Dominion Thawing out the truth | AC dominion of Cadomai and Lur

[Isla Draellix-Kobitana]

Thawing out the truth


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As The Sith Empire collapsed, several safe routes began to open into their former territories, and once suppressed communications started happening from the planets closest to the Ashlan border, they called for heroes to save them from the suffering that the Sith had inflicted on them, they called for the Ashlan crusade.

The first target for the foray into the newly clear territory was the two ice worlds of Cadomai and Lur. These were weakly defended planets on the fringes of Sith territory, but would prove an excellent place to test just how pulled back the sith were, best to fall in to any false retreat trap right on the border of safe territory, than plunge in on the ends of extended supply lines.

The world of Cadomai, home to the Snivvyian people is a barren and icy world, unforgiving of outsiders, this rock may have gone unnnoticed if it werent for the visions of the force sensitive heirarchy of the Ashlan church. As the shadow of the darkness diminished, the light shone dimly from beneath the ice. There was something down there, locked beneath millenia of ice and untouched by sentient hands since its lost. The visions show a temple, but the dark still clouds the planet so further investigation is required. shaft has been bored through the Ice from orbital ships and several members of the Ashlan crusade have been despatched, will they find the light? the darkness? treasure? or something much more sinister.

The Lurrian people were always known as accomplished bioengineers and cloners, they produced many fine pieces of biotechnology but their works have been corrupted by the Sith occupation. A particular base is of note, a sprawling structure in the mountains seems to retain a Sith presence. Why are they still guarding this site when their government has collapsed and withdrawn? If the Sith are interested, then the Ashlan's have a duty to find out why. They must be prepared to meet resistance though as the garrison appear well equipped and their numbers within the armoured base are difficult to ascertain.

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[Cedric Grayson]

The biting cold could not pierce most of Cedric's ceremonial armor, though he was beginning to feel bits of numbness at the tips of his fingers where the leather was thinner. He'd grown somewhat acclimated to the tundra back on Ziost during his conversation with the Eternal Empress, though he would never wholly grow used to it. He found himself longing for the cool temperate nature of Ruusan's summer months as he approached the lip of the hole that had been carved through the upper crust of Cadomai.

"No better way to spend a weekend through descending through a foreboding cavern on a Sith world," Cedric mumbled to himself, willing away some of his private anxieties about the venture. Jetpacks had been provided for the party descending into the abyss - there had been a bit of worry about the costs of using such technology and words given in favor of ropes, but Cedric had quickly shut that dissent down. He'd never been the greatest fan of heights, and falling to his death from a faulty rope was not the way he wished to die.

The seers had chosen this position according to their visions. Cedric could only hope they were correct in their positioning. "We about ready to drop?" He asked those gathered with him. Wasn't much point in wasting any further time.

 

[Eina L'lerim-Vandiir]

Eina L’lerim-Vandiir, the First
Matriarch of the Valkyrja; Leader of Sanctuary; Liaison of the Fjölkyngi Smiðr Guild​

Objective I: To get to know Cedric Grayson.
Location: Under the Ice, Cadomai
Equipment: Estrian Armour and 2x Swords
Tag(s): Cedric Grayson

[ Deep and Ice ] ​

After the joint adventure in the Netherworld, Eina watched the daily activities of Ashlan Crusade. Many members of her people were religious, so this was not far from her, although she herself was an atheist. In any case, this was a great time for her to get in touch now with the Crusaders again. The planet was frosty, not as if it had significance for it, but the Sanctuary was also in frosty territory. Now, as usual, she was in the normal condition of her species in the Realspace; that is, she was immaterial and invisible.

The Valkyrja watched the group, and then when they got under the ice and reached the surface, she chose this time to contact the group. Eina used a different look now than usual, but from the direction of the Ashlan Crusade people, she felt this form, which looked like a crusader with wings, fit the group here much better than what she originally used.

~ So you would be the one, whom the Crusaders call their leader. ~ she sent a telepathic message to the man.

The next moment, Eina appeared in the air about three to four metres high from invisibility and gained physical form as well. Since Cedric had already met Ingrid so he is able to recognize the woman's voice immediately, it was the voice of the Eternal Empress, the angel-winged woman's Force Signature was also very similar to the Empress, It was hers but although something else was mixed into it. Eina lands on the ground with the help of her wings a few metres from Cedric and his men, then retracted her wings.

"Welcome, I'm Eina, the First. Matriarch of the Valkyrja. I met your people at Netherworld and helped them there. I hope you don't mind, but I'm offering my help here, too, Lord Grayson!" she offered kindly with a kind smile.

 

[Isla Draellix-Kobitana]

Isla watched from her forward command post as the last of her transports ascended back to the waiting fleet. She had dressed for the occasion in a thick wampa fur lined military coat, but the cold was awful, with the wind biting at her cheeks. She looked up at the sky, if it weren't for the grey clouds she would be able to see the Divine Purpose in low orbit from here, warm and cosy far above the frozen world. She needed to do this though, being handed the role of head of the army along side the navy meant she needed to get to know her ground commanders a little better.

"General!" She shouted over the wind, "are the tanks ready to advance? Air support is on its way to deal with some of their advanced positions, let's see what you've got here"

The two commanders walked into the shelter of the command center and looked at the holo in front of them, they were. There was a line that marked the perimeter of the command post defence shield and beyond that markers representing the advancing forces. Twentyfour little markers appeared on the very edge of the map and approach fast, these were her fighter bomber squadrons making an attack run. As far as the Ashlan's were aware the sith had no air support of their own but they had to be cautious.

The first objective was to eliminate the anti-tank positions so the Ashlan tanks and transports containing the sons of Ession could move up. Theoretically this flank was the hardest fight, but she felt they had the firepower to break through, or at least distract the enemy so smaller teams could work there way around from another angle.

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[Brimstone]

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Brimstone sat in the back of the armoured transport checking his rotary cannon. He looked at his Hades commandos, this should be a simple entry, these were just the remnants of the sith defenders. The Admiral advised caution but that was not his way, he was going in and going in hard. The whole vehicle rocked back and forth like a ship as it lurched over some destroyer tank traps, a couple of the commandos laughed and started singing an old sailor song that one of his recruits had taught them. Good, their morale was too notch as always.

Out of the viewing ports Brimstone watched the energy trails as starfighters streaked overhead before unleashing munitions into the enemy lines. This almost seemed like overkill to take out a relatively minor base. Whatever the sith were protecting, the higher ups were fighting hard. He would continue to play his part in their games.

There was a loud bang as finally the defensive positions began to range in on the onrushing transports, the vehicle shook but was undamaged. The commandos were now in battle mode and the lighthearted singing had stopped. Everyone one of them was checking their gun and their other gear. It was so drilled in to them it looked almost choreographed.

They were close, the attack would begin soon in ernest.
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[Heinrich Faust]

Tags: Cedric Grayson , Eina L'lerim-Vandiir

The icy air of Cadomai was enough to chill the bones of a bantha, let alone a human. Heinrich had found himself in such locations before, and knew to make sure to keep warm. With the light of Ashla in his heart, and the heavy clothes on his back, he felt a bit more comfortable on the chilled planet. He took a moment to check the harness of his jetpack one last time before looking into the abyss. It was a long way down, and he wanted to be sure that his pack would hold.

He turned to the now appearing Eina, giving her a welcoming nod. Though they had gotten off to a rocky start (largely to Heinrich's overzealous nature), she had proven to be a very useful ally. Though Heinrich knew little of the Netherworld, knowing that they had one from the other side with them gave him some comfort. Perhaps she would prove just as useful in Realspace as she had within the Nether.

"I can vouch for this one, Lord Grayson. Eina's presence will likely be invaluable in such a cold and dark place."

The air seemed to continue to bite at their comrades as he prepped for the jump. Something felt off in this place, though Heinrich could not put his finger on it. It appeared that if they wanted to unlock the mystery of this cavern, they would simply have to take a literal leap of faith.

"I believe that we are ready. I have instructed some of the Sons of Ession to stay behind, just in case."

They weren't entirely sure what they were getting into, and though Heinrich had faith that all would be well, he would err on the side of caution nonetheless.

 

[Pietro Demici]

Tags: Isla Draellix-Kobitana , Brimstone

There had been much discussion as to how to approach the old cloning facility on Lur. Some had thought that not more than a few small insertion teams would be needed, as the facility was considered largely abandoned. There were others, such as Pietro, that thought otherwise. After all, even if the facility had truly been abandoned by the Sith, there was always a chance that remnants had decided to remain, defiant to the last. As long as such were possible, the cardinal could not in good conscience support anything less than a complete assault of the facility.

The armored transport made its way to the front gates as Pietro took a moment to utter a blessing to the soldiers. He had decided to accompany those on the front, as he wanted to see the facility for himself. He had heard of the works that had come out of this place, and decided it would be wise to have the church present in its investigation. The Holy Guard rode alongside him, checking weapons and eyeing the fighters flying overhead. There had been a general sense of caution in the ranks as they made their way forward. They were some of the best soldiers that one could find, but they were aware that when dealing with the Sith, anything could happen. They had seen it on Ninn, and again on Ziost. The devious machinations of Sith treachery could never be understated, and so they went forward, largely in silent attentiveness.

Pietro sent a transmission out to Brimstone as they neared the facility, hoping that their combined efforts would allow them a swift victory.

<<This is Cardinal Demici. We should be nearing the gates soon. I will be taking the Holy Guard and sweeping the area. Should those gates hold against the Grand Admiral's bombardment, we'll be needing to find another way in. If you brought some explosives, I would suggest having them prepped and ready, just in case. Until then, may Ashla light your way. Demici out!>>

With those words, he tightened his heavy robes around his neck and wrists. The chill was already creeping its way into the transport, and he wanted to be prepared.

 

[Isla Draellix-Kobitana]

Tags: Brimstone Pietro Demici

The squadron leader watched the display in his Phoenix as they rushed low over the ground. They had come in low to avoid as much anti-air as possible, even though intelligence said it was fairly minimal. He had to admit, some low level flying was a welcome change to the disorientating space borne dog fighting he had been engaging in recently.

"Squadron 1 hit targets alpha and bravo, squadron 2 hit charlie and delta" he tagged the targets on his screen "squadron 3 engage targets of opportunity or finish of any we miss"

The targets were getting closer, a few moments until full locks would be established. His targeting scope went green and he rapidly loosed 2 proton torpedoes, this was repeated by the other 15 fighter-bombers in the two lead squadrons. Out his window, as they flashed overhead of the Ashlan armoured column, he saw one of hit wingman take a hit from defensive fire and have to pull up. The four anti-tank batteries lit up in massive fireballs, scanners detected only bravo had survived, his own target, damn that would cost him some stick when they got home. Squadron 3 followed shortly behind though and finished the job.

As the fighter bombers roared up into the sky after their run, they activated their bomblet generators, raining proton bombs down indescrimately on the defensive positions. He would have loved to see that show from the ground. Checking in, they had lost a starfighter and 2 others had sustained minor damage, unfortunate but acceptable.

Isla Draellix gave a small punch to the air as the watched the holofeed of the anti-tank lines update. The air strike had been a success. This would allow the armoured transports to get to the enemy lines relatively unmolested, but then the real fighting would start.

"General," she said to her ground commander, "have the starfighters come round for another run, conordinate them with the artillery, I want their bombs to arrive as our troops leave their transports. If we can keep the enemy's heads down i think that will give our infantry the best chance of getting out of those cans safely."

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[Brimstone]

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Pietro Demici Isla Draellix-Kobitana

"Good to have you along for the ride Cardinal, should be a good fight, and dont worry, we have something special planned for that gate" He looked over to two over his commandos that were already preparing his squad's Molecular disruption rifle on the hatch mount. That thing would bore right through the walls if needed.

"You hear that boys, the Cardinal and his Holy Guard are here today, sounds like we have some competition, let's make them work to keep up with us." The Hades commandos cheered and shouted battlecrys as the transport continued to lurch over the ground.

Ahead of them, the snow was blackened and churned up from troop movements and bombardments, and further on was the looming grey wall, pot marked by Ashlan artillery fire and smoking in places from where airstrip had been slamming home. This base we more heavily defended that they had anticipated, but the troops in these transports were the best the crusade had to offer. Ultimately he suspected that the defenders were making a lot of noise with their big guns but once the front line fell there would be little resistance.

The side hatch of Brimstones transport swing open with one of the commandos and their disruption rifle attached. A piercing beam of white energy lanced forwards from the transport, striking the door solidly, it was joined by a second beam and then a third from accompanying transports. Energy pulsated as the weapons slagged their way through the thick durasteel doors, a few moments later, there was a gaping hole around six metres wide and two metres tall cut through the door, clearing the way inside.

"Prepare to disembark, the admiral's fighters will keep their heads down while we advance."

He crackled in his comm again,

"Cardinal, I hope that opening will do the trick."

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[Jedi Master Sir Blair]

Sir Blair

Occupation: Jedi Master, Head of Order of the Star Thistle

Objective: Break in the rookies, and into the facility​

The Jedi Master that often led a ragtag group of Ashlan Devotees, was no stranger to doing the unorthodox. No, to Blair leading a Band of Bastards often meant thinking outside the box. Mainly because it worked best, sometimes because it was fun, but always because the men he lead never were good at anything else. They were an inspired group of men, the kind you'd see screaming into battle, and meeting for a drink and some laughs afterwards. The Order of the Star Thistle.

Right now they scaled cliff sides, geared like they'd never been before. Often times they ran into battle after battle in the most construed formations, and even then they hardly had a weapon of choice and some lightly armored garments. Now they wore large backpacks with all sorts of climbing gear, suspended by ropes and the like, with climbing axes and all sorts of other tools for the job. Suffice to say this was something they hadn't done before, and as always they made such known.

"You know Sir Blair! This is weird even for us! I mean most of us have only been around for a mission or two now, but I feel like we're already one of y'all! So what's the deal with this whole stealth thing?!"

"How about ya' shut yer pipe up there Lennox! Douglas said we ought not to question Sir Blair!"

"Both of you shut up! Enough questioning, not everyone storms through into the front, certainly not us. The Star Thistle ain't like nothin' else! So enough of this 'aye dinnae Sir Blair'. Have some faith you laughing louts. Go back to singing Dance with Jak o' the Shadows! Not bothering your Lord Captain Commander! Lest I whip every one of you into my own preferred shape back on the knave!"

They didn't have to go back to singing, was no order, but in the cold wind whipping across the mountain they let their tune be carried. They were all spirits really, and loved to harp on each other all the time. Yet none defied Sir Blair, cause he made them the men and women they were this day. So whenever they made it up the cliffs he'd make them victors like they trusted him to.

"We'll drink the wine till the cup is dry, and kiss the girls so they'll not cry, and toss the dice until we fly, to dance with Jak o' the Shadows." A song about death really, something a lonely orphan came up with to make his life seem more grandiose. They all knew that, and yet on they sung. Fore who a better friend than a lad willing to die by yer' side?

 

[Heinrich Faust]

Tags: Cedric Grayson , Eina L'lerim-Vandiir

Heinrich worked to maintain a level head as he stared down into the shaft, taking one last moment to gather himself. It was strange to think that, as one that had stared down the darkest forces imaginable, could be hesitant to make this jump. One would even expect him to be the first into the abyss, and the last one out. Nevertheless, he couldn't shake the anxiety he felt. He took a deep breath, muttering a silent prayer to the Ashla as he mentally prepared. Heinrich turned to Cedric Grayson , placing a hand on his shoulder as he spoke.

"I'll be the first to make the jump, Lord Grayson. Should there be any resistance, it's best that you aren't the first to encounter it. I'll send word as soon as I touch down."

He took a few step forward, and with a quick press of a button, his jetpack roared to life. Heinrich took one last breath, and with the exhale, descended into the darkness...

The descent itself was incredibly quiet, almost unsettlingly so. Heinrich could feel the wind slowly dissipate as he moved further and further away from the planet's surface. The shaft seemed to go on for an eternity, and Heinrich began to wonder if it would ever end. Finally, the end of the descent came, and the shaft opened up into a large, frozen chamber. As Heinrich's boots hit the ground, he reached for his lightsaber, igniting it in an effort to conjure at least a small amount of light.

His hand reached for the commlink in his helmet, activating it as he gazed around the chamber.

<<This is Heinrich. I have reached the bottom of the shaft. No contact yet. I suggest bringing a couple of squads to establish a forward position at the shaft exit. Gonna be needing more lights as well. Will maintain position until then. Heinrich out.>>

He took a moment to pace around the immediate area, ensuring that it was indeed clear. The chamber seemed to be quiet, but Heinrich wasn't going to take any chances. He slowly made his way around the area, being careful not to wander too far from the shaft.

 

[Pietro Demici]

Tags: Isla Draellix-Kobitana , Brimstone

The roar of blasterfire could be heard ahead of the transport, signaling the closing of the gap. The thunderous crack of artillery rounds crashing against durasteel walls reverberated through the walls of the transport, and once they reached their peak, Pietro opened the transport door.

"Holy Guard, once again we find ourselves in the fray. The Sith we meet today are a mere shadow of their former empire, but that does not make them helpless. Keep your wits about you, and Ashla will see you through this. Now, with me!"

They poured out of the transport, forming a crescent formation around the cardinal. In one swift motion, Pietro drew his lightsaber, igniting the blade just in time to catch a stray bolt, deflecting it back from whence it came. Pushing toward the wall, the Ashlan cardinal observed the efficient maneuvers of Brimstone and his unit. The Crusade prided itself on the elite nature of their forces, and the Gen'dai's unit was a shining example of such efficiency. The way had been opened, and the Holy Guard were ready for the breach. Pietro took a moment to respond to Brimstone's transmission.

<<Exceptional work! We'll meet you at the breach.>>

The cardinal and his Guard had reached the wall now, taking cover along the cold durasteel. It wouldn't be long before they reached the breach itself.

The cardinal reached for his commlink once again, this time reaching out to Jedi Master Sir Blair and his unit.

<<Cardinal Demici to Sir Blair. The gate has been breached. We are preparing for our advance. We will hold until you and yours are in position. We will catch these Sith in a crossfire, and hopefully end this fight with minimal casualties. Demici out!>>

The rest of the Ashlan forces were pushing toward the gate as well, drawing much of the enemy fire that rained down from above. These Sith remnants seemed to be fighting like desperate animals, scrambling for a moment of reprieve from their inevitable end. They were a far cry from their former imperial glory, and yet they still possessed the will to fight. The fanaticism of such groups would never cease to surprise the cardinal. Their determination to fight for an emperor that had forsaken them was a puzzling thing. In the end, the cardinal would refrain from unraveling the lack of reason within such fanatic minds, and instead, settle for removing them from the equation for good.

 

[Isla Draellix-Kobitana]

Tags: Brimstone Pietro Demici
Jedi Master Sir Blair

The transports were now in place and the front wall breached, things were going according to plan. She had word that Jedi Master Sir Blair and his Thistles had gotten behind the Sith, she had not been into battle with them before, but from what she had heard, they were effective light infantry and would be an excellent weapon in the Crusade's arsenal.

Stepping out into the cold on the observation post atop her AVG-CV she looked at the fortress in the distance, its walls smoked from the many hits by Ashlan weaponry. Today was also the first real test of her Thermaluxe and it was working a charm. Not having her face wrapped up and being able to see was wonderful.

The bombardment had ceased and the breaching would begin imminently. High above the objective, she saw trails from her fighter bombers making a large looping arc, their next target was inside the base. It was a large redoubt tower that could provide a rallying point and a further defensive position that would have to be dealt with. Coming in at a high angle dive starting tens of thousands of metres in the air, was the best way to deal with it without causing mass damage to the installation.

"Squadron 1, begin roll maneuver, squadron 2, follow at 60 second interval." The squadron leader spoke into his comm as he stared at the sky, watching it slowly darken as he gained altitude. He pulled back on the stick and the Phoenix lurched over backwards until he was flying with his belly to space, then further until his nose rolled over toward the ground. This was what being a bomber pilot was all about, at this altitude he could see the curvature of Lur. As he pitched down he regained his breathing control and the squadron, in perfect formation descended on their target at phenomenal speed

"20 seconds to target" he reported "all squadmates you have your target, watch for flak at 3 and the mountain at 11 as you climb away" This would be quite the show.

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[Jedi Master Sir Blair]

Sir Blair​

Occupation: Jedi Master, Head of Order of the Star Thistle
Objective: Break in the rookies, and into the facility​

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Mentions: Pietro Demici Brimstone ​

The whole band was in a frenzy, and yet they had a serene quietness to them. As if they could sense their climb was nearly done, their arms ached, and maybe so did their lungs. Yet the singing kept their spirits high. They always let Blair sing the last few lines alone. It was the way they did it, and no work of his own. Yet on he went, finishing their tune with pride. "There's some delight in ale and wine, and some in girls with ankles fine, but my delight, yes, always mine, is to dance with Jak o' the Shadows."

<<Cardinal Demici to Sir Blair. The gate has been breached. We are preparing for our advance. We will hold until you and yours are in position. We will catch these Sith in a crossfire, and hopefully end this fight with minimal casualties. Demici out!>>

These words came in swift, and with perfect timing, as Sir Blair had lifted himself onto solid ground. Well as solid as the snow could be. He stayed low as he helped up a young lass, took her helmet from a sling and put it on her head. She followed suit with a lad behind her, helping up, and assisting with gear. Everyone did, something built into them, help each other? They'd get to battle much faster, and all the more prepared.

<<Cardinal Demici, we shall scale the dikes of the facility, once up we'll take out the upper perimeter quietly. From there we'll spread thin and attack from above. If the frontal assault is at all too apparent? Then a bloody confusion of death frae above shall suit you and yers well. Ashla wills it. Sir Blair out.>>

When words were done, actions came to fruition. The walls were scaled, and with silence oh so odd for the Star Thistle, mouths were covered, necks were cracked. All with due haste, With a few hand signs they had a nice, spread out view on the insides of the fortress, a few openings did that job. To go down from them? Far too narrow, explosives would even those odds. They were set, and he made all his troops back from the openings. After having put in place several ropes to throw down and descend quickly into the madness.

<<Aye, we stand ready as ever. Brimstone? Cardinal? Your calls on the time of entry. Just watch frae above. Rubble will rain just as well as blaster fire and my own soldiers.>> Soon they would descend, all 35 of these rookies, doing things especially odd. All things should go well, add in himself? Maybe, just maybe they'd go splendid. 36 In, and Ashla willing 36 Out.

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[Calder Icehammer]

"They're coming. The way has been breached. Dispose of everything. Everything!" The Sith were in a panic. Their secrets were dangerously close to being found by the Crusade. Their defenses crushed. Bombs rained down from above, shaking the very lab they were hiding within. Everything was being destroyed, deleted. They had to be. The Empire crumbled, but the Sith still lived. And they'd take their secrets to the grave.

Black robed figures and scientists rushed from terminal to terminal. Data was erased. Experiments expunged and killed. One by one the various tubes with creatures from all walks of life within were shut down. Leading to their deaths. It was within one of these vats that a being slowly stirred. The spirits around him screamed of death and warned a similar fate. And yet, life. The Light. It was close. Ice blue eyes slowly opened within the bacta tank that housed him.

Where was he?

The Sith. He at least recognized that. A large, clawed hand reached up to touch the glass that confined him. Within moments frost started to creep over, hiding him from view. Turning the thick barrier into something far more brittle. Cracks quickly spread, and the cage was shattered, washing away the scientist that had started to put in the purge codes.

Calder raised his head, taking the first breath of air he had in a long, long time. That's right. He came here to stop the Sith and their inhuman experiments. Only to be caught and turned into one of his own. He slowly closed a hand, testing his grip. Then panic voices reached his ears. The Sith around ignited their sabers, readying to strike.

"The spirits tire of your desecration." He spoke softly, though his deep voice carried far and with purpose. The first to try and strike him down leapt through the air. Then everything ceased to move.

Spires of ice erupted from within the facility, tearing through walls and doors. Compromising the very heart of the Sith Garrison. Many were confused, more were dead. Those caught within the ice died instantly. Those who weren't so fortunate hung from the pillars themselves, parts of their body instantly frozen. They screamed, but not because they felt pain. They felt nothing of the limbs caught within the ice. One tried to remove themselves, only to find their arm shattered where it touched the unforgiving cold.

"What is happening!? Get the commander! We need to regro-" A captain of the Sith soldiers screamed into his com, but it was cut short as he was suddenly face first in the ground. His helmet and skull had been shattered. Dead, instantly. The ten foot figure, dressed in plates of armor, lifted the now blood coated hammer made of pure ice, lifting his head to stare amongst the battlefield. These weren't Jedi who arrived. Something else. Something.. Different.

But still of the light.

Calder swung his hammer, the blood coating it spraying off towards the troops still stunned by his emergence. They, too, fell dead as the frozen drops of blood punctured their armor and riddled them with holes.

"I suppose I should go and introduce myself."

Pietro Demici | Brimstone | Jedi Master Sir Blair | Isla Draellix-Kobitana

 

[Brimstone]

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Pietro Demici Isla Draellix-Kobitana
Jedi Master Sir Blair
Calder Icehammer

Brimstone and his Hades disembarked from their transport and advanced on the gap in the wall, the bombardment had been effective at covering them and defensive fire was muted. Brimstone opened up with his Rotary Cannon as he saw a pocket of soldiers running from their shattered emplacement, trying to man a secondary gun. They did not survive the run. Blaster shells roared from the Gen'dai, ripping them apart in seconds.

Within moments the heavily armoured team was through the breach, Pietro and his Holy Guard were already there, the Sith didn't stand a hope today.

"In to kill teams men, fan out, each team lead a squad of sons and go room to room as we have too. Kill any defenders, capture and scientists, let me know if anyone wishes to surrender, no mess."

He trusted these eight men with his life and was impressed with their tight efficiency. The sith defenders were fighting back, but these were the dregs of sith forces, they were no match for the might of Ashla. How many were there though?

Brimstone arrived at a large room, in the centre was a large plinth, covered liquid and with a glass tube suspended above it, behind it was a human male, grinning menacingly.

"You think you have won Ashlan scum, face the power of the sith and know fear."

"Capture the Sith!" Brim roared and two of his commandos charged across the room.

Suddenly there was a crackle and a massive tentacle ripped into view with electricity, the body that it was attached too was not currently visible, what was this beast?

The first of the commandos was struck squarely by the tentacle that wrapped around him and pulsed with power. The lights on the hades suit flickered and brightened as his armour overloaded, his power unit burst in a bright flash and he went limp, blood oozing out the seams in his back plate.

Brimstone shouted a warning to the rest of the team, they opened fire at the tentacle and the position that it came for. The tentacle retracted, before it and a second one materialised nearby. Electricity arced through the air, discharging into the machinery around it. Brim set opened up fully on the creature and heard it scream. The whole beast became visible at last. A mass of electrically charged tentacles with a gaping mouth full of razor sharp teeth at the centre. Brim could swear it looked like a Rathtar, but the Sith had corrupted it almost beyond reason. And now Brim and his boys were here to put it down.

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[Pietro Demici]

Tags: Isla Draellix-Kobitana , Brimstone , Jedi Master Sir Blair , Calder Icehammer

The Hades commandos wasted no time breaching the facility, pouring through with their usual precision. It wasn't much longer until Pietro and the Holy Guard had made their way to the breach as well, ready to follow up the initial attack. Pietro quickly sent another commlink out to Sir Blair and his Thistles before making the final push into the depths of the facility.

<<Sir Blair, the Hades commandos are through the breach. We are soon to follow. You are free to rain Ashla's judgment down on these Sith at your leisure. We will meet you in the middle. Ashla wills it!>>

As the transmission terminated, the final words were echoed by the Holy Guard. For a moment, Pietro looked to the skies, eyeing the approaching bomber squadrons of Isla Draellix-Kobitana as they closed in on the facility. These piecemeal Sith auxiliary forces wouldn't stand a chance against the might of the Crusade. Turning his attention back to the breach, Pietro focused his mind. Then, with a deep breath, he charged through the gap.

The remaining Sith forces were attempting to hold, despite the significant hole punched into their defenses by the Hades commandos. The area lit up with the glow of crimson plasma as bolt after bolt were exchanged, and Pietro found himself where he always belonged; at the front of the lines. Though he was both politician and priest, Pietro always knew that his purpose was to be the guiding light of the galaxy, even if it meant eradicating the Sith completely. His lightsaber whirred in the air as he deflected each blast, sending them right back to their points of origin. The Holy Guard began to fan out as they neared the center of the facility's courtyard, making sure to cover their flanks as they pushed forward.

Deep within the facility, something had stirred. Pietro could sense it, but could not determine the source. Something powerful had awoken, and was making its way through the facility, snuffing out the faint energies of the Sith that lurked therein. Inversely, another being had made its presence known somewhere inside, though Pietro sensed that it was less than friendly.

"We must secure this courtyard so that we can push inward. Something strange is at work here, and I will NOT leave the Hades commandos to face it alone."

With those words, the Holy Guard began to spread out within the courtyard, hoping to secure the area as fast as possible.

 

[Calder Icehammer]

"Another perversion of life."

Over the roar of the injured and alchemically altered Rathar the deep, somber voice of the Beori rang out. Rathar's were a voracious and dangerous hunter, but they, like so many things, still deserved to live in this galaxy. But to warp them into whatever this was? The Sith had gone too far. Much, much too far. He raised his hammer, swinging it with all his might towards the Sith.

There was surprise in the Sith's eyes as he looked back towards the hulking figure that had come from behind. Just in time to see the icy hammer slam into their face. The last thing they'd ever see before hurtling towards the nearby wall. They crashed into a heap of themselves. Calder's attention wasn't on the Sith, however. No, the monster. The atrocity.

Air quickly froze around the Icehammer as it was swung. A wave of ice erupted from before the massive figure, overtaking several of the beast's tentacles. Within moments they shattered, reducing the numerous limbs down.

"Whomever you are that came here to fight the Sith, allow me to fight beside you."

Pietro Demici | Brimstone

 

[Jedi Master Sir Blair]

Sir Blair
Occupation: Jedi Master, Head of Order of the Star Thistle
Objective: Break in the rookies, and into the facility
Mentions: Pietro Demici


​

The words came swift to the Star Thistle Captain's communications. <<Sir Blair, the Hades commandos are through the breach. We are soon to follow. You are free to rain Ashla's judgment down on these Sith at your leisure. We will meet you in the middle. Ashla wills it!>> They would meet in the middle, and Sir Blair would make sure of it. Some hand signs went through across the way, and detonators went off shortly after. As if some count down was ordered, hint hint, it was. Down rubble rained, blown to bits by the Star Thistle's well placed explosives. Immediately there was chaos among the Sith. Where once they had been gearing up to assist their brethren on the other side of the facility, they were now met head on with overwhelming force.

Blasters rained almost faster than the rubble unto the Sith. Following quickly after was a Force Heightened Sir Blair, hitting the ground with a small quake. "DIE YOU BLOODY FRIENDS OF THE DARK!" Was all that could be heard above the blaster fire, before a lightsaber came on, it stood out among the red, in furious orange lights. Peacekeeper, the Death of all those most fowl. Peacekeeper, the stalwart defense that held off Sith from tainting those who served under Blair. Peacekeeper, a 'saber true and a Keeper of Peace truer.

​

With both hands he held the blade forth, as if calling to Ashla to become one with it. Then he brought it in held high, the starting stance of Ataru, Form IV. Two Sith rushed forth with 'sabers ignited in a fury. They bore down on Sir Blair quickly, but he managed to throw one back a bit with a quick outstretched hand. The Force would give him the time he needed. With that he met the other in a clinch, and yet to him it was no clinch. He had to bear down on his enemy with the strength the Force could give him. Breaking the clinch finally he bashed the shit with the side of the 'saber's hilt. Then threw a diagonal slash across his chest. No sooner though, had the other returned, and he brought with him the Dark Side, True to Form as a cancer could be. The Sith sought to crush Blair under the power, to compact him and render him unmoving. To an extent it worked, and as Blair was brought closer into himself, his body locking up, his 'saber turned off. Falling to the ground.

"Carry not two, but three. Then who can say you'll ever run out?" A taunt really, before he brought his hands into his cloaks, pretending he was still being immobilized. He was really, but he could manage his arms out, and that he did. Two Shoto 'Sabers with them, held in hands steadily, and in the blink of an eye he launched both at the Sith. With green lights emerging from the two in flight, a showy thing done simply with the Force, they spun through the Sith. Snatching an arm and a leg. The prices to pay for choosing the path ahead to be in darkness. The Last Rites. So aptly named. For a finish of any kind. They were the words those they slew had no time to speak. A simple Force Pull brought both 'sabers back, and they were shut off and stashed once more. He bent to pick up his claymore-like lightsaber as his soldier came down suspended ropes blasting away.

 

[Pietro Demici]

Tags: Isla Draellix-Kobitana , Brimstone , Jedi Master Sir Blair , Calder Icehammer

Sir Blair and his Star Thistles had wasted no time seizing the opportunity. Explosions erupted in quick succession, sending shrapnel and fire into the Sith lines. Not much later, the Star Thistles themselves were upon them, cutting through the enemy with exceptional precision. The continued assault on the facility seemed to be moving forward like clockwork, save for one mystery yet to be fully unraveled. Pietro quickly sent a transmission to Brimstone, hoping to get some answers.

<<Demici to Brimstone. What's the situation in there?>>

The response couldn't come soon enough.

Suddenly, a wave shot through the Force, giving the cardinal pause. Someone had been greatly injured, but who? It wasn't until he regained his focus that he understood. Whatever the other unknown force was within the facility, its interests seemed to be aligned with that of the Crusade. The unexpected ally gave Pietro some reassurance, but he would not be satisfied until they were able to rendezvous with Brimstone.

Pietro caught sight of Sir Blair just as he had taken down a Sith. He turned back to the Holy Guard as the battle raged around them.

"Two of you, with me. The rest of you, continue the sweep. No Sith leaves."

His attention turned back to the Star Thistles, and Pietro uttered a prayer. The Light surged through him, allowing him to move more quickly. He darted toward Sir Blair, cutting down three Sith troopers as he closed the gap. As he approached his fellow crusader, Pietro caught a pair of Sith troopers attempting to flank the young man. Pietro lifted his free hand, sending the pair through the air and into the wall of the facility.

"Well done, Sir Blair! We must maintain this momentum, and push inward. Something is amiss in the facility. I'm sure you sense it too. We have to move quick."

His words were immediately followed up with a block as a Sith Trooper came at him with a vibroblade. Pietro managed to parry the blow, quickly cutting down the assailant. The battle for the courtyard may have been their favor, but Pietro couldn't take his mind off of the mysteries of the innermost parts of the facility.