Junction Eternal Crusade: Next Steps (SGHW) | EE/AC Junction of Abraxas/Telos

[Corin Autem]

Location: Administrative Dome, Haven, Iol
Tags: Eina L'lerim-Vandiir Ivixa Nera'kas Rhiza Dural

Spoiler: Kit:

'Shatterpoint' Machine Shotgun, HH-38 'Geysa' Hybrid Pistol, Lucius-pattern Bayonet, Imperial "Hellhound" Armour Mk. I

When engaging them, make sure your weapons are set to high power. It won't be long before we have to kick some teeth in.”

Smiling despite herself, Corin nodded at the diminutive Asa'nyx's words. "Understood, ma'am. Good news is this 'thrower only has the one setting, so, I shouldn't get too confused when the time comes." For a moment, the Major wondered whether she should tell Eina that was a joke, but thought better of it. The heir's mind was clearly on other, more important things right now. Securing her three-point sling and making sure her magazines were safely stowed and muffled, the once-Ultranaut nodded at Rhiza's somewhat kind words. "You possess wisdom beyond your years, Juror." Corin said, her voice sounding monotonous through her helmet's speakers.

Going unnoticed was easier than Cor expected. At first. Ushering her troopers forward into the darkness of the canal, Corin followed a few paces behind. Another Ultranaut swept in behind her, his visor's distinctive red glow flickering out as he -wisely- switched his HUD from combat to stealth. Corin did the same, and soon they became little more than ghosts amidst a dead city. One that appeared dead, anyway. Everyone here knew that wasn't the case. Soon enough, they were proven right.

<<"Patrol, hundred meters, front and centre.">>

At the point man's words, Corin went to ground, inadvertently winding up just behind the smallest operative amongst the group. <<"Copy that, Tav. Alright everyone, pick your targets and double up. Killshots only.">> Nine acknowledgements winked across Cor's HUD. Leaving her weapon pointed down, the Hellhound watched as the patrol's search pattern brought them closer through the gloom. The beams of their weapon-mounted torches carved great white lines across the dark, grimy stone of the canal. Footsteps echoed, gear rattled. And the Hellhounds remained silent and watchful.

<<"Hold. Let them get closer.">>

One of the lights swept over the form of a prone Hellhound, carried on.

"Hold." She whispered to Ivixa as the patrol grew in size and definition. Now, Corin could clearly see the sigil emblazoned on the patrol's pauldrons. It seemed the Agent's information was correct; these were Final Dawn troopers. Bringing her weapon to bear as slowly as she could physically manage, Corin let out a calming breath. Since her weapon was unsilenced, she would only fire if she had to. In which case, this mission would end before it even truly began.

Fortunately, it didn't come to that.

At a wave from the redhaired Zygerrian, the patrol paused, turned. In the silence that followed, it would've been possible to hear a pin drop.

"Did you hear something? I head someone speaking down there, we should check it out." Watching, waiting, Cor muttered quietly in surprise as the patrol swept back the way they had come, moving into one of the canal's blackened offshoots after a voice that didn't exist. Seconds passed before the Hellhound risked moving from her spot. The rest of the Hellhounds followed suit, materializing from their hidey holes like a glitch in the system of life. "Nice trick." Corin nodded approvingly, waving her troopers on. "You'll have to teach me it sometime."

 

[Isla Draellix-Kobitana]

Location: Odessen system
Objective: participate in wargames
Tags: Aximand Sicarus

Spoiler: Fleet Assets

Noble Crusader Battlecruiser - 9.5km
Lord Hoth - in reserve
Bane of Darkness

2 x Dragoon Class Battlecruiser 7.1km
Fist of Demici - in reserve
Geiseric's Blade

3 x Bastion Planetary Invasion Ship 6km
Harbinger of Light
Bogans Demise
Temple of Peace

5 x Templar Class Star Destroyer 9.25km
Wisdom of Tython
Reprisal
Spirit of Bosph
Champion - in reserve
Liberator - in reserve

14 x Dominion Class Escort Frigate 4.73km (4 in reserve)
8 x Principality Class corvette 1.28km (2 in reserve)
8 x Warden Class anti-starfighter frigate 2km (2 in reserve)

Even split complements of
Pegasus Interceptor Starfighters
Phoenix Multirole Starfighter

Numerous
Ashla's Mercy orbital insertion shield generators

Infantry available

Ashlan Marines
Sisters of Ashla

Spoiler: Isla's Personal Gear

Admiral's Sabre
Ashlan Rosary
Personal guard of Ashlan Praetorian droids
Overseer Biochip OPBC-01a

SAINT's predictive algorithms suggested the most likely time for her to launch the attack was four hours and 38 minutes, but Isla declared the attack only twelve minutes in, her fleet were battle ready and there was always a chance, albeit slim with a force as professional as the Eternal Navy, that crews may be expecting a longer wait and their subconscious readiness would be reduced. The Ashlan Crusade had been nominated as the attacker in this scenario as she was probably the more defensive inclined of the two Admiral's, this would hopefully give her the opportunity to flex her offensive skills.

Her fighter wings had formed up and her Pegasus interceptors were already streaking on the SLAM engines through space towards the lighter flank of the Eternal Navy, the interceptors themselves were dangerous dog fighters but weaker against capital ships, their numerous light armaments would allow them to shower enemy fighter formations with fire. Behind them was a dozen wings of Phoenix multi-role starfighters, much more heavily armed, once the fighters were engaged, they would pick their attack line to strike the Frigates and corvettes. They individually packed a heck of a punch. Several hundred kilometres further behind them again was a tender vessel. This was marked as non-combatant on both sides and served to take telemetry readings of dogfighting and also to act as a rally point for "disabled" starfighters.

"drop the left flank slightly and allow the Might to lead, maximum power to shielding and pick targets on the star destroyers flanking the Ragnarok, once the primary fleet engages, bring the reserves fleet in for the gravitational flanking maneuver. The Eternal Flag ship was now visible out of her viewports, it was still several megametres away but there it was.

As suggested by her captains, the Ashlan flank closest to the moon began to approach aggressively and opened fire with Particle cannons and superheavy turbolasers. The gravity well of the moon made targeting at early engagement ranges difficult for both sides, but the more tightly packed defenders would likely make a slightly easier target. The Ashlans continued to approach at an oblique angle to the moon, daring the Imperial flank to advance to widen the arrival window of their flanking force. There would soon be an orbital engagement above the moon of Odessen.

The Ashla's Might at the front of the fleet pushed towards the Imperials and began to open fire with its heavy weaponry. The Ashlans ignored the huge bulk of the Ragnarok for now. It was a fearsome foe, but it was one ship and could not hold the blockade without its marginally more vulnerable
Escort fleet. The Dominions and Principalities of the Ashlan Fleet were moving to engage the picket line of the Eternal Empire and had already begun to exchange hits with their foes, attempting to tie them down and reduce their mobility.

Isla looked at her tactical readouts as hits began to come in, long range strikes against several of her ships, SAINT had analysed the fleet's and they were fairly evenly matched with the Eternal Empire having a firepower edge to the Ahslan Defensive edge, but in the heat of battles their differences were less important.

Behind her primary fleet, in the shadow of the huge SSD were the three Planetary landers, she would have preferred more combat ships, her analysts had suggested that typically an attacking fleet required a greater weight of vessels to be successful than a defender, and she would have been inclined to agree, but she wanted a test to see what she was capable of. The three huge vessels were running on low power to reduce their signatures but had their shields at maximum, her goal was to lush the Might into the mouth of the enemy and then ram the landers down its throat.

"Admiral, the Dominion-B Wing are reporting launch readiness to deploy at your leisure."

"excellent, thank you captain, ease hold on their launch for now, I would like to see how the battle os progressing first. Please inform me if you beleive the tactical situation requires launch as I would like to observe your own tactical choices too today." The six, state of the art Frigates in the belly of her super star destroyers had so far not seen engagement, but their fearsome armament and motility gave Isla enhanced flexibility with her flagship.

Spoiler: summary

SSD leading the fleet

Frigates and corvettes engaging the EE picket line

Fighters SLAM toward the enemy light captial vessels to engage fighter screen with multi-role fighter bombers following behind.

Oblique push around moon at orbital level to attack Eternal flank and prepare for flanking slingshot maneuver.

​

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Lady Ingrid L’lerim Ragal Terassi Vandiir
Eternal Empress of the Eternal Empire, Lord Commander of the Wardens of the Shroud, Archon of the Primyn Group
Empress of Terraris, Supreme Commander of the Terraris Command, Head of the House L’lerim, CEO of the HPI Consortium​

Objective: Meeting
Location: Base, Odessen
Equipment: Equipment: The Soulsabers (hidden) | Brynja coat | Hersir Imperial Uniform | Viper Mk. I Skinsuit | The Last Gift || Empyrean gland | OPBC-01m
Tags: Open

[ Stormtroopers ]
<"High Nelvaanian"> | ~ telepathic communication ~ | << comm. channel >> ​

Ingrid was still working when she sensed someone was approaching. She was sure who they couldn't be, because quite a few people were doing different tasks, they were in a different place, or they were just directing the fleet up there during the exercise. The Empress did not know the Force signature of the person approaching. They had not met before, just as the aura of those with them were not familiar to the woman. However, she felt that the person in front was not a Force User. Their aura and presence did not suggest that. Finally they arrived, then the red-haired woman looked up.

She looked at the mirialan man. The Empress was not recognising him that way at first. She was almost asking MANIAC for help when she remembered him. She learned about the leaders and high-ranking officers, senators, military leaders, and influential politicians of all states. As a ruler, this was mandatory and expected.

"Magister Scipio Kaarz, right? Welcome!" she told him, and stepped closer to shake hands with the man.

Ingrid was not surprised that Pietro Demici did not come; she knew the man didn't like her. It wasn’t hard to figure this out, she felt it perfectly through the man’s feelings. The red-haired woman looked at the holopictures after the man's words. The troops began their attack outside the Haven's dome and thus a diversion attack against one of the weapons factories, while the internal team, who were standing together from the Eternal Empire and members of the Ashlan Crusade, had already set out for their target building.

"The picture is more complex, Magister. The planet is under the control of the Final Dawn based on our data. So this makes our job harder than on a planet ruled by a simple tribe or clan. There are fewer members of Final Dawn, but they are better trained, they have better weapons, better tactics. And not just a barbarian horde, their powers aren't in the numbers. What do you think as a warlord? Will NIO or GA be the primary target or the Eternal Empire?" she asked him.

 

[Cass Gemini]

Spoiler: Gear and other links

Equipped:

• Calypso's Thunder
• Harlequin sabers
• Gravpack
• Viper mk2 skinsuit
• Thermal Detonators

Ship:

• Midnight Kyber
• 4 x Sciss stealth fighters

NPCs:

• Crew of the Midnight Kyber

Location: Cantina roof terrace
Tags: Silhana Cadera Arturo Braga Tovald Kahmen’’a
Wearing: This outfit

"Sounds good to me, may I suggest the roof terrace as an option? Looks nice up there and it's going to be harder for someone with a long range microphone to hide, if we are being super paranoid that is." she laughed and listened in, the Twi'lek seemed concerned about sun damage on her pale skin, Cass tanned beautifully due to her genetic programming, so we'll she just took it for granted. "There is shades up there, or could always help you apply some cream to those lovely head tails of yours?" she ran her finger around the top of her glass casually, before snapping out of her daydream and standing up. "let's go"

She walked toward a stairwell that headed upward and then opened up into a gorgeous terrace, arranged in such away to give semi-privacy to each table, with no buildings over looking it, and a great view of the surroundings. Cass stopped and held her finger to her lips to pick a spot, one with a nice reclining chair in the sun but with a parasol angled to ensure the comfort of pink. She lay on the reclining chair on her front, unzipping the back of the outfit slightly and unclipped the next to expose her bare back. To the sun. A small tattoo of a Kraken rose up from her now exposed waist line, just to the left on her spine.

"does one of your mind applying some cream for me?" she held a bottle of sun block out toward Arturo Braga and Silhana Cadera . She was less inclined to invite Tovald Kahmen’’a to do the same, as much as she didnt mind the spiders, it was a little strange still.

As she lay there and enjoyed the sunshine, and hopefully the ministrations of one of the pair of Black sun reps, looking like no more than a young woman on her vacation she began to speak. "after our last little chat Arturo, I did some snooping around, you have a very official job in the Empire, and the ear of a powerful red head. That is very interesting? I wondered if this was all a hidden and secret double life, that doesn't sound safe, so my second conclusion is that I may be walking in to an extremely lucrative business opportunity, I know its rude to ask to see another player's cards, but please indulge me?"

She was curious whether Arturo was hiring privateers, she had met the Empress once, it didn't go well, but maybe next time, she approach her as a renowned privateer and she might get a second look? She drank some of her cocktail through as straw as she lounged.

​

 

[Arturo Braga]

Location: Batuu
Tags: Silhana Cadera Cass Gemini Tovald Kahmen’’a

Smiling from ear to ear, Arturo followed Cass out onto the rooftop terrace. Sunlight and a wave of heat washed over the Underboss as he stepped outside to take in the city skyline and everything in front of it. "See? Told you Batuu was nice this time of year." Slipping onto the recliner next to Cass's, Arturo kicked off his shoes and settled back beneath the shade of the adjacent canopy. Knitting his hands behind his head, Arturo cast a knowing glance towards Sil, a twinkle of mischief in his eye.

No doubt this was what she envisioned for their future getaway together. Maybe they'd find themselves a tropical resort world somewhere along the fringes of Imperial space. Someplace temperate and warm and far disconnected from their daily lives. Thoughts for another time, alas.

"after our last little chat Arturo, I did some snooping around,

"Did you now?" Arturo inquired, leaning back and resting his weary eyes as Cass spoke. "And what did you find, pray tell? Nothing scandalous, I hope." He spoke lazily, knowing full well what her snooping around had achieved before she even confirmed it. One of the boons of having a widespread, well-established network of agents and informants was that you usually heard about things before anyone else did. Indeed, Arturo had received word long before he'd even contemplated setting up this meeting.

And as such, he had had ample time to do some snooping of his own.

"Why, Miss Gemini, are you always this candid around government officials?" Arturo teased, confirming -or perhaps not?- her suspicions about him. Turning to gaze at the pirate captain, Arturo met her red-and-black eyes -contacts or a result of genetic modification, he figured- with his own, noting as he did the kraken ink displayed splayed across her lower back, a semi-permanent mark of affiliation. The Kraken Coalition... A beast to be tamed. And an organisation liable to snatch away what was rightfully his were he not careful.

Choices, choices...

"Before I answer, would you be so kind as to tell me how the family's getting on?" Pausing, he gave the pirate captain a small smile. "Well, I say family... what I really mean is boyfriend. Isidor something-or-other. From what I hear, he's a man not unalike our dear Tovald here. You bring him with you or is he still living it up at Port Royal?"

 

[Eina L'lerim-Vandiir]

Lady Eina L'lerim-Vandiir
The First and the Light of Ashla
Heiress and Princess of the Eternal Empire and Terraris; Angelic Mascot and Representative of the Ashlan Crusade
Eternal Empire's Ambassador to the Ashlan Crusade; Matriarch of the Valkyrja; Leader of Sanctuary and the Fjölkyngi Smiđr Guild​

Objective: Steal information about the Maw's plans
Location: Haven, Iol
Equipment: Sverð Fyrstr (swords) | Ljósspjót (spear) | Skrúð Engill Fyrstr (armour) || Empyrean gland | OPBC-01m || Current appearance
Allies: Ivixa Nera'kas | Corin Autem | Rhiza Dural | Open
Enemies: Onrai | open

[ The Valley of Deaeth ]
<"High Nelvaanian"> | ~ telepathic communication ~ | << comm. channel >> ​

Eina was pleased to note that the others didn't particularly want to kill slaves if it turned out that way. Most were still salvageable, their souls still curable. They were shattered, the original personality locked up, broken, imprisoned in the depths of their souls. The Valkyrja was ill when she saw them and felt endless pain and compassion in their direction. No one deserved this fate. She knew exactly what it was like; she was like that. Only in her case was there a parasite who did this to her, in the case of Maw the situation was worse. Here the torture tore apart the original personality.

"I don't think conditioning would work. They will need a long, very long therapy and healing. Their souls are essentially torn apart, their part, their old selves locked in their minds, and the broken, truncated part follow the Maw. No one… no one deserves such a fate." she said bitterly at Rhiza's words, with pain and compassion in her voice.

The Valkyrja looked into the distance for a moment, then nodded. She knew that almost no one could be saved today, however with the information they wanted to get, they would be able to save many other people from that fate.

"I know. Today we saved others with the information." she agreed.

Not long after, they were fortunately able to solve the stormtrooper problem down in the canal without killing anyone. Eina also wanted to use the same method as Rhiza. She was glad that Ivixa, or Corin's men, might not have had to shoot and kill the assault squads. Not because someone was killed, but because someone might have noticed that the patrol had disappeared. And then an outside attack would be completely unnecessary.

<"Only shoot if there is no other option. We don't want them to know we're here."> she asked Ivixa.

When they were safe, they could move on. She continued to concentrate on the Force and also tried to pay attention in the Force to see where the enemy was going and whether she could sense anything else. And so it was; something dark, very dark. An ancient power.

"There is an evil, ancient power in the building, one of the followers of the Bogan. I can already feel their presence." she told them.

Meanwhile, they arrived at the stairway that led to the building.

"I think it will be best if I distract them until you get the information." With Ashla's will and blessing…

 

[Silhana Cadera]

Silhana Lolaes'ra
Lynne Tal’kira aka Lady Orchid; The Angel-faced killer
Bounty Hunter, Verd'ika, member of the Clan Cadera; Headmistress of the House Orchid and The Hounty Hunters' Guild​

Objective: Protect Arturo
Location: Cantina, Batuu
Equipment: 2x PV-16 "Sunfury" Pulse Pistol | 2x Simple short sword | Light armour | Mandalorian vambrace || Stealth field generator || OPBC-01m
Tags: Arturo Braga | Tovald Kahmen’’a | Cass Gemini | Open

[ Mando music ]
"Galactic Basic" | <"Mandalorian"> | ~"Telepathic" communication ~ | << comm. channel >>​

They didn't seem to heed my warning. I mean, she didn't understand, and Arturo didn't really care. Then, if they shoot him, I hope he won't be surprised. I warned him and them. Sometimes I wonder how he was able to stay alive for so long. Well, I know; he was lucky. He was always damn lucky. And I was hoping he wouldn’t run out of luck when I was with him, and I hope I wouldn’t run out of luck either. As we went outside, I mean up, an acquaintance also came face to face. I waved at him.

"Tovald, welcome! Are we going to the roof, will you join?" I asked him.

I looked at her, with some rage in my eyes and on my face, though they couldn’t see that. Arturo is already known enough to recognize from my posture how I probably look at the other woman under my helmet. Though the coldness of my words must have also betrayed how I look at the woman.

"I'm worried about the snipers, not the sun!" I said coldly.

I didn't care if she was shot or killed. On the other hand, I care very much if Arturo gets in trouble. Upstairs on the patio I went to the edge of the terrace to cover the plants. It was too free and open. I looked back at her under my helmet with a contemptuous look. She can wait forever for me to apply sunscreen to her back. Or to join them. Being in Mandalorian, we may have been in Allied territory, but I couldn’t take off my armour here. And I didn't want to. I preferred to send out some tiny reconnaissance droids to monitor the area.

"Applying the cream for yourself!" I murmured most to myself, they were far enough away to hear it.

I could still see Arturo's gaze; yes, I imagined something similar, but only for the two of us. Where I didn’t have to work, but I could rest too. But today was not the day. Since the sun was strong, I preferred to stay in the shade, even though in the armour the heat and sun wouldn’t have really bothered me. At most the one who wants to touch the hot armour. Now I didn’t want MANIAC to project droid data onto my retina, I rather watched them on a datapad.

While the others talked in the background. Someone had to work, not just lie down…

 

[Onrai]

Enemies: Eina L'lerim-Vandiir Ivixa Nera'kas Rhiza Dural Corin Autem

-

Come now, dear sweet Eina. That's no way to talk about the person who's directly responsible for such a unique and fascinating being like yourself existing in this galaxy, serving as a light for the Ashlan Crusade.

The voice grew less resonant and clearer as shadow seeped from the stairway, manifesting into a more humanoid form.

"And isn't this fascinating. The daughter of a ruler, though not the one who's most important of this quartet. A juror so strongly struggling with the darkness from that fallen Luther - come to Kiross and perhaps you'll learn more, Rhiza. And lastly, an elite legionnaire, so loyally serving her mistress. You four make quite an interesting mixture. It's unfortunate this is certainly a waste of your time."

She motioned back at the room. "I know what you are here for. Don't waste your time - what you're here for is not here. It's kind of my duty as a goddess to know these things. Go back. The men and women here are not like anything you have fought before, and your soldiers will be killed if they do not surrender. In fact..."

A hand was offered. "Surrender now. Turn your weapons over, and I promise you will be treated well in custody on Kiross."

 

[Daozu Pyke]

Tags: Silhana Cadera , Arturo Braga , Cass Gemini , Tovald Kahmen’’a

Daozu had been sitting at the bar, keeping an eye on those around him as he quietly sipped his drink. The growing chaos in this particular region of space was apparent to all, but to someone like Daozu, chaos was nothing more than another opportunity to make some money. He could not have cared less for the wars of the greater galactic powers, as his own endeavors had been slowly maturing into rather lucrative investments. Nevertheless, he would pursue this new opportunity, if for no other reason, than for the almighty credit.

As the others made their way to the terrace, Daozu took a moment to study them. He had a pair of guards lurking about the cantina, keeping a low profile, but the Pyke had asked them to hang back. After all, he wasn't here to intimidate others... he didn't need to. Those that gave him problems usually ended up missing not long after. As he sized up each individual, Daozu motioned for the guards to linger behind. As he made his way toward the terrace, he activated the spice dispenser within his helmet, taking in a long, deep breath as he walked toward the group. He often found clarity in the spice; it made things easier to digest, and made things rather simple for him. Perhaps that was the spice talking, but he paid that no mind.

He calmly approached the others, only giving the slightest nod of acknowledgment as he approached.

"Yes, Batuu is indeed nice this time of year."

He took a spot near the edge of the terrace, leaning against the railing as he spoke.

"Forgive me, where are my manners? Daozu Pyke, at your service."

It was largely said in jest, as Daozu cared little for formality. Others seemed to like such trivial gestures, however, so the Pyke would often feign interest in an effort to see a deal through.​

 

[Ivixa Nera'kas]

Location: Administrative Dome, Haven - Iol
Call Sign: Rominaria Seven
Dialogue Legend: <"High Nelvaanian"> │ “Galactic Basic”
Tags: EE ( Eina L'lerim-Vandiir Rhiza Dural Corin Autem )
Enemies: BotM ( Onrai )

Ivixa frowned.

Nevertheless, swallowing whatever she had planned to say, the sniper continued on, separating from the main group in order to locate a vantage point. By the time her allies arrived at the building, Ivixa had found her way to an overwatch point, on the balcony of a tower near the edge of the complex.

Inside, her sensors picked up two stormtroopers, a pair of snipers with blue pauldrons over their shoulders.

Trusting the anti-sonic device integrated into her armor for stealth, the sniper immediately moved into action.

Blade springing free from its sheath in her left gauntlet, Ivixa fired her static blaster at furthest of the two stormtroopers from her position, his body twitching as he slumped to the ground, stunned for the time being. However, the stormtrooper’s companion had little time to react as Ivixa jumped on top of his shoulders and punched her vibroblade into the back of his skull, killing him instantly. Then, riding the now-dead stormtrooper down to the floor as he collapsed, Ivixa rolled and climbed on the back of the second stormtrooper’s twitching form, finishing him off in much the same manner.

With the sound of weapons’ fire nullified, the kills didn’t raise any alarms. Pushing the body of the second stormtrooper aside, Ivixa claimed his sniper nest for her own and quickly began to scan the area through her rifle’s scope.

“In overwatch position.”

However, just as the words left her lips, the sound of a shadowy voice suspended the sniper’s breath inside her chest.

Spoiler: Loadout

• Ivixa’s Phase II “Glitter Ghost” Sniper Armor
  
  • Undersuit
    
    • UL-14 “Virtus” Class Underlay
  • Gauntlets
    
    • LPD-49 Astrapi Miniaturized Static Blaster - R
    • LPD-40 IceJet Miniaturized CryoBan Projector - L
    • FAE/M-02 Energized Gauntlet Vibroblade (2) - R/L
  • B-11 “Greitis” Class Combat Boots
    
    • FAE/MDW-01 Active Defense System (2) - R/L
      
      • Nagnol Gas Nano Missiles
      • Seeking Anti-Warhead Nano Missiles
  • Droid
    
    • ASBF-X86p “Njósnari” Probe Droid
  • Energy Shield
    
    • Phase III “Force Avenger” Energy Shield
• Breshig War Forge Consolidated SR-2M Verpine Shatter Rifle

 

[Scipio Kaarz]

Scipio Kaarz: Magister Militum Dei of the Crusade

Tags: Ingrid L'lerim

Scipio returned the handshake, nodding his head as she asked his name.

"Indeed. You likely won't see the Cardinal on this front for some time, as he has encountered some pressing business back home."

The Magister wouldn't expand on that comment, nor did he feel the need to. They weren't here to discuss the homefront, after all. As he listened to the Empress' words, his eyes continued to look over the information in front of them. He had heard of the Final Dawn, as well as their incredibly effective fleets. They were small, yet a powerhouse within the ranks of the Maw.

"If it is the Final Dawn, then I suspect you're correct. They have the resoluteness of true imperials, even if they use that to further the machinations of the Bogan."

Scipio was no stranger to imperial stratagems, as he had learned the art of war from within the ranks of the NIO. Furthermore, as much as he wished to condemn the Final Dawn's methods, Scipio did not wish to underestimate such an enemy. To underestimate one's foe was to ensure one's own defeat, and defeat was not something that Scipio wished to experience any time soon.

He thought for a moment, considering the options as the Empress asked him of the Maw's target. Finally, he spoke.

"I imagine the Maw will continue to lash out in all directions, as they always have. If it were me, however..."

He pulled up a map of the galaxy on the holoprojector in front of them.

"I believe they will strike the Alliance the hardest. They have already dealt several major blows to them, and I anticipate they will push for the Deep Core."

He pointed out several potential targets based off of what intel he had been able to gather.

"The obvious target would be Coruscant, as they have already attacked the planet once. If they could crush the Alliance's capital for good, the rest of the region would fall soon after. That being said..."

He enlarged a particular planet on the map, bringing it front and center as he continued.

"They wish to destroy everything the Jedi hold dear. What could be a more potent target than Tython?"

He didn't wish to think of the implications of such an attack, but the strategist in him couldn't ignore the possibility.

 

[Rhiza Dural]

Location: Haven, Iol
Objective: Steal information
Tags: Eina L'lerim-Vandiir Ivixa Nera'kas Corin Autem

Spoiler: Equipment and links

Personal Equipment

• Red bladed dual phase light saber
• Electro-whip
• Riftblade
• Viper mk1 skinsuit
• Energy Bolas
• throwing shuriken
• Empyrean Gland

Starships

• Oubliette class transport
• HH-87 Starhopper
• Ballerina Interceptor mk ii

Rhiza felt a small elation from somewhere in the shadows as Ivixa Nera'kas finally managed to get some kills, slightly worrying amound of bloodlust, but from a elite special ops soldier it was a useful quirk.

The darkness grew as the figure of Onrai approached them and Rhiza felt the strangest sense of familiarity, as if from a past life? Her mention of her husband's name both boiled her blood and also made her begin to wonder whether she had unknowingly met this creature before.

"what do you know of Luthor?" she was getting angry, but she concentrated, making sure her memories of his murder at her hands were locked away, this was not something she felt that Eina L'lerim-Vandiir would be able to hear and not again report back on. Although she was now very curious about the Einas heritage, did she too have a dark secret? She pulled out her light saber and is beautiful crimson blade ignited with a hum, filling the room with a red glow.

"If you have something useful to day, then say it, otherwise step aside or submit to.. us" she wanted to say Ashla, she really did but the fight inside meant it still felt strange in her mouth. "Lady Eina, if this one can be captured, he knowledge of my late husband may be useful to the Crusade." that was true, she had selfish motivations for wanting to explore her past more, but the secrets he had could lead to other Sith cells and even ancient secrets that could aid in the Ashlan mission.

She readied herself to defend, her grip around her red blade was good and her muscular legs were tensed and ready to pounce. She was an expert in Ataru, fast and confident, and with the the woman the other Jedi referred to as light of Ashla, by her side the creature, whatever it was, would hopefully choose to leave.

Out of the corner of her eyes she saw movement, it appeared that the dark creature was no longer the only one aware of their presense and final dawn soldiers were beginning to use the distraction to advance. She would rely on the training of their miltiary attachment to deal with that issue though.

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Lady Ingrid L’lerim Ragal Terassi Vandiir
Eternal Empress of the Eternal Empire, Lord Commander of the Wardens of the Shroud, Archon of the Primyn Group
Empress of Terraris, Supreme Commander of the Terraris Command, Head of the House L’lerim, CEO of the HPI Consortium​

Objective: Meeting
Location: Base, Odessen
Equipment: Equipment: The Soulsabers (hidden) | Brynja coat | Hersir Imperial Uniform | Viper Mk. I Skinsuit | The Last Gift || Empyrean gland | OPBC-01m
Tags: Scipio Kaarz | Open

[ Stormtroopers ]
<"High Nelvaanian"> | ~ telepathic communication ~ | << comm. channel >> ​

"I know the cardinal will do his best not to have to meet me. So I'm not surprised, but he could lie to his subordinates better." she said with a sincere smile.

She knew exactly and felt that this was the case, it was hard not to notice the signs. Especially since Ingrid was an agent; if she couldn’t read in someone, that would have cost her her life. She listened intently to the man's words, though she only partially agreed with them. The Empress looked at the holograms and spoke again.

"I don’t think they serve or would serve the purposes of the Maw. They try their own much more. Imperialists, yes. They are always next to the current strongest, this is currently the Maw. But I have no doubt that if Maw loses their advantage and the war turns into another direction, the Final Dawn will be the first to escape and betray them. This is what Marlon Sularen has done before. He is cowardly man who is always drawn to power and serves just the one he where he hopes for more power."

Her voice was ice cold, maybe there was a very small contempt in it. Sularen reminded the woman exactly of Tacitus in this regard. She was pretty sure Adrian would have been glad if he would have known she thought so now.

"Despite his cowardice, he cannot be underestimated. The dreaded person is always more dangerous." she told him.

Yes, she agreed with all directions, as well as that maybe GA will be the main target. There was the greatest common frontier and through them, the way led to the other Jedi, to the Silver Jedi Concord.

"I agree, the Galactic Alliance seems to be the weakest right now. They are no longer supported by the NIO, and are in conflict. On the other hand, NIO and we are in a closer relationship, just like with you. However, we have no connection with them. They would be left alone, but the Imperials… they hold together." she thought aloud.

Tython; it was interesting and logical. As always, Ingrid didn't look at things from a "religious" perspective. Yes, she considers the war of the Sith and the Jedi as a religious problem. The red-haired woman would do otherwise, and with a crazy head, it’s hard to think. Elofon's advice would have been good, but the man was on Terraris.

" Darth Solipsis was a senator at Epoch, wasn't he? It could also be a target out of vanity, but Final Dawn also has a lot of interest in GA. I would personally tear the alliance in half and go to the SJC border… Divide and rule!"

 

[Corin Autem]

Location: Administrative Dome, Haven, Iol
Tags: Eina L'lerim-Vandiir Ivixa Nera'kas Rhiza Dural Onrai
Kit: "Shatterpoint" Machine Shotgun, HH-38 "Geysa" Hybrid Pistol, Lucius-pattern Bayonet, Imperial "Hellhound" Armour Mk. I

With the patrol seemingly distracted, the Hellhounds moved through the canal after Eina. Silently, swiftly, they made for the target building; no doubt the prize would have a strong guard surrounding it, but that was what they were here for. As subtle as the group was striving to be, Corin knew there would come a time in which to discard all thought of discretion and just go for it.

Clambering up out of the disused canal, the Hellhound Major realized that the time for battle would soon be upon them. The Ultranaut in her longed for the moment.

<<"Target building in sight.">> Operative Tav reported from his position a hundred meters ahead of the raiding party. <<"The lights are on, but it appears no-one's home. Advise caution, over.">> Chinning her helmet's secure comm-link, Corin said, <<"Copy that, Tav. All Hounds, standby for contact.">> Feeling the mood amongst her troopers shift to one of calm acceptance, Corin pressed on, maintaining radio silence as she approached the steps leading to their target a moment behind Eina.

Looking about herself, the Hellhound made sure all her people were in position before tapping Eina on the shoulder to indicate they were ready.

Of course, it was in that exact moment that Onrai appeared.

At first, Corin thought that the smoky figure stood at the top of the steps was a hallucination, a mere trick of the light. Tav's warning dissuaded this notion, however, and the Hellhound froze midstride. Oh, feth, she thought, caught between surprise and the urge to raise up her weapon and shoot the dark apparition.

"And isn't this fascinating. The daughter of a ruler, though not the one who's most important of this quartet. A juror so strongly struggling with the darkness from that fallen Luther - come to Kiross and perhaps you'll learn more, Rhiza. And lastly, an elite legionnaire, so loyally serving her mistress. You four make quite an interesting mixture. It's unfortunate this is certainly a waste of your time."

She motioned back at the room. "I know what you are here for. Don't waste your time - what you're here for is not here. It's kind of my duty as a goddess to know these things. Go back. The men and women here are not like anything you have fought before, and your soldiers will be killed if they do not surrender. In fact..."

Keeping her eyes fixed on the shadow-lady, Corin waited for Eina to say something, anything. Cursing her indecision, the Major instead watched as her enemy extended a hand in offering. "Surrender," she demanded. "Disarm." When she said they would be well treated, Corin nearly laughed. Realizing the jig was up, and that the window in which they could seize the initiative was quickly diminishing, Corin made the only choice left to her.

Raising her machine shotgun, she opened fire on the shadow-lady.

 

[Eina L'lerim-Vandiir]

Lady Eina L'lerim-Vandiir
The First and the Light of Ashla
Heiress and Princess of the Eternal Empire and Terraris; Angelic Mascot and Representative of the Ashlan Crusade
Eternal Empire's Ambassador to the Ashlan Crusade; Matriarch of the Valkyrja; Leader of Sanctuary and the Fjölkyngi Smiđr Guild​

Objective: Steal information about the Maw's plans
Location: Haven, Iol
Equipment: Sverð Fyrstr (swords) | Ljósspjót (spear) | Skrúð Engill Fyrstr (armour) || Empyrean gland | OPBC-01m || Current appearance
Allies: Ivixa Nera'kas | Corin Autem | Rhiza Dural | Open
Enemies: Onrai | open

[ The Valley of Deaeth ]
<"High Nelvaanian"> | ~ telepathic communication ~ | << comm. channel >> ​

"We need to stay togeth-" she wanted to say, but Ivixa left them.

Eina had a feeling it wasn’t going to end well. And the chaos really started when they arrived at the building. The target person felt them too. I mean, not Eina, because her presence was hidden in the Force, but she might have noticed Rhiza and the others. She looked at her with defiance as she spoke. So it was she who turned her mother into Shadow-born. I mean, she led her into a trap. No; the Valkyrja didn't think she was responsible for her existence, not at all. Probably as a human, her mother would have done what she did as a Shadow-born. Not to mention she wasn't a Shadow-born, but she was the first member of a completely new species.

"Ashla is much more responsible for my creation than you, Onrai." said in an ice-cold and frosty voice like Ingrid, now she could have been Ingrid.

She had heard this so many times from members of the Ashlan Crusade that she was slowly thinking this as well. Of course, she knew there was no explanation, and she didn’t know the true reasons either. Eina wasn't angry, her presence and aura were still as pleasantly warm as always, she "radiated" with Ashla's light, there was no sign of the Bogan in her. Even as Rhiza angrily responded and activated her lightsaber. Then Corin started shooting.

"ENOUGH!" she ordered.

The end of her spear tapped on the ground. Eina grabbed the spear with both hands and concentrated. She used Force Harmony, the effects of which extended to Rhiza, Corin, and the other soldiers who were here. She gave them peace of mind, she drove the darkness out of them. It was as if Ashla had embraced them. Now they were able to think with a clear head, cool, calm. Eina's power kept Bogan's power away.

"Lady Rhiza, Major, soldiers, go! We have a job. This is a Sith, trying to get into your mind, take advantage of you, arouse doubt. I'll take care of her. She wants me, it's a family affair. Go, billions are counting on you. When I'm done, I'll join you." she asked them.

She hoped they would go because as long as she maintains the Force Harmony to protect them, she can do nothing and be an easy target for Onrai or anyone else.

 

[Tovald Kahmen’’a]

Location: Cantina, Batuu
Objective: Talk and drink
Equipment: Rifle, Sword, Magnetic Thermal Detonators, Thermite Explosives, Heavy Blaster Pistol, Carbine
Tags: Silhana Cadera | Arturo Braga | Cass Gemini | Daozu Pyke

Having said little during the journey to the terraces, well only to keep the spiders at bay. Tovald knew this was surreal and odd for all involved, the night following the bite, he had palpitations and night sweats. He had to negotiate with the spiders he once chased across the Venomoth to stop his food from being pilfered, two months of supplies for the arachnids.

He remained impassive at the sunscreen escapade thus far, he didn't want to be involved, he couldn't and he had a very strange un-helpful lingering grief but he knew it was not healthy to not socialise and to intervene when progress grinds to a halt. He was on a job, not a holiday. He was according to his brother kind of a Librarian, boring and awkward. His wife never thought he was boring.

The sunscreen was not being applied and the sun was strong, he knew what sunburn felt like and what agony it was to get his helmet on afterwards. He envies those with hair. So he grabbed the sunscreen, deposited an ample amount and applied it to Cass's back. There, so no more delays, they need to get things done.

Tovald for his part was blushing like a strawberry under his helmet. He is glad no one can see it.

 

[Cass Gemini]

Spoiler: Gear and other links

Equipped:

Spoiler: Gear and other links

• Calypso's Thunder
• Harlequin sabers
• Gravpack
• Viper mk2 skinsuit
• Thermal Detonators

Ship:

• Midnight Kyber
• 4 x Sciss stealth fighters

NPCs:

• Crew of the Midnight Kyber

Location: Cantina roof terrace
Tags: Silhana Cadera Arturo Braga Tovald Kahmen’’a Daozu Pyke
Wearing: This outfit

"Snipers? You expecting company?" she asked to Silhana Cadera with genuine interest? "I suppose you get used to just rolling with it in my line of work. I mean, you could stuff me in a sack and hand me to the enclave for the credits... don't, that would be rude, but you could, and yet I'm here." she was trying to be friendly, she was getting the impression pink didn't like her, and Cass was used to being liked.

I really mean is boyfriend. Isidor something-or-other. From what I hear, he's a man not unalike our dear Tovald here.

Cass laughed and also murmured as Tovald Kahmen’’a began to put the sun screen on her back, strong hands.

"The name you are looking for is Isidor Justene, he is a good man, I trust him with my life, probably marry him one day. He's another of the Kraken Lords, so if we go through with this, you'll likely be getting to know Izzie quite well. Hes probably out hunting for the next exciting tablewear to steal or something eccentric like that." she laughed again and turned her head towards him giving a very playful look.

"anyway, enough about Isidor, I have to hand it to you, that is the most imaginative way anyone has ever done the 'is there a Mr Gemini' bit, so to answer.... attached...still available." she blew him a little kiss and winked at him. She was fully creamed up now and she thanked Tovald for his kind hands. Cass then felt another presence making himself known. Daozu Pyke walked over to the group and she turned around, still not getting up. Pykes made her uncomfortable, their fixation on spice was borderline psychotic. "afternoon Pyke, take a seat why don't you? We were just discussing relationships." she wouldn't dive in and talk business until she got a vibe from Arturo Braga . He was an established connection, fawning over a potential local rival would be risky even for Cass.

"Hey, Lynne, come join us, i hate to see you all wound up when we should be enjoying the sun. How often do you get to do this and still call it work?" cass let out a relaxed sigh and reached for her drink. She looked forward to making some more arrangements, Black Sun was more chill than she had thought.

​

 

[Onrai]

Eina L'lerim-Vandiir

"Ashla did not exist those hundreds of thousands of years ago when the primordials crafted life within their charnel laboratories and the Celestials walked among us." Onrai stated, before the shotgun blast at close range caused her avatar to partially destabilize, its upper half split and splintered in a number of different directions with infernal black tentacles flailing from the very core of her being. Slowly, she reformed, darkness knitted back together as her features returned and her white eyes looked directly at her attacker.

"Ow."

Her form stepped towards Eina, no weapon yet visible in its hands. "I am far more than a Sith, Eina. I am a goddess, worshipped by many and who grants her blessing to those who serve her. You can shine as brightly as you wish, my dear. But know that the brighter the light, the darker the shadow." She smiled.

-

Corin Autem

The shotgun-wielder's attention ordered elsewhere by her liege, Onrai seemingly cared naught about whatever path she chose. A number of Darktroopers had entrenched themselves further up the path to the bunker and opened fire, seeking to suppress the Ashlan advance. To Corin, this would seem to be the only point of conflict for a time, until a familiar voice once more spoke with perfect precision a mere few feet away from her.

"Did you ever wonder about Lilanna?" Onrai asked, her form present even as another She still traveled towards Eina. "About how I was able to worm my way into her heart, to give her a link to my power? I can do the same for you as well, you know. This struggle doesn't have to be so pointless - you will not get what you seek regardless of whether or not you penetrate the bunker The computer systems are autophagous and will destroy themselves if inappropriate access is detected."

-

Rhiza Dural

"I meant it." Onrai said, seeking to give Rhiza a scritch behind the ear, her avatar deliberate in its actions. She knew that of the quartet, there was one far more vulnerable to her advances than any other. "I can give you the knowledge you wish you had regarding Luther's darkness, regarding what he was doing. I can give you the immortality I know deep down inside pervades the most hidden corners of your mind and body. All I ask is that you come with me, to Kiross. We can even go right now, if you so wish. This errand is quite fruitless."

She offered a hand to the Zygerrian, seeing if she would accept her offer.

-

Ivixa Nera'kas

Ivixa in her overwatch position was the only one not spoken to by Onrai, even though she too had an avatar to deal with. Instead of speaking, the Avatar merely attempted a very powerful Force Push on her and her position, seeking to send her tumbling into the courtyard where she would not be able to take any potshots at Onrai's own men. If Ivixa was not stunned as a result, she would have to take more direct measures, but for the time being the importance was mitigating her effectiveness as a reinforcement to the fight.

For once, Onrai was acting in true synchronicity across bodies. It was a new experience she found quite pleasant - at least until the pain came.

 

[Aximand Sicarus]

Spoiler: Fighter Deployment

(Deployed/Destroyed/Total)

• Lancer Fighters: 400/0/1,200
• Haxor Interceptors: 88/0/264
• Hornet Bombers: 134/0/400

Spoiler: Task Group Helix - 50k Total

• (1) The Ragnarök Super Star Destroyer (10km)
  • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
  • (12/12) I-3A Lance Squadrons (144 Fighters)
  • (8/8) RX-4 Hornet Bomber Squadrons (64 Bombers)
  • (6/6) INT-1A MK.I Haxor Interceptor Squadrons (48 Interceptors)
  • (7/7) Shuttlecraft (28 Shuttles)
  • (7/7) Gunships
• (1) Apocalypse-class Artillery Battlecruiser Special Issue - Assault, Flagship (3.75km)
  • ENS Tiberius
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (6/6) I-3A Lance Squadrons (72 Fighters)
    • (4/4) RX-4 Hornet Bomber Squadrons (32 Bombers)
    • (3/3) INT-1A MK.I Haxor Interceptor Squadrons (24 Interceptors)
    • (3/3) Shuttlecraft (12 Shuttles)
    • (3/3) Gunships
• (2) Apocalypse-class Artillery Battlecruiser - Siege (7km)
  • ENS Glaive
    • Shields 90% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (3/3) I-3A Lance Squadrons (36 Fighters)
    • (1/1) INT-1A MK.I Haxor Interceptor Squadrons (8 Interceptors)
    • (5/5) Shuttlecraft (20 Shuttles)
  • ENS Victus
    • Shields 90% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (3/3) I-3A Lance Squadrons (36 Fighters)
    • (1/1) INT-1A MK.I Haxor Interceptor Squadrons (8 Interceptors)
    • (5/5) Shuttlecraft (20 Shuttles)
• (4) Eternal Class Star Destroyer (20th Heavy Assault Line - 8km)
  • ENS Bastion
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (3/3) I-3A Lance Squadrons (36 Fighters)
    • (2/2) RX-4 Hornet Bomber Squadrons (16 Bombers)
    • (1/1) INT-1A MK.I Haxor Interceptor Squadrons (8 Interceptors)
    • (2/2) Shuttlecraft (8 Shuttles)
  • ENS Bakura
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (3/3) I-3A Lance Squadrons (36 Fighters)
    • (2/2) RX-4 Hornet Bomber Squadrons (16 Bombers)
    • (1/1) INT-1A MK.I Haxor Interceptor Squadrons (8 Interceptors)
    • (2/2) Shuttlecraft (8 Shuttles)
  • ENS Vikarion
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (3/3) I-3A Lance Squadrons (36 Fighters)
    • (2/2) RX-4 Hornet Bomber Squadrons (16 Bombers)
    • (1/1) INT-1A MK.I Haxor Interceptor Squadrons (8 Interceptors)
    • (2/2) Shuttlecraft (8 Shuttles)
  • ENS Triton
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (3/3) I-3A Lance Squadrons (36 Fighters)
    • (2/2) RX-4 Hornet Bomber Squadrons (16 Bombers)
    • (1/1) INT-1A MK.I Haxor Interceptor Squadrons (8 Interceptors)
    • (2/2) Shuttlecraft (8 Shuttles)
• (6) Demeton-class Heavy Cruisers (20th & 56th Heavy Assault Lines - 6km)
  • ENS Braccus
    • Shields 88% | Armor 95% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (2/2) I-3A Lance Squadrons (24 Fighters)
    • (1/1) RX-4 Hornet Bomber Squadrons (8 Bombers)
    • (1/1) INT-1A MK.I Haxor Interceptor Squadrons (8 Interceptors)
    • (1/1) Shuttlecraft (4 Shuttles)
  • ENS Rupture
    • Shields 93% | Armor 98% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (2/2) I-3A Lance Squadrons (24 Fighters)
    • (1/1) RX-4 Hornet Bomber Squadrons (8 Bombers)
    • (1/1) INT-1A MK.I Haxor Interceptor Squadrons (8 Interceptors)
    • (1/1) Shuttlecraft (4 Shuttles)
  • ENS Oberon
    • Shields 90% | Armor 93.5% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (2/2) I-3A Lance Squadrons (24 Fighters)
    • (1/1) RX-4 Hornet Bomber Squadrons (8 Bombers)
    • (1/1) INT-1A MK.I Haxor Interceptor Squadrons (8 Interceptors)
    • (1/1) Shuttlecraft (4 Shuttles)
  • ENS Molloch
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (2/2) I-3A Lance Squadrons (24 Fighters)
    • (1/1) RX-4 Hornet Bomber Squadrons (8 Bombers)
    • (1/1) INT-1A MK.I Haxor Interceptor Squadrons (8 Interceptors)
    • (1/1) Shuttlecraft (4 Shuttles)
  • ENS Argent
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (2/2) I-3A Lance Squadrons (24 Fighters)
    • (1/1) RX-4 Hornet Bomber Squadrons (8 Bombers)
    • (1/1) INT-1A MK.I Haxor Interceptor Squadrons (8 Interceptors)
    • (1/1) Shuttlecraft (4 Shuttles)
  • ENS Xyllon
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (2/2) I-3A Lance Squadrons (24 Fighters)
    • (1/1) RX-4 Hornet Bomber Squadrons (8 Bombers)
    • (1/1) INT-1A MK.I Haxor Interceptor Squadrons (8 Interceptors)
    • (1/1) Shuttlecraft (4 Shuttles)
• (2) Vikaander-class Light Cruisers (11th Assault Line - 1.5km)
  • ENS Talon
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (1/1) I-3A Lance Squadrons (12 Fighters)
    • (1/1) Shuttlecraft (4 Shuttles)
  • ENS Thepsis
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (1/1) I-3A Lance Squadrons (12 Fighters)
    • (1/1) Shuttlecraft (4 Shuttles)
• (6) Ashkelon-class Escort Frigates (20th & 56th Heavy Attack Lines - 2.4km)
  • ENS Crucible
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (2/2) I-3A Lance Squadrons (24 Fighters)
    • (1/1) RX-4 Hornet Bomber Squadrons (8 Bombers)
    • (1/1) Shuttlecraft(4 Shuttles)
  • ENS Magnate
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (2/2) I-3A Lance Squadrons (24 Fighters)
    • (1/1) RX-4 Hornet Bomber Squadrons (8 Bombers)
    • (1/1) Shuttlecraft(4 Shuttles)
  • ENS Shield of Salvation
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (2/2) I-3A Lance Squadrons (24 Fighters)
    • (1/1) RX-4 Hornet Bomber Squadrons (8 Bombers)
    • (1/1) Shuttlecraft(4 Shuttles)
  • ENS Absolution
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (2/2) I-3A Lance Squadrons (24 Fighters)
    • (1/1) RX-4 Hornet Bomber Squadrons (8 Bombers)
    • (1/1) Shuttlecraft(4 Shuttles)
  • ENS Phalanx
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (2/2) I-3A Lance Squadrons (24 Fighters)
    • (1/1) RX-4 Hornet Bomber Squadrons (8 Bombers)
    • (1/1) Shuttlecraft(4 Shuttles)
  • ENS Ghunne
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (2/2) I-3A Lance Squadrons (24 Fighters)
    • (1/1) RX-4 Hornet Bomber Squadrons (8 Bombers)
    • (1/1) Shuttlecraft(4 Shuttles)
• (6) Coda Assault Frigates (20th & 56th Heavy Attack Line - 3km)
  • ENS Dreigo
    • Shields 92% | Armor 95% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (2/2) I-3A Lance Squadrons (24 Fighters)
  • ENS Brutor
    • Shields 91% | Armor 94% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (2/2) I-3A Lance Squadrons (24 Fighters)
  • ENS Salika
    • Shields 98% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (2/2) I-3A Lance Squadrons (24 Fighters)
  • ENS Macabre
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (2/2) I-3A Lance Squadrons (24 Fighters)
  • ENS Haske II
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (2/2) I-3A Lance Squadrons (24 Fighters)
  • ENS Kyroh
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (2/2) I-3A Lance Squadrons (24 Fighters)
• (6) Disruptor Mk. III Corvettes (31st Assault Line - 0.6km)
  • ENS Haska
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
  • ENS Jotun
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
  • ENS Jicaoa
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
  • ENS Rehl
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
  • ENS Stegabor
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
  • ENS Perseus
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
• (6) CR90 Mk. VIII Assault Corvettes (11th & 31st Assault Line - 0.6km)
  • ENS Vekt
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
  • ENS Y’varra
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
  • ENS Galatine II
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
  • ENS Iganic
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
  • ENS Freidottir
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
  • ENS Tiberra
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
• (2) Bakura-class Support Carrier (32nd Carrier Group - 3km)
  • ENS D’aarmont
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (5/5) I-3A Lance Squadrons (60 Fighters)
    • (3/3) RX-4 Hornet Bomber Squadrons (24 Bombers)
    • (2/2) INT-1A MK.I Haxor Interceptor Squadrons (16 Interceptors)
    • (3/3) Shuttlecraft(12 Shuttles)
    • (2/2) Gunships
  • ENS Viscount
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (5/5) I-3A Lance Squadrons (60 Fighters)
    • (3/3) RX-4 Hornet Bomber Squadrons (24 Bombers)
    • (2/2) INT-1A MK.I Haxor Interceptor Squadrons (16 Interceptors)
    • (3/3) Shuttlecraft(12 Shuttles)
    • (2/2) Gunships
• (4) IST-671 ‘Flurry’ Carrier Cruiser (32nd Carrier Group - 4km)
  • ENS Lachish
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (4/4) I-3A Lance Squadrons (48 Fighters)
    • (3/3) RX-4 Hornet Bomber Squadrons (24 Bombers)
    • (2/2) INT-1A MK.I Haxor Interceptor Squadrons (16 Interceptors)
    • (2/2) Shuttlecraft(8 Shuttles)
    • (2/2) Gunships
  • ENS Bracken
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (4/4) I-3A Lance Squadrons (48 Fighters)
    • (3/3) RX-4 Hornet Bomber Squadrons (24 Bombers)
    • (2/2) INT-1A MK.I Haxor Interceptor Squadrons (16 Interceptors)
    • (2/2) Shuttlecraft(8 Shuttles)
    • (2/2) Gunships
  • ENS Sevana
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (4/4) I-3A Lance Squadrons (48 Fighters)
    • (3/3) RX-4 Hornet Bomber Squadrons (24 Bombers)
    • (2/2) INT-1A MK.I Haxor Interceptor Squadrons (16 Interceptors)
    • (2/2) Shuttlecraft(8 Shuttles)
    • (2/2) Gunships
  • ENS Aera
    • Shields 100% | Armor 100% | Power 100% | Subsystems 100%
    • (4/4) I-3A Lance Squadrons (48 Fighters)
    • (3/3) RX-4 Hornet Bomber Squadrons (24 Bombers)
    • (2/2) INT-1A MK.I Haxor Interceptor Squadrons (16 Interceptors)
    • (2/2) Shuttlecraft(8 Shuttles)
    • (2/2) Gunships

Objective: 2 - Soldiers of Heaven
Location: Odessen, Joint Fleet Maneuvers in Orbit
Tags: Isla Draellix-Kobitana

Return ‘fire’ began streaming in from the Ashlan Fleet, along with an opening wave of starfighters. Whether it came as a surprise to the Crusade forces or not, Aximand deliberately delayed in scrambling his first fighter wing until the opposing formations grew closer. As they exited their SLAM jump to the Imperial picket lines; which would force the ships within the line to adjust their timing slightly - the interceptors would be met immediately with triple layers of simulated ‘flak’ bombardment, with three layers of EMP bursts to fly through. The clouds were devoid of their normal fragmentation and shrapnel clouds upon explosion, but they would still emit a high-powered EMP burst which would disable their engines for a temporary amount of time, signaling it would be time for them to make way to the casualty zone once power was restored.

The volume of fire would force the formations to make a tough decision - either fly under the flag clouds, which would place them squarely in range of the formidable point defense networks of the escort vessels mixed within the picket line, to fly above the flak zone which would expose the formation behind them, or to continue forward and suffer the dense EMP blasts that would surely cost them dearly.

As the flak bombardment commenced, the first fighter wave would launch from the bowels of the fleet, consisting of 400 lancer fighters, 88 interceptors, and 134 bombers. The interceptors would deploy first, taking up patrol formations behind the picket line so as to engage the fighters which made it through the flak screen, supported by 200 of the total lancer fighters. The bomber wings and 100 of the remaining lancer fighters would perform a wide arcing maneuver to the far side of the moon, which was thus far masking the presence of the skirmishing force who remained in position. This left 100 remaining fighters, which set about a low approach along the underbelly of the Eternal Imperial lines. Their maneuver was to take place after the other two, so as to capitalize on a likely knee-jerk reaction of the Ashlan fighter wing.

If successful, the 100 lancers would skim past the entire flak bombardment area, and under the notice of the advanced formation, then approach the multi-role fighters from below in an underside ambush akin to a Firaxan shark attacking an unaware seal. They would unload upon the underbellys of the multi-role fighters with a combination of laser fire and proton torpedoes in advance of their approach to the flak embroiled cacophony before them, which would hopefully preclude the Ashlan Interceptors from turning to engage them and braving the gambit once again.

Meanwhile, the opening salvos of the Ashlan forces ‘impacted’ against the Eternal defenders. All of their shields withstood the brunt of the volley, with their ‘armor’ receiving bleed through to a minimal degree save for a handful of ships on the picket line, who by nature intercepted portions of the incoming fire by virtue of their positioning.

The Imperial battle line would remain stoically still, their discipline mandating they keep in formation. As the Ashlan line shifted to try and goad them into over-extending themselves toward the moon-side of the formation, they merely increased the volume of fire upon the vessels spearheading the approach, with all weapons in range opening fire on top of the aforementioned heavy ordinance; adding their considerable quantities of mass drivers and octuple barbette batteries into the fray of the plasma and hypervelocity cannons.

Aximand observed the battle from his perch within the CIC of the Tiberius, his lone eye peering into the maneuvers taking place before him. By the look of things, they were pushing the moon of Odessen fairly aggressively. A less experienced commander would react equally as aggressively in response, but Aximand knew well that restraint within the opening stages of an encounter was just as important as proactiveness.

’They are testing us.’ He thought to himself, a feral smirk lining his features. He would have done the same had he been in the attacker’s position, hoping to commit just enough of his force to appear as though he was playing his full hand, only to capitalize when his opponent overcompensated. Yet, there was near equal risk in under compensating as well. His own ship was deployed along the flank near the moon, along with two of his Eternal Class Star Destroyers, and a portion of the picket line.

He glanced over at Commodore Einar. ”Focus our firepower upon the Might, and order our immediate escort vessels to do the same. Status on the bomber wing?”

”Rounding the corner of the moon, sir.”

”Order them to engage the rear of the advance force. Give them something to think about.”

As the Tiberius, alongside her local host held the line and focused fire on the might and her neighboring vessels, the bombers and fighters who began their maneuver around the moon emerged at full speed, pushing toward the side and rear sections of the advance force. The Lancer fighters would approach in a screening formation, whilst the Hornet bombers prepared for a bombing from the aforementioned vectors.

Spoiler: Summary

• The advanced wave of Ashlan fighters is met with an intense cloud of ‘Flak’ bombardment.
• The first Eternal Fleet fighter wing has been launched, divided into three contingents.
• Aximand’s ship and his immediate escorts unleash their full firepower upon the Might and her surrounding vessels.
• 200 Lancer Fighters and 134 Hornet Bombers begin a rounding maneuver around the far side of the moon, and emerge on an attack vecter against the Ashlan lunar-assault force’s rear and side flanks.

​

 

[Arturo Braga]

Location: Batuu
Tags: Silhana Cadera Cass Gemini Tovald Kahmen’’a Daozu Pyke

Smiling to himself, Arturo turned his attention towards the newest member of their party. "Welcome to Batuu, Mister Pyke. I hope your journey here wasn't too tumultuous. These are dangerous times we find ourselves living in, are they not?" Pulling out his hand terminal, the Underboss ordered himself another whiskey on the rocks with a quick tap of his thumb. "Feel free to take a seat." He continued, following Miss Gemini's lead by waving his hand terminal towards the other recliners and chairs. "We're all friends here."

Well, that wasn't strictly true, but Arturo wasn't going to tell them that.

"Now, I don't usually find myself agreeing with pirates, but Miss Gemini's right, Lynne. We can't have you overworking yourself, especially in this heat." Grinning, Arturo met his girlfriend's eyes -or the place he envisioned her eyes to be behind that blasted T-visor- with his own. "Come on! Pull up a pew, rest your shebs like the rest of us. You too, Tovald Kahmen’’a ." Turning his head, Arturo nodded to the Ubese, a certain subtle amusement hidden in the space behind his eyes. "You took one for the team. It's only right you get to kick your feet up."

Hoping his attempt at light-hearted banter wouldn't be misconstrued as an insult, Arturo decided to put his hand terminal away.

His whiskey arrived a moment later. "Thank you," he said politely, taking his drink from the waiter. He was quick to sample it. "Not a bad vintage," he commented drily. "Corellian, if I'm not mistaken. This has travelled a long way to be here. Much like you two, come to think of it." Addressing Cass and Daozu, Arturo's smile grew for an instant. Raising his glass in mock salute, Arturo said, "To my most honoured guests. May your lives be long and may your riches never wane!"

Taking a pull of his whiskey, the once-Underboss placed his glass off to one side.

"Right, now that that's out of the way, I s'pose we should get down to business. That is why we have gathered here, yes? To discuss business. And the... opportunities that have recently presented themselves." Arturo paused, the ghost of mischief playing across his face. "Who would like to go first?"