The Hydian Retreat (Galactic Alliance Dominion of Vero Hex)

[Mazik Stazi]

Vero​

The Alliance is in retreat. After blunting the Defense Force's attack on their illegal blockade, First Imperials have chased most of our fleet out of hex L-49, otherwise known as the Metharian Nebula. Rendezvousing in the neutral Vero system, surviving ships are joined by reinforcements seeking to assist in evacuation efforts as well as establish a perimeter around the First Order's intrusion zone.

Severely destabilized by trade route disruptions, worlds throughout the region are strained to their limits, and Vero is no exception. Unable to acquire the resources necessary for its cities' shields to function, the medical planet is now vulnerable to both opportunistic pirates taking advantage of disarray all along the Alliance's border, as well as Vero's extremely dangerous local wildlife.

GA officials meet with the planet's governing body, Ollix Medlabs, in hopes of coming to a mutually beneficial arrangement. If the Alliance can provide Ollix with badly needed material, Vero could very well prove to be the beginning of a supply chain through which to support a now languishing south.

GADF: Surviving veterans of L-49 may regroup, resupply, and meet up with reinforcements. Fleeters and starfighters are to engage in counter-piracy operations throughout the sector, as well as keep an eye out for any signs of further First Imperial aggression. Ground forces are called upon to help secure the perimeter of Vero's cities, their failing shield generators leaving the populace vulnerable to native Fexian skullborers and other dangerous local fauna.

Political: With the Hydian Way now mostly cut off and the Rimma Trade Route under grave threat, Vero could be the key to the south. As disrupted by the blockade as the Alliance systems on its border, if delegates could negotiate a deal to provide Ollix Medlabs with badly needed energy resources for their shields, the planetary government might prove more amenable to future cooperation and possibly even incorporation into the Alliance.

SIS And Intelligence: Evaluate the local government for any signs of First Order Security Bureau or Ren intrusion. Help establish a local base of operations from which to coordinate relief and counter-terrorism operations throughout the sector. Coordinate with the GADF and Alliance delegates to solve Vero's problems, either through word or deed.

New Jedi Order, Fringe Force Users: Resource starvation has also slowed Krth City's rate of kolto production, and with the rate of refugees coming in with dead and wounded from the destruction wreaked upon the Hydian Way, healers and spiritual guidance are required now more than ever. Sentinels and Justicars are sorely needed to aid Alliance ground forces in pushing back the monstrous local predators and safeguarding Vero's people. The Selkath have also traced lack of Kolto production to a group of Imperial-Sympathetic terrorists in one of their underwater facilities, unless they’re dealt with, Kolto production may be forever stalled.

And of course, as always - Bring Your Own Objective!

 

[Coren Starchaser]

Objective: Serve and Protect
New Jedi Order style

The job was mostly simple. Get the team moving and take the out the creatures that were affecting the city’s populace. Coren knew there were more things to be fighting, but there was a wise Jedi that once said that a Jedi’s gifts were to be used to help those who couldn’t help themselves. And he was trying to emulate this move. He could be the sword that was going to strike the darkness, but today? He was going to be the shield that was protecting these people. Having landed on the planet by way of the assault shuttle Shortfin, Starchaser had brought a few Sentinel trainees down with him. Some had the duty of helping with the fight, others, like his own student, were artisans and going to help with the kolto production.

Stepping forward, Coren made his way to one of the units that he was directed to. A few were already out moving, without Force user support. It wasn’t a requirement for the teams, but when a ranking member of the Order showed up, they were going to be put to use. And yes, he was at one point a ranking member of the GADF, well, a ‘Commander’ under Nemo Ven. Nowadays, he was needed more to organize the Force users. As much as he missed being in flight.

“Alright, Lieutenant. Lets get moving. More of my team will be arriving, but I see that we’re losing shields heavily in our southern region. Lets get there first.” He was in his Vanguard armor, the Firemane/Silk design, not Vanir, with the jump-jets, and his lightsaber on his hip. He had some light paddle tech, to throw up mobile walls while they were working. “Lead on.” He grinned behind his mask. This was just house keeping, but he knew there was a serious tone for it.

 

[Brooke Waters]

Right, the were landing. Savannah shook her head and put her datapad down. She was reading another one of those trash magazines out of Coruscant. She loved this sort of thing, that and texting her friends form University about the latest he-said, she-said. Granted, she was on that list nowdays. ‘Did you hear Savannah was training to be a Jedi?’ Yeah, she saw the messages going around. So what she was able to do something to help the galaxy, she was going to take that ability. And she got lucky, her Master didn’t mind her not dressing like a Jedi. Sure, she had to wear some light armor, the Vanguard Armor from Firemane, but it wasn’t going to be long before she tinkered with it.

Still, she had her helmet off and her over-the-ear headphones. She was going to need to replace them. Maybe [member="Sor-Jan Xantha"] had something in the Corellia Digital store? She’d have to shop. One of her favorite things.

But no… she was told to not do any purchasing right now. They were on a mission for the New Jedi Order and she had more important things to do. They weren’t wrong. The shields were failing and there was an issue with the Kolto production. She swapped her datapad’s screen for the mission briefing and ran her hands through her blonde hair. Maybe she should dye it?

Right, focus. She laughed to herself and scrolled a few images. She was going to lend her tech abilities out to the shield first, then maybe help control the Kolto production. Biting her lip, she knew where she was needed. Grabbing her helmet and her stun baton, she was standing as she felt the ship slowing down. A call came from the pilot, Master Starchaser, and she nodded. “Got it. You got the first round after this is all fixed up.” She shook her head and made her way to the boarding ramp. The Shortfin was hovering low and she took a small step, jumping down to the surface. As the ship swapped from repulsors back to thrusters, she grabbed her hair to tie it back. Looking at the Selkath, she nodded.

“I’m Savannah Elko of the New Jedi Order.” That didn’t feel right. “Lets check on that shield generator, huh?”

 

[Cathul Thuku]

Objective: Fighting pirates
Allies: GADF [member="Lokthra Dawning"]
Enemies: Pirates

In the confusion created by the Metharian Nebula blockade, the Rimma Trade Route and, with it, Skor, Lothal and a host of other planets were more vulnerable to piracy, and also to smaller-scale First Order incursions. Already securing the space around Vero, near Dagobah where Lokthra was stationed, was a step in the right direction. Of course, she knew that the loss of Thyferra forced the GA to look elsewhere for a solution to the bacta problem. Yes, the forest fires were being fought, yes, the damage has been limited somewhat. But even in a Pyrrhic defeat, where the enemy nevertheless lost two capital ships, once again, it proved that, once again, she could still run medvac even if she truly couldn't command a battle fleet. Also, she realized that for Sith to defeat any decently-commanded LS navy, they needed to heavily out-number them; the enemy had 27 km in orbit vs. her own 7-odd km there. Much like on Mirial, where Croscal needed 46 km to defeat 18 km. But, with the somewhat limited engagement that was Eriadu, and the numerous engagements that have been her, there was a limit on what could be deployed to fight those pirates over Vero without endangering garrisons. Hopefully she will find out whether her trust in Lokthra wasn't misplaced, knowing that the crews assigned to garrison duty on Dagobah were, for the majority of them, people looking for a shot at redemption.

"Open a channel to Lokthra on nearby Dagobah"

"Channel open"

"All right, Lokthra. Here's your chance to show us that you actually did learn your lessons"

Spoiler: Fleet

Capital ships:

ANS Lothal (Lothal-II-class artillery carrier)
ANS Locus of Control (C-9980-class frigate)
ANS Big Seven (C-9980-class frigate)
ANS Kalla (Kalla-class missile corvette)
ANS Rudrig (Kalla-class missile corvette)
ANS Karst (Kalla-class missile corvette)
ANS Kitai (Kalla-class missile corvette)

Attack craft:

24 Chiloon-I fighters
24 Chiloon-II fast bombers

 

[Diysuperguy33]

Objective: Fighting pirates
Allies: GADF [member="Cathul Thuku"]
Enemies: Pirates

Channel open

"Admiral, this is Lokthra. I will be there momentarily with an attachè of the defence fleet"

It took Lokthra only 10 minutes to grab the nearby ships, to form a fleet balanced in its approach. Knowing full well Admiral Thuku isn't brash enough to involve her in the larger scale battles, devised a fleet ample enough for less threatening targets; her educated guess a smaller hostile fleet; assuming this she rested most of her fleets frontal power in her flagship, and the missile corvettes; with most of the defence to the Harcell frigates. Recalling all the admirals she learnt about during shore leave, all the ships she researched, all the tactics; She felt she was ready, she knew she was ready.

Lokthra is on the bridge of her flagship, Kartharage.

"Inform the fleet, to move into hyperspace and send a coded transmission to Admiral Thuku, tell her we are coming"

Spoiler

ANS Kartharage (Okami Class Heavy Cruiser)
ANS Hardtrot (Hardcell X Class anti-starfighter frigate)
ANS Helios (Hardcell X Class anti-starfighter frigate)
ANS Heartfolt (Hardcell X Class anti-starfighter frigate)
ANS Kart (Kalla Class Missile Corvette)
ANS Kelthrawn (Kalla Class Missile Corvette)

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Objective: The Kolto

In the aftermath of these first tentative steps into a new Galactic War, the Metharian Nebula, Thyferra, and the brief excursion at Dagobah, the Alliance was having to face some very telling questions. Clearly, appeasement had failed... and that could only help her plans. War was the central focus now, revenge against the First Order for violating the armistice treaty and the Sith for the devastation done to Thyferra brewing within the hearts and minds of both Alliance military personal and civilian alike. But for her plans, the war needed to be on an equal footing, and with Thyferra still burning, the Alliance was facing a medical crisis.

Hence her arrival on the neutral world Vero to help secure the kolto production of the world.

The Alliance would need the valuable healing agent until such a time as bacta production could begin again, preferably a bit more diversified this time. Centering production on one world had clearly not worked out so well. Flanked by two of her armored Inquisitors, Taeli waited for the submersible to take them to the kolto facility that was being plagued by Imperial sympathizers. There were two ways this could go: 1) they could talk out the issues and get everything back on track or 2) they could arrest/eliminate the sympathizers. Either scenario worked for her.

 

[Cathul Thuku]

Objective: Fighting pirates
Allies: GADF [member="Lokthra Dawning"]
Enemies: Pirates

"Inform the fleet, to move into hyperspace and send a coded transmission to Admiral Thuku, tell her we are coming"

"I can feel that, once the battle here is won here on Vero, we will have to return to Dagobah with due haste, so let's make it quick. We'll try to make as much headway as possible in the time it will take Lokthra to come"

"Pirates detected, three more Victory-class ships, remnants of the band of Rogue Imperials as fought on Faldos"

"Fire at the heavy cruiser down the center"

Understandably, with the First Order using the Metharian Nebula as a staging area in this region, the First Order is the prime suspect here. While they were going to patrol this area for any signs of the First Order, Cathul was going to sight the first pirates they could find, preying on the traffic that was being blockaded nearby. Dagobah is, for some reason, the weak link to the south, along the Rimma Trade Route. But she knew one thing: she only had one volley to cause as much damage as was possible before the pirates would close in on her. The white Twi'lek ordered the heavy long-range firepower to be fired at the center Victory, in hopes of the buffeting debris draining the shields or even outright denting the hulls of the ships flanking it. Or, if she was lucky, destroying it. With the heavy solar ionization cannons trained at the command tower, the result was quick: the central heavy cruiser was now without a command tower, and additional hits to the superstructure ripped open holes down the hull in the centerline. It won't be long until the heavy cruisers would close the distance, which Lokthra would hopefully be able to flank upon arrival.

"Battle is already joined, Lokthra. Do what you can, upon arrival, to flank the remaining heavy cruisers, or even maneuver behind them" she informed Lokthra over comms.

Spoiler: Fleet

Capital ships:

ANS Lothal (Lothal-II-class artillery carrier)
ANS Locus of Control (C-9980-class frigate)
ANS Big Seven (C-9980-class frigate)
ANS Kalla (Kalla-class missile corvette)
ANS Rudrig (Kalla-class missile corvette)
ANS Karst (Kalla-class missile corvette)
ANS Kitai (Kalla-class missile corvette)

Attack craft:

24 Chiloon-I fighters
24 Chiloon-II fast bombers

 

[Aryn Teth]

Aryn Teth

---

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​

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Jungles Near Ollix Medlabs, Vero, Vero System, The Outer Rim Territories​

Allies: The Galactic Alliance, [member="Srina Talon"]​

Objective: Find Ana Ollix for Evacuation​

​

The Alliance had barely had the time needed to recover from their push-back at the Hydian Way, already being put to task in helping those who were now suffering a result of the First Order's illegal blockade. Vero was one of the worlds that seemed to have been hit worse than any other by the blockade, Ollix Medlabs had no agreements with the First Order, and as such were being denied crucial supply lines which kept the shield generators in Vero's major cities functional. Desperate for any help, they had asked for the Alliance's help in ensuring that they could evacuate and protect their people, and things were already underway to ensure the safety of civilians, but behind the scenes of it all, the CEO of Ollix medlabs had made another deal with the Alliance, one which could make or break their agreements to the Alliance.

Aryn sighed as he trudged through the thick underbrush of Vero's deep jungles, pleased for the protective suit which had been provided by Ollix and the climate control system within that was keeping his body cool among the harsh, humid heat of the jungles. The suits themselves, he had been informed, would offer little long-term protection from the creatures within the underbrush, and certainly not from the skullborers themselves, but they would at least grant enough time for him and his partner to kill the creatures before any serious damage was done.

Moving into a clearing, Aryn turned to face the very partner in question, letting his gaze settle upon [member="Srina Talon"] as she came to meet him. "Looks like we found the site of the research base." The clearing itself was scattered with equipment, a few destroyed and scattered tents, and a few scattered bodies wearing similar suits to the two force users. One lay face down, and the deep hole within the back of his skull was plain to see. Aryn had been informed of the local wildlife before landing on Vero, and further drilled at the headquarters of Ollix medlabs themselves, but seeing the damage that the skullborers themselves could actually inflict still almost forced the Jedi's lunch back up as he shuddered and cast his eyes over the rest of the encampment.

"I can't see any sign of Ana here, looks like she might've gotten away, hopefully she left a track..." As his voice trailed off, his gaze shifted back towards Srina. She had not needed to come along with him on the mission, it was incredibly dangerous for one, and Ollix medlabs were making their deal with the Alliance, not the Confederacy, though they would certainly see benefits from it. For a moment, guilt lingered in the connection between them as he focused on her, she had held no real reason to come along with him, and he had dragged her into an intense and significant danger, one she had easily agreed to. "Thank you, Srina."

 

[Diysuperguy33]

Objective: Fighting pirates
Allies: GADF [member="Cathul Thuku"]
Enemies: Pirates

Channel open

"Admiral, this is Lokthra. I will be there momentarily with an attachè of the defence fleet"

During the travel from Dagobah to Admiral Thuku's position, Lokthra deemed it wise to meditate, to relax for the coming battles; rest is something Lokthra knew she would have little of over the next few rotations.

She never liked to think of what to meditate, or what to think of, she just merely thought of resting, relaxation; fixing ships in a nice luxurious workshop, while training padawans of her own. A goal she prided to reach, although it will no doubt take its toll on her in the long haul; however, it will all be worth it in the end.

An officer requested entry into Lokthra's quarters.

"Come in"

"The fleet is about to drop out of hyperspace, the Admiral also just send us a transmission: she is currently engaging the pirate fleet"

"Have the fleet battle ready the moment we drop out of hyperspace, I don't want the Admiral or ourselves to lose any ships more than necessary"

"It will be done ma'am"

Lokthra appeared back at the bridge, momentarily before dropping out of hyperspace.

Channel open

"Admiral I hope we aren't too late"

Channel closed

"How many hostiles?" Lokthra questioned her officers.

"Two Victory-class , the admiral destroyed the central ship, the other two were in tri-formation"

"Fire on the leftmost ship. Tell the Kart to aim half missiles on the engines, and Kelthrawn on the bridge. Leave her stranded"

Spoiler

ANS Kartharage (Okami Class Heavy Cruiser)
ANS Hardtrot (Hardcell X Class anti-starfighter frigate)
ANS Helios (Hardcell X Class anti-starfighter frigate)
ANS Heartfolt (Hardcell X Class anti-starfighter frigate)
ANS Kart (Kalla Class Missile Corvette)
ANS Kelthrawn (Kalla Class Missile Corvette)

 

[Itash Mecetti]

Location: Vero, Jungles.
Objective 5: Provide Security & Receive MF Contract.
Allies: [member="Cassandra Paige"].
1

Ah... the Alliance.

They always managed to find their way to places they were least welcome and then somehow managed to stay there. Much like muck or nettle, very hard to dig out and remove once it had settled itself in for keeps. But money was money and there was a mutual beneficial deal here- Ollix Medlabs was interested in exploring some new part of the jungle with flora and fauna that they hadn't come across yet. Most of their resources were currently tied up with hosting the Alliance, while they worked on a treaty or some such.

That was where Didact came in.

GenPals? Well, Ollix might have been the kings and queens of bio-chemical engineering around these parts, but they were grossly inexperienced when it came to things like cloning and genetics.

That's where Paige came in.

Right now they were en-route towards the forward base already established by Didact's Thyrsians, from where it would be safer to venture out into the jungles. They had their own shuttle for this instance. Ollix was quite eager to make them comfortable. Which was only right as far as Itash was concerned. It had been a while that his Lordship was acknowledged.

"How are the guards I have assigned to you, Cass?" Tash asked over his data-pad, scrolling through some of the biometric data the scans of the forward base were receiving.

 

[Sor-Jan Xantha]

Objective: Regroup and determine supply line alternatives
Flagship: VSD Intervention
Escorts: MC42 Ruisto-class frigate Epistellar Jovian, Jast First Rate covette Freedom, Jast Blackout EW frigate Serenity

The Prometheus and its escorts were en route back to Corellia.

The Excelsior and its escorts were en route back to Demonsgate.

With the Epistellar Jovian having picked up wounded and stranded space-farers during search-and-rescue operations among the wreckage accrued by the First Orders illegal interdiction and mining of a major hyperlane, the Intervention had regrouped with the Galactic Alliance forces over Vero.

It was an opportunity to get the more seriously injured to hospital facilities planetside, as well as a chance for the Corellia Digital executive to start going over the star charts to determine the way forward with shipping through these sectors.

Corellia Digital operated as one of the major galactic corporations. Certainly not the largest, but it did have accounts and operations that extended down through Galactic Alliance held space to the Outer Rim Coalition. The area of space now interdicted by the First Order created security concerns along adjacent trade corridors. Sor-Jan really didn't want to put Liorre superfreighters under star destroyer escort. It wasn't practical for one. Corellia Digital had hundreds of freighters, and only a handful of star destroyers. Second of all, the freighters moved far more slowly.

Working in the ship's stellar cartography lab, the small boy sorted through star charts.

There would need to be alternatives that offered some security in order to maintain open lines of trade and commerce between Corellia and the Outer Rim Coalition.

...now if only he could figure out just what that was.

 

[Brooke Waters]

One part tinkerer and one part novice alchemist, Savannah was here to help out. She wanted to see what she could do about boosting the shields around the kolto plants. That was some technology she understood, shields and blasters. As for kolto manufacturing? Nah, brah, she was going to leave that to the professionals. Looking at the Selkath that greeted her she smiled. The alien-fish-man nodded and began speaking abuot the power fluxes in the shields. Savannah tied her hair up as she followed.

“Have you worked on re-routing, or is this more something that is on each of the generators?” She was asking but she felt she already knew. There was some sabotage. Maybe remnants of an Imperial god-emperor mindset, or the Sith. She was shaking her head as she approached. Her armor was set up so it allowed her to have some free range of movement and she moved to the generator and hunkered down.

Reaching out to the Force, she felt into the generator, felt the misfire of several connections. She could maybe fix that but she needed to---

That was when her commlink buzzed.

Spacebook update.

@RealCigarRan tweets – The Alliance shall fall, and we’ll a utopia of fascism.

She laughed, then got back to work. Political satire accounts were the best.

 

[Mazik Stazi]

Command Deck // ANS Hereafter
High Orbit, Vero

Recently promoted Commodore Mazik Stazi stalked back and forth across the bridge of his new command. Neither he nor the star carrier had been present at the Battle of the Blockade, instead relegated to home defense, and as such one of his first assignments in the aftermath of their defeat was to spearhead reinforcements as well as ferry diplomatic teams to the neutral Vero system. The first phase of their mission completed, Alliance shuttles had disembarked for the surface hours ago, and now the duros' attentions were redirected towards naval logistics.

The shipyards over Dagobah had been all but destroyed during the course of another terrorist strike, so while many damaged ships had been rerouted to northern Alliance outposts, those too crippled to risk a prolonged hyperspace voyage now orbited Vero while their crews conducted emergency repairs. It was the Commodore's responsibility to oversee and safeguard their staging ground, as well as assist in establishing a counter-blockade. Most of those operations were being conducted around Dagobah, Sluis Van, and Virmeude. But orders had been passed throughout the fleet that any ships encountered registering First Order or Galactic Imperial transponders were to be either boarded or fired upon.

"It feels weird to just be sitting here," Bashir, his polar Mon Calamari first officer, muttered at last when his superior strutted by, "Instead of on the front lines."

"That time will come soon enough," Mazik's lips curled up into a vicious smile, and there was a glint in his crimson orbs, "For now, we lick our wounds."

"Admiral Thuku has put out a call for reinforcements. Transmission indicates they've come across suspected pirates."

"The Admiral has a nose for their kind of scum," Commodore Stazi scowled as he considered the implications. As a line captain, he would have volunteered to assist without a second thought, but they could not afford to completely abandon their position over Vero, "Dispatch a patrol group to render assistance."

"Aye, sir."

Sublight engines lit up in the void before him, and Mazik matched their plumes to sensor readings. A Providence-class Light Destroyer, flanked by two older model Dreadnought Mk. III escort cruisers and a wolf pack of six Dirigible corvettes in tow set a course for just outside Vero's gravity well, so they could commence their plotted jump through hyperspace. To be pirate hunting right now instead of playing gatekeeper, the duros could barely contain his envy.

[member="Cathul Thuku"] | [member="Lokthra Dawning"] | [member="Sor-Jan Xantha"]​

 

[Cathul Thuku]

Objective: Fighting pirates
Allies: GADF [member="Lokthra Dawning"] [member="Mazik Stazi"]
Enemies: Pirates

"Kalla, Rudrig, move underneath the port cruiser, Kitai, Karst, move underneath the starboard cruiser; fire at the hangar"

The central destroyer was destroyed, more like it was scuttled when they realized that the GA was on to them, after destroying not only its command tower, but also hitting the superstructure dangerously close to the main reactor. With the heavy cruisers moving on towards them, the Lothal came under fire from both heavy cruisers. Turbolasers came to hammer them port and starboard, draining their shields, but splitting up the fire between the other two heavy cruisers would mean that they would be unable to kill the other two as the first one has been, and the formation was so loose that the shield drain from the buffeting debris was not enough to cause significant problems to those Rogue Imperials that preyed on the Rimma Trade Route and around the Metharian Nebula. By now, however, Lokthra has arrived; it became all too clear that these pirates are in deep trouble. Just that the arrival of reinforcements from Stazi caused a maelstrom that these pirates have found to be a little bit problematic. Let us take them back to Faldos, from whence they came! she thought, while these pirates are firing back.

"Admiral, reinforcements are coming in from two different directions: Lokthra and Mazik"

"Open a channel to Mazik"

"Channel open"

"Any reinforcements are well-appreciated. Once our mission here ends, stand ready to return on Dagobah at the double" she told Mazik on the channel.

Spoiler: Fleet

Capital ships:

ANS Lothal (Lothal-II-class artillery carrier) moderate shield damage
ANS Locus of Control (C-9980-class frigate)
ANS Big Seven (C-9980-class frigate)
ANS Kalla (Kalla-class missile corvette)
ANS Rudrig (Kalla-class missile corvette)
ANS Karst (Kalla-class missile corvette)
ANS Kitai (Kalla-class missile corvette)

Attack craft:

24 Chiloon-I fighters
24 Chiloon-II fast bombers

 

[Sor-Jan Xantha]

Objective: Regroup and determine supply line alternatives
Flagship: VSD Intervention
Escorts: MC42 Ruisto-class frigate Epistellar Jovian, Jast First Rate covette Freedom, Jast Blackout EW frigate Serenity

There didn't seem to be a lot of option on the galactic table.

The two major arteries into the Outer Rim from the Core were the Hydian Way and the Rimma Trade Route. On the former, the First Order had demonstrated both capability and intent to interdict and mine commercial and non-governmental traffic. On the latter, Dagobah was a point of contention. Terrorist activity and the Galactic Empire had flared up to make security around the world enough of a concern that it might well be the next frontline for the Alliance.

So there needed to be a bypass.

But was there a passage to Elrood? Or would an alternative take them to Utapau? Elrood feed trade routes to Demonsgate. A passage in to Utapau would make supplying the major Coalition hubs problematic. And Utapau also had security concerns.

So it would need to be Elrood.

That meant that Vero would have to be a staging point. And they'd have to explore stable routes that would provide for travel to Elrood. That would slow the flow of commercial traffic down, but it would leave them options.

...well, an option anyway.

But between no options and an option, the only choice was to take the option available and make the best of it.

 

[Kurenai Yumi]

Location With: [member="Coren Starchaser"]s Team
Objective: Do the stuff any one is not willing to do

Though surrounded from all side and under constant attack one thing the GAs position gave them where allies, with the dark forces of the TSE, FO and GE coming from the outer rim more core world faction had banned together in a sort of Alliance like system with constant military access to help others in case of a sudden attack. As such the mercenary veteran of old and Dark Jedi knight was on the ground accompanying the Jedi general and his squad of rangers in their goal to silence the creatures that where affecting the creatures the local civilian population.

She kept the side of the main group, sort of an odd one out from the rest of the soldiers, if not her dark clothing and combat outfit, perhaps the fact that despite being a force users was armed with a LMG slug thrower and Traditional Atrisia Naginata. Lightsabre clasped to her ammo belt, a bit different from the usual belt location most Jedi and Sith used. "Sir, can I inquire about our current orders and objective"? though not a Jedi she still took note of the code and had no problem changing her strategy to put civilians first as was heavily hinted upon stepping out of the shuttle.

 

[Coren Starchaser]

One of the things Starchaser had forgotten was that there was now a good deal going on for them. Sure, maybe it didn’t sit well with him 100%, but the fact that it could perhaps save the lives of some of the Alliance citizens if used properly? Yes, for that he’d side with the dark siders, as long as they were listening to him. The Confederacy seemed like they honestly wanted to help, and that was something he could use. The fact that he was getting reinforced, and by someone he knew how they would be able to be used? It was a good sign. What he needed was to find them a place to be launched at.

“Welcome to the party.” Coren grinned as he saw the Confederate step up. “We’ll be glad to have you. Lets have you with me. WE’re going to move forward to the shield gates. I’m going to need you to keep an eye out for anything approaching the repair teams. If it doesn’t look sentient take it out. And keep the…Lets call them theatrics to a minimum?” He grinned, clearly indicating the use of the dark side. The Corellian was ready to get moving. The pair had moved with their unit to one of the more outlying gates, that was losing power and fluctuating.

“If its sentient, stun shots.” He was trying to be the Jedi here. So hard.

[member="Kurenai Yumi"]

 

[Sor-Jan Xantha]

When he'd grown the company out to the Tingel Arm, he'd discovered the Levantine Astronautical Academy.

Today, Corellia Digital not only employed many former Levantines, but continued to make use of Levantine technology -- in particular the Silk model Niathal shuttles that were ideal for stellar cartography.

Easing the shuttle out of the hangar bay of the star destroyer, the young Anzat navigated out from the commercial fleet as he angled the craft for the heliopause at the distant edge of the star's gravity well encompassing the Vero System. Not far behind him, another Niathal was departing as well. The two craft headed in opposite directions.

If Corellia Digital was going to route through Vero to Elrood, then new hyperspace routes would need to be calculated. The run would have to be Sluis Ven to Vero, Vero to Elrood. From either end, travel could then reconnect to the known hyperlanes. Sullust or Corellia going north, Demonsgate going south, or Druckenwell going east.

So now it was just a matter of scouting the available entry or exit vectors from Vero toward Elrood. Which sounded simple, except solar systems were not static environments. There would have to be a comprehensive survey of astrological objects and their orbital pathways, as well as an analysis of the standard traffic patterns, before the data could be tabulated by a navicomputer to establish a safe hyperspace transit through the system.

In general, hyperspace reversion was relatively safe. Space was mostly empty. But when exiting hyperspace into a solar system, two factors that stacks the odds against you were density and gravity. A previously empty area of space might now be occupied by a comet or the orbital path of a moon encircling a gas giant in an elliptical rotation.

Those were all of the things that they would have to start examining now, even before they could determine whether Vero would actually be capable of functioning as a staging point.

Even assuming it was, negotiating transit through Vero was still going to be another matter.

 

[Srina Talon]

Location: Jungles Near Ollix Medlabs, Vero, Vero System, The Outer Rim Territories
Allies: The Galactic Alliance, [member="Aryn Teth"]
Objective: Find Ana Ollix for Evacuation

Ripples of cause and effect stole across the whole of the Galaxy when the First Order blockaded Galactic Alliance space. They were an empire in every sense of the word, large, vast, with resources and manpower to back up their claims. It was disturbing to see such a force of nature being stymied by the effects of war. They had so much; yet some of their worlds seemed to have so little. Strain did not adequately describe the distress that she had witnessed.

Srina, was angry.

It did not show in the carved marble, nor in the tranquil serenity of the silver pools she claimed for eyes, but it was there. Buried, deeply, in the recesses of her being. Wars tended to benefit a few people greatly, whereas everyone else involved only knew blood and sacrifice. Hiding behind a blockade that caused entire systems to suffer was dishonorable. It was a coward’s way. To that end, Srina was filled with cold, unpolluted and uncompromising, fury. It simmered at a steady pace, not yet ready to boil over, but it was only her iron will that kept it in check.

Srina Talon did not lash out. She did not act with unnecessary aggression. It was a waste of effort and energy that her training did not allow. However, on occasion, little pinpricks of emotion slipped through the cracks. It had a tendency to remind anyone who witnessed it that despite her fair features and generally logical thinking…She was, Infact, the apprentice of a Sith Lord.

To that end she found herself following walking through a veritable jungle, clad in a most hellish suit that was apparently designed to keep them, of all things, safe. Srina hated it. It was uncomfortable and it restricted her movement in a way she was not accustomed to. She paused when [member="Aryn Teth"] made his observations about their location and she tried to get a good read on the area before they entered the clearing. “It certainly seems that way…”

The small research outpost seemed to have been decimated by something. From the intel that had been drilled into them about the local flora, fauna, and various carnivores…It seemed like an open and shut investigation. Srina knelt down near the body that had an obvious hole in its skull, clearly the cause of death, though she still continued to examine the remains. It was a brutal killing, however efficient. “Ollix certainly did everything they could to warn us about the skullborers…It makes me wonder why these people weren’t sent with more effective means of protection.”

The predators that lurked on Vero could tear through a containment suit as if it were wet tissue paper. These people were scientists. Not bull-headed warriors that thought to shoot first and ask questions later. If anyone, anyone at all, would have thought to respect the danger represented by something capable of drilling a hole in its victims head to enjoy a tasty treat of gray matter…Srina would have thought it to be the people in this encampment.

In the end, these bodies were a waste. Bright minds, reduced to an afternoon snack.

“Don’t give up yet.”, Srina spoke quietly to Aryn, rising slowly from the dead scientist as she moved delicately through the smashed tents and broken equipment. “There is very little my eyes do not see.”

A bent blade of grass, a tear in the tent fabric, marks in the dirt, broken cables, glass…It all painted a picture for her. She felt something strange, from the venerable Supreme Commander of the Galactic Alliance, and actually fell temporarily to stillness. His emotions crossed clearly through the Force Bond he had created, and she recognized guilt, though, she didn’t understand the context. She tilted her head, confused, when he thanked her…What had she done? “For all of our awareness…Sometimes, my Jedi, I do not understand you. There is nothing for you to feel guilty about.”

“You would do the same for me.”

It was not a question. Simply, a point of fact. If she needed the dark-haired commander, even if she didn’t vocalize it, he would be there in an instant. She merely responded in kind.

“There.”, she pointed out suddenly, gesturing toward the northern edge of the clearing. There were small footprints, spaced close enough to be female, but far enough apart that Srina knew the woman was running. Larger prints marred with the imprints of claws followed very, very closely, behind. “Your Ana…If she is alive she went this way. That body has been here quite some time. The blood is already thickening. The attack on this camp happened some time ago… We should make haste.”

 

[Katrine Van-Derveld]

Location: Vero, Krth City
Post: 1
Objective 4: New Jedi Order, Fringe Force Users
Tag: [member="Mazik Stazi"], [member="Coren Starchaser"], [member="Sav Elko"], [member="Cathul Thuku], [member="Lokthra Dawning"], [member="Taeli Raaf"], [member="Aryn Teth"], [member="Itash Mecetti"], [member="Sor-Jan Xantha"], [member="Kurenai Yumi"], [member="Srina Talon"]

The allies were calling, the Confederacy wasn't coming. They were there. Even though Katrine had not been helpful during the L-49 blockade, though she'd had her fun during the wargames on Dagobah when their fun began. Though the call to Vero had caught her attention much as it had to her comrades. There was suffrage and help was needed. Much thanks to Aston, she could not heal and therefore, the pull to the planet was strong.

A city set in the middle an option, Katrine would have stopped to give it a look around if things didn't feel so miserable. So instead of her usual sightseeing, she adjusted her cloak and continued to her destination. It was her understanding the most help was needed in the vicinity of the Kolto though her intention was to help and heal, rather than to get a better understanding just what kolto was, other than the fact that it served to heal. It seemed almost fascinating to the Witch who was taught to practice magic and use powers to assist, even showed that potions could be created to heal. Nona Satara was far better at these potions than she'd ever hoped to be but she could heal with what she was thought so that was what Katrine planned on doing until someone on point would have her do something else.