To Whom it May Concern (Invasion of Ord Mantel)

[Aedan Miles]

Aedan listened as Garrus spoke seeming to absorb it all and take mental notes on the lessons he was learning. Nodding Aedan reached down pulling his helmet onto his head hiding his violet hair and eyes from sight as he activated his comlink on the private Red Legion channel. "I need Recon teams 3-8 to report to the command tent for assignment." He watched as some of the men wandered towards the tent snatching up various weapons and slinging them over their shoulders. The recon teams were four man squads each squad had at least one man bearing a sniper rifle while the others all carried blaster rifles and one man had what looked like a spotters scope.

As the approached the tent the would all gather around the table making it harder for [member="RC-1025"] to see the map and the exact areas that Aedan was pointing at. The young man spoke calmly to his men indicating patrol routes and limits of what would be a clear firing time. While they were to not purposely attack first if they were attacked physically they had the right to defend themselves. Finally he nodded his head to them and the men all cycled out of the tent the teams splitting up and going along various patrol routes that brought them close to the possible sniper locations pointed out by [member="Garrus Garon"]. If a possible place for a sniper was on the other side of the DMZ in a way they would use the spotter scope to check it out for a moment before moving on.

Meanwhile Aedan was sitting in a chair leaning back as he stretched. This form of diplomatic proceedings were new to Aedan but hey you never know when one side will piss off the other if things went wrong Red Legion would hopefully be the first to know. If not they would end up being hit by slight surprise Aedan could probably get the smallest of warnings to his men but there was no way he wanted to lose men in that fashion. He keyed his com after a moment contacting @Ragnar Fett "Hey Sniper buddy keep an eye out I have patrols out to see if we can flush the guy into hopefully trying to sneak away."

 

[Ragnar Fett]

[member="Aedan Miles"]
Soon later Ragnar had gotten reports via his comm, he was to keep an eye out on the vicinity of the suspicious spot. The assain then stated back " I will be on the look out hopefully it is just my imagination sir" . Without further pause the trigger happy, nervous sniper had looked through his scope, this would not be a physical fight where his experience in athletics would be used. But, his advanced training with a sniper, and his cunning, soon a battle will come.

 

[Connor Harrison]

The chime of Serenity broke his concentration as her voice echoed in his right ear. He brought up his hand, com-link firmly in his grasp and spoke quietly into it.

"Confirm in position, awaiting instruction. Over."

Safe to say this was his first real assignment under the title of G.I.A operative, but with enough experience from his days working with the Coruscant Security Force, he had the skills and knowledge to perform. His blast-vest was secure of his chest, frag and stun grenades were fixed to his utility belt and DC-15s sidearm fit snug against his right thigh.

He knew there were fellow Republican agents nearby, but not where. Still, he would make his presence known if he had to and he was on open-mic with other operatives.

Trasker had put himself just below the bank of a small, dirty lake running beside the camp. It wasn't cover, but it should be enough to keep him out of open view if no-one was actively looking for him.

Curling his nose up at the smell, he turned his head back to looking and scanning his environment...and waiting...

[member="Serenity"] [member="RC-1025"] [member="Listeri Dalane"]

 

[Alexandra Feanor]

Alexandra sat in her armor, now tinted red as per instruction after she had joined the Red Legion, and so far things were as she expected things to be in an actual structured military. It was boring and long but hey, this is a military and she had to do as was commanded so she did and now with that part of the whole thing over she sat against one of the tents and closed her eyes for the moment as she listened to the calm. It was peaceful here, hopefully it would remain that way but likely not and when it did end she would be forced to return it to its peace that it held now, making sure its disturbers were punished. Her silvered hair remained loose for now, her eyes silvered as well searched the back of her closed eye lids and her breath was short and quiet as she sat there, not napping but just relaxing.

 

[Serah Oricion]

Yusan waited to hear the response that [member="Popo"] would give the Mand'alor, the man that sat across from him and whom he was interested to be in the same room with. Things were getting out of hand and this hear provided a situation for peace and hoping to make that point more clearer Yusan looked at Popo and spoke to him softly. "Perhaps it is better for Peace to be kept, wars are destroying this galaxy again and if you are the cause of another things will end very very badly for the Republic..." He had realized his mistake when [member="Gilamar Skirata"] had arrived in the Senate that day and soon found himself question the true meeting he had had and not the one depicted in the false information he had gotten. No peace had to be maintained, a war would destroy not the Mandalorians, but both them and the Republic together and that was something he did not want ever.

 

[Gilamar Skirata]

The man had nerve, coming to this meeting. He had ignored him easier when he came with the hutt, but now he was speaking as if he had done nothing wrong. He was surprised he still held any political power at all after revealing the scandal that had thrown the Mandalorians at the Republic's unwilling throat. "The only reason wars have been "destroying" the galaxy is because you don't know how to keep your Jedi on a leash. You fail to understand consequence " His attack was only partly true. Sure the age old conflict between the Sith and Jedi had incited war and increased militarization of several large powers in the Galaxy, but the Sith were to blame as well, and they weren't the first people to make mistakes, they wouldn't be the last but they had poked the wrong hornet's nest.

Gil disliked them both.

Looking down to his datapad, he waited for [member="Popo"] to speak. Looking back up his cold, grey eyes met those of Yusan. "Why are you still here? You only hurt the Republic's political future with the Mandalorians."
[member="Yusan Fenn"] [member="Mia Monroe"]

 

[Serah Oricion]

[member="Gilamar Skirata"]

"What you acquired was false information on a meeting involving far different circumstances. I met with the Graug Spirit Child to help the planet while no one else would, so if prevention of Genocide is a crime then i am guilty. I never once threatened Krag, nor any other Graug with destruction nor did i care about a war that neither of our peoples could fight Mand'alor. I am sorry that such information was misused and i can promise you that i will not be one to stand in the way of peace, i have someone i must find and fighting a war would put this person in harms way. Now if we may, you wanted peace, and while i still have my shred of respect that you destroyed, i will work to maintain peace in anyway possible even if only as a background voice Mand'alor. I immediately apologize for anything taken as hostile and hope that such is not taken in that way, i want our people's to not shed blood and perhaps find a way to work out this peacefully. As for the point about the Jedi, there is a reason i am not one of them, the same reason you just pointed out. They are hypocrites, nothing more."

He looked at [member="Popo"] and bowed his head as he spoke, not once had his voice been hostile, only a soft sound to it, a humiliated sound to it. He had met with Krag, and for such a reason as this day should it have to come, but now he realized that it was not the Mandalorians that are to blame for his reasoning. No right now he had to preserve a peace if he could, it was his mistake and he was to be the one to mend it until his life was forfeit. "I apologize for speaking out of turn Popo, i hope that i did not say anything that would impede your own work."

[member="Mia Monroe"]

 

[Popo]

Popo raised a hand up, trying to regain control of the situation and prevent tempers from flaring.

"Senator Fenn," the Hutt stated politely, though his tone was stern. "Your commentary is appreciated and noted, but more pressing concerns await us at this particular moment. We can continue this conversation once negotiations are completed."

With that, Popo turned back to the Mand'alor and his retinue.

"Mand'alor Skirata," he said politely, the sternness now absent. "To answer your first question, yes this is beskar. I purchased the iron ore from the SSB auctions not long ago from Mandal Hypernautics and had it shaped into armor for myself as my old armor was getting a little... small. As for leaving the planet, we plan to and I have orders to facilitate the withdrawal as quickly as possible. However, I'd like this to be as organized as possible and not some sort of scramble. Orders have been passed along to the commanders of this world to begin packing up and loading supplies and men as soon as possible. My aides tell me this should only take two days, three at the most. In the meantime, I will be here to continue dialogue and keep you and your staff appraised of our progress as well as to aide in smoothing and ruffled feathers that may occur. I'd ask that any Republic troops that harass and Mandalorians be reported to myself and my staff for disciplinary action. We will, of course, do the same in return."

[member="Gilamar Skirata"] [member="Yusan Fenn"]

 

[Jsc]

Popos Shuttle


Karen rubbed the faceplate on her visor. She was glad nobody could see her yawn underneath her helm. Captain Roberts didn't hate politics. She just hated meetings. This one probably most of all. Fenn was already smack about his own people and Popo looked to already be containing the child's enthusiasm for politics. Not a great start, but at least Skirata hadn't executed anyone yet for stupidity. That must come later. Hopefully.

Well, at least it gave her something to look forward to. She remained a statue to her rank.

 

[Gilamar Skirata]

"Pah." he waved his hand. Three days? He knew his boys wouldn't be happy, there was a bolo ball match that day back at home and many wanted to see their sons and daughters go up against their rival teams. "You get your stuff done and I'll keep my boys off of yours."

With a grunt he turned and walked from the tent. Maybe three days wouldn't be so bad.[member="Popo"]

 

[Popo]

"Alright," the Hutt stated as the Mand'alor left the tent. "We need to get stuff packed, stacked, and stowed. Senator Fenn, you're in charge of the equipment getting taken care of. Speak to the quartermasters and the officers and start getting things ready to load up. Miss Melina, you're to liaison with the military commanders here and make sure they're personnel are present, gathered, and accounted for. I'm relying on you to make sure we get all our men and women off the planet."

At this point, Popo keyed the comm he carried to communicate with his shuttle.

"Miss Roberts, can you alert the fleet to enter the system? They're to come to the edge of the system with guns powered down and stowed and proceed to low orbit. From there, dropships and the like will start ferrying troops and supplies off planet. I'll coordinate the overall withdrawal, but I'd like your help with the planet-to-fleet aspects of things, please."

[member="Vala Melina"] [member="Yusan Fenn"] [member="Karen Roberts"] [member="Gilamar Skirata"] [member="Captain Larraq"]

 

[Jsc]

[member="Popo"]

Uh oh. Looks like her rank had betrayed her again. Ugh. Guess the pow-wow was over. Time to get back to work.

"Understood Senator. Relaying message to FleetCom. One moment please."

She tapped her com and linked with Command. Transferred. Encryption was good. Message away.

"Senator Popo, message received. Linking with Admiral Noah of the One Hundred Seventh Fleet now. Line not secure. Repeat, line is not secure. Over."

A deep husky voice sounded on the channel. It was the front Vice Admiral now,

"Message received Gentlemen. We'll be there shortly. Senator I'll need a secure line of communication to talk with you directly. If you could return to orbit, we can oversee the withdrawal operation from up here. CIC works just fine. Good work Gentlemen. Noah out."

Karen noted the channel and switched over to a new one. Damn Mandos were probably listening in like hawks.

"Senator this is Captain Roberts. Navy Escort is returning to orbit. Job well done sir. Give my regards to the Mandos. Recommend ex'vil on your mark. Captain out."

She smiled and waited for the Senators to make their exit. She was here to bodyguard. Not to liaison. Let the Admirals run the fleets. She took orders only from the JSOG these days. Not the Senate suits. Damn those prissy boys to hell.

She sighed and flipped her helm up,

"Welp. Guess that's, that. Day one? ...Complete."

 

[Darth Metus]

The Blue Krait, Ord Mantell Orbit

Objective: Chilling...?

From within the confines of The Blue Krait stood the Mandalorian known as Isley Verd. Down he looked, from behind the visor of his helm, upon the world known as Ord Mantell. At a glance, 'twas a mudball unlike any other...but politically, the events unfolding there were of dire importance. Of course, as he was simply a Rally Master, there was no place for him in the proceedings; as that was the place for the Mand'alor and his chosen Field Marshals. As such, there was little more that Isley could do than utilize the time "wisely". To this end, he abandoned the viewport which afforded him the scenic view and strode calmly along the corridors of his vessel. Slowly, but surely, he made his way throughout the corvette and down into a chamber set aside for the practicing of his signature craft: Alchemy. Today, he had a rather...ambitious...project to test out, and so he strode calmly forward, coming to a halt beside the makeshift Forge.

Unlike the one residing on Krant, this Forge was the definition of subpar...at least according to his ludicrous standards. However, it would suffice for that which Isley had in mind. Long, confident strides would lead him to the center of the space, where he promptly seated himself. The clatter of beskar plates then filled the air once he settled and drew a calming breath. This time, there was no fresh, innocent blood to utilize in the ritual...but he had some that was refrigerated. So, reaching out with the Force, he telekinetically opened the chillbox in the corner and summoned the bottle to his waiting grasp. Lazily, it floated across the room until it settled in his outstretched palm; and then he promptly repeated the process. This time, his target was a basin located upon one of the shelves. Once these two components were in hand, Isley set the basin upon the durasteel floor and promptly uncorked the bottle of "innocent" blood.

He then emptied its contents into the basin and began the alchemical process. First, his eyes lulled to a close and he drew yet another breath. With his mind centered and focused, Isley then opened himself to the ebb and flow of the Force, beckoning the presence of the Dark Side to fall upon him like a mighty tide. It responded to his call immediately and cascaded down like a waterfall; filling his every sense with its presence. Drawing a sharp breath, Isley then began to move his lips and chanted aloud, forming words of ancient Sith to treat the blood with magick. This was but the exposition to a long chapter written in blood which would signal the start of something...new.

 

[Darth Metus]

Location: The Blue Krait, Ord Mantell Orbit
Objective: Go Fish...?

It was a rarity that the Clone would have the opportunity to leave the borders of the New Order these days...but the feeling of content that characterized his day would soon devolve into utter boredom. In fact, the sad, simple reality was that he now sat upon the Bridge of his creator's vessel with an assortment of playing cards in his hand. Seated casually upon the main terminal, with not a care in the world for what buttons his arse pressed, Ishmael looked upon his playing mates with a hint of disdain. There was an aging, portly helmsman, a rather attractive navigator, and a droid who had all said "kark it" and hopped in. "Do you have any sevens?" he said aloud, addressing the rather attractive navigator. "Nope. Go fish." came her reply with a wink.

At least Ishmael now knew who he was doing on the way back.

 

[Darth Metus]

Location: The Blue Krait
Objective: Chilling...? (Part 2 Yo)

As the symphony of ancient Sith tongue continued without ceasing, the presence of the Dark Side began to move. Like music directed by the skillful hands of a conductor, the energies began to flow according to the whims of the Mandalorian's words. With each syllable, the energies crept throughout his being, drawing ever nearer to the basin which resided between his fingers. Then, after a rather sizable sum of diction, the Dark Side finally made contact with the crimson, lifeblood which sloshed about in the wooden bowl. The reaction, at a glance, was unspectacular...but underneath the surface the reaction was amazing. As if they were augmented by the innocence of the blood, the presence of the Dark Side magnified and swirled about. The taint was beginning to become evident within the life blood, so much so that the Mandalorian knew that it was time to add the next ingredient. To this end, Isley promptly reached for his utility belt and began to fumble about in its pockets.

After a few seconds of diligent digging, he produced from one of the numerous pockets a souvenir from a past venture. 'Twas one of the more recent Mandalorian operations and had resulted in both he and [member="Ember Rekali"] making off with quite the cache of treasure. Amongst the gems and jewels that they had kept for themselves was a rare Qixoni Crystal. For a moment, Isley simply lofted the crystal into the air and marveled at its crimson surface underneath the light. Between his fingers, he rotated it, allowing himself the pleasure to simply marvel in the faces and rivets of the gem. Typically, since a rare find would be incorporated into the construction of a lightsaber...but Isley had other, better plans for this particular rarity. No, instead of squandering it in a weapon that he had two of, he would utilize it in the creation of something terrifying. At least, that was the plan.

 

[Darth Metus]

Location: The Blue Krait
Objective: Going Fishing...More?

Having been instructed to "Go Fish", the Clone outstretched his offhand and leaned forward. He knew that it must have come as some form of light amusement that he had to go through a slight, laborious effort to draw each card; but at the moment he was simply too bored to care. Promptly, he plucked a card off of the top of the deck and returned it to his hand before situating himself on the terminal once more. The card was a seven...yet another matchless, worthless draw in this dump of a hand. With a sigh, he looked to the portly helmsman and gave a nod, for it was now his turn to go.

 

[Popo]

[member="Karen Roberts"]

"I appreciate it, though for now we'll hold position and ensure local troops start packing up and shipping off world," the Senator said amiably. "Other locations holding Republic troops on planet should have received word to pack up and withdraw. We should be out in a few days. I'll hold here until then. We need to make sure we handle this in an orderly fashion."

 

[Darth Metus]

Location: The Blue Krait
Objective: Chilling! (Part 3)

Having elevated the Qixoni Crystal above his eyes for several seconds, the Mandalorian then snapped out of his awe. Sure, the crystal itself was the definition of marvellous; sure, its form appealed to Isley more than any other gem, but there was much to do with it. As such, descension gripped the blood-crimson stone as Isley lowered it; hovering its form over the basin with but his index finger and thumb. Then, he relaxed his grip upon its surface and allowed its form to slip out of his grasp, ultimately causing it to plummet into the depths of the basin. There was a light plink as the Qixoni Crystal sank into the "innocent" blood and promptly sank beneath its surface. Once it settled at the bottom of the basin, the Mandalorian then gripped it with both hands and drew a breath to center and focus himself.

Then, he began something...new...

Tilting back his head, Isley then began to chant in the native tongue of those who had adopted him in recent history: the Witches of Dathomir. With his voice as gruff as ever whilst forming the Paecaen words, Isley began to envoke the rituals of his mother's people; a fact that would probably make both her and his mentor proud...As his lips moved in this ancient tongue, the Force began to move within the room. Its presence became the definition of cloying; so evident that Isley could feel its form rippling over the surface of his skin. It saturated the air, filling his lungs with every breath as the incantation spilled forth from his lips. Then...a reaction happened. The incantation began to guide and conduct the Force akin to a maestro before a symphony.

And following his direction, emerald manifested before his very eyes.

 

[Darth Metus]

Straightway the portly helmsman placed a beefy hand upon the deck and drew a card. Immediately, an expression of glee gripped his pudgy features as his beady eyes witnessed the card. "Yes!" he exclaimed, throwing down the final pair of matches; and thereby claiming the round. Ishmael had to make the conscious effort not to roll his eyes...or burn the man alive. Instead, the clone placed his cards upon the stack with poise and folded his hands. "Can we please play anything aside from Go Fish? I'll lose my karking mind if we play another hand." he then said in a rather neutral tone. Apparently the gorgeous woman agreed with him and took it upon herself to begin shuffling the deck anew. Hopefully the next game would be more entertaining than the last.

 

[Darth Metus]

At first, the glimmering emerald was nothing more than a glint in the peripheral vision of the Mandalorian, but it soon grew with each passing moment. Its form was almost mistlike, yet solid; as if the process of water transitioning into gas had been halted midway. This enigmatic substance slowly, but surely, wound itself in a neat semi-circle about the seated warrior; who continued to chant in the ancient tongue relentlessly. Sweat beaded upon his brow as he continued the incantation, feeding the emerald presence with his will and energy. In response, its volume grew and grew until the semi-circle grew into a literal mist of shimmering emerald about Isley. This was the life-blood of his mother's people...of his people...this was the foundation upon which all their magicks were formed.

Spirit Ichor.

With this, the Mandalorian would attempt something like never before...he would intersect this emerald, shimmering mist with the principles of Sith Alchemy. This would result in a finished product that is truly stronger than what either methodology could produce on its own. As such, Isley began this step by setting the basin upon the ground and clapping his hands together. At once, the Spirit Ichor responded to this gesture and abandoned its stationary behavior. Instead, movement gripped the totality of its form; in addition to a briskness of pace. As if touched by a hurricane's gale, the emerald Spirit Ichor began to form a swirling twister about its master; moving faster and faster and faster! All the while, Isley continued to chant in the ancient tongue, guiding the Ichor's every movements according to his design.