Blood Moon Rising

[Aela Talith]

Quarantine Zone
[member="Tiland Kortun"] | [member="Ryan Korr"]

"Hm?" Aela said as she finally looked up. "Oh. I'm fine, thank you."

The words weren't a lie, she really was better than she had been even a short while ago. The trip with Jacen had helped and she'd once again applied her light ink tattoo that would protect her from any more...incidents, but there was a reason she wasn't carrying her weapons at the moment. "I'm sorry for bumping into yo-"

Aela cut herself off as Ryan reached for his lightsaber.

She perked an eyebrow, but said nothing as the man half turned into the breeze and peered towards the storm. The Jedi Master frowned, attempting to see if there was anything within the thick thunderclouds. She saw nothing of course, and sensory applications of the force had never exactly been her best either. Bright orange eyes searched through the darkened skies, her gaze eventually wandering towards the young padawan approaching her holding a small tome.

"Master Talith I fo-"

Aela cut the young girl off. "Shia, head back inside."

The Padawan gave her and Master Korr a perplexed look, but then immediately nodded her head and moved back towards one of the larger buildings in the Quarantine zone. She had no idea what or who Master Korr sensed, but that didn't really matter much. She could still handle herself, even without weapons.

 

[Ras'kala'han]

It was all Darth Vesper could do to keep from breaking out into crystal laughter. What could he say? Misery loves company, and for what felt like untold eons he had lived in the gap between wanting and having. It was a home, comfortable and easy for him to fall into - but no longer was it his destiny. No, now it was time for actualization, for him to move and feel movement in response. Suffering could be a solemn duty that other people take over for him.

For example, his new apprentice.

"Five minutes, according to the recent broadcast - in practice, though, now. You can choose whether to follow me or no - but I promise, no matter what we do, you will be seeing me 'til I sicken you, so I suppose it's a question of your safety against your sanity. An easy question, however, since a Sith cannot expect either.

"Remember, the rules apply to your little friend too. So let's try not to let the both of you get things out of hand, hm?" He tilted his head, then, with a slightly loping step, walked briskly towards the meeting point, wondering who he'd get to see in action. He made a mental note to later access as many body cameras and the like as possible, possibly collate them to be able to make dossiers on his 'allies' for when they inevitably butted heads.

Of course, work like that came well after the battle, in all sorts of patience and subtlety. Now was different - as he stepped towards the deployment zone, ready to hurtle to the ground with absolute confidence, he hummed a happy tune. Soon, very soon, he would be able to at long last uncage himself, avenge himself on the filthy ancestral enemies of his people. His was an impersonal contempt - like they were a particularly disgusting blemish - and a cold joy, the rush of pushing his own limits.

Show me what you have to give; I will take everything from you.

| [member="Darren Korpil"] | [member="Darth Saarai"] |​

 

[Baxter Weyland]

Location: With all the other Sith FU's (Tai Fa's ship)
Allies: [member="Darth Saarai"], [member="Darren Korpil"], [member="Jorryn Fordyce"], [member="Darth Vesper"], [member="Vaylin"], [member="Ashaiya Mar'Dikan"]
Enemies: TBD, Jedi tho

His body ached where metal cut into flesh and bone, screamed where he had to cut away festering flesh, and howled as pain racked his mind as it did every day. The treatments helped him little, merely keeping his state from ever worsening which in a sense would all he could ask for. At the very least it allowed him enough clarity to understand Saarai's words.

No mercy.

Easy enough.

Standing among the Acolytes and a Knight or two Maximar felt nothing but disdain. He knew order, he knew what made a unit deadly, and this was not it, this was not a legion but a band of thugs. Perhaps there were some exceptions, the soldier met his qualifications, even if his master took his ability to exact revenge for cruelty's sake.

He was practically boiling when the darkness touched his mind, its tendrils wrapping around his every thought. Mentally he recoiled in fear, like a scared child. The anger cooled into submission as the presence molded him into a more cooperative character. Maximar had been wrong, of course he'd been wrong, the darkness always had a plan, and he had no right to question it or any of its plans. He obeyed, and that was all there was to it.

He had no questions for Saarai, or anyone for that matter, he simply wished to go out and fulfill his duty. That's what he'd always done, always. Standing eerily still the armored figure let his arms hang at his side, with his back hunched awkwardly, a deceiving stature for one as frighteningly agile as Gricori. Still it made it abundantly clear their was something off about him, aside from his nonexistent past and how prior to this day, no one here had ever laid eyes on him before.

Maximar made himself focus on his duty, on the Jedi, on what they stood for, and let his anger build and meld with the pain that wracked his body. The dark side brought him his strength in exchange, and that was all he asked.

 

[Katarina Vox]

Primary Objective: Infiltrate the Valley of the Sith on Tython and break the siege around the Tower of Vahl.
Secondary Objective: Don't die.
Location: Dropship en route to strike point.
Allies: NPC Imperial troopers.
Foes: [member="Jada Raxis"], defending forces.


The Valley of the Sith. She had heard rumors of this place during her time in the various academies of the Sith, rumors backed up by whispers and a hushed reverence for this place of power. It was almost like it should have been treated like a holy site by the Acolytes lesser Sith, somewhere where the Lords could go to gather their thoughts and prepare for their next calculated move in the grand game of Galactic Dejarik that they were playing. Yet unlike her peers, Katarina put very little stock in the reverence she should have been expected to pay at such a site. It was a place of power, this much she knew for sure, but a nexus of Force energy was no more a religious site in her mind than the back of the dropship she was currently sat in. Turbulence momentarily rattled the hull as it came in for its approach, sending a feeling of unease through the few troopers that were with her. "They are right to worry", she thought to herself, having been snapped out of her silent reverie. After all, they were about to assault a siege filled with numbers unknown - all to save information. The plan was simple. Assault them in numbers at a targeted point along their lines while a secondary team struck at a nearby settlement to cause confusion and split their numbers, and then when they have broken through, assuming the success of the primary team, infiltrate the tower of Vahl to retrieve their objective and flee before the enemy had a chance to reform. It was a simple tactic, to the point where even the least understanding of tacticians could see its value - but even then she had her doubts about it's effectiveness. There could be more to be gained here, if those who had sanctioned this raid had thought in larger terms... "But I am not among those few. And so I shall act as instructed." The thought was a rationalization - a way of placating her ambition and focusing herself on the task at hand. The Empire did not need rogue assets - it did not need her to break ranks, and it did not, for now, require to think outside of what had been decided upon. Focus and order were of paramount, and that is what she was here to provide.

That and her lightsaber. Already Katarina's mind was at work, assessing what tactics she knew in order to remain as calm as possible throughout what would likely be a short, but bloody conflict. She understood that Makashi was not exactly a prime form for the battlefield, and so for the time being would fall back on the principles of Shii-Cho and Soresu to survive, at least until inside the tower itself. Or unless an opportunity presented itself. Secondly she intended to subjugate one of the three squads of troopers that were in the ship with her the moment they had hit planet side. She had gone so far as to specifically request that her dropship be one with the common soldiery to maximize the potential for her own personal gain - the other Acolytes could band together with the rest of the Sith and create a much larger target for the Jedi, while rushing in to their deaths to act as cannon fodder for their betters all they liked for all she cared, but she would be more cautious and certainly more aware of her surroundings. And what better way to be more aware than to have a squad of Imperials act as your eyes and ears while approaching an enemy siege? Even if she was away from the Sith Lords for now, it would make her chances of surviving the conflict all that more likely. Thirdly, she knew that even the Jedi could be fooled, at least for a short amount of time, and that appearances could be deceptive. To this end she had made sure to wear her token trenchcoat, of which on the shoulders bore the symbol of the Republic - She even held at her hip a lightsaber forged by a Jedi's hand, one with a green crystal housed within its shell. In the heat of battle and at a distance she would likely appear to be a member of the Republic, and while this put her at risk of friendly fire or having to prove who she was, the risk was far outweighed by the chances of being able to bluff her way past a squad of Republic troopers, or catching a Jedi off guard.

As the ship rumbled once more she understood that there could be no more preparing.​

This was a time for action.​

 

[Jada Raxis]

Location: Moving towards the Tower
Objective: Get inside and help the Alliance get in.
Allies: GA
Dedicated Enemy: [member="Katarina Vox"]

For once she was taking a break. She'd signed on with the Free Peoples Navy at Rothana, and been delivered a crushing defeat by the Galactic Empire. Time after that had seen her helping ward of Imperial Forces at Enarc. Now she felt she owed a small debt to the Alliance, for letting her and her fleet of vagrant refugees pass through their systems.

She was perched on a rock outcropping, overlooking the base of the tower, far inside the quarantine zone. And she hadn't exactly been invited either, but she was a master of finding her way. For hours her and Talor, her Bith Co-Pilot had climbed through craggy peaks. Their clothes were torn, and skin raw from the sharp grining stones.

Her lips pressed thin at the sight of dropships over head.

"Sith?"

"Not sure. I've been out of contact for hours now. But one thing is for sure, anyone entering the quarantine zone is no friend of ours. Not like that anyways."

Talor wrinkled his browm and drew his modded .44 Revolver.

She rolled her eyes. Guns were so unnecessary. It was their age old internal argument.

"Ok let's go down there then."

She crept forwards and dropped, using the force to slow her fall off the hundred meter cliff. Both boots crunched the rocks just a few hundred meters from the towers base. It was all corrupted gardens and labyrinths of stone now. All they had to do was solve the puzzle, which was easy, since she had her unique family ability.

Instinctive Astrogation, the ability to find a path anywhere. Even hyperspace.

Talor took much longer, rappelling down the slick cliff face.

"Coulda helped ya know."

"Naw, you got it under control."

She glanced left and right, readjusting her gray duster jacket over her jet black echani fiberweave.

Then flexed her fingers in her shock gloves, letting them whir to life with a high pitched moan.

"Shall we?"

 

[Ashaiya Mar'Dikan]

The Empress listened to the Inquisitor closely, but could not help balking. She had not met the Sith Lord before today, this very moment, and had expected someone. . . taller. Aliens were a rare sight on Vullain, deep in the Unknown Regions, considered by the few who knew of it to be a frozen wasteland. Those that did come were somewhat like the Zhornee, bipedal, hair, eyes, five fingers and toes. Strange skin and hair colors abounded, especially the 'humans' that Ashaiya seemed to be surrounded by. Their dark hair made her shiver with disgust, and reminded her of the ancient legends of demons from the stars, come to consume the flesh of the Zhornee.
She could have expected a human. But a bird? A speaking bird? To use the language of the peasants, it weirded her out.
The Goddess had strange plans when She created this creature's kind.

Ashaiya was not like many Zhornee in that she was terrified of aliens, casting them as demons. She was simply uncomfortable around them. Something to be worked on, as it would appear she would not see her own kind for a long time, yet.
She had no questions for the alien bird, she simply closed her eyes, sending yet another prayer to the Goddess of Snow.
Goddess, Lady of Ice and Snow, Creator of All, ensure our plans come to fruition. Guide our enemies away from this tower, to the village of infidels, so that our mission can be accomplished. For the Sith's enemies are my enemies, and my enemies are Your enemies.

She opened her eyes. And waited.


[member="Darth Saarai"] [member="Scipio Alta"] [member="Darth Vesper"] [member="Darren Korpil"] [member="Jorryn Fordyce"]

 

[Zark San Tekka]

Location: Approaching Quarantine Zone
Allies: [member="Ryan Korr"] | [member="Aela Talith"] | [member="Tiland Kortun"]
Eventually Engaging: [member="Darth Saarai"]

ExplorCorps Forward Outpost
Tython, Deep Core

"You realize how ridiculous you look right now?" Colonel Hal Varik shouted up at him from the courtyard of the ruins below, the Pathfinder's call drawing his gaze momentarily away from out beyond the crumbling battlements, "People don't actually brood like that in real life, you know!"

Zark ignored his Corellian friend and 'bodyguard's' comments, turning instead back to his watch over the gloom enshrouded valley far below. The New Jedi Service Corps' ExplorCorps division had set up camp in an ancient keep on the borderlands, positioned high upon the edge of a cliff overlooking Klonin Iv Saud, or was it was more commonly known the Valley of Fire. Since his return from the east and an exhaustive debriefing over the incident in the Mirial system, the Vice Admiral had been placed on extended suspension from active duty until High Command figured out just what exactly to do with him.

He had expected as much, but in this matter the independent Jedi Knight's conscience was clear. It was folly to wait for the resurgent Sith to make their move, to wage a war on their terms, but all around him the Alliance seemed to have forgotten that the war had never ended. They were still fighting it today, a great crusade that very well may have no end. A terrifying thought to be sure, but for lack of a better alternative, it was better in his mind to choose a side than to stand by and watch the works of twisted and evil men unfold.

"We're just about ready here," Hal's voiced sounded off the stonework around him, this time much closer and warped by the comm link embedded in his uniform, "You coming, sir knight?"

Idle hands were the darkside's playthings, as the saying went, and since he had been used to the nonstop workload of life as a flag officer in the Alliance Navy his hands now felt unbelievably idle. As Zark carefully descended what was left of the steps down to ground level, he mused that between his time on Voss and the time here serving on ranging parties with New Jedi Order rangers, these past few months had been the most he had spent in the company of other Jedi for a sustained period of time.

The maverick officer and war hero was slowly but surely beginning to fade, and the scholarly monk was beginning to reassert itself into his personality. Even Varik had noticed as much, commenting on it with his typical blunt bordering on offensive machismo. Zark wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing, but in the end it was irrelevant so long as the warrior inside him did not. Given what he had seen on Mirial, he would need his will to fight more than anything else if he was to withstand what was bound to come.

Their ranging party was a company of thirteen souls, and between himself an a junior knight of the New Jedi Order he was the strongest of their four Force adepts. The rest were paramilitary Service Corps devouts, outfitted in requisitioned light armor and equipped with both blaster carbines and sonic pistols. Gathered at the front of the courtyard near the partially cleared gate, the outfit chatted idly with some already perched upon the refurbished BARC speeder bikes they'd be using to reach the quarantine zone.

For the past several days their mission had been to patrol the Valley between uncorrupted lands and the siege lines to ensure the blockade remained effective, as well as ferry supplies to the front lines the Jedi did not wish to risk transporting by air through the unpredictable territory of the Vahla.

"You alright, pal?" the Colonel asked him.

"Just a feeling," Zark brushed his friend's concern aside as he straddled his own bike, "Like the levee's about to break."

"Anyone ever tell you you're a cheerful guy?" Hal beamed in the face of the Jedi Knight's blank stare, "No? Amazing."

 

[Tiland Kortun]

[member="Darth Vesper"] [member="Ashaiya Mar'Dikan"]
------------------------

The pilgrims, Tiland realized, as he felt the Force ripple around him, they would go for the pilgrims. Yet that was not their only target. It had a darker presence to it and yet, Tiland could not bring himself to be concerned with that. No, it was the innocent and defenseless that his duty belonged to. That was the role of the Jedi and if it came between losing a battle and saving the innocent, well, it was better to lose a battle than one's soul. He strode to the assorted assemblage of vehicles that the Church had assembled and took a speeder, roaring across the surface of the planet, unerringly driving forward to the camp of pilgrims.

Many were devotees of the Church of the Force and he and his companions were on good terms with them, although from his understanding, they and the Jedi were not always on such excellent terms. But soon, he arrived at the pilgrim's camp and disembarked.

Someone was already here. [member="Taeli Raaf"], in fact. His staff thumped against the ground as he made his way through the crowds. Every sense was on high alert as he scoured the area for any signs of a threat.

"Master Raaf," he called out, voice rumbling above the crowd. "Have you sensed the coming shadow?"

 

[Katarina Vox]

Primary Objective: Infiltrate the Valley of the Sith on Tython and break the siege around the Tower of Vahl.
Secondary Objective: Don't die. Still not dead. Keep it that way.
Location: Secondary landing site west of the primary strike force.
Allies: NPC Imperial troopers.
Foes: [member="Jada Raxis"], defending forces.

The ship hung low in the sky, practically racing along the treetops of Tython in order to keep out the way of any potential early-warning-systems the Republic may have set up. Indeed, it was one of several chosen to lead the initial landing parties that had the task of securing a perimeter around the primary landing site, in order to ensure the safe touchdown of the Sith Lords, and main body of the Imperial raid. The soldiers within them were mostly tasked with scouting duties to protect the ships once they had landed or involved with creating a communications network on the ground for the Imperial Forces that would inevitably help to facilitate the organisation of the operation while they were planet side. She thought she had chosen wisely - by helping to ensure that the raid could be organised as opposed to chaotic, she not only satisfied that ever present itch within herself, but also increased her chances of making a name for herself as a Sith who had a plan at all times. Someone who was worth trusting, even in an order founded on betrayal. The lighting inside flickered, before switching to a deep crimson color - the indicator that landing was fast approaching.

And approach it did. Almost before she knew it, the landing ramp was open, and while she stood upon it as the troopers rushed out and began to secure the perimeter so that they could set up their particular comms relay in relative peace within their particular landing clearing, she could... sense something. In the woods. They were alone for now, but that wouldn't last. Katarina's hand grasped the hydraulic support beam that connected the ramp to the rest of the ship and peered out into the dense woods that populated the hills and mountains of the planet. Perhaps it was the same storm that the Jedi could sense, or perhaps it was something else entirely. Yet while it troubled her, she was a pragmatist. She had her training, her lightsaber, and her command of the Dark Side to keep her from harm, and she understood that certain things simply could not be factored into plans - things like rogue individuals, who were utterly unpredictable. No. These thoughts of concern for something unforeseen could wait. Instead she strode down into the grass, lightsaber in hand, and began to bark orders to the soldiers - Three immediately broke away from the group and began to set up their relay. Another four shifted over and formed an ad-hoc squad, presenting themselves to the young Sith.

"Your names, Imperials. I would know them before I ask another thing of you." she said calmly, her accent betraying her Adumari heritage. The soldiers looked between themselves for a moment, unsure as to why a Sith would wish to know them on a personal basis, or even if they should. Finally it was the highest rank of them that stepped forwards to speak. The unsure manner of the others slipped into his otherwise staunch Imperial accent, betraying his feelings slightly to the woman before him.

"I am Lieutenant Aaena, and these are Privates Lor, Hek, and Sheol, my Lord. What would the Empire have us do?"

"Good.. Good. I am Katarina Vox, Lieutenant, and I am most... certain you are an observational man. You will have noticed the... unorthodox clothing I have, and can likely understand that this is for a reason. You four will be forming a forward guard for me - a scouting party, if you would, as we approach the primary objective." She paused for a moment, allowing this information to sink into the soldiers minds, before continuing. "My orders, and therefore /our/ orders, are to find a suitable path forwards from here without raising alarm - if you have extra camouflage then I suggest you make it ready before we move out. We will also not be engaging until the main force strikes, and even then it will be at key targets to maximize our chances of overall success." Her tone was commanding, and between that and the unlit Lightsaber in her hand she had demanded not only the obedience of the troopers, but their every attention. Katarina's orders, while not exactly what the soldiers had originally been issued with were something they would have to follow through with, this much they all knew, but there was... something else. Something compelling about the way in which she spoke to the lieutenant that didn't just inspire blind loyalty. And then there were the orders themselves. To the soldiers it seemed as though they were about as close to black-ops as any of them were likely to get. After all, escorting a Sith in apparent disguise, while scouting a path to the enemy forces in order to strike at key enemy targets? That was one hell of a story to tell back at the barracks.

"Yes, M'lord. We'll gear up for it now - good to head out in five." Came the now-measured reply from the Lieutenant, before snapping off a single salute to the Sith before him and signalling for the privates to fall in to get the extra camouflage requested. He had composed himself quickly, she was certain of this much, perhaps a little quicker about it than she had expected, but this was a good thing. "Assuming he survives, he may be useful in future." she thought. As the soldiers moved away, she turned and looked out past the perimeter that had been set up along the edge of the clearing and into the forests.

Her plan started to take shape.​

All that was left was to find what was waiting for her.​

 

[Jada Raxis]

Location: Base of the Tower
Objective: Get inside and help the Alliance get in, Scout.
Allies: GA
Dedicated Enemy: [member="Katarina Vox"]

They made good time, with her leading the way. At every juncture she paused, pressing her hands to the stone walls to find the path. In her minds eye hundreds of multicoloured threads un-spooled and crossed in a tangle. It was her job to sort through them all and find the one that lead her where she needed.

"This way," She said, rounding a corner.

She was finding the path to the drop ship site.

After a few more twists and turns they arrived at the edge of the labyrinth, peering into a clearer patch of earth. An Obsidian tower rose high into the low hanging clouds, and wind whipped at her face, making it rosy red.

"Well we're here. But there's barely any activity?"

"Typical."

Talor gave her an odd look.

"How?"

"We're always way early or way late to the party. Either way, let's wait it out...over there."

She pointed to a patch of shrubs and Talor nodded. They squatted, and then laid back, very still, letting the sounds of the day carry on the wind. Talor took a brief nap as she kept first watch, force senses casting a wide net to detect anyone close to her in the area.

There was one thing she could feel clearly, emenating from the tower.

A pool of Darkness....

 

[RC 212]

About 20 Klicks from Klonin Iv Saud | Valley Of Fire
Rogue Scouting Mission
Flying Wing for [member="Choli Vyn"]

Another few weeks had passed since the Battle of Enarc. Karren had rotated back to Tython, to get closer to the force. Every day she felt herself slipping further from the light, more consumed by the thrill of battle. She welcomed it, even chased it. Ever since she'd put that final blaster bolt into the back of crime-lords head at Mentina station and been ejected from her own fighter she was....different.

With a brooding expression under her white and orange helmet she kept pace with Choli. The Lieutenant Commander was off light duty, no longer flying her U-Wing it seemed.

Karren wondered if sometimes the other force using Rogue Pilots felt the same as her.

Ostracised. Or more.... sidelined? Maybe distracted, by the amount of lives we've claimed?​

She wasn't sure, but tapped her comms and eased up on the throttle just a bit, to keep her modded StealthX back and to the left of Choli's wingtips.

"No movement so far. I'm gonna try and expand scans, but Jorus Mods made this thing not the best of all scanners. How we holding up so far?"

There was no other pings from command,but she had a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach.

Some-things going to happen. Or it's already happening.​

 

[Ardam Parever]

Location: Tython Forest
Mission Objective: Assist Empire Attack Forces
Current Action: Traversing Forest Landscape
Mentions: ---

"Hmph. It's about that time." The lone bounty hunter thought aloud, pushing himself off of the side of his ship's hull. The man, in his late twenties, turned his wrist inwards in the direction of his face and took note of the time displayed on his time module. Indeed, it was that time.

Ardam had stationed himself to the Southwest of the storm, adjacent to the primary forces' designated landing zone. Stepping out from the cave he had guided his fighter into, Ardam allowed the moonlight to catch his visor and offer a shadowy illumination of his person. Having mapped the operation completely, Ardam understood roughly where he had to be in order to effectively strike the Alliance. He was a one man unit, assigned the mission of disrupting Galactic Alliance ground forces.

"Time ta' saddle up."​

​

A calculated strike from the rear would be an effective disruption and likely shred the composure of the enemy line even further after they've split to handle the minor conflict being used as a distraction. Thus, that was the plan. Starting off towards the Tower of Vahl, tall and reaching towards the heavens almost as if it wished to escape this conflict completely.

Ardam empathized with the symbolic sentiment. But he was without alignment in this world. He was merely a name. Some perceived him as an aggressor, and for good reason. But those with the capacity to comprehend the bounty hunter's use of this conflict as a means of profit understood that Ardam was no more villainous than a child. Perhaps his stance was a bit childish, even; ignorant, some would call it.

No.

The man under the helmet knew better. He was happy to be called ignorant as long as he didn't become as brainwashed as some of the fools who employed him.
Shaking off the passing thoughts, Ardam instead focused on the mission and trudged along through the brush. He glanced back at the module on his wrist, transitioning the screen to a map to confirm his coordinates.

Too much thinking. Looking forward to when the shooting starts.

 

[Zef Halo]

:: Attention, Stiletto Units. Lord Inquisitor on deck! :: Captain Najek, Stiletto Company's CO announced over the company's internal comm channel.

The soldiers quickly erected their poses and turned in synchronization towards the Thirriken. Najek moved to shadow the Lord Inquisitor. His mic turned on as the Sith Lord began speaking so his speech could be relayed to the whole company currently in the hangar.

The captain gave a curt nod to the Acolytes Lord Saarai approached but other than that he remained silent and obedient behind the Lord of the Saaraishash.

[member="Darth Saarai"] | [member="Ashaiya Mar'Dikan"] | [member="Maxmar Gricori "]| [member="Vaylin"] | [member="Jorryn Fordyce"] | [member="Darth Vesper"] | [member="Darren Korpil"]​

 

[Trextan Voidstalker]

Valley of Fire, near Kaleth
(Continued from other thread)

Teenage Master Ninja Jedi Trextan seemed like he was kinda slow on the whole story-telling thing.

When he finally relayed the tale though, the boy's imagined bearded hero was charging through the storm when, suddenly, the cav...

...wait, what?

"What's a cavalry?" the young Atrisian asked, turning his head up toward the teenager. Honestly, did these people speak Basic? At least he knew that Kaeshana was another planet, which made sense. So what was a cavalry charge? Was that like a static charge? Was it an energy discharge of some type?

The definition of Dark Jedi, on the other hand, that didn't really make any sense. So were they Sith? Were they Jedi having a bad hair day?

"A Dark Jedi is a dark side Force user that has sworn no allegiances to a dedicated organization."

Well, that made more sense... but who said that?

Forgetting that he had pledged his life to the defense of the cargo sled, the youngling sprinted forward to get a glimpse at the voice around the bend. As he came around the corner it was...

...to be honest, he wasn't certain.

The sight of the masked, armored figures actually caused him to take a step back. They were kind of like the Jedi Temple guards, except... not?

The boy cast a gaze over to make certain Teenage Master Ninja Jedi was still there with him.

[member="Taeli Raaf"] | [member="Trextan Voidstalker"]​

"You know, that's exactly what I asked. Turns out primitive cultures would mount war beasts, cover them in armour, take up spears and charge at the enemy. Sometimes you still get tank divisions called cavalry just because a few thousand years ago that's what the unit did."

Trextan turned his head towards the sky. He could hear a distant engine firing hard. He couldn't see anything though.

"Turns out it was about as effective these days as you would imagine. Lost a lot of good atrisians to that idiot Prince's commands apparently."

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Tython
New Kaleth Shantytown

Objective: Supplies and Protection to the Pilgrims... and waiting
Allies: [member="Tiland Kortun"] [member="Ivlyn Mecetti"]
Enemies (ostensibly): The Sith

The storm was gathering in strength, the pilgrims grumbling and hurrying to get the supplies unloaded and distributed before rain or lightning started up. She could feel it in the Force, it would begin very soon indeed. A voice called out to her, one that she was unfamiliar with.

[SIZE=11pt]”I am Master Rosla. The Tapani Federation is here to help.” He said simply, still in that smooth voice of his.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]”I request a situation report, my friend. I also seek out where best to place the mobile medical bases. Are they best served here, or should they be placed closer to the quarantine?” He asked. The tall man would wait patiently for his response, while dwelling in his thoughts, but he would snap to attention quite easily.[/SIZE]

She didn't reply for a moment, just taking in this mysterious man from the Tapani sector. A Master huh?

"Well we'll take whatever help is offered," she replied with an easy smile. "We're just unloading the latest supply shipment to our friends here, nothing special here really. Um medical bases would be best to be nearer the quarantine of the valley. The pilgrims are quite protective of their settlement here, and any additional sites by us might be viewed as breaching our agreement."

She paused as two Knights carried a crate between them, loaded with more rations. They were almost done unloading everything.

"My apologies, but um what Order are you a part of again?" she asked, even though she knew he hadn't said before. "I wasn't aware that the New Jedi Order had any Masters from the Tapani sector, and I would hope I would know as I'm constantly supervising the archives."

"Master Raaf," he called out, voice rumbling above the crowd. "Have you sensed the coming shadow?"

Sighing internally, she looked over to where Knight Kortun was walking towards her through the crowd of devotees. Outwardly, she nodded solemnly to the experienced Knight.

"It is likely they are going to extract anything or anyone of value from the Valley," she replied. "Still, best to stick around Knight Kortun and umm Master Rosla? as the pilgrims here aren't trained in combat. They might need some protection."

 

[Amaliya Darrena]

Objective: Distract and Destroy
Blue Squadron: 1 Interceptor, 11 Fighters
People This Post Directly Affects: [member="Taeli Raaf"], [member="Choli Vyn"], [member="Ryan Korr"], [member="Aela Talith"], [member="Tiland Kortun"], @Ilvyn Mecetti. (Sorry if I missed anybody)

She listened to [member="Darth Saarai"] explain the plan, most of which she already knew. She knew her role well, at least. Attack the village, let the Sith get to the Tower. Simple, in concept. The Commander did not enjoy killing civilians, but she would do what she had to. Orders were orders, no matter how unpleasant they were to carry out. Her pilots were rookies, still, having only flown in the Kishiban mission, but they had displayed no hesitation. She had confidence they would show the same willingness to follow orders now.

It was time. She checked the time to make sure, and nodded. They needed to make the diversion now, so the Sith would have time to do their own part of the mission. It was now, or never.
"Blue Squadron, load up. We fly in five."
It was a flurry of activity, then. Pilots getting in their fighters, and Colsin ordering them around. She slipped into the cockpit of her own ship, slipping her helmet over her helmet. The moments before taking off were always the most tense, the most stomach-churning. The wonder if any of them were coming back. The Commander knew that most of Blue Squadron would not, that day; but orders were orders.

They used the storm for cover, the shrieks of their TIE fighters muffled by the thunder. Twelve black starfighters against the broiling storm clouds. They kept comms to a minimum, in case the GA was listening. They had the element of surprise, but when dealing with Jedi, Colsin was not willing to take chances. Chances got pilots killed. It was a few minutes of flying before the village came into sight, and Colsin took a deep breath, hardening her heart to the death of civies. Orders were orders.
"All wings, we're going in. Prepare torpedoes, we want the biggest explosions we can give. And keep your eyes peeled for GA pilots, dammit."

With that, they accelerated to attack speed, their fighters giving the signature TIE shriek as they dived. The village was in sight. She breathed deeply, and primed her laser cannons. Behind her, Blue Squadron primed their torpedo launchers. As one they fired, strafing the village with plasma death, pulling up at the last second to avoid crashing, beginning to circle around for another pass. She commed the Inquisitor.
"Blue Leader here. Plan is a-go, clear for strike."

 

[Vaylin]

Location: Tai Fa's Ship
Objective: Prepare for the Infiltration
Allies: [member="Darth Saarai"] | [member="Ashaiya Mar'Dikan"] | [member="Darth Vesper"] | [member="Scipio Alta"] | [member="Darren Korpil"] | [member="Jorryn Fordyce"] | [member="Maxmar Gricori"]
Enemies: The Galactic Alliance

Out of everything that Vaylin had seen since her arrival, Lord Tai Fa was one of the strangest. Albeit, the Zabrak had barely seen many different races during her childhood and only really saw the standard lot when she was a Jedi.

To say the least, the Sith had opened her eyes in more ways than just with the Force. It had opened doors, allowed her to meet and fight worthy opponents, whether that was to the death or simple spars. Then there were the various races, niche or otherwise that she soon came across.

Thirriken was certainly a new one, and the fact the Lord Inquisitor would occasionally break out into haiku, especially amused Vaylin.

She had watched as the Sith Lords trode through the hangar, everyone around him standing to attention; bowing and saluting to him. He commanded respect without lifting a finger, and he only seemed to return it in deserving measure.

Vaylin returned Jorryn's nod, glad to see the Echani had decided to join their ranks for this mission. Although he attention shifted to Maxmar as she felt the man's emotions churning amongst the Darkside. The notion to reprimand him was easily quelled, as the Zabrak remained silent and observant.

She could feel her body humming with anticipation, blood pumping as time ticked away, waiting until they could attack the Jedi. Before, Vaylin would've remained silent and simply revel in the sensation. But now, she saw things more than just the violence now.

"What specific targets do we have?"

Vaylin imagined that depending on the size of the Alliance's siege force, there would be key points they'd want to hit. To swiftly destabilize it, move in and acquire their targets within the tower - then get out of Dodge before the Jedi forces could return from their distraction.

 

[Soldiers By Kage]

"Yes Sir." The words were bitter on his tongue as he answered [member="Darth Vesper"] 's orders. To the Valley of Fire, to collect knowledge his master deemed worthy to learn. Darren didn't know what the Ember of Vahl was, but he figured they were powerful users of the Force. More than you would assume. Be on your guard, the knowledge will not be easily obtained. Wraith was but a whisper in the back of his head, ever present, ever a guide.

"I'll keep that in mind." Darren was still annoyed with the orders. No killing Jedi, only maiming at the most. Even as he walked to the drop shuttle that would bring him to where he needed to go his fingers gripped at his blaster and tightened till his knuckles turned as white as his armor. Who was Vesper to deny him his revenge? But he was a soldier, and he would follow orders as they were given.

He stepped past another trooper, immediately noticing the difference in their armor. Darren's had flashes of red, enough to make him stand out among the others that would accompany him. Know your superiors. Classic tactics, something familiar. "Listen up. Darth Vesper put me in charge of this recovery mission, so you'll be following my orders." Been a while since you've been in charge of anyone, hmm? "Keep your guns up and follow. We go quiet, we go fast, we go hard. Understood?"

"Yes sir!"

They were trained well indeed. Not a single flinch or hint of dissatisfaction with this nameless acolyte being put in charge. The doors shut behind Darren as he slipped on his helmet and grabbed a hold of the handrail. Battle was coming soon.

 

[Tydeus of Tion]

Just Outside the Tower of Vahla
Quarantine Zone

Korr turned back to [member="Aela Talith"], still wearing a perplexed frown on his features. "Perhaps it is nothing. I cannot say. Everything here seems amplified. It is strange, standing here, in what has been called the birthplace of the Jedi, is it not?"

Raised among the Order since he was five, Korr could scarcely remember a life when he was not a part of the Order. Coming here, to the very roots, felt cathartic. Tython, so steeped for millennia in the Force, elicited a sense of unbridled connection to the Force, reminiscent of Ruusan.

[member="Zark"]

 

[Aela Talith]

Quarantine Zone
[member="Tiland Kortun"] | [member="Ryan Korr"]

Tython was to have been the birthplace of the Jedi. The planet was ancient, old, held something of a dream to her.

She supposed that was why she had come here in the first place. It was said that some spirits of the ancient Jedi still lingered within certain parts of the world, even after the corruption that the One Sith had once wrought. Aela frowned for a moment, glancing up at Ryan for a moment before following his gaze at the tower before looking back at the older man. After a few moments she shrugged.

There was power here, she couldn't deny that, but oddly enough she didn't feel the exacting connections that many claim to feel here. "I can't honestly sa-"

Aela cut herself off as a Trooper sprinted towards them. The man wore the armor of the 5th Legion, bright orange stripes decorating white. Aela couldn't help but smile at the sight. The 5th legion had become depleted as of late, more than half of the regiment resigning from the Alliance and joining a Private Military company run by a former Major from the Legion itself. Aela didn't blame them of course, but she was glad to know a few of her old troopers still hung around.

Even if they weren't as many as before.

"Master Talith."

The Trooper gave her a short bow, before doing the same for Ryan. Aela smiled, a rare emotion from her, and bade the man to speak. "What is it Corporal?"

"We have word of an attack on new Kalath. Sith Fighters matching the data you brought home from new Kraysis."

Aela frowned. She and Jacen had encountered the new Dark Lord of the Sith on Kraysis, had beaten him back and escaped before his fellow could fall upon them. The idea that they could be here now? That was more than a little troubling. She felt her stomach turn, eyes wandering across the camp, specifically towards the tent she had sent Shia to. Quietly she began to ask herself questions.

Would she run? Could she sit back and do nothing? Would Jacen try to stop her if he were here?

For a moment Aela stayed quiet, very quiet before glancing at the tattoo on the back of her hand.