Dominion Darkened Oasis - TSE Dom of Saleucami

[Darth Carnifex]

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Kintan burns.​

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The war between the Jedi and the Sith has now, once again, exploded into open hostilities as the Sith mount an offensive on nearly every front. Neutral systems find themselves caught between the crossfire, beleaguered bystanders in a conflict that dates back thousands of years. Local sovereignty is superseded by Imperialist dogma, native leaders sidelined or destroyed by the ruthless brutality of the Sith and their absolutist ultimatums.​

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Saleucami finds itself in the crosshairs of the Sith Empire, it’s proximity to major trade routes and near the front line with the Silver Jedi serving to tantalize the Lords of the Sith to turn the planet into yet another bauble on their crown. ​

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The Chairman of the Saleucami Trade League has been offered a simple decision, join the Empire willingly or be ground under the Sith’s heel. Though pragmatic, the Chairman has stalled diplomatic proceedings with the Sith. Not eager to be bogged down in procedure, the Emperor has authorized the occupation of Saleucami and imprisoned the Chairman. ​

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Now, as the Sith strike force from Kintan arrives in-system, Saleucami can only hope that the averted Sith will not destroy their world out of anger for failing to take Kintan.​

Objective I - Occupy Taleucema​

The heart of Saleucami, its capital city is home to all of the major trading hubs for the entire sector. Every local artery of trade is focused through the ports of Taleucema, and if the Empire is to establish a permanent presence on Saleucami then Taleucema must be made to heel. Occupy the city, remove any who would oppose the Emperor’s will.​

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Objective II - Restore the Cloning Center​

In the magma vents below the city of Taleucema are ancient and forgotten cloning creches, many of which were destroyed and buried by a volcanic eruption hundreds of years ago. Some of the facility remains, and scans indicate that several databases are buried deep below the igneous sediment. Uncover the secrets of ages past, and restore what was lost. Be warned, scouts report that some of the caves are occupied by members of the Veiled Sorority. Destroy all pirate scum you encounter, show no mercy to these brigands. ​

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Objective III - Neutralize Outpost Talos​

Several years ago, the heretics of the Krevas Tsis sect built a listening post in the wilderness of Saleucami. Though their leaders are dead and scattered, the soldiers of this outpost have yet to renounce their allegiance to the Krevas Tsis, and they must be eliminated. The listening post may yet be of use to us, so ensure that it does not suffer any significant damage.​

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Objective IV - BYOO​

 

[Velok Brokentusk]

OBJECTIVE III

Outpost Talos rose a full three kilometers above the surface of Saleucami, a true arcology of immense value. Velok and his fellow Whiphids, hunters of the Toglannoq, had finally found an enemy worth fighting and a prize worth taking.

They'd descended with repulsor packs and individual field disruptors that got them through the area shield. Now they clung to the side of the north tower a Star Destroyer's length above ground. Thin air and bitter cold and terrible slopes made the Whiphids feel right at home, like they were back in the Temorzhai.

Huge hands ripped metal free, creating a Whiphid-sized door. Armed only with slugthrower rifles, spears, and cleavers, the Whiphids climbed inside an empty portion of the gigantic structure and got to work.

 

[Darth Malevolum]

Objective II


Caves weren't her thing. It wasn't damp, which was good, but the way these tunnels snaked about was unsettling; it was dark too easy to sneak around down here. But still, if it was a tunnel they wanted cleared, she knew her way well enough around to ensure they wouldn't be getting lost.

Still, it made her wonder who in their right mind thought building a cloning lab this far down was a good idea. There was a pirate presence, so the reports said, and based on the signs she was seeing, it seemed most likely to be the case. Perhaps a dozen had traveled just through this one section alone, but many more could have followed; these were old tracks, which suggested that there was more than one way through here. Her hand went for the saber at her side, feeling that there would be more danger up ahead. Another reason she hated caves, explosives were a death sentence down here.

 

[Tuuli Miles]

Objective II

Tuuli sat on the Star Hunter calmly his mismatched eyes looking down on the planet below him his fingers resting against each other as he hummed in thought. It seemed the Empire had located a long forgotten cloning center that was being held by a thorn in his fathers side. It would be suitable for him to assist with removing them from their den and maybe taking a hold of a few ships to add to his small flotilla. He taped on the arm of his chair thoughtfully as the Red Fang prepared in the barracks of the ship gearing up for what would likely be a decent fight if rumors were true. Finally he stood up and turned to leave the bridge leaving his second in command a young wookiee male known as Istyy whom had joined him after his last stop at Eclipstica. Tuuli made his way to his quarters walking into them and looking around for Adara Raxis who he had found himself enjoying his time with her. Not immediately seeing her around he instead geared up strapping a belt that held two dire vibroblades and a intricate looking hilt for a lightsaber at the lower back. The young man turned striding towards the hangar calmly where he would board shuttles to the surface wondering when he would meet the man his father held in high esteem who also happened to be the Emperor of The Sith Empire. He shrugged finally as he looked around grinning at the cragmaloid soldiers that were gearing up for something they found great joy in doing wiping out those who stood against the Miles family.

Darth Carnifex

 

[Mishel Kryze]

A modified Fury-class entered Saleucami's atmosphere. "Do we have clearance?" Mežsrožu inquired of DT-1884 the pilot who gave her a nod of confirmation. "Good, set us down, I'll head for the cloning facility, alone."​

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FN-3156 wanted to object but knew his place, "so what, we're here with the boat?"​

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"If you're that bored you may join the Sith in their conquest," she explained as she turned away from the pilot. Mežsrožu passed FN-3156 on the way toward her personal quarters. FN-3152, 3147 and 3149 sat around and looked toward her. "You can't be serious. It's a cloning facility, and by the way, neither of you are the subject."​

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"She's Sith."​

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"Indeed she is, however; why risk yourselves? She'd filet you alive before you have a chance to reach for your gun. Stay the lot of you," Mežsrožu ordered, the Tygaran crossed the threshold to her quarters and got ready for her meeting with Darth Arcanix. Officially the woman was her handler on behalf of Darth Carnifex . Mežsrožu was a 'child' of the Emperor one of the many splinter agents keeping watch on his behalf. She emerged from her personal quarters, dressed in dark robes. "If you're that concerned then CO-0195 will accompany me."​

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The covert operative gave a solemn nod and moved off the ship's wall, toward the armory. ​

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Moments later the two of them disembarked from the ship and made their way toward a speeder station. It wouldn't take long to reach the cloning facility from the port Mežsrožu pulled the hood of her robe up over her ears and tucked loose strands of hair inside. CO-0195 checked her armor over before they entered, less covert and more security was the look of the day. "She's here, come along, we must not keep her waiting," Mežsrožu remarked as the pair crossed the entry of the cloning facility in search of Darth Arcanix.​

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Taeli Raaf | Darth Malevolum ​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Objective II: Oversee reclamation of the Cloning Facility

Mishel Kryze Tuuli Miles Darth Malevolum

The Sith Empire had finally come to Saleucami. In the wake of the attack on Kintan, the Sith forces had fallen back when their supply lines were overextended. An unacceptable situation to be sure, but ever the opportunists, the invasion fleet had moved to the world of plateaus and oases to establish a heavy presence there.

Taeli herself had deep ties to the planet with a massive Aurora Industries complex on the world, but it was the old caverns and tunnels under the capital world had caught her attention. They had been used centuries ago to house a cloning base, and soon it would be used for such operations again. They just needed to clear out some pirates.

Already a level or two had been secured, and cloning experts from Spaarti were already preparing their equipment. The facility would be even larger than the one on Cadomai, at least that was the plan anyway.

"My Lady, a ship has just landed and transmitted clearance codes with a request for a meeting with you," one of the Sith commanders said. She nodded, dismissing the officer. She had been expecting the younger woman to arrive. She had been distracted by events on this side of the galaxy, but a report on the western half would be illuminating.

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

Location: Outpost Talos
Objective: [III] Purge the heretics

While Velok and his forces staged their assault on the northern tower, another fearsome force had their sights set on its southern counterpart. The 421st Crimson Lance marched and with them was the one they swore their loyalty to, Darth Avacyn. The heretics were to be mercilessly cut down and the Pyramid of Sith Doctrine was more than glad to do so herself.

Avacyn didn't hate those who opposed the views she held. Different walks of life granted different perspectives and she was quite aware of that fact. And yet, she had come to Saleucami with the fullest intention to snuff out every last life that the fortress housed. They opposed the empire and with that, the home of those she had vowed to protect. This made them an enemy and their lives forfeit.

The Sith Empire's less than subtle arrival on Saleucami had given those who still inhabited Outpost Talos enough reason to bring up the fortress's shield, though the hurdle was given little regard. As the Sith Lady and the Crimson Lance approached the island, the woman looked skywards, awaiting the arrival of Siren One. Or to Avacyn, Ishana.

Ishana Pavanos | Velok Brokentusk ​

 

[Argir Granic]

Location: Taleucema
Objective: Occupy The City

The transport upon which the 437th Karkaris Battalion was ferried to Saleucami was the Audax-class Cruiser known as the Virulence, which was now plummeting through the clear atmosphere down towards a portion of the arid desert bordering the capital city Taleucema. Landing gears were extended as the cruiser slower to a crawl and gingerly settled on the dusty dirt. The cruiser in total could carry a complement of sixteen thousand soldiers, six-hundred-and-forty of which was the 437th. In accordance with the tactical doctrine of tonkajkarza, the Legionnaire infantry was preceded by armored companies supplemented by air support in the form of atmospheric starfighters and gunships. The backbone of the Empire's armored companies on Saleucami was the XT-58 Cataphracts. ​

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Major Argir Granic of Karkaris was currently perched in the cupola of one of these mechanized beasts, a pair of quadnoculars pressed up against his eyes as he surveyed the rapidly approaching city line. Poking one's head out of the repulsor tank when advancing on enemy positions was considered suicidal, but from what reconnaissance had reported there wasn't supposed to be any entrenched formations lying in wait for them. That assurance was quickly smashed on the ground when the slug of a cycler rifle ricocheted off of the cupola's slanted lip and sent the Major scurrying down into the belly of the beast.​

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"Enemy contact," was transmitted over the encrypted communications of the Imperial Legion, "Be advised, hostiles ahead."​

 

[Velok Brokentusk]

OBJECTIVE III
North Tower
Altitude 2km

Bloodied, burned, and happy as a clam, Velok the Youngest paused at a window. Kaalia Pavanos and her forces - the 421st Crimson Lance, if he remembered right - were about to engage the south tower from what looked like ground level. Competitive urges rose in him. He embraced those instincts. So far the leftover servants of the 'false' Sith were enemies and prey worth his people's time. The Whiphids fought throughout these high levels in pairs or trios rather than going solo. Velok had ordered it despite some young boars' discontent. Split off and the locals would pick them off.

Velok sighed heavily and stood from the window, as far as he was able given the arcology's human-scale corridors. His spear had splintered and his empty rifle was reaching the end of its second life as a melee weapon. Fists and claws from here on, then.

 

[Alaako Maashaa]

Objective II
With: Mishel Kryze | Tuuli Miles | Darth Malevolum | Kaalia Pavanos

Alaako crept along the darkened path, not far behind Darth Malevolum, her dislike for the darkness and tight places attempting to surface. But they had a mission here, one they would accomplish. Quietly, step-by-step, they tracked the footprints left before by who knows was down here. It was not long before the heat began getting to her and sweat formed as a result.

"Who in all of creation would put such a network of tunnels in a seismically active hotspot? Much less beneath a cloning facility?" she complained, her immaturity rearing its ugly head. She would pay for sure, but she couldn't bite her tongue any longer,"Mistress, we aren't alone down here, it is only a matter of time before one of our groups stumbles upon the other. What is it you would like me to do?"

 

[Darth Malevolum]

Objective II:

Malevolum had never had to deal with an apprentice before. Even during her time as Alana, she had refused the idea of trying to teach anyone the ways of the force, and the reason for which was rather apparent. It was like being a fething parent, and she was far too young to be tasked with such a responsibility. Yet, there was a fire that burned in Alaako's eyes that she herself had held once so long ago, and knew refusing the woman would only cause more pain rather than temper her. Did she regret taking on a protegee? No, absolutely not, but she wasn't about to tip off the young woman accompanying her to that fact. "Most likely, someone who did not want to be found out." She replied with a low mutter just loud enough for her apprentice to hear. Continuing on, as she switched between infrared and night vision settings with her eyes. Her poor apprentice lacked the comforts of temperature controlled suit, perhaps after this she could see to fitting the young woman with something more suited for her station; until then, the young Togruta was just going to have to suffer through it.

She wondered if she ever talked as much as her padawan, then again, Master Ordin was an arrogant bastard so he had it coming. Truth be told, the only issue Malevolum took with her chatty apprentice, was the fact her voice was carrying down the tunnels, and that would only tip their prey off to the fact they were there. She had let the first breaking of the silence slip by without repercussion; she was young and full of wonder after all, Malevolum had been in her shoes not that long ago. The second complaint however, that was a little too much. The Darth stopped, and turned to face her apprentice. Two things were going to be accomplished in rather quick succession, here and now. Staring blankly into her apprentice's eyes, Malevolum reached out with a metallic grasp, and took hold of one of the girl's headtails. She held it firmly, not enough to injury, but to certainly garner her attention. "I'd like you to keep your mind focused on the matter at hand, and keeping your voice down." The Darth's voice was at about a loud whisper, but her tone indicated she was a tad irked with the situation. Malevolum released her hold on the girl, knowing she had gotten her attention. "If we encounter the pirates, we will kill them to the last. If we encounter more of our group, we will join with them and continue the process of clearing out the caverns." Malevolum turned her attention forward, as she flexed her free hand, picking up faint heat signatures in the distance now. "You can keep an eye out for mines, and anything that is still living. That's certainly an option." Also, for some reason the word 'mistress' just weirded her out. She'd have to get Alaako to start calling her something else. If her apprentice was paying attention, she would begin to sense that there seemed to be a pair of guards up ahead, though they seemed to be passing a bottle of some sort between themselves. Malevolum would say nothing initially, hoping her apprentice would detect the issue before she had to direct her attention towards it. Hopefully the girl would be more alert now.

Mishel Kryze Tuuli Miles Kaalia Pavanos Alaako Maashaa Taeli Raaf

 

[Argir Granic]

Location: Taleucema
Objective: Occupy The City

Blaster fire peppered the hull of the Major's Cataphract as it trudged forward through the city streets. The dorsal turret swiveled as its operator sought a new target, lining up the shot and releasing a thick stream of emerald energy that decimated the ground floor of a nearby building with a tumultuous explosion. The building, being sufficiently kneecapped, tumbled down into rubble and dust. ​

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"Good shot."​

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"Affirmative, Major."​

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"Driver!" The tank's main operator perked his head up and back to indicate that he was listening, "Advance, pull us up into that boulevard ahead." The repulsor tank lurched forward as it glided above the ground, passing by smoldering wrecks and broken bodies as it swung out into the nearby wider street. Just down the road, surrounded by thick ferrocrete barricades, was an old Sand Panther treaded tank with its anti-vehicle cannon swung down towards the advancing Legion's position. The driver, recognizing the danger now posed, quickly maneuvered the Cataphract further out into the street as an artillery shell slammed into the pavement just where the Cataphract had been a moment before.​

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The Cataphract's turret swung down towards the Sand Panther, and let off a single high-powered energy burst aimed at the anti-vehicle cannon. The barrel detonated instantly, the explosion rippling down through the tank's body as ammunition began to cook and explode in quick succession. The Saleucami soldiers around the tank had quickly fled, their retreat shadowed by blaster fire from the Cataphract's repeater cannon.​

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"Never understood why these people use treaded tanks, doesn't seem as maneuverable in these streets..."​

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As if invoking a curse, the Cataphract suddenly slammed down onto the ground as its repulsorlifts cut out abruptly. Everyone in the tank was thrown forward, but none of them were seriously injured in the fall. "Driver! Report!" The operator peered at a small diagnostic screen built into the tank's control panel, his face a grimace as he read. "Jammers, sir. We're a sitting mynock out here." ​

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The Major swore, "Karabast..." He ran one webbed hand over his cranial fin, a sign of mild distress and accompanying frantic thought. "Take what you can and pile out, we'll make for the alleyways. No use waiting here to die." Quickly they assembled what they could reasonably take with them, and popped open one of the tank's side hatches and doubled timed it over to the nearest cover. Not more than a couple of seconds later, an anti-vehicle missile slammed into the inert repulsor tank and destroyed it in a fireball of heat and shrapnel. ​

 

[Lirka Ka]

Objective: Bring Taleucema to it’s knees
Location: Taleucema

It had been sometime since Lirka had set foot on Saleucami, and it felt nice to finally return to it for some much needed relaxation from the duties of Governorship. Of course...relaxation meant she was coming to slaughter and bring the city into submission for it’s cowardice. And so did the shuttle begin it’s descent into the nigh defenseless Taleucema, sure, the mortal legionnaires had fallen to the defenses of the city. But she was not mortal, and would not fall to such a pitiful defense.

Lirka strode from the landing deck of the craft, towering over the troopers she had brought alongside her: flanked by all of the Ris’s Tiri, the blade wielding Sephi all gazing over the city as more of the Legion surged in. Not quite the glorious battle that they all often craved, but they would at least make their deaths a fine work of art. A beast-like grin formed under her helmet, and swinging her sword out to beckon toward the City, she let loose that ever sweet battle cry:

”CHARGE!”

And with that, the forces of Ka surged forward in that fashion was becoming ever more common with the new Governor.

 

[Mishel Kryze]

CO-0195 stopped Mežsrožu with her arm, "wait."​

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Mežsrožu's brow furrowed a moment until she saw the razor-thin lines. CO-0195 took a small aerosol can from her utility belt and sprayed the area ahead of them. She set the can back into her belt and plucked a small blade from one of her pouches. 0195 tossed the blade onto the wires and watched as electricity coursed through it. ​

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"I've got this," Mežsrožu stated as she yanked the wires up with an application of telekinesis, "after you."​

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"Thanks,... I think." 0195 replied​

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The traps were an indicator that someone other than the owner was here, pirates or some other group of bandits no doubt. "We're not alone, there are other Force users here, be on guard."​

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"Sensing darkness," quipped the covert operative, the small remark caught Mežsrožu off-guard as she let a chuckle slip. The covert agent smirked who knew that a Ren could smile, or even chuckle. Praise be to Seiger the operative thought as she walked beside the Ren. ​

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Mežsrožu and the agent looked about the cloning facility, "let us remain here, at the very least Arcanix will know where to find us - although I wonder if the trap was laid out by her agents or that of another group that shouldn't be here."​

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"Your guess is as good as mine, Ren."​

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"Indeed."​

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Taeli Raaf | Darth Malevolum | Alaako Maashaa ​

 

[Vigdis Zambrano]

Objective II
Tuuli Miles

Adara was nowhere to be found on board Tuuli’s ship. Young Vigdis Zambrano left her recuperating father’s side to join the forces journeying to Saleucami. It was a planet she knew well, one where the once lofty Clan Corek held most of their assets before their retreat to Eiru. Toward the shuttle, a retinue of four Blackblades flanked by two Handmaidens walked behind the form of a tall, slender Epicanthix girl, whose mahogany hair was braided behind her head. She wore a chersilk coat-dress of navy blue cut with gold, and wore a circlet of sapphire & gold woven into her braids. Prim, almond shaped eyes watched the son of the elusive Pirate King closely, a faint smile pressing upon her lips.

“Tuuli Miles. Do you mind terribly if I join you? Adara has taken leave.” She ducked her head in a respectful nod, and came to stand by his side. “We finally meet. I do hope you allow me to accompany you. It could be quite some fun.”

 

[Tuuli Miles]

Objective II
Vigdis Zambrano

Tuuli turns his head look at the girl who had joined him half his attention drawn to the Blackblades that stood behind her before he smiled and nodded offering her a polite bow. "Of course not Miss Vigdis. We were just about to set off to meet the leader of this operation and announce ourselves before venturing into the depths. My father also is sending a small collection of his cloning pods as he has not yet had time to set up a cloning facility for them all yet." Tuuli bowed again gesturing towards the shuttle before them his mismatched eyes flickering as he straightened and guided her towards it two of the Dark Jedi Adept that served his father falling in behind the young pirate prince. As they boarded the shuttle they could see various other shuttles taking off and moving to land at the staging point where the Red Fang would unload from them calmly moving about and preparing weapons. A man serving as the leader of the detachment sent with Tuuli would make his way to the location of Taeli Raaf calmly. "Excuse me Lady Raaf I am here to request an audience by the son of Aedan Miles young Tuuli who has recently arrived to provide support in this current operation." The man stood there calmly as he awaited a response knowing the Red Fang would be preparing themselves even as an assault ship would be nearing the planet carrying the supplies Aedan would donate to this location.

Mishel Kryze Darth Malevolum Alaako Maashaa

 

[Mishel Kryze]

"Hold up," 0195 stopped Mežsrožu, "getting a message from the ship - we've got a lot of contacts."​

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"Bloody Sithspit, I'll call off the meeting - let's get back to the ship," Mežsrožu ordered as she turned around. The Tygaran did not desire to fully reveal herself nor the First Order. It was one thing to deal with the pirates there at the facility it was another entirely to deal with the misguided brood that had recently landed. Old First Order databases had come in handy, especially when linked with the Sith Empire. The information that Mežsrožu had to give was classified, to say the least. ​

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She and CO-0195 crossed back through the threshold of the cloning facility and out onto the light of a Saleucami day. ​

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Once back on the modified ship, Mežsrožu sent out the encrypted message.​

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TOO MANY. WILL RETURN.​

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"DT-1884, get us out of here." ​

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"Copy that."​

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It wouldn't be too much longer before the ship departed from its landing port and headed back into the void of space.​

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Taeli Raaf​

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[Exit]​

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[Mordecai Zambrano]

Objective: Seize the capital, starring as The Good Cop
Location: Taleucema

Ah, how he nearly pitied the poor folks below. Nearly. They had chosen their fate countless times over, though Mordecai could appreciate some of their stubborn tenacity. It had only been but mere decades yet the hands that had ruled Saleucami had swapped nearly a dozen times in that time frame. Empire, Republic, Empire, and so on. One could hardly ever begin to imagine what it was like to have your new overlord change every few years, solely dependent on actions that were entirely out of your control.

Yet they'd been offered a chance. A peaceful, smooth resolution that would see Imperial banners hanging from every solid surface. Their Chairman failed to comply in time, stalling for security forces to muster a hasty, stalwart defense against the Imperial war machine.

-----
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"You think that's enough?" Mordecai's low voice came, soundless against the torrent of air.

Rhaegos rumbled beneath him once, smoke curling from his nostrils as he pumped his powerful wings once more. The tone was neutral, as if he didn't quite care how much of the stuff they dropped. The beast craved excitement: fire, destruction, the lamentation of women and children. Yet he also craved boredom and laziness, to curl up once more in Grimhold near the forges and alchemy benches.

The Sith Lord perched atop him raised a brow, casting a gaze downwards at the city. TIE Bombers and their fighter escorted screamed past them, twin ion engines tearing through the brief silence. What fell from them were tens of thousands of pieces of flimsi. Leaflets is what the older, grizzled commanders had called them. Simple notes that promised humanitarian assistance and rewards in exchange for surrender or military intelligence. Though this time, a special offer was made for the security forces of Saleucami: an opportunity to keep their lives and careers, so long as they joined as a cog in the Imperial war machine.

"Well," he reached up to scratch at his beard, "Should be enough, with the Holonet and radio broadcasts and all. Least we can say we did our best to get 'em to surrender."

Rhaegos snorted once more, even more passive than before.

"Unless my brother wishes to govern only masses of dead and scraps of a once profitable trade hub." He smiled and shook his head, clicking his teeth to send the dragon into a dive. "Of course he doesn't. That's why he sent me."

Argir Granic | Lirka Ka

 

[Argir Granic]

Location: Taleucema
Objective: Occupy The City
Tags: Mordecai Zambrano | Lirka Ka

The Saleucami soldier tumbled backward, his chest a mess of burnt flesh and broken armor after the energy rounds tore through him like paper. Major Granic stood opposite of the fallen body, his rifle raised and barrel smoking. After he and the other Legionnaires had abandoned their disabled tank, they had made their way through the twisting alleys and back lanes of Taleucema. Resistance wasn't as fierce as it was on the main streets and boulevards, where the Sith Legion had concentrated the majority of its efforts. ​

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Those that they had encountered were neutralized quickly and efficiently, years of training making their actions more instinct than cognizant thought. Their boots trodded over the innumerable leaflets that the Empire had bombarded the city with, promising economic stability and societal order should the citizens of Taleucema surrender to the occupying forces and not resist them. Major Granic doubted that it would be an effective tactic, but he believed in the use of force over the honeyed words of the politician. He would rather fight to conquer these people than let them lay down their arms in submission, but those decisions were for officers way above his paygrade. He wasn't in Taleucema to debate Imperial tactical operations, he was only there to ensure it was carried out and enforced.​

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So until the city capitulated, he would do what he did best.​

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Kill.​

 

[Velok Brokentusk]

OBJECTIVE III
North Tower
Altitude 1.6km

Worthy fights were thin on the ground these days. The arcology's Sith-heretic commander put Velok face-first through a wall hard enough to crack his tusks. Velok felt exultation claw past the pain and, yes, physical fear. This human, this Sith, was driving him closer to death than anything but the unforgiving mountains had done in years.

The Whiphid spun and tore free of the wall. He spat half a tusk. As he wiped his eyes, the Sith commander darted in and a lightsaber hissed. It met the flat of Velok's orbalisk-shell cleaver, the one he'd inherited from Grandfather. The saber burned a furrow in the alchemical chitin, punched through Velok's left thigh, and embedded itself in the ruined wall.

One huge three-clawed hand closed around the human's fist and forearm. The lightsaber made crunching sounds and ceased to operate. That let Velok slump down to his knees without filleting himself on the impaling blade.

As he slumped, he yanked the screaming human Sith in for a hug.