Dominion Chicken: It's what's for Dinner. (Elysium Dominion of Nedij)

[Elysium Eternal]

Nedij; The Elysium Empire has planned the construction of a large logistics base in the lowlands of the planet. However, the bird-like natives, The Nediji, have been causing problems. To put it plainly, they've been running in with their extreme speed, capturing and eating workers, and then leaving. Raiding. So King Rex Valhoun has sent multiple orders to deal with the raiders...

Objective One: At the tippity top of the mountain, but only half way up; Negotiate with the Nediji

Objective Two: Protect the base! The foundation of the base has been set up, but the natives continue to send raiding parties out. Defend the base.

Objective Three: BYOO​

​

 

[Rex Valhoun]

Post: One
Objective: One
Tags: TBD

Rex was hiking a mountain. He hadn't hiked in quite some time, and he found himself slightly winded...embarrassing. The last time was when he was meeting Loreena for the second time. They had taken a hike, raced each other up a cliff, and sparred. Each event had been fun, and close. Rex hadn't been winded then...but now, months of playing the political game was taking a toll on his physical capacities. Meanwhile the two Stormtroopers with him seemed to be doing just fine with the hike. At least that means they're doing their required PT sessions...unlike me...

Rex wasn't looking forward to today's "quest". He was going to be meeting with some bird-like humanoids with a desire to eat humans. He was prepared though. Mentally, he had several plans for how to go about things, from Quid-pro-quo, to threats. He also prepared himself with good equipment...wearing the standard army armor, and a Mynock blaster pistol for defense. He hoped he wouldn't need it...

 

[Var-Sulis]

Objective: Two


Pacing through the woods, hearing the snapping of twigs under my boots, I was timing myself. We set up in thirty. Commander Falonki should be there by now..Scouting ahead. The skies were overcast and according to the intel..This planet was full of...oh yeah...giant birds with a taste for human flesh...Dan Farrik....What a time to be alive....As I came to a boulder covered with a slight purple like..Moss? I looked back at the three E.I.A. Troopers following me scanning the area in a recon formation, triangled from my location. Index and middle went up in the air and with a simple twirl of my hand, the signal was clear. Spread to the right and left...I take the center and the fourth watch the flank. Didn't need any surprises on the way to the campsite.

According to our data, the natives of the land had limited information in the database. Could be extremely hostile and dangerous...My tail....Mouthy..Because ironically enough...He barely speaks..Had our luggage, full of satellite equipment, sonar radars, and all kinds of militia defense weaponry that makes things go boom. We were ready for anything. As i split around the rock and continued forward, my eye remained focused through the scope and finger near the trigger. Creeping up on the campsite after about a quarter-mile, I could see Falonki ahead. We made it.


Tags: Open

 

[Aculia Voland]

Objective Two
​

Far above the operative Var-Sulis in the woods, and even the young king and his small escort on the mountain, a squadron of four Argus SAWAC vessels circled patiently, their long-range sensors tracking the Elysium base, the king, and their special forces on the ground. Their invisible eyes scoured every inch of the forest, lowlands, and mountains for the biosignatures of the amphibious Nejidi and possible raiding camps or primitive settlements across the whole electromagnetic and visible spectrums, ready to report any attempted attacks or coordinated movements with their powerful communications equipment across encrypted Elysium channels. One such channel in particular belonged to a squadron of new ground attack fighters, which were making a low flight over the mountain towards the beginnings of the large logistics base.

“Eagle One, give me the status and location of ‘Kingpin’, if you will.” Aculia commanded, a mischievous smile flitting across her face as she did so.

“Yes sir, uploading coordinates and projected trajectory now.”

The cockpit of her new War Hawk ground attack fighter, leading the formation of twelve dedicated CAS craft, hummed with a slight ping as the necessary data was transmitted to her, pinpointing the location of Rex Valhoun and his small complement of stormtroopers. She did not think it was particularly wise for him to attempt diplomacy with rabid cannibalistic birds who could move at seemingly preternatural speeds with such a light escort, but she did admire the gumption if not the stupidity. She had yet to see Rex really do anything to cement her loyalty in particular or prove he was the hands-on type of king aside from attend a stuffy diplomatic meeting with even more boring Jedi, so maybe if he succeeded in his diplomacy, she would rethink her view of him.

I’ll do my best to keep him alive until then despite his foolhardiness, after all, I’m making quite a lot of money selling these ships and doing Grand Shepherd Burtch 's dirty work. Still, let’s have a bit of fun.

Aculia gave commands to about one fourth of her squadron, three of the Hawks, to break off and circle around the mountain and provide heavy fire support to the King if he ended up getting into more trouble than expected, or if it looked like he was going to be ambushed and overwhelmed. If he insisted on going in with just two stormtroopers, she could at least make sure her meal ticket had a reasonable chance of survival. Then, she gave the commands for the other eight hawks to follow her, and set a trajectory towards the base that would take her directly over the King.

She grinned.

When she neared his location, she suddenly dived and accelerated, taking her slimmed down squadron over the seemingly winded aristocrat and his two stormtrooper escorts at a relatively low altitude, the heavy engines of the Hawks making a loud roaring noise and kicking up dust and detritus around them as they flew overhead. A not-so-subtle reminder to the aristocrat that he had a military to do things for him and that not everyone gave full approval to him going into a possibly fatal situation with such a light escort, hopefully encouraging him to be smarter about such things in the future.

Aculia’s slimmed down squadron then pulled up to a higher altitude, going into the lower hanging clouds above the base construction site to conceal their presence from the overgrown chickens on the ground, circling around its position. It would be a good chance to test the capabilities of both the Argus and the War Hawk in a live military situation.

“Close Air Support is available upon request, until then we will maintain a perimeter around the base construction site and engage if hostilities begin.” Aculia announced over the encrypted channels to the SAWACs, who then in turn broadcasted it with their powerful communications array to the relevant Elysium ground forces.

OOC Note:

[Feel free to call for close air support and Aculia will do her best to fulfill it for you.]

 

[Kimiko Taiyou]

Post: One
Objective: One
Tags: Rex Valhoun
​

Ki looked back down the trail and giggled at Rex as she heard his labored breathing. She was fairing better than her Elysium counterpart, regularly partaking in exercises with her palace guard and Knights keeping her sharp. The mountains they were currently in reminded her of the central mountain back home, so to say she was having fun would be an understatement.

She had joined the Elysium monarch on this expedition as the first joint operation between them. The planet had not been a part of the Outer Planets Alliance, so her sense of adventure was on overdrive. But she had to real it in, they had a mission to accomplish.

The woman perched herself, barefoot, atop a large boulder as her own guards continued to scout ahead, and called to Rex with an amused smile,"How are you doing Rex?" she held back busting into laughter,"If the intelligence reports are correct, the village should be just over this next rise nestled in this mountain's caldera. Not much farther now."

 

[Rex Valhoun]

Post: Two
Objective: One
Tags: Kimiko Taiyou

Lie, you fool! Were Rex's thoughts as The Empress asked how he was faring. He had tried to conceal his heavy breathing but apparently she had caught on. He slowed down as he answered, "Better than I look...it's been a while since I climbed like this. You seem to be handling yourself well..." He nodded at the strange woman, noting that she was barefoot for the trek. Painful. Unless she had hiked that way before...in which case it wasn't so bad...as he had learned during his time in the wilderness.

He was happy that the village was near. This hike was a real pain. That being said he was also anxious...there was a chance of being attacked by the birds immediately. They were, after all, uninvited guests. That's what the guard was for...and of course, The Grand Admiral was somewhere above their heads, probably sipping coffee, ready to bomb the mountain if necessary.

 

[Dorthea Dobson]

Objective 1

Dorthea was having a wonderful time.

She had spent the past couple years doing PT with the marines and had picked up some of their combat training recently. She was in phenomenal shape for her age and was a far cry from the woman she was when she had been “liberated” from the First Order. Back then, she had been frumpy, grumpy, and nihilistic as a mere quartermaster of a corvette class warship. But her return to the Empire, and her integration into the Mandal-Elysium Arms company had given her new meaning to life. She had purpose, energy, and… well, she actually had friends now, come to think of it too.

She had stayed back, originally, to fasten all her gear properly before catching up with the group. With all the vigor of a woman, now obsessed with exercise, she speed walked right past Rex Valhoun with her head high in the air. She didn’t even acknowledge him, as she was focused on form and technique of getting as much exercise as possible from this excursion.

Of course, she already had it easier than Rex to begin with. As opposed to his bulky armor, she was wearing her officers uniform, and her Glastros Undercover Armor under that for additional protection. Around her waist, she had her Navy Blaster, a marine issue survival kit, and a Personal Shield for additional protection. Her load out was intended to be highly mobile and protective for this mission since the area had been rated as hostile. Lastly, she had a brand new LPD-59 Stormlance Shatter Rifle strapped to her back, one which she had purchased while they were attending conferences on Bimmisaari. She liked her new gun…

She was a little amused with herself as she closed the distance between her and Kimiko Taiyou , who was still up ahead. She had never been much of a weapons person before, but spending time with those marines in the navy had caused her to absorb something of an interest in them. She was no soldier by any stretch, but she had picked up a few tricks by joining the marines at the makeshift shooting range in the HMS Shii-Cho’s hangar bay, whenever they set it up. She wasn’t about to lead any fireteams any time soon, but she was confident that she could hit something with her new rifle if she had to.

Maybe I should ask Rex about hunting later if this goes well…

ECP-44, or “Grunty” as Dorthea named him, hovered along right beside her as she speed-walked.

 

[General Kaarl]

Objective 3 - Observe and Support, Train Security Troopers
Tags : Dorthea Dobson Rex Valhoun Kimiko Taiyou Aculia Voland Var-Sulis Elysium Eternal

The General himself had come to Nedij with the security force, over the stringent objections of his advisors. He had compromised by remaining inside the security perimiter and not going on expeditions with the troopers. So, he hovered back and forth between knots of officers who were busy overseeing deployments to support the Elysium's construction efforts. Ten full units from Sehnsucht Security had deployed, and they were being overseen by the company's security director, Colonel Pachus, a large Cragmaloid, who was the only one apart from the General not wearing a helmet.

"You may deploy your units, Colonel." Kaarl said as Pachus saluted. The colonel turned to the other officers nearby and barked his orders, sending them scattering to their units. Half of the security were deploying to the construction site, while the other half were extending the security perimiter, ranging outward on patrol to ensure a large area was free of hostile activity. The Company was supporting the Elysium Empire's efforts on Nedji, but were also here to use the experience to train new troopers in a live exercise deployment. Several P-200K Krankenwagen units had also deployed, towering over the troopers.

 

[Var-Sulis]

Nodding to Falonki up ahead with the notion that we were clear to set up and defend the area, I put my men at ease...Well..My Unit. .. There was one female..She and I had been conveniently on many missions and soft-shelled recon tasks but never actually formally met. She was quiet...And so was I with my unit unless there was something that needed to be said that had to do with the objective. Anyhow...we made it. I'll be recording my travels here for sure. I thought I had seen it all, but this was something completely new. Not unexpected, but...refreshingly new. Keeping my hands gripped firmly on my weapon I looked over to the approaching greenish handsome devil.

"You green-eyed dancin' Farti you...Coming off the ridge posing like a hero in waiting!" I smirked and embraced him with a rather abrasive hug. Falonki would smile and nod in agreement. "I sure do like to make an entrance...You tart...You already know this...Now then..I see were all here..Camp is set..We got friendlies in the skies above." He would point out as his finger lifted to the skies in reference to Aculia Voland . "And the Empire...Word has it..The King himself graced us with his presence..." He snickered as his ideal of Rex Valhoun was indifferent, feeling like the King may or may not know what truly happens in the front lines of fire. "Out of the satin and into the combat boots....Well...I keep my personal thoughts to myself." I replied but suddenly I would regret that statement because..."Oh..Like it ain't obvious how you feel? You'd push a man infront of a E-11 rifle any day..But you'd be swiss cheese before you let a hair on that Queen of ours get touched!!" He replied quickly and laughed as some of the other units snickered as well. I couldn't help but chuckle as well...Falonki knew me better than most..Which is saing alot...But as far as how i felt personally..There was a time and place for that.

"Satchels filled. Sat com's up... Grand Shepherd Burtch Is probably around as well. Let's get this done.....We send two and myself forward to the Eagle's nest...You keep heel with the others...Gut check?" I asked simply with a beelined spit into my right hand and shaking Falonki's hand as he would respond..."Like the rescue on Felucia....Iv'e always wanted to try oversized bird for dinner..."

And with that..A few minutes later as camp was being set up it was time for us to move forward to scout and keep watch to defend the territory until given further orders.

 

[Martin Dux]

Objective: 2

"Mountains cold, forests bleak," Martin hummed his monotone tune, "I found a soul lacking heat."

He'd been instructed to scout ahead for any troopers who may be coming this way. Leaning against the tree, fiddling with the small twig in his hand, Martin could feel the faint presence of Aculia Voland . They needed to meet at some point, truly it felt like they were tip-toeing around each other. Aside from her presence, he also could a few bodies approaching him. They were most likely a security detail, but it felt rather small.

"Its intentions clear, its heart skipped no beat."

Thirteen, he had seen thirteen of those things while scouting. He sunk deeper into his cloak, a faint sense of protection with it. it was strange, they flew low to the ground, or at least these ones did. He wondered if they were planning something. Still, no matter what they were doing, it couldn't have been good.

"It pounced in seconds, the growling grows."

Until further orders were given, he would remain here and keep a watchful eye. Perhaps he'd be joined soon, although it was hard to tell. He could certainly feel the group approaching, but it was faint to him. It was almost comedic, most people grow more powerful in the force with age, but he seemed to be growing weaker. he smirked. Old dog.

"Left the boy in the snow."


Var-Sulis

 

[Thaliias]

Objective 1: Support the King’s agenda, from removing future threats to orbital bombardment, as ordered.
Objective 2: Protect the Base

POLITICAL REGION: Elysium Empire’s supply planet, Nedij;

LOCATION: Flag Bridge, Makashi Class Light Cruiser HMS Niman
TAGS: [ Rex Valhoun ] [ Var-Sulis ] [ Aculia Voland ] [ Kimiko ] [General Kaarl ] [ Martin Dux ]
Forces: see spoiler below.

The Elysium Trade Authority had determined that they wanted the resources of this planet. The locals had failed to cooperate. It was just that simple. Around her, the bridge staff exclaimed with disgust and loudly declaimed the heathen, uncivilized locals. Seized upon their eating of humans they’d killed as the final act that placed them on the level of animals, not sentients.

But Thaliias was Chiss, and clinging to illusions was no part of her. So she coldly accepted that this was another instance of the Empire deciding to eradicate a non-human species for their resources. Yes, it was awful that this particular species - like Trandoshans and many other species the empire dealt with regularly - were willing to eat other sentients. But this was not a morally or emotionally driven war. This was about feeding the ever-expanding Fleet. Thaliias would not flinch from her duty. She simply refused to dress it up as something other than what it was.

The Elysuim Empire was here to take what they needed, and these creatures had best either cooperate, or get out of the way. So while she hoped the best for those on the diplomatic mission, her mission was to make sure that as few of the Elysium Empire’s people died achieving the king’s goals as possible.

Both now, and in the future. The strong ruled; they took what they wanted and destroyed the rest.

As Csilla had been destroyed.

Thaliis was strong, now. Sentiment and compassion had been ruthlessly purged from her.

“Captain Lenith,” Her Flag Captain. “Take us in on a full elliptic. I want clear sensor readings on every inch of that planet local space. Any energy reading larger than a pocket watch, or habitation over 100, I want plotted.” Her orders were relayed crisply and with meticulous precision; too much precision. The bridge staff was nervous, far too new to be comfortable with the HMS Niman having been chosen as her Flag Ship.

As CruRon 17 (shorthand for Cruiser Squadron) swept around the primitive world and settled into orbit, she heard the COMM-chatter of the ground troops being deployed. She did not know the General well, but his mercenaries had a solid reputation. The tanks in her holds ought to thicken his line nicely.

Sensors showed the King’s diplomatic team, making their way up the mountain on foot. Flipping through her protocols, she placed a secure call to the King’s adjunct [@ Dorthea Dobson ] “Lieutenant-Commander Dobson, CruRon17 is in orbit." How curious. the Grand Admiral sent his own Officer? "We stand ready to support our King's mission; do let us know if there is anything we can do," meaning, destroy "to enhance the King's bargaining position. We will drop our Tank’s at the General’s convenience; I'll signal you when we do.”

Only after the conversation with the diplomatic liaison had come to a natural close did she key up the commander of the fighter squadrons.

“My Compliments [ @Aculia Voland ] Master Voland. This is Commodore Thaliias, of CruRon 17; it’s a pleasure to meet you, Master Jedi. That’s a fine formation of fighters. Knowing of your skill, I brought only drop ships with me. We’ll need you to cover our drop, once the General gives the order.” It would be curious to hear this reply as well; fighter pilots - jedi or not - were a rare breed.

Behind her, the cranky Intelligence Officer sighed and shook her head, the last remnant of a long-running argument that Fleet and Armor elements would be unnecessary in this invasion.

Err. Dominion.

The Intelligence Officer’s assessment was true, as far it went.
If their intelligence was correct about the lack of armor or fleets.
If the locals had no Force Powers.
If no pirates or insurgents or abandoned military units were hiding out here.

If.

Clearly, the General felt the same way about IF as Thallias did.

Her smile flashed, sharp and cool, as she established the communications link with [ @General Kaarl ]

“General, It’s an honor to meet you.” The image projected over the secure channel was crisp and clear, with no distortion or time delay. Clearly the fighters had enhanced communication as well as her Flag Ship; it pleased her to have such clean communication with the ground units; while the Makashi-class ships a very powerful communications network, truly crisp, clean communications needed boosts at both ends.

“I’ve brought your armor units, and extra marines. Just let me know where and when you want them.”

Spoiler: Cruiser Squadron 17

2 cruisers | 3 corvettes | 52 Fighters/bombers | 8 support craft

Breakdown:

1x Makashi Class Light Cruiser

• HMS Niman (Flag), Captain Lenith.
  
  • 201st Tank Platoon Commander is Major Guerney.
  • 201st Tank Squadron 1: "COB" Warstrike Heavy Strike Vehicle[/b] [/U]loaded aboard 12-ship squadron of Rancor Heavy Transports. (six pods per transport, 72 tanks in squadron, 330 marines per squadron, 28 marines per transport)
  • 201st Tank Squadron 2: "COB" Warstrike Heavy Strike Vehicle[/b ][/U]loaded aboard 12-ship squadron of Rancor Heavy Transports. ((six pods per transport, 72 tanks in squadron, 330 marines per squadron, 28 marines per transport)
  • 201st Tank Squadron 3: "COB" Warstrike Heavy Strike Vehicle[/bl l] [/U]loaded aboard 12-ship squadron of Rancor Heavy Transports. (six pods per transport, 72 tanks in squadron, 330 marines per squadron, 28 marines per transport)
  • Marines: 110 (100 troops, 10 officers)
  • Company Commander, Python Company, Captain Gar Eldar, Call Sign Python 1.
  • Lt Rysh, First Platoon. Call Sign Python 2. (loaded with tanks)
  • Lt Zora, Second Platoon. Call Sign Python 3. (loaded with tanks)
  • Module slots have high powered sensors and comm arrays for breaking through jamming
    
    • (X) booster included

1x Rectifier Class Heavy Cruiser

• HMS Subpoena, Line-Captain Asher
  
  • 201st Tank Squadron 4: "COB" Warstrike Heavy Strike Vehicle[/bl] Loaded [/U]aboard 12-ship squadron of Rancor Heavy Transports. (six pods per transport, 72 tanks in squadron, 330 marines per squadron, 28 marines per transport)
  • Marines: 2200 (2000 enlisted, 200 officers), loaded aboard all of the transports.
  • Colonel Fuentes, 21st Brigade Commander (Flag Rank) “Executioner Brigade”
  • Lt. Colonel Shivra, 109th Battalion
  • Lt. Colonel Murtyn, 110th Battalion

3x Val Khaar-class Corvettes

• 
  
  • HMS Blossom, Commander Dorian, Squadron CO
    
    • 201st Tank Squadron 5: "COB" Warstrike Heavy Strike Vehicle[/bl l] [/U]loaded aboard 12-ship squadron of Rancor Heavy Transports. (six pods per transport, 72 tanks in squadron, 330 marines per squadron, 28 marines per transport)
  • HMS Orchid, Lt Commander Cruise
    
    • 201st Tank Squadron 6: "COB" Warstrike Heavy Strike Vehicle[/bl l] [/U]loaded aboard 12-ship squadron of Rancor Heavy Transports. (six pods per transport, 72 tanks in squadron, 330 marines per squadron, 28 marines per transport)
  • HMS Bloom, Lt Commander Miller
    
    • 201st Tank Squadron 7: "COB" Warstrike Heavy Strike Vehicle[/bl l] [/U]loaded aboard 12-ship squadron of Rancor Heavy Transports. (six pods per transport, 72 tanks in squadron, 330 marines per squadron, 28 marines per transport)

 

[Aculia Voland]

“It’s so much more comfortable up here than on the ground, I can kind of see why Grand Shepherd Burtch rarely, if ever, deigns to go to ground himself.”Aculia muttered to herself thoughtfully as she continued circling around the supply base at the foot of the mountain. She had air conditioning, a relatively comfortable seat, and did not have to trudge through overgrown forests or muddy plains. She did not really envy the ground pounders on this particular expedition-the only bird threat she would meet up here is if some of the native fauna decided to commit suicide en masse into her engines.

“Eagle One, status update, over.” She commanded into her comms, keeping an eye on her own sensors as she circled around the lower side of the mountain.

“Our operation appears to be going smoothly. Kingpin has linked up with additional reinforcements and is proceeding up the mountain. Security forces have established themselves in and around the base and are conducting recon. As you requested, we have also kept an eye on ‘Old Dog’, he is one of the most forward units along with Var-Sulis .”

Aculia nodded to herself. There weren’t many skilled Force wielders in Rex’s service, at least, not yet. Martin Dux was one of the most notable ones, although they had only spoken briefly, and she had done most of the work in that affair on Biisimaari. She was keeping an eye on him, however, and intended to have some kind of “sparring match” with the older man one day. She didn’t know what to make of him exactly, and she felt that would give her greater insight into the middle-aged man rapidly heading towards his twilight years and his motivations. As for the King, he was trotting along with Kimiko Taiyou and Dorthea Dobson . She hoped Dorthea didn't get herself killed, that would be very bad for business, and as for Kimiko, she did not know much about the curious woman with her tails and cute little ears, aside from the fact she was some kind of ruler. And the fact that she would, one day, seize an opportunity to touch them. They looked so fluffy and soft.

I wonder if our King is into that kind of thing, after all, more than a few rulers throughout the galaxy are into demi-humans. It was odd for her to just show up out of nowhere and lead a critical trial and be integrated and trusted so quickly. Is she his ally...with benefits? Ah, well, that's enough speculation on whether or not Rex and Loreena Arenais-Valhoun have some kind of "open marriage" understanding that is so common among monarchs. Regardless, I’m going to have to get a commission to rise up in the ranks and get real power here, I am going to do so in the admiralty, rather than being in Rex Valhoun 's personal little dress up posse. Especially if my ship designs are going to be used.

“And the other thing?” She asked the SAWACs far above in the sky.

“We have conducted several scans of the local villages per your request. They seem relatively lightly populated given their size, and military age males seem to have only a token presence at best.”

Spast, she thought, that means they have likely mobilized barring some kind of unprecedented disaster, and it is unlikely because of anything unrelated to the Empire.

Just then she got pinged by a message from one of the other force leaders, Thalia, and she listened to what the Chiss had to say. Polite, like all the Chiss she had met. Likely more so now, given what had happened to her homeworld. She wondered if the woman had some relation to Burtch.

Oh come now, that’s being species, Aculia. Not every Chiss is related to every other Chiss. Well...technically...but you know what you mean.

She replied politely to Thaliias .

“Roger that, be advised, Commodore, that we have received intel indicating that the enemy has mobilized. No location on large concentrations of ground forces proper yet, likely due to the thick forest cover. The birds are in the field, where and for what purpose, we do not know.”

She paused for a moment, then asked a follow up question.

“Did you receive any information on our rules of engagement here? I was not briefed on them. I assume we’re to hold fire until hostilities are shown, given the King’s efforts, but I was wondering if the Grand Admiral had told you anything more.”

It was likely that was the proper rule of engagement here, given that offensively slaughtering the people of the leader Rex was negotiating was not likely to help any efforts to achieve lasting peace short of straight up genocide. And she did not think the young King was that ruthless, yet. Nor would she be particularly happy serving someone who did-there were enough Sith out there she could join if she were on that train.

Although, if he told me to kill every last Hutt, I would look the other way. After all, slavers and spice dealers forfeited any right to be called people long ago…

She smiled cooly.

 

[Kimiko Taiyou]

Post: 2
Objective: 1
Tags: Rex Valhoun | Dorthea Dobson
​

Ki watched the Dobson woman cheerily hike by. It was a bit unnerving having a Dobson so close on an operation, but so far there was no sense of malice coming from her. She wondered how Brodan was fairing back on Akarui, having been placed there in exile as a political hostage in name only. She knew she would have to pay for how she had been towards such a powerful family, but time would tell how she should play her hand.

Her smile and thoughts were suddenly interrupted as the scouting troops laid eyes on the village,"Your Grace, we have the village in sight. It appears as though we were being expected as they have a party making their way towards us on the trail. How should we respond?"

Ki turned towards Rex and gracefully jumped from her perch, landing beside the king,"It appears as if they knew we were coming. Let's not keep our hosts waiting, and see if we come to a beneficial understanding, shall we?." she offered Rex a helping hand to assist with the man's journey.

 

[Rex Valhoun]

Post: Three
Objective: One
Tags: Kimiko Taiyou

"Indeed...they have great vision...much better than almost any species I know of. They probably had scouts watching us since we arrived on the planet." he paused, "Yes, we'll try to be diplomatic...but if it fails, and they refuse to allow us to build this base, we don't have many options, do we?"

It wasn't really a question, just a statement. The Empire's options were limited. A base was needed in this region, and if the locals remain hostile, the last option would be a special military operation. It would be quick, decisive, and as bloodless as possible, but it would be necessary. Of course Rex hoped to solve this diplomatically. He was unsure of The Empress' diplomatic skills, but his own seemed solid, given his recent successes in restoring normal relations internationally, starting with The Silver Jedi Concord....

 

[Zet Reav]

Post: One
Objective: One
Tags: Dorthea Dobson | Rex Valhoun | Kimiko Taiyou

---

---

Bird-people raiders with a taste for other peoples supplies and the flesh of the living. It reminds him of himself years ago, among this clan. Well, not the 'bird people eating people' part, but the whole 'raiding other people's stuff'. That's something he knows a thing or two, but that is all in the past now. Currently Zet, or ZT, is just a law abiding citizen of an Empire for the new opportunities it can offer to independent fighters, like following a King up a mountain to negotiate with said bird people to put to demand things. Zet almost wishes negotiations would fail just so they can stop hiking. Raiders negotiate with profit in mind, they have mouths to feed, gear to repair, new targets to reach. The best currencies to use are either credits or a promise to not cause them further suffering.

But Zet is not the man calling the shots there so he keeps his ideas to himself and follows, purposely at the end of the line to keep an eye on the rear. There's not much he can do to stop an ambush but if he is lucky enough to see anything he can prepare for it. Nothing happens yet, but he never lowers his guard. The helmet stays on, his hands close to his weapons, the armor covered by a cape with a hood to avoid bird poo. The little protocol droid hidden in one pockets in his belt so he doesn't get distracted by the little thing floating all around him.

To walk up a mountain in armor barely bothers him but he keeps throwing discreet side glances towards the King. The helmet hides his expression but he is worried the man might have a heart attack at any moment. Zet feels fine, but then he had a good health and great stamina punched into him during physical education "classes". Note to self, add energy boosters to his med kit for future situations.

He overhears their words about a welcome party ahead. Finally. The real work can begin and the diplomats can do their thing. Zet's only job there is to look tough, which is actually a valid method of diplomacy, and a very useful one. He could be down there protecting the base but teamwork with strangers was never his strong suit as they lack his dedication to reach an objective if the cost is worth it. But either way, there he is now, with the King's party and seeing the man struggle he briefly wonders if the tailed woman can use her tails can lift a human male. Or the other diplomat, perhaps. Zet would rather keep his hands free in case of trouble.

As fully geared as Zet is, numbers are an issue there.

He moves a bit faster to approach the group and whisper to them. "Lord" He speaks with a formal tone to the King but he is looking around, looking for bird scouts within sight. One must always be professional with whoever pays their salary and ensure their survival. "I have several grenades on me, would you like one?" There's nothing wrong with a little bit of aggressive self-defense preparations in case of an emergency. But maybe he should have offered the binoculars as well?

... The King certainly had training how to use grenades, right?

 

[Aculia Voland]

“Sir, we have a problem! ” the SAWACS commander cautioned urgently “We’ve picked up several large formations of the birds heading through the forest towards the main base in all directions, fast. Each seems to be roughly two or so companies in strength. I’d estimate up to around a thousand total. Weapons signatures don’t indicate heavy weapons, but they are not completely primitive either. Maybe scavenged blasters from our security teams…or…what is left of them. They look to be closing in for a real feast…”

Spast…our King had better hurry up with his negotiations. I’m pretty sure we’re not allowed to preemptively attack here…on the other hand if I let nearly a thousand of them close in on the base with impunity from all directions, with their speed…our losses will be heavy even if we do win. And that will not put us in a position of strength for negotiations.

What to do? What to do? She pursed her lips. The birds would be upon the base in fifteen minutes at this rate, if not sooner.

And then an idea struck her.

Opening up her secured comm channels, she spoke.

“All Elysium forces, you have ten minutes to get back into the perimeter of the base. Stay back from the forest, stay within the base proper or clearing around it. We’re getting a lot of enemies closing in fast, but I have an idea of how to make your job a lot easier…”

With that, she gave her orders to her War Hawk detachment. They would use their incendiary bombs to light up large sections of the forest around the base on the north, south, west, and eastern sides. This would force the birds, if they decided to attack, into one of four narrow “killboxes” at the corners of the base into which the Elysium forces could concentrate their fire. It didn’t matter how fast they were or how many of them could come at them, if they could only do so through those four lanes. They would be mowed down by overlapping fields of fire.

Once the time period had passed and sufficient time had been given to the Elysium forces to set up their defensive positions and pull back if they so chose, the War Hawks made their rounds, dropping the incendiary bombs around the base shortly before their enemy’s advance. Four walls of fire leapt into the air as the liquid solution poured into the trees on the outside of the clearing. Thick pillars of black smoke could be seen reaching towards the sky, large enough that any Elysium forces on the mountain would certainly be able to see them.

If those avians still want to advance, they’ll be served to us either roasted by literal fire, or blaster fire, it’s their choice.

Thaliias Martin Dux Var-Sulis

 

[Rex Valhoun]

Post: Four
Objective: One
Tags: Kimiko Taiyou

"Grenades? I...well I guess it couldn't hurt. Thank you, Mr....?" He didn't recognize the man. He had made so many hires lately, but some of them he left to Loreena, or The Grand Admirals. He had either forgotten this man, or the man had been hired by someone else. Regardless it was intriguing that he was offering one of his grenades to Rex, and it was admirable that he was so comfortable walking up to The King.

Rex quickly grabbed the grenade, pocketing it and looking at the approaching natives. Hopefully they hadn't seen it. Of course he was forgetting that they had such great vision. It was impossible that they didn't see him take the grenade.

Sure enough the parties met each other, and immediately the native host spoke, "You are not welcome here, huuuman. You must leave..."

A terrible start to things. Rex sighed, then said plainly, "We're here to negotiate, is that too much to ask of you?"

"If you come to negotiate, why do you bring blasters? Why do you have that?" it motioned towards the pocketed grenade, "No. You do not wish for negotiations. You wish for war..."

Rex sighed, then looked to The Empress. Perhaps she could do better before Rex would need to resort to threats...

 

[Martin Dux]

Objective: 2


Martin listened intently to the message from his comlink. He sighed, shaking his head. This was getting bleaker by the minute. Although he had to hand it to Aculia Voland , she was doing more than just pulling her own. Taking his saber in his hand, the old dog began making his way back to the central base.

Moving with a certain uncanniness, Martin felt the aging pains reach a few places. He was in shape, but it had gotten far more difficult to perform the acrobatics he was capable of in his youth. Still, he'd get there in due time, he just hoped the others would.

As he moved through the trees, something caught his attention, a feeling. He stopped dead in tracks, and slowly turned his head. Just then, one of the large flying menaces came down at him. With a split-second reflex, Martin managed to dodge the creature's onslaught. In another split-second decision, he leaped behind a tree, pressing his back firmly against it.

Please, try that again, see what happens.

It didn't take long for the bird to do exactly that, as it swooped down at the old man again, from the front this time. Martin quickly ducked, activating his lightsaber at the time, holding it up. The creature crashed into the tree behind him, along with being cleaved in two. Deactivating his saber, Martin was soon back on the move.

This was going to be difficult, and getting everyone back to base was going to be even harder. As the old man got closer to his destination, he felt even more dread. Blots in the sky, angry blots in the sky.

Var-Sulis | Thaliias

 

[Thaliias]

Protect​

POLITICAL REGION Elysium Empire’s supply planet, Nedij;
Location: Flag Bridge, Makashi Class Light Cruiser HMS Niman
Objective: Objective 1: Support the King’s agenda, from removing future threats to orbital bombardment, as ordered.
Objective 2: Protect the Base
Tags:

Var-Sulis ] [
Aculia Voland ] [General Kaarl ] [

Martin Duxx ]
Forces: Cruiser Squadron 17, see spoiler below.
Gear: Uniform ~ Under-armour ~ Sidearm ~ Beskad



Master @Aculia Voland ]’s courtesy and cool professionalism was appreciated by Thaliias; the moreso, her clear understanding of the difficult political situation they were in, given that the King himself had chosen to head up the negotiations.

“Copy that, Master Voland: enemy combatants in the field, undercover of the forest. I will pass your information to my Tank Commander, Major Gurney, and my senior Marine, Colonel Fuentes. We will stand by to support you and the ground forces as needed.” Planetary bombardment was never as precise as local artillery, but she could hit hard and fast, with solid targeting locks provided by the ground troops.

“Stand by for clarification of Rules of Engagement, Master Voland.” Thaliias sent a tight-burst code transmission to the Jedi, but before her instructions from the Grand Admiral had even finished sending, alarms started going off all over the Flag Bridge.

“We are happy to assist with a gunnery barrage, Master Jedi; I trust your skill in getting us accurate coordinates if the opportunity presents itself.”

Leaning to her own officers, she signaled the launch of her Tank and Marine forces. They would soon be needed groundside, if anyone could find them a safe landing zone. (

Martin Dux )

Spoiler: Cruiser Squadron 17

2 cruisers | 3 corvettes | 52 Fighters/bombers | 8 support craft
Breakdown:
1x Makashi Class Light Cruiser (Flag ship)

Spoiler: Cruiser Squadron 17

• HMS Niman (Flag), Captain Lenith.
  
  • 201st Tank Platoon Commander is Major Guerney.
  • 201st Tank Squadron 1: "COB" Warstrike Heavy Strike Vehicle[/b] [/U]loaded aboard 12-ship squadron of Rancor Heavy Transports. (six pods per transport, 72 tanks in squadron, 330 marines per squadron, 28 marines per transport)
  • 201st Tank Squadron 2: "COB" Warstrike Heavy Strike Vehicle[/b ][/U]loaded aboard 12-ship squadron of Rancor Heavy Transports. ((six pods per transport, 72 tanks in squadron, 330 marines per squadron, 28 marines per transport)
  • 201st Tank Squadron 3: "COB" Warstrike Heavy Strike Vehicle[/bl l] [/U]loaded aboard 12-ship squadron of Rancor Heavy Transports. (six pods per transport, 72 tanks in squadron, 330 marines per squadron, 28 marines per transport)
  • Marines: 110 (100 troops, 10 officers)
  • Company Commander, Python Company, Captain Gar Eldar, Call Sign Python 1.
  • Lt Rysh, First Platoon. Call Sign Python 2. (loaded with tanks)
  • Lt Zora, Second Platoon. Call Sign Python 3. (loaded with tanks)
  • Module slots have high powered sensors and comm arrays for breaking through jamming
    
    • (X) booster included

1x Rectifier Class Heavy Cruiser

• HMS Subpoena, Line-Captain Asher
  
  • 201st Tank Squadron 4: "COB" Warstrike Heavy Strike Vehicle[/bl] Loaded [/U]aboard 12-ship squadron of Rancor Heavy Transports. (six pods per transport, 72 tanks in squadron, 330 marines per squadron, 28 marines per transport)
  • Marines: 2200 (2000 enlisted, 200 officers), loaded aboard all of the transports.
  • Colonel Fuentes, 21st Brigade Commander (Flag Rank) “Executioner Brigade”
  • Lt. Colonel Shivra, 109th Battalion
  • Lt. Colonel Murtyn, 110th Battalion

3x Val Khaar-class Corvettes

• HMS Blossom, Commander Dorian, Squadron CO
  • 201st Tank Squadron 5: "COB" Warstrike Heavy Strike Vehicle[/bl l] [/U]loaded aboard 12-ship squadron of Rancor Heavy Transports. (six pods per transport, 72 tanks in squadron, 330 marines per squadron, 28 marines per transport)
• HMS Orchid, Lt Commander Cruise
  • 201st Tank Squadron 6: "COB" Warstrike Heavy Strike Vehicle[/bl l] [/U]loaded aboard 12-ship squadron of Rancor Heavy Transports. (six pods per transport, 72 tanks in squadron, 330 marines per squadron, 28 marines per transport)
• HMS Bloom, Lt Commander Miller
  • 201st Tank Squadron 7: "COB" Warstrike Heavy Strike Vehicle[/bl l] [/U]loaded aboard 12-ship squadron of Rancor Heavy Transports. (six pods per transport, 72 tanks in squadron, 330 marines per squadron, 28 marines per transport)

 

[Kimiko Taiyou]

Post: 3
Objective: 1
Rex Valhoun | Zet Reav | Dorthea Dobson
​

Ki sensed the immediate tension and jumped between Rex and the avian humanoid, who was bristling with anger. She motioned with open palms, that she was unarmed, motioning for the party's escort to do the same,"Please, we do come in peace and wish to come to a mutual agreement between The Empire," she paused, nodding in Rex's direction,"and your tribes." her eyes landed on the host and she bowed her head.

Once she had taken several cursory glances between both parties and got the sense everyone was little more open to actually talking, she turned fully towards the delegation from the village and gave a customary bow, hands over another before her,"I am Empress Kimiko Taiyou of the Sakura Empire, here with king Rex Valhoun of the Elysium Empire."

The party would feel a rush to follow her lead as she spoke, putting on her porcelain mask of etiquette.

"We would be honored if we could converse with your leader about establishing relations with both of us as we mutually expand in the sector." her steel blue eyes raised and locked on the one she believed to be the head of this group,"What say you?"