The Devil's Lair | CIS Invasion of TJE's Copero Hex

[Laira Darkhold]

Location: Orbital Shipyards
Engaging: [member="Kaida Taldir"]
Music

The Lord of Truth set about cutting the ice gripping his legs, slashing at it with his lightsaber even as it continued to crawl up his limbs. The Cryomancer advanced rapidly, seeking to continue her entrapment of the Sith until she fell into his, albeit hastily made, trap buying him precious moments to carve away the frigid ice from his body. “How impudent of me.” He muttered in a rasp, glancing in the direction of the cryomancer. <I will not underestimate her again, nor will I restrain my inner strength.> His aura unveiled, unrestrained crept from the shadowy figure, darkness and unease, wrongness and the antithesis of nature. When she escaped she would have no trouble finding him again.

Freedom at last, the Sith limped to the hole he had created, clenching he left arm, pain shooting from the injury in his shoulder. At least it still worked. He jumped from the ledge, using the Force to cushion his fall and land on his good leg, the one without shrapnel embedded into it.

A dozen Chiss operatives had gathered on that floor, raising their weapons at the Sith Lord as he entered. Orthus waved a hand, “An intruder is in the yards. Disable her when she arrives, I will secure the reactor.” He muttered, implanting an image of the Cryomancer and a sensation of rage within them as he passed. Of course they would assume he was with the Jen’ari, especially with a touch from the Force to reassure them of such. Only one CIS vessel had yet to impact the shipyards and he had been embroiled in a defense against its occupants. He had not arrived on a ship recently, which left the impression he had been at the yards for longer than a day, and thus he must be a welcomed visitor.

He strode past the Chiss, who took up defensive positions within the corridor while he continued onward towards the still distant primary reactor, the smell of sick, partially rotten blood seeping into his clothes from his injuries. How corruptive a presence to turn its unnatural vessel into little more than a corpse? He had taken no effort to maintain this Pureblood when he had donned the flesh or devoured its spirit to take hold of the vessel. Next time he would need to take measures to ensure the survival of his Voice, perhaps then it would not be so deteriorated.

 

[Pei Ven]

Pei stood in his combat armor, everything charged, all his equipment in place. It was time for war again. He has been up against some impossible odds in the past, but this one took the cake. A shipyard filled with Force users, guarded by the elites of the Jen'ari, out numbered a hundred to one. What was the odds of survival? However, what was the glory of victory? Frankly, these shipyards had to go, and people would be lost to make this happen. Because, if they failed to take it out today, even more would be lost in the future because of it.

He stood besides the many commandos ready to go to war inside the ship yard, rifle across his shoulder. Standing at attention, he listens to Luna's speech, and Damsy's outcry. A smirk went under his helmet. It was good to see them in fine spirits, they would need it. If this was to be their last day alive, at least let it be so that they went into battle full of spirit, and determination.
f
“Hear that, commander. We got this.” His voice filtered through the helmet, little emotion coming through. However, he stood ready, besides his comrades, to lay down his life if needed, to stand strong, so that the CIS could be victorious this day. For his squad, his nation, and their leaders.

“What are your orders, Commander, we will be there shortly.”

[member="Damsy Callat"]
[member="Luna Terrik"]

 

[Kainan Wolfe]

​

​

Post #3​

Equipment: Shroud of Desolation | Personal Molecular Shield | Wither | The Triad | The Shrouded Blade | The All-Seeing Eye​

Attn: [member="Adron Malvern"] | [member="Caesar Kenway"] | [member="Archim Calixis"] | [member="Aedan Miles"] | [member="Diarmid"] | [member="Srina Talon"]​

Spoiler: Order of Battle (19969.62 Meters | 1128 Deployed Fighters)

• CNS Fortressa (Flagship) (Shields 91%)
• 1x Adjudicator-class Star Destroyers:
  - CNS Valkorion's Revenge (Shields: 84%)
• 2x Valiant II-class Star Destroyers:
  - CNS Spear of Nelvaan (Shields: 78%)
  - CNS Sithspawn (Shields: 81%)
• 1x Storm Wolf-class Star Destroyer:
  - CNS Steelheart (Shields: 79%)
• 1x Overseer-class Interdictor Carrier:
  - CNS Winter's Wrath (Shields: 76%)
• 2x Augrim-class Heavy Cruisers:
  - CNS Assassin (Shields: 73%)
  - CNS Bloody Baron (Shields: 76%)
• 1x Mordekai-class Escort Cruisers:
  - CNS Exorcist (Shields: 69%)
• 3x Ardan II-class Flak Frigate:
  - CNS Stormbreaker (Shields: 61%)
  - CNS Hopeless (Shields: 64%)
  - CNS Oddball (Shields: 66%)
• 1x Typhoon-class Minelayer Corvette:
  - CNS Excisor (Shields: 59%)
  
• Deployed Starfighters (66 Squadrons Total):
  - 1x T-77 Stealth Interceptor Squadron (8 Fighters Total)
  - 10x I-3A Lance Fighter Squadrons (120 Fighters Total)
  - 10x Death Glider Squadrons (120 Fighters Total)
  - 30x Vulture Mk2 Droid Squadrons (720 Fighters Total)
  - 5x Raptor-class Bomber Squadrons (40 Fighter Total)
  - 10x Tri-Fighter Squadrons (120 Fighters Total)

Spoiler: Actions

• Dispatched three Tri Fighter squadrons and five escorting squadrons of Vulture droids to launch Discord missiles at the nearest shield station
• Issued order for combat maneuver
• Fleet stopped firing its weapons
• Activated interdictor gravity well

• CNS Fortressa
  In orbit of Copero

Streaks of blue fire slammed into the Confederate fleet like a thousand angry needles, sapping the strength of the massive vessels' shields like a leech sucking on a wolf's lifeblood. All around the fleet, systems flickered in and out of existence and engineering crews rushed to make repairs. The game of cat and mouse had begun.

The Chiss were known for a lot of things. Incompetence was not one of them. Indeed, throughout the galaxy's long history, they had produced some of the most skilled naval commanders ever to ply their deadly trade amongst the stars. Names such as Thrawn were well known and their tactics were still studied to this day. Their counterattack had been just as ferocious as Tacitus had expected.

The Reaper of Lorrd knew that today, the Confederacy would be facing one of the most effective naval forces in the galaxy. He also knew that he could not allow them to dictate the pacing of this battle, if the operation were to succeed. He had to seize the initiative from them and force them to reveal their hand. It was why he delivered his systemwide speech in the first place, just another calculated move on the deadly Dejarik board of naval combat. Tacitus had forced his opponent into a corner and the Chiss commander had responded accordingly.

Comms chatter spiked in the immediate aftermath of the attack. Status reports and requests for updates came in from the various elements of the fleet, most notable of which being Srina Talon's inquiry, moments before Archim Callixus' fleet engaged the enemy's flank. Tacitus watched the tiny colored dots on his tactical display with something very much resembling glee. "Exarchs Talon, Malvern, this is Fleet Marshall Tacitus," he responded. "We have encountered opposition and fleet has sustained damage to several systems. We have been unable to enemy planetary shield as a result, but the fleet is holding its own against the enemy assault. Proceeding with counterfire."

It was time to escalate.

"Ensign, order the Interdictor to activate its gravity wells and give me fleetwide comms," the Sith Lord ordered in the calm and steady tone that had become his hallmark, even as his face constricted into a mask of intense, single-minded concentration. "All ships, this is Tacitus. Execute Capital Phalanx."

Only now did the relative calm of the Fortressa's bridge erupt in a flurry of agitation. Only now did alarms blare, not to warn against some impending doom, but to call everyone to attention. Some comms officer's voice repeated the Fleet Marshall's orders throughout the fleet's comms. "Capital Phalanx, Capital Phalanx! All ships, prepare for combat maneuver!" The various systems and super tactical droids began their complicated calculations.

Outside, in the cold, uncaring void of space, the massive guns of the fleet suddenly fell silent, even as the first elements of the Confederacy's starfighter force detatched from their positions to engage the besieged defenders. Escorted by five squadrons of Vulture Droids, three squadrons of Tri Fighters darted towards the nearest shield station, unleashing a first salvo of Discord missiles towards its hull. If the enemy thought they had seen all the Confederacy was capable of unleashing when the Veil and its escorts fired their opening barrage, they had yet to encounter the buzz droids.

And with Archim Callixus' ships now engaging the Chiss fleet's flank, the pieces were in place for the next step in the complicated tapestry of death that the Confederate ships were weaving.

 

[Luna Terrik]

​

[SIZE=12pt]Post: #2[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Location: [/SIZE][SIZE=12pt]Munificent Class Star Frigate[/SIZE][SIZE=12pt] – The Star Hopper – Hanger[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Objective: Board and Damage orbital shipyard. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Loadout: [/SIZE][SIZE=12pt]A280 Blaster Rifle[/SIZE][SIZE=12pt], Blaster Rifle cartridges, [/SIZE][SIZE=12pt]Cryoban Grenade[/SIZE][SIZE=12pt] (2), [/SIZE][SIZE=12pt]Thermal Detonator[/SIZE][SIZE=12pt] (2)[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Attire: Dauntless commando gear, black gunnery gloves, commando helmet[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]The commanders boots hit the durosteel floor with a dull thud after she jumped down the remaining bit of ladder. Activity in the hanger seemed to have picked up considerably from before her little speech, as the commandos now began their final preparations. Loading up ammo crates onto the shuttles, team leaders giving final briefings to their squads, and pilots running through the final checklist so that they would be ready to go the second the frigate came out of hyperspace. The redhead was snapped out of her thoughts as three of her closest squadmates came up to her, giving their congratulations on the speech.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt] Luna couldn’t help but chuckle and shake her head at the ground, smiling up at them. “That’s about the best you’ll get from me at this point. I’m certainly not the Allfather. He could inspire anyone to run into the fire.” Helmet in one hand, rifle slung over her shoulder, she began to proceed toward her shoulder, making sure to pat Damsy on the shoulder as she walked. The girl’s nervousness was evident, but pairing her up with the veteran of the group in Zavek would hopefully calm her slightly.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt] Knowing the group would be following, the commander spoke up as they weaved their way through the hustle and bustle of the final preparations of the other commandos. “First thing we need to do once we land is establish a defensive point. Intel suggests the presence of Jen’ari forcers to exceed our original predictions significantly. In the highly unlikely event we need to retreat, we need to know we have somewhere to run back to.” They were outnumbered, outgunned, and, obviously, out-forced. Having a retreat point was smart, but Luna hoped they would not have to head back to it until they completed their objective.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt] The group of four commando leaders walked up to their pair of shuttles, one for Pei and Luna and their squad, and the same for Damsy and Zavek and their team. Just as they were walking up to the shuttles, the whole ship lurched forward as it came out hyperspace, the blue, blinding lights outside the hanger changing to the white dots of stars, and the shipyard floating in the distance.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt] For a moment, it seemed like everyone stood still, the sudden changing of speeds temporarily freezing them, It lasted only a second, but the lights in the hanger switching from white to red, the ready up color, blasted the hanger into action. Squads began to quickly load up onto their respective shuttles and the sounds of shuttles starting up filled the hanger. It was time to ready up to assault the station.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt] Motioning to the squads in front of her, they began loading up as well. The commander turned to the other three squadmates, grinning wide, excited for the mission ahead. “Alright boys and girls, lets load it up. Pei, Zavek, don’t forget the explosives please. I don’t want to have to figure out what to do without them. Damsy, stick close to Zavek for this.” Nodding to them, she pulled on her helmet and proceeded to hop onto the shuttle.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt] Over the official channel locked in on the comm on her helmet, Luna could hear the commanding voice of Exarch Talon. Pushing past the other commandos to the front of the shuttle, next to the pilots, she gave them a nod to take off when everyone was on and ready. Raising a hand to the side of the helmet, she toggled the comm line on to Exarch Talon. “This is Luna Terrik, commander of Dauntless team, Reapers. The Star Hopper have just come out of hyperspace. Shuttles about to depart toward the shipyard. Will update soon.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt] It only took a few more minutes for the shuttles to be ready to take off, and with the signal from the hanger control tower, they were released from the frigate, like locusts headed toward a bountiful harvest. The Dauntless were on their way. On their way to introduce the galaxy to the destruction they could bring.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]| [/SIZE][member="Srina Talon"] | [member="Pei Ven"] | [member="Zavek Ambrose"] | [member="Damsy Callat"] |​

 

[A'Runda]

​

Equipment: Gaffi Stick, Cycler Rifle, Red Curved Hilt Lightsaber
Location: Fortressa
Tags: [member="Kurenai Yumi"] [member="Cardinal Vi'dreya"] [member="Scherezade deWinter"] [member="Koda Fett"]
Post: 1

Dashing through the halls of the massive flag ship the Tusken sensed that he was late to the departure. Meaning... he was gonna need to fly down in his own, several century old ship. A'Runda wasn't gonna be doing that if he didn't need to but it seemed like that was unfortunately going to be the case. Bolting into the large hanger A'Runda frantically looked around to see if he could spot any fellow KO member. But he was all out of luck. "Trrru'uunqa!" He shouted in frustration. He was indeed late, how unprofessional of him. 'Well, it really do be like that sometimes...' he thought to himself.

Not wanting to be more late then he already was, he looked over his equipment one last time before running over to his mostly trustworthy ship, The Tribe 1. With long strides he made his way up the boarding ramp and into the ship. Hopping behind the ship controls he started her up. Taking a deep breath before he started his flight he tried to calm himself since he knew very well that he wasn't the best pilot. Then he grabbed a hold of the controls and deftly took off and out of the hanger and on his way to the orbital space docks.

Now he just needed to avoid falling into reentry...

 

[Kaida Taldir]

Location: Orbital Shipyards

Engaging: [member="Darth Orthus"]


Her will pushed against the cage. Finally, there was an opening inside the shimmering barrier. However, by the time she emerged, the Sith Lord had slipped through the hole his shockwave had made. Even from afar, his dark aura could be sensed. It was unmistakeably corrupt. Rotten. Wrong. Like a corpse that had been put back together and clung to its twisted unlife, defying rot and decay.


Filled with resolve, the former Angelii recalled her pistol and dropped down through the hole. The Force controlled her descent, cushioning her fall. However, once she had landed and taken her first steps forward, she sensed other presences. She had seconds before intense weapons fire rained down upon her. A squad of Chiss guards had taken up position at the end of the corridor.


Having set up what seemed to be a rudimentary barricade, they put her under fire. Her sabre ignited, but these no ordinary blasters. Rather the Chiss utilised Charrics. A grenade was lobbed towards her. Upon hitting the floor, there was a loud sonic boom. Pain shot through her skull and blood seeped out of her eardrums. Head ringing, she was struck by a Charric bolt. In addition to being almost hurled back by the kinetic impact, she experienced an electrical shock. Another shot grazed her in the side. White spots danced inside her vision.


As the troopers moved in an attempt to flank her, she grit her teeth, focusing. Numbing herself to the pain. Shield raised, she let it absorb the bolts. She willed a mist to form in the air, making it more difficult to target her. This cover would only last a moment while the troopers changed their vision mode. But she only needed a moment. Rather than use her eyes, she reached out with her Sciia, or what humans would call the force. Her willpower wrapped around the grenades of a soldier who, based on her hearing, was in the centre of the group.


She would feel the metal of the casings and the internal components, including the trigger. Rapidly she reached out, pressing her will upon the explosive balls. Some soldiers had the presence of mind to run. It was not sufficient. Boom. Her victim was ripped apart. Those closest to him suffered the same fate. Others were showered by shards of shrapnel. Then Kaida advanced through the dissipating mist and the cloud of smoke.


A soldier was bashed by her shield, another broke his jaw upon being flung into the wall. Her sabre hummed as it struck. Kaida made no pretense of being a Light Sider. Indeed, the idea that her Sciia had sides and could be corrupted seemed absurd her. Her process of elimination proceeded in a well-practiced, methodical manner. Wounded soldiers were taken out quickly and cleanly.

 

[Rick Kaloo]

REALSPACE, APPROACHING COPERO​

​

ALLIES: CIS ([member="Darth Tacitus"], [member="Adron Malvern"], [member="Srina Talon"], etc.) & [member="Coren Starchaser"] & [member="Khonsu Amon"]​

ENEMIES: BOOTLEG SITH​

OPERATION: TAKE DOWN THE SHIELDS​

​

The Chiss defenders of the planet swiftly let their anger be known.​

​

Rick had taken special preparation for this battle, knowing the nature of the Chiss. Among their ranks were the best minds in the galaxy, with many naval tactics based off the Chiss Admiral Thrawn's own battles. Even Rick's own private battle procedures were partially based off those of the former Grand Admiral.

With that in mind, Rick had expected heavy resistance, and was not disappointed at all. The enemy fleets quickly realized that fire was coming from a new angle against them, and returned it curtly.

Alerts quickly filled Pickle Rick's bridge, but Rick hardly reacted. Sitting in his command chair, he stared out into space as hundreds of turbolaser bolts spiraled toward his fleet.

Pickle Rick had some of the most powerful shielding of any ship in the galaxy, and absorbed the hits easily. Immediately afterward, the shields began to slowly regenerate, fueled by energy deep within the warship. Slightly less fire was thrown in the direction of the two supercarriers, making up for their weaker defenses. But as Rick viewed the tactical feeds of the battle, he realized something was off. A Confederate dreadnought was being hit hard, its shielding vaporized by the mines Pickle Rick had narrowly glanced. Without much thought, Rick decided that Pickle Rick should move to protect the wounded vessel, in case it was valuable to the Confederacy.

At the same time, comms came in from the Confederate fleet channel, asking for a status report. Rick sent his reply swiftly, with his new set of intentions in mind.

[My fleet has entered the system okay, we are currently exchanging fire with our Chiss adversaries. Seeing that the longer Confederate dreadnought's shielding is down, Pickle Rick is moving to absorb fire headed toward the vessel. My carriers will fall back and form up with the main Confederate force. Expect a fresh shipment of troops once the planetary shield breaks. Rick, out.]

Following Rick's orders, all three ships began to turn leftward, continuing to deliver broadsides while accelerating away from their drop points. While the carriers moved toward the Confederate fleet slowly and without much trouble, extra power was converted from Pickle Rick's turbolasers to its engines.

It had to move with haste, for Rick was saving a dreadnought from oblivion.

Spoiler: Fleet Composition

Pickle Rick - Shielding: 91% - Hull: 100% - Engines: Powered, headed toward CNS Veil - Firing At: Jen'ari fleet
Valiant - Shielding: 93% - Hull: 100% - Engines: Powered, headed toward CIS battle group - Firing At: Jen'ari fleet
Redemption - Shielding: 92% - Hull: 100% - Engines: Powered, headed toward CIS battle group - Firing At: Jen'ari fleet

Spoiler: Actions

Fleet prepares to exit hyperspace
Fleet exits hyperspace
Fleet opens fire on nearest Jen'ari vessels
Pickle Rick fires its Cerrus Demolishers on the Jen'ari command vessels
Pickle Rick accelerates to support the weakened Veil
Supercarriers relocate to the CIS fleet to compensate for the lack of Pickle Rick's protection

 

[Coren Starchaser]

Location: Copero
Allies: Jedi Team [member="Mishel Noren"], [member="Zak Dymo"], [member="Amilthi Camlenn"], [member="Kayla Wylen"]
Enemies: Jen’ari, Sith [member="Cay-Yo"]


The Jedi Master knew the best way to get in and that meant he had to work fast. That was why they were in the predicament they were in. The Corellian was doing his best to hold it together but the stomach was flipped and flopped. Looking up at his team when they reverted, the man shook his head. The younger students were having a bit of a different concern, Zak, the one he knew, was cheering, and Kayla was looking at him. His eyes refocused as he looked at the other student. “I’m…fine. Just need a second.”

Another deep breath, he shook his head. “Yeah. I’ll be fine.” He reached out to the Force, trying to get a meld, to share the little bit of the load to try to recharge himself. If he did that, he’d be fine to get moving. Another deep breath and he focused, a bit of a grin on his face. “Maybe another day, Zak, need to rest between those!” A small laugh as he made eye contact with Mishel as well.

“You’re… what?” Too much was going on, and he could still feel the pod plummeting. As they were getting closer, he looked over at Amilthi, the one who he knew he’d be able to depend on here. A look over at her as she came closer to him, she stumbled as the escape pod shuddered when she felt against his chest. He shook his head to clear it. Was time sped up too?

“You good? Reported in… Whats our next move?” He reached for his saber, his senses filtering in properly again. He was ready to get moving.

 

[Mason Liddell]

Location: Spess -> Ground (Capital)
Objectives: Contact Allies
Allies: Jen’ari & Frans
Enemies: CIS, Jedi, & Wreck-it [member="Coren Starchaser"], [member="Amilthi Camlenn"]

The lights dimmed, Madison lowered her hand and exhaled deeply. The stinging persisted in the back of her eyes, but it would subside over time. Bright lights and the stinging sensation was common and the young K’paur knew she should have been used to it. It was always the same since she was a child. Her eye sight in the dark was incredible even as a K’paur, but day-time was another story. Shaking her head, she left the training room and moved to clean up.

---

Stepping out, of the shuttle Madison covered her eyes with her hand and glanced down at the datapad in her hands. Evacuations had started, and Madison was near the parliament building making sure that people were getting secured. A yawn was stifled as she covered it with her free hand. As she looked through her information, she figured it was a good time to contact her Master. A message was sent quickly and read:

Master [member="Arlen Rossi"].​

​

Politicians and figure heads have begun to evacuate the parliament building. Copero City possible target. Rendezvousing with other allies. ​

​

Madison​

The message was short and brief, there was a thought to send coordinates, but she decided against it. The last thing she needed was to have her message picked up by the enemy. Sending the encrypted message, Madison shoved the datapad away and fingered the hilt of her saber that was clipped to her thigh. Hidden away, was a shatter pistol under her long coat. The woman looked far from a traditional Sith, opting for spacer clothing. There were others around and she needed to make contact.

Moving quickly among the shadows, Madison stepped into the communications room ([member="Cay-Yo"]). “Hey. I’m your back up.” It was all she said as she looked around, twelve were dead already from the riot and they were probably not going to be the last. Her lips pressed together in thought as she nodded. “Anything you can let me know about what the situation is beyond chaos?”

 

[Cay-Yo]

Location: Copero, Copero City, Parliament Building, Communications Room
Objectives: Maintain security of the Parliament Building, Continue the evacuation of the Politicians
Allies: Jen'ari Empire ([member='Madison Liddell'], [member='Diarmid'])
Enemies: CIS ( [member='Coren Starchaser'], [member='Amilthi Camlenn'] & Co.)
Equipment: Hooded Robe, Miniaturized Lightsaber (red)
Unit Strength: 50 Imperial Sith Troopers + Cay-Yo

---

---

Was still in the process of contacting the Governor and as his proclaimed ally came to get a report of the goings on he paused then looked to her "Invaders have begun fighting our fleet, the Governor here gave the order for evacuation of the leaders. Although he said nothing of the peasants so they're not allowed on the shuttles. They began to get angry and so we put them down." Cay-Yo put his arms behind his back and began to pace on the spacious (to him) holopad "I think they'll try to hurt our shields... hmm yes.. hurt them because they want on the planet!" the Patitite snapped his fingers and pointed at his ally "That's what I would do, ships don't capture planets. People do!" Cay-Yo began to pace once again but more swiftly his time. The tiny figure hustling around the pad may have been comical had the situation been different "Troopers... I don't have enough troopers!" then he realized that he did not know the woman's name "I am Cay-Yo, Acolyte of the Empire! Who are you?"

As Cay-Yo and Madison spoke SET continued to deal with the more violent parts of the growing riot while the Police dealt with the bulk of the frightened Chiss. Those that SET came into contact with, normally the ones throwing objects or trying to pull Police away from the line, ended up dead or seriously injured. This caused fear among the crowd to spread and this seemed to be by design rather than incompetence from SET. Who would dare throw a stone at servants of the Empire if the response was a swift death? This earned the troopers no small amount of bad blood with the people of Copero City who shouted at them about their oppressiveness and the injustice of preventing them to escape the city.

 

[Mishel Kryze]

​

Mara had never opened a door so fast in her life. The escape pod's door flew open smacking into one or two objects on its way to an audible stop. Mishel stumbled out and let out anything that resembled food, a gift for the Jen'ari. Once she was done expulsing her lunch, breakfast and quite possibly last night's snack the Jedi padawan slowly rose to her feet and pressed her back against the escape pod. "If you hurl on the fur you're walking your ass back to Geonosis, got it?" Mara asked with a pointed look and the Tygaran nodded slowly as she gave the half-Felacatian a thumbs up. "Alright c'mon, ping Shia so she knows where to land the droid."

In a moment the Jedi Master went from human form to battle cat form. A quick three count and Mishel scrambled on and reached inside of her blast vest searching for the encrypted tracking device. It was linked to a total of three people, [member="Coren Starchaser"], [member="Shia Kryze"] and [member="Alessandra Creed"] for a very simple reason. Keeping track of Mishel's whereabouts was about as easy as keeping track of a child on a sugar high. It was in fact something Mara and Alé devised to put on Mishel's clothes just so they didn't have to worry about it all the time. Mara had a better handle on things given her abilities, but everyone else? The tracker was quite handy, and with a simple push on a rather mundane looking button the tracker was on

"Alright targets are split, we'll head this you guys go that way, yeah? Yeah." There wasn't so much of direction as just hand gestures that ended up. "RIDE LIKE THE WIND MARA!"

Say that again, and I'm turning you into mince meat.

You like me too much.

Maybe.

Mishel and [member="Marakai Al'Orren"] headed out opposite of Coren, and it wouldn't take long before they spotted enemy troopers. It was the hope that the troopers would be too busy heading to the downed escape pod to notice the two of them rushing over the terrain. The brunette patted herself down and took one of the electronic tags from her vest's other pocket. "Shield generator up ahead Mara." She directed with a motion over to their left, "and of course it's guarded... alright you go high or... that's fine I can go high." Lightsaber in hand the padawan stuffed the tag back into her pocket and utilized a Force Leap followed by Force Sweep. The hum of her lightsaber against the guards' vibroblades could be heard as she parried one attack and side stepped another. Mara roared in charging into another group head first, her claws swiped left and then right on one of the officers.

[member="Zak Dymo"] | [member="Kayla Wylen"] | [member="Amilthi Camlenn"]

 

[Malok]

Location: The Fortressa -> Scimitar (Orbit)
Allies: The Confederacy of Independent Systems
Enemies: The Jen’ari Empire, The Official Chiss Ascendancy
Tag: [member="Srina Talon"] | [member="Adron Malvern"] | [member="Darth Tacitus"] | [member=Kyber] | [member="Scherezade deWinter"] | [member=Dianah Vi’Dreya] | [member="Cardinal Vi’dreya"] | [member="Allya Vi’dreya"] | [member="Damsy Callat"] | [member="Luna Terrik"] | [member="Kurenai Yumi"]

The Battle Begins!​

At times, life was much akin to a light switch.

As the Fortressa spearheaded the Hyperspace voyage to Jen’ari space, the metaphorical switch was very much in the on position. Though the warriors of the Confederacy were hurtling towards a literal battlefield, the atmosphere within the Dining Hall was Light. From the most notable Exarch to the newest soldier, all seemed to be able to pass the time with moderate smiles upon their faces. Cards Against the Confederacy was the name of the game - and if time had permitted, the Vicelord himself would have stepped in for a hand. However, Darth Metus tarried in his quarters for a bit following a brief encounter with his favored apprentice [member="Srina Talon"]. While he very well spruced himself up for the Jen’ari Gala in record time, he did not straightaway join the alabaster woman and their compatriots.

Instead, he busied himself with a comm link. The piece was nothing remarkable, but for some odd reason there was nothing but interference whenever he attempted to place it inside his ear. So, he fussed and fussed and fussed some more - with seemingly no end in sight. The light at the end of the tunnel came when Darth Metus finally saw fit to factory reset the damn thing and cycle back through the private channels. For this momentous occasion, he only had one channel in mind - Channel Seven - and promptly tuned there once the troubleshooting had been complete. With the device now situated within his ear, the Sith afforded himself one single breath. To those who knew him the closest, he was a protector. To those who knew only of his infamy, he was a monster.

Yet, for but the handful who had access to Channel Seven, Darth Metus was father.

It was hard not to think about how much loss had transpired in the past several months. Hard not to think of his son, Riggs, falling victim to the virus of Melida/Daan. Hard not to regret the destruction of his sister, Ginnie, over the skies of Maramere. Hard not to remember the passing of his daughter, Hadashah. When Darth Metus looked into the mirror, he genuinely believed that his actions were to create a world where all he cared about would be safe. He genuinely worked daily to secure a lasting peace for his kin, for his friends, for his allies. And though his nation was the definition of successful in every regard, that did not stop the pang from erupting in the pit of his stomach. The sable-skinned man was not immune to the demon known as worry. Nor was he deaf to the whispers of doubt it hummed in his ear.

It was hard not to think about the children who rode alongside him into battle. Impossible not to worry about @Dianah Vi’Dreya, @Allya Vi’dreya, and [member="Damsy Callat"] to name a few. Impossible not to wonder if his own brother, @Cardinal Vi’dreya, would see the light of life past today. Thus, in the pursuit of just some semblance of peace whilst the battle raged, Darth Metus set up the channel. Exclusively for his kin. Solely so that he knew they lived. Once the channel went live, he uttered a simple greeting: ”Stay alert and stay alive.” before succumbing to the duties of his office. Time was a precious commodity that he did not have ample sums of this day, and therefore once the words had escaped his lips, the Vicelord departed from his quarters. Today, he wore simply a borrowed suit of Obsidian Strike Armor which had been modified to his liking. His trademark body glove hugged his form underneath the shell spider silk. A heavy gauntlet occupied his left hand whilst a seemingly-simple crushgaunt occupied the right. And upon his waist rested his tried and true lightsaber.

As his strides bore him briskly towards the hangar, the metaphorical light switch moved. Darkness fell upon the Fortressa an air of urgency bled from everyone the Vicelord passed. Orders were shouted up and down the corridors as he descended; and messages uttered over the main channel were transposed as text upon his HUD. With but the blink of an eye, Darth Metus began to search for the vessel that would ferry him to the surface - but he felt its presence long before it entered into eyesight. Upon entering the Hangar, the ethereal connection between the sable-skinned warrior and his alabaster apprentice seemed to flex. He could feel a quiet confidence bubbling forth from the Dread Queen, and he borrowed from that wellspring to settle his own nerves. She would feel his concern. Know the faces of the children he silently prayed would remain whole.

But Srina Talon always had a way about her. It mattered not if they were back-to-back on a raging battlefield or enjoying the quiet of Geonosis - the Echani’s presence alone was enough to bring some semblance of peace to the Sith. And as he made an almost tardy entrance aboard the Scimitar-class Star Courier, he greeted her first in the “language” they shared. He gingerly brushed the side of her arm with the rear of his hand - a seemingly basic gesture to some, but it held some significance to the pair. He then scooted into place and strapped in, rendering a firm nod to his sibling at the helm. This was, admittedly, the first time that the siblings had the pleasure of entering into battle together. And, with his concerns abated for the moment, the Sith had the opportunity to relish in that fact.

Movement gripped the vessel. The engines hummed and the Scimitar sliced into the abyss of space. This day, the visible stars were joined in their brilliance by the rapid exchange of turbolaser and ordnance fire. And though no sound echoed in the depths of space, the rapid reports over the ship’s comm were more than enough to paint a vivid picture. Darth Metus leaned forward in his seat, momentarily breaching the sanctity of Channel Seven so that he might speak to his people. They were all just like him. They all held concern deep inside their hearts - for loved ones both on and off the battlefield. They all wondered if this would be their last day breathing. They all hoped that their assaulting this distant world would further cement the peace of their beloved home.

And so, despite the roar of engines or the rumble of the ship, Darth Metus let his forces know that he was with them. He did not sit high on a throne lightyears away from his warriors. No, he rode into battle alongside them. He would spill just as much blood as they. He would bleed just as much as they. And he hoped that none of them would lose as much as their enemies would in the next moments.

”Confederates - this is your Vicelord.”

”As you ride into battle, remember for whom you fight! Remember the loved ones you protect. Remember the homes you have built. Remember the future that you crave. Turn that which you love into your greatest strength - and cut through this threat with me. We ride together Confederates - now let us show them the Wrath of the Southern Systems!”

”Break. Through.”​

 

[Warmaster Nyâsh]

​

Location Orbit of Copero, Eternal Navy, one of four Sigma-class Heavy Assault Dropships
Objective Primary: Conquer Copero city; Secondary: Take the main power supply station of Copero city; Tertiary: Remove any resistance at all cost.
Part of 2nd Army 'Trentheim', Eternal Army, Confederate Invasion Group
Adversary The Jen'ari Empire´s forces, Chiss Ascendary forces, militia and resistance groups

Unit designation Grimus-8-2, 82nd Ultranaut Regiment
Unit strength four battalions of Ultranauts; three heavy infantry, one mechanised

​

​

Colonel Efried Halbrecht was standing in the centre of a circle of people watching him, the battalion and company commanders of the 82nd. Each of them had removed the helmet, now either holding it in the hands or carrying it in the armpit. Supported by two adjutants from his staff, Halbrecht was explaining the target and location to them, giving as much information as possible to prepare his men for this deployment.

Copero City was a Chiss colony at the foot of some mountains on this cold, arid world. It was reported that the invasions forces shall expect heavy resistance, by both, imperials and Chiss, the latter equally being official military as well as citizens and possible paramilitary forces formed to resist the conquest of the Confederacy.

The most elementary goal was to capture the city and remove any resistance posed by both the locals and the Sith. Maximum force and aggression was demanded and even if there would be civilians - there would be none. Everyone was considered a possible enemy, unless they bear a confederate code.
The 82nd was tasked with taking a major energy supply in the City´s north, close to the governmental district. Fortified resistance was to be expected as this power supply was responsible for several heart districts of the urban area. The regiment was send in as a spearhead force to get its heavy infantry specialisation into the tray of the siege.

Halbrecht was showing their landing zone, security perimeters as well as their initial deployment zone to his subordinates, only stopping to speak when one of his officers had a question or concern.
It was not very common in the senior officer coprs to listen to juniors. A rare attitude of the Colonel made him consider the opinions of all his officers as well as actively asking for their opinion and advice. This way a stronger bond was formed as well as a deeper insight in the workings and thoughts of each commanding officer was given.

The briefing was over, with a single clanking noise the officer saluted, clicking their heels and moving to their units. With his own helmet in his armpit, the Colonel was waiting for the signal for the drop ships to begin their assault. His gaunt face was showing no emotion of concern. It was not in his power to decide about the success of the landing, if he would stand here or on the bridge, so he was not wasting worrying thoughts about the impossible to influence and simply waited in the midst of his command unit.

​

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Location: Orbital Shipyards
Engaging: [member="Kaida Taldir"]

The Lord of Truth limped through the corridor, blood trailing behind him leaving a brownish red path of where he had walked. The doors to his goal loomed ahead of the Sith as he pushed closer and closer, gathering strength and power into himself in the manner only a corpse-king could. He grimaced at the sounds of combat unfolding behind him, turning to look over his shoulder at the engaged cryomancer and the chiss warriors that attempted to hold her off.

He knew she would break from the crudely constructed cage, even a properly cast one wouldn’t be able to hold someone of her skill and prowess, but he had hoped that it would last longer than it had. Surely he wouldn’t have enough time without delaying her personally. The pureblood sith turned to face his pursuer, like a wolf backing into a corner. She dispatched the last of those chiss that had defended him for a short time, but hardly as long as he needed.

Electricity crackled at his fingertips, his good arm flinging outwards as she stood triumphant over the sheep. The corpse who would be king, frustrated that he was forced to exert himself truly for the first time in many years channeled dark power through his fingers, the lights in the corridor flickering above him as he did so. Black energy emerged from his fingers, five black bolts of pure darkness crackling even as the Dark Master forged them with his will, a sickly green hue to the bolts.

She was beginning to upset him, but he did have to admire the woman’s tenacity. Just a hunter after prey, no other reason beyond the desire to kill and be proven superior to her quarry.

The Dark Master launched the five bolts, spiraling down the length of the corridor towards the woman. Those that found their mark would not only hurt, but also infect her body with a disease-like presence in the hopes it would slow her, cause her pain and sickness-like symptoms, and become worse over time.

A proper equalizer if one was possible.

 

[Jorco Czeku]

​

Equipment: DH-17 Blaster Pistol Czerka Fighting Knife
Objective: Cripple Copero City and confiscate valuables.
Allies: CIS

Location: Copero In orbit

Jorco and his crews watched on as the CIS continued their assault on the planet until he got a call from a caption of one of the other ships under his command. "Boss, the boyz are getting restless for some action." Just as the call came through Jorco looked over at the CIS flagship SSD as saw quite a number of smaller ship leaving its massive hanger and descending on the planet below despite the shields still being up.

"Hold that thought one Second Cap!" He said to the captain over the call. If the CIS already has ships that can pass the shields. Then that means they don't need to be waiting for them to go down in order to start their looting. Then one of the brigde officer told Jorco of an incoming transmission from the big man himself, [member="Darth Metus"]. Jorco waved for his officers to broadcast it.

- remember for whom you fight! Remember the loved ones you protect. Remember the homes you have built. Remember the future that you crave. Turn that which you love into your greatest strength - and cut through this threat with me. We ride together Confed-

Jorco then waved back to his officers to cut off the transmission. "Yeah yeah whatever..." Clearly Jorco didn't care much for the insperiational speech, since he knew him and his men just wanted to start getting good loot. "Blasts! Why didn't anyone tell us about 'em ships that they're flying down in? Captain, tell your men to start boarding your Flarestar-Class Attack Shuttles We're boarding The Fortressa!"

With that final statement he went on to call the rest of the captains to do the same until he got to notifying his own flagship. Not much longer the bulk of Jorco's forces were in smaller craft, deftly moving in the board the much larger ship. Eventually all eh saucer like crafts made it into the massive hanger. Once there Jorco saw the very thing he was looking for. A small standby collection of Scimitar class ships ready for him and his men to reach the planet's capital. Jorco sent out a message to his lieutenants to have their men get onto the smaller crafts and to make a beeline for the planet's surface.

Sooner rather then later Jorco's forces were all finally heading down to the capital city to start their great looting, and much sooner then expected now in the Scimitar shuttles. Why put his own ships in harms way when he can just use The Confederacy's? Now that they could get past the planeary shields they were going to celebrate Life Day early.

 

[Koda Fett]

LOCATION: THE FORTRESSA
ALLIES: [member="Srina Talon"] - CIS
ADVERSARIES: TJE

The Bounty Hunter had maintained a particular difficulty in regards to his own entertainment. It'd always been somewhat of a struggle to remain stimulated for extended periods of time, and his career had certainly been a factor that plagued the scenario. He could stare towards these vaguely transparent screens beneath his T-Visor, stretched across his Heads-Up-Display and find no truthful satisfaction in their fickle entertainment. Fett had always, ever since he began, chased the unquenchable thirst that the high of hunting another man could provide. He found such comfortability in the power that it possessed, and couldn't quite match the satisfaction that accompanied the possession of another's life resting in one's palm. And, as such, his days upon the Fortress had been bleak and unforgiving. Now, however, they had come to an end.

Yet, his boredom had briefly become interrupted as that Echani made their approach. Oh, Talon. It'd never been you, purely business. But, it were you that wound themselves in the web each bounty hunter crafted. Should've chosen her life partner far more carefully. Fett's callous orbs moved beyond the screens, and they automatically vanished after detecting a lack of attention. He listened, and he smirked a smug grin. "I'll always be the last one standing." Fett remarked in a tone befitting of his concealed expression. But added nothing more. The Mandalorian had certainly been convinced of his statement, and truly had every right to be.

It weren't as if there were much of a choice, though. Fett had finally been offered his chance to escape the confines of the Fortressa, and descend planetside. It were there, certainly, that the Bounty Hunter could receive his momentary highs of dopamine. Otherwise, there were always credits.

 

[Kayla Wylen]

Location: Escape pod -> Copero surface
Objective: Support allies
Allies: CIS - @Amilthi Camlenn | [member="Coren Starchaser"] | [member="Mishel Noren"] | [member="Shia Kryze"] | [member="Zak Dymo"]
Enemies: TJE - [member="Cay-Yo"]

---

---

While Kayla continued to tend to Coren she cast a curious look towards Zak, mystified by his reaction to what had happened only moments prior. It was impossible for her to comprehend how such a dangerous thing could be considered anything but a grim necessity, let alone exciting. It was something she had never seen before and like everything else she had been baffled by since finding her freedom she kept it to herself, so she could ponder on it by herself when time would allow it. Rarely did the s'kytri find a conclusive answer to her questions, but there wasn't much else she could do. She did not have anything more beyond loose connections, so there wasn't anyone she could turn to.

What mattered more in that moment, though, was making sure Coren was okay. Luckily he seemed to be fine, albeit a bit discobombulated. The soft glow emanating from her hand slowly dissipated as Kayla pulled it away from his forehead and brought it back to her side. "Good," she responded with a reassured tone, "but I think it would be wise to try to not overexert yourself too quickly once we are out there." She had seen some of the zealous people she had one day called allies make that mistake, leading her to have to spend much of her own energy revitalizing them enough to only just be able to return home on their own two legs.

While directing her efforts towards the Jedi master however, she did see he and herself were far from the only ones affected by whatever had just taken place, even if comparatively her own persisting lightheadedness was very mild. Mishel's face gave away that she was feeling sick and the s'kytri secretly hoped she could hold it in until they had landed and gotten out of the escape pod. She felt bad for not helping her and shot her an apologetic look, there was little she could do.

The pod then landed and in a single eyeblink Mishel had already found her way out. Kayla could hear her throwing up from inside while she waited for the others to step outside as well, and concluded being a light eater had been her blessing this day. She would be one of the last to exit and when she did she took the time to spread her wings after having them folded inwarded quite uncomfortably for quite some time.

After the group had recollected themselves as far as it was necessary, Mishel and Marakai split off from the rest of the group. Kayla then turned her attention to Coren, as he was the one who had taken charge. Old instincts from operations past kicked back in- she had been taught to be a follower, and here that would be the same. Wordlessly the woman awaited his next move.

 

[Shia Kryze]

Planetary Surface - Shield Generator​

​

​

(music)​

​

The planet below came up fast air and anti-air fire streaming past the falling droid and it's rider like upwards rain, the brilliant blasts of turbolasers aimed at incoming capital ships drowning out the sight of the smaller laser fire.

This was where One Eye needed help, blind on one side, the droid relied on his rider and her honed reflexes to guide the pair of them through the incoming storm.

Well. Shia thought. This should be interesting.

Hot air blazed past her view, obscuring even radar and sonic returns with it's ionized wake.

"Height reading!" She called to her companion, she couldn't actually read the rapidly falling numerals, was that a six or a nine? There was a big, big difference.

One Eye let out a loud sounding electronic blat, half roar, half exulation - if a droid could be said to have such, which Shia firmly believed he did - and half fear.

"Yeah, I know we're at 99,000 and falling like a rock now thank you. I can't see my hud visor for the vibration."

With a crash, they slammed into the bulkwark of air trapped by the final shield layers, slowing their speed so fast most normal people would have blacked out. It felt a lot like being hit by a superfreighter. Don't ask how Shia knew that.

"I've got a beacon lock on Mishel, give me an approach angle and hit the jets, lets make an entrance."

The key to surviving a war-droid drop, she had been taught, is in speed. You can rely on numbers to even your personal odds of getting taken out by ground fire, but bes'uliik can't turn much faster than a nerf in atmosphere, so dodging ground fire is right out. You come down at an angle, throw as much unpredictability into it as possible, and accelerate downwards.

Then at the last minute...

5000.

You break. One Eye didn't wait for instructions, flaring his limbs to grab air resistance and folding in his etheric dampner. Shia identified several ground installations around the shield generator with potential anti-air capability and volleyed off a trio of shatter-missiles to keep their occupants busy not dying.

"Where's the damn beacon?" Oh. I've got it."

Crunch!

Shia's pelvis was driven up into the approximate region of her brainstem as One Eye slammed to the ground thirty meters from the two Jedi in an immense cloud of dust and smoke, she lifted her hands from the controls and unslung her heavy blaster, sighting on a second group of guards who were racing to support the ones engaging the Jedi and opening fire with pejudice. She'd worked with Mishel and Coren enough now to know that a Jedi's main battlefield weakness was their singular nature and their lack of fire support.

Well, a Mandalorian was walking fire support. But kark, did she need better beskar'gam than this relic. War, it turned out, had changed in a few thousand years.

"Five targets at zero two five your position, Mish. Engaging. You're clear to push up to the complex door, we've got two minutes before their heavy response recovers from the pounding I gave them coming in."

[member="Kayla Wylen"] | @Coren Starchaser | [member="Mishel Noren"] | @Zak Dymo​

 

[Kaida Taldir]

Location: Orbital Shipyards

Engaging: [member="Darth Orthus"]


The last of the Chiss minions perished when Kaida first severed his arm with her blade and then, as he staggered, ripped his throat away with an arcing cut. The poor fellow let out a horrid, ragged gasp through his severed windpipe and collapsed onto the ground, joining his eleven comrades. Kaida took a breath, feeling a sharp pain from the Charric bolt. Her ears were still ringing due to the sonic explosion. The former Angelii took no pleasure in killing. But equally it did not bother her. The life she had led, the things she had seen and the battlefields she had fought on had left her rather desensitised. Life was struggle for survival. Death was an inevitability in war.


The ambush was overcome, but the Sith Lord struck as soon as the last of the minions perished. Black energy emerged from his fingertips, coalescing in five bolts that felt just as rotten as his Sciiac presence. Twisted. Tainted. Corrupted. Each was hurled towards her with lethal intent.


Kaida did not know the nature of these spears of blackness, but she could perceive their power as the Sith Lord hurled them across the corridor towards her. The Shadow Knight had battled both Sith and Ren in the past, but those had possessed a more conventional skill set. Naturally, she had fought against fellow Eldorai Force-Users oftentimes, but sorcery was pretty rare among Dashdae Eldorai and Angelii.


Two bolts crashed into her Phrik shield. Her scutum protected her from harm. A third was blocked when telekinetic energy rippled from her and swept it away as she dodged. But two met their mark. Kaida was wearing her Phrik armour, but the spears were made from the essence of darkness. Ergo they did not need to penetrate to cause harm when they struck her arm and leg.


The first sign that something was wrong was a slight blurring of her vision. Then she was overcome by a wave of nausea. It was a quaesy feeling that made it seem like she was about to throw up. She felt dizzy and there was a sharp pain inside her abdomen, which seemed to intensify with each moment. Dropping to one knee, she tried to stabilise herself. There was a painful throbbing in the back of her head. It made it difficult to focus. Sickness threatened to take hold of her. It hurt when she coughed. The shield dropped out of her grasp. Blood seeped out of the leg wound, for the spear had hit a gap between the armour plates.


I am not weak. Anger surged through her. She called upon her Sciia, willing its energies to flow through her. Kaida had some basic understanding of healing. It would not allow her to completely cleanse herself. That would take more time and probably an actual healer. But she could stem its advance and weaken its debilitating effect on her, albeit at a cost. It also helped that Eldorai were more resistant to disease than humans.


Her anger gave her fuel. Not the mindless, berserk fury tantum throwing 'Dark Overlords' were so fond of. It was a cold wroth, like a spear of ice. Sickness had caused her body temperature to rise. Now it dropped rapidly again. Still weakened from the black bolts, she could not apply a finesse attack. Brute force would suffice. Power writhed inside her, as the air in the corridor super cooled. It rapidly manifested outward in a blast of cold air. It was a super chilled cone of ice, shooting out to, if it worked, freeze, ideally pierce and in general give her enemy a very nasty case of frostbite. As the blast of arctic cold was unleashed towards him, Kaida moved forward, intent on closing the gap that kept her from crossing blades.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Objective: Secure the Shipyards Reactor
Location: Orbital Shipyards
Engaging: [member="Kaida Taldir"]
Musichttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0dWOiMq4FQ

The Lord of Truth sneered, the bolts of dark energy an extension of himself, had done their work and hindered the cryomancer’s advance, if only a little. He continued his slow retreat towards the reactor, hoping that he could reach it and secure the doors before anyone noticed what his plans were within those chambers. Certainly his newest ally in Chaf’ram’thureaux was already preparing to leave the station with a few of his supporters, and all there was left was to ensure the Chiss were given the opening they needed to disappear.

The bolts themselves were not only forged from dark power, but infused with an affliction of his own creation, intended to drive the woman to nausea and vomiting, which given enough time would turn to bleeding and high fever. It was unfortunate he hadn’t the time to curse her with a contagious version of the disease.

The Dark Lord turned his back to the woman, favoring his left foot, a smile crossing his wrinkled red face behind the mask as he crossed the space towards the reactor room. His senses twinged from behind, a curious hint of anger and resolve surging in his opponent. No he hadn’t expected her to be beaten, but surely she would have went to find easier prey? Perhaps even taken a moment to lick her wounds? No, all resolve like the predator she had been forged into, determined to strike down her prey or die trying. Orthus reminded himself he had respected that about her a moment prior and that his affliction was a parlor trick at best compared to what would be needed to deter her.

Energy writhed within the Dark lord, gathering into a focal point once more. Orthus couldn’t afford to waste time with her any longer, coalescing his might. He couldn’t afford to waste too much more time or energy on the cryomancer. She surprised him by continuing her calculated assault, the temperature dropping rapidly. Ice gathering on the surfaces of the corridor before the Dark Master could complete his destructive intent, instead turning the energy inwards in the hopes of maintaining his own body temperature. His breath appeared before him in a cold mist against the frost, even as he stepped backwards to the reactor. Before he could fully react, the cryomancer launched a wave of ice and frost through the corridor. Ice shards drove into durasteel like spears, hurdling across the gap with the eldorai rushing towards him.

Pain.

Pain surged through his muscles followed by a dreaded emptiness and blood-curdling numbness. Ice tore into flesh, splintering the bones from the socket of his left shoulder, severing his limb from his torso by a spike of supercooled ice. Another pierced his abdomen, brackish blood staining the ice as the Dark Master was encased in ice, a frozen prison holding the Sith in place. His eyes searched for an opening, finding none in the translucent blue cell the cryomancer had made for him. Cold burned against his skin where the ice had missed his cloak and tore into his robes, numbness setting into the ends of his fingers and toes quickly. With his corpse-like vessel came many benefits, including allowing the Voss sorcerer to literally be in two places at once, but it also left his mortal form corrupted and wasted. A poor imitation of an immune system sustained by the Force manipulated through a foreign presence. This was one of his early vessels, an imperfect test tube resulting in a poor excuse for a living being.

Still, there was power in the Dark Master’s soul.

Energy crackled around his body, surging outwards, blasting himself out of the icy prison with a telekinetic surge. An act of desperation, not properly aimed towards his foe, but just enough for him to slip from the ice to collapse on the floor. The durasteel corridor rocked from the blast, doors, ceiling, walls, and floor retreating from his surge of power creating a hemispherical impression that caused a shudder to flow through the shipyards.