Because Reasons [Lords of the Fringe Dominion of Silken Asteroids]

[Laura Na'Varro]

Coordinates: O-20​

Location: Silken Asteroids​

​

Intel reports suggested that this would be a dull one. The task had come down from Arbiter General Na'Varro, who had grabbed the reins of Fringe military actions lately and started an aggressive expansion policy. Basically, General Victus' perfect idea of a superior commander. This one was a dud, though. Take a fleet to the Silken Asteroids and hold it, in order to deter any of those pesky Vitae Alliance urchins from trying to take it for themselves. Tactically sound maneouvre, to be sure, but not exactly exciting. No medals to be won by babysitting a bunch of cold, lifeless asteroids. But General Victus was a soldier first. He knew how to do what he was told.

The fleet popped out of hyperspace close to the asteroid belt, a couple of Permanence-class battleships supporting two Jun-class carriers, a smattering of cruisers and frigates and support vessels. By no means a large fleet, but large enough for its purpose.

"Sir." His aide, Lieutenant Uehara, beckoned him over. "We're getting energy readings, reference the display."

Victus frowned and had a look. A high amount of dispersed, small energy readings. He grunted in annoyance.

"Looks like fighters and small ships, maybe freighters." Victus folded his arms. "Probably leftover Vong from that Horde rabble that were around not so long ago. Launch all fighters, send them and the frigates forward to deal with this mob."

All of a sudden, the dark space around them lit up with blue plasma. Victus' flagship, the Iron Duke, took a grazing hit, shaking the ship violently and throwing all standing personnel to the floor. The old General pulled himself to his feet, dazed and bleeding.

"Sir, those came from the Asteroids. We've lost contact with the Sakura ... what the hell was that!"

Bad intel reports then. Victus gritted his teeth and prepared for the fight to come.

OOC: In the air, we have about 200 starfighters and armed freighters to destroy. They're operated by crazed Vong and won't stop coming at us. On the asteroids, we have six humongous bug-shaped monsters that are shooting massive plasma balls at us (think Starship Troopers). End-state is destroying all of these things by the end of 100 posts. You're probably best off in spaceships, though you can go at 'em however you like. Good luck!

Spoiler

[member="Lucianus Adair"] [member="Ashin Varanin"] [member="Spencer Jacobs"] [member="Dissero"] [member="Coren Starchaser"] [member="Jala Rekab"] [member="Mara Linth"] [member="Elias Truden"] [member="Lucien Cordel"] @jeez, so out of the loop, I'll just put this up in the Starport

 

[Darth Athora]

Jala was in a hard rush to prepare for her first mission with the Fringe Confederacy. This was her chance to impress the more veteran members and she was going to make her first impression an impressive one. Impressed yet?

The mere concept of outcasts and misfits banding together to form their own government. It's surprising it hasn't imploded upon itself really considering it's origins. The one possible reason they've kept it together for this long? Freedom. As a jensaarai, regarding their history of being hunted down and killed by both Jedi and Sith, freedom was a breath of fresh air.

But, back to the task at hand.

Now, Jala had no true combat experience when it came to dogfights. Sure, she has experienced simulators and all but that wasn't anything like the real thing. But, that's what pushed Jala to do this. So, with her coolth suit tucked under her flight suit, Jala approached the hangar bay, picked out her ride, and prepared for war.

 

[Jared Starchaser]

Jared Starchaser was being deployed. He was part of the Starfighter Command for Fringe Federation and the top gun of the Warbird Wing. Didn't mean he was in charge, but it did give him a lot of pull with that wing and his home, the ISD Dawn Treader. Launching the flights out of the Treader he checked the readings. Time for a bit of fun, and they were Vong style fighters. Even more fun.

"Looks like we're going to have to take them down shadow-bomb style. Stick to your flight groups, overlap shields and watch your wingman." Was the order he was giving to his pilots. "General, this is CAG Starchaser in Warbird Wing. We're heading to intercept. Any other Wings or flights are welcome to join us, and we'll work them into the solution."

He grabbed the throttle and sped off towards the combat zone, reaching out with the Force to grab his wingmen, make the connection and fly using Force Meld. A thing he could do, sometimes.

[member="Jala Rekab"] [member="Tiber Victus"]

 

[Allyson Locke]

Listening to the discussions on the bridge, Spencer played with a small chocolate covered biscuit cookie. She was part of the high council that ran the Fringe, having more time on her hands allowed her to appear in battles such as this along with being a battle meditation specialist and Ashin’s personal strategist. She was someone that was helpful, when she wasn’t busy playing with her treats. After a few more times of rolling the cookie between her fingers she took a large bite and savored the sweet yet slightly bitter chocolate.

That was dark chocolate for you. Finishing of the biscuit, she suckled her index finger gently, making sure all the chocolate was gone. The turbulence was something unexpected, but she was quick to gain her composure and avoid falling over. Fixing herself, she stood straight and looked towards the General. “That didn’t sound too well.” Moving closer, she stood near him and offered him her hand. “I can take care of that bleeding for you. I need you firing on all cylinders.”

[member="Tiber Victus"]

 

[Arage Bao]

It was a flicker in the air, the slight shimmer that implied and coaxed, but never put out for your viewing pleasure. There wasn't much more to say, the Lord of the Fringe had been gone for a long while- the only suggestions of his presence had been the slow churn of his political apparatus trying to keep the Fringe together, a headless hydra all things considered.

But effective to a slight degree.

The flicker of presence turned into echoes that would resonate in [member="Spencer Jacobs"]'s mind. Said echoes slowly collapsed into themselves and finally formed words.

"Hello little sister, how have you been?"

Even ascended, Jared Ovmar was an ass.

 

[Allyson Locke]

Spencer smirked, she had wondered when this old fool was going to show up again. It seemed he was too attached to this plane at times. He was with in her mind, which it seemed now was the only time he could actually get through to psyche. Relaxing her shoulders, confident in knowing if she wanted him out she could send him out. It was a comfort though, probably one that she should eventually give up, but for now he remained comforting. The conversation remained unnoticed by the rest of the crew and the commander. Spencer focused a small part of her mind to answering the ascended man.

I was wondering why I couldn't sense you anymore. What did you get yourself into now? [member="Jared Ovmar"]

 

[Arage Bao]

His eyes had witnessed the birth of stars and their subsequent demise, he had explored worlds and realities one could not even imagine, ancient civilizations had been studied and artifacts had changed hands more often then he could remember.

But in the end the Lord of the Fringe felt Alpha Site pull on him, his own reality, the world that had spawned him and where his family lived. Ovmar had missed them, even though he would never voice such feelings, that would only embarrass them.

'Exploring reality, my dear. It has been quite... the ride.' the faintest chuckle of mirth escaped the apparition. 'But I suppose I am back now.'

'How have you and ours been in my absence?'

 

[Lucien Cordel]

Lucien was not a man for wars of guns and battle ships, his type of war was fought with words and diplomacy. It was entirely by accident that he came to become involved in a battle over the Silken asteroids. He had actually been hosting something of a gathering, he had rather recently been dealt two hands of bad luck. Firstly he had been publicly disgraced and fired all in one go then he had been taken to an alternate realm only to find that the worlds in his control had all fallen out of fringe control. It was all rather embarrassing.

To this end he had decided some new allies were in order , it was clear that he had no allies among the political elite and so he had turned to the grass roots politicians . Men and women who had not heard much about him or even been to the capital. He had sent out notice to every back water planet in fringe territory and invited them to a networking event aboard his ship The Potestas. Which had only recently been rearmed.

Lucien had been in the middle of talking with several minor politicians when he had been alerted to the trouble that was going on . He supposed he would have to lend a hand. As such he ordered a commander and flight crew be transported over and that the vessel be made combat ready. It was no Great War machine but it would have to do.

As far his guests he ordered that the shutters on the observation deck be lowered and the projectors started his trusted his team would keep the guests occupied and with any luck no one would notice they were in a combat zone ... May be today would be his lucky day.

 

[Cameron Centurion]

Silver-green eyes lazily perused the activities on the bridge. The Sith Lord knew these people...pretty much not at all, but it wasn't like he really made an attempt to get to know anyone these days either. Folds of dark blue and gray fell around the length of his body and the hood of his cloak draped his already dark features in an even greater shadow.

Folding his arms across his chest, the Mask of Aatrox allowed his conscious mind to briefly drift to memories of the past. The Silken Asteroids...they'd been taken before, cleansed of the Horde's influence. However, Cameron had no doubt that small elements remained or had an opportunity to resurface during The Reaping. He found the very plausible concept somewhat irritating, but he'd come to know this to be the way of the galaxy long ago.

 

[Sargon Vynea]

Dust and shadows, it could be the title of a book about the recent history of Sargon. Self imposed isolation to provide time for his own soul searching, time to simply meditate and wait on the will of the Force. In the most honest terms, time to fade away into his own tiny corner of the galaxy. It had been far too long though, most of his responsibilities handed down to trusted men. He may have still held all the titles, but he'd dropped all the weight, and turned his attention to meditation and hiding from the problems of the larger galaxy. So much death, pain, hate, and destruction, it had simply been to much to watch. Yet hiding from such things did not stop them, nor did it improve the lives of the people of the Fringe. So it was that hearing of an old friend's attempt at pulling his own ambitions back together Sargon finally crawled out of the hole he hid in.

Of course he hadn't arrived on time, but he had managed to arrive just as the ship headed out when Lucien called for a flight crew to be brought in. Seems there was some adventure to be had beyond politics in this meeting. In full legionnaire armor the only real items that would make him stand out were his sword and shield, a rather silly looking thing he supposed in the age of turbolasers, but it had served him well this long. Striding alongside Lucien as the ship began moving started its journey through hyperspace he grinned inside his helmet. "Well you've got one good thing going for you. You can take a warmer planet this time around, Zaadja, had some great industry but the woman? Bah!"

[member="Lucien Cordel"]

 

[Jared Starchaser]

Great. Something was coming out of the asteroids. Time to get to work.

Now was the time when he wished he listened to his father's advice and put a stereo in the Exalt he was flying in. He shook his head, that probably would throw off the jam, unless the BPM could adjust to the fight he was in. Still, now was the time for orders. "Warbird Wing, stay steady. Treader, we're heading into the fight, keep us update on any changes that occur." Because he was reaching out to his Wing and the other fighters to get them to focus up. Meld and attack. He'd keep the shields up, a bit of the Force and some fancy tricks he knew.

"This is Starchaser to Iron Duke actual." If it was the Admiral, that'd be one thing, and all sorts of Cylons would be in trouble. But it was the General [member="Tiber Victus"], and these Vong remnants were in for it. "Long range scanners and the Force are showing we're dealing with some Vong out here. Want us lure them in or keep them busy?"

Needed orders so he knew how to mess with them, after all.

If no orders came, he'd light the enemy up and knock them down.

 

[Lucien Cordel]

Lucien turned to [member="Sargon Vynea"] rather surprised to see the solider. The surprise was none the less a pleasant one, "I'm glad to see your returned to work, as you can see much has changed " lucien announced continuing he brisk walk to his quarters "much has turned to poodoo" He muttered under his breath. In addition to accounting staff and crew members via intercom lucien also continued to engage with Sargon's conversation. Talk of Zaadjas women raised a chuckle from lucien "Trust me I intend to get much more than a few backwater planets this time around ... Far more" by now he had reached his little slice of sanctuary onboard the vessel. Realising he was getting ahead of himself lucien quickly changed the topic of conversation " however more on that later for now we have a battle to fight , I trust you can be of assistance" lucien asked as he led Sargon into his war-room stroke drawing room. As he poured himself a glass of red wine the map table sprang to life and a direct line to the bridge sparked into activity.

Just outside a balcony overlooked the politicians all busy blowing hot air around , if they were to be believed they had all been robbed and defiled in the crisis resulting from the disappearances. It was , In Lucien's opinion, rather quant that they all sought to appear the most destitute whilst he himself was attempting to maintain a grand facade that he was still relevant. Lucien strolled from his drinks cabinet to the head of the map table "Broadcast that we are a functioning repair and first aid facility whilst I evaluate the best offensive strategy" Lucien ordered the bridge.

 

[Laura Na'Varro]

[member="Jala Rekab"] [member="Jared Starchaser"] [member="Spencer Jacobs"] [member="Jared Ovmar"] [member="Sargon Vynea"] [member="Cameron Centurion"] [member="Lucien Cordel"]

"Gratitude, Councilor Jacobs, for the assistance." General Victus took his superior's hand gratefully, and turned his mind to the task at hand. A High Councilor and the Lord of the Fringe on his bridge at once, for a mission that five minutes hence had been considered a walk in the park. What were they not telling him? Another powerful man stood in the corner, darker of skin with green of eye. Victus knew not who he was, but he gathered that the man was Sith.

"Long range scanners and the Force are showing we're dealing with some Vong out here. Want us lure them in or keep them busy?" That was Starchaser from Warbird Wing, a capable starfighter commander. Victus would use him to his will, and use him well.

"Warbird Actual, this is Iron Duke Actual. The situation develops. Press the enemy, find their gaps and then shape them into EA Vornskr for destruction, over." EA Vornskr was their alternate pre-prepared engagement area. "All ships, this is Iron Duke Actual. Blocking Force, FRAGO, prepare to copy, over. Assault Force, wait out."

"This is Block Force, send over."

"Iron Duke Actual. Situation, we have in the vicinity of two hundred threat vehicles massing to our front, and are taking heavy fire from unidentified possible Victors from the surface of the asteroids. Mission, Blocking Force is to fix enemy at EA Vornskr in order to set conditions for enemy destruction. Execution, Admin and Command & Sig no change from O Group. Over."

"Block Force wilco, over."

"Iron Duke Actual, out. Assault Force, FRAGO prepare to copy, over."

"Assault Force, send, over."

"Iron Duke Actual, Situation, we have in the vicinity of two hundred threat vehicles massing to our front, and are taking heavy fire from unidentified possible Victors from the surface of the asteroids. Mission, Assault Force is to destroy enemy at EA Vornskr in order to achieve space superiority in the AO. Execution, Admin and Command & Sig no change from O Group. Over."

"Assault Force, roger that, over."

"Iron Duke Actual, out."

Now Victus turned his attention to dealing with the unidentified signatures on the asteroid belt that were chewing his capital ships up with ass-spraying plasma.

 

[Jared Starchaser]

There was just something about the rhythm of battle and the rhythm of some musical acts throughout the galaxy. Those hard and heavy bass drops and industrial sounds. That was what Jared could use for this fight. But he'd sadly (oh so sadly) would just have to make due with the sounds of his engines, the TIE lasers firing and the Vong fighters exploding. That would be a decent enough soundtrack for this missions.

When Iron Duke Actual came over the comlink, Jared nodded. Move the enemy to EA Vornskr. Simple enough, he could manage that. His team of pilots, and whoever else wanted to join the fray. Move to intercept, press the attack, and lure them into the zone. “Warbird Actual, roger, wilco. See you at Vornskr.”

Switching channels to the starfighters, his next message was directed at his Wing, but all wings and pilots in the fray would hear. “Alright 'birds, you heard the man. Lets take it to them, weapons hot. Fight where you can, break the group up, and bring them into Vornskr. Hawks, hit them hard, and Kites, you'll be the bait. Peregrines, you catch the outliers.” Orders to the squads away, he switched his Exalt to blasters and opened fire, strafing through a flight of rock fighters. “Watch for those plasma launchers, not sure even these Exalts can take a hit from them!”

Work work work.

[member="Tiber Victus"]

 

[Sargon Vynea]

With a small smile the Zabrak listened to his friend's words, the man would be back on top again of that he had no doubt. Sargon himself had been lucky Bakura wasn't lost to the Fringe, not that in truth he'd had any hand in that, it was simply dumb luck. “Such is the nature of the universe, Lucien, constant change. You will adapt and grow from this though I've no doubt. As for Zaadja its only a matter of time till its reabsorbed into the Fringe itself. If anything its a brief reminder of the chaos that existed before the Fringe was formed.”

His eyes traveling over to the map he chuckled at the changes that had indeed happened upon himself. “Aye, the times have changed. Last time I was engaged in space combat I was commanding the Astral Horizon, and of in all places the defense of Fondor. I'm at your disposal, Lord Lucien.” Going silent as the reports from the Silken Asteroids came in the Zabrak moved his eyes over the map. Fighters and ground emplacements, always a fun combination with limited room for capital ship maneuverability.

With a nod towards Lucien the Zabrak settled down on the floor and closed his eyes. “In a moment we'll be out of hyperspace I'll attempt to sense what type of opposition is set up on the asteroids themselves. I'm guessing the general will be using mostly bombers to take them out, but I haven't worked with the man so I could be wrong.” Relaxing as he gave into the Force he couldn't help just as he did a momentary feeling of excitement, it had simply been too long.


[member="Lucien Cordel"] [member="Tiber Victus"]

 

[Crystal]

[member="Cameron Centurion"]

It seemed like just yesterday that the Moross Crusade had taken over the Silken Asteroids. And yet the Lords of the Fringe were set to do it again. Considering she'd been there once before, she thought she'd come along and lend a hand. It also seemed that she was not the only one experiencing deja vu.

Silently she communicated with Cameron as she had so many times over the hundreds of years that they'd known one another.

Nothing interesting happening I take it? Why don't you join me for a chat?