The City of Flesh and Bone || CIS Dominion of Kinyen

[Eternal Finesse]

​

What fate could be worse than death?

In the peaceful rolling grasslands of Kinyen, a horror stirs. At first, they were simply fireside tales from distant fringe worlds. The ramblings of madmen who had escaped nothing more than the insanity of deep space travel. They were whispers of a nightmare in the dark, terrifying stories of a monster so frightening even adults checked under their beds at night… but they were just stories, weren’t they? Though they were hand-fed the evidence, the truth of it wouldn’t become clear to the people of Kinyen until weeks later.

It began with minor earthquakes, pitiful things that barely shifted the gravel on the ground, barely even registered on any equipment. Nobody noticed a thing out of place until the farmers on the outskirts began to complain of their livestock disappearing. One or two insignificant animals at first, but it quickly progressed to handfuls of livestock at a time - beasts of burden, then whole flocks locked behind barn doors. With the earthquakes steadily getting worse, and the farmers threatening an uprising, the government couldn’t ignore it for long. Their final straw was an earthquake so big it opened a crevice in the ground that stretched three miles long and a mile wide across the planet's surface.

Teams were sent out to investigate the disturbances. Strong teams of ten to fifteen men that knew their way around guns and held the unashamed bravery of soldiers. Some said that this was too much for a simple exploratory mission to the edges of the farms where many had gone before, but the fireside tales were still at the forefront of everyone’s mind. When the team went radio silent on the first day, nobody batted an eyelid, it was a coincidence surely? Then two days passed by, then three, not a word from any of the teams that ventured forth to find the answer to their questions. On the fourth day, they finally received a transmission, but it wasn’t the explanation they expected. Instead, the transmission consisted of two things. Bloodcurdling screams and three simple words:

They are coming.​

Since that day, Kinyen fell silent. Not a word came from the planet's surface. Trader ships passing by have reported that the lights of Capra went out one day and the city has remained dark ever since. The only information anyone has been able to gather were the fireside stories that travelled down hyperlanes. Stories that made clear that Kinyen was plagued, infected by a swarm so great none could hope to match it. Atiria, a great and terrible hive mind spoken only in the stories of old, has resurfaced to once again attempt to absorb the Galaxy. It stops at nothing and affords no mercy. Ruled by a new Queen darker than any had dared to dream of, fueled by nothing but a desire for revenge.

Upon receiving a request to investigate, the Confederacy decides to take action. Passing over the planet they received a distress signal from the native species who live below, the Gran. Though the voice delivering it was scrambled and broken, they managed to decipher three sentences:

We are requesting immediate evac.
They just keep coming.
Save us.​

​

---

​

---

​

Objective One || Clear the Flesh​

​

We are requesting immediate evac.
​

From the rolling green hills to the winding crystal clear river, from the tallest cities to the smallest villages… Kinyen has been swallowed whole by Atiria. Its influence everywhere. The planet itself is covered head to toe in a thick crimson carpet of flesh and bone. By the time the Confederate ships reach the planet surface, the grunts are running rampant through the once bountiful farmlands, killing and burning everything in their path. No soul is safe.

Your main goal is to help clear Kinyen of the hive presence and evacuate any survivors on the ground. On the outskirts of Capra, Kinyen’s major spaceport city, a small group of Gran have managed to evade the destruction of Atiria. They have set up a base of operations from which to beat back the never-ending wave of grunts, but they can’t last for much longer. Take the supplies and aid them in keeping the hive at bay until everyone is safely evacuated from the planet.

Objective Two || Break the Bone​

​

They just keep coming.​

​

The Gran have been battling Atiria for a week now. There seems to be no end in sight for this war they have no hope of winning. No matter how many grunts they cut down, no matter how many nights they spent firing bullets into darkness, the hive kept coming. Wave after never ending wave of gruesome beast, some still holding resemblance to the races they once were. Before landing, the Confederacy did a full sweep of Kinyen. It appears that the grunts originate from three major points spread across the surface, what the Gran are calling ‘nests’.

Your task is to team up and take explosives to the nest to eliminate them as best you can. The nests are located deep within the planet’s crust, surrounded by an uncountable number of hive guardians. Cut through anything that stands in your way, in whatever way you can. The future of the planet rests on your shoulders.

Objective Three || Crush the Heart​

​

​

Save us.​

​

During the surface scan, the Confederacy detected the resistance on the edges of Capra, but they weren’t the only lifeforms on the planet. In the heart of chaos the Queen reigns over her brood of bloodthirsty soldiers, and the preliminary scans have revealed that she is not all she appears to be. Some elements of her genetics are human. Your superiors are under the assumption that defeating this Queen will put an end to the terror raging through Kinyen.

Your task is to locate the Queen and put the terror that rages through Kinyen to rest. Your superiors have given you the freedom to complete this mission in any way you see fit. Spare no mercy for the soldier grunts, but beware the Queen. Once she realizes her defences have been breached you will be in great peril. Reason with her, battle her, destroy her entirely. The choice is yours… but once you’re there make sure you decide quickly.

Objective Four || BYOO​

​

​

As usual you’re free to bring your own objective to this story. The entire planet is filled with flesh and bone, swarming with a new species not known to the Galaxy for centuries. The Grant are desperate for any aid they can get. Explore what you can, collect samples for testing, make friends with the soldier grunts, host a tea party in the middle of the chaos… Whatever takes your fancy!

​

Spoiler

[SIZE=11pt][member="A'Runda"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Adelle Bastiel"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Alden Akaran"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Alkor Centaris"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt]@Ari Riggs[/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Ashara Evanaris"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Bullwark"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="BX-1335"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Amelia von Sorenn"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Aston Jacobs"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Aya Clarke"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Caesar Kenway"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Corvus Dravere"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Cypher Raige"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Damsy Callat"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Darth Tacitus"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Daxton Bane"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Destroyer 2873"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Erin Tenel"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Eli-Mae Forrest"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Fawn Alzi"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt]@Faye Irithiel[/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Gerwald Lechner"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Havoc (CT-375)"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="IG-65A"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Ingrid L'lerim"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Ithiel Vi'Dreya"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Jayce Pryde"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Jenmae Ophiro"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt]@Joannis Campbell[/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="John Locke"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Jorge"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Josh Dragonsflame"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Jyoti Nooran"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Karlie Lynn Destat"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Kasca Fen"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Kathryn Foster"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Kayla Wylen"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Kiff Brayde"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Kingsley"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Krystal Estain"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Kurayami Bloodborn"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Kurenai Yumi"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Kyber"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Kyrinov"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Lirka Ka"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Luna Terrik"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Luna Vega"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Lyla Quinn"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Maani"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Maple Harte"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Maria Savilia"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Maur"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Mauer"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Muad Dib"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Nine Lives"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Oax Ordo"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Petra Cavataio"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Pom Stych Tivé"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Qaarssk Roark"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="R4-AUD"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Razelle Breuner"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Roy Americus"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Rylan Kordel"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Sor-Jan Xantha"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Srina Talon"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Subject 73 Red"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Talon Rahl"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="ToKola Bakari"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Teyla Riggs"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Tess Valnora"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Vanric Dannon"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Veronika Fleischer"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Voph"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Vyra Silara"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Vyse Valorous"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Vytal Noctura"][/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt][member="Willow Fae"]​

[/SIZE]​

 

[Luna Terrik]

Location: BOP – Defense setup
Time: 0800 Hours
Equipment: Personal Dauntless Armor, SC4 Blaster, Tactical Recon Handguns, XZ-77 “Buster” Comms Device
Post: 01
Tags: [member="Subject 73 Red"] | @Dauntless Writers | @All defending objective 1

​

The first thought that came to her mind when seeing the state of the Base of Operations was how incredible it was that the defenders had held out as long as they had. To say it was run doing would be an understatement. The walls of the base had that fleshy growth running up them, and in some places it was even over the top of the walls. It was a good metaphor the situation that they were currently in. Everything was closing in on them, and even the walls that they had built were becoming part of the very enemy they were built to keep out. All of this could be seen as Luna’s shuttle landed on the surface, with the rest of Omega squad piling out behind her.

When she had agreed to be one of the ones leading the defense effort, she had known that the situation was bad. Just not this desperate. Still, she looked up to the other shuttles landing on the planet, knowing that they carried the defenses this place might need. Her two master sergeants, Tien and Q’ara, walked up to the commander and both gave a little salute, turning their gazes to the shuttles as well. “Think this will actually work?” The taller of the pair spoke, his deep voice matching the stature of the alien.

Luna couldn’t help the slight shrug that came in response, speaking low so that they would be the only ones to hear. “I’m not sure. That’s why we have evacuation shuttles on the ready if they can’t stem the flow, or if we get overrun.” Both nodded, watching the shuttles land on the surface. Luna proceeded toward the landed the shuttles, raising her voice for all defenders to hear. “Listen up! We got supplies ready to go for the defense. Let’s get them unloaded people!” She finished this order by jumping onto the shuttle, quickly unstrapping the first stack of boxes, and beginning to hand them off to the gathered commandos.

Behind the unloading, a pair of flame troopers began to sweep the walls with their purifying flame to clean off all of the horrifying flesh. The job would have to be rushed, especially with reports of more of the grunts heading their way soon, but doing something was better than nothing. After handing off a few boxes, Luna got to the heavy blasters, pointing to the top of the walls as she handed those off. “I want one of these one each of the walls. If we have extra, start doubling up on the walls that we know will face the most attackers.” More defensive emplacements began to be handed off the shuttle, including a few boxes of mines and mortars. Hopefully all this would be enough to keep the hoards back for the time being.

 

[Subject 73 Red]

Objective 1

Red listened to commander [member="Luna Terrik"] . Then, she started handing off boxes to commandos. Red himself was handed a box full of ammo for rocket launchers.

Great, just great.

Red carried it to what looked like a munitions dump. God, this planet was terrible.

Red got held up in a line of other soldiers carrying supplies into the munitions dump. The current officer on duty was taking forever, although, it was only a droid. Red scowled. Great, the last thing he wanted to do was be stuck in a line holding highly explosive material. Ugh, great, now there was a hold-up as the droid started to slowly scroll through a datapad. Red really wanted to shoot it, he felt a burning desire to shoot the droid. But, he didn't. He held himself back. It wasn't the droid's fault, it was it's manufacturers fault.

After a couple of excruciating minutes, Red finally managed to get through. He moved through the dump, and placed the rocket ammo with the other ammunition. Satisfied, he walked out of the dump. This was all moving too slow for Red's liking. He preferred high stakes missions to this, whatever this was.

He walked over back to [member="Luna Terrik"] . He stood at attention. "Ma'am, rocket ammo is in the munitions depot. Anything else needed from me, ma'am?" Red asked.

 

[Credius Nargath]

LOCATION: Planetary Orbit - Kinyen, Aboard the HNS Arcosian
OBJECTIVE: Objective Three || Crush the Heart | BYOO

EQUIPMENT: Personal Armor see Signature, KRONOS AI

Post: 1

A small contingent of ships, hardly worthy of being called an actual fleet dropped out of hyperspace near the planet from which the distress signal originated. A single Princeps heavy battlecruiser, two Tyrant class missile cruisers and an Impellor carrier cruiser made up the contingent scrambled together to support any initiative to evacuate the survivors of the planet, but also with the secondary goal of eventually executing a planetary bombardment if all else seemed to be pointless. It was after all much more effective to whipe out the entirity of the perceived threat, even if it were to be at the cost of an entire ecosystem or planet.

"What's the threat potential, KRONOS?" Credius was looking out of the transparisteel windows of his flagship; the HNS Arcosian, worried about what this undertaking would cost them if they failed. This was after all a delicate mission in a sense, given that Kinyen was being overrun by something he himself had not yet encountered and as such he was very interested in at the very least get his hands on a sample for further inspection and perhaps even further experimentation. "Well?"

"The sensors indicate...hmm, strange," The golden orb floated over the heads of the various crewmembers on the bridge, ever so often latching on to the controlpanels with a thin golden tendril. It seemed that something was confusing even the massive intellect which the KRONOS AI possessed, proving to be a potential addition to its learning process. "It is simultaneously picking up a multitude of lifesigns in great number, though it is also indicating that the majority of these lifesigns are but one and the same, as if whatever is taking a hold of this planet has a more...simplified mutagen than the average lifeform."

Credius let out a sigh when hearing this, since it meant that this case was more akin to some colony of insects taking over rather than an actual conglomeration of specified lifeforms. Still, it also proved to be a higher difficulty for their mission, as anything resembling a colony of insects would have a higher probability to adapt to difficult situations and better response to perceived threats. "KRONOS...within this...mass of lifeforms, I want you to locate a singularity, if there is any...that will be our target," Turning to one of the ensigns, the Marquis and Viceroy of Eriadu motioned the young man to try and establish contact with anyone using the frequency mainly used by the Confederacy of Independent Systems. "To anyone who receives this missive...My name is Credius Arcosius Nargath, Viceroy of Eriadu. I come here to support and aid in the evacuation and defense of this planetary system. Any vessel capable of leaving the planet's atmosphere is welcome to board the HNS Preliator which is currently orbiting Kinyen. You will be provided with medical care and shelter for the time being. To any operatives on the surface...you may coordinate any attempt at rescue with my subordinate Commander Harmon."

With those prequisites out of the way, the Viceroy turned his attention back at KRONOS, motioning the orb to join him so they could go to the HNS Arcosian's hangar bay. "A singularity has been found, Milord," The AI seemed rather pleased with itself while following the armored Viceroy to his personal interceptor. "However, it's location might pose a problem...it is namely deep within the core. There is also something else...I have confirmed the preliminary scans...human signs have been detected within this singularity."

 

[Vytal Noctura]

​

Location: Mandragora Vessel in Low Orbit over Kinyen
Objective: 3 - Crush the Heart
Tag: [member="Credius Nargath"] | Open

In low orbit over Kinyen, Vytal Noctura stood before a broad window that look out over the horizon. Deeper in the vessel Mandragora worked to assemble potions, salves, and relics for the various teams that would be put to task on this world. They did not need her to oversee their preparations. Orders had been issued and she trusted in their ability to carry them out -- their lives quite literally were on the line. Few things were so motivating.

"Open a channel to General [member="Luna Terrik"]," the Nightsister ordered as she turned from the window and strode back to the center of the command center. "General, this is Vytal Noctura of the Mandragora. One of our shuttles will be en route to your position shortly with supplies to ensure rescued and rescuer alike are not tainted by this place. Please see their talents are put to use how you see best." Evacuation, after all, was not their foremost objective. Neither was cleansing the world, which another team would be dispatched to supplement those on the ground toward that aim as well. They would be remiss to leave these other two initiatives unsupported, however.

Shortly thereafter a vaguely familiar voice came in over the comm array. Vytal would let Luna handle his offer for aid. For now, her rapt attention was with the very heart of the all-consuming 'plague' on the planet below.

"Standby bombardment at the specified coordinates." The pale woman then strode from the bridge after leaving another in command in her absence. Safety was also not a primary concern. If anything, Vytal desired to see the root of this living hunger for herself. [member="Pom Stych Tivé"] would no doubt appreciate a sample as well.

Vytal entered the hanger bay where a shuttle had been prepped for departure to the planet below. Locating the source had been easy for women and men of their kind. The spiritual realm surrounding this world as disrupted as the material. Perhaps more so, as this hunger threatened to consume them in due time. Such overwhelming passions inevitably left its mark. A corrupting influence that needed to be purged swiftly.

"Is everything ready?" She gave a final tug to a bracer on her right arm on approach to the shuttle. "The sooner we placate the source, the more likely the evaluation and restoration succeeds. Every minute puts not only the world' inhabitants, but other Knights and Confederates in peril." With a quick survey of this present, Vytal saw everyone present understood the severity of what was before them. With a nod, she turned toward the cockpit, "Signal command to begin the distraction, and take off." If they could pull members of the Hive away by attacking somewhere else nearby, it was hoped there'd be less opposition in landing or gaining entrance into their center.

 

[Pom Stych Tivé]

Objective Three || Crush the Heart​

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​

Save us.​

​

The arsenal today which she bore in her bandolier, sewn within the lining of her vest, consisted of Potions of a very unique quality. [member="Vytal Noctura"] may have had her own plans for what she would attempt to accomplish here, for everyone had been briefed on the situation, but the Mistress Pom Stych Tivé saw an opportunity for creativity. She has no control! She simply must be herself! She feels it highly likely her idea may be deemed necessary to employ.

Of course the inner Witch saw the opportunity to collect specimen for future magical and medicinal tinctures. The Sorceress within plots all manner of demonic mental assaults upon the enemy which shall aid their achievement, that is to aid the citizens of this planet. One method of getting deep into the core to the enemy's lair, is to assume a metagenic physical transformation, become manifest as one among the enemy itself. The idea of mimicking the hive mind is no great scale impossibility. However Vital is the sensible one, the voice of wisdom, grounding stone most appreciated, every time Pom hopes to explore the possibility for success of her unique capability.

Pom sat in the back of the shuttle, and she smiled a very strange smile indeed, one which said, 'I so would like to speak with you, Vytal!' And she wrangled her brows as she exposed her arsenal of potion vials. She knows Vytal loves to go into battle with splendid aids. Pomsty toiled over these for months, and when she got the notion of what could become required of her, she mixed those specifically necessary and voila…'aren't they just remarkable?' The essence of her brewskis glowed, manifesting their own light. To the Mistress just fathoming their success is extremely euphoric! They are her babies!

Now…how many are brave enough to undergo the transformation and venture into the tunnels with her? Mirroring the enemy is one thing, mere child's play, but they have to go deep into the earth to get close enough to hex the crap out of this queen bee-tch, and Pomsty's potions are not toys.

Pomsty eagerly bounced in her seat at the back, with anticipation to reach the planet, and to share her plot with her sister, Vytal. Afterall, it is only the day after Halloween! It is still ok to literally become a monster.

 

[Kaden Farr]

​

Location: Landing Zone outside of Atiria Nest Beta​

Gear and Armor: In Bio, 2x Bandoleer of Thermal Detonators​

w. [member="Daisy Americus"]​

​

​

​

More than a few weeks had passed since Kaden promised Daisy that he was going to take a break from accepting any more missions for a while. His mind had been so set on settling into the Confederacy and earning his right to stay that he had been guilty of being too focused on it. It wasn't that Kad had intentionally neglected finishing his home and pursuing the only person who could honestly say returned the same feelings he had offered in return. Thinking about it made him sigh internally all over again. No matter how anyone looked at it, [member="Daisy Americus"] was the best thing which had happened to Kaden in his tumultuous life, and the fact she would even give him the time of day after he spent months haunting her, had been married to the former Mand'alor, and had been in the Netherworld twice, was something he did not deserve. It was a miracle in its own right. The man should not even be alive, let alone having someone to pursue who would also pursue him.

His eyes looked her way as the ship dropship began its descent toward the landing zone. It had been a while since they had been on a mission together, or Kaden had seen her in the armor which branded them both as Mandalorians. Despite some who would consider them dar'manda, the two still did what they could to follow the six actions of the resonl'nare, and it made Kaden happy to know with them, such labels did not truly matter.

The ship jerked as it dropped into the lower atmosphere of the planet. Kaden offered a lopsided grin to his companion before crossing the small distance between them to press his forehead to her. Kaden said nothing, other than what the small gesture itself would say, and pulled away to offer the woman a softer smile. His helmet was fastened to his head, and his HUD came to life. The shared frequency he and Daisy had crackled with a small amount of static until she was connected as well. They were nearing the point where they would see the devastation with their own eyes, something Kaden was not looking forward to.

Everything was dark, too dark. The darkness was eerily familiar and put his mind back several months and years to his time spent in the Netherworld. Dark creatures, hordes of monsters, all bent on destroying those who dare trespass. Kaden had learned in the darkness it was kill or be killed, and as they neared the darkness, the nests of numberless creatures, the warrior felt the cold and remorseless killer return to the surface. There was only one bright spot in all of it. This time, Daisy was at his side, and just knowing she was there kept the dark nature he had fought so long to contain from taking over completely.

Kaden sighed as he recalled one of their early conversations, or missives. She had wanted to know what it had been like.

<<< "Take a good look... this is as close as to what my life was once like as I ever hope you get. I would never wish such a thing on anyone, so let's blow these nests and get rid of these things for good." >>>

Kaden put his hands to the pistols on his hips. He knew he would run out of slugs and energy packs before they cleared a path to where they needed to place the explosives. The battle was going to be bloody and gruesome, but someone had to do it. A bes'kad was sung over his back, the sword would have to hold up for him today. It was the first time he had wished he made a lightsaber, or acquired one from the Knights Obsidian. When this mission was over, Kaden was going to have to rectify it.

The dropship slowed as they neared the jump off point.

<<< "We're coming up on the landing zone," >>> Kaden said, his voice distorted by his helmet.

A low hum began to ring in Kaden's ears as the sound of the engines changed. Looking to the ground it was getting closer and closer until the ship came to a sudden hover. With little fanfare, and final look spared to Daisy, Kaden pulled his pistols from their holster and leapt from the ship to be the first to touch his boots on the ground. First ones on and last ones off, it was what he learned from watching Strider Garon as a child, and it was the way he would lead the mission today.

<<< "OYA!" >>>

Kaden shouted as he opened fire upon the creatures which were already advancing. His job now was to cover the rest of the team exiting the dropship behind him.

 

[Ardasz Verd]

The thrum of jetpacks drowned beneath the squelches of discolored flesh. Macabre patches of tissue hewn together in a grotesque perversion of life towered over the Mandalorian as he took a drag from his cigarra. "Phew," Ardasz wafted the stench away from himself and shook his head. He spat the tobacco from his lips, still burning, and pulled his buy'ce overhead. "This osik reeks!"

With a deft swing of his arm, the Verd-clan warrior engaged his wrist mounted flamethrower and began the clean up of Kinyen. The Hive disliked his attention, and protested loudly, violently, and en masse.

The Guardians lived up to his expectation. Hulking beasts with almost insectoid carapace rushed out to meet them, defiant roars dying on their jawline. Ardasz greeted them with acidic rounds.

"Welcome to a new world order," he mocked in a mechanical monotone. "Courtesy of the Confederacy of Independent Systems." He was just a contractor, but it was important he let the enemy knew who to thank. If the enemy even understood Basic, that is. "This is your eviction notice!"

They seemed preoccupied with masses of sinew and bone that melted away beneath them, but he could feel the hatred that bore through even the thickest beskar burning at him. He made certain to take a second shot.

"How you handling, vod?" he asked of [member="Kaden Farr"] across the secure comm channel.

 

[ToKola Bakari]

​

Death is only the beginning.​

​

"Argh!" To'kola let out a monstrous roar as his maul fell upon the head of one of the Atiria. The Grunt let out a raspy groan as the wooden maul left a massive indention of blood and bone on the side of it's head. The War Marshal did not stop. He dropped his maul beside him, grunting loudly as his hands reached out for the bizarre creature. He looked at it's maw with a mixture of amazement and disgust. It's teeth were found in the back of it's throat, while it's mouth was almost serpent-like in the way it had several jaws that could all unhinge to swallow and overtake prey.

To'Kola's hands grasped two of those jaws. He heaved, his muscles swelling as the creature screamed out in agony. It had never known there was a pain so great as having two of your jaws stretched against each other until....

​The ripping of bone and cartilage was as soothing to the Sandali man as any melody. Grey and red ichor spilled from the beast as it was ripped in two. The man stood, covered in the greyish fluid, unimpressed. He grunted as he tossed the carcass a few feet away. "These things are not powerful..." He muttered, as another of the Grunts seemed to appear from a burrow in the ground. It's pincer-like legs allowed it to scurry towards the War Marshal with surprising speed, however it meant nothing to him. He had already recovered his maul and was hefting it over his head. When it came down, the weight of the wooden maul immediately caused the Grunt to crumple to the ground, dead. "There are just a lot of them."

The War Marshal had been alone, however the trees behind him were shaking, causing him to look over his shoulder. What exploded from the woods were two warriors, clad in the clothing of his people. One of the men, who was the larger of the two, even larger than To'Kola carried one of the dead Grunts on his spear. "Khamisi. What did the two of you find?" To'Kola asked.

"Not much, Nahodha. Your metallic warriors are stopping these things from reaching the supply lines, but some have managed to slip through the lines." To'Kola considered this, but ultimately waved his hand at the two. "Stay close to the supply line, if anything gets past the droids, destroy it."

Both of the men grunted in acknowledgement. "Yes, Nahodha." They said in unison before turning back to the Confederacy's rear line.

 

[Naomi]

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[member=ToKola Bakari]​

Speeding over the planet’s surface was a strange experience for the mind behind the wheel. Her preference was for nature. The bright green of forests, the soft azure water, the dull orange of the desert… Kinyen was none of those things. Instead, it was covered tree to grass in a thick layer of fleshy mass that Naomi would have rather avoided entirely if she could, but that wasn’t an option. She had spent hours upon hours, days upon days, weeks upon weeks just trying to track him down. When the trail had run cold she foolishly assumed that was it, that her job was done. His life force had been squashed and his scent was nothing but a whisper on the breeze, but it hadn’t remained that way for long.

Now, look at where she found herself, racing over a planet covered in flesh to kill someone who would likely die in the onslaught of creatures she watched swarming on the horizon… but there was no honour in that. No glory. No reward. So here she was.

Landing the ship was easy, there were no codes to recite or guards to trick. Everyone was far too busy to notice as it squeezed in between the line of Confederate ships. Nobody even batted an eyelid at the stranger that stepped out of its depths. The moment she stepped foot onto the planet, Naomi dampened her presence in the force. Any Sandali warrior worth their salt would be able to pick one of their own out in a crowd, she wasn’t willing to risk that this one wouldn’t be able to do the same. With her the cloaking of her force she allowed a feeling of ease to pass over her, and she used this to venture forth from the safety of her ship’s shadow.

Finding him was no more difficult than a game of hide and seek with a child. Men were such simple creatures, it came as no surprise to the witch that he had taken the opportunity to boast of his power and strength. Standing at the edge of a forest with his hands buried deep in the jaws of one of those disgusting creatures, Naomi found her mark. This was the first time she had laid her raven eyes on his true form, though the images and depictions had done him no justice. He was much taller than she recalled anyone mentioning, and he had more muscle on him than Naomi had thought possible, but all that was neither here nor there now. She was here to do a job and she would not back down. She’d fought bigger men. She’d fought braver men. Just as she was preparing to make her move, the tree’s a few meters away rustled with a telltale sign...

He wasn’t alone. Two more warriors had joined him.

No matter, Naomi didn’t have a choice. She couldn’t return home a failure for the second time. She would rather face the Gods than face the wrath of her tribe once more. Silently, she readied herself. The weight of what should have been earth pushing up against her feet, the soft flesh wrapped round the trunk beneath her fingers, the steady in and out of her chest as she drew in deep breaths of acrid air. It was now or never. ‘AAAAAAAAAAAH!’ The warrior witch cried out in a brutally high tone as she lunged forward through the air. Using the force she coveted, it wasn’t long until her agile frame was only inches away from the darkened skin of her target. The dagger came next, pulled from its sheath in the blink of an eye, a dull silver weapon patterned in symbols and strange words. It cut through the atmosphere with an unmistakable sound. If this found its mark, the slow acting poison coating the blade would take hold, but she wouldn’t dare think so little of a Sandali warrior.

She wouldn’t and didn’t believe he would give his life over to the Gods this easily.

 

[ToKola Bakari]

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[member="Naomi"]​

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He watched as his Sandali warriors turned back to their duty, appreciating the two of them for their steadfast loyalty. Even among the Jiwe, the pride and respect of a warrior was not something to be discarded. When he left his homeworld, intent on carving a new path into the galaxy there were a number of people who followed him due to his martial prowess, those two were an example of what To'Kola found he could respect. Still, he turned his attention back to the fleshy forest that laid before him. It seemed that the advance troops had cleared the Grunt's expertly, and now all that remained was to set up a proper defensive position. Once that was done, all other operations would move efficiently.

To'Kola felt the force wash over him, calling him as it so often did. It granted him the clarity of the world around him, yet this world was a sickening abhorrent abomination, even in the eyes of the Dark Side it was bizarre. He quickly shook his head clear of the sense, however in that moment he felt a hot rush fill his chest. It was an odd feeling that warned him of one thing. Danger. His eyes shot up to hear the wild scream of a woman descending upon him. His maul had been hefted over his shoulder, but he quickly moved to take a firm grasp of it.

He was too slow.

As he moved, her blade came forward cutting into his skin. It cut flesh, praying for bone, with a deadly intent to destroy him. "Nini Kuzimu?!" He called out in his native tongue, before leaping back from the woman. Blood welled at the cut, sliding down his bare chest and causing the man's eyes to narrow at the woman.

It was immediately obvious this woman was of the Sandali. So just what the hell was she doing here?

"Who are you? Speak before I rip your head from your shoulders." His tone was even, yet it had a menacing flavor to it. Obviously, the man was not amused.

 

[Nim'Harra]

Objective: Consume the Confederacy​

Deep underneath the planet’s crust, in the heart of the winding cave systems, Atiria now called a nest, the hive Queen sat silently. War had been raging on this planet for longer than she cared to admit. Planets fell to her power in days, not weeks. These Gran were a particularly stubborn species. The monarch shifted in her throne of flesh and bone, and with her, the entirety of Atiria bristled. Something else was wreaking havoc on the surface, something that was beyond the simple farmer technology of Kinyen, something big. Nim’Harra sank back, the only facial expression she pulled was a bemused smirk plastered on her lips.

Through Atiria, she could feel all. The shiver than ran down their spine as the ships passed through the skies. The screams of terror that came in the grunts wake. The pain… every single ounce of pain as her precious children were cut down by new weapons, by new hands. Cut down… Nim’Harra shot up straight. Who were these fools? These fools whoever her domain so freely, these fools who brutalized her children so willingly, these fools who dare test the might of Atiria. The hive could feel her displeasure. It motivated them. All across the planet, Atiria seethed through bared razor-sharp teeth.

‘We shall see what this… Confederation can do.’ Sharp talon-like nails ran along the top of the grunt beside her. ‘Go, my children. Bring me something worthy of joining our brood, or bring me blood. This planet cannot withstand our attacks much longer, not even with their newfound friends. Kinyen will fall.’ Nim’Harra lent forward in her throne to press a gentle kiss atop the grunts head. With a lazy flick of the fingers that had rested on its back, a swarm of soldier grunts headed for the mouth of the tunnel system, so great in number that they fought with each other to squeeze through. ‘Show them no mercy.’

 

[Naomi]

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[member=ToKola Bakari]​

The wind rushed through her thick locks of ebony hair. While the air had an acidic taste and burned as it whipped her skin, this was Naomi’s favourite part. The adrenaline rush as the blade attempted to bite. The closeness the two warriors shared as they began the complicated dance of battle. Eager eyes watched as the dagger sliced down toward his skin. They noticed the hand that dived for the only weapon upon his person, a mace that would crush her bones in one swing. Naomi expected to find nothing but air beneath her blade, she expected him to put up a fight, but all that muscle was slowing him down.

Dull silver disappeared into coffee coloured flesh. A wave of satisfaction erupted in her chest as a deep gash burst open with a quick flick of her wrist. Wisely, he finally decided to move out of her reach. Naomi fell to the ground for a brief moment, catching herself with a careful succession of footsteps. She had heard his words. ’Nyamaza…’ She spoke aloud. Her eyes were focused on the open wound in his chest, as though they didn’t quite believe what they were really seeing. It took the droplets of crimson liquid tracing a path down his skin for her to finally focus on the man himself.

’Abaju.’ Naomi allowed one of her brows to raise, coupled with a mildly amused expression. ‘I attack and wound you, and the first thing you ask is who am I? Most would not stop until they had drawn blood of their own. Perhaps I was wrong to judge you a warrior.’ The bite in her tone was merely playful banter, much like a predator would play with their prey. She had done her job now, whether he followed up on his promise to behead her was moot. In a few days the poison would reach his heart. She had won. ‘Please, I invite you to try, but you must know by now?’ The hand holding her dagger rose up to head height, enough so that the silver caught what little light slipped through the overcast skies. ‘...You’ve already lost.’

 

[ToKola Bakari]

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[member="Naomi"]​

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The Sandali man glared at the woman, her very demeanor left him enraged. Along with the fact that she had injured him, he was pissed. He cleared his throat, before hefting his maul back over his shoulder. His hand went to his waist, where a short spear sat tucked in his sash. The spear was soaked in the deepest depths of the Force. It radiated with a power that mirrored To'Kola's own. With his spear raised in his left hand and his maul in his right, To'Kola stared at the woman judging her stance and the way she moved. His feet shifted, slowly and carefully until in one instant. "Death, then."

He moved.

He was far faster than his massive form would let one believe. When he charged for the woman, he brought his maul down in a vicious swing for her head. The weight of the weapon paired with his inhuman strength meant that anything it came into contact with, would shatter. His maul flew in fast decisive strokes. Each one more vicious than the next as he attempted to beat the woman to death with the weapon.

Still, the maul was not a weapon for speed. It required long, hard swings if it was to truly do any damage. Even in To'Kola's hands it was a weapon with flaws. However, it would not be the maul that was the true weapon. As his short spear rested in his left hand, apparently there for defense, the Sandali warrior waited for any oppurtunity to release the blade upon his enemy.

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[Naomi]

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[member=ToKola Bakari]​

The rage in his eyes was apparent before he had even made up his mind to speak. Before his booming voice had even dared disturb the atmosphere around it, she could tell he was waiting to strike. His muscles twitched, his eyes narrowed, the pace at which his chest rose and fell increased. Naomi jittered, shifting from one foot to the other as she watched for his first move. Though she had expected him to attack, she hadn’t expected his speed. Even with her eyes trained hard on the telltale signs of aggression, Naomi couldn’t have preempted when his first footstep would fall.

When he finally did move, she felt the flesh beneath protest. Her eyes widened as he approached far quicker than she had planned for. The mace swung through the air, but it was heavy. Naomi could feel it moving before she could see it, and she was just as quick as the warrior she faced if not quicker. With barely inches to spare, instead of meeting bone, Naomi forced the mace to come crashing down into the flesh beneath. Yet before she could get her footing he had pulled it free to strike again. When she felt the swing of the mace graze her skin, when the hairs on the back of her neck stood up, Naomi did the only thing she could think of. A wave of force to knock the mace off its course an inch or two, just enough to give her some breathing room.

Nimble on her feet and with the accompaniment of the force, Naomi was, fortunately, managing to avoid the mace so far, but she couldn’t keep up the pace for long. She would have to strike. The warrior witch forced herself to wait a few moments longer until she came face to face with the warrior in preparation to dodge his next swing. When it came, she dodged neither left nor right but slipped herself underneath his legs using the force to minorly boost her speed. Naomi scraped across the fleshy ground, only bringing herself to a stand once again when she had completely passed beneath him.

She had but a brief moment to act, he was quick enough to turn around and stop her dead in her tracks. So, although her chest heaved up and down with the exertion of dodging his mace, Naomi acted. Once again the dagger came sweeping through the air, aimed at the solid muscle rippling across his back.

 

[ToKola Bakari]

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[member="Naomi"]​

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Like a wild beast, he let out a mighty bellow as the maul swung through the air. He'd been using the weapon for months and although it was now growing to be an extension of his arm, it was still far different from his spear. As his maul came crashing into the ground, he watched as the woman slid under his legs, evading the blow expertly. Even now To'Kola knew what he could do...but he did not. While she stood behind him, the wise thing to do would have been to send the Force exploding out in a massive wave, to send the woman flying away from him.

It was still too early to attempt and end the battle with a decisive move like that. So he all but allowed what came next. As the cool blade ran along his back, he felt the hot rush of pain that came with it.

Blood spilled from his back, yet he turned with vicious speed. His left arm shot out, aiming to strike the woman with the blunt force of his elbow. Following the elbow was a powerful swing of the maul. This time the weapon was aimed for the woman's legs, so that she could be caught off balance and left open for a more worthy attack. "Yibambe!" He cried out.

 

[Naomi]

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[member=ToKola Bakari]​

His bellowing cry shook her ribcage, but beyond that it only served to motivate the witch as her second cut was made.

There was little time to rejoice, or to consider whether or not the poison would have a speedier affect on him. The minute the blade cut through flesh the warrior had turned to face her once again. ‘GIVE UP!’ She cried as his elbow came swinging toward her face. Her taunt had seen the split second moment in which she could have avoided it dashed to the ground. His elbow crashed into her jaw at full speed, emitting a deafening crunch as bone met bone. Naomi reeled backward, two steps, then three, then four. Just enough to see the mace swing where her feet had once been, she felt the sharp metal spokes grazing her shin by centimeters.

The taste of iron flooded her mouth until she was forced to spit crimson liquid from between her teeth. Now a short distance away from him it afforded her a few seconds to catch her breath. Her chest heaved up and down as she stared in awe at the narrow miss of the mace. She could have been lying at his feet, crippled and helpless, but she had lucked out. ’Nishati yako imepotea.’ She said through heavy beating of her heart as it attempted to catch up. A trickle of blood flecked with saliva ran down her chin as she spoke, but her forearm quickly reached up to clear it. ‘You are already dead. Maybe not today. The Gods might even afford you tomorrow too… but count each heartbeat. They won’t continue for much longer.’

For a moment, she narrowed her ebony eyes. This might have been the worst idea possible, but if he was a man of honour he would oblige. The witch made a show of tossing the dagger to the side, the dull metal smacked against the trunk and rung out in protest. Naomi readied herself again, placing her feet an equal distance apart and bringing her hands up to her face. ’Wacha tufanye hivi vizuri.’

 

[ToKola Bakari]

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[member="Naomi"]​

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When finally To'Kola connected, he felt some satisfaction, but not nearly enough. He was no fool. He knew that her blades were laced with poisons meant to bring about his death. There would be no other reason to use such an insignificant weapon against him. Though his healing factor would keep the poison at bay, sooner rather than later it would take effect. Yet, that was something to worry about after this battle. For now, his mind was set and focused on the woman who stood before him. She spoke of his heartbeat and he grunted in response. Not only was this poison slowly killing him, the actual battle itself was only making it worse. The longer they stood in combat, the more the poison would spread through his body, threatening his life.

It was not until the woman threw her weapons aside that To'Kola thought she may have lost her nerve, or her mind. Did she dare challenge him to unarmed combat? Though the women of the Sandali were fearsome warriors, To'Kola was a behemoth even among his own kind. To challenge him would mean certain death. Unless she had a plan.

Still, her overconfidence could be his ally. "Unathubutu kunipa changamoto?" He stated, beating a fist on his bloodied chest in response to this woman. In a fluid motion, he threw the maul and spear into the dirt, though he was wary he would not decline such a challenge. His own pride and faith in his strength would not allow it.

He tightened his hands into tight fists and in the next moment charged forward. He charged like a raging beast, but ultimately stopped short. He brought his fists close to his chest and let his feet settle into the dirt before his left fist flew forward in a stunning jab for the woman's face. "I am a son of the mountain!" He proclaimed as he launched a series of blows at the woman.

 

[Naomi]

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[member=ToKola Bakari]​

It had worked. In the time it took for him to discard his weapons in acceptance of her challenge, the stars had faded from her eyes. With each passing second, her mind grew clearer. Now the only thing left to do was to figure out how to take down this giant. His rumbling voice once again caught her attention, and in response, the witch could only grin. A grin wide enough to bare her teeth tainted with the crimson blood he had managed to conjure. ‘You dare assume you are beyond challenge?’ This might have been the end for her, but she would not go out like a coward. She would face this man until either one of them lay face down on the ground and remained there. That was the honourable way.

Naomi braced herself as the brute charged forward. She felt her heels sink into the flesh underfoot until she was sure nothing could move her. For a moment she thought he wouldn’t stop, she thought he would simply crash into her headfirst and take her out that way. That would have been the simple way, the easy way. There was no way she could wriggle out of his grasp once he had careened his great weight against her, but… he didn’t. Instead, he stopped short and Naomi watched his fist fly through the air toward her.

Her head twisted under the impossibly fast punch, Naomi only too aware of the damage someone with the size of his fists would inflict. Her movement was fluid, smooth, almost imperceptible. Growing up on Sandali when muscle wasn’t on your forte, speed had to be. Once on the other side of his arm Naomi wrapped her hands around his forearm. Much like the way she climbed trees back home she gathered her energy and swung from his arm. It was powerful enough to bring her slender frame up and around his body till her knees came down hard against his shoulders.

‘And I am daughter of the rivers!’ Now perched on top of his shoulders, her sharp coal painted nails dug into the side of his face to keep her steady. One fist threw itself backwards, then forward, its only goal to land a forceful blow to his temple.

 

[ToKola Bakari]

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[member="Naomi"]​

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She was fast. She was so much faster than the man expected and in this moment, even he was impressed. The way she managed to maneuver around his punch and mount his shoulders caused him to roar out in anger. He felt her arm pincer with his as she climbed over him and immediately he focused himself. He knew it was coming.

The disorienting blow that slammed into the side of his head caused him more distraction than pain. Surely she was powerful, but To'Kola was nothing if not durable. The first and second blow landed without hindrance, however in the next moment To'Kola was able to gather the strength in his arms and grab the woman by her abdomen. His arms were poised like vice grips, so she would be unable to release herself from him without considerable effort. With the pain of the blade he had taken, the blows to his head, and the exertion this required he was drunk with rage.

What came next was simple. To'Kola's massive frame came crashing to his knees, his waist bending deeply and in one fluid motion, he aimed to throw the woman. With all that force riding in one direction, he hoped to slam her directly into the ground, effectively ending this display. Few would be welcome to fight after such a matter, but even then To'Kola was not sure of it's success.