Casus Belli (Tygaran Alliance/Galactic Alliance vs First Order Rebellion of Kaeshana)

[H3xle]

Location: Citadel of Dawn
Allies: [member="Nima Tann"], [member="Draco Vereen"], [member="Tempest"], [member="Joza Perl"], [member="Michael Sardun"], [member="Aeron Kreelan"], [member="HK-36"], [member="Audren Sykes"] [member="elpsis elaris"]
Enemies: [member="Asharad Graush"], [member="Ludolf Vaas"], [member="Rolf Amsel"], [member="jaron lesan"]

"Sure, it's a date! What's your name? Mine's Elpsis,"

"Taryc Ap'Irae." She said as she continued to hold the line. If Elpsis was aware of the Primeval, she may recognize that Ap denoted a form of nobility, and the Irae family was one of the premier families in the former factions Inquisition.

"Pink Booty, what can you do to large numbers of troops? Great Booty, you got anything along those lines?"

"I've got fire, but it's not on a level that'll take down this horde." She replied to Draco, smirking inside her helmet at the booty comment. She may or may not have wiggled it in response.

Assuming Draco was forming a plan, Taryc slipped her left hand onto the hilt of her blade as well, and focused on a fierce defensive stance. Her flaming sword wove blue arcs around and batted blaster bolts as if she were wielding a lightsaber.

 

[Nima Tann]

Location: Citadel of Dawn
Allies: [member="Elpsis Elaris"] [member="Draco Vereen"] [member="Tempest"] [member="Joza Perl"] [member="HK-36"] [member="Taryc Ap'Irae"] / GA&TA forces
Enemies: [member="Asharad Graush"] [member="Ludolf Vaas"] / FO forces

Thank the Force Nima missed the booty jokes.

Carnage continued as the possessed Twi'lek cut through more stormtroopers in her way, screams of those who were dismembered filled the air which brought great satisfaction to her. She was losing power yet still continued to possess her, the need to kill was filling her with determination, taking her logic away. Of course, all this aura change kind of affected her in a bad way, normally she would stay in the lightsaber and only do her part when needed. This whole... event, would just be enough to blow her cover and it was a big risk, however she liked every second of it. Though, her little moment seemed to end as Elpsis reached to Nima's mind, suddenly pushing Nima back to control as she was just about to cut another stormtrooper open. Elpsis would feel a little headache as a result, a loud voice ringing in her ears and a cold, dead "Don't..." could be heard if she listened, however it was so distant so the chances were not that high. Nima came back to her senses like someone just waking up from a bad dream with a gasp as the lightsabers touched to the stormtrooper, inflicting great pain and a big scream. Probably a bad thing to wake up. Nima didn't understand what happened just now, but it seemed she was right in the lines of stormtroopers. Needless to say, she wasn't a ghost. As the stormtroopers saw their doom standing right in front of them, they immediately started firing.

Nima, with reflex as she still tried to understand what was going on, sent a Force Push towards the stormtrooper right in front of her and backed away taking an immediate defensive stance to reflect a lot of blaster bolts coming her way, returning back to her allies' position meanwhile taking more lives in the process with the reflected bolts. She found Elpsis, had many questions since the only thing she remembered was her voice waking her up. However... "I'm... I'm fine. Think I just got carried away. Let's talk... later." She said to reassure her, however she was a terrible liar. Anyway, they still had a battle to win so the talks needed to wait. Breathing deeply to calm down, her mind was finally there fully after a few seconds. Thanks to the meditations that she did for years, she was able to refill her Force quota faster. Collecting her energy to her hands, the energy she regained thanks to Draco's Force Drain, she concentrated on the Force around her to create a telekinetic energy which looked like a fist right above a group of stormtroopers. She continued to feed it with power, to the point it was getting difficult to control, and it was then the telekinetic fist descended in a great speed right on them. Now, she wasn't great at TK, so the fist probably wouldn't squish them right there, however, it would be enough to break a lot of bones..

 

[Judah Lesan Jr.]

Somewhere near Santaissa
Allies: GA
Enemies: [member="Zmej Ren"]
Gear: Lightsaber, Basic battle armor, DL-44

Overconfidence was the down fall of many force users regardless of alignment. Zmej was full of it. Yes the conditions of the planet were an advantage to her way of using the force, but it took a disciplined mind to succeed despite those advantages. The Jedi carried their peace and light with them where they went. It was the nature of light to overtake darkness. Science treated darkness as the absence of light, and Judah's presence was a beacon to those without hope, and even one faint light could do much to shine in the thickest of darkness. All he needed was his light, and to be aware of the trap his own darkness presented him with. His advantage would not wain, nor would he.

Judah could feel the tendrils of the force wrapping around his neck. There was little time to react before the choke would take full effect. Fortunately Judah was as stubborn was he was Corellian. Enduring the pain his mind focused on some debris near by. Without warning he sent it careening toward the Ren. Her choice was simple. She could keep choking the Jedi, or be met with a chunk of a near by fallen building desiring to claim her life. If Zmej wanted a battle of who was a better force combatant she would not find Judah easy pray.

 

[Hansen]

FN-888 "Helden"
Kaeshana Southern Hemisphere, IM-455 Modular Garrison "Fenrik".

"The bridge won't support our weight, go around." Malachor One's gargantuan matte black figure drops down into the river, Fjording through it without so much as slowing. Joan's hands clasp firmly to the periscope in a steadying grip. The Rest of the Ironhound vehicles rumble across the bridge connecting the two banks of a freshwater river contaminated with radioactive isotopes and sludge. Joan rotates the Periscope around to study the river's composition. "Argh, that is absolutely revolting. How have the knife-ears survived like this?"

Storm piques up with a comment. "They haven't, that's why we turned up in the first place remember boss?" The AT-ATs Commander sits in a folded out chair beside the open bulkhead door that leads to the Troop compartment, he cracks neck left to right with the bubble crack of spinal vertebrates. "Yes I remember, and you'd think they would be more appreciative of our presence here." Joan turns the Periscope forward and watches as Malachor one follows behind one of the platoon's AT-ST walkers. "Good work, now follow the road along the coast until we reach the medical and relief camp." Joan slides the periscope up towards the ceiling.

"Storm you have the helm, I'm going in back." Joan walks through the open bulkhead door into the troop compartment and finds her Stormtroopers talking happily amongst themselves, it brings a concealed smile onto her face. "Alright, I need some volunteers. Who wants to volunteer for scout element." Joan nods her helmeted head towards the spider bikes sitting idle at the end of the cargo bay.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

In Vicinity: [member="Samka Derith"] | [member="Asharad Graush"] | [member="Torian Pierce"] | [member="Pharazon Draken"] | [member="BE-183"] | [member="Rolf Amsel"]
Enemies: No one yet
Objective: Get the scoop!

"As you can see," Lydia whispered into her camera. "Major Amsel just fired what I believe we in the civilian world call a big-ass gun, the effect of which is not quite clear to me. I could ask him but he has not historically -- you know, in the last five minutes -- been forthcoming with information. Whether that's because of something called operational security, but since this broadcast isn't so much a broadcast as, you know, me just talking to my datapad and hoping someone will put it on holonet after they pick it up off my corpse." She swallowed audibly, her fingers trembling on her datapad.

When Amsel called for her to move with him -- on his six, right on his six -- she nodded urgently. "Yes -- I -- yes." She tucked her datapad into the holster on her chest, camera facing out so that it would capture images of the battle zone as she hauled herself up over and sprinted after [member="Rolf Amsel"], keeping as close to his back as she could. All around her, men -- or at any rate, stormtroopers -- fell to enemy fire. She flung herself to the ground at Amsel's side when he ducked behind a stone wall; she gave him a grateful nod, not bothering to ask him any more questions just now. She hoped there would be time for that later.

"Allied forces, as you can see, coming in hot and heavy against First Order troops. The Galactic Alliance seems to be working with some unsavory characters. It is as yet unclear whether it was the Galactic Alliance or the Dark Jedi cult we've heard reports of that fired the first shells at the First Order's scientific research outpost and relief supply depot; I would hazard a guess that, should the First Order hold Kaeshana, an inquiry into the exactly culprits will be held, but until then, it seems that the First Order is under threat from anyone that isn't the First Order. And that goes for any civilian or indeed press on the planet. Oh -- we're on the move again!"

Lydia hurled herself after Rolf, like a shadow, following him closely as she had been instructed.

 

[HK-36]

Character: Adventures of NPC Greycloak "Iron-Hide"
Location: Battle for the Citadel of the Dawn, Protecting Siobhan,
Objective: NPC Fight, survive the chaos
Allies: [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"],
Enemies: [member="Darth Carnifex"],
Forces: 1 Greycloak, clad in Protectorate Power Armor, 2x Electro-Cestus and chameleon cloaks, armed with Magnetic Revolvers, heavy Magnetic Repeater, generic blue-crystal lightsabers, and Spear of Rae.

with the only ones being unaffected by the madness being those who had escaped the blast entirely or those whose bodies were completely inorganic.

That's me!

"Oh for feth's sake."

The machine hissed out as the combat zone around them got even more insane. Literally! With the flashes and bursts of colorful arcane energy there came not only the breaking of bodies in form of burns and vaporization but also breaking of minds as the veil to other worlds was peeled back, forcing those who survive the initial blast to live on with the knowledge and images of forgotten and twisted places branded into their minds, immediately driving them into the depths of insanity. Mad howling of insanity driven warriors pierced the battlefield around the droid as the raving Crownsguard and Angelii who were in proximity to the blast but survived let loose against each other. They striked and slashed, trying to hack anyone close enough to pieces, they punched and bushed, losing the grasp of what even a lightsaber was and just wishing for their hands to be washed in the blood of their enemies through more brutal methods, and they clawed, at their target's neck, whether it was friend or foe, at their own helmets to attempt for the images and visions to stop, and those who managed to pull their helmet off, well blood begun to trickle down their cheeks and chins as they scratched their own eyes out.

Again, the Greycloak would not be able to save everyone, being one of the few sane people left in his immediate area, his mind being mechanical it was doubtful that he saw anything from beyond the veil outside of the explosion, that was the reason why HK and his ilk did not fully believe in existence of Force Ghosts, the beings were borne fully out of Force, and the machines could not perceive, unfortunately they tended to believe only in things they could witness or see in person.

"Stop it! Calm yourself!"

The droid ordered to a couple of Eldorai soldiers who were screeching at each other blood curling screams, attempting to finish the work of killing one another, their arms already covered in burnt out gnashes and hack marks. He grabbed their wrists, pushing them aside to utilize an Echani pinch and force them to drop their weapons, quickly moving to grab them by the back of their necks then.

"Calm yourself! Do you understand?"

He ordered once more as with another pinch he pushed on the warriors and manipulated them into kneeling down. It was clear his efforts were to no avail as the Angelii clawed and punched his arms, trying to break free.

"Sleep then."

HK-copy hissed as blue sparks danced around his fingers, an electrical strike from the Electro-Cestus he wore. The Angelii screamed and jittered in anguish, spasming in his hands before their bodies relaxed in limp state, being knocked unconscious. The machine motioned then a couple of Angelii who found a moment of peace among the fighting,

"You two there! Grab them, get them to safety, make sure to restrain them for when they will wake up."

He handed the unconscious Angelii over to the other Eldorai, they could worry about their state of mind when they were not waging battle for Kaeshana.

The machine would move over then to another pair, passing over the corpses of Crownsguard, Angelii, other Eldorai and Sith troops alike, both sides would have taken losses by then, although hopefully due to the droid's efforts more Crownsguard would have fallen rather than Angelii and they would be either all neutralized or forced into retreat soon enough. Either way, passing over the corpses the Greycloak moved to another pair of Angelii fighting among each other and intervene by smoothly interrupting and restraining the lunatics.


At one point the machine would be in between two crazed Crownsguards, keeping them apart by pushing on their heads to keep them just out of reach of his own body and each other, although they still growled and swung towards one another in attempt to break free or tear into each other,

"Hey Kaine!"

The machine called out from across the field to address the Sith Siobhan was still fighting,

"Hey Jabroni!"

The droid called out louder just in case Kaine wouldn't hear him the first time,

"Where do you want your Sith, Hun?! Just on the side of the battle so you can collect them later?! Or should I just let them fight it out and see which one is stronger!"

Whether Kaine would actually take time to answer the droid was doubtful, but perhaps it would at least somewhat distract him from his fight against Sio.

 

[Quin Leeman]

Location:above Kaeshana, northwest citadel
Allies: The First Order and friends of the FO, Luna Terrik, Ludolf Vaashttp://starwarsrp.net/user/4252-ludolf-vaas/, [member="Torian Pierce"]
Enemies: Galactic Alliance , Choli Vynhttp://starwarsrp.net/user/6200-choli-vyn/(if in the air?), Red Squadron, and [member="Laira Vereen"] (if in the area?)
Primary Objective: give air support to FO troops on the ground
Secondary Objective: support the First Order Fleet
Tertiary Objective: Regroup with the Fleet.
​-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Post #4
​-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quin always​ heard that battle was chaotic hell but he didn't expect this.hundreds of men and vehicles charged at each other on the battle fields, while thousands more littered the fields with their bodies and blood. it was hell incarnate. he pounded the rebel Starfighter with laser fire, speeding past it not knowing if he destroyed it. he made a hard banking turn cutting upward and right then leveled off before making a strafing run into a group of rebels(npc's). he saw some Y-wing pownding the ground with missiles, then he witnessed a beautiful yet terrifying explosion. he then notice a squad of X-wings of in the distance, they had to be new due to the lack of damage to any of the ships. he was torn, what should he go after? he decided to aid his CO and his squad.

​"Knight 4, this is knight 10, lets go help Sword Leader, he'll need it" "Sword Leader this is knight 10 coming on your tail to give support, a new squad of X-wings just entered the stage."​he knew informing the CO would only help. going after some small gunships was risky. there was plenty of AA guns in the area that needed taking out. and that's what Quin was going to do. he glanced at the radar and targeting maps and found the locations of the AA guns. he picked one right at the perimeter of the gunship area.

​he flew evasive to dodge most of the AA fire coming from the gun he was targeting, speeding in at it at an unsafe speed . he powered most of the shield power to the front deflectors(75-25). he took quite a few hits from the gun but his shields barley held(20%) and he took minimal hull damage, mainly a piece or two of broken solar panel. when he as in range he let loose the six lasers and fired 2 of his missiles at the AA gun. Making a tight turn to the left to escape the explosion from the missiles he equalized the power of the deflector shield. he looked back, he took it out. but there where still several more left causing problems for all the FO fighters in the area. he would have to take out more.

 

[Zmej Ren]

[SIZE=10pt]Somewhere near Santaissa[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10pt]Allies: FO[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10pt]Enemies: [member="Judah Lesan Jr."][/SIZE]
Gear: [SIZE=10pt]Armourhttp://starwarsrp.net/topic/68540-fo-01-stormtrooper-armour/, [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]baton[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]gun[/SIZE]


[SIZE=10pt]She was a weapon. Nothing more, nothing less.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Zmej Ren’s single-minded goal to overpower, crush and dominate the Jedi enemy made her blind to the surrounding world, the entire galaxy reduced to this very moment. She ignored the conflict around, paid no attention to her opponent’s move - his own powers had to divide between weakening her grip and seizing the fallen debris. Perseverance towered high above all other goals like the ultimate achievement, ordering Zmej to sustain her crushing utilization of the Force no matter the cost. As such, when offered a chance to break her assault and avoid the chunk coming her way, the disciple refused, standing her ground with the stubbornness of zealots. Not one step back, becoming a wall braced for the inevitable.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Even though partially muffled by the black armour, a nasty crack could be heard when the incoming rubble connected with Zmej’s form, eliciting a piercing cry. Waves of white, crippling agony shot through her body and flooded every fibre of her being. There was a distinct sensation of something inside of her shifting, piercing, cutting. Breathing became a battle, helmet suffocated her by restricting the much needed flood of oxygen to fill her lungs. Something warm, sticky ran down her thigh, and it wasn’t hard to imagine the insides of her armour looked like a gory mess straight from a slaughterhouse. For split second, falling into a faint became the only option as the disciple’s mind took a dive dangerously close to the depths of unconsciousness, on the brink of collapsing to the scorched ground.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]But Zmej Ren refused to relent, maintaining her grip despite both legs losing the ability to support her, threatening to fail the body. It was the dark side and adrenaline that kept her going, her will to survive and emerge victorious, anger turned into hatred that greatly fuelled her passion and kept her awake.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Now a fresh, potent factor added to her faithless power; pain. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]The disciple intensified the amount of pressure applied upon the Jedi’s neck, tightening the unforgiving rope of telekinetic grip. She would bring him down to his knees, make the man bow before the Supreme Leader’s apostle as blood withdrew from his brain, robbing him of consciousness. This confrontation wouldn’t be his end though, as he’d eventually awake very much alive, but mistaking this act for mercy would be short.sighted. No; letting the Jedi live did not equal weakness in Zmej’s burning heart. It meant humiliation, planting seeds of doubt into the man’s heart and soul, having him live in failure. [/SIZE]

 

[BE-183]

Rules of Nature​

Post: 11
Location: Citadel of dawn - Around the trenches / North approach
Objective: Do the dishes / Camp the north
Status: Rifle gone, pistol fallen, knife dropped (disarmed), shoulder pad and chestplate cracked, hand cut / 6th platoon in good condition, one flametrooper disabled
Allies: [member="Rolf Amsel"] + First Order
Enemies: [member=Dish] + Galactic Alliance

[member=Dish]:
Shots landed, to some perceptible effect. Perhaps he felt it only as a sting but it was nonetheless satisfying, though her advantage, if it could be called that, was short lived. A thrown knife struck her weapon and hand. The pistol fell, and crimson beads rose from her exposed skin. The armourweave in her glove protected her against the worst of it, but the electric pain howled in her mind with shrill clarity, inflaming the dark wrath that grew within her.

Thus they were led to the question of the hour, would he kill an unarmed woman? She had her answer in the following split second, in which something told her synapses to fire prompting a frantic sideways roll, avoiding the ground-shaking stab that landed right next to her. That could've been as lethal as any well-placed blaster bolt. He showed slight signs of imprecision after her attacks, otherwise that might not have missed.

Bee scrambled to her feet and slowly stepped backwards, holding her hands up at the nameless soldier. "Blast... hah..." She was looking for the next opportunity to strike, or a way to escape. Still had her thermal det but she there was no way she could prime it in time. Didn't really have anything left on her to be a threat, unless she managed to punch him in the stomach again.

With a little more venom than intended, she spat "Do you Alliance types... make a habit... of killing unarmed people?" Well, trying to at least. First the humanitarian workers, now this; they wouldn't come out of this looking so good.

They had sniper rifles now? The soldiers shooting at Zero were out of the trenches. For a trooper like him, they might as well have been holding up signs. He had never once needed a spotter. Likely aided by the Alliance soldiers' post-carpet bombing disorientation, he managed to hit the deck in time to avoid return fire, his platoon following suit. They were leaving even if they had to crawl the rest of the way. If the Alliance were pulling back into cover, all the better, they would consequently be firing upon the now distant stormtroopers that much less frequently.

[member=HK-36]:
While Bee was in fact still busy at the trenches some distance from the Citadel proper, Sergeant Zero on the other hand was among the troopers reinforcing the Citadel.

In the north approach, that is.

Those Alliance, Firemane and Mandalorian aggressors were quite the issue as they rushed headlong into the killzone, aiming to swarm the opposition. The rift left by 3rd platoon was one of the many twists of the battle that might turn the tide whichever way, and the hostile pressure on that point was precisely the reason 6th platoon had chosen to go to the north side of the Citadel to support Major Amsel, where it was a little more sparse. After all they were only a platoon, not a battalion. After working through the recent crack in the trenches, the great legions of commandos, juggernauts and magnaguard-like drones would test their expensive arsenal and armour on the extensive training and fortifications of the stormtroopers in what was sure to be a hectic and hard-fought battle. Though 6th platoon would not be found among them.

That said, they were located in the Citadel itself, just at the perimeter. With a measure of levity they had detpacks set, prepared in the event that another quick extraction was required. They were loyal troopers and would lay down their lives for the Order if necessary, but that was just the thing. The secluded, ruined Citadel was objectively no more useful than any other patch of irradiated dirt and rubble around here. Regardless of the side that would be the victors at the Citadel, they could perhaps tell themselves they had taken a strategic landmark...

 

[Xandyr]

Spoiler: Fleet

1.95km
Primary Fleet
6 Sqdn D-Wing Half escorting bombers, half guarding main fleet
4 Sqdn K-Wing Bomber Bombing Runs
8 Sqdn X-Wing Starfighter Bombing runs
4 Sqdn A-Wings Half guarding Viperous, half Stoic
2 Hammerhead Corvettes (One crippled)
1 GR90 E-war transport Jamming Denial Class
1 Leviathan Class Monitor Firing on Dagger class
1 Nebulon B9 Frigate - Projecting gravity well to enable precise micro jump
2 Thranta MK2-Class Frigate (Both destroyed)
2 Valor Class Carriers (One Destroyed)
2 Noble-Class Star Defender Firing prow weapons on Rausgeber's Imp-Xs, Some rearward fire at a Denial class
ANS Viperous 1 Trimiran Class Star Defender Firing on Resurgent with all weapons. Taking damage to forward shields.

Reserve Fleet NOW in system
2 Hammerhead Corvettes Firing on Resurgent Escorts. (One destoyed, one near crippled but ramming a Dagger class.)
ANS Stoic 1 Trimiran Class Star Defender Right up Piett's tail and giving everything it’s got. Shields failing, suffering hull damage.


1 x Gladius (950m) Sarix Full batteries aimed at Subjugator

[member="Kyrana Gould"]
[member="Cathul Thuku"]
[member="Vilin"]
[member="Alexandra Morrow"]
[member="Talyn Krane"]
[member="Lily Kilia"]
[member="Tanomas Graf"]
First Order:
[member="Basileus Isauros"]
[member="Carlyle Rausgeber"]
[member="Cyrus Tregessar"]
[member="Aermoira Cyone"]
[member="Fiolette Yvarro"]
[member="Aran Piett"]

Vilin watched as the Imperial-X on the edge of Rausgeber’s fleet listed and her superstructure started to fragment.

“Cease fire on that vessel. Inform gunnery masters to be cautious of the relief efforts around damaged ships, same goes for flight command.”

There was no need to press the attack and damaging a medical vessel or escape pod would have been against almost all galactic laws of engagement. Some of the First Order soldiers who were currently maiming captives by blinding and branding them would have done well to do likewise.

At this point Vilin would have pressed the attack home. As Rausgeber moved in towards Therapy command it would have been the perfect moment to use his Reserve Fleet and crush his flank, but for now he had to hold.

The Viperous finished coming about, orienting her heaviest defences and weapons towards the Resurgent class vessel. In a straight up fight one Trimiran could have held her own respectably against one of those huge battlecruisers, but now the Indomitable was facing one on each side. Vilin felt the reverberation of their shields taking serious fire.

The Stoic was not in as advantageous position. The attack runs on her from fighters was hitting key systems, but more importantly the Subjugator had maneuvered to her flank. Several shots came through the failing shields and impacted against the hull. Several key positions along her wing exploded leading to a great loss of life and hull integrity.

Yet Vilin could see it playing out now. This fleet was too small to deal with everything coming its way. The battlecruiser was large, but in no way invincible. He had more fighters to deploy and the D-Wings and K-Wings were fiercely destructive advanced ships. The K-Wings able to take the defensive fire of the First Order escorts and return fire with an array of powerful weaponry. It was a matter of time and how severe his own losses would be. Had to mitigate the damage. As he watched the display one of his own Hammerheads lost shields. The hull was tough, but her weapons were almost immediately disabled. The Thranta in his main fleet was easy pickings and started to falter. Then she went with a brilliant flash, clearly a reactor failure. Vilin swore. All hands burned away and returned to the Force in an instant. Brave men and women of the GADF.

The escort frigate that had taken the most damage would get a sudden surprise. The Monitor class frigate fired a pair of assault concussion missiles at her. The stealth corvette was placed on the far side from the Resurgent. Those two missiles would devastate the damaged frigate, each outfitted with stealth systems of their own to avoid being shot down en-route. The Dagger class vessels had not been built to survive such an assault.

“We need to give the Stoic some cover!” he called. Now the Viperous had the Resurgent in her sights she gave it everything she had, closing to such a short range that the ACEs would decimate her shields and his heavy short range missiles had a high chance of causing critical damage.

The Sarix closed on the Subjugator and gave her everything she had. The fearsome array of forward batteries opening up in earnest. Green and red bolts lanced across the vacuum of space to leave blue sparks dancing across the shields of the Star Destroyer.

“Sir, the Expanse!”

Vilin watched as the Hammerhead class suddenly accelerated forwards.

“Oh my.” Her captain had always been a feisty individual. She accelerated at full speed towards the nearest frigate and attempted to ram her flank and drive her towards the Subjugator.

 

[Darth Carnifex]

The Nazgul's March

His initial thrusts missed their mark but to pierce her armor was not his true intention. Her blade rose and fell down upon his forearm, the blade finding purchase upon the segments that allowed his arm mobility despite the armor plating, and the distinct sound of sizzling flesh and metal reverberated throughout the air. Such pain, however; was manageable and ultimately temporary. The Dark Lord's teeth clenched as he moved himself past the pain, letting it get drawn into himself as he turned his masked visage to look upon Siobhan's. He deactivated his blades while simultaneously flinging his arms down towards his hips, sheathing them in one fluid motion before he flung his arms back up in an attempt to latch onto Siobhan's person with a grip as cold as death and as iron-tight as the beskar she cloaked herself in. Subtle applications of telekinesis were applied in an attempt to push the Grandmistress further into the Dark Lord's hungering vice-grip.

As Carnifex grappled with Siobhan, a dark energy would swiftly coalesce within his core before rapidly expanding outward like a balloon being filled with air at an inordinate rate. It would radiate out from his physical animus in the shape of a sphere, visibly manifesting as a blackened haze of crimson energy that voraciously leeched the life from the surrounding area, the ground becoming turgid and dry as whatever moisture existed within it was devoured. The Dark Lord sought to pin down the Grandmistress within the ever expanding sphere of death that he had summoned forth, and with every second that she remained within she would feel her vitality being siphoned away by the energy field. Naturally such destructive energies sought to feast on the Dark Lord as well, but this power was maintained entirely by his extraordinary will.

At any moment he could dispel the field, but so long as living material resided within its boundaries every scrap of vitality stolen would further rejuvenate him and restore whatever energy he had expended previously in the fight at the expense of his enemy.

​

​

By this time it was impossible for Carnifex to hear the HK droid over the buzzing and turbulence of the energies he was using in an attempt to wither away Siobhan to nothing more than a husk, but by now the battle between the Crownguard and the Angelii had come to an unceremonious end.

All that mattered now was the personal battle.

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] | [member="HK-36"]​

 

[Fiolette Fortan]

Standing in the forward bay, the redhaired Admiral watched as her fleet began to manoeuvre into position. Her hands placed behind her back, her uniform crisp and boots reflected the darkened lights above. The crew of the Warspite worked together coordinating as the Admiral directed, she looked away momentarily from the viewscreen and looked at her tactical computer and the holo of the reinforcements now arriving in the system. "Redirect our forces to emerge behind enemy lines," her voice cool from her lips siphoning off any hope that her mind was gone. Whatever inhuman process she had gone through, was working - her eyes steeled their gaze. "I want Task Force 71 to reinforce Commodore Rausgeber, Task Force 72 reinforcing Piett's position."

"Understood." Lieutenant Galeway remarked, the blonde sat in her alcove sending out the orders.

"Enemy fleet turning to intercept." Lieutenant Commander Walzer reported.

Admiral Yvarro's gaze turned to the large viewscreen that gave her the clear as day view of the Barsen'Thor still turning ninety degrees to meet with the Warspite. "She'll still be turning by the time we're through." She said under her breath, "keep on target, we'll use their allies as cover." The Warspite would be manoeuvring just beyond [member="Cathul Thuku"]'s reach. Their targets were the fleet brought in by [member="Kyrana Gould"]. "Advise Task Force 76 and Task Force 77 to jump in behind enemy fleets." She would bring these tyrants to heel and they would all bear witness to the same strength and coordination that won Castameer.

Daggers and Fortans swarmed together up ahead, Denials and Inflictors behind them - and by the Balance. "The rest of our forces are here!" Galeway shouted.

Task Force 74, led personally by Admiral Yvarro was now, here in full. "Advance the Bolts toward their Corvettes, have the denials begin their defensive screens. I want the Inflictors to reverse polarity on their tractor beams, set them to repel." A pause followed by the next order, "all Fortans and Daggers, once in range of enemy vessels initiate all e-warfare systems. Scramble and overload enemy sensors, keep them blind and alone. Have the Unity vessels drop their starfighters and bombers, wait for my orders on the bombing runs."

"Have both Retributions target enemy Interdictor."

"Yes Admiral."

If it was a war the Alliance wanted, then it was a war they were going to receive.

Fleet: Task Force 74

Spoiler

1x Warspite-class, Dreadnought * Maintaining Course [member="Kyrana Gould"]
4x Fortan-class, Heavy Corvette * Preparing E-War [member="Kyrana Gould"]
2x Inflictor-class, Heavy Cruiser * Preparing Tractor Beams / Reverse Polarity [member="Kyrana Gould"]
8x Dagger-class, Escort Frigate * Preparing E-War [member="Kyrana Gould"]
4x Denial-class, Anti-Starfighter Frigate * Engaging Defensive Screens
2x Retribution-class, Star Destroyer * Targeting Warden Interdictor [member="Kyrana Gould"]
3x Unity-class, Carrier Cruiser * Deploying Fighters/Bombers [member="Kyrana Gould"]
24x Bolt-class, Picket Corvette * En Route to Intercept/Engage Fulmantis Corvettes [member="Kyrana Gould"]
Total: 14,430m

En Route: Task Force 71 & Task Force 72
ETA: 3 Posts

Spoiler

Task Force 71: [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"]
Stormcloud-class, Assault Cruisers x2
Raptor-class, Assault Frigates x6
Retribution-class, Light Star Destroyer x1
Corsair-class, Gunship Corvettes x12
6,580m

Task Force 72: [member="Aran Piett"]
Vindicator-class, Light Carrier x2
Fortan-class, Heavy Corvette x6
Charger-class, Escort Corvette x4
Deliverance-class, Corvette x24
6,880m

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Darth Carnifex"], [member="HK-36"]


In short, Carnifex was trying to do too much at the same time. To recapitulate, he sheathed his sabres, tried to grab Siobhan with both his physical hands and telekinetic ones and summoned a deadly field of consuming Force energy. These were all strong attacks, but in combination, these moves yielded diminished gains. They required his opponent to stay static.


This was not the case. Moreover, her blade had not been neutralised and it was an immediate danger for a grappling manoeuvre. Siobhan was familiar with Force Drain, having learned it the only way you can: By being exposed to it. In that regard, Kaine had been one of her teachers. However, she used it sparingly and had never summoned a Death Field because it was a very unstable power that could easily consume its summoner. It took effort and concentration to both maintain the field and keep it from becoming one's undoing. As the purest manifestation of the dark side, its power came at a considerable price.


As the Butcher-King sheathed his blood-red blades, Siobhan's armoured body moved into motion and she stepped back. Telekinetic power battered her and the Sith moved forward to seize her with his arms. Maintaining her footing while invisible fingers sought to deliver her into her adversary's grip was painful, but she managed. As the behemoth came at her, her orange sabre swept through the air. The burns from earlier still pained her hand, but her blade moved with fluid grace and calculated aggression when she slashed at the inner side of Kaine's left wrist.


Then came the Death Field. Truth be told, the firemaned warrior was a bit surprised that Kaine was still functioning to this degree after enduring an injured leg, a lung that was probably in a poor state by now and a chop on the arms.


The sphere of darkness expanded as it exploded like a bloated balloon, corrupting all that it touched like a blight. Her head throbbed painfully, giving her a very bad headache, and she felt a wave of nausea overcome her, but though she felt sickened to the core, she did not waver.


And counterattacked. In the same moment as the vile cloud of corrupt, crimson energy crossed the distance to her and assaulted her with ravenous hunger, the Ethereal Fist summoned her willpower and unleashed a powerful invisible wall of pure telekinetic energy that she drove towards Kaine's chest like a battering ram. Her intent was not to only kick him back, but break his control.

 

[Samka Derith]

Location: Mountain-Trenches west of the Citadel of Dawn​

Objective: Outflank the enemy, relieve exhausted allies​

​

-----​

Samka Derith had retreated to the shadows upon the appearance of [member="Lydia Finn-Camden"], back where she belonged. The eye of the press was not what the Knight of Ren needed. Formally, their existence was not even confirmed to the citizens of the First Order so a mysterious cloaked child directing troops would be sure to earn a ceaseless flurry of questioning. Instead, she floated among the troops, far from the reporter or from Major [member="Rolf Amsel"], and focused on directing troops to their best targets and deflecting incoming fire with her lightsaber. At this distance it was impossible to accurately deflect at the enemy so hers was a purely defensive gesture. In spite of their outflanking manoeuvre it seemed the enemy were barely scratched by their attack and continued the assault pushing through their shattered lines. It was time to move up.

Apparently the Major had the same idea and orders came down the line, they were moving on the direct offensive and the enemy had been kind enough to deploy smoke to cover their approach. Perfect. Leaping forwards, at first she stuck with the group, deflecting fire and covering the soldiers as best she could but before long Sam had to take advantage of her strengths and close the distance herself. If the reporter saw her slip away from the main group, it was too late to be questioned and hopefully the tight censorship would continue to mask the existence of their organisation to the masses. The Knight of Ren didn't need to duck and dive through the rocks like the soldiers, or at least not as much. Her natural speed and agility were complimented by her proficiency in the Force allowed Samka to move at inhuman speed. Between that, the smoke and the lingering snowstorm, the young girl had the perfect conditions to kill from the shadows. She was little more than a ghost rapidly approaching the enemy.

Her first sighting came soon, some Alliance soldier firing blindly at the incoming Stormtroopers. She charged unseen from the side and ignited at Lightsaber into the side of the man's thigh. He yelled in pain and surprise, turning his rifle towards her but the Ren had already flicked her blade upwards, carving through his flesh and up to his arms, severing them and literally disarming the poor soldier. With a final slash across the face, she ended the man's life. It happened in seconds but for both individuals it seemed to last much longer. For him, it was because of the pain, for her, the pleasure. Finally, after so much time waiting around and saving people, her first kill of the day. It wouldn't be her last.

She darted through the battlefield, killing the enemy wherever she found them. Two soldiers knelling side by side and firing towards the mountains. She beheaded them both in one swift movement. Another taking cover bellow a loose rock. With a kinetic pull, she crushed the rock down on the man's skull. A sniper, too engrossed in his scope to have any hint of her approach. A simple stab through the heart from the back. After every kill, she disengaged her blade, the red glow and hum made her easier to spot, and disappeared back into the smoke and snow. An invincible killer, basking in her sense of superiority. These soldiers, for all their military training, were her lessers. She was better and proving it was nothing short of euphoric. Every moment and every kill brought Sam's mindset further from the part of her capable of reason and empathy and deeper into the darker parts of her mind. The sadist. The psychopath once caged in an asylum.

Her attention turned onwards, hopefully she'd brought time and saved lives among Major Amsel and his group but it was time to keep pushing and relieve some of the desperate forces ahead. She caused a few more casualties among the enemy on her journey towards the trenches. An ambush here, stabbing there. But the smoke was clearing and she was loosing her advantage so she pushed on with another burst of speed, locking on to life signs she could help.

Finally, Samka Derith reached the network of trenches in time to see their forces rapidly loosing ground. She briefly paused to get her bearings. There was... something the Force was telling her. She had to move quickly and quietly. Doing everything to mask her presence, the assassin moved around the trench edges like a shadow, seeking out whatever was calling to her. A soldier of the Alliance spotted her once but Sam choked him before he got a word out, he fell to the dirt spluttering an attempt at a warning to his comrades.

There. This was what was calling her. A lone Stormtrooper ( [member="BE-183"] ) bloody, bruised and unarmed facing a towering Alliance soldier ( [member="Dish"] ). She had to act swiftly to save the life of the Imperial trooper. She leaped out of the shadows using her acrobatic ability, aiming to land directly on the enemy's back and impale him downwards through the shoulder. As she landed there would be a feral Force scream to further disrupt her foe. Normally the girl took pride in a dignified, elegant appearance but this was a psychological attack, to bring fear into the heart of her enemy. To make this soldier think he was facing a lunatic.

And while Samka could never admit such a thing to herself, the truth was that Dish was indeed facing a lunatic.

Spoiler

OOC: Time to join the fight! Any problems, let me know

 

[Aran Piett]

---------------------------------------------------​

Objective: Engage Alliance Naval Forces​

Location: Orbit over Kaeshana​

Allies: First Order, [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"]​

Enemies: GA and their Allies, [member="Vilin"]​

----------------------------------------------------------​

​

"Commander, Dagger 224 is taking heavy fire, the Captain doesn't think she can sustain anymore."​

​

Aran looked on as the reactor of Dagger 224 went critical, and exploded. Without the it's partner the last remaining dagger would be severely hampered.​

​

"Halsey, tell the commander of Dagger 295 to withdraw, I don't want them being a hindrance."​

​

Continued to look out and see the over confidence of the enemy, though their planning was sound, Aran could see some weaknesses.​

​

"Engine room full speed into that hammerhead, take it out before it hits the Subjugator. Lieutenant, send orders to Subjugator, if hull integrity falls to 50% abandon the attack and retreat to Endor for repairs. Continue to have TIE Escorts protect the Indomitable, as well as the Denials. We can hold this."​

​

"Aye aye Commander. Anything else?"​

​

"Execute plan omega ASAP."​

​

"Omega sir?"​

​

"Yes Lieutenant Omega, Also bring me helmsman Dougherty."​

​

"Umm aye sir. Crewman Dougherty, to the Commander ASAP."​

​

"Yes sir?" The crewman looked nervous to be in front of his Commanding Officer​

​

"Crewman didn't I give you an order to bring us about and get our bow to the reserve fleet so we could take them out.?"​

​

"Yes sir....."​

​

"Why didn't it happen then crewman?"​

​

"Umm...sir....the enemy....is....just...too....fast....sir."​

​

"Bull! You are relieve of duty." The crewman started to walk away from Command Piett, "Oh and Crewman," Aran pulls out his service pistol and shoots the crewman for failing his orders. "Resignation accepted."​

​

"Now that, the insubordination is taken care of, you all know your orders. Get them done."​

​

The bridge was eerily silent as the rest of the crew carried out Aran's orders.​

​

​

​

​

​

Spoiler: Fleet, and Orders.

1x Resurgent Class, FIV Indomitable Full ahead into the hammerhead targeting the Subjugator, plan to use her size against it, executing plan omega, Planetary Assault landers launching to board and disrupt Reserve Fleet Commandship. TIE Fighters still in cover over (Minor Engine damage, shields taking hits and falling slightly more than acceptable.)

Spoiler: Fleet, and Orders.

​

1xVictory X FIV Subjugator Continues full assault on Reserve Fleet Command ship. Staying on the flank of the Command ship to hit her where she hurts.​

​

3x Denial Class Escorts Set to engage any fighters/bombers that make runs on the cruiser, and Resurgent. Turned on their EWAR to prevent jamming . (One sustained damage.)​

​

2x(1x) Dagger Class Escorts Formed up near the Resurgent to prevent bombing runs. Turned on EWAR to prevent jamming (One Destroyed)​

​

 

[Ludolf Vaas]

Location: Northwest Citadel of Dawn
Enemies: None at the moment
Equipment: 1 Slugthrower rifle, 1 <a data-ipb="nomediaparse" data-cke-saved-href="http://star-wars-canon.wikia.com/wiki/First_Order_Officer"href="http://star-wars-canon.wikia.com/wiki/First_Order_Officer" s_blaster_pistol"="">First Order Officer's blaster pistol, 2x vibroknives (one hidden in boot), 2x EMP grenades, 2x Sonic grenades, 2x concussion grenades, Officer's armor

The sting of bacta continued to pierce his arm as Ludolf's wounds were patched and adrenaline was needled into his veins by the medics. Meanwhile, the Stormtrooper Captain had departed to carry out his orders. Ludolf had been mistaken in his initial assessment of the captured forces; he had spared little more than a sidelong glance, after all. They seemed to be all GA regulars. Of course none of [member="Draco Vereen"]'s Mandalorians or [member="Elpsis Elaris"]'s Firemane soldiers had been among them. They were the galaxy's finest soldiers and would never, ever get captured. Naturally.

The men who were about to be blinded and have their faces marked by the Captain's vibroblade, and bear the eternal scar of this battle on Kaeshana, would go on to live in infamy. Those twenty men would forever henceforth be known to the galaxy as The Scarred. They would remain the Galactic Alliance's most devout followers, and would be an example of the brutality of the conflict on both sides.

"Your grenades, sir." A Stormtrooper handed Ludolf a field ammunition kit.

Good, his request for EMP grenades had come through. Vaas had already had one run-in with a droid today, and he would prepare for another in case it occurred. Taking two of the grenades and fastening them to his utility belt, the Supreme Commander, subsumed by his mental programming, stood up suddenly.

//Orders received. Commencing mission plan.\\

Replacing his ammunition for both his slugthrower and his blaster pistol's energy cells, as well as stocking back up on his supply of grenades, the Supreme Commander stalked off toward the enemy flanks, keeping low and using his natural surroundings for cover. The first thing he wanted to do was replace this armor.

He was going hunting.

[member="Choli Vyn"] and [member="Laira Vereen"]'s assault from above was met with more anti-aircraft fire from the ground troops themselves, as well as from the walkers themselves. But they seemed to have their hands tied in the air with the support provided by the 181st Fighter Wing ([member="Torian Pierce"]) and [member="Quin Leeman"]. The Vaiken Legion was still pressing the northwest flank hard, spreading out as much as possible to form as much of a perimeter around their side of the Citadel as they could. The AT-TTs and FRT-01s were still relentlessly hitting the enemy Typhoons and Manticores under [member="Taryc Ap'Irae"], respectively. But the only thing on the Supreme Commander's mind at the moment was his mission. The Sith Empire's long-dormant mental programming had blocked all thoughts of pity and remorse from his mind - including even for his own fledgling family. Ludolf was nothing more than a tool now, a human weapon made for the sole purpose of inflicting death.

Ludolf ducked into a small rocky inlet, remaining hidden for the moment.

214th Legion Odile Vaiken

Spoiler

4,880 4,840 Stormtroopers


3 All-Terrain Tactical Transport
10 All-Terrain Flame Assault
5 4 FRT-01
9 AA/P-VW
3 FL4-AW

 

[Isla Ashen]

Satanissa, Comm Tower Area
With: [member="Darth Veles"], [member="Kaalia Voldaren"], [member="Arlen Rossi"]
Against: [member="Kira Vaal"], [member="Ryan Korr"], [member="Elincia Alanis"], [member="Kaida Taldir"], [member="Aeda Shaytari"], [member="Six-O"], [member="Kiyron"], [member="Taryc Ap'Irae"], [member="Ghorumgash Khazund-Veranum"] (sorry if I missed anyone!)

Suddenly, there was a new presence on the rooftop. Isla’s eyes snapped to see a male Jedi, the confident tone of his voice had drawn her attention. Indeed, his request was simple… but the situation at hand was far from it. If the Mon Cal surrendered this Kira Vaal, they would certainly stand to lose precious information concerning her connections. But she had worked alongside Veles several times, and she knew that the Sith Lord was not one to simply give in.

In her ear, she could hear Agent Rossi’s response. Their ride was close, but they would need to gain some distance. That could easily be accomplished, a simple jump off the side of the building would do.

The web of force power that she had woven with the help of Kaalia and Veles was still holding, except for one spot where it had unraveled… right below the Jedi’s feet. But suddenly, all resistance from their opponent cut away. The rooftop beneath them was now free of the pressure that had threatened to pull it down. This might have been welcome news, but Isla was not so optimistic. If their enemy had suddenly stopped their telekinetic attack, they had either decided to withdraw, or taken the chance to push forward.

The cold air stung her eyes, and she narrowed them. At the same moment, she reached out with her honed senses. Having just been struggling against such a force power would make it somewhat familiar, but Isla could feel nothing now. This did not bode well. It seemed that they were being hunted by a silent and skilled killer. There was little left to do – stay sharp, and wait for the moment to escape.

Isla had still not moved from her place, knowing that the droid was still likely waiting on the comm tower. And then it hit her – a sudden realization that nearly took her breath away. An image cut through her mind, the urge to move was strong and instant. Her body reacted before she could fully grasp what was about to happen, but she rolled swiftly away from the ledge. Isla sat up and held her palms out flat, a force shield wrapped around her once more. The projectile shot through the small shelter of the ledge with such speed that was nearly impossible to avoid. If not for the flash of insight gifted to her by the force and the precious seconds it had given her, Isla’s leg would surely have been obliterated.

She turned, just in time to see Veles under attack by a newcomer. Perhaps this had been the force on the ground that had been trying to assault the building. They had to get out, now. Isla furrowed her brow, and let her palm shoot out towards the motionless form of Kira Vaal. Instantly, the woman’s body lifted from the Mon Cal’s grip and made its way to Isla’s arms. And then, Isla burst into motion… her legs carried her right over the ledge. Unfortunately, she had not had the time to reach out to Kaalia and inform her of the plan.

Isla’s form was falling through the air, with the added weight of the rebel adding to the speed. In the last moment, she used the force to wrap around herself, protecting her from harm. However, her legs still felt the shock as land came up under them. They have way beneath her, momentarily losing her footing. Now, she had the task to connect with Agent Rossi, and she wasn’t far… for Isla could already make out the roar of her speeder.

 

[Dish]

Location: Trenches
Status: Armor breach in abdomen, fair amount of burning in said area, otherwise doing okay
Enemies: [member="BE-183"] , [member="Samka Derith"]
Allies: The GA
Objective: Fight the Stormie who just revealed how Dish got his name Exterminate the darksider parasite


"What would you do, if the roles were reversed?" The soldier inquired, the blade on his arm retracting. How she'd been able to avoid his strike was anyone's guess, the damned force had something to do with it he was sure, but he was vong-shaped, could the force warn of his attacks still? Was she that damn good? Or could those with it simply just not read his mind and throw him around like a rag doll? He was never quite sure, they'd told him it put him on a level playing field with the Sith, and he hadn't asked questions. His bet was still on her being that good.

The question now raised was if he would simply draw his sidearm and fire or actually hear her out, and while part of him felt perhaps he should let the trooper go, the rest reminded him that she was dangerous enough to survive against him and actually land several hits. Could he really let that be let loose on the Alliance? He didn't get to ponder the question for long as his motion tracker detected a blip from his rear and a distinctive snap of a saber coming to life.

Dish smirked, he'd wondered when they'd show up.

Where he respected Stormtrooper's he despised the thing coming down at him. Stepping to the right and pivoting so that he kept BE in his vision he merely chuckled as the Knight of Ren attempted to strike fear into his mind with the force as she landed, her strike skimming the phrik reinforced armor as he stepped away. While the Knight may have been able to throw off others, Dish was unphased, as far as the force was concerned, Dish wasn't there, he didn't exist, it could not touch him physically or mentally and nor could he touch it.

Staring down the newcomer for the briefest instant the grim carving on his visor glared down the darksider, this was his purpose, to kill them. In the blink of an eye he pulled the significantly larger vibroknife from his shoulder, and engaged the arm blade once again. With keen precision the soldier struck out, his first strike making towards Samka's saber hand, a menacing grin across his face beneath the helm. It'd been far too long.

 

[Luna Terrik]

- Allies: [member="Torian Pierce"] [member="Quin Leeman"] -
- Enemies: Rebel Alliance + (any pilot wishing to join) -



Her commanders strong and resilient voice came over the comm, making the redhead grin. Taking a deep breath, she listened to the orders come over the comm loud and clear. Apparently the rebellion had decided to send gunships towards the war ravaged capital. That was a scary prospect in itself, even more so in the fact that First Order forces still populated the city, and any gunship would be able to decimate a roadblock or convoy. Biting her lip, she awaited her own squadron leader’s answer while she leveled off her flight path as her interceptor cut through the atmosphere.

“This is Knight leader. I’m forming up on your six, Sword leader. My squadron will follow yours’ in and preform secondary strafing. I’ll tell my boys to focus on any gunships your squadron damages on the first run. Knight leader, out.” The confirmation was all she needed, and Luna began powering up her weapon systems, as well as setting her deflector shield to full front. Her first engagement would be the definition of flying into a hornets nest.

While T-70’s were the main Starfighter for the rebel alliance, the ship had two main weakness’s faster, sleeker fighters like the TIE interceptor could do very well to exploit. They were slow, which meant they would make turns slower than the faster interceptor, which would work seriously to her advantage. And secondly, their sensors were not the most advanced in the galaxy, meaning that flying through the clouds could possibly mask their approach.

Opening her own comm, the inexperienced pilot began to speak to her commander. “Knight leader, I’ve got Knights five and six on my tail, and we’ll follow you in. We’ve got your back.” Grinning wickedly to herself, she shut off the comm, opening up her throttle. The heat of battle was calling her name, and she was about to answer for the first time.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

[member="Aermoira Cyone"] | [member="Nathaniel Barrett"] | [member="Jaius Sovv"] | [member="Anya Venari"]​

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gJ_5tMHKuQ

"Very well," Natasi responded to Cyone before disconnecting the line. She touched a key to connect to the switchboard. "Connect me to the cabinet room at Number 10, please," Natasi said to the switchboard operator. "Tight beam, secure line holographic. Thank you." A series of clicks and whirring came on the line, and a few moments later, white-blue light burst from the center of the table, resolving itself after a moment into a facsimile of the Moff Council, sitting around the conference table. Luckily, the holograms of Remingon Schrank -- Minister of Education & Labor -- and the Industry & Health Minister Preston Talbot, fell on either side of [member="Nathaniel Barrett"], so he did not need to move.

They greeted each other cordially but stiffly; clearly tensions were high. "Good evening, Moff Councilors. Thank you for making yourselves available on such short notice despite the hour," Natasi said, folding her hands placidly on the desk in front of her. "I have Commissioner Barrett here with me aboard the Concordia. By now you've all received the briefings and have, I hope, made yourselves aware of the circumstances with which we are currently dealing. You should also have been made aware of the ultimatum that I delivered to the Galactic Alliance regarding their allies and enemy combatants." She paused for affirmation that came in a series of nods and murmurs.

Natasi let it hang in the air for a few moments, and then reached up to take off her reading glasses, laying them on the table gently. After a moment, she spread her hands. "This is... not the course of action that I wanted for the First Order. If I had my way we would live in peace with our neighbors. Some of you have appreciated this philosophy; not all of you have agreed. But regardless of your wishes or mine, we now stand at a crossroads. We cannot show the Galactic Alliance and their Dark Jedi cultist friends weakness or they will continue to menace the galaxy, and our interests. I do not know that a show of force here at Kaeshana will prevent it, but I know for absolute sure that the converse is true. Therefore I ask for your unqualified support. If you feel you are unable to offer this support, I ask that you say so now and we can arrange other responsibilities for you." She paused again and then cleared her throat. "This government will speak with one voice -- mine. We will advise the Supreme Leader with one voice -- mine. I am not required by law to obtain your unanimous consent to follow through with my ultimatum, but I do want it. I want all of us to be on record agreeing to these terms and agreeing to bear the burden of this choice." She paused and looked around the holos. "Finance Minister," she said.

"Yes, Grand Moff."

"Defense Minister," Natasi said.

Isobel Churchill's voice was gruff, full of bloodlust: "Yes, Grand Moff."

"Industrial Minister."

"Yes, Grand Moff," said Preston Talbot.

"Health Minister."

"Yes, Grand Moff."

"Education Minister."

Quinn Astoria cleared her throat before answering: "Yes, Grand Moff."

"Culture Minister."

There was a beat, and then: "Yes, Grand Moff."

Natasi made notes along her page and then looked up when the roll had been taken. "Thank you for your faith and your cooperation, Ministers. We'll be in touch to coordinate messaging and obviously, I will keep you apprised of the diplomatic situation here. Stay by your communicators." She disconnected the cabinet meeting and then looked over at Nathaniel briefly for a moment before she touched a key on the panel again. "Get a message to the Supreme Leader's private secretary," Natasi said urgently. "I need the next ten minutes the Supreme Leader has. And is there no word from the Truth and Reconciliation?" She glanced at her watch; time was ticking away...