Skirmish Don't Flinch | TSC Assault on TIC New Alderaan

[Marlon Sularen]

D O N' T_F L I N C H

IMPERIAL CONFEDERATION
CHOLGANNA, OUTER RIM TERRITORIES

​

As the Imperial Fleet defending New Alderaan moved to confront the mysterious vessels, another group of warships emerged from hyperspace, once more belonging to the Imperial Confederation. At long last, Marlon Sularen, the Supreme Commander of the Imperial Confederation's Armed Forces, had arrived with a naval squadron of his own, joining the likes of Admiral Zonill and Governor Visconti in the defence of the Imperial Capital. The Supreme Commander had brought with him roughly a dozen capital ships, mainly comprised of Star Destroyers and Heavy Carriers, ready to confront their enemy.

With his naval squadron moving forth to link up with the rest of the Imperial Fleet, Sularen proceeded to contact the other fleet commanders eager to dismantle this unknown enemy and remind the galaxy of the might of the Confederation. "Admiral Zonill, Governor Visconti, it's nice be working with you both on the field of battle once more," he began. "I've noticed that the planetary defences have been activated and that the fleet is already positioning itself to confront the enemy, which means that a plan has already been formulated to handle this mysterious new enemy," he continued. "Care to give me the details?"

Tags [Friendlies] | Defender of Order | Priesse Namada | Amalia Visconti | Mira Rhory | Ronhar Tane | | OPEN
Tags [Hostiles] | Arris Windrun | Mercy | Lysander von Ascania | Srina Talon | Varin Mortifer | Naniti ​

 

[Naniti]

ABOARD THE COMMAND SHIP
DEEP ORBIT - NEW ALDERAAN

After Srina Talon strode forward, the violet Togruta turned and drifted over to some of the officers crowded about their consoles. It wasn't that Naniti lacked a care for the Empress or even disliked her, but this was a field of battle and she was a humble Apprentice. Though, it was remarkable that she stood so near someone of such prestige. Prior to today, the closest had been in a chaotic assembly of the Rulers of Coruscant, and a ballroom away the time before that. Here? She could practically touch the woman... if she'd dare.

While they spoke of the upcoming struggle, the Togruta pointed at screens watched by sensor and tactical officers alike. "Do you want them to call out 'great shot' or not?" she asked pointedly. They hadn't been persuaded by her sudden choices in target. Thought they knew best in how to overpower a shield... by throwing every ounce of power at it. There were better ways. Problem was finding them took too much time -- the fight would be over before you managed it.

Unless you cheated, of course.

Not that the field would snap off like a light. They Imperial Confederation hadn't built anything so sloppy. Just should take less energy poured into the assault to have an effect.

It wasn't Battle Meditation that Naniti specialized in, though some might mistake it for that in the moment. If they reviewed the footage though they'd find the entire fleet wasn't coordinated in some low-level streaming collective consciousness, however. Every one of the Togruta's ideas would have to be passed around and acted upon like any other, and she could only talk so fast. Not to mention convincing people to listen.

Actually, sometimes, Naniti liked to think some enemies believed they had a traitor in their midst feeding her information. Well, a Togruta could dream.

When Mercy said her name, the violet woman drew back and drifted closer to the group once more. They'd noticed her appear. Well, she was violet and often stood out in a crowd, and Srina's arrival had drawn their eyes from the fireworks ahead.

Varin Mortifer arrived then with the Togruta giving the tall man a nod of recognition.

Her blue eyes swung to Lysander von Ascania next as he 'asked' that the 'truth' be known for their efforts this day. That should have gone without saying, but it was good he'd said it. Sometimes the propaganda aspect of dominating your enemies got lost. It wasn't as thrilling as -- what would Mercy do? -- feeling the blood of your enemies on your teeth.

As for his plan to harry the enemy, the Togruta nodded. They would need to feel under threat for this engagement to hold value.

Naniti stepped forward, closer now to where Lysander stood, with her chin high. "The Enemy intends to flank." That was all she had to say. It might raise questions. It might not. One thing Nanit knew for certain was the more she talked about what she'd gleaned, the more likely and the more in number the questions grew. As someone keen on avoiding 'certain' Sith taking an interest in her for 'academic' reasons, this Togruta has happy to keep her... insights brief and few in number.

Arris Windrun | Defender of Order | Priesse Namada | Amalia Visconti | Mira Rhory | Ronhar Tane | Marlon Sularen

 

[Ufsa'zekhn'narun]

Priesse Namada​

Shudders rippled through the ship’s frame. Each tremor should’ve registered like a warning, but they didn’t. They never did with the Covenant. Everyone knew what was coming next. The Hellmouth was a leviathan forged from durasteel and bad intentions. Crimson eyes mirrored the red alarms strobing across the hangar bay.

Slowly, he lifted himself from the wing brace where he'd been resting. A helmet had been perched on his knee, and he slipped it over his head. The soft padding inside cradles his cheekbones. A detached observer amidst the chaos.

All around him, boots began hammering. Vulture Squadron was in motion. Eight pilots adorned in black flight suits. Preparing for takeoff, the air was filled with the frantic chatter of crew chiefs. Mechanics were scarce among the Covenant, but they were darting about, clearing the lanes to ensure a successful launch.

Azekh's Interceptor awaited, suspended on a rig. The wings were tucked close to its body, ready to unfold and cut through the void with speed that its pilot secretly craved. Two slaps landed against the hull from a crew chief. It was time.

The Chiss scaled the ladder, disappearing into the waiting maw of the cockpit. The hatch hissed shut above him. Enclosed in a world of pulsing lights and flashing lights, and with the flick of a finger, the engines roared to life. One last check of his harness and then his hands were on the yoke.

<<Vulture Squadron, form on vector three‑one. Launch on my mark.>>

The hangar doors groaned. Beyond the threshold stretched the void.. a canvas painted with streaks of ion fire. The perfect cover..

When the catapult propelled him forward, he was pinned against the seat. Into the depths of space.. the hunt would begin.

 

[Srina Talon]

TAG: Arris Windrun | Mercy | Naniti | Lysander von Ascania | Marlon Sularen | Ronhar Tane | Amalia Visconti | Mira Rhory | Priesse Namada | Varin Mortifer | Defender of Order | Ufsa'zekhn'narun
LOCATION: Command Ship [New Alderaan]

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Her hand lifted when Mercy moved to kiss her cheek to touch her arm in response. The wintry woman was slowly growing used to the affection expressed by her battle-sister. Echani were incredibly physical creatures, and it was rare that someone outside their species seemed to understand how to communicate without saying anything at all. It was a brief touch of lips to her pale cheek; she heard a half dozen questions.

How did you sleep? Did you get something to eat? Are you warm enough? Do you need anything?​

Srina leaned into the hand at her back.

No—She was fine.

“You cannot leave me behind just because you think I need rest.”

She didn’t think that Mercy would deny her a battle against the Imperial Confederation, but she also wouldn’t think it outside the realm of possibility that she may take her attempted kidnapping and or assassination more personally than most. They were battle-sisters in the very untraditional Echani sense. Rather than mirror her—Mercy was her opposite. Challenging and brash. Emotive and passionate. Srina was cold. Distant…A barely there, far away star.

Her gaze fixed on Arris Windrun and offered to the cybernetically enhanced individual her full attention regardless of the interruptions. Srina had been on the eve of many battles, and this one had just as much depth and complexity as all the others. Even if it was hidden behind the zealotry of the Graspborn and a foolhardy recreation of their entrance on Coruscant. She didn’t flinch at the mention of the Covenant seat of power, but her stomach did turn just slightly. Enough, that her hand idly drifted to it.

Alarms blared, and a message from the Faithless cousins ( Ronhar Tane ) made itself known loud and proud. Her expression cracked into something that was layered with disdain. How dare this dog offer them retreat as if it were an option, as if it were some grand gesture of goodwill. They were already frightened of having their precious New Alderaan in harm's way against a potentially unknown enemy. Regardless…When the missive stopped? They went right back to business.

Nothing could stop them.

“Empress, a pleasure to finally meet you.”

“Little Lord…”, she greeted @Varin Mortifier with some measure of knowing. “Fire Lord…” Not boy—A soft correction. They had not formally met, but there would be something in her gaze that spoke of recognition. The truth was that few spent any length of time within the Order that she was not aware of. The Lady Revna was a close friend and a woman she held in high esteem. Lunaria Talon had also mentioned him in passing with a cape swirling as he departed…He had left an impression, it seemed. She would have said more, but Arris took care of the greeting, plus the battle plan. “If that is your wish...I will comply, Windrun.”

She would feel the hand at her back tense. Perhaps, Mercy did not approve of these arrangements?

Her gaze turned back to Lysander von Ascania , who seemed surprised or struck by the praise that Mercy offered. Gold-hewn orbs closed for a moment while she listened to the voice of the young one who had more than found his way since they had first crossed paths. When he made his requests, her head tilted while her gaze slid across the planes of a youthful face, the way water rolled down a window pane. “The galaxy has already witnessed you on Coruscant—You were not forgotten. Accept the spoils and your truth…War does not wage without credits to burn.”

Not to mention that she refused to let him sell himself short. The words were noble…But foolish. Any advantage that could be gained was of benefit, even if his pockets were as deep as the Inter Galactic Banking Clan. If he absolutely refused, he could also give it to someone of his choosing. Perhaps the violet Togruta that was always within earshot. Her eyes lingered on Naniti while her soft insights came to light, and the Sith Empress tilted her head. She had no equipment.

Interesting.

The context of the information didn’t matter as long as it was accurate. Her right hand rose and came to lay over her heart, choosing that now was the time to ready her armor. It didn’t matter what the enemy brought to bear. She would bring them fear, from land, from sky—From any avenue in which they still dared to draw breath. The impudent children, these faithless, had dared to desecrate Brosi for the second time in a rather short span. It was time for their people, their kingdom, to know loss. To suffer as her young Psilofyr had suffered. To watch while their people drowned in flame and endless fire.

From the bracelet around her wrist, her clothing suddenly rippled and took on a metallic sheen. The nanites within ate through the red dress and replaced it step by step with the armor that had been created specifically to see her through any engagement. It spread sleek and smooth along her shoulders and down her back, in an instant, wiping out red and replacing it with silver and bronze scales. The crimson of her dress fell away completely and melted behind her in a cloak that was easily retractable.

Her side arm re-assembled on her hip.

She could feel the battle-lust rise in the woman at her side, and she reached up with a gloved hand to turn Mercy’s face down toward her. The amber in her eyes was already anticipating violence.

“Try not to be too reckless…If I am with Windrun, I won’t be able to empower you.”

It was not a complaint. It was…Concern. Mercy never knew her limits.

Because she thought she had none.

 

[Mercy]

Tag: Srina Talon Arris Windrun Naniti Lysander von Ascania Marlon Sularen Ronhar Tane Amalia Visconti | Mira Rhory Priesse Namada Varin Mortifer Defender of Order Ufsa'zekhn'narun
Location: Command Ship [New Alderaan]

She smiled her sharp hungry smile when Varin joined them.

"The more the merrier, my boy, glad to have you along for the ride." Having found out that Revna Marr was Varin's Master only increased her opinion of him. There was nothing quite like the endorsement of a woman she respected to increase the value she saw in any given man. The fact that her time teaching Lysander had softened her opinion on them... well, that was neither here nor there.

“You cannot leave me behind just because you think I need rest.”

"See it as a late introduction of the MVP." Mercy teased her lightly, she had tried to get Srina to watch GWE (Galactic Wrestling Entertainment) with her a few times now. So far the Empress seemed less than impressed about the antics on display.

Why does he not simply tear his head off after a betrayal such as that?

Ah, well, look, yeah. I would do that too, but this is... for drama, you know? Just watch, it's gonna be great when his evil half brother comes on...

“All that I require,” he continued, shifting briefly to Srina, then back to Mercy, “is that when New Alderaan has burned and we walk through the ashes.. the truth remains. Let the galaxy know what it means to stand against us."

Her head tilted lightly as those predatory eyes met Lysander.

"Do not forget my lessons, Knight Von Ascania." The tone was serious, more serious than anyone usually would hear from her, because while she considered most things in life a practical joke... her responsibility to this new generation of Sith was not among the quipping repertoire. "Hunger is good for the soul, nurture it and when Lords offer a meal, devour it."

She inclined her head when Srina had her own wisdom to offer, agreeing with no hesitation. They had slaughtered Tapani for its wealth to burn the Core.

This was the same, but on a smaller scale.

She looked back at Mercy with crossed arms. "Lysander and Naniti are paired off, so we're already operating in twos. I say the Empress and I will go one way, and you and Varin head another way, how about that?"

She could feel the battle-lust rise in the woman at her side, and she reached up with a gloved hand to turn Mercy’s face down toward her. The amber in her eyes was already anticipating violence.

“Try not to be too reckless…If I am with Windrun, I won’t be able to empower you.”

It was not a complaint. It was…Concern. Mercy never knew her limits.

Mercy's face was guided down and her brows furrowed when the Mountain felt the concern from the Ocean. Her expression softened, but it did little to stem the tide of hunger underneath, even as she leaned in and kissed Srina's forehead.

"Reckless implies I am putting myself at risk, darling sister." She unwound herself again, stretching out lazily. "I am never in true danger... how can I be, when I am the danger?"

Then a cocky grin at Windrun.

"Splitting the party so soon, Windrun? I think not. Lysander and Naniti lead the first charge, but we shall not divide our strength further. What is the point of amassing such a force, just to shrink it into pieces."

Then a sly glance towards Varin.

"Besides, I believe young Mortifer wants to see the Empress of the Order in action. Whereas he has already seen... my action up close." She offered her elbow to Srina with finality. As far as she was concerned the matter was settled and over now.

"The hangars next, darling? The full tour will have to wait until New Alderaan is burning behind us."

That is where the shuttles would be to carry them through. All of the chatter between the navy personnel was lost to her. They seemed to be doing well enough, pushing in deep, irrespective of the Imperials' attempts to form a valiant defense. That was the consequence of being caught in the middle of an attack on a third nation.

Your entire logistical and assault forces were committed in the wrong direction.

The Covenant did not have this issue.

They'd keep coming until this Imperial nation was burning, just as the one in the Core had.

 

[Arris Windrun]

Tags: Mercy | Lysander von Ascania | Naniti | Srina Talon | Varin Mortifer | Marlon Sularen | Defender of Order | Ronhar Tane | Amalia Visconti | Mira Rhory | Priesse Namada

The Sith assault force was already under attack on multiple sides when further imperial reinforcements arrived at their rear. If her situational awareness was correct -- and she reckoned it was -- these were elements of the armada amassing against the High Republic.

"Shit," Arris looked at Mercy with a wide grin. "They flinched."

Was it anxiety, or a starved need to find any amount of glory they could, that drove their fleet to turn around?

battle plan. “If that is your wish...I will comply, Windrun.”

"Splitting the party so soon, Windrun? I think not. Lysander and Naniti lead the first charge, but we shall not divide our strength further. What is the point of amassing such a force, just to shrink it into pieces."

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever." She was too busy experiencing a metaphysical fuzz. Something was interfering with her senses.

"The Enemy intends to flank."

And only a moment later did a bridge officer confirm. "Uncanny read," Arris whistled.

She looked back at Mercy and the others again. "Better make for the hangars, yeah?"

The star destroyers on their flank were doing their job. Mostly. One moved a little too far, caught in the cross of heavy fire. It had listed to one side, with half its hull collapsing around the engines. A pair of heavy frigates broke off from the rearguard to fill the gap, while the rest of their strike force maintained forward momentum into heavy enemy resistance. No matter how carved up they were, the Sith did not stop their pursuit.

"In impact range of the planetary shield." Informed the admiral.

Arris only confirmed with a curt nod, and the admiral gulped.

The battlecruiser -- speedy for its size -- took up the spearhead, crashing through a poor Sith raider that didn't get out of the way in time. From the prow, a brilliant light erupted. The solar cannon fired an arced shot around forward defenses and directly across the Shield Gate in a slashing motion. What volleys of conventional firepower could reach the gate were unleashed from the frigates and raiders that followed the battlecruiser.

That being said, the gate is not defenseless, it has multiple high-tech turbolasers, ion cannons, repulsor-tractor beams, and point defense systems; as well as its shield array comprised of particle, ion, and ray shields.

It was a stroke of lucky guesswork (or maybe just reckless abandon) that the situation would favor their massive cannon in this instance, as only molecular shielding could most effectively absorb the mighty weapon. Still, perhaps their ion shields would capture some of it. Even if the attack didn't outright disable the gate, it would, in all likelihood, weaken it.

Not that they would wait around to find out. No -- the SLAM engines fired, accelerating the battlecruiser at a startling rate. Ramming speed through the gate itself and to the world below. All be damned. This is what it meant to fight the Covenant.

As most of the bridge crew began their evacuations to the interior sections of the ship, Arris Windrun finally replied to the Imperials before departing in tow behind Mercy and the rest.

"Congratulations on your naval victory, admirals! Medals all around."

What remained of the Covenant's strike fleet was but sacrificial pawns. Fodder. Shields. Barriers. It didn't matter. The bulk of their heavy ships was operated by skeleton crews and droids. Their lackluster performance would not be missed as the battle above raged on. But why did it matter? These were prizes taken from the Galactic Empire. Any materiel lost could just be sneezed out by the monopolistic shipbuilding might of N'Zoth and Fondor alone.

 

[Varin Mortifer]

VARIN MORTIFER

Equipment: Durum Mantle | Black Blade of Chandrila | Eye of The Dragon | Heavy Sith Mace​

Arris was the first to greet him with his usual nickname from her. One he had grown to accept in a small run of things. But then to his surprise.

Lord…Fire Lord

From the lips of The Empress herself. It was a good thing he already had his helmet on, the expression of his face was a wide eyed stunned silence for but a moment as he tilted his head. He saw it in her eyes, a sense of recognition. He felt a silent humbleness within himself after she said something that may have been so simple to most.

His gaze then fell back to Arris as she suggested formations only for Mercy to add her two cents of the plan. She seemed to know what Varin was wanting to see. How often does one see The Empress of the Sith in action? That was when he saw the armor change. The scales and nanites of her armor had caught his attention as well. The way the armor seemed to act like a living hivemind.

He slowly nodded to her in silence after she acknowledged and granted his request. As discussions circled in the area Varin looked out the viewport his back straight and hands folded behind his lower back. He watched as a distant dog fight began. His eyes tracking each ship as bolts and explosions polluted the silence.

Varin turned and followed the group to the hangars. He was eerily silent, usually when this close to battle his breathing would at least be different.

He was containing the excitement until after they landed.

They wanted the planet to burn? They wanted to dance within its ashes? Then he would grant them such a request.

When he stepped into the shuttle he once again pulled out his bone rosary, running his thumb over each bead as he made his silent prayer before descent. The smoke from his back seemed to flex and stir with something eager to release, eager to feast, though the heat contained so as not to swelter everyone from within. He was not praying for strength, or for safety or for guidance. He prayed for opportunity to bring glory and victory. Something far more valuable than a simple ask of strength and courage, a request to test himself and his loyalties. The shuttle filled with a scent of burning leaves and wood as they prepped for departure.

Mercy | Arris Windrun | Srina Talon | Lysander von Ascania | Naniti | Marlon Sularen | Ronhar Tane | Defender of Order | Amalia Visconti | Mira Rhory | Priesse Namada​