Dominion A Pound of Rebellion | EE Dominion of Orellon II

[STRATCOM]

Orellon II is the habitat of Kentra. It seemed that after Lanteeb voluntarily joined the Eternal Empire, Talira, the queen of Kentra, might have thought similarly. For he sent an invitation to the Imperial Court of the Eternal Empire with this intention, and an invitation to the Imperials to attend the accession ceremony.

However, all this was a disguise, as Talira had been in contact with the Eclipse Rebellion for months and Kentra did not want to join the Eternal Empire. However, they helped the Rebels and did all they could to lure the Imperials here so that the Rebels could take revenge for PL-40112-CE-021105.

Because it seemed like a peaceful ceremony, as it had been months before on the Lanteeb, the Empire sent only a small group of envoys to the planet to be the ones to attend the ceremonies. This act alone played things perfectly into the hands of the Rebels. It seemed that their previous machinations and calculations could now come to fruition.

The planet has the most jungles, oceans, and volcanic mountains, and Kentra, which lives here, was not one of the most developed species. Their towns and villages were found in the jungles and near the volcanic mountains.

Kentra also holds ceremonies for the Empire in three places:
- In a mountainous area, their capital
- In the jungle,
- On the beach

Objectives​

Objective 1: Surprise attack (Rebel Side)

Once the Imperials (in small numbers) have arrived and scattered even more to the three venues of the events because of the locals, the rebels can begin the surprise attack after Kentra has sent them this message.

Objective 2: Surviving Show (Loyalist side)

The Imperials are given the unpleasant surprise of being trapped. For the event to which they were invited had barely begun, the Rebels appeared, with full force, presumably (from an Imperial point of view) to avenge the previous grievances.

Objective 3: BYOO

Bring your own objective, whatever you want.

Aaran Tafo || Adelle Bastiel || Alondra Lareina || @Alwine Lechner || Alyva Terrix || Anton Delane || Arturo Braga || @Azazel || Bachus || Carter Tymon || Centiro || Cero Pax || @Charlotte Knyte || Darth Aion || Ecthelion Aiglos || Eirene || Eryn || Fimrati Vailyippin || Formorta || Goonch Bagarius Yarrelli || Ilsa Visel || Ingrid L'lerim || Jardann Lancus || Juggernaut || Kainan Wolfe || Kalic Daws || Karma Jayne || Kerstan Blackmoore || Khorde Drago || @Lanebsa || Loreena Arenais-Valhoun || Lorelai Ventira || Lyla Quinn || Malicar || Mythos || Nekana Quane || Nerulic || RadioWhisper || Ranik Delmont || Rath Exigo || Shandria Navin || Taozi Fuyuan || Tela Uolmi || Tiberius Bayne || Vidalu Na'an || Viktor Goetz || @Vol Obaul Di || Vyra Silara || Will Westender || Wulf Orlock || Xiomar Ren || Mitth'rae'leios || Broka the Hutt || Karisa || @Servelus Zambrano || @Kai’el || Kaine Hamilton || @Sabella de Vreis || Race Tolsen || @Miles Morrow || Rumi Dag || Corran Conner || Saabossi || Gerhard Manndorf || Kyle Raymus || VanceCaydence || Edward Ashcard || Galdaart || Lord Malleus || @Rhaego Charon || Gortta Desilijic Tiure || @Roman Calypso || Lora Vekarr || @Tamacti Khan || @Neferisia || Krae || Shavara || @Kodomo || Innas Paurs || Salij-Nekt || Rothamir || Eliana Shan || Curtis Learchin || Sterling Kinslayer || Saga Linzino || 1st Lt. Garrek Kanos


Link: Orellon II

​

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Ingrid L’lerim
The Red Witch; Emperor's hand; Director of Blackwatch; Baroness of Vengard, Head of the House L’lerim, CEO of the HPI Consortium​

Location: Capital City, Orellon II
Equipment: 2x red blade lightsaber shoto | Tactical Turtleneck with this look as Imperial Uniform | Viper Mk. I Skinsuit | G1 OmniLink
Ground forces: 2/2 Infinite Droids (Honour Guard with her)
Tag(s): Open

Ingrid was among the “lucky ones” who went to planet Orellon II for the festivities. Now she didn't expect a miracle as big as what happened at Lanteeb, as she met Adrian there. Such random encounters only happen once in a lifetime. After arriving on the planet, as she herself represented the Emperor and the Empress, she was a guest of Lady Talira in the capital.

Because of this, Ingrid traveled to the mountains because the capital was there. As is usually the case with such journeys and tasks, she now arrived alone. This time, not even Kessia accompanied her, the woman had done her duty on another planet until then. She wasn’t happy about this trip either because there was a jungle everywhere on the planet. Why couldn’t she once get a mission where she had to go to an ice planet? Of course, all this was not visible on the woman.

Her posture was perfect, just like no emotion could be read from her face. They were just in an arena-like building in the capital, she was sitting in the VIP section, not so far from the Queen Talira and her court. They held some kind of dancing, musical event for them. It was nowhere near as sophisticated as the Lanteebians, though she didn’t even reckon with it, because the locals had a very different physique than the humans.

So far, she hasn't really had company. The locals avoided her and her own apparently had a good time. Only she acted like an ice cold, a spacer “Ice Queen”, which was her habit. As she watched her surroundings a bad feeling arose, through the Force. It’s as if something is being made, as if… something is going to happen in the near future.


//OOC: I am also happy to see a loyalist friend or Rebel opponent as a companion //

​

 

[Kalic Daws]

Location: Capital
Equipment: T-21

Kalic looked from the window of the building he was currently hiding in. The Miraluka sighed he waited. He hadn't been on a combat mission in a long time. He was mostly running cargo or cargo escort for a long time, but now he was on the ground again. He looked around at anyone else there, then checked his blaster. To say he was nervous about this was an understatement. Last time he was on a combat mission.... There was a Mando trying to kill him and the others he and Lorrie were getting out of there.

"A while since I was planetside. Hope I haven't lost my touch with a T-21." He took a breath, calming down just a little.

Ingrid L'lerim Loreena Arenais-Valhoun Lace Donnadieu

 

[Lace Donnadieu]

Location: Capital, next to Queen Talira's throne in the shadows
Tags: Ingrid L'lerim || Kalic Daws || Aya Clarke || ???
Attire: Simple black gown, black veil​

Her Saint had given her a task, as they had been preparing for this day.

Protect Queen Talira.

For this task, Lace was to be a "Handmaiden" to the Kentra Queen, dressed in all black and standing against the wall, behind her throne and the large black curtain that framed it. Her face hidden behind a barely sheer veil, golden eyes watched the festivities closely. The Queen herself knew it would surely be... strange to Imperials, to see a human as her handmaiden, but it was necessary.

As the Imperials began to trickle into the palace, the tension in the air grew. Though Queen Talira smiled at every Imperial she made eye contact with, the smile was... Small, and forced. As though the Queen did not truly want the Imperials in her home, and was merely tolerating their existence. The elder Loreena Arenais-Valhoun had spoken with months before, Lightwing, stood on the opposite side of the Queen from Lace.

"Your Majesty, when will you be joining the... festivities?"

"Hrm... Soon. Let the Imperials get settled, then we shall begin. Aunt Lightwing, what say you?"

"Let them feel welcomed, that we are of no threat to them. After all, I'm sure they've no idea of what a gift we've been given."

"Yes... I hear the hunters have had much success with their new weapons."

All three women smiled slightly, knowing that once the Queen broadcast that she would be joining the festivities herself, that the rebellion would begin their assault. IT was just a matter of time...

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Objective: 1

Lori hid in the arena. Given her previous encounter with Kessia Miran , she had to keep hidden. If her presence was discovered too quickly, or even at all, she could be in big trouble. And so could her friends and family. The bulletin that Ingrid L'lerim had put out there not long ago was proof of Kessia's words.

So Lori wore a disguise. With the aid of make-up, contacts and some black powder, she appeared like an O'reenian, with orange skin, black eyes and dark brown hair. The Kentra helped her choose an outfit, one that helped her to blend in more like a young merchant than anything else.

One that had come to watch the show.

Of course she was armed, both with a blaster and a bowcaster which were stealthily hidden beneath her cloak.

Now she waited for Lightwing to give the signal.

STRATCOM Lace Donnadieu Kalic Daws

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Ingrid L’lerim
The Red Witch; Emperor's hand; Director of Blackwatch; Baroness of Vengard, Head of the House L’lerim, CEO of the HPI Consortium​

Location: Capital City, Orellon II
Equipment: 2x red blade lightsaber shoto | Tactical Turtleneck with this look as Imperial Uniform | Viper Mk. I Skinsuit | G1 OmniLink
Ground forces: 2/2 Infinite Droids (Honour Guard with her)
Tag(s): Kalic Daws | Lace Donnadieu | Loreena Arenais-Valhoun | Open

Ingrid didn't know anything about what was going on in the background yet. It was just the bad feeling that something was going to happen. She remained with his back stiff, sitting militarily in his seat, watching the arena below and the people here. Officers, civilians, businessmen, nobles, and locals. Especially the locals, the Imperials, were really represented in small numbers.

No one from the L’lerim house was here except her, she felt a little now sorry she hadn’t invited anyone. Then at least she would have had someone to talk to and not be bored alone.

Down below, the entry of musical and dance stunts was coming to an end, they were over. Everyone took their place, and those who participated in the attraction formed the symbol of the Eternal Empire with it. The crowd applauded the production, so did Ingrid, but mostly just out of decency. The feeling didn't go away.

Moreover, the way the locals lined up seemed to make the air and atmosphere even more depressing. The way she looked around the viewers, especially her own, as if others had noticed it all. Then she understood. She felt the tension of the locals. With the help of Force, she saw them move almost at once before they did all this.

She immediately jumped up from her place, drawing the attention of others to herself.

”AMBUSH!” she shouted.

However, her voice was swallowed up by a loud explosion, as there was a huge explosion in the area before the Imperials. As if it were just a signal, the chaos broke out…

​

 

[Vidalu Na'an]

Location: Capital City, Orellon II
Tag(s): Kalic Daws | Lace Donnadieu | Loreena Arenais-Valhoun | Ingrid L'lerim
​

Na'an rounded the corner to duck into a Capitol alley, pressing her back against the smooth stone walls and feeling for her heart with one hand.
It was getting easier and easier for her to duck loose from Imperial envoys for these missions Leigh set for her, but every time she had to do it she could still feel the organ all but hammering her way through her throat at the prospect of getting caught. It was risky. It was so, so risky. And between the Empire's rising focus on the fledgling Rebellion and the Empress' continuing silence, the feeling that the ease was only increasing the risk was something she couldn't shake.

Although, she had to admit, the risk probably came less from escaping the Imperials every time...and more in the form she would approach them in only moments later. Na'an pulled the Ultranaut helmet she was carrying up to her eye level, glaring into its goggle eyes as if trying to see through them into its interior. The helmet, along with simple black or brown leathers, apparently had become some sort of unwanted trademark of hers. At least among the rebels, the stolen Imperial gear marked her as someone with a reputation that barely sounded like her. What was it the private had called her? A gorram ghost?

She'd gone on a number of missions in the helmet at that point, yes. She'd done what Private Gorello had claimed she'd done on Bakura, true. But was that really enough to be spoken of the way that boy had? Had Leigh used her network to amplify the stories, make them seem as large as Skywalker tales?

Or maybe Leigh hadn't used her Voice like that at all. Maybe this was the other thing. The green thing. Maybe she'd already changed that much that people were seeing it on their own.

Na'an shook off the shiver that rolled down her spine at the thought, shoving the helmet down over her head. She checked for the blaster pistol at her hip and the shoto hidden at her back as its visual sensors adjusted to her vision, rolling her shoulders to accommodate them to the new weight. In seconds, her heartrate was already slowing. Even if it was risky, even if it was strange, even if it was changing her, putting on the helmet felt good. It felt like the Force telling her she was free to act now, with its permission and in its name. Like shedding the pretense of helplessness and being something...better.

The comms systems came online along with the visual feed. Na'an tapped at it with a finger, distantly aware of an explosion happening a few blocks away. "It's started," she said into the primary frequency. "Confirming objective. Spook the delegation into leaving, ensure continuity of the planetary royal family?"

She craned her neck out from the alley, already watching a few locals start running. The shockwaves from the detonation were small, deliberately so, but at this distance they still rattled the windows of the nearby shops. "I'm gonna have to time this like a gorram Master if we're going to leave intact, you realize. I hope you know what you're doing."

 

[Aya Clarke]

• Location: Capital City, Orellon II
• Equipment: Lightsaber (in sig), Armor (in sig), big cloak, Cyber-Eye Contacts
• Tags: Ingrid L'lerim :|: Lace Donnadieu :|: Kalic Daws :|: Loreena Arenais-Valhoun :|: Vidalu Na'an

These... tactics... were vile and lacking in honor.

If Lady Aya were able to have her way, she would prefer to meet the Imperials plainly, on the battlefield with armies at their backs in a grand test of faith and right. Banners flying high, the drums of war keeping pace... that was the right way to do it. The way she should, and perhaps the way one day she would. Her only hope to give those who were standing against her Goddess a proper death, however, was to help this rebellion thrive until it one day could stand against them. Sometimes, that meant having to let honor bend to the reality of war.

Sometimes it meant using vile tactics.

Cyril and most of the others were kept away from this, she knew where their skill set lie and it would only hinder an attempt at remaining quiet. Some were too young and would jump the gun, others too old and unwilling, and Cyril simply was too noticeable regardless. Hiding a poleaxe was simply too difficult. Thus why even Aya, the only warrior of the bunch that had come, was without her beloved flag, and sword truth be told. Both were either too noisy, or too large to hide under her cloak. Only her lightsaber came, as it locked into a false sheath and wouldn't clink or clack or scrape noticeably.

She had eventually found herself not far from the Imperials, keeping herself quiet and kept out of mind best she could. She hoped Lace would do her duty well, as she herself looked from under the cloak's hood to prepare for her own task. She felt as though someone, somewhere, was enough of a threat for her to deal with personally, and had this suspicion that whoever it was would need to be found swiftly. Her eyes settled for a moment on a crimson haired woman with two quite... large droids.... before passing on.

Her.

She began to plot a route there, quickly, anticipating chaos when everything began. With her contacts, she could see the path clearly, and knew she could make it. Perhaps if she was quick she could-

Then chaos erupted. Without a moment's hesitation, Aya made her way through, intending to confront the woman and her droids before they became a threat to Lace... or the Queen.

 

[Kalic Daws]

Location: Capital
Equipment: T-21
Tags: Lace Donnadieu Loreena Arenais-Valhoun Ingrid L'lerim Aya Clarke Vidalu Na'an

Kalic smiled a little when he heard the call to action, and would quickly flip his safety off as he pointed the heavy weapon out the window and targeted Imperial forces. He let the blaster's bolts prove their worth before quickly turning back into the building, and running towards, the door. He would quickly take a breath before running out and getting behind a speeder. He would peek out and fire again, looking around before calling out over comes.

"I get the surprise part, but I could've brought some air cover." He pulled out again, taking a few more shots before hiding. Poodoo, this wasn't going to be easy. Kalic sighed, wishing he was in a fighter right now. Either way though, he was helping in battle for a change, and that's what mattered to him.

 

[Lace Donnadieu]

Location: Guarding the Queen's
Tags: Ingrid L'lerim || Aya Clarke || Kalic Daws || Loreena Arenais-Valhoun || Vidalu Na'an
Attire: Black gown, black veil
Gear: Two simple vibrodaggers
​

As the dancing and music ended, the Queen stood from her throne and stepped to the the balcony overlooking the arena. There was contempt in Talira's eyes as she looked down at the Eternal Empire's insignia, and raised a hand to quiet the crowd as a drone drifted up to broadcast her across the planet.

"My people, as we welcome the Eternal Empire into our homes, give them welcome. Offer them all we can give. Now, as your Queen, I believe it is time that I join the festivities personally."

As the broadcast ended, the chaos began.

The explosion rang out, and the Kentra attacked in tandem with the Eclipse Rebels as they had planned. Those in the Queen's balcony area took positions at the entrance, and Talira herself looked down at the arena below, her smile gone. She knew not how many of her people would die this day, but she prayed that with the Rebellion's aid the casualties would be few.

Lace grabbed her daggers that were strapped to the back of the throne, and moved with Lightwing to stand on both sides of the Queen.

"Talira, it's best you move from the balcony, lest they try to shoot you."

"It would be demoralizing to your people, Your Majesty. Prithee, step back to where it is safe."

Talira frowned at her elderly aunt, but nodded and quickly stepped away from the danger of any possible snipers taking a shot.

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Objective: 1

Lori caught sight of Lightwing up in the VIP box. Good. That meant it was all going to go down soon.

Not much longer after she had thought that, the explosion rang out.

Showtime!

The explosion was small, yet enough to draw attention. It was easy to spot Ingrid L'lerim and the Eternal Empire guests. Nearly the whole arena turned on them.

Lori couldn't get too close to the fray. She didn't want to risk getting caught. So instead she kept back and gathered some of the Kentra to her. "Keep an eye out for reinforcements! We don't want to be trapped in here! Keep control of the doors!" The Kentra were quick to act, moving to secure the doors to allow the non-combatants to slip out. Lori joined them, taking the northern exit and drawing out her bowcaster. She had only used it once before. Today'd be a good day to do so again.

Aya Clarke Vidalu Na'an Kalic Daws Lace Donnadieu STRATCOM

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Ingrid L’lerim
The Red Witch; Emperor's hand; Director of Blackwatch; Baroness of Vengard, Head of the House L’lerim, CEO of the HPI Consortium​

Location: Capital City, Orellon II
Equipment: 2x red blade lightsaber shoto | Tactical Turtleneck with this look as Imperial Uniform | Viper Mk. I Skinsuit | G1 OmniLink
Ground forces: 2/2 Infinite Droids (Honour Guard with her)
Tag(s): Kalic Daws | Lace Donnadieu | Loreena Arenais-Valhoun | Aya Clarke | Vidalu Na'an | Open

She didn’t like that, if she was right, it was really an attack from the rebels. And the locals knew about it, it was completely obvious to the woman. Just as she looked up at the balcony where the Talira was Queen after the explosion, the Queen knew as well. It was as if she had waited for this to happen. Ingrid hoped she was aware that she had sentenced her people to death. If not at this minute, within a few hours yes.

<”Here’s Emperor’s Hand!”> she is an open communication channel for the ship around the planet. <”Send a message to Kalidan, the ceremony was a trap, send reinforcements.”>

At the same time, that if all this was jammed, the Emperor should know about it, sending a telepathic message to Kainan Wolfe :

<”My Lord, the planet was a trap, the rebels allied with the Kentra. We need reinforcement, although we will do everything we can.”>

Only those Imperials who originally came from the Nelvaan had weapons, as they were a warrior ethnic group. However, those who later joined the Empire did not have weapons. A woman arrived in front of Ingrid in the VIP section. She glanced at her droids and signalled for them to go and help the others in need. So the two droids set off to make their way to the other imperials.

”You only get one chance to surrender and retire, which is valid for the next two minutes. If you don’t lay down your weapons, surrender, or begin the retreat, not only you but Kentra will pay for the Rebels ’actions.”

As always, she spoke completely frostily, militarily, moreover, with an emphasis as if the Imperials were victorious against the rebels and not the other way around.

​

 

[LE-03 (Leigh)]

Location: Capital City, Orellon II
Tag(s): Kalic Daws | Lace Donnadieu | Loreena Arenais-Valhoun | Ingrid L'lerim | Vidalu Na'an

​

“I always know what I am doing.”

The droid known as LE-03 had opted to stay on board the shuttle the Imperial attache had arrived on—presumably as security, freeing the organics to enjoy their newest acquisition. And on the surface, she seemed to be doing exactly that—looming outside the hatch, her bulk and cannon more than enough deterrent from any locals that might be inclined to loot the shiny ship.

Fortunately, the functions that enabled her to act as the Voice of Abbaji required no external action. Standing silently, her internal systems were running multiple checks on sensors planted in several points throughout the capital.
“It looks like the planetary natives are the ones taking the initiative here, as we were told. The Queen certainly held true to her word, that this planet did not intend to submit quietly.” she said smoothly into her partner’s helmet comms. “That rabbit you enlisted certainly left an impression on these people. I do not intend to let that impression go to waste.”

She caught a momentary ping relaying off the shuttle’s communication systems, heading for the primary ship in orbit. The Emperor’s tool was already sending for reinforcements after only the first explosion; not unexpected, given her war-hawk tendencies and reliance on Force Sensitivity to monitor all those around her, but still troubling. Unfortunately, she could not block the transmission without giving away that someone was occupying the shuttle . She could not prevent a response, but she could help the planet anticipate it once it came. . Leigh tagged the comm line as high priority for monitoring, then returned to Na’an. Before she spoke, however, she decided to add a secondary frequency onto the communication--one she knew was frequently used by Loreena Arenais.

“L'lerim has acted as predicted," she transmitted. "We have possible reinforcements on the way. No clear timeline until she receives a response. Depending on how seriously the Empire takes this, you will have more options for extraction, but it may mean this revolt is going to turn south as soon as the Emperor clears the necessary forces. Retain priority on maintaining royal continuity, but make sure we also get a solid sense of planetary defenses on your way there. Relay all observations back to me. When you reach the Queen, confirm the size of the planetary military and whether she has her own extraction plan, both for herself and for the population.”

A pause. “Should the worst-case scenario happen, our priority is on people over infrastructure. We burn planetary assets if it means saving lives. Confirm.”

There had been no Voice of Abbaji to protect the people of Bakura when they had resisted the Empire. Fortunately, Orellon was no Bakura.

LE-03 would make sure of that.

​

 

[Aya Clarke]

• Location: Capital City, Orellon II
• Equipment: Lightsaber (in sig), Armor (in sig), Cyber-Eye Contacts
• Tags: Ingrid L'lerim :|: Loreena Arenais-Valhoun :|: Lace Donnadieu :|: Kalic Daws :|: Vidalu Na'an :| LE-03 (Leigh)

It was surprisingly easy for Aya to get to the woman, who dismissed her droid guards herself. How, oddly honorable, even her demands had a sliver of what the Saint could call an honorable bend to them. Such an act deserved another, as Aya's hand reached up to the clasp of her cloak. She let Ingrid speak as she unclasped the cover, letting it fall around her, revealing the armor she wore underneath, and the 'sword' at her side. If Ingrid was giving her two minutes, she would honor her gift. It was the very least she could do.

"Such honor is unexpected, your empire is undeserving of you. However I regret to inform you I cannot, for Her will brought me here and Her will shall continue to guide me until my death or her will is done. These people are not mine to have stand down, I cannot will them to give up their convictions." She closed her eyes, and took a deep breath, calmly moving her right hand to her hip. She grasped the hilt slowly, and with practiced ease pulled it free. There was a small click as the hilt detached, leaving behind the false scabbard, and with a calm twitch of her thumb, Aya's lightsaber's blue blade snapped to life.

When she opened her eyes again, with the blue back light against here eyes as she leveled her gaze at Ingrid. There was no real malice from her, neither in her look nor something that could be picked up through the force. Simply put, it was just her determination to do what she believed was right, and for now Ingrid stood between her, and that destiny. "It is for that, I must unfortunately say, that I am Lady Aya Clarke, of Kalis. And today I am your enemy. I beg of you to lay down your arms, and this will be ended without more needless death."

Of course she was watching intently, force sensitive or not if the woman made a move, her trained swordsman eyes, and contact lens HUD, would let her react to it. She may not be making the attack, giving Ingrid her chance to confirm her own convictions, but she was not so stupid to let her guard totally down.

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Ingrid L’lerim
The Red Witch; Emperor's hand; Director of Blackwatch; Baroness of Vengard, Head of the House L’lerim, CEO of the HPI Consortium​

Location: Capital City, Orellon II
Equipment: 2x red blade lightsaber shoto | Tactical Turtleneck with this look as Imperial Uniform | Viper Mk. I Skinsuit | G1 OmniLink
Ground forces: 2/2 Infinite Droids (Honour Guard with her)
Tag(s): Kalic Daws | Lace Donnadieu | Loreena Arenais-Valhoun | Aya Clarke | Vidalu Na'an | Open

The woman standing in front of her looked like some religious person based on her words. It is possible that Aya was also a member of the CIS, but that did not mean that Ingrid would recognize her. She had never seen the other woman before. She didn't respond to the words yet, but she saw the other take her lightsaber off her side. She didn't really expect the rebels to surrender, but with that, the moral victory was Ingrid's. She offered that locals and rebels alike could live if they surrendered and retreated.

She would have merely arrested the rebels, if she could, in this situation, and the Queen, of course. But the queen’s people could have lived. However, they did not. The Imperial Court will not leave this unpunished. They would have had a chance to live in peace as part of the Eternal Empire. Instead, they chose exactly the opposite. It’s sad since Kainan Wolfe is sure to issue the order.

”I hope the rebels and the Queen are aware of the fact that everyone on the planet was sentenced to death at this minute. Thanks to them! The Emperor is nowhere near as lenient as I am, especially if the words of his Right Hand are ignored. I have always thought that the rebels serve and represent the Light side, but each time they prove that they are deeper in the darkness than those they consider evil. I am sure they will still sleep peacefully, when they are being responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands. While their leaders would have been in a single word to save an entire nation. Are you sure you are on the right side, Lady Aya Clarke, of Kalis?” she asked the woman.

There was no mockery or contempt in her words. She spoke objectively and militarily throughout. Ingrid didn't move, just watched the other woman. Her lightsabers weren't visible either, so she looked completely unarmed. There was no fear in her, just waited patiently for now. She will not give the woman the pleasure of attacking first. If she has to, she will provoke it with words.

”You are a warrior, a soldier, just like me, you know exactly that I can't do it. The Imperials here are under my responsibility, the rebels are executing all of them, as they have done before. You know I can't leave it all. Until I let you go and save the locals, you won’t do that to my people. As soon as my people lay down their weapons, you will execute them. Loreena Arenais-Valhoun can prove that, unlike you, I always keep what I promise.”

​

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Objective: 1

The Kentra secured the arena. Most of the movement of people were for the non-combatants to get out. And Lori was there at the door to ensure that they got out.

But where was the reinforcements? Surely the Empire brought more than a small group led by Ingrid L'lerim to take over Orellon II? In past experiences, such as Bakura, large forces were brought to bear. Was the Empire learning from their mistakes? Or was this some kind of test?

A cold chill ran down Lori's spine as she thought of her encounter with Kessia Miran and the warning brought with it. She looked across the throng of people to the other side and saw Aya Clarke looking ready to duel in the VIP box. If they were to capture the Emperor's Hand, it would be wicked, yet failing to do so would would be a devastating blow to the small group of Rebels here. And possibly the Kentra as well.

Reaching into her left pocket of her coat, her fingers wrapped around a small commlink that linked her to Kessia. A duel played through in her own mind as she weighed in on which consequences would be worse if she made the call. She was stuck between a rock and a hard place and neither decision was a good one.

It was so difficult to choose...

 

[Kalic Daws]

Kalic sat in the streets, firing more before hearing the unmistakable mixed roar and wail of the Starcrest. He looked up, hearing it's cannons ring out and clear out most of the Imperials on the street before hearing Jee whistle about a communication. He looked quickly running for the cockpit.

"Poodoo! Ok. Prime engines to get us to orbit, and prep the flextubes too. What do we have left?" The droid whistled again, and the Miraluka sighed as the cockpit closed. "Six torpedoes and four bombs.... Ok. We can make this work." The fighter would soon whip around, letting its thrust wash blast more troops back he launched off. Kalic grit his teeth a little as he flew up to orbit as fast as he could, and since he wasn't attempting to hide his signature, he knew a fight was coming. It didn't take long for a couple of Imperial fighter to find him.

"Poodoo! We don't have time for... Gah!" The Y-Wing whipped around as he pulled a hammer head to slip behind them. The pilot quickly took a breath before pulling the trigger, sending energy bolts straight into the wingman fighter. He looked back at the main ship, know he had to knock out its comms, but he had to fight his way to them.

Loreena Arenais-Valhoun Ingrid L'lerim Aya Clarke Lace Donnadieu LE-03 (Leigh) Vidalu Na'an

 

[Vidalu Na'an]

Location: Capital City, Orellon II
Tag(s): Kalic Daws | Lace Donnadieu | Loreena Arenais-Valhoun | Ingrid L'lerim | Aya Clarke​

“L'lerim has acted as predicted," she transmitted. "We have possible reinforcements on the way. No clear timeline until she receives a response. Depending on how seriously the Empire takes this, you will have more options for extraction, but it may mean this revolt is going to turn south as soon as the Emperor clears the necessary forces. Retain priority on maintaining royal continuity, but make sure we also get a solid sense of planetary defenses on your way there. Relay all observations back to me. When you reach the Queen, confirm the size of the planetary military and whether she has her own extraction plan, both for herself and for the population.”

A pause. “Should the worst-case scenario happen, our priority is on people over infrastructure. We burn planetary assets if it means saving lives. Confirm.”

"Confirmed."

Na'an closed the comms and moved.

It was simple enough to get back into the square, even wearing the helmet; the people she passed were either too set on leaving the area to bother with her, or actively taking the chaos as an opportunity to throw some kind of party. Everywhere outside of the square, clusters of people were stopping in doorframes, drinking and laughing and telling stories. One of the groups toasted her as she passed, laughing raucously before bursting into some song or another. Na'an had to stop and stare at that, if only for a moment. It was as if they had such confidence in their queen that they felt no concern that they would be in danger, even this close to where the fighting started.
There was...something rather impressive about it, all things considered. From what Leigh had told her, Orellon had gone through considerable suffering already, with only what few supplies the Eclipse could afford to spare as aid. It took tremendous character to go through that and find the energy to both fight, and still find an excuse to get drunk, on the other side. Maybe it was the suffering itself that gave them such strength of will.
The number of citizens she passed dropped off considerably about a block from the main square, even though there had been no more explosions after the first. The ambush must be working. As she ducked through a side alley, Na'an passed the Hand herself, facing off against one of the Queen's guards. There was no way Na'an was going to stop and get in the middle of that, but she did catch some of the redhead's little speech as she passed. Because of course, Imperials always had some kind of speech ready.

Ye gods, she really did believe in her own moral superiority, didn't she? Alone on a world the Empire had been trying to intimidate into submission and she still tried to claim that resistance made the natives of this planet into the bad guys. She'd even gone so far as assuming they were simply going to kill everyone wearing an Imperial badge, just so she could claim that they were monsters. That wasn't the plan, as far as she knew, but really. What did she expect, when every planet that tried to resist annexation peacefully got burned to the ground for the sake of their morals? Sometimes Na'an wondered if the Imperials really believed all of the self-righteous shab they spouted every time people didn't protest the way they claimed would be right--namely, in a way that would get them slaughtered for their trouble.

But she'd met Ingrid L'lerim, if only in passing. The Emperor's hand was a true believer. The kind of crazy that sounded sane, so long as you listened to her tone instead of her words. And that was the kind of crazy that would never listen, never question their own perfect righteousness, never even think of changing beliefs that set in stone, unless you put them in a place where they had no other choice.

And sometimes not even then.

But that wasn't her debate to win. She ghosted through the alley and continued onward. The only interruption between her and the queen was a single Imperial official who was still trying to evacuate, non-military by the look of his uniform. He'd started a salute at the sight of her, clearly a reflex triggered at the sight of her helmet, but when the incongruity of her size and dress registered, she decked him in the face and moved on. In minutes, she was able to hoist herself up to the Queen's balcony from a nearby ledge, much to the alarm of her guards.

"Your Majesty," she said quickly. An Imperial wouldn't have bothered with the honorific, nor with raising her hands to show her weapons still holstered. "I'm here from the Voice of Abbaji. He's...impressed by your commitment to what you two discussed...but you have a plan for after this point, yes?"

Her helmet swiveled to match the Queen's gaze, looking down to the semi-chaos below. "Protecting the planet won't be as simple as ousting a single delegation, now that you've declared yourself. Word's already on the way to the Empire about what you've done, and they'll send the fleet here. This little revolt won't last long if you can't defend against orbital bombardment."

 

[Lace Donnadieu]

Location: Guarding the Queen
Tags: Ingrid L'lerim || Aya Clarke || Kalic Daws || Loreena Arenais-Valhoun || Vidalu Na'an
Attire: Black gown, black veil
Gear: Two simple vibrodaggers​

Lace instantly moved in front of the queen, weapons ready to strike when Vidalu Na'an climbed over the ledge. The guards raised their weapons in tandem, and everyone's bodies were poised to defend Talira from one who, at first, appeared to be an Imperial soldier. Staring at the helmet's eyes, Lace sighed at the other woman's words.

"Prithee, do try to not alarm your allies like that, lest you be injured. Your appearance is misleading, mademoiselle."

Talira nodded in agreement with Lace, and placed a hand on the witch's shoulder before looking down at the chaos below.

"I had planned for the children, at least, to be evacuated off-world. We have time before the Empire arrives en mass, and with them having brought so few... Well. Once they are either captured or dead, we can begin evacuating the children, and non-combatants. I will stay behind for as long as I can... I can not leave my people leaderless, if we are forced to leave our home."

"Our home shall not suffer the fate of Bakura."

Lightwing stepped forward, and placed a hand on Lace's other shoulder.

"The Empire's 'eternity' shall end here, with us, no matter what dishonorable tactics the Empire attempts to employ."

 

[Aya Clarke]

• Location: Capital City, Orellon II
• Equipment: Lightsaber (in sig), Armor (in sig), Cyber-Eye Contacts
• Tags: Ingrid L'lerim :|: Loreena Arenais-Valhoun :|: Kalic Daws :|: Lace Donnadieu :|: Vidalu Na'an :|: LE-03 (Leigh)

"Mademoiselle 'Hand', you speak as though you know of me personally, of what I would do as though you were speaking my thoughts for me. Were you to do so, You would know how very wrong you speak." Aya spoke softly towards Ingrid, equally lacking in judgement though her tone was less objective and militaristic in comparison. Like she wanted Ingrid to listen, not just hear her words but something more impactful. "I cannot speak for any but myself and my faithful, and my Lady. It is for her that I do what must be done, and in that same measure it is for themselves that these people, these other rebels do what they believe must be done. I could no sooner stop it than I could stop time from moving on."

"You say you are lenient, yes? To give mere minutes for entire belief to change before you kill an entire people? That is not leniency, not truthfully. It is looking for an excuse to do what your empire already wants to do. Were I not one of Her faithful already, that alone would be proof enough to call my side 'Right'. But that does not mean I must kill civilians, nor you. Tell me, Mademoiselle, how are you so certain you know I will execute your people, should they surrender? Have you tried? Or are you only able to imagine it as your own empire would do the same? I do not pretend to know they would for certain, but I cannot imagine you lack some... perspective on the matter."

Aya took several steps forward, moving the lightsaber down to her side, far out of any sort of dangerous position. The blade was down at her side, pointed to the floor, as she held out her left hand, palm upraised, to Ingrid. "Tell me, do you not wish to know the truth of your enemy? If you would allow it, I will see to the protection of your people personally until this is through. We are enemies, but we need not end this in death, if you will but allow me this chance."