Boldly They Rode and Well [OP vs Fringe on Kayri]

[Ayden Cater]

"Boldly they rode and well,
Into the jaws of Death,
Into the mouth of Hell"
-Alfred Tennyson, The Charge of the Light Brigade

​

Barely a week had passed since the Fringe launched their attack on Atrisia. The whole southern half of the galaxy was thrown into chaos at the sudden, and violent assault. No warning was given, no ultimatum was handed down. Only the flash of cannon and the swing of sword carried through. Fear and panic were slowly seeping into the Expansion and Mid Rim worlds. If the Fringe would so brazenly attacking the Atrisians, what was to say that they would not do the same thing to the Protectorate? All eyes turned to the Lord Protector to see what he would do.

Though he had long since settled into the office and had held several meetings with heads of state, to include the Fringe leaders, this was the first true challenge that had fallen to the Protector's feet. In dozens of his speeches, the Corellian had spoken out against inaction. The galaxy was a ragged and dark place not because it was inherently so, but because people allowed it to be. While evil spread and took, the good of the galaxy did nothing to stop it. If only people would unite to face the evil of the galaxy, peace could return and the lives of everyone would be better for it. What would he do now? Would he stand by and do nothing while the Fringe withdrew and consolidated its forces? Would angry words be their only reprimand for lives taken unjustly? And what of the Confederacy? Reports indicated that they had crashed a capital ship into the planet. Madness was spreading like wildfire. What would Ayden do?

None could see it, but the answer came long before the question was even asked. As the Fringe envoy departed those many weeks ago, orders were sent out. Within Protectorate space, the military was mobilized in full for the first time since the galactic state's inception. Troops and battle droids were armed and loaded onto ships. Readiness drills were halted as the most experienced crew were gathered. Refits were finished and the most technologically advanced warships were assembled. In the Llon Nebulae, where gas and light were all to be had, the Protectorate military gathered. There, at the edge of war, Ayden made his choice.

The Kayri system was chosen as the target for invasion not because of any true material value. It was an ordinary system, with ordinary people on its worlds. No rare or exotic minerals or metals lay within its surfaces. Nothing about it was noteworthy, except that the Fringe was using the system as a staging ground for their next assault. Where, no one could say. But Ayden was not about to wait to find out who the Fringe would next assault out of turn. So it was planned that they would appear in the system and disperse the invasion force before it could strike. But Ayden knew better, in his heart. Where they were going, no peace would be found; only death. This was the price for others peace.

Above Kayri III, the first Protectorate ship to drop into realspace was the Starfall. It wasn't alone long. It was soon joined by dozens of other ships. Then hundreds more. Ayden stood on the bridge with a tense silence hanging over the officers and crew. There was no going back. No second guessing. As Ayden looked out at the gathered Fringe force, each and every person knew they were committed now. Nodding to his com officer, Ayden steeled himself before speaking.

"Former Sith Empress Ashin Varanin. I am Lord Protector Ayden Cater. You stand accused of unlawfully invading Atrisia and setting fire to her people. Thousands of worlds burned at your order in your time as Sith Empress. The Osarian system was destroyed by Velok, at your behest. Donanyd was destroyed as well. No provocation. Just senseless slaughter. At Roche, your forces led an assault against Republic and Protectorate forces. And here you stand on the threshold of another invasion." His voice did not waver as he went over the most serious of the charges. Millions were dead at her hands, either directly or indirectly. She was perhaps the single most wanted person in the galaxy, behind Velok himself. "I do not wish to spill any blood on this day. Surrender yourself to my custody where you will stand trial for your transgressions, and disperse your military in the system. Do so, and I promise you will receive a fair trial. Fail to do so and I will have no choice but to take you in through force."

Spoiler

Fleet
1x Command Ship
The Starfall

2x Belsar-class Command Carriers
2x Malleus-class Light Star Destroyers
2x Nonnah-class Assault Cruisers
2x Incus-class Escort Carriers

Spoiler

2x Excubitor-class Cruisers
2x Sentinel-class Cruisers
4x Shield-class Cruisers
4x Telum-class Mk II Frigate
4x Nebulon B7
8x Relentless-class Assault Frigate
28x Blockade Runners

 

[Ashin Varanin]

OBJECTIVE ONE: SPACE

Kayri, world of the Charon, colonists from Otherspace. During the former assault on the Galactic Empire, it had been an essential link in the supply chain and defensive line. If the Fringe pushed closer to the Core, Kayri would continue to be essential – and the number of Fringe fleets in the region certainly indicated that the Fringe was getting ready for something big.

One such fleet was headed by Grand Admiral Ashin Varanin, her Shira Karrde identity having been thoroughly blown at Atrisia. On the Chimaera's bridge, she-

Well, she went through the predictable phases. Everything is proceeding as I have foreseen comforted her, your faith in your friends is yours made her start thinking options, and is that the Starfall? made her reach for the comforting weight of the sword Winterlight, strapped to her throne.

"Battle stations. Assume wall of battle aligned with my vector."

The Chimaera's immense octuple barbettes rose to join the thousands upon thousands of turbolasers aimed at the Protectorate forces. Her Permanence-class battleships and Anathema-class Star Destroyers formed a disciplined grid, with the interstitial space filled by Deathhead heavy cruisers and Predator cruisers. Renown-class frigates hovered in a loose parallel wall behind, under cover of the ships of the line. Their shields protected the frigates, while the small ships took station to guard the flanks and back of the wall against fighter assaults. The corvettes took perimeter positions around the wall, like the fringe of a carpet, preparing their immense mass drivers to punch clouds of flak into fighter screens at substantial fractions of c.

The fighter screen was fairly standard, a mix of interceptors to handle bombers and Inimicas, and space superiority fighters. The Chimaera's half squadron of Dominus-class elite fighters stayed in reserve, but the blindingly fast, powerful Tarals mingled with Fringe Aeseths and Diathims in a fairly decent fighter setup.

The Chimaera was in the middle of the wall as it turned at an angle to the oncoming Protectorate forces, presenting broadsides as the Permanence-, Deathhead-, and Anathema-class ships were meant to do. Thus far, they still had a good bit of distance from the defensive station. Solidify the situation, then make a play for the ball.

She rose from the throne. "This is Ashin Varanin to all ships. I categorically deny responsibility for Osarian and Donanyd. But I hit Roche, and I would do it again. I reject your authority to try me. I reject your condemnation. I have done nothing that the Republic and the Protectorate have not done – except succeed.

"Do your worst, Lord Protector. And when you tire of shells, shields and masks, meet me on the station. You've implied that I use, I manipulate, I stand back and arrange – and I do not. I'll face you alone."

She cut the channel, and her eyes flicked to Spencer Jacobs as she spoke to the fleet. "The instant he launches fighters, all mass drivers are to put flak rounds all over them." Hundreds and hundreds of mass drivers of various sizes and infinite range oriented on the distant Protectorate fleet.

Spoiler

Command Ship: The Chimaera
2x Permanence-class battleships
2x Anathema-class Star Destroyers
4x Deathhead-class heavy cruisers
8x Predator-class cruisers
16x Renown-class frigates
14x Adara-class corvettes
14x Karakter-class corvettes

Total Small Craft Count:
6x Dominus-class Starfighters
250x Diathim-class Interceptors
466x Aeseth-class Space Superiority Fighters
60x Taral-class Starfighters
24x Galaxy-class Bombers
112x Detryte-class Bombers
40x Malos-class Gunships
Total Small Craft Count: 958

OOC/ Other objectives are Objective Two, the starport, and Objective Three, the underground power generator. Full detail available in faction forums. If you aren't me, Dranok/Arcis or Aedan Miles, do not bring a Fringe fleet.

 

[Darth Vazela]

| @[member="Ashin Varanin"] | @[member="Ayden Cater"] |

[OOC: Mods haven't changed my tags yet, I am now a member of the Lords of the Fringe and subsequently made my request for my tags to be changed a day and a half ago, prior to the creation of this thread. Consequentially I am posting as a member of the LotF, not as an ally.]

On board the Chimaera.

It had been three days since the dominion of Tar Morden and five since he had arrived at the Spires of Hell to meet with Ashin Varanin. To his knowledge, Malus Bligh and the crew of the Obscurity, along with the Anubis were still in the Atollis Nebula, waiting for him to return. It had also been only a few days since his duel with Jorus Merrill, which he had fought alongside Lord of the Fringe, Jared Ovmar. The proposals that he had thought of between himself and Ashin Varanin had yet to be settled and negotiated upon, now that their alliance was solidified. He was still getting used to life in the Fringe Confederacy and had thus arrange quarters for himself on board the Star Destroyer, until Ashin was ready to meet with him to discuss their plans. Alas, his presence on the Chimaera had brought him into conflict with the Protectorate. He had recovered and rested since his duel with Jorus and was thus ready for another combat situation.

He rose from the seat within his quarters and selected the dark, hooded robe he had hung on the chair. Slipping it over the sheet of durasteel plating he had arrange for the battle, he selected his Lightsaber and attached it to his utility belt. Other equipment, such as a breathing apparatus, comlink and pistol cord, were already on the belt before he had decided to place his Lightsaber back onto it. Turning away from the table, he commanded the door to open and made his way through the hallway towards the bridge, where he knew Ashin to be. Having monitored the radio chatter from the crew of the Chimaera, he had registered that they were heading into a battle, course set for the Kayri system. He would learn more from his new ally when he arrived on the bridge.

The doorway leading into the bridge were guarded by two men. When he made himself known to the guards, they allowed him entry. "Benefits of my new alliance," he thought to himself. When he was on board the bridge, he made his way to Ashin and stopped to her left hand side, hands folded into his sleeves. With his yellow predatory eyes locked on the helmsman ahead, he spoke whilst looking past the Glasteel frame into the black void outside. "What's our situation, my Lady?"

 

[Sheila]

OBJECTIVE ONE
IN SPACE

Oliver looked at the massive fleet as he sighed... He really had no idea what we was doing here with all fo this and it was a dangerous time. That his father and the Lord Protector were maybe not the most cordial while he stood there. "Alright have the Belsar ready, I want flak ready to go get the sentinels going." He only knew from the reports and what had happened elsewhwhere but it didn't look like the beast of a ship the Fringe had was there which could prove an advantage. Hell he might actually get lucky and not make a complete fool of himself. He knew the strengths and weaknesses of the ships here. Hell if anything while he looked upon it he had some more ideas coming to him.

"Alright here is the plan." Oliver looked at the people on the bridge as he rolled his shoulders and smirked. "Once they launch fighters I want a screen to be given full of flak while." He looked up with a flick up his eyes out the viewport while speaking. "Ten inimca's fly up. Use the space to get up and over while we work to distract them and launch a quick attack on their lines. We won't have the numbers but focus on their vital systems. Engines and life support. Understood." The man gave a nod of his head while the order went out and Oliver cracked his knuckles. "Well as a great man said once this is the day the initiates work is judged and he realizes that at any moment all of it can become a pile of poodoo if the wrong thing is said or done."

Spoiler

Fleet
1x Command Ship
The Faustian

2x Belsar-class Command Carriers
2x Malleus-class Light Star Destroyers
2x Nonnah-class Assault Cruisers
2x Incus-class Escort Carriers
2x Excubitor-class Cruisers
2x Sentinel-class Cruisers
4x Shield-class Cruisers
4x Telum-class Mk II Frigate
4x Nebulon B7
8x Relentless-class Assault Frigate
28x Blockade Runners

 

[Lucien Cordel]

Space station Observation desk
Lucien Cordel Governor of Zaadja stood on the observation deck of a space station beside him stood his right hand man Rickard Scott. Lucien lent against a hand rail and turned to him "I Hate war don't you" His staunch companion nodded, Lucien continued "However It must be done ... you aught to go and gather the ground force" Rickard saluted quickly then left leaving Lucien alone. The mind of the governor wandered along with his eyes out into the stars.

It appeared the lord protector wished to arrest Lady Varanin, who had only recently been exposed, he felt she was to blame for certain events that went on to shape the galaxy Lucien had seen some of these events in fact he had been knighted as a result of his actions in the roach conflict. Ashin was in his eyes no more bloodied than anyone else and though Lucien was a self confessed tyrant justice was still important to him , even if it was on his terms. He would fight tooth and claw to defend this station.

His mind returned from the past as he looked out over the assembled fleets "It was about to begin" He shed his coat and jacket and pulled a holster over his waist coat slipping his heavy blaster pistol His saber came next attached to his waist band. He finished by rolling up his sleeves before walking out.
Space station Vault
Lucien moved down to the vault at the rear of the station he had a squad of troops along side him but only he knew the vaults content and he would not see it leave the station whilst the invasion was on and he still breathed. He paced across the front of the assembled defenders "I am sure you are aware that brave people stand poised to attack us. They are fools but they are brave they have renounced you and your lords as criminals followers of a cunning but cowardly trickster who tosses life away without a second thought, this is a lie but they hold it dear and they will use it to found a witch-hunt that will leave your children orphans and your Legacy shattered ... That is unless you, we stop them" Lucien roared then turned heel and faced away from the squad. He was linked to the other defenders and was ready to reinforce those that required it.

 

[Ayden Cater]

No more words then. Peace would die. "Scramble all channels. Encryption pattern Osk-Zerek-Seven-Two-Cresh. Defensive pattern Resh-Vev-Six-Four; Shield ships to the fore. Launch all fighters as soon as the Shield ships are in place." Ayden began issuing general orders while he thought on the words of a Sith. She would not yield willingly, but perhaps he could still put an end to things decisively. His hand brushed against one cylinder at his hip, bringing his gaze down to look upon it. This was his path, his destiny. He would not skirt from it or shy away from the looming maw of death. "Admiral Nai... You have the bridge."

As orders were called out and hands flurried over stations, the woman turned to look at him. She opened her mouth to speak, but Ayden cut her off with a gentle motion. "This is where my destiny has brought me, and I will face it." She nodded in understanding and turned her attention to the battle ahead. The Shield ships moved into position and activated their massive umbrella shields, granting cover to both fighters and dropships that began to disperse from hangers to the surface. Already dozens of corvettes moved into positions alongside the delicate cruisers, as well as two gargantuan Belsar command carriers. Missiles were primed in the silos of the Relentless and Nonnah-classes and gunners were strapping in for the eventual fighter rush.

Through dim halls, Ayden walked to his quarters and opened a drawer to reveal his personal armor. He had not expected to fight in person, least of all against the former Sith Empress. In his mind, he vividly recalled landing on that crumbling asteroid so many months ago, guided by the Force to rescue Grandmaster Darron Wraith. The blood soaking the robes of one of the Jedi's most powerful masters, the pain that came off him in waves. He, of all people, only managed to fight Ashin to a draw. What hope did he have of beating her?

As he set his hat upon the bed, Ayden let such concerns wash away. He couldn't allow himself to think like that. This fight would take everything he had; every shred of concentration, every ounce of strength and wit. If he let himself hesitate, even for a heartbeat, Ashin would kill him. First the bodysuit came on, pressing against his skin and adjusting itself to his temperature. As he slipped one foot into an armored greave, the ship shook lightly. Whether it was from firing one of its many turbolaser batteries or taking fire, he couldn't know, but was unafraid. Admiral Nai had been with him at Roche and had seen to the ship's safety while he rescued the Grandmaster. She'd see to his ship's safety now.

Stepping out into the hallways in his armor, Ayden looked down at the deck plates and gave them a gentle tapping with one boot. The clink-clink of metal was oddly reassuring and comforting. Leaving behind all concerns, Ayden turned and marched towards the closest hanger. At either hip hung a lightsaber, beating to the tune of his own heartbeat, his own mortality. Before stepping into the hanger, Ayden slid the helmet on and waited for the cameras to all turn on, generating a perfect image of his surroundings. When he stepped in, no one turned to look at him. No one called out that the Lord Protector was present. They all had their duties, and he had his.

As he stepped up the ramp of an M47, the precise march of droids moved with him. Even if he had been invited to the station, Ayden was not fool enough to believe that they would be allowed to get there unchallenged. This was war, after all. Taking center in the aisle, Ayden passed a gloved hand through a loop and held tightly as the ramp shut. Beneath his feet, the metal grate shuddered lightly as the dropship moved. No turning back. No regrets. " Storm'd at with shot and shell.Cannon to the right of them. Cannon to the left of them. Cannon to the center of them. Volley'd and thunder'd." Ayden recited an old poem as he dimly felt the dropship accelerate through his navel. "Storm'd at with shot and shell. Boldly they rode and well, into the jaws of Death. Into the mouth of Hell."

 

[Nameless Knight]

OBJECTIVE 2
EN ROUTE TO STARPORT

Knight the newest Exarch made a look on her face while she straightened the robes. Her hair behind her while the walkers framed them. The assault on the starport and the charon drive would have to move forward quickly and she had assembled the best she could. Or at least the best who could work with her while her back rippled and twin spikes of flesh protruded then slowly membranes forms while she shifted into form wings. Her saber tonfa's were on her belt but more importantly she had requisitioned one of the more rare bolt guns for use. The anti force user grenades that Hevana had made would come in handy and her breathe came out through her teeth as she spoke.

"I want the support tanks to be at the distance, shell the city and make sure all air support it cut off. Have the walkers lay down a path and I want you to blitz into the fire. Use the buildings as cover to move about and pick off the sith, we'll use the heavy guns to target their positions as you mark them understood." She made a face while shifting more and more. This was a time when she needed to be stronger and faster so lithe body with some muscle and she was going to use the weapons at her disposal. "Now Omega gear up and roll out." A look of determination was on her face before looking at the men on the speeders who started up with the walkers.

Spoiler

2x Heavy Walkers
2x Long Range support
2x Long Range support
4x Assault Speeders
42x Speeders
30x Droids 10x MK I, 10x MK II, 5x MK III, 5x MK IV

@[member="Noah Corek"]
@[member="Ventasia Terana"]

 

[Shinju]

OBJECTIVE 3
UNDERGROUND POWER GENERATOR

"I like to move it move it, he like to move it move it, she like to move it move it." Shinju looked around and room while she skipped and danced to the screams of a few of the people. Her little bit of fun before fighting was going to be coming to an end no doubt but that didn't matter. What did matter as she sat stood there was the one with the chain blade next too before she skipped past and grabbed it. The blade revving for a moment before she spun around. "MOVE IT" the blade bit into his chest and there were screams as she drank it all in and laughed. They had a power generator to defend or at least to keep from being touched. Or was it they were just supposed to wait here and kill those who came through.

She couldn't actually remember as the blade finished going through and looking at the teeth Shinju stopped it and took a few of the pieces for herself. Holding them over her mouth as it hung out and sliding down her throat. She moaning savoring the taste and looking at the stairs while touching her blade. The saber on her thigh and derripahn's on her back made for a sight to behold with the armor she wore. The music in her head came back as Shinju went back to skipping around the room and bouncing with it more and more. "Hearts and livers, brains and spleens, tongues and toes. Into the soup they'll go."

 

[Aedan Miles]

Aedan Mils sat in the command chair of the Dominance-class Star Dreadnaught as he surveyed the display before him and chuckled to himself absently raising his hand lightly he pointed to the left and then gave a quick spin of his fingers. The communications officer caught the movements of his hand and turned issuing a series of orders quickly "Permenance-class, Anathema-class, Deathhead-class are to move to the right and begin circling around behind the enemy formation. Adara-class, Predator-class are to form up on the Defenders Scourge. Prepare to engage enemy gunships. All fighters are to launch and form a screen for their respective battle groups. Adara-class are to prepare to fire their mass driver cannons targeting a single enemy ship target to be decided later." With the orders given @Ashin Varnin @[member="Oliver Walsh"] and @[member="Ayden Cater"] would if they were paying attention notice the 16 ships that Aedan had specified moving off and to the right slowly as if he was testing their reactions. The rest of the ships in his fleet moved up to form a defenseive perimeter around the flagship as the young Dark Jedi sat there calmly his fingers intertwined as he leaned forward slowly.

 

[Noah Corek]

@[member="Ventasia Terana"] @[member="Knight"]
Noah's father had once told him that good and evil were always based on one's perceptions. That good was usually based upon the best things in life and evil,the worst. But his father had told him that 'good' people were the people willing to do the hard things to keep the galaxy safe and free from tyranny. Noah considered himself one of those people as he sat in the a hanger that had been transformed to look more like a massive conference room,looking at the officers of the officers of the Pyre. On the raised stage to his left and right were the five battalion leaders and in front of him were the company and platoon commanders. "All right we all know this has been a long time coming." Noah informed them as he walked to the edge of the stage and began to pace as he looked over them with pride as he saw them looking at him intently. "Only a few standard weeks ago,the Fringe invaded the Artisian Empire,this move shocked the Mid Rim and Expansion Region. Personally,I could care less about what happens to the Arts,but if the Fringe was willing to attack them without any prior warning or ultimatum is astounding. We reason that if they attacked them,what's stopping them from attacking us?" Noah asked the large group of officers,to which the nodded their heads grimly. "So we devised a plan to hit the first before they hit us,to show them that we will not only not tolerate the war mongering,but that we're also not afraid to retaliate as well." Noah informed them as he pulled a remote out of his pocket and turned a holo-projector on. Once the projector sprung to life and displayed a hologram of a starport. "This is our objective,the largest spaceport on the planet. I've already sent all relative data to your datapads,so get to your dropships and move
OBJECTIVE 2: En Route
Noah sighed as he clipped the last of his armor into place and sealed the helmet of his Corek Custom Heavy Armor. He then picked up his two Corek Custom Revolvers,his two cortosis-weave vibroblades,his HK-45 heavy blaster pistol and a OPR-2 blaster rifle and strapped them onto his armor as his dropship landed. "Alright,lets get on the move." Noah announced as his convoy began to role.
Convoy
--------
4x Heavy Walkers
6x Long Range support
6x Long Range support
12x Assault Speeders
56x Speeders
40x Droids (15x MK I,10x MK II,10x MK III and 5x MK IV)

 

[Matreya]

Shado stood silently near Shinju as she played, crimson eyes following the young woman as she skipped about happily. She took a great pleasure in what she did to those around her. When he had first arrived, but moments ago he had shown himself for the briefest nod of his head, so she knew she did not face her objectives alone. Two masters would defend this location, and no other would breach them.

Though he had reapplied his Force Cloak, he knew the Infinite Empress would not forget he was there..

@[member="Shinjū Aÿasha"]

 

[Allyson Locke]

Yesterday

We were children

Playing soldiers just pretending

Dreaming dreams

Of happy endings​

On Board the Chimera

Eyes opened staring at the silent room filled with several training tools and mats. Taking in the room it felt like a new experience, everything since then had been a new experience. Her mind was different; her goals were similar, but focused. In a sense she felt as if she had finally crossed the threshold into adulthood. There was a mirror located to her right and she glanced towards it, taking in her face, yellow eyes stared back. She had changed massively compared to the other moment she had felt this way. Always being told she was an adult, she had accepted that claim, but never had felt that way. The young girl constantly clinging to the Empress – finally had found her own two feet. Slowly standing, black robes shifted with the movement of her frame. All black, her make up even announced the taint within her. Was this her true nature? Spencer decided not to ponder upon it, the drums of war sounded once more.

Heading towards the bridge she caught the last bit of Ayden’s message along with Ashin’s response. She watched as the other dark master walk up to her wife and whisper. The one thing with the dark side, there were always whispers and lies. A smirk spread across her face as she moved a robe hanging from her shoulders and a new sway to her hips. The young Master moved with a different air of confidence and she looked upon her wife and the Lord Protector. Barefooted as always, the woman moved to Ashin’s right and bit her bottom lip for a moment. Forces began to mobilize and she knew her place despite her desire to be on the ground with the others. No, she was going to focus on attacking this time around.

Her eyes met Ashin’s and she waited till the woman gave her orders and then reached out with the force brushing her influence against her wife.

“The Protectorate was always an annoyance, throwing their weight about as if they were the ones who made the laws of the galaxy. They are different from us, they dream – we live. I will move to the ground with the others.”

Looking towards the other with Ashin, she raised an eyebrow and smirked.

“Another lamb to the flock or a wolf in sheep’s clothing? No matter, welcome I do hope to see you after the battle.”

Spencer touch in the force faded from Ashin as she moved away from her wife, she connected with her through the force.

Enjoy yourself – You’ll know where to find me.​

​

@[member="Vilox Pazela"] @[member="Ashin Varanin"]​

 

[Sargon Vynea]

Bridge of the Chimera​

The command bridge of the Chimera was busy with near constant movement as a single figure held back against a wall. In simple black robes that hid nearly all of his features it was an oddity to find this particular Zabrak hanging out in the background of any situation, but the tides were shifting. With only a simple bodysuit under his robes for armor the man trusted to his shield, and sword for protection. Eyes closed as he leaned against the wall he simply stood there silently stretching out into the space beyond to feel at the energy of life around him.

The Protectorate was invading, it didn't surprise Sargon, but it was a mark of shame on them, even if they'd never admit it. The Lord Protector had known full well of the impending invasion on Atrisia, and now cried foul as the media's camera's watched him. It made no difference to Sargon, it was just more cameras to watch the utter defeat of the Protectorate against the Fringe. The mercenaries had decided to play at vigilante, let millions die so they could arrest one, interesting theory on justice. Now blood would flow, and fire spread, and they'd learn just how much Lady Ashin was worth to the Protectorate in blood.

Falling into familiar habit now the Zabrak continued to let his sense of calmness flow through the force and to @[member="Spencer Jacobs"]. He felt a bit odd now though, like the stranger in the room that no longer knew his purpose. His lips had grown dry as he spoke less each meeting on the council, his mind faithfully focused more on the information the Force brought him in then his own senses. He'd been frustrated with his own lack of progress in the Force, his own failing at making it respond to his will at all. He'd found peace with it though as the whispers inside the Force wove in and out of himself, always just beyond hearing. Still he followed, and obeyed, as his mind moved towards Lady Ashin's and words spoken only between the three mind's echoed between them. Where am I needed?

 

[Hannibal Oryen]

OBJECTIVE TWO: STARPORT
SOUTH GATE, HIGH SECURITY VAULT

"So, it's like a kinda thing that goes to..."
"Another dimension. Right."

Hannibal looked through the glasteel window into the airtight room that contained the Otherspace hyperdrive. Of course they weren't going to let even security into the same room as it. Hell, with the battle raging on like it was, there was no getting in there through the proper channels. This left Hannibal to look at it wistfully through the observation window with some other mook who happened to be working with the Fringe Lords as a mercenary. Fringe got a bad rap, but it wasn't totally unjustified. That bad rap was more or less why Hannibal was working for them now rather than the Feds. Fringe were scummy, untrustworthy, greedy... Hannibal's kind of people. Plus they had the whole "taming the galactic frontier one planet at a time" shtick going for them. That was badass. What'd the Feds have besides that green color scheme and a schizophrenic order of wizards or whatever?

"'at's pretty intense. How'd ya think it works?"
"Pfft. Think they tell us? I'm lucky if they let me know when my next paycheck is rolling in."

Hannibal snorted. Maybe the pay wouldn't be doled out as professionally or timely, but Fringe work had a certain charm to it. The vault abruptly shook as the starport started to feel the repercussions of the impending battle drawing closer and closer still. Would the Omegans find their way in here? If they did, they'd be hard-pressed to get through Hannibal. Balls, nerves, and cybernetic implants of durasteel on that Fondorian. It'd just be a waiting game for now.

"Y'know, most folks ain't even sure how hyperdrives work."
"Go figure. All just egghead, science mumbojumbo anyway. Who's got time for that kind of stuff?"
"Yeah," Hannibal replied, thinking of his doctorate in Droid Engineering. "Ain't nobody got time for that."

 

[Eldoc Quasat]

Objective 3: Power thing!
@[member="Shinjū Aÿasha"] @[member="Javir Strilla"] @[member="Ratholomew"] @[member="Ayña Kottos"]

Disgusting, that is the word he used to descibe the woman he was next to. He sighed and looked to his three apprentices, " And that is what we don't do my apprentices, remember not all here are sane, and Well I would watch your self next to her." He said as he took a swig of his flask. " Now, stay near me, and don't get cocky, we don't know what will come down here. I want to make sure we all survive this, you three have trained with me separately but this is a test, I want you three to work together. I will step in should I be able to or if you need it. But this is my test, I want to see you work together. " He said, in business mode. He had to admit, he liked his padawans, they were all great, and well he wouldn't trade them for the world.

 

[Onrai]

Damn, @[member="Spencer Jacobs"] looks sexier than ever now.

Circe's thoughts to herself hopefully weren't picked up by anyone else here, especially not by @[member="Ashin Varanin"]. Though she did admittedly have a thing for women with Dark Side-eyed women with black lipstick. Anara knew nothing, of course... regardless, considering the technological advances filling the Unknown Regions, there was very much something to be gained from assisting the Fringe, albeit covertly. hence why Circe was on her way to the starport, in order to acquire the drive. Why? Because she had hundreds, if not thousands of ship hulls - Mandalorian, old Empire, new Empire, salvaged CIS, old Republic, etc - that could fit such a device.

Then she landed, and saw someone who was going to make things so much more difficult than they needed to be. Not this nerf herder...

@[member="Hannibal Oryen"]

 

[Darth Vazela]

| @[member="Spencer Jacobs"] | @[member="Jared Ovmar"] | @[member="Ashin Varanin"] |

Vilox Pazela's gaze did not turn away from the Glasteel as Jacobs and Ovmar joined him and Varanin on the bridge of the Chimaera. He felt the eyes of the latter's lover fall upon him and ask, “Another lamb to the flock or a wolf in sheep’s clothing? No matter, welcome I do hope to see you after the battle.”
Without turning to look at her, he replied, "Neither." He felt that the woman had changed since their encounter on the Abominor, had grown a little darker. He hadn't really spoken to Jacobs in the relatively short amount of time he had spent with Varanin, but if all went to plan, then she was a candidate for the following of Dark Jedi he would amass for the future invasion of the Sith Empire, where he would become the Dark Lord of the Sith. But for now, he had to settle with being a Lord of the Fringe, perhaps not in title but in presence; and the Omega Protectorate had become his enemy, due to the alliance that he had made with Spencer Jacob's significant other.

He closed his eyes and began to meditate on the force, whilst he waited for Varanin to give him direction. He didn't presume that the former Empress, regardless of their new found affiliation, could give him an order. But he had no problem rendering assistance to her. Victory at Kayri III would serve as leverage for their upcoming agreements.

 

[Ashin Varanin]

"@[member="Aedan Miles"], your ships of the line are dangerously exposed. Regroup with your escorts immediately and form up beside me in wall of battle formation."

The Omega fleets had brought shieldships, and in large numbers. That changed, well, rather a lot. "Pull back the corvettes," she said, eyes narrowing. "Mass drivers won't do a thing against those shields."

"Optimal percentile reached for maximum effective turbolaser range, ma'am."

"Open fire, guns only. This will be a knife fight eventually, and let's make this sooner rather than later." Close range would lower the Omega shieldships' utility and maximize the frankly ludicrous numbers of assault concussion missiles and intruder warheads that the Fringe forces had brought to the table. It would also capitalize on the serious Fringe fighter advantage. "Execute starboard lateral wrap."

The wall of battle steamed ahead at an angle to the enemy, keeping the massed Omega fleet to starboard. That angle narrowed as her fleet moved to get close and go starboard-side-to-starboard-side with Cater's force. Her small craft withdrew to sit behind the wall with the frigate escorts, in striking range of whatever got close to the wall, but under cover of the big ships' shields.

"Admiral Stiehl, you have the conn." She turned now to @[member="Vilox Pazela"]. "You keep your skillset close to your chest. I frankly don't know exactly what you can do. I'd appreciate it if you could move to defend the starport on the ground -- either that, or take one of the S90 MAATs in the Chimaera's hangar and attempt a boarding operation of some kind."

She turned to @[member="Spencer Jacobs"], and shot her wife a grin. "Good luck down there."

@[member="Sargon Vynea"] got a nod. On the ground. We have forces at the starport and the power station, but they could use some close support, whatever you can provide. And...keep Spencer safe.

She unclipped Winterlight's sheath from the side of her throne and buckled on the alchemical sword over her spacer's trousers and vest. With a long look around the room, meeting the eyes of officers who'd followed her through hell, she left the bridge. She made her way to the hangar bay to join a fountain of thirty ridiculously overgunned S90 MAAT assault craft. Her vessel peeled away from the Chimaera, bound for the station.

No armor; Contempt's comforting bulk was absent. No gear; she'd left behind her twin Corpsegrinder heavy blaster pistols. Nothing but a sword.

"This is Varanin to @[member="Lucien Cordel"]. One small Omega Protectorate starship is attempting to land. Its occupant is Ayden Cater. He means to face me in person. Allow it, but keep all escorts at bay."

 

[Velok the Younger]

OBJECTIVE TWO
STARPORT

@[member="Knight"] @[member="Noah Corek"] @[member="Hannibal Oryen"] @[member="Circe Savan"]

The Omega Protectorate ground forces ran smack dab into the Fringe army at the edge of the spaceport, and battle began in earnest. Soon it would spill all through the spaceport, to the air traffic control tower by the north gate, and to the Otherdrive vault near the south gate.

Inside a heavily shielded SMP command walker, Rave's shock couch vibrated with each discharge of its laser cannons. The alchemist and knife-fighter checked her weapons -- a BRKR-12 taserblade and a Derriphan's Eye tainted with the Zerek Strain. The walker, part of an armored offensive, smashed into the side of the charging Omega formation, and Rave popped the rear hatch to leap free. The Force whispered, and she squinted through the dust of the repulsortanks' passing as artillery fire rained down on the durable shield. The Omega command walkers, in the smaller vehicles' wake, advanced on the starport. Murmuring a Nightsister spell to enhance her eyesight, she spotted a pale-haired woman with...wings?...and one of the rare Mark One bolters in hand.

Small craft clashed hard around the feet of the SMP. Moving quickly, and keeping a low profile, Rave zigzagged through the chaotic battle in an attempt to get too close for the bolter to be effective.

And getting close would let her take a shot at using the Ssi-Ruuvi-derived paralysis beam on the SRR-01 multifunction rifle she carried. Until then, she took no shot at the winged @[member="Knight"], whose walkers were slowly but steadily approaching the battle.

 

[Dharma Vessia]

@[member="Shinjū Aÿasha"] @[member="Shado"] @[member="Eldoc Quasat"]

OOC: The post that follows this is based on how one sees their reality. So enjoy…

IC:

Three days ago… In a small, tiny, itty, bitty ship of a ship

“Ensign Dolly, Plaid speed… Engage.” Dharma commanded as she bounced in place with a bag of clone wiggly worms. They were the gummy sort of worms but she saw real ones in their jiggle wiggle giggly form.

“Umm… little one, you are telling me to reach for controls that a doll can’t.” The scary little talking doll came back with as it looked at the woman. “Also, why are we heading there like three days early? The table told you to be there. It did not say to get there early.”

“Hush Ensign… the Captain has spoken, and I want to get there to shop and kill people before the fighting. Why be a seer if you can’t have some fun beforehand, Ensign Dolly?” Then she poured the bag into her mouth. Letting worms fall whichever way, she just chewed on the ones that made into her mouth. She left the mess she made and planted her rear in the pilot chair. It was really the only spot to sit down. Then she placed her doll on top of her head.

In reality, she did the punching in commands for the ship to take them to Kayri. However her reality with gummy worms hanging out of her mouth, it was the doll that follow orders of the captain. The ship hipped and hopped into hyperspace.

Spoiler

Present Day… In a dark place called objective three

“Naaaants… ingonyamaaahh bagithi baba…” Dharma sang loudly while she spun in a circle. Her arms reached out as she was doing her spin. “Sithhi uhm ingonyama!”

The others around her were not her focus. Her doll or others would let her know if she needed to focus. Once she gets hit, she would know it was time really. For now, the walls needed to be sung to. They were weeping because of what was coming. It was how the future was told to her. Lovely inanimate objects yacking like crazy chatty cathy dolls. A whole army of objects that never stopped talking about everything that was, is, and will be. Dharma got to listen to them all the time with no break in end.