepared."

The order given to Kartus Lok was issued without an ounce of pity while she watched soldiers set up a perimeter. The Galactic Alliance had pushed their hand on Echnos, Sluis Van, and Dorvalla. There were no small mercies left in her to spare them the consequences of their actions. The data was valuable but, in her mind, it was also expendable. Destroying her enemy in their own territory was equally beneficial and there could be no mistake, no error, when it came to the removal of what stood in her way.

Quinn Varanin , Kaila Irons , and Eira Dyn were also close by. Soon, to be moving out.

<<Be victorious, beloved. Steady. Kill that which opposes. If they surrender, silence them. If they run, cut them down. There is no refuge…There is no peace. Be as you were born to be.>>

The mental words for her daughter would wash over her mind like soft rainfall, but there was a sharpness, that brooked no room for argument. She would not be going into Gopsthal but had been tasked with maintaining control of the landing castle and the backup procedures. She would have a connection to Darth Empyrean regardless if comms went out. She would know, when to pull the trigger.

When to drown them all.

"Find your positions."

The statement was likely unnecessary. All who accompanied her were trained, strong, and aware of what their duties were. The Jedi would come. Someone, would come. They always did. They didn't yet understand that this world was never theirs to keep. They would fight for it. They would spill their blood over stone and sand because they were afraid. Not necessarily of the Sith—But of loss. Failure. Of the weight of their own weakness. She lifted her chin slightly, golden eyes sweeping over all who would give the final full measure at her call. The tide lapped at the shore, water still boiling, but rising and restless.

The storm was coming…One of flesh, one of steel, and perhaps if they willed it, one of water.

The droid legions would start deploying from the landing castle shortly. Its shields were raised but armaments were already readying themselves in the event that the Alliance came this far outside the city. The rain that came down like a monsoon beat against the protection offered by the landing castle like drums. It was all she could hear. The storm if it was possible seemed to be worsening from a distance, so much so, that she wondered if the beacon was necessary...With the weather patterns so erratic...Perhaps Woostri might do their work for them. Srina breathed, her presence dark, a void where warmth should be while she made her way down the ramp. The hydraulics hissed. A pause. Then, softly, a final command—one that needed no embellishment, no theatrics.

"Advance."

And like a shadow falling over the land, they did.

Spoiler: Summary

The landing castle took a hit, repositioned, and landed on the beach outskirts with a fat crater. It's not deploying droids yet but it does have its shield up while the facility "unfolds" and prepares to do its thing. The soldiers that she ordered to "advance" are the Praetorian Guard and Sith Elite she brought with her (feel free to knock around NPC's as needed) but not necessarily the PC characters as they may have their own plans. If they want to take the order and run with it also totally fine!

 

[Colette]

Ko Vuto
Quinn Varanin / Kaila Irons / Eira Dyn

Something didn't sit right, it didn't make sense. As Colette looked down at the clipboard in her hands and then out at the gathering crowds — gathering forces — there was a knot forming in her stomach not dissimilar to the way her temple would tense up before a thunderstorm. There were too many people here. Not because she was used to smaller crowds but because the clipboard in her hands said so.

She tried to make sense of it. Usually she ran logistics on the other end of Alliance space, but perhaps her new rank as knight had made the department heads more comfortable in sending her closer to the frontlines where the resources were a bit more limited. Or maybe, just maybe, they were preparing for something. Something that had required these last minute resources to arrive weeks ahead of their originally scheduled date.

The truth of the matter revealed itself no sooner than the nearest soldier nearly ran straight through her. Colette gave the man a frustrated scowl for a second before the sound of cannons pierced through her ears, beating the drums of war around her and letting there be no uncertainty exactly why she had been sent here.

The irony wasn't lost on her, same as it most likely wasn't lost on anyone else, that the apprentice and subsequent adoptive daughter of the Sword of the Jedi was a non-combatant. She had chosen to avoid the violence as a padawan and she had then chosen to continue that into her knighthood, but sometimes a choice was offered and sometimes it was made for you. Today, it would seem, that the choice had been made for her — and Colette could do precious little but to accept the weight of the decision.

Her attention went from the man who had hurriedly joined his comrades and then set for the sky. Silhouettes of descending spacecraft could be seen between the lightning strikes of the storm and the thunder of distant explosions.

"... F-" The sound of her voice and the expletive it carried was drowned out by another shot of the nearby cannons.

The longer she stood there, the more she felt like a rock in the middle of a crashing rapid. Everyone was mobilizing, pushing towards where the enemy had reportedly touched down already. There was too much chaos for Colette to truly filter through, she needed a vantage spot.

She needed a rooftop.

Braving the hurricane on an elevated platform felt like a bad idea but it was just about the only one she had when it came to figuring out where she would best be positioned to utilize her presence as a force sensitive asset.

As the door opened however she'd find that she was not the only one with this idea.

"Knight Vuto." She called out between the deafening winds. "What do you see?"

 

[Tamsin Graves]

Theme: Demons
Equipment: Twin Omens | DE-10 | Combat Knife | Multi-Tool | Circlet of Projection
Allies: Sith Order
Enemies: Galactic Alliance
Tags: Alana Calloway

There is a Demon in me, a being of pure malice, it sees worlds like Woostri as a playground for its destruction. The demon in me does not hate, it does not care about this existence it is broken and beyond fixing. It sees people as toys and tools meaningless shells rotating through endless cycles of pain. Living and dying for no other reason than to feed the wills desires. The demon in me feeds off destruction and chaos of the wills design consuming it until it can break the will itself and end this existence.

I know not who this demon was or what drove it to see only the abyss. All I know is what it wants and that it made me of its flesh.​

Tamsin checked over her gear her dark eyes watched as Kaila Irons her sister and master stood a ways off conversing with Quinn Varanin . The words ringing in her head of how Kaila told her they shouldn't want to be heroes. Today they were heading to the surface of a world controlled by another government to sack it of its knowledge. A declaration of war, Tamsin's first real battle in war the demon in her saw as a never-ending cycle.

There was no joy in the little woman's face, no cheer for what was to come. Even as she looked at the saber she had designed, her proudest achievement. The demon in her wanted to see everything burn and the person she looked up to the most didn't believe in hero's. What did Tamsin even believe in anymore, if this reality couldn't be saved and destroying it wasn't an option then what was there?

She continued watching Kaila and Quinn not sure what they were talking about. She could feel the demon in her squirming just under the skin. It didn't say a word, but she knew what it was thinking and what it wanted to scream at her and poison her mind with. Yet as she just watched, and the Castle came to the ground. Then the ship started to unload but as people started to move the diminutive figure of Tamsin lost sight of her master and Quinn.

Though that didn't cause her panic she could always feel Kaila, except when the Demon messed with the connection. She looked around as she felt the direction her master was moving in and the team she was supposed to be with. They piled off the ship in a semi orderly fashion, but people just pushed past her. Yet Tamsin had a heading, but then as she stepped off the ship onto the surface of Woostri Tamsin looked up and saw the skies above alight with the fires of war.

She felt the demon smile a wicked grin, felt it feeding off all around it. Then the connection with Kaila went dark, like it had on Susevfi. Tamsin saw herself in the lines of strike forces and soldiers….she was alone again just as the demon wanted her. It wanted her to feel isolated and forgotten a lesson in its ways. It wanted Tamsin to realize she had no one but herself to rely on. She could just go back to the ship, wait out the storm. Yes, that would be the smart play her master would call to her through telepathic crown. She spun around to head back on the ship wait for her master to call, when she ran right into Alana Calloway . "Oh….I'm sorry, I didn't see you there….I got a bit turned around." She looked up at the woman her eyes filled with panic but not as dark as they had been faint orange rings of fire forming around the iris that grew as the demon fed.

 

[Vector Monk]

LANDING CASTLE
WOOSTRI
Efret Farr (archrival)

Captain Monk's Adonis-class transport descended safely in the shadow of the Sith Empress' landing castle well after the first wave. Let his dark masters sate their bloodlust and psych conditioned shock troops give their lives for the new galactic order to come. Vector's towering intellect was far too valuable to risk getting shot down by a GADF walker over some backwater little world.

"Dreadful weather."

Legionnaires filed down the ramp around him while Monk paused to open an umbrella. Gale force winds still dampened his flowing white cape. Underneath he wore a practical but stylish black expedition jacket over which was strapped an ivory shoulder holster to accessorize with his mantle. A pair of chromium plated SE-14r light repeating blasters dangled within easy reach.

"This world means nothing," Vector activated his comlink so the squad of Sith troopers could hear him over explosions and blaster fire, "Knowledge is true power. I must obtain data critical to my research from these archives before the Jedi steal everything offworld. Remember who you serve."

He enjoyed the thrill of authority over his personal escort. Assigned by representatives of the Dark Council, they obeyed without question Monk's every eccentric whim. His work for the Sith Reclamation Service might be esoteric, but a history of producing results in the field had kept Vector alive much longer than most academics who served the darkside so intimately.

Tokens of that fleeting affection adorned his hand like jewelry. A talisman around Monk's neck shimmered with dark power strong enough to turn the veins on his skin surrounding it black. None of these artifacts were truly his of course, merely borrowed tools which sharpened his effectiveness as a faithful servant of those destined to rule.

 

[Connel Vanagor]

"In my experience,
when you think you
understand the Force,
you realize just
how little you know"​

[COMM TRAFFIC]
LOCATION : Woostri - Gopsthal | OBJECTIVE : Defend the Core | TAG (FRIENDLY) : Ran Serys | Corazona von Ascania Taam Moghul Nir Si Lycus Merita
TAG (FOE) : @

The crimson glow of Sith TIE fighters painted the Woostrian sky a hellish red. Explosions rocked the automated city of Gopstha, its shimmering chrome towers collapsing into dust. From the shadows of a half-destroyed pleasure dome, a squad of figures clad in dark armor – Omega Squad – emerged, their movements fluid and silent. Connel Vanagor, a Jedi Shadow, led the advance, playing the part of “pathfinder” , his lightsabers each humming a low, ethereal tune. Strange, bioluminescent fungi pulsed with an unnatural light beneath their feet, illuminating the grotesque landscape of ravaged architecture and twisted metal. A colossal Sith Juggernaut, its hull scarred from prior engagements, lumbered into view, its heavy cannons trained on a massive data spire – the heart of the Woostrian Archive.

Fethin’ Snakeheads…

Cut the chatter…

Omega Squad deployed, utilizing the cover of the fungal debris to approach the Juggernaut. A volley of blaster fire erupted from concealed positions; droid sentinels, long thought obsolete, fought with unexpected ferocity, their movements eerily precise, their targeting unnervingly accurate. A swirling vortex of energy tore through the cityscape, revealing a Sith Lord – his crimson lightsaber a stark contrast to the vibrant flora. From the spire's peak, a colossal, crystalline structure pulsed with an otherworldly energy, projecting a shimmering force field. The Sith Lord laughed, a sound like grinding gears, as he unleashed a wave of dark energy that shattered several of the droid sentinels.

I’ll hold the position, you get to your spots.

Eyoa Djoah. “Eyoa Djoah” said nothing really, other than a call out to their fallen friend “Jie-eye Djoah” not the best soldier in GADF history but a great friend who died far too soon.

Satisfied that they would get to a better vantage point, Vanagor ignited his lightsabers, his forehand blade a vibrant azure-emerald, slicing through the darkness, the off-hand a violent beacon in the night. Omega Squad provided covering fire, their weapons a symphony of laser blasts.The Sith Lord deflected the incoming fire with ease, his lightsaber a blur of crimson. Vanagor pressed forward, his blades dancing in intricate patterns, seeking an opening. The force field from the spire flickered, weakened by the Sith Lord's relentless assault. Omega Squad's fire intensified, pushing the droid sentinels back as Vanagor closed in on his adversary.

This Dark Lord knew that he was stronger in the Force than the Shadow and his hubris would be his deterrent.

Close-up: Connel Vanagor, cloaked in shadow, deflects a crimson lightsaber blast with a vibroblade that hums with unnatural energy. Sparks fly amidst the crumbling architecture of Gothspa, a city consumed by fire and Sith soldiers. Strange, bioluminescent fungi illuminate the battlefield, casting an eerie glow on the scene. XXamatus Vrilluuni, towering and robed in black, retaliates with Force lightning.

Wide shot: Vanagor rolls, narrowly avoiding the bolts that scorch the ancient Gothspa stone. He leaps, deploying a grappling hook that catches on a spire, swinging across the ravaged cityscape. From the sky, a flock of iridescent, feathered creatures unlike any known species, shriek and dive-bomb the Sith soldiers, distracting them.

Close-up: Vrilluuni roars in frustration, his lightsaber extinguished. He retreats, disappearing into the swirling dust and smoke, leaving behind only the chaos he created. Vanagor, silhouetted against the burning sky, stands victorious, but alone, amidst the ruins and the strange, beautiful avian chaos.

Their objective complete, for now, the Shadow, and Omega Squad make their way to the Forward Operating Base to find Serys, Von Ascania, anyone who could tell them what was going on…

… but not before the entire team (Connel included) fired on, and took down a Sith Order Shuttle.

Galactic Alliance 305th Special Forces Unit - Codename "Omega Squad"

Spoiler: TEAM AND LOADOUT

Michael, Gabriel, Michael - Team Leader, Gabriel - Tech, Azrael - Explosives, Raphael - Heavy, Barachiel - Combat Medic, Sariel - Sniper 1, Jeremiel - Sniper 2

[Any text in brackets signifies comm-link usage and not face to face conversation]

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

Woostri
Outside Central Archive and Computation Building
Reuniting with Corazona von Ascania
Soundtrack​

After paying suitable respects to Srina Talon for securing their safe arrival and in acknowledgment of her station, the neti turned into the whipping winds of the storm with long willowy arms outstretched wide. Even amidst the raging storm, A'Mia's expression remained serene and she released two of her largest pets from their farrus spheres. The woman cocked her head, even as the lumbering monstrosities appeared and stretched their shambling forms out a bit. The Sith Shadow immediately exerted mental control over them though she was faintly distracted as tendrils of her presence seeped into the world around her.

The moment she'd stepped planet side, the orchid core assisted her in casting a wide albeit vague net of her consciousness. Aside from the expected signatures of her various allies or peers, A'Mia sensed someone familiar. A true smile spread across her face and a tint of that same madness twinkled in her eyes- the rain doing nothing to impact her strange unblinking gaze thanks to the nictitating membranes she grew specifically in preparation for the inclement weather. Her summoned Sithspawn fluidly melded their bodies together to form a horrific living palanquin to ferry the woman toward the city center at alarming speeds considering that the organisms looked more well suited to being rooted in a bog somewhere.

Aided by the uncanny locomotion of her pets, A'Mia made great haste. They needn't slow for things like clear walkways, instead they clambered with many grasping limbs over the sides of buildings and altered their forms so they could squeeze through narrow alleyways. Every time she was met with the shouts of ground troops, assailed by blaster fire, or otherwise waylaid from her destination, A'Mia slipped away from the mayhem of direct confrontation all but once.

A small, unfortunate squadron of Galactic Alliance troops met their end beneath the horrifying mass of the woman's living palanquin and were absorbed by the great beasts to have their every atom ravenously devoured and slowly incorporated into the bulk of the creatures. The meal made up for any damage wrought by blaster fire or slashing strikes to their arboreal forms.

As the neti neared the data center, she felt more and more certain it was in fact an old friend that she sensed. With support from the orchid core, A'Mia reached out tentatively— her caution born of the fact that though she'd communicated with her peers and allies thusly, it was unclear if the prissy Jedi would have any unpleasant defenses or responses to psychic intrusion of this kind.

Oh Coraaa? Her mind called out with discordant singsong glee.
Come out, come out, wherever you are!

The many-limbed, creeping crawling mass rounded a corner and suddenly the towering data center was in sight. A'Mia's uncanny eyes took it in with a moment of solemn awe before her gaze was drawn downward as a familiar figure exited the building. The neti straightened up from a more seated position to standing and waved cheerily, long woody claws wiggling in greeting as a true, disquieting smile lit up her face.

 

[Darth Strosius]

Objective: Secure the Data
Tags: Commodore Helix / Zachariah Conway / Open!
------------------------------------------

"Have they now?" There was no hiding the slight amusement that laced into His words, even filtered through His mask, at the younger man's quick response. Perhaps they had, perhaps they hadn't. It remained to be seen either way but given all the excitement already occurring at the moment He doubted that there would be too much clarification at the moment. Or so He thought, until the new Sith Knight continued and wiped the smile right off of His hidden features.

"Grandfather?" What in the world was that supposed to mean? Darth Strosius became uncharacteristically silent as He pondered on that one word for a good minute before the bold declaration finally clicked in His mind and sent a spike of dreadful wrath straight into the deepest recesses of His mind. He was going to have to wring Malum's neck once this little errand against Woostri and the Alliance was done. Then after that was done He'd do the same to Zach's. If the boy survived the day at least.

He didn't even have the capacity to respond to Helix, His mind swimming with conflicting and confused thoughts about that one little admission that had recontextualized so much yet left so many more questions in its wake. Only the roar of war around the shuttle as it broke through the atmosphere managed to stir the masked man from His silent contemplation, still sitting on the floor rather than in a seat even as they wove through the air towards their landing zone. Not that He seemed all that bothered by the motion.

Darth Strosius rose to His feet and slowly strode over to a viewport, His steps all but unaffected by the shuttle's movement as He leered out at the view around them. It appeared as they were following some massive pod into battle, using it as cover for their approach. The rain blocked out most other details, from this angle at least, but it did give Him some sense of direction. "How far are we from a landing zone? It won't take long for a stay shot to find us if that thing makes landfall before we do."