Blinding Light

[Darth Metus]

The Blue Krait, Cularin Asteroids

With the recent turbulence that characterized the Galaxy, a need was epitomized within the southernmost nation. War seemed to be an inevitability in the present; and as such the Confederacy had to prepare. To this end, its shipyards and production plants had kicked into overdrive...and mining operations across the stars had increased. However, with this increase in production came the necessity of insurance; for pirates, slavers, and other such rogues loved to prey upon the routes in order to make a quick credit. With this particular threat being a cold reality, patrols had been dispatched all the more. Such is what inspired the Blue Krait, the personal vessel of Isley Verd, to surge forth from the depths of Hyperspace. The destination this day was one that the Mandalorian had seen once before; for here he had ferried the Ragnell Squadron only months prior. The Cularin Asteroids was a location at the edge of Republic Space, which was not typically a place frequented by patrol forces of the Confederacy. However, an agreement signed long ago had allowed the nation to conduct mining operations upon these Adegan-rich stones; which would yield cloaking devices if applied correctly.

As he stood upon the bridge of his vessel, the beskar-clad warrior looked through the glasteel viewport. The black of space was marred by the presence of stars...and hundreds upon hundreds of asteroids. Upon approach, he turned his attention to the navigation officer and said simply: "Slow on approach. Bring us about." This order was replied with an enthusiastic "yes sir!" and the engines of the vessel roared to accommodate this command. With grace and precision, the corvette danced betwixt and between the asteroids, ultimately slowing once they reached the target: a moon-sized asteroid amongst the rest. There, mining operations had already begun to take place, and it was the Blue Krait's duty to make sure that they went on without a hitch. As such, Isley signaled the navigational officer to slow the vessel to a halt and also gave the order to engage the cloaking device. At once, the corvette was veiled from the visible spectrum; in addition to all manner of sensors. "Get a message to the mining crews. Let them know we're here. Also, call our passengers aboard; might as well turn guard duty into a learning experience." he said, once more gaining an enthusiastic affirmation in response.

Then, as he folded his arms behind his back, awaiting the arrival of those who had decided to tag along, a blaring noise quickly filled the bridge. Whipping his head about, Isley saw that the din originated from the radar station. "What're the scanners picking up?" he inquired; his tone calm despite the tension the alarm caused in the personnel. The officer operating the station looked to his superior and said, with terror characterizing her voice: "Sir, there's multiple blips on the radar; I think it's pirate forces scattered about the asteroids...but the main problem is this anomaly...It's unlike anything I've ever seen. It's only a few thousand meters out and approaching fast. I-I don't know what it is sir, but it's massive." Under his breath, the Mandalorian swore silently before issuing orders in his "urgent" tone. "Get the mining crews outta there, asap. Weapons primed." he said, whilst turning his attention to the viewport once more. His eyes gazed in the direction of the supposed anomaly...and what he saw caused his jaw to literally drop. From out of the darkness came a light...an enormous, blazing light.

Spoiler

[member="Matsu Xiangu"], [member="Ikki Ike"], [member="Atretes Rhoujen"], [member="Eldoc Quasat"], @Anyone Else Who'd Like to Join

 

[Matsu Xiangu]

Matsu was quickly coming to like being aboard ships. Perhaps it was a dangerous thing to crave – the ungrounded, the uncertainty of life in space – but she sought it out all the same. So when the opportunity for a little guard duty had come up she’d taken it for more than just experience. The corvette was a thing of beauty and as such she could barely tell they were cutting a swath through the stars at all. But she knew it, and it settled her.

She was headed towards the bridge and her Master – perhaps looking to catch a glimpse of the wide, dark expanse of stars ahead of them through the viewport – and was close enough to hear the blare of the alarm as it sounded. Picking up the pace she rushed towards the bridge just in time to hear her Master’s orders to get the mining crews of their positions. She’d been with him long enough to know that ‘urgent’ tone, one that brooked no question as to whether his word was law. Her eyes slipped over the crew as they immediately set to work following his orders, then to him, then to…she had no choice – the light consumed, demanded her attention and even as it became painful to look at she couldn’t help but wonder.

Drawing up to his side, she lifted a hand to shield her eyes slightly. She had no words to describe what was slowly unfolding before them, but she sincerely hoped the rest of the crew that had volunteered to come along were on their way.

Spoiler

[member="Isley Verd"] [member="Ikki Ike"] [member="Atretes Rhoujen"] [member="Eldoc Quasat"] @all the friends

 

[Seanna Vel]

Even those she was the newest member still had a lot to learn. It was one thing she was willing that was to put in the hard work and learn. To one looking at her look such a green horn off the farm of Kiffex. In the full armor of the order, taking a bit to get use to then her regular blue jean and shirt. It also to her taste fight a bit form fitting, to see all the curves which didn't like very much. On her side she cared her weapons of choices. On the way to the bridge she was after getting the call only to find an alarm blaring in her ears. "Oh poppy cock whats in blazing shit going on." taking her easy gate she had to a flat out run. Only stepping down to a gate that once could see that had a mission. With a swooshing of the doors, in came the black beatify that she was all in armor her hair pulled back out of her face. Noting was special about her she was just keep herself natural looking the way she like it. Upon enter seeing the crew busy, to finding that one in command, their leader. Coming up to him, before speaking. Only her accent and matter of speaking hadn't be curve yet but was being worked upon.

Hey sweetie pea, what the heck going on, did I miss the part of a warm welcome party going on. giving one of her loops side grin that had been a sweet look but also one that met business and of seriousness. Crossing her hand a cross her chest first then thinking better of the mannerism dropping them down to her side.

Spoiler

[member="Isley Verd"] @Ikki Ike @Atretes Rhoujen @Eldoc Quasa [member="Matsu Xiangu"]

 

[Ikki Ike]

Well this was quite a fun sight to behold and Ikki was glad she was a part of it. With all that was going on and going around in the CIS, the Templars as she straightened up around the cabin letting her gloves hang out just a little bit from her top. Then she was listening to the others and looking intently forward out a viewport. Her senses going out as the small ebbs and flow of their traveling led her to stand nexct to Matsu and Seanna. Seeing Isley she bowed withdrawing the diamond tipped gloves and slowly started to slide them on. The spools of monomolecular wire not coming out but the tipped weights were there. Her eyes squinted before a hand came up to shield her eyes and Ikki spoke feeling in almost. "A distortion like this can mess with systems sir. As well as the course we have laid in."

 

[Djonas Vile]

Such a pity to see the galaxy falling apart at the seams through war and bloodshed while the Confederacy stood strong and resilient. But, it is always better to be safe than sorry. The Confederacy would have to be prepared for any form of attack brought onto them by forces who would dare oppose us, whoever they might be. Instead of getting fat and lazy like a sultry Hutt, the Confederacy was going to do something about it.

When Djonas received word that a mining operation was to be done in the Cularin asteroids, he could not help but tag along. He arrived shortly after [member="Isley Verd"] in the Emerald Dawn, his personal Templar-class freighter, awaiting orders from the Mandalorian. Djonas stood at the command deck of the ship alongside his XO.

"Captain, stay on alert. Any disturbances are to be relayed to me immediately." Djonas commanded of his XO.

"Yes sir. It should be nothing more than a routine operation, m'lord. Hopefully. If not, we're the Confederacy. There's no such thing as disturbances. Just nuisances." the captain replied, followed by a hefty laugh.​

​

"True enough. I'll be in my quarters." Djonas replied, laughing with the XO.

Djonas left the command deck and walked down the corridor towards his private quarters. Once there, he would meditate on the Force, immersing himself in it's power. But, Djonas was halted by the alert sirens of the ship. A message exited the speakers above.

"Lord Vile, we've got incoming ships with unknown signatures and something even more massive headed straight towards us." the XO relayed.​

​

Djonas whipped around and headed for the command deck once more. The shell spider silk of his Templar armor fluttered as he ran to get more knowledge on the situation. "Captain, ready the weapons. She was't made for a fight but she's got one coming to her now."

[member="Ikki Ike"] | @Seanna Vel | [member="Matsu Xiangu"] | [member="Isley Verd"]

 

[Darth Metus]

With each passing moment, the blinding light seemed to only intensify; a fact that caused the crew to avert their eyes and cover their faces. However, for the Mandalorian, the luxury of a photochromatic visor was one of the many perks incorporated into his beskar'gam. Therefore, he was afforded the luxury of looking ahead into the light without so much as squinting. As the seconds rolled by, the radar officer called out over the blaring noise that filled the Bridge, alerting all those who had assembled beside the Mandalorian of the current situation. "The mining crews have begun their evac; and we've got pirates inbound!" she began, before checking the monitor before her once more. "The anomaly is only one thousand meters out now sir." With this information in hand, the Mandalorian then began to issue orders to his subordinates once more; the urgent tone of his voice reverberating with the metallic edge of his helm. "Scramble the fighters we have. Have them cover the mining crews until they're clear. Helmsman, bring us about; I want a clear shot at whatever the kark is coming outta that light."

Now the Mandalorian took a moment to place his attention upon the trio who had joined him on the bridge. First to arrive was [member="Matsu Xiangu"], his faithful apprentice. Silence ruled the young woman as she gazed out at the light, as if she were captivated by its radiance. Isley had to assume that she had never before seen anything like it...for he sure as hell hadn't. Next was one of the newest members of the Templar Order, one @Seanna Vel. She addressed Isley with an accented voice devoid of the typical tact that usually accompanied an Aspirant speaking to a Master. However, the Mandalorian did not hold it against her; for the situation at hand warranted the chucking of tact out the window. "The usual welcome party is pirates; and that we handle beautifully...but this? This takes the cake." he said. He then looked to the third arrival, [member="Ikki Ike"], and rendered to the silent woman a nod of acknowledgement. Generally, he would have said something...but then something changed in the light. From azure to crimson did its hue shift, immediately drawing Isley's full attention once more...and then, in an instant, the light disappeared.

"What in the-?" Isley began, confusion characterizing his voice before he looked to the radar officer. "What's on radar?" The woman, obviously still reeling from the anomaly's presence, looked down upon the screen and said: "I'm picking up two capital ships. They're enormous. Heavy Cruisers and the very least..." The officer opened her mouth to speak once more, but then a salvo of turbolaser fire began to rocket forth from the "anomalies". One fired upon the other, whilst the victim sporadically launched an assault against the asteroids. Explosions rippled across the rocks suspended in black, causing debris to impact the Blue Krait's hull relentlessly. "Evasive maneuvers! Get us outta the line of fire!" Isley roared. Immediately, his order was followed to the letter and the vessel sliced through the field and into the clear. Once there, Isley motioned to the helmsman who brought up a closer image of the vessels on the main screen. They were enormous alright...and bearing ancient markings. One of the Galactic Republic...and one of the Confederacy.

"Can these...really be vessels from...the past?" Isley breathed, before racking his brains. He began to formulate a strategy...a risky one...but it would give the mining crews the time they needed to get away; and would also afford them the firepower to keep whatever pirate crews that decided to hang around far, far away. Turning to the trio who had assembled on the bridge, Isley said rather simply: "If you need weapons, armor, or whatnot...Now's the time to go and get them...Because we are boarding those vessels. Any questions?" Then, looking to the helmsman, he added: "Get a message out to [member="Djonas Vile"]. Let him know that we're going to board...the ship that's firing haphazardly at us. Have him draw its fire if he can."

Spoiler

[member="Matsu Xiangu"], @Seanna Vel, [member="Ikki Ike"]

 

[Seanna Vel]

Her own eyes letting them be shielded by such a bright light. Only to find herself blinking back the stars. To come fast orders from the one that would be the leader of the Templar but not only that the whole kitten conbootal. Only to come fact with having to grip on the first thing she could as the ship turn sharply to what seem to be the threat now. "Shit to ..oh who the heck gives them that right...to open fire... Giving him a nod with her head, only to come to find herself walking oh who was she joking running her sweet little ass down to the armor. Grabbing piece of armor and weapons that look like that would be cool to play with.

Finding herself waiting for those that to come on this find journeying to board the ship. All she could do was wait and cheek each weapon,out making should she had extra amomon. Started to huming a simple tune.

Spoiler

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKMTu1GDi_w

 

[Ikki Ike]

Ikki looked at the ships and then at the others for a moment while she gave a nod to the master and withdrew her gloves. The diamond tips shined before she started to slide them on and walk with the others. Small spools of wire coming to her other hand with a glistening sheen from the light catching them the right way, diamond tips for weights of the monomolecular wire. "Understood, we'll be ready."

 

[Matsu Xiangu]

Matsu braced herself as debris came flying towards the ship, looking out of the viewport once everything was steady to see...no, impossible. She had the strangest sensation of her mind stretching as she realized what she was looking at. Or thought she was looking at. But her thought was confirmed when she caught Isley's under-the-breath wonder if the ships were from the past. They were certainly older models from Matsu's knowledge, their symbols bright but outdated.

There was no time to watch them however as stray fire glanced past the Blue Krait, causing Matsu to once more brace herself. All she had was a nod for her Master, absently running her hand over the hilt of Tianzun. She'd been practicing meticulously with the sword, honing her skills to use it as any of her companions would a lightsaber. It seemed today would be the day to break it in.

She moved to run her fingers over the armor, holding back a small smile as she heard [member="Seanna Vel "]'s humming. The woman seemed completely in her element and as Matsu moved along with the trio who already gathered in prep to board the ship she gave her a curious look. "Not your first time?" she asked, nodding her head towards the ship outside. [member="Ikki Ike"] had also drawn her attention with her diamond tipped gloves - now that was fancy.

And they were going to need fancy against the ships outside.

[member="Isley Verd"]
[member="Djonas Vile"]

 

[Djonas Vile]

A shower of laser fire from the pirate vessels came pouring at the Confederate ships providing watch over the mining operation. The crew of the Emerald Dawn remained as calm as possible despite being within a ship that'd be better of made of tissue paper in a space battle such as the one occurring now. "General Djonas. We're receiving a message from the Blue Krait. They have plans on boarding one of the larger vessels ahead and wish for us to draw fire away so they have a clear path."

"So the lusty Mandalorian actually needs my help? And he wants me to risk my and my crew's life so his ass isn't hit by a turbo laser?" The deck was silent for a moment save for the sounds of the stations before the entire crew, including Djonas, burst into laughter. "Tell that zabaraka that we got his back. Put all power to the shields. We're gonna be hit harder than Alderaan."

The Emerald Dawn roars trough the black of space through the battle, drawing as much attention from the Blue Krait as it could. The ship of the former Sith knight suffered from few hits thanks to the expert pilot at the helm, chosen by Djonas himself. The large vessel was a powerful ship of the line, firing relentlessly at the Emerald Dawn. "If I die today, I'm going to kill that Mandalorian!"

[member="Isley Verd"]