AOL - Speech to Kintan, lighting the Sun, all is the will of the force. (Open to AoL/Counter AoL)

[Sera Inkari]

The Lighting of Kintan Arc​

​

Kintan
Burning Moon Range
The Burning Globe Temple
High Sun (Noon)

High Sun, the time when all who had care for their lives took shelter. One Sera Inkari who had grown so accustomed to the heat, drenched herself within it. Red upon red robes of her order, the burning globe, she stood atop the temple, in full view of recording devices, transmitting far and wide across the planet. Some of her order had joined the army of light, and more were considering going, if they proved worthy of her order to send more aid. Though the army needed a real army, not just priestesses, or militia but soldiers who bathed in light, Kintan was one such planet, which enriched your exposure to the force, and that light. Sera could see this in her dreams, it echoed to her throughout the black, calling her home to make this one speech.

Fiery volcanoes, sun scorched desert lands, and lava rivers, it was the pinnacle of the force's light burned into every surface and vision she had ever had, her guiding light of the force. The Burning Moon Range was no different, high peaks, volcanoes which spewed lava forth always, at temperatures that would have killed the average Vahla to stay here too long. Sera Inkari and the priestesses of the burning globe were no ordinary Vahlas, they embraced that light to its pinnacle here on their found homeworld, claimed for all Vahla that wanted it, a Vahla homeworld of Kintan?

The Vahla lacked a homeworld, and Kintan was becoming important to them. On orders of the high priestess, Sera unfolded the arms of her almost regal red dress, the ceremonial nature of her draping robes were today at their finest, and her hair red, curly, framing her face perfectly to the sides. Pulling away the hood she spoke to the assembled devices, transmitting her signal across many settlements.

"Brothers and Sisters of Kintan, honor be from the binders and keepers of the force scrolls, to the runners of the harsh wastes and the proud Nikto. May your water always run plentiful and shelter be provided in every cave you seek." Sera's voice was soft as always, but carried across the burning lakes and fiery seas to ears of Nikto leaders everywhere.

"The force is with you, the burning globe brings our light to yours today, a beacon for a world drenched in sun. The Sith a darkness is at your door, and our light your salvation to guide you. Come join us in this crusade to bring our light to those cloaked in darkness, our neighbors that cannot light the way themselves."

Spoiler

Musical Inspiration - Thread for speeches, open to any faction to stop her gaining influence, or AoL to assist. I'll move this forward every so often if we stall. Kintan Planet - The Nikto - The Vahla The Burning globe is in opposition to: The Embers of Vahl

 

[Manu Xextos]

Kintan Orbit
Army of Light Destroyer Brynjar

Spoiler

OOC: Any Army of Light C's who aren't on the planet surface are welcome!

In orbit around Kintan, Manu Xextos let his Captain's chair envelope his weary body. He slept in gasping parcels of time, drawing breaths of it in like a drowning swimmer cast up to the surface by pressure and a wave. Just enough, then back under toward the krystalsøvn. Images and flashes of connectivity had Manu pushing the experiences around him back toward the centre of his mind.

Images of Ahani wrapping her arms around her hideous husband in the lulling swell of the crystal, restructuring it to better hold him close to her chest, lips pressed against his slumbering cryostatic sneer. Manu shivered. His XO passed him a mug of tea from Echan, he nodded a thanks and turned his attention to the holoscreens and communication lines featuring @[member="Sera Inkari"]. Strange was she, and menacing backed in red swathed on a world of miasma, a world of lava pits and sheets of living rock burning the scorching deserts dry. A shiver collected again.

Sullust. His inner heart pulsated with a quandary, but he dismissed it instead housing any of the Army of Light who wanted berth on the ship, to watch from above and protect the space above. He shut his eyes and sent his presence down to @[member="Sera Inkari"], touching upon her with the peace and presence of the Light, and allowing the young priestess to know he was there watching.

 

[Sera Inkari]

@[member="Manu Xextos"]
Carried in by two priestess a burning globe was set atop a stand, symbolizing Kintan. The two new red robed women bent down to say a ritual, words of peace, and then departed. Non had the foresight to challenge her, yet, she smiled softly, not one leader had spoken out yet across the fiery wastes. Though they would be considering her offer, and some Nikto would no doubt question her motives, even if nobody else challenged her.

"Sera Inkari third priestess of the cult of serenity, offers all the water you and your families will ever need." Her hands rested back to her stomach, cradling them there, drifting light footsteps carrying her over to the burning globe, representing Kintan itself, dotted around with many scars across its surface. It was a harsh planet that bred a strength within surviving it, molded by rives of flame, currents of the force's will. Her offer was a well executed move, one nobody had thought to make previously, watering the mouths of the burning sands.

Sea blue orbs, watching, blue as the ocean would be if she had ever seen one before. "We together will bring you liquid to clench thirsts everlasting. We ask for your sons and their daughters, to become our brothers and sisters. We ask for the light of your families to walk with us, carrying it to the stars." All the water they could want, shipped here. That was some claim but in neutral space not one they couldn't achieve. She was asking for a sacrifice from all of them. Every Nikto leader across Kintan, considered it in their own way. Some had heard of the army of light, from the priestesses at the temple, spreading the word, others knew nothing of it, and others still wondered just who this woman thought she was.

Patiently, gracefully standing before the eyes of millions. Now Sera just had to wait, to see if anyone interrupted the force's will, if there were any who dare challenge fate's hand, and her destiny. The Nikto she could speak to, she had done all her life, it was any outside influence that might throw her off track, dreams the night before had told her so.

Spoiler

Still open if someone wants to stop AoL gaining troops/ships here!

 

[XV-265]

XV-265's BT-7 Thundeclap arrived in Kintan's orbit.
He wanted to know more about this planet. In all his years he had never seen a planet like this one, nor a species that could be compared with this planet's inhabitants. He had been quite intrigued by the so called ''Vahlas''. But first he wanted to prepare his equipment and check the planets surface and atmosphere for anything that could damage his circuits or his armor.

 

[Sera Inkari]

In orbit the army of light shone bright, and on the surface she glowed in the fiery embrace of the planet, a part of it, she almost looked consumed by it but still kindled an individual fire in her own way. Much like the force within her. The silence was only interrupted by a single gruff Nikto voice, highly unimpressed.

"We have heard of your cult, woman. We serve hutts, and crime lords. What does a red robed women have that they don't?" In this her most holy of places, Sera heard the voice. Bringing the planet into the temples home in this way was not without its distaste.

"Value for your life." Sera replied softly, eyes closed using the force to guide her dreams and visions.

One voice was silenced, and another leader's voice came, one more community on the surface, a more practical voice and a simple question.

"How much water are we talkin' 'bout?" Water was worth more than credits or gold here, a good deal more.

Drifting in the dry dusty breeze, allowing it to guide her thoughts, her fiery red hair was blown free, robes lifted by the wind. Sera extended her arms outwards, palms upturned. The force spoke through her, in a soft sweet voice, she was its vessel, its will to her lips.

"For each family that lights the way, we will provide for all you will ever need. Where we can more, for your greater families, for your friends. Help us to help them, and you may carry that water yourself, help the force to help you." That sweet voice carried on the wind, to the ears of all who might weather this planets harsh storms. How many would answer she could not say, only that the words were being received by many communities, with mixed reactions.

Spoiler

Written to this Feel free to drop to the surface if you like, more of a gentler thread this one compared to the raid, can throw in a scuffle or two though.

@[member="XV-265"] @[member="Manu Xextos"]

 

[Manu Xextos]

Guess he just got in the water bailing business. @[member="Sera Inkari"] was eerily smart, the kind of woman that made a man like Manu forget she was a woman and not a drone. He watched the planet's skies, then the space above and around the Brynjar. Calling for a scanner report, he'd have every one of the ships scanners projecting out in case of enemy presence or unfamiliar party. All clear, so far. Fondling his goatee'd chin with his hand, Manu tapped at a couple of buttons on his Captain's console and called up @[member="XV-265"].

"@[member="XV-265"], Captain Manu Xextos of the AoL ship Brynjar here. I'm sending cargo surface bound, you need company on the descent? Can you run escort to the shuttle and its crew, over?"

Send the Nikto and Vahla a shipment of water from the Brynjar's stores. That should help Inkari's plea. Manu's stern Echani XO clicked her heels together in salute, then took off from the Bridge, grabbing a squad from the House of Keth with her to go to the planet's surface.

 

[XV-265]

XV-265 received the transmission and returned to the pilot's seat.

''@[member="Manu Xextos"], XV-265 here, mission parameters accepted. Send me the coordinates of the ships and the route they will be taking''

After he had responded to @[member="Manu Xextos"], he readied the ship's blasters and it's shield. He was secretly hoping something would go wrong and someone would try to stop the shuttles from reaching their destination. He could use some target practice.

 

[Manu Xextos]

Manu's XO and her Away Squad packed 400 litres of water into the cargo hold of one of the Brynjar's Lambda-Class shuttles, and sent the atmospheric entrance coordinates to @[member="XV-265"]'s computers. "Roger that, XV-265. Safe travels."

​The Army of Light was gaining ground too quickly, Manu kept his eyes in the stars waiting for any sign of trouble, heck even a Hutt ship coming in to pirate and pillage would be expected. A nuisance, but expected. He felt for @[member="Sera Inkari"], speaking into her mind. '400 Litres of H2O heading down to you on Brynjar's shuttle, with escort. Use it well.'

The shuttle left the docking bay and headed to XV-265's location to tango in past orbit to the surface below, jetting, hot winds striking their hulls bearably, yet perhaps not comfortably.

 

[Sera Inkari]

Slowly calls were coming in, statements and questions, a drifting downpour in the dream. Sera sensed them all, not so much heard them. Their voices swaying her to and fro, part of the planet's breeze, whispers in the song of the force everlasting. Kintan, she drowned herself baptized in its fires, and born anew each time she stood here. Answers she gave, to each one in turn. The currents of the force brought with it the varying chorus of voices, agreements made, while others haggled out of greed, or refused out of ignorance. Words leaving her lips to their predestined course, Sera was almost swept away, maintaining control and individuality, that was her weakness. One day she may drift off all together and just become the force.

"You frellin' mad schutta, you've got your answer comin' right now, thanks for pointing out your temple, Dinga the hutt sends his best." The transmission faded, her eyes opened, the voice wasn't in jest, his tone didn't have a trace of a lie. Real danger was coming her way.

In space above the burning globe temple, six ships appeared, Z-95's very old designs but updated enough to be a threat. They were moving straight for the shuttles, four of them anyway, the other two heading into the atmosphere and the planet, heading toward Sera. Something felt very wrong, to all concerned. @[member="Manu Xextos"] @[member="XV-265"] If anyone was watching Sera's transmission she was looking upward, was this her predestined fate, a rain of fire to add to the planet? Arms still extended, she watched and awaited what might happen, her voice answered by the calls from stars.

 

[XV-265]

XV-265 was putting in the coordinates he had received when he picked something up on his ship's scanners

I guess target practice has arrived He thought to himself when he saw six Z-95s appear on his radar. 4 of the ships were moving to the coordinates of the convoy, while the other two were descending into the planet's atmosphere, probably to attack @[member="Sera Inkari"] in her temple..
''XV-265 to @[member="Manu Xextos"], I will be intercepting the 4 Z-95s which are moving to attack the convoy.''

The old BT-7 Thunderclap, XV was piloting accelerated towards the convoy. His ship was fast so he would be there in time to protect the shuttles from getting shot down, though he wasn't sure if he could take all 4 on alone.

 

[Sera Inkari]

@[member="XV-265"] Two of the fighters broken to meet the droid, they were bold, brash, probably young and keen to earn their name. Starting to open up their guns the second the droid was in range. The other two started firing on @[member="Manu Xextos"]'s shuttles screeching in at two opposing, difficult angles to give the gunners some trouble.

Meanwhile in the atmosphere...

"The force bids you return home, lost brothers and sisters. Come no closer and you will not be harmed, we the cult of serenity grant you safe passage from this place. Once, " Sera's faith in the light and the force was unfazed.

The squint of the two fighter's above Kintan's light came down closer, about to fire. From the roof her arms extended up to greet them, just as the temple's own defenses fired, out of the side of the mountain top, she raised her arms high to touch toward the stars.

The cult of serenity, was also the burning globe to its members, for Kintan did not breed weak willed children. The two fighters were shot at, but still they came, and so Sera lowered her arms, and their light was extinguished, becoming as red dots on the skies of Kintan before they could do much harm.

"May they find their home in the force." Sera said to the assembled millions hearing the broadcast, those that had kept their communication lines open. Nowhere near as many as when she had started, but enough to make a difference. No Sith had stopped her, the rewards would become ever greater the longer she was unopposed.

Actually to the mercenary Nikto that display of strength had earned her a few friends, to Dinga the hutt however, she'd just become public enemy number one. "I Vagarris hear the red priestess, and will talk business with you in my shuttle, wait one hour." A trick or an ally? Time would tell. Perhaps help would soon be needed on the ground too.

Spoiler

Sorry about the delay on this I'll move it forward. Feel free to land after the battle in space.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Coci had received communications that fighters had entered space and attacking. She opened a commlink to all the ground ops stationed around Sera to be on alert. No sooner had she done that two fighters entered the atmosphere and descended toward the Temple. She smiled as the Temple defenses engaged and destroyed the enemy targets. Two less things to worry about, her prime objective is the safety of the Priestess Sera. Coci did not think much about the woman in red only that she is required to protect her and that was all she needed to know.

"I want more ops around the temple and close to the Priestess Sera, I don't want any stone unturned on this one. Protect her at all costs", she ended comms to the special forces. Only briefly did Coci look up to the woman high on the Temple roof, she sigh know that that position was open and made her an easy target, the Priestess continued on with the broadcast without batting an eye. Much to her credit, but still, Coci would have prefer her down on the ground where they could provide better security. But this is the circumstances and she worked with it, making sure spec ops are in the best positions to complete the job.

However, She hated the heat.

@[member="Sera Inkari"], @[member="XV-265"], @[member="Manu Xextos"],

 

[Methuzal]

[ No longer participating in this thread. Delete this post. ]

 

[Kelik Corinthus]

[Bailing from this thread. Delete this post.]

 

[Methuzal]

[ No longer participating in this thread. Delete this post. ]

 

[Sera Inkari]

As the battle in space raged on. @[member="XV-265"] @[member="Manu Xextos"]

One hour had passed.

Controlled by the Hutts, Kintan had no free natural water for massive distances around, so all the temple's water came from off world, and to the temple's Nikto on a regular basis, which is why this offer was worth so much. The water would obviously be distilled, they hadn't stored contaminated or unfiltered water aboard ship for the entire journey, even the crew's needs given the mixed species nature of AoL ships, needed basic, fresh slate water, with no impurities. Introducing anything into a population required care. Sera only drunk purified water, carrying it around her waist in many bottles, needing to quench her thirst repeatedly. Part of Raien's crystal intent and personality inside of her, as he only drunk distilled or purified water for about a decade, a further healing of his missing personality, and one reason for her selection.

Awaiting the arrival of the newcomer patiently, his ship pulled up on the temple ridge. A ridge you could only reach by ship, unless you braved the volcanoes and were made of strong stuff, quite the fortress, quite the heat. The M'shento'su'Nikto guest entering was taller than the average one, standing about two meters tall. No horns, a covered nose, he wore a navy hooded cloak and tunic, wrapped to shield him from the harsh reality the planet was contained within, armed of course, Nikto were not stupid, they didn't live very long around Hutts if they were.

"I am Vagarris and these are my... aids," aids, he said clearly trying to play up his status, which instead was an everyday mercenary. The Nikto with him looked rough, really rough, about half a dozen or so.

@[member="Coci Sinopi"] "Our guests are landing, please ensure we are not disturbed as best you can. The light is with you all, and our blessings." She spoke aside to those who guarded the temple, it was hot here, that was one disadvantage most had except the priestess's who were at their strongest here. Their ability to manipulate the environment, and their bodies tolerance to heat was quite... advanced. Not all was what it seemed, the guns in the mountainside, just the tip of the iceberg, or in this case the tip of a burning mountain. Many secrets awaited any who probed too deep....

Though Sera had secured some deals with the population, she had no real anchor on Kintan, she was trying to breach the light into a very dark place, burning bright as the planet may be, Hutts didn't give up control of their territories easily, even with a humanitarian offer such as they were making, questions were still being asked of their intent.

"Welcome to the temple of serenity Vagarris, the dreams told of your coming, and the force bids us welcome you to our temple." Robes draping off her wrist, Sera held out a hand to indicate the listeners behind her, carrying refreshments, food, wine and water. Nikto themselves, Esral'sa'Nikto were picked for their abilities to hear the whispers of faraway places, spies some might call them, to the temple they were invaluable, and of course loyal armed guards for the red priestesses of Kintan.

In the center of the room was a fountain, and the newcomers just stared in amazement at such a sight, impressed but not letting on, they didn't want to weaken their position. The leader especially made a point of ignoring the fountain, completely blanking it.

Most of the red priestess's were silent, at work, reading, recording, and receiving visions. A few came to greet their guests silently, the three leading ones waiting for them in the center of the temple, a square room, white and gold tiled floors, tidied and welcoming. Instead of fires, large blocks of ice were kept nearby to welcome visitors, blasters of the cold fanned from them as they melted, to be refrozen once more.

"Come, by the grace of the force you will find only friends here, and shelter, your cup will always be full and water... as much water as you can carry." Sera leaned her head ever so slightly down and smiled, drinking in the moment, basking in it. A chance to help the Nikto, and a chance to show them the force cared for life, for life was the force, and they wanted to see it prosper.

@[member="Methuzal"] @[member="Kelik Corinthus"]

 

[Veino Garn]

Veino strode nervously aboard the Brynjar near @[member="Manu Xextos"]. Useless. That's what he was. Useless. Not combat pilot certified, and not trained enough to handle the heat on the planet below. All he could was stay up here in the impersonal chill of space. He had been keeping an eye on the feeds, but nothing he could do would aid there either. It was a problem of being incompletely trained. Not much could be done without a proper Master to teach and watch out for. Not unless they were in large groups, anyways, and they didn't have enough Padawans for that.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

@[member="Sera Inkari"]

Coci nodded her understanding of her instructions. Immediately she set operative around the Temple, most are already there, but she ordered more to patrol the halls and gardens out side the Temple. As the ships landed with the guest, more security issued them safely into the Temple, where once behind the doors they would be escorted to the main meeting halls.

A constant check reported in, so far nothing presented as a threat to the talks. Coci happy thus far with proceeding, remained inside near by the Priestess Sera, she would guard her personally.

 

[Sera Inkari]

The guests began to stand around the temple in position, at the sides of the walls out of the way. Vagarris took up a cushion on the floor facing the high priestess's, Sera being the third among them. The priestess's offered them wine and words, they answered but they seemed to be stalling. A few more ships were inbound... a sail barge for one, a Hutt's favourite, not just any barge but an eclipse sail barge, armed to the teeth, with a gluttonous amount of escorts in tow. The platform had sails for show, bristling with guns on the hull and packed with... fun. They were a distance off but obviously not masking the fact they were coming in, and at full speed.

Right to the temple, uninvited. Dinga on board? Probably not, why come himself? He'd sent a warm welcome all the same. Coming in over the volcano range, it'd take them about twenty minutes to reach the temple at how fast they were coming. Sera smiled to @[member="Coci Sinopi"], happy to have someone keep an eye on the their guests. The extra visitors from the army of light were an unusual sight at the temple, but today they were needed. The usually silent temple, a bustle of activity for once, you could see it wasn't used to it.

"Our humble temple agrees we shall begin immediately..." The high priestess was about to finish, when there was some commotion outside, everyone could see the large procession coming at them.

It was that moment three of the guests present drew their weapons and pointed them the high priestesses....

"Dinga wants to know one thing..." Vagarris said, looking at @[member="Coci Sinopi"] in the eye.

A tense moment, as some of the listeners did the same, weapons all around being charged and pointed.

"Why should he deal with someone he can," Vagarris clicked his fingers, and the sounds of blasters being charged further hummed, "shoot." It was a threat, but a good one, Dinga knew where they were, and even what they planned to do, wouldn't be hard to undermine that now. Vagarris hadn't raised his weapon, he was overconfident staring everyone in front of him down.

@[member="Veino Garn"] @[member="Coci Sinopi"] @[member="XV-265"] @[member="Manu Xextos"]

 

[Manu Xextos]

Brynjar Bridge
In Orbit

@[member="Veino Garn"]'s nerves were beginning to give the empathic Xextos a headache. Manu snapped his fingers at the tracking screens and holo projections and scratched his goatee.

"Veino, is it? C'mere." Manu called him to the Captain's Station and smirked. "What do you make of @[member="Sera Inkari"] down there? Think she's got the crowd listening or does she need another voice?" Get the Padawan thinking about solutions, get Garn on the front end of the peaceful offensive. "Think up something you could say to make the people down there believe us more."

In space, the hutt ships broke away from @[member="XV-265"] and came for Manu's XO and her team. The call signs came in on the offensive, and the shuttles strafed and yawed, breaking pointe to force their guns. The Echani were no pacifists, they waited for nothing before firing on the attacking ships.

Where Sera showed mercy, Manu Xextos and his Echani troops would show the diligence and effectiveness of war.