Populate Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fondor — GA populate of Stobar

[Lupa Visz]

House Mecetti? That was one of the Senators right?

Lupa always disliked dealing with types like this. The SIA was a handful enough, but at least they did good work most of the time. Especially with the info they have given on the Imperial Invasion, Lupa had something to work with.

"Lead the way. I'll have your Lady know I'm on the clock, so please make this quick."

The fact that some planets within the GA's space seemed hellbent on keeping their own personal militias was a headache and a half for Generals like her. Having to coordinate their own troops with whatever madness the senators brought with them was just a pain to deal with. If she had it her way, they'd be folded in and trained as part of the GADF, not as a separate entity.

Tag: Vianca Mecetti

 

[Kha'la Daaray]

Senate Hall​

It came as no surprise that Lodd Grimmin was most concerned with credits, rather than the well-being of Alliance citizens, but he wasn't entirely in the wrong. Allocating funds during times of war was an intricate process — they couldn't neglect the people who needed aid because of the ongoing conflict, but they needed to sustain the war machine at the same time. A loss of balance anywhere in this process, and the refugee crisis would grow along with enemy expansion through the core.

"It pains me to hear that our representative of the Trade Federation cares more about credits than people, but he does raise an important point of discussion." She looked at Alicio Organa with a thoughtful expression and continued, "You mentioned the efforts on Ukatis and how they developed a revenue stream to fund the aid they offer. Will this new relief act draw funds away from the war effort? Or will it actively look for new sources of funds?"

She hoped he had thought about where the credits would be drawn from and made a financial plan along with it. Something to prove that this act was feasible and wouldn't undermine the military and the funds it would need to prevent even more refugees from adding to the already growing crisis.

She'd await an answer patiently.

Lodd Grimmin Kel Se'Taav Alicio Organa Natasi Fortan Monaray Dod

​

 

[Nir Si]

​

Tag: Katarine Ryiah​

Being able to finally stretch his legs, Nir had been told there would be some sort of training coming soon. After meeting with his new master, he hoped he could get the chance to train with her. Eyeing her as he entered in the corner, he smiled and made his way over to her.

"Hey! You got a partner or....?"

Maybe dueling a jedi master was a mistake on his part, but he wanted to bond with his new master desperately. Four masters in now, and he really did want the mentorship he never really got back on Cathar...

 

[Mahsa]

Objective II: Wartime Training

---

She’d lost count of how many training sessions and lessons had cropped up since her time in the Array, and for the first time the young Kazelrrian had managed to oversleep. Panic had set in as Mahsa had realized the time on her clock, the girl a whirlwind in her own room as she’d rushed to get ready before yeeting out the door.

Heavy steps echoed through the corridors as Mahsa made her way to the meeting spot. The Kazelrrian almost crashed into Jonyna Si and Kaleleon when she’d taken a corner, narrowly avoided as her feet instinctually pivoted just enough to allow her smaller frame through.

"S-Sorry…!" A hasty apology was called out as she continued, hoping she didn’t upset either Jedi, before the girl continued her full sprint. It wasn’t long before she spotted the familiar colorful shimmers belonging to Zaiya Ceti , and as Mahsa got closer she recognized the faces of Lestra Thairk and Vera Noble too among the padawans currently present.

"I’m not… P-Please tell me I’m not too late..." Her steps slowed down until the Kazelrrian finally came to a halt besides the two girls, cheeks flushed as Mahsa struggled to get her words out while also catching her breath.

Spoiler: Gear & Stuff

Lightsaber | Padawan Apparel

---

@Anyone Else in the vicinity too​

 

[Shan Pavond]

Shan was still deep in his thoughts for a moment. There was still plenty on his mind at the end of the day. A part of him felt regretful in the way that he had decided to be on the ship to watch the spars instead of being on the streets of Coruscant himself. He could have been placing supply packages and care packages in specific places for the people who wouldn't be able to escape from Coruscant for a myriad of reasons. Though a somewhat familiar voice snapped him out of his thoughts as Shan turned his head over towards Raphael Gallustrade , giving him a somewhat awkward grin, shaking his head at the question.

"Oh. No. I erh...already have my student. It's mostly been an unofficial thing. Back when I was a padawan and she hadn't even joined the Jedi yet, I was trying to help her. Teach her a few things every so often. I officially asked her after I was done with the bombs. It's kinda hard to be nervous about asking if someone wants to be your Padawan, after you've literally saw bombs blow up right in front of your face. Are you doing well? I was equally as worried about you and the other padawans."

Using the term "other little ones" would have felt a bit weird since well...Raphael wasn't really a little one. The guy was older than Shan himself as he folded his arms along his front, turning his attention over towards the padawans and other Jedi getting ready to spar, a small frown on his face. None of this felt right to him. He knew it was needed to help protect the Galaxy, but Shan was never going to be able to enjoy this.

"I'm doing as strong as I can be. There's a lot worse that could have happened. Physical danger is always easier to face for me. I'm used to taking a beating, it's why I use Soresu all the time. Outlasting people until I can take them down non-lethally. It's when you get to more...spiritual and mental danger. That's when you should start getting worried about me."

Another small chuckle. Shan was mostly just rambling at this point. Talking was never a great skill of his.

 

[Vianca Mecetti]

The House Mecetti Defense Fleet deployed to Coruscant

Spoiler

Flagship Obscurer Class Destroyer
MHGN Banshee <-- Command ship of Lady Vianca Mecetti

Victory Class Destroyers
MHGN Legend <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Bloodborn <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Lineage <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Magnificent <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Awesome <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Royal <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Prominence <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Prince <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Ascension <-- Lost in battle against the Dark Empire
MHGN Brightblade <-- Lost in battle against the Dark Empire

Raider Class Corvettes
MHGN Martial <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Hero <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Ultimatum <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Brave <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Wolf <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Herald <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Guardian <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Indefatigable <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Warhound <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Storm <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Swift <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Wizard <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Reaver <-- Destroyed in action against the Dark Empire
MHGN Seeker <-- Destroyed in action against the Dark Empire

---

Location: Somewhere in or around Coruscant, where Lupa Visz can be found​

The masked figure stepped aside, and Lady Vianca Mecetti could be seen a short distance behind the spot where he'd stood.

"I am here, General. Forgive my bodyguard. They suffer from a disfigurement."

The masked figure turned to regard her briefly, but said nothing.

"I realize you have a great deal to manage right now," she continued, "and I do not mean to distract you from your duties. But my late husband pledged the Mecetti House Guard Naval Defense Fleet to aid in Coruscant's defense.

He was a navy man, in his youth.

I myself have never deployed ships in battle."

There was an almost imperceptible quirk to her lips as she said that.

"And while I realize that the Mecetti fleet represents a small fraction of the forces you must deploy, I would still like them to be deployed effectively.

As such, I would be grateful for any instructions you have to offer about what would fit in best with your defense strategy."

She held out a datapad.

"This is a list of the ships available."

---

Lupa Visz

 

[Lupa Visz]

"Oh."

This was a naval question. Lupa rubbed her temples. "I apologize, but I'll have to get you in contact with Amelia von Sorenn for that. I'm a ground commander primarily." Still, she looked over the datapad and...paused.

Despite not being a naval commander, she knew the ways of strategy. "Your ships. These are imperials models, yes? Old Star Destroyers from the First Empire?"

Tag: Vianca Mecetti

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

OBJ II | Makko Vyres​

"Remember when that used to be us?"

Following Makko's line of sight down to Vera and the Padawans who'd taken up their own positions on the training floor, Cora smiled easily. They weren't the only ones here to keep themselves combat ready – the familiar faces of Jonyna Si , Shan Pavond and Valery Noble were among those sparring and conversing.

Cora placed a hand on Makko's shoulder and squeezed. A single step brought her beside him, and with it came a knowing look in a shared glance. He'd come a long way as both a Jedi and a person, and Cora couldn't have been more proud of the man he'd grown into.

The recovery had been hard on him, and she was more than a little anxious at how eager he was to throw himself back into combat. She understood the intense need to feel useful and normal again, but she'd always worry after him, just as he had for her.

"Do you remember that time when we sparred as Padawans? When I beat you and you punched a hole in the ground?"

A finely manicured blonde eyebrow arched. They'd disliked each other then, and Cora had taken full advantage of the fact that she'd had more training with a lightsaber. Makko had shored up the gap since then.

Cora swept an arm to the training area.

"Shall we?"

 

[Vianca Mecetti]

The House Mecetti Defense Fleet deployed to Coruscant

Spoiler

Flagship Obscurer Class Destroyer
MHGN Banshee <-- Command ship of Lady Vianca Mecetti

Victory Class Destroyers
MHGN Legend <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Bloodborn <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Lineage <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Magnificent <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Awesome <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Royal <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Prominence <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Prince <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Ascension <-- Lost in battle against the Dark Empire
MHGN Brightblade <-- Lost in battle against the Dark Empire

Raider Class Corvettes
MHGN Martial <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Hero <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Ultimatum <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Brave <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Wolf <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Herald <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Guardian <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Indefatigable <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Warhound <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Storm <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Swift <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Wizard <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Reaver <-- Destroyed in action against the Dark Empire
MHGN Seeker <-- Destroyed in action against the Dark Empire

---

Location: Somewhere in or around Coruscant, where Lupa Visz can be found​

Vianca nodded, "House Mecetti has long favored the older Sienar and Kuat designs, and licensed them for production long ago. We came to prefer them to the Tapani cruisers more routinely deployed by other Houses."

She smiled faintly.

"These Victory Star Destroyers have been in the family for nearly a thousand years, since the time of the Clone Wars. They have been meticulously maintained since that time, becoming a part of the House legacy. I imagine by now every bolt and panel on them has been replaced. But much as with the constant process of cell-renewal in a person, we accept that their identity remains.

There is a pride that rises up among my people when they see the ancient ships on parade during special commemorative events. They like to see the vessels and remember the countless generations of Mecettis who have commanded them in defense of the province. Nothing short of their destruction will ever allow our people to give them up.

The corvettes see more frequent use. Patrolling for pirates and whatnot. Sometimes they are lost in battle. They don't have the same significance as the destroyers.

But recent events have made this the first use of the destroyers in combat in living memory. "

She swallowed, then, her eyes becoming framed in sadness.

"My husband's foray against the Dark Empire... is the first time any of these destroyers has been lost. In some ways, the destroyers which fell in the recent engagement were as much a blow to our people as the loss of their Lord. It was like having a historical monument razed."

Then she shook her head, "But it is now the wish of every living citizen of the province to see these ships acting to stop the advance of the Dark Empire. And it was the wish of my husband, as well. The honor of House Mecetti demands that his promise to defend Coruscant be upheld.

I will speak to anyone in the defense forces who can help me to properly deploy them in ways they'd be most useful."

---

Lupa Visz

 

[Lupa Visz]

"I understand. I just had a thought."

The Imperials were always fond of the old Kuat designs. She'd need to run it by the commander, but...

"...very recently, we got our hands on some of the Dark Empire's naval codes for their invasion, among other things. If your ships could masquerade as Imperial vessels..." She made a hand gesture, allowing Vianca Mecetti to fill in the blank. "It'd be a gamble. There's no telling if they'd fire on you on site, but one could potentially catch them off guard. Get in close, and in the confusion of their invasion, take down some smaller vessels that way."

 

[Makko Vyres]

Wartime Training

"Remember when that used to be us?"

Following Makko's line of sight down to Vera and the Padawans who'd taken up their own positions on the training floor, Cora smiled easily.

Just like that, he found the sense of calm that he needed. Makko silently reminded himself that those decisions, those mistakes, had a common theme: he put his problems on himself and tried to carry his burdens alone.

Makko smiled back at Cora.

"Just about," he said. She meant everything to him and he found his centre in her smile.

It was more than just the two of them, he had to learn to rely on everyone that was standing up to this fight. Colette had been the most blunt in confronting him on the matter.

"Do you remember that time when we sparred as Padawans? When I beat you and you punched a hole in the ground?"

Cora swept an arm to the training area.

"Shall we?"

"Oh we're bringing that up again?" Makko replied, having drawn himself back out from his internal thoughts. That frustration did feel like an age ago.

"I guess we shall then," he agreed, stepping past her to find a space. Both of them relied to an extent on maneuverability and they would need room.

"Going to make this interesting so I can lord it over you until you stop bringing that one up?" he laughed. Makko wasn't quite sure what his chances were. She had faced up to more sith than he had, whilst he had carried out more clandestine operations.

 

[Efret Farr]

Solo BYOO
Coruscant Jedi Temple

The worry that she wouldn't be considered a team player didn't plague her mind for long. Neither logic nor self-soothing nothings drove it from her mind. Another flash of a Kaggath did.

As Efret drew her folded legs closer to her torso, her bare heels brushed smooth some of the wrinkled ridges in the fitted sheet. She slotted her knees neatly under her chin.

She wasn't sure how to best prepare for what was to come, but she knew that it wasn't with the rest of the Jedi. Her opinion that the temple ships shouldn't be visited while their secrecy was paramount aside, she wasn't ready for training, let alone another fight. It was a cruel trick, even by Dark Jedi standards, how as soon as Elias Edo had personally seen to the healing of the physical wounds that she had sustained on Jedha her mental traumas had made themselves known.

Now they wouldn't let her rest.

Worst yet, she couldn't tell anyone about the strange ghosts that haunted her: not Valery Noble for she wasn't here and not Astri Elyse for the innocent padawan did not need to know. Even if Val was here or it was appropriate to confide in Astri, Efret still would not. It would only give them a reason to send her away from the front.

That could not happen. She had to be here. The Dark Jedi Elite she had dueled in the Holy City would not keep her from contributing in any way she could to the war effort with visions and dreams. He'd have to kill her.

Or coax her to kill herself.

Efret shuddered.

No, she wasn't that far gone—not yet.

Not yet.

FYI: Malva'ikh Dralidok ​

 

[Ailmar Dawnstone]

Dawnstone Relief, here for the people.

TAGS: Bit of background

From sleek cloud cars to imposing dreadnaughts, hundreds of thousands of space-faring vessels filled the skies above Coruscant, perhaps for the final time. Among them floated fourty odd colossal ships resting within the planet's lower atmosphere. These were not just any ships; they were capital ships painted in stark black with red accents, proudly displaying the emblem of the first Rebel Alliance—a symbol of hope for the less fortunate inhabitants below. These were a mix of ShaShore frigates, Dreadnaught-class heavy cruiser, Consulars, Nebulons, Braha'toks, and the renowned MC-80 capital ship, once formidable war machines. Stripped of their shielding and armaments years ago, they had been repurposed as bulk freighters and, now, as evacuation vessels. Countless squadrons of Simiyiar-class light freighters, each bearing the mark of the rebellion, darted back and forth from the capital ships to the planet's surface. They were part of a desperate evacuation effort that had been ongoing since the first senate hearings revealed the dire straits the alliance faced.

This newfound fleet did not belong to Ailmar or his exploratory corporation—not yet, at least. For now, they remained under the control of his father and Dawnstone Logistics. These ships bore the mark of the rebellion as a result of a secretive deal struck during that first critical senate hearing. It was this deal that had summoned a vast portion of the transport fleet to the skies above the capital, placing them under the temporary command of Ailmar and his team of humanitarians. Over the past month, their efforts had been remarkably efficient, with a staggering number of civilians safely escorted from the planet to new beginnings beyond.

Becoming one of the largest civilian contributors to the evacuation efforts, Dawnstone Logistics and Antares Exploration found themselves employing over a million associates within the past month to man the ever-expanding fleet. This surge in activity funneled credits throughout the capital and into the pockets of the Sephian family. For the loyal citizens who chose to stay, endless supplies—captured from pirates to slavers—were sold to anyone with the credits. From holdout blasters to squad weaponry, Ailmar was arming a militia to defend his home world. All of this is to say that overnight, Dawnstone had become a household name on Coruscant.

The previous month had brought massive change to both Dawnstone Logistics and Antares Exploration. Both having procured multiple warships from a bygone era, largely mothballed, restored, or repurposed assets from wherever they could find them. The largest of these was the Andor, an aging Mediator-class battle cruiser. Ailmar's crew, currently aboard this majestic vessel, had overseen its restoration to its former glory in this time of urgent need. Staged alongside three MC90 Star Cruisers and six MC30c frigates, including the Spirit, these ten vessels now comprised the Antares Exploration fleet. Under the command of Supreme Commander Amelia von Sorenn, they maintained a defensive formation, conducting mock boarding actions and target practice to train the new recruits.

Speaking of training-

"Privateerin' she calls it"

TAGS: Open to all! Jonyna Si

Ailmar had always hated the uniform; taking orders as a grunt was never his style. He had refused to enlist in the GADF for a reason. But this was different. Sure, he was taking orders, but his crew was free, and he could break contract and leave at any time. Fighting for the defense of his home world, though, was worth enduring the annoyance of brass throwing their weight around in the gold pinned to their chests. After nearly a month of issues on base, the knife-ear finally received a droid probe, which now rested on his back most of the time. This droid was entirely dedicated to stating his clearance code whenever necessary.

Waiting is what truly drove men to insanity. Sitting through endless board meetings and seeing privateers being used as meat shields against the Empire made it clear why they had been allowed to purchase those ships in the first place. Ailmar pondered this bitter truth as he stood in the hallway, awaiting his next round of meetings. It made sense to him, and the weight of it all didn't crush him as it should have, but he hoped to carry on just a little longer, if only to see one more star system.

Deciding it was best to set out the next meeting, which would have only rehashed what he already knew, Ailmar decided to take up the Jedi on their offer, and out of personal curiosity wanted to explore the Jedi temple, a building with such esteemed history that may very well not stand when the sun rose the next morning. Deciding it was best to skip the next meeting, which would only rehash what he already knew, Ailmar took up the Jedi on their offer. Driven by personal curiosity, he wanted to explore the Jedi Temple—a building with such esteemed history that might not stand when the sun rose the next morning. He called over one of the aforementioned Simiyiar freighters via his personal comm device and boarded it to make his way to the temple.

As the freighter flew, Ailmar's eyes were glued to the window like a child's. The looming threat of never seeing this view again pounded at the back of his mind. When his transport arrived at the open landing zone not far from the Jedi Temple, Ailmar began the short walk with his probe droid floating alongside him. The steps leading to the temple brought the entire structure into view, and the large open doors invited him inside the main hall.

He knew he had to remain in the open section, at least until he could contact one of the Jedi he had befriended on Ukatis. Of the three names he remembered, Rayia Si was his first choice, but after failing to reach her at first, he tried for Jonyna Si instead. Assuming she would go on to pick up, Ailmar maintained the same calm demeanor shown during the The Keera Major Orbital Array skirmish. "If you have a moment, are you here at the Temple on Coruscant? I'm in town and would like to see it with a bit of down time."

 

[Vianca Mecetti]

The House Mecetti Defense Fleet deployed to Coruscant

Spoiler

Flagship Obscurer Class Destroyer
MHGN Banshee <-- Command ship of Lady Vianca Mecetti

Victory Class Destroyers
MHGN Legend <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Bloodborn <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Lineage <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Magnificent <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Awesome <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Royal <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Prominence <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Prince <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Ascension <-- Lost in battle against the Dark Empire
MHGN Brightblade <-- Lost in battle against the Dark Empire

Raider Class Corvettes
MHGN Martial <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Hero <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Ultimatum <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Brave <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Wolf <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Herald <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Guardian <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Indefatigable <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Warhound <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Storm <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Swift <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Wizard <-- on Security Assignment at Coruscant
MHGN Reaver <-- Destroyed in action against the Dark Empire
MHGN Seeker <-- Destroyed in action against the Dark Empire

---

Location: Somewhere in or around Coruscant, where Lupa Visz can be found​

A smile touched lips that had recently been downturned in sorrow. Eyes red with recent tears brightened noticeably.

"My dear, are you suggesting that my Victories could insinuate themselves among the enemy, catch them with their britches down, and bugger them right in the arse?"

Vianca nodded. There could be no more fitting way to sunset the House Mecetti Victory fleet. They would serve a valiant purpose, and could then be retired in honor... if indeed any survived.

Perhaps one hull could even be selected to remain at Coruscant as a museum ship, commemorating the great ruse... and the act of revenge. Such a donation to history preservation would even be tax deductible.

Yes. That would do nicely.

"That would certainly satisfy the honor of my House. We have the capacity to fill the ships with droids, so personnel losses are not a great concern. If it can happen, I would like to see it happen."

---

Lupa Visz

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Objective II : Wartime Training
Tag: Vera Noble | Open

-

There were so many more Padawans than Zaiya first expected. The place was crowded, but seeing who else was here was interesting. Zaiya first caught sight of Mahsa and Vera Noble . She gave them a small wave with a bright smile and a shimmer of iridescent joyful color tones. Shan was busy talking with someone else, so she didn't want to bother him right now.

With a small sigh, the Lovalla teen took one of the training sabers offered and gave a little pensive frown.

"So....this isn't a real lightsaber, right?" Zaiya's tentative voice would ask her companion, uncertain, as she flexed her grip around the hilt of the training saber that had been presented to her.

This was the third time she'd held a saber in her hand; well, the first time had been when Aris Noble let her inspect it after he broke it apart to clean it when she first met him. The second time had been on Myrkr, when Braze told her to pick up the pink saber to protect herself -- although she had no clue how to use it other than hot pink end towards the bad guy. It's not that Zaiya had been too keen to do that then. She'd been too terrified to do much of anything.

The experience did, however, highlight that perhaps she should at least become familiar with using one so that she wouldn't accidentally stab or slice herself if a similar situation occurred again. What better way than to be thrust upon a sparring session when she had no clue on what forms, positions, or anything worked?

Well, okay, no, that was a lie. She'd seen Braze and Aris use their sabers when they were training. Aris took diligent notes and Braze let her borrow a few of his early Padawan books that covered the basics.

Yet theory wasn't going to help her in the application unless she practiced.

She stood to the side, moving the saber helt from one hand to the next. Trying different grips; looking awkward. At least she had on one of the new training outfits Aris and Braze had helped her pick out. It was a cute little white robe with some cobalt and silver embroidery that she really liked. Plus PANTS! She still had her multitude of bracelets and her solid-state hologram tool bangle -- she wasn't quite willing to part with her jewelry. With her hair colorful hair half up, she figured she should probably braid the rest into a thick braid so it wouldn't get everywhere.

For now, it was all about seeing who she would be paired off with and hoping that she wouldn't get too embarrassed.

Spoiler: Gear

Robe and cool jewelry | BCA - Solid State Hologram Tool Band | Zaiya's Cloak | Rosewood Hairsticks | Hush - 98 Commlink | AbsorBelt | Jolt Ring |

 

[Ran Serys]

Wartime Training

Feelings of uneasiness hung heavy in the air. Ran could smell it. She couldn't blame them, her fellow Jedi. War was hard and harrowing and they'd already seen so much of it. For some, it was all they ever knew. Ran counted herself among that some but unlike her contemporaries she was built for war, designed for it by the Jedi's archetypical enemy. It was for that reason that she had found herself at the frontline of a noble cause time and time again.

This time was no different. The call to war was preceded by a call of preparation. So there she was standing steadfast and stalwart with the other knights and masters at the head of the union. She chose to be the example. The example of what was needed to survive, to persevere, and to achieve victory over the dark.

With her arms crossed Ran approached an unfamiliar Knight. He was Mirialan like her. She nodded at him to grab his attention. A smile cut through the resting intensity her face often held. She greeted and introduced herself in the custom of their homeworld. "Would you train with me?" She asked simply.

Acaadi​

 

[Lossa Aureus]

Location: Training Grounds
Equipment: Outfit
Accessories: Bracelet, Echo Stone
Weapons: Lossa's Lightsaber, Turmoil - Lightsaber
Tags: @Open

She stood on one of the balconies, taking in the sight of everyone training and wishing she'd listened to Briana after her rescue from the New Way facility. Maybe then she would have been helping them train rather than sitting on the sidelines to watch.

Lossa needed time away from the prep-work of gathering her resources from the Outer Rim acquaintances she had made. Several shipping companies either forced to close down with the impending Sith march, or simply people seeking their chances closer to the core and finding a chance to help where they could.

It had been a frustrating time with her already mounting due date, and the continuous presence of her cousin beside her only swapped out with that of the overprotective droid of hers had pushed Lossa to safely travel to the new training grounds to look over who would potentially be participating in the coming conflict. Having to check in with Sid every so often to make sure the droid didn't take a shuttle to come fetch her and drag her back to Naboo to trudge through further release forms and cargo manifests.

Aside from all of that, she was still wondering exactly what the worth of making her a Knight was given how she still hadn't revealed the trouble that had reappeared for her. Her train of thought now settled firmly on helping those that would be caught in the middle of all of this turmoil, pushing away her own worries once more as she watched everyone work.

"Poor boo-hoo me. Can't swing a saber so I'll sit on my hands instead." Her mirrored voice broke the silence of her mind. Lossa leaning against the handrail and letting her face sink into the numb and bland expression as she mentally began the task of debating and beating back her own worries and problems given tangible space in her head.

"I'm doing what I can so I don't worry more people." Whispering to herself as she tried to bring calm into her mind forcibly. Instead, receiving the same biting laugh that mocked her efforts each time she tried to silence this other half of herself.

"Oh shut it. You worry people by just being around. And now you have rank to make it worse. There's Lossa. What's she going to do this time? Who's she gonna embarrass now?" The mocking began in full as Lossa turned away from those practicing to keep her face from view. The scowl she wore in place of that aloof stare carved deep lines into her face as her self-loathing took hold. Shoulders hunched protectively like she was once more a small child listening to the scolding of doctors and parents.

"Just myself. Like usual. Nothing new." Old wounds of her failing to be anything more than just a sideshow at Gala's and others event crept into her mind. Making her doubt her worth as being capable as a Knight in any way. Other than being the measuring stick for how bad they shouldn't be. How poorly they shouldn't conduct themselves.

Her eyes closed with a sigh, opening to stare at her remaining hand. Idle worries flooding her mind as she touched each fingertip to her thumb. A test of the nerves in them that she'd been coached on after meeting with the person who would begin cloning an arm for her.

"Should have just stayed on Naboo." A defeated whisper to herself as the mirror spoke once more.

"Keep you close, keep you out of trouble. Granted it's not like they like us there either. Just can't win can you?"

 

[Tulan Kor]

Coruscant
Preparing the Insurgency
He felt so tired.​

To put it lightly, Tulan Kor unnerved people. He was a trained killer, if some people asked, the trained killer. The man who trained Thirdas Heavenshield , spared Nida Perl , and fucked up Sith on the regular despite a staggering height of 5'6. A short, mean son-of-a-queen. Antarian Ranger. Blackblade Commando. Sith turncoat. Former Republic Trooper. An old bastard, a war horse with too many battles behind him.

No kids. A few exes. A few ex-wives.

But he knew that win or lose, this was his last fight. So he'd make it a good one. He opened his eyes, being stirred from his sleep. The criminal network that he offered a hand to had pledged troops and supplies to, and he was putting them to good use. He'd make every street in Coruscant a nightmare to take. Every infantryman, every tank, would have a terrible time in the area around the Jedi temple. He knew where the Sith would go for. So, for roughly a six mile grid around the Jedi temple-

He'd fuck the Sith's days up to even get remotely close to it.

Sniper positions, caches of weapons and ammo to move between, rockets, stolen machine guns, more explosives than he think the Alliance even wanted to know about- Tulan was coordinating it all, pouring over maps to label killzones. The criminal types didn't communicate normally, not with Holonet messages to be intercepted. Short-wave radios, direct-line-of-sight antennas and even a complicated series of lights. He advised against the last one because it confused the shit out of him and he didn't want to deal with it. But most importantly, it was just the fact that the Sith were going to land into a giant killbox anywhere adjacent to the Jedi Temple.

Not that Tulan even really liked Jedi all that much. He never really did. Jedi had all the glory and the movies and books, while all of his friends lay six feet under because of their religious wars with the freaks with the pale skin and other-colored lightsabers. He understood the Sith, he studied them. He knew part of their language, their customs, their history, their ranks, their fighting styles. He knew how to differentiate a Sith Lord versus a Sith Knight. He knew the Jedi code, the Sith code, the Sith way of life, the Jedi way of life.

And all the same, he hated them both just as much. The Sith for what they did, the Jedi for what they allowed, and the Jedi for what they failed to realize.

War was the only constant in the galaxy, save for darkness and the stars at night. But he had loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night, and he would not go quietly. Coruscant was the heartbeat of the galaxy. They lost a lot. They lost a lot that they shouldn't have. But.

They'd hold.

They had to. There was no other choice, no other measure to make. Tulan Kor would hold, the Alliance would hold, those stinkin' fuckin' jedi would hold. And, Tulan's new friends, what seemed like every scumbag with a bounty on Coruscant who hated an Imperial government more than a Democratic (not that Tulan voted) one. Or at least, the idea of one.

 

[Shar Sieu]

Flight Lieutenant Adjunct-Commander Sieu
Revenant Squadron 76th Reserve Squadron "Cyclones", 205th (Reserve) Air Division, Coruscant Defense Command​

Location: Coruscant Orbit, "The Box"
Objective: Train pilots
Equipment: REC-AS02 B-wing Heavy Assault Starfighter
Callsign: Revenant Four Cyclone One
ALLIES: Open!
ENEMIES: Bunch of Target Drones

​

<<Two and Three, stick on my tail, commencing attack run!>>

High above Coruscant, the trio of B-Wings dove towards their target, turbolasers spitting bolts in coordinated fire. The lasers seared into their targets and destroyed them- one, two target drones disintegrating, before the swarm of drones fired back. Bright green blaster bolts splashed across their shields. The pilot held his breath, but too late, the overlapping shields between himself and his wingmen began to split, and their own withering fire began wavering and diverging, missing the large floating target behind them.

Adjunct-Commander Shar Sieu cursed and clicked his mic again.

<<Break contact! Cease fire, no-good.>>

The Gossam pilot slapped the training drone command panel to his side, and the drones ahead of them powered down while his wingmen broke off.

<<I thought we did pretty good.>>

<<Sorry boss, couldn't get the trim just right.>>

<<Don't be sorry, be better.>> Shar snapped. He grimaced- it was unbecoming of him to act like this. He watched through the specially installed instructors-cameras. The pilots were so young. These weren't the crack pilots of the Second Hyperspace War of yore- they were reservists and part-timers. They all came from all walks of life, freighter pilots, droid programmers, hoteliers, database professionals, and even a cook. In the long peace of the past 20 years, the Alliance never did repeal the funds earmarked for the ADEA or Common Soldier Corps. The extra pay in return for flight qualification, all for one weekend of training a month and two weeks of refresher courses a year seemed a good call to many, especially in that time of peace.

He keyed the mic again.

<<Let's just... reform and go at it again.>>

Shar and the other pilots joined up and banked away from the targets. Despite being in Coruscanti space, there was almost no traffic around here. The evacuation and resupply of Coruscant had reached full swing, but Coruscant Defense Command needed space to drill the swelling number of pilots called back into service- including Shar and his squadron, and so CDC had sectioned off a large sector of space above the Manarai Mountains just for that purpose. Everywhere in the space above Coruscant was packed, except for The Box, as the spacers had taken to calling it.

Shar looked out the starboard side and watched the evacuation ships stream in jagged, splaying lines off the planet, like a web fanning out from the crown jewel of the Galaxy. Shar knew that Air Traffic Control was having a hell of a time coordinating a speedy, organised, and safe evacuation of thousands of ships composed of hundreds of models and make. His coworkers in the Guild, many of whom were now seconded to ATC, were already complaining last week about the inability of freighter pilots to fly straight on an automated guidance network.

<<Alright Cyclones, come around portside and we'll prep for another attack run. Four and Five, you're up. Nice and steady, in Besh Formation, like we practiced.>> The others groaned. The squadron slew around, giving Shar a clear view of the Coruscant planetscape.

At this angle, he could see the other half of the preparations, the flip-side of evacuation- hundreds of supply ships flying in on coordinated approach vectors, away from the barely controlled chaos of the evacuation. The Alliance starbird shone proudly on their flanks, each carrying vital equipment, munitions, and personnel to bolster the defence of the heart of the Alliance from the Empire.

Shar gripped his control sticks harder at the thought of it. Two decades ago he'd served his country proudly, at the tip of the spear with Revenant, slicing through the Maw, culminating in the destruction of their diseased headquarters. And now they were back, in an unholy alliance with Imperial Remnants. Oh how they had celebrated back then- though it had been discouraged- when Bastion fell and the grey-cloaked fascists of the north and east collapsed into in-fighting.

Some pests never learn to die.

The trio of B-Wings formed up, matching speeds. Shar used his taclink to designate targets- Target Cluster 45, a medium-sized target, about the size of a capital-ship turbolaser, guarded by three patrol drones, configured to fly like the Dark Empire's Darkshear Swarm Fighters, including their key strengths and weaknesses. He adjusted their parameters on his instructor command panel, upping their intensity from the usual training programs.

<<Remember- our B-Wings have stronger firepower and armour than the Swarm Fighters. Come in fast and take every opportunity to saturate them with fire. Do not get into a turn fight with them, especially those flying together. Do not underestimate their combined power as puppet drones of the enemy's priests, or you will end up as interstellar wind.>> Grim, but it got the point across. Of course, Shar knew the best way was to kill the priest, but this simulated target could only do so much.

The trio split up as they banked above the target and powered-up their heavy laser cannons.

<<Attack run primary target- turbolaser. Swarm Commander has a reasonable chance of being stationed inside that mount if his Swarm is on point defence. Secondary target- thin the swarms. Attack group, form on me and follow me in.>>

Shar flexed his cybernetic leg as he adjusted the approach angle and yanked on the control sticks. The three B-Wings turned and dove, engines blazing. Their shields overlapped- good, at least that much was acceptable, compared to the average reserve squadron- absorbing the training drones' practice lasers.

Their Quad laser cannons and Heavy laser cannons blasted through the void- 15 streams of high-powered death smashing through the formation of drones. The rest scattered before splitting, their vectors taking them on curving paths towards the B-Wings like an enveloping jaw.

<<Stay on target!>>

<<I'm getting flank shots!>> Cyclone Four, the data entryist, warned over comms. Shar could see over the instructor cameras he was starting to lose composure, hitting buttons he should not be.

<<Focus and stay on target! Keep shield power frontward else the turbolaser will destroy you.>>

<<Losing stabilisers.>> Five, the packaging manager called out, her starfighter simulating damage from the drone attacks. Shar watch her carefully adjust her thrust vectors on the secondary panels- too carefully, for a rapid attack run.

<<Report your drift.>>

<<Yaw plus three point four, dive plus point two.>>

<<Adjust your trim, five. Four, maintain formation distance.>>

The B-Wing on his rear left complied. Shar cursed as his cybernetic leg struggled to grab hold of the rudder.

<<Five, I'm getting malfunctions. Break right, Four will deliver the payload.>>

<<Roger!>> Five banked right, her rear cannons blasting another drone to pieces. With two groups of targets, the drones- and by simulation, the enemy commander- would waste precious milliseconds choosing whether to split or focus on one of the two groups.

It was enough time for Four to re-align with Shar's approach vector, finally getting into missile range.

<<Launched!>> Four called out, launching the concussion missiles, two blue streaks barreling away.

<<Pull up!>> The two B-Wings' engines roared to life, kicking in and pulling them out of their dive even as the drones swarmed them.

From his viewscreen, Shar watched the "turbolaser" target explode.

<<Yeah!>> Five shouted over the comms.

<<Dead on!>> Three chimed in.

<<Alright, alright, settle down. That was a good one, despite the issues. Alright, enough gawing, Two Flight, you're with me now. Eight and Nine, form on me. Five, take control of One Flight. We'll be doing a double envelopment attack run on Site 13. TIEs this time.>> Shar watched the pilots groan and shake their heads through the instructor cameras- but at least they were focussed now. They badly needed that win.

Shar looked down and checked his cybernetic leg again. Life had not been nice to Shar in the past decades- Revenant had been disbanded after the war, and sure, the royalties from selling some of his story to fictionalised portrayals of the GADF helped. But with the Imperialist governor of Castell remaining in power, his little youthful political indiscretion with that protest group still kept his file open in the eyes of the cops back home. So he'd re-joined the Commerce Guild- this time as a free employee- and made the trade runs as a freighter pilot. He hadn't even lost his leg in war- it was an industrial accident. No veteran benefits there.

Shar sighed as he looked out the window again, his gaze up, up... towards the Galactic Core, where the constellations grew dense, a beautiful tapestry. Yet even there, he could swear he could feel the darkness oncoming.

Life had not been nice to Shar, but it was still worth living- and if necessary, giving, in defence of the Alliance and Freedom, for the trillions that now lived in the shining beacon that was the Alliance.

 

[Rolin Voss]

PREPARING CORUSCANT DEFENSES:

THE ALLIANCE ARMOR MOVES INTO POSITION, READY TO FIGHT!

"Sir."

"Sir."

"Sir!"

​

Rolin finally snapped to, realizing that he was supposed to be looking around some more. They'd be doing maintenance and prep work all morning- and moving an entire company of tanks was no easy feat, much less in a crowded city. They'd been relegated to the areas near the Senate, and to defend against any ground assault, and to protect the anti-air assets that were going to be set up later.

He blinked, wiping some sweat and grime from his eye. His tank, "Locals Only" had gone through a rigorous change- a newer, faster gun, and actually changing to a whole new tank altogether. Rolin, thanks to his many services, had also secured a fancy new helmet- well, he traded it, really. In a card game. He bet two months pay for what he assumed wasn't stolen. The new helmet he was using was good to fight with, and translated well from the sky to using in the tank. Just required a little jerry-rigging to make it work in the tank, but the HUD itself was invaluable as a Commander.

Plus, it wasn't as bad to bump his head anymore!

He moved the tank column, his four tanks into position, where they'd spend the day conducting contact drills and simulated firing missions. The idea was to identify potential logistical and communication problems. They estimated they'd have to reload at least twice or three times to hold off the Sith forces anywhere close to the larger estimate.

He just hoped it would all pay off.

And that he lived.

He wanted to see her again, and not just in a picture. She was the closest thing to heaven he'd ever get to.

​