[First Order] Assault at Skye

[Natasi Fortan]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mj4GvpGrXk0​

The lights glinted off the multi-colored scales of the Keeramak, leaving in awe the crew of its flagship. They were privileged to be in its presence, this prophesied figure, this leader of their species, this savior and messiah in one. The Keeramak, for its part, somewhat self-consciously drew its white cloak around itself, its tail writhing on the deckplates. It was aware of its responsibility, as the leader of its people, and looked not to shirk it. He looked to all outward purposes cool and collected, determined and unemotional -- as if it were simply and calmly executing a plan that had been written in the stars since the birth of the Ssi-Ruuk people.

But the truth was that the Keeramak was not an idol. It was a flesh -- well, scale, anyway -- and bone being, a living thing, with the same foibles as any of its fellow Ssi-Ruuk. The responsibilities weighed heavily on it, the constant reminder in its thoughts, in its very blood, that it was tasked to lead its people to the promised land.

But, first things first.

"Has the ceremony been completed?" it asked in a series of whistles and clicks and melodic tunes, turning its head to examine a member of the priest class waiting at its left hand. The priest assured it that the ceremony had been completed according to the exacting specifications of the Ssi-Ruuk religious texts. This allowed any Ssi-Ruu who died on the planet the Keeramak's battlefleet was a short hyperjump away from, would be admitted to the afterlife. This was essential, even if the predominant fighting forces were battle droids. The Keeramak's nostrils flared, its pupils dilated a little with excitement, as if it could smell the blood about to be shed. "Very good. Prepare the jump to hyperspace!"

Skye was chosen for a number of reasons, not least of which were its natives. The Keeramak was fascinated with the different species and how they responded to entechment. The Skyt'iri were strong, powerful beings; if that translated to an improvement in the energy gained from entechment, that would prove a boon to the Ssi-Ruuvi Imperium's efforts here. But it was also interested in the response of the group that governed the planet, the First Order. They were not entirely dissimilar from the ancient foes they had faced in the Galactic Empire nearly a millenia ago, but the Keeramak would not make the mistake of thinking that was all the First Order was. That was how one was defeated, and shamed. It had brought a substantial force, but more substantial still was the fleet waiting to move on the other targets. Skye was a taste, a tease, a ruse in one. To make the First Order think they knew the extent of the Ssi-Ruuk forces; to give the Keeramak some idea of their adversaries; to prepare to take the Trenwyth sector and its neighbors, a fruitful harvesting ground for the Ssi-Ruuk's war machine to beef up its forces before striking at the jewel it would make the Ssi-Ruuk new homeworld.

Bakura.

The thought made his blood race, his pupils dilate more. But that was later. Skye was now.

The fleet came out of hyperspace over Skye; immediately Ssi-Ruuk deployed, destroying the communications satellite over the planet as soon as they came within range. "Deploy our Swarm battle droids! Shoot down anything that tries to leave the system, and begin our landing procedures," Keeramak ordered briskly -- or as briskly as one can while whistling.

Ssi-Ruuk Fleet

2 x Shree-class Battle Cruiser
10 x Sh'ner-class Planetary Assault Carrier
6 x Lwhekk-class Manufacturing Ships
12 x Wurrif-class Light Cruisers
40 x Fw'Sen-class Picket Ships
72 x D'kee-class Landing Ships
3400 x Swarm-class Battle Droids

Ssi-Ruuk Ground Forces

600 x Ssi-Ruuk Troops
Equipped with:
Updated Ssi-ruuvi Ion Paddle Beamers
Standard Blaster Rifles

44800 x P'w'eck slaves
Equipped with:
Shock/Control Harnesses
Teeth, Talons, Claws

15,000 x battle droids
Equipment Unknown

 

[Asharad Graush]

With few combat operations for the White Wolves, they typically remained on Yalara, conducting training exercises, war games with the native Noghri, both learning from each other. They constructed buildings, hastily made defensive structures. They made weapons together, designs provided by the companies that worked with the First Order. Not only was Yalara home to the White Wolves, but also home to a Sith Temple, and multiple growing cities with its coming into the fold under the First Order's Red Sun.

On this day however, the Wolves were conducting training exercises. Full gear. That is, until A'sharad Graush, the newly minted General of the First Order was contacted by High Command.

HOSTILES AT SKYE
DEPLOY WHITE WOLVES

There was more, naturally, but he skimmed for what was necessary. An unknown entity was spotted before the satellite in orbit had been destroyed. Immediately, Lieutenants, Captains, Majors, Sergeants, every officer underneath him was contacted. Many of the shuttles that would otherwise be stationed on their ships, or at the Citadel were already in use in the War Games and training exercises. They were contacted first. Get to the Wolf's Maw, and prepare for deployment. This was no drill.

In addition to the standard three thousand and some hundred stormtroopers in the ranks of the White Wolves, they also had a garrison of an addition two regiments. The Citadel on Yalara was almost never empty. Yet, the Noghri were a people that could fight. They were combatants in their own right, and the entire planet went on red alert.

As far as A'sharad could see, the entire planet was mobilizing. Almost fifteen thousand infantry forces. Others would bring more, A'sharad presumed, unless they were alone on this.

The Wolf's Maw was a Resurgent Star Destroyer, one of a handful of ships that carried the forces of the White Wolves from engagement to engagement, along with other ships garrisoned over the planet. Much of the crew for the Wolf's Maw were replaced for droids, the interior refurbished so as to enlist fewer Navy Personnel, and more troops. The outcome was a ship almost filled to the brim with soldiers. And then they were on their way within half an hour. The rest of the Wolves' Flotilla remained at Yalara, in the event that was the next target. One Resurgent versus whatever these invaders had, A'sharad thought.

By the time they got to the planet, chances were, they'd be dead, he figured.

And then they dropped out of Hyperspace on the edge of the Yalara System.

"Procedure would be to await reinforcements," A'sharad was saying to his group of Officers in the tactical room, pointing up to a holoprojector that represented the current layout of the battlefield. One Star Destroyer versus over one hundred ships. "If reinforcements don't come within ten minutes, we'll force the Maw through them," he explains, "The shuttles will use the Star Destroyer as cover to get onto the planet," should they get far enough, he made sure not to add.

"You'd sacrifice the ship!"

"Empty sections of the ship will be routed of power," he said, unsure of why he was explaining himself. "Most sections of the ship are lacking personnel. Everything will be routed to the shields. The shields will be projecting at full power in the direction of the highest concentration of ships. The rest of the ship will come under fire. It'll fall apart. We'll get to the planet though," he said against his better judgement, but not without adding, "Alive or dead. Intact or as ashes. We'll get to the planet."

Some of the more junior officers faces paled at the idea of dying pointlessly, or perhaps, just dying, and the more senior ones were nodding their shakes, or shaking respectively. A gamble to get planetside, but without a large enough force, the ship was going to be dusted. Even if it did get through the mass of forces that would be around the planet, they wouldn't be able to jump out of the planet's gravity well. The senior officers understood this.

"Nine minutes. Prep your units."

There were salutes all around, some faking bravery and courage, others incapable of doing so, it didn't matter. The White Wolves were disciplined. They'd follow through with the orders, even if they didn't agree. They filed out of the room, and then A'sharad was alone. At least, for a few moments.

From the shadows came his two trusty Sith Warriors, or lesser known as being his cousins. Arvengis and Darsaud.

"Almost half of your forces will die before getting to the ground," the former was saying. The latter was humming in agreement as A'sharad answered.

"More," he said and he turned to leave the room, the two armoured titans following some steps behind.

[member="Rexus Wenck"]

Spoiler: FORCES BROUGHT

x3200 White Wolves Stormtroopers.
x9600 Additional Stormtroopers.
x2200 Noghri Warriors.

• Mix of Blades and Blasters.

 

[Fiolette Fortan]

Recovery from Castameer had taken a long, long time. The old Admiral had been given a new cybernetic bonemesh weave for her spine, bones were now held together by machine and metal. She stood aboard the bridge of the FIV Tarkin named for the infamous Grand Moff Tarkin of the Galactic Empire, and before Castameer she commanded it with ease. Now she viewed it as an interim flagship for her fleet, the First Imperial Navy's 7th Fleet. A new Rae Sloane was to be in the works now, a new Warspite-class Battlecruiser, designed by Primo Victorian and built by the First Order Corps of Imperial Engineers.

Admiral Fiolette Yvarro adjusted her uniform, "lieutenant Galeway." She called from her command station."Open communications to 7th Fleet." Galeway nodded to the Admiral. "All forces this is Admiral Fiolette Yvarro, we are to engage and eliminate all hostile forces at Skye, hyperspace on my mark, three, two, one." She gave a look to Ensign Nassir, "engage."

"Walzer, size of enemy strength at Skye?"

"Over twenty-thousand," Lieutenant Commander Walzer says calmly and looks to the new second in command, Commander Cyone. "Ma'am."

"We'll be outgunned and outmatched, but from what I hear -"

Fiolette holds her hand up, "Commander Cyone, as this is your first time aboard my vessel, I'll inform you plainly." She doesn't turn to even look at the young Commander. "Never tell me the odds," she then turns on her heels and walks back to her command station. "Walzer estimated time to drop from hyperspace?"

"Couple of hours ma'am, but we should arrive soon," he says nervously.

"Alert Ishana Pavanos and have our fighters ready," Fiolette ordered as she looked down to her station with the feed she had gotten about Skye. "Send alert to Admiral [member="Tanomas Graf"] that we are en route to Skye, Galeway."

Spoiler

7th Fleet: "Iron Fangs"

1 Coercer-class, Star Destroyer (1200m)
2 Retribution-class, Star Destroyer (1600m)
8 Fortan-class, Heavy Corvette (200m)
8 Dagger-class, Escort Frigate (240m)
4 Empire-class Heavy Frigate (500m)
4 Stormcloud-class, Assault Cruiser (800m)
12 Bolt-class, Picket Corvette (60m)

Total: 14360m

 

[Tanomas Graf]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LJ-IJspbqY​

​

A sizeable Imperial fleet was in the midst of patrolling the Lanteeb system. Dozens of frigates, cruisers, and star destroyers flew in a loose formations, only eclipsed by the massive Resurgent-class Star Destroyer as its three massive ion engines propelled it through the void of space. The FIV Admonitor was recently designated Admiral Tanomas Graf's flagship after the disastrous destruction of the Abdicator in the Red Nebula due to the ship being overrun by the Blackwing Virus.

Everything was at standard operational order until the priority alert came in. Admiral Graf strode over to the communications console where he read aloud "Unknown enemy naval elements, including ground forces, are currently in the midst of attacking Skye and Virgillia...". The old man scowled "Deploy the fleet, make for the Skye system, I suspect we're the largest system force in the sector but send for additional reinforcements, we have no idea of what we are facing." The comms operator nodded "Yes, Admiral. Oh- An alert has come from Admiral [member="Fiolette Yvarro"], her force is heading to the Skye system as well.". Graf chuckled as the fleet formed and made the jump to hyperspace.

------

A short while later, and exactly ninety First Order starships reached the planet of Skye, all of them lurching out of hyperspace in a terrifying wall of durasteel. Graf had a hard time seeing the enemy fleet on the other side of the planet, and the scanners weren't sensing anything either. "Send out the Recon line, the Shadow-classes. Alert Major [member="Rolf Amsel"] to prepare his men for a surface attack." Graf ordered.

Hundreds of TIE Fighters left hangar bays all of the fleet, with the four corvettes that made up the Recon line moving to engage in esionage of the enemy fleet. Soon the fleets would meet and one of the largest space battles in First Order territory would begin, but it would be the first of many that were waiting on the horizon...

[member="Keeramak"]

System Force "Bronze Hammer", led by the FIV Admonitor under Admiral Tanomas Graf:

• x1 Resurgent-class Star Destroyer
• x3 Imperial X-class Star Destroyers
• x12 Victory X-class Star Destroyers
• x12 Stormcloud-class Assault Cruisers
• x24 Inflictor-class Heavy Cruisers
• x6 Bolt-class Picket Corvettes
• x6 Corsair-class Gunship Corvettes
• x6 Fortan-class Heavy Corvettes
• x4 Shadow-class Reconnaissance Corvettes
• x20 IPV-1 System Patrol Crafts

 

[Roderik von Brinkerhoff]

https://youtu.be/u06DpcFXc4U​

Combat Information Center - Vitiate Asteroid Base, Aegis
Allies: First Order!
Enemies: Dinosaurs! [member="Keeramak"]

Colonel Roderik von Brinkerhoff was no longer a stranger to the intricacies involved with the task of leading multiple starfighter wings into combat operations. He had accomplished such a complex task in the monumental Battle of Omega, and now gave little thought to the notion of commanding starfighter forces on any scale. The further command experience recognition gave other Starfighter Corps commanders little pause with the idea of seceding operational control over to his hands, when the need should ever arise. It rarely did, as the foes of the First Order were once again reduced to bands of ill-equipped pirates, and elusive smugglers and other malcontents on no threatening scale or scope.

The Colonel studied the initial reports flashing across the data-displaying monitor. His heart-rate steadily rose as he read the scrolling information, though he made no outward expression of dismay and increasing concern - nothing to instill fear or disorder among his exceptionally professional men and women, the officers and enlisted of the First Order's Starfighter Corps.

Roderik read the initial reports of unknown but advanced and coordinated enemy forces engaging the worlds of Skye, and Virgilia. His instinct was to act, and to act immediately. Skye seemed the largest aggressor force, with Virgilia perhaps acting as a feint or some other lesser objective by whoever their enemy might be. Roderik's instinct to act, in full, fell upon Skye.

"Patch me through to Safeguard, Purgatory, and Tartarus." He spoke to the communications officer to his left, before picking up the comm-line hand piece and bringing it up to his ear. His orders to the commanders of the other asteroid firebases were to consolidate all of their hyperdrive-capable TIE starfighters at a designated rally point just outside range of Skye, before jumping into Skye to initiate reconnaissance of the enemy force, as well as to provide whatever combat assistance is needed for the defense of the planet and other First Order forces that may be present or responding.

That ever-present tinge of regret crept through Roderik as he issued the orders to his own firebases' squadrons next. His desire to depart with the rest of the squadrons and rush out to meet the enemy still existed, though had been somewhat diminished after the events above Castameer.

Klaxons began to ring out throughout the facility shortly after his commands had been issued. They were quieter than elsewhere on the ship, but a source of constant reminding to the hurried, scurrying actions of the rest men and women controlling the asteroid facility.

This would, whatever the outcome, showcase the wise judgement and precise design engineering shown by Vitiate and [member="Asharad Graush"], with whom these stealth installations owed their existence.


Force Composition

8 Squadrons (128), TIE/sf Mk2 starfighters
6 Squadrons (48), TIE/D starfighters

 

[Progflaw99]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOjXyarN3-Y​

--- --- ---​

​

Location: ​

Port Hangar, FIV Admonitor; Space near Skye​

​

In Vicinity: ​

[member="Halcyon Greenslade"] | [member="Garett Van"] | [member="Ranulph Tarkin"] ​

[member="Kresh Vanukar"] | [member="Tanomas Graf"] | [member="Asharad Graush"]​

--- --- ---​

​

The backdrop of space. Darkness, broken by the spots of light across a black canvas. The fleet would arrive soon and with them, it would bring death. Strange rumors had been heard coming from the border planets, sectors on the edge of the Unknown Regions. An overpowering darkness, a might that could not be matched. Invincible beasts that could not be killed. For weeks refugees claiming to hail from Furia and other planets in the Unknown Regions had been flocking to Skye in hopes of salvation from this invisible horror. Rolf had heard whispers but nothing solid and the identity of this strange force remained only veiled rumors and descriptions, nothing credible.

Now, they could act. Soaring towards Skye aboard the FIV Admonitor, Rolf Amsel would once more lead his men into battle. Command had received a distress signal from one of the First Order's border worlds, Skye, and then it was gone. Major Amsel had at his command a full battalion. Two line companies of stormtroopers, one weapons company as well as an armor company, it was a versatile force. Having donned his standard duraplast armor his footsteps carried him from one landing shuttle to the next, verifying his troops were ready. A silent thumbs up from each of the shuttle's designated crew chiefs as he walked past the loading ramps indicating a ready status. His troops were quick. They'd gotten less than fifteen minutes to get geared up and loaded into their landing shuttles. Coming up to the last few he checked those off his list before letting his fist bang on the hull, a simultaneous message to all the troopers under his command.

"Lock and load gentlemen. We're approaching our drop point. We don't know what kind of situation we're rolling into so keep your eyes open. Listen to your squad leaders and the veterans, they'll do their best to make sure everyone makes it home. Stay frosty."

The Major wasn't one for long winded speeches, always more of a pragmatic than some of his peers who preferred to hear themselves talk. He had an educated vocabulary, and in short had quite the ability to wind a speech if required but he found that in the moment before battle, the men preferred something short, and to the point. Making his way past the armor shuttles he noted they were already locked in place and ready for embark. Mentally he tried to remember a few of the names assigned to the armor company. Lieutenants Van and Vanukar, that's right. The double V's as he had started to refer to them in his mind. No doubt they would be doing last minute systems checks and prepping their men for the deployment once they arrived at Skye. His footsteps led him towards the shuttle he'd be taking down to the surface. As he ascended the ramp he grinned beneath his helmet. These were his personal cadre of men, while he wasn't supposed to be on the front line, these men were combat troops much like himself and they would likely see battle before the day was over.

Strapping in he looked to the soldiers in his shuttle. He recognized the HUD tagged names of Greenslade and Tarkin. Two of the newer additions to his command but both promising in their own respects. Depending on what was to come, he would find out. Firstly in a local channel he spoke to the men of his shuttle, then to the bridge of the FIV Admonitor.

"Looks like we're about to jump into the great unknown. Either of you two been to Skye before?" he said, addressing Tarkin and Greenslade where they sat.

Flicking his comm to the bridge he spoke briefly.

:: Major Amsel checking in Admiral, Battalion at the ready for deployment. ::

 

[Garett Van]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViDEHx5zAzk​

​

--- --- ---​

​

Location: ​

Port Hangar, FIV Admonitor; Space near Skye​

​

In Vicinity: ​

[member="Rolf Amsel"] | Kresh Vanukarhttp://starwarsrp.net/user/13083-kresh-vanukar/http://starwarsrp.net/user/13083-kresh-vanukar/​

--- --- ---​

Garett looked over his personal AT-ST once more, his gunner Private Halsey, still the green young private he met on Tel'erra, was checking the weapons systems. Garett could hear him talking to himself, the guns, missiles, and grenade launcher. Garett couldn't hear himself think but every handles the stress differently. He looked out of the view port to see his platoon Sergeant looking up wanting something, he lifted himself out of the hatch of the AT-ST.​

​

"What is it Sargn't Illarian?"​

​

"Elle Tee is this a hot LZ what do we know?"​

​

"Not much Sargn't just prepare for combat."​

​

The Sergeant nods and walks off to her walker. Garett goes over his final checks when Aurek Company's CO comes over the comms.​

​

"Company, this is what we have striven for in all our training, keep you heads on a swivel, cover each other, and we will all come out of this alive. We are going up against an unknown force so be careful, we know what overconfidence can do to a crew and their walker. Remember history and Endor. Remember where we come from and the name we carry with our unit's callsign. I want everyone to be effective, if you loose your walker make sure to get to the fall back position and get some trooper armor and continue. For the First Order! All Platoon Leaders check in."​

​

"Lieutenant Garett Van, 2nd Platoon ready and able Captain Weatherly."​

​

Garett couldn't stand that she would give such a long winded speech, if anything he though it would jinx most of the Company. He also didn't like how most of the Company Command would be in one shuttle, but the Captain was set in her ways, she was a veteran and he figured she knew what she was doing. Garett however split himself and his platoon Sergeant in two different shuttles, just in case something were to happen. As he sat quietly in in AT-ST waiting to load in his shuttle Garett noticed Major Amsel walk by and inspect the Battalion. Once the Major passed Garett was give the word to load and await further orders.​

​

"Now comes the fun part Private, we play the waiting game till the Ship's commander gives us the go." Garett let out a slight chuckle. His gunner just nodded, he could tell Halsey was a little nervous, as this would be his first combat landing.​

 

[Sara Lee Jones]

Combat Information Center - Vitiate Asteroid Base, Aegis
Allies: First Order!
Enemies: Dinosaurs! [member="Keeramak"]

The 100th and her flights were always placed where they were needed, right now they sat at a asteroid base ready to strike any enemy that would dare get close to the first order world

Bolt flight was also on the asteroid, led by lieutenant Sara Lee Jones, who not to long ago got a new cybernetic arm, currently she was looking over the last patrol report, soon the alarms were sounded and age left the papers as they were, she quickly suited up slapped her helmet on and ran for her tie, she watched as everything lit up and gave a grin, the four others got ready as well giving green lights

All fighters rushed out to the meeting point, Sara checked in *this is bolt flight we are ready and waiting for go to shoot to Skye * she said with a smile...she was itching for a fight

[member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"]

 

[Ria Misrani]

Skye.
First Order Border.

Ranulph didn't dare look to his left or his right, he kept his focus on his helmet. The brightness of his armor allowed him to stare at his own reflection. Light skin, light hair and dark eyes looked back at him. The shuttle rattled and shook as it disembarked from the Admonitor. Lieutenant Ranulph Tarkin the name on the inside of his helmet, along with his number FN-8275. His thoughts lingered on his parents, his family and the legacy that his name held.

Everywhere Ranulph turned there was something, somewhere to remind him of where he had come from. Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin, while not the progenitor - was still a very important part of the legacy that proceeded the late Grand Moff. Each man or woman after did their best to carve up their own path, but Wilhuff's shadow still loomed over them all. Just as it did for Ranulph.

On the shuttle his new commanding officer spoke asking if he'd been to Skye before. "No sir," he replies sitting up and flipping his helmet around. Securing it his HUD reads the major's name, Major [member="Rolf Amsel"]. "But I suppose now is a good time as any to get the grand tour." He checked his weapon the typical F11-D, and on his lower back a slugthrower. "On your lead Major," Tarkin says with confidence, "we'll send the scales back to whence they came."

 

[Perth Levov]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BsPGIIZiXI

Marat V.

Since she’d stumbled across the First Order not once but twice, her curiosity had piqued. They were in many ways a typical empire, bent on galactic domination and ruled by an individual that commanded absolute loyalty.

There was nothing to dislike about them, but not necessarily anything to get her excited either. Except for the elusive warriors who tended to dress in black, wear cloaks and often masks. She sensed the Force was strong in them – but being a relatively untrained acolyte, she could discern little more. Which is why she was here.

She’d identified two planets where they tended to be found most easily, and this was her first stop. It was known locally as Skye. It was relatively isolated from the wider galaxy. There was a lot of information on her datapad about the planet, but it mattered very little to her. It was the Force users that drew her here.

And then her scanners picked up vessels exiting hyperspace above her. A lot of vessels. A lot of heavily armed vessels. So she high-tailed it down to the surface, figuring her chances of survival were greater on the surface than up her in space. She may be a mere acolyte, but she was also an Echani warrior, and could take care of herself.

 

[Lucien Galtier]

Lucien Galtier was only a enlisted man, who had made his way into the 101st airborne division. A fast acting task force drummed up to drop behind enemy lines. They were to go with minimal arms and wreak havoc on the unsuspecting foe. At least that was the idea. He had proven his tactical prowess. At least to his fellow soldiers. As a result he was promoted to Sargent relatively quickly. Now he and his company were currently stationed aboard the White Maw. Rumors had begun to circulate that they'd be making a jump into combat soon. By the way the engineers paced the corridors and prepped equipment it would seem so.. But Lucien decided to check with his LT anyways. He left his squad sitting in the mess and made his through the maze of halls. He found his LT exiting a briefing room.

"Well what's the word sir?" Lucien asked. The butter bar looked dismayed. Not a good sign.

"Get your squad set for combat and report to the shuttle,"

Lucien froze in his tracks. They were jumping into a fight not knowing the enemy numbers and with no real support. It was a suicide mission. Regardless Lucien was a soldier first. Keep calm and return fire. He made his way back to the mess and barked orders at his squad. When all was set they loaded into the dropship with their platoon. The Klaxons began blaring and they exited hyperspace.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

The arrival of the First Order fleet was not a surprise; it was, as they say, part of the plan. But the arrival was quicker than expected. No matter, thought the Keeramak. Humans, with their stupid little minds, found it easier to think in phrases and slogans and platitudes, so the phrase fools rush in seemed apt. The Keeramak whistled and clicked its orders to its fleet, and watched as they were carried out in durasteel and laser fire. The fleet turned away from the planet now that the landing ships were away, some of the drone fighters running cover, while the rest went to intercept the First Order forces that were coming to defend.

"Prevent them interfering with our planetary forces as long as possible," Keeramak ordered sternly, approaching the bridge viewports. It clasped its clawed hands before its chest, watching as its fleet turned towards the First Order. "Remember your orders. Punish them."

[member="Din-o7"]

 

[Asharad Graush]

General Graush had strode through the halls towards the Hangar with his two Sith Warriors in tow. Powerful beings, Sith Purebloods were. That's why Arvengis and Darsaud were here. They had sworn their loyalty to the Supreme Leader, Sieger Ren as multiple Sith had done in the past months. After all, there was a Sith Temple on Yalara somewhere, or so the two told him. Regardless, it had been some time since the trio had seen each other. Respectively, they were going to lead different company's in the coming battle. That meant, they'd be splitting up, but they all had a position to meet up at once they touched down...

After completing their first jobs.

The civilians on the planet below? A'sharad already assumed they were dead.

"Break the blockade," Graush order over the commline to the Bridge, six minutes early. The soldiers on board only had four minutes to get ready. Ten, had been given, but the Sith General didn't wish to wait. Besides, they weren't in range of the Ssi-Ruuk fleet anyway. There was hesitation in response, he could sense it through the silence, but soon enough there was a confirming answer, and he could feel the ship's engines turning back on as it propelled them towards the re-positioning lines.

After entering the Hangar, A'sharad could see that the shuttles were ready to be launched. The soldiers stood at attention, probably that entire time, and A'sharad strode through their ranks and towards the front of them all. None of them moved as he marched, or at least he gave them the benefit of the doubt. White on black, thousands of soldiers, with their Noghri auxiliaries in the rear being passed first. So many soldiers. Potentially, none of them would make it to the planet below. Once at the front, he turned his back to the shuttles and regarded the soldiers before him.

"As you know we have been attacked," he started, golden orbs lazily rolling in his skull to look over the lines of soldiers in front of him. "We've crushed many rebel organizations over the past months, starting with Zarnathea. We were outnumbered then, chances are, we'll be outnumbered again," he figured. Intelligence couldn't offer them much with the satellite being destroyed before a concise message could be set out. "This isn't an insurgency," he said. "Our enemy seeks war," he said, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Disappointment, is all they will find here," he proclaimed. As per usual, his voice lacked the fire that his eyes possessed.

"When we break through the blockade. We'll be under constant fire," he explained. "You'll deploy on my order.

Get onto your designated shuttles."

Turning, A'sharad brushed the black armour that he wore before turning and jogging up the ramp of the shuttle behind him. At that time, soldiers like [member="Rexus Wenck"] and [member="Lucien"] Galtier should've been boarding their shuttles with their respective units, awaiting deployment orders. In regards to the arrival of the First Order Navy in the form of [member="Tanomas Graf"] and [member="Fiolette Yvarro"], their sensors would've read the Wolf's Maw already on the move and it focusing most of its power to the fore to protect from the expected barrage it was going to receive.

 

[Rexus Wenck]

"Kark, kark, kark, kark!" Sticks whimpered as the stormtrooper entered the atmospheric lander. The stormtrooper was visibly shaking as he walked towards the back of the lander's troop compartment. He was followed by two of the Gundark Gunners squadrons, as they lined up and prepared themselves for war. There was a deep divide, which Rexus found amusing to see. You could tell the old timers from the recruits. The young'uns walked like they had stun batons lodged in their cavity, while the old vets walked with the finesse of a holonet action star. Since the Blackwing incident, the Gunners had been forced to re-recruit themselves up to strength.

Funnily enough, the events on Zarnathea, the raid on Annaj and the night of the living dead had had a drastic effect on the First Imperial recruiting pool. There weren't enough bullies, kark ups or criminals now to make the unit a full punishment platoon. So, instead, the geniuses of High Command decided that it was time to pair a group of hardened criminals and veterans with a bunch of shiny recruits who'd just finished at the academy.

"Shut the kark up newbie." Sergeant Gerda growled, "Don't need to hear your prayin'." That gave some of the senior Gunners something to laugh about, and a chuckle swelled through the ship. Sticks backed himself into the corner, looking down at his boots.

Rexus shook his head, "Cool it Gerda, kids just a little 'fraid is all." The lieutenant replied.

The sergeant sighed, "Ain't we all scared 'ieutenant?" he asked, "But you don't hear us screaming kark like two juniors going at it after graduation."

Rexus shook his head, "Come off it Gerda," The lieutenant said in a disappointed tone, "Let kids be kids, this is their first mission for karks sake."

"Alright sir, I'll cool it," the sergeant replied, breathing out some more. "But he says so much as a 'k', I'm gonna give him latrine duty." Another bark of laughter came over the group, until a moment of silence overcame them.

"How can you all be so calm?" Another recruit stormtrooper asked, she had to be about nineteen or so, and fresh as a summers breeze. Her voice had an edge to it.

"Easy," Rexus said, "You gotta remind yourself, that we're one of millions who're gonna go out and fight. And that among those millions who fight, we're the ones who are probably gonna end up killing someone who has a family. We'll probably deprive some family of their mother or father, or of a sister or brother." he said, "So, it's probably the Force's way that one day or another we end up getting what we deserve after having killed all those, and vice versa."

[member="Asharad Graush"]

 

[Din-o7]

The forces arrayed against the First Order's world of Skye, by the Ssi-Ruuvi Imperium, were impressive - and already engaged with the token planetary defense force garrisoned upon the border world. By the time reinforcements arrived a majority of the original defenders would be routed, destroyed, or worse. Leading the offensive charge so far were the frighteningly nimble swarm-class battle droids. Far in excess in terms of numerical superiority, counting in at over three thousand individual droid starfighters, the massive swarm cleanly dispatched the TIE Fighter compliments sent against them.

Dozens of capital-scale warships dotted the vast expanse of space, and silhouetted against the deceptively peaceful planet below. Central to this fleet were a duo of Shree-class battle cruisers, a venerable design continually upgraded over the years. Leading the assaulting force of Ssi-Ruuvi was a being with an unrivaled unifying presence. The great leader prophesied in the G'nnoch, the @Keeramak. The alien creatures they would battle today had no understanding of the great honor they were to be bestowed, to be enteched during this crusade by the holiest of dinosaurs. They had no understanding, but they would soon discover it. The magnificence of the Ssi-Ruuvi Imperium.

"Attack! All forces attack!" Came a number of melodically whistled and hissed orders, throughout all of the communications frequencies employed by the marauding alien forces. Chief concern for the Ssi-Ruuk was the massive star destroyer seeking to pummel its way close to the planet. A foolish move, but a calculated gamble. The First Order was cunning, if not brutally and mercilessly uncaring of its own cost in blood. So many that could be better spent in service of the Imperium by way of being a living battery. To die needlessly was almost a shame. Almost.

Nearly a thousand swarm droids moved in concentrated form against [member="Asharad Graush"] and the Wolf's Maw. Though they lacked missile or torpedo armaments, and relied strictly on laser weaponry for offense, they were nimble and would find themselves extremely difficult to hit, especially from turbolaser fire. In addition to their shielding working to absorb and redirect energy. They would be a supremely difficult adversary.

In addition, several of the Ssi-Ruuvi light cruisers and picket ships redirected to engage with the star destroyer.

[member="Fiolette Yvarro"] and her battle fleet will emerge from hyperspace to find the battle already engaged in space, with the First Order reinforcements arriving just as the planetary defenses crumble.

The fleet commanded by [member="Tanomas Graf"] would arrive just in the nick of time to potentially prevent the catastrophic loss of the Wolf's Maw and her deployment of the White Wolves and various other elite components of the First Order's Stormtrooper Legions. The response to the arrival of the massive Systems Force was a commitment of one Shree-class Battle Cruiser, as well a majority of the light cruisers and picket ships consisting of the raiding force. The Ssi-Ruuvi positioned themselves to allow the First Order to come to them, as opposed to give up their position closest to the planet. The goal was to safe-guard planetary operations, as opposed to wipe out the Imperial armada - a goal that may or may not be feasible.

The additional TIE Fighter squadrons deploying from various spots throughout the First Order were not an immediate concern for the Ssi-Ruuk military commanders. Confidence in the Imperium's swarm tactics was strong, what with their overwhelming numerical superiority. [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"]'s forces consisting of many pilots, including [member="Sara Lee Jones"] would be best suited committing to defense of the Imperial fleet, as opposed to conducting a wholly offensive operation. The risk of annihilation was too great, otherwise.

Likewise, [member="Perth Levov"] would find herself in a most unenviable position, descending upon a planet at the same time an unknown alien force was making their presence felt. Her arrival was not unnoticed, and the decision to head directly planet-side would give her the head start needed to avoid a small group of a dozen swarm droids rerouted to pursue her craft down to the surface. On the surface itself, she would not find sanctuary. The Ssi-Ruuk and their slave-allies had already arrived to entech all they met.

 

[Fiolette Fortan]

Location: Skye
Allies: [member="Tanomas Graf"] | [member="Asharad Graush"] | [member="Rexus Wenck"] | [member="Rolf Amsel"] | [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"]
Enemies: [member="Keeramak"]

FIV Wilhuff Tarkin
Coecer-class; 7th Fleet Flagship
Combat Information Center

Lieutenant Galeway looked across her station down toward Ensign Nassir, as Nassir announced, "emerging from hyperspace in three, two, one."

The Tarkin emerged from hyperspace to find what little of Skye's defenses beginning to crumble, and Admiral [member="Tanomas Graf"]'s fleet already engaged in combat. Yvarro stood looking at the holoscreen as she called out, "inform Graf that we'll take the right flank, keep the Fortans and Daggers grouped on the outside forming a wedge around the Tarkin, Bolts are to run screens working in tandem with the Daggers. Empire's form up between the Retributions and Stormcloud's spread to secure the wedge."

"Aye Admiral," Lieutenant Galeway acknowledged.

"Lieutenant Commander Walzer, where are we with Pavanos?"

"Good, she's launching with our squadrons now." Walzer added, "where do you want the fighters?"

"Interception screens, let the Bolts run defensive patterns," Yvarro ordered and then gave her next order. "Commander Cyone, it is my understanding that you can coordinate with the other Iron Fangs with EWAR?"

She slid into her station to man the science operations, "yes Admiral, working on coordination now, I should have everyone prepared within the hour."

"Good." Admiral Yvarro could appreciate her competence, and made mention to Galeway, "contact FIASG and FIMS tell them to have Steadfasts and Blackwells on standby with escorts."

"Already done," Galeway remarked.

Spoiler

7th Fleet: "Iron Fangs"

1 Coercer-class, Star Destroyer (1200m)
2 Retribution-class, Star Destroyer (1600m)
8 Fortan-class, Heavy Corvette (200m)
8 Dagger-class, Escort Frigate (240m)
4 Empire-class Heavy Frigate (500m)
4 Stormcloud-class, Assault Cruiser (800m)
12 Bolt-class, Picket Corvette (60m)

Total: 14360m

Summary of Actions:
Iron Fangs Arrive
4 Squadrons of TIE FO Fighters; Not Deployed
Rapid Response on Standby

 

[Asharad Graush]

The Wolf's Maw continued forwards. The Bridge's previous light colour of white and grey was painted with red. Any and all decks that didn't have personnel, which were most of them if they weren't gunnery, engineering, or the bridge level were stripped of life support and non-essential systems so as to further strengthen the shields. Sensors read that a large amount of their starfighters were on the way, but it continued on all the same. With a lack of missiles, and an assortment of point-defense missiles and laser cannons fired to keep the larger clusters away, but beyond that most of the power was focused into the longer ranged turbolasers to clear a path. Specifically, through the closest of the Ssi-Ruuvi light cruisers that were moving to undoubtedly intercept them.

Regardless of what weapons the light cruisers used and the mass of starfighters, it'd still take time to down the shields. In a concentrated mass too? Even if there were more starfighters than defensive emplacements on the ship, undoubtedly it'd be a field day firing upon them.

Turbolaser bolts splashed across the deflector shields of the Maw, creating iridescent shimmers on the shields as if it were mixed with oil. The shields held at this point, but even the disciplined White Wolves of the First Order were feeling antsy. Besides occasional ship shaking, they were forced to remain idle in their shuttles. Some shuffled, A'sharad noticed this while he cleared his mind, awaiting the final word from the Captain before it was time.

At this point in the mad dash for the planet, the shields of the Wolf's Maw, had collapsed, but it had bypassed much of the Ssi-Ruuvi ships, to the point that the rest of the ship that wasn't the hangar bay was evacuated via the few escape pods that weren't already in use by military personnel that didn't have room in the shuttle bays. Dozens of escape pods had already deployed to the planet below. There was a rumble, this time a larger one, they had broken atmosphere, he had guessed.

"Now is the time," came the uncertain voice from the Captain over the commline in his ear.

A'sharad took removed his helmet from the crook of his arm and slipped it over his head. "Preserve as much of the ship as you can, Captain," A'sharad said before he swapped channels. A cold tone and a rough voice spoke the words that they should've long been expecting.

"Deploy."

[member="Dak Canton"] (Sergeant Kato), [member="Rexus Wenck"], [member="Lucien Galtier"]

 

[Rexus Wenck]

The lander's intercom buzzed and the pilot let out a hyena-like laugh. "Welcome aboard White Wolf Tours, your local and more destructive subsidiary of Star Tours!" There was a small chuckle, "We're about to take off, so remember that there is no escape pod, that there is no second chance. So in the almost certain event of a crash, pray that it's a quick one." The pilot flicked off the intercom, and the whole landers lights turned off.

"Karkin TIE jockeys." Gerda snarled in a low tone, "High on adrenaline and no tact."

Rexus breathed in deeply and closed his eyes. It was his regular custom before battle. The lieutenant cleared his mind of everything. Family, friends, all of it gone. He instead, tightened his grip on his rifle and breathed out. He needed to be at his best. He needed to be a machine. He needed to kill. He needed to be a killing machine. Beneath him, he could feel the ground briefly shifting before the artificial gravity kicked in. The lander flew out of the hangar, and down through the thick fog of the highlands.

The intercom clicked on again. "ETA gents, we have two minutes and closing!" The pilot bellowed.

The stormtroopers towards the front shuffled and readied their rifles to charge out into the fray. Rexus opened his eyes. He was ready, "Alright boys, here's the bones of our work, we don't know what the kark's out there. And we don't know what faces us. But what we do know, is that we will face them down, and we will win, understood?"

"Yes Sir!" The troopers replied.

"ETA thirty seconds." the intercom clicked on again.

"Then lets do it!" Rexus roared. The veteran Gunners did the same, bellowing like angry tusken raiders.

The lander hit the ground with a thud, and the stormtroopers immediately stormed out. The lander had deployed them in clearing amid a small forest on the side of one of the mountains. Within seconds of their leaving, their lander left, returning to the Wolf's Maw, only to be replaced with second compliment. The troopers with Rexus fanned out and secured the clearing while Rexus organised his comms. "This is Lieutenant Wenck, Gunner element one deployed, and awaiting further orders."

[member="Asharad Graush"]

 

[Marcus Tritum]

The AAL rocketed through atmo and touched down under the hellfire of enemy flak. The bay ramp slammed into the dirt and eight of the meanest troopers in the First Order stormed out into the hot LZ, Sergeant Kato in the lead.

The terrain looked a mess of craters, dead bodies, and the smoking wreckage of shattered landers. Amid the haze streaked the lizards's beam weapons. White armored bodies already lay thick in the dirt. Kato raised his F-11D and poured a chorus of suppressing fire in the general direction of the slit-eyes' lines. Priest's repeating blaster joined in, spitting a slew of red plasma lancets into the smog.

The squad advanced in a running leap-frog, straight into the lines of the Ssi-Ruu.

Kato heard a chhhh chhhh a second before Pyro's flamethrower engulfed a cluster of the lizards. They wandered around on fire, screaming in their nonsense language. Their roasting flesh smelled like chicken.

The front line devolved into a short, brutal melee. Kato drove his bayonet toward one of the coldbloods, but it just grabbed the barrel of his rifle and yanked him into a kick that drove the wind from his lungs and sent him to the ground. He lay there gasping, scrabbling for his pistol while the lizard advanced on him - its forked tongue darting in and out.

Abruptly, knuckle-sized flechettes tenderized the lizard's chest and it keeled over in a heap. A black gloved hand appeared in Kato's vision. He seized it and hauled himself to his feet.

"Where do I get one of those?" He asked his savior, Haywire.

"Not in tech school that's for sure. Here's your carbine. Sounds like BamBam and Shade are pinned down."

Kato nodded, "I'll send Stiff. Need to keep pressure on the CBs before they overwhelm the garrison."

Back into the fray.

[member="Rexus Wenck"] | [member="Asharad Graush"] | [member="Din-o7"]

 

[Lucien Galtier]

Lucien felt a lurch as the drop ship deployed from the White Maw's gullet and into the fray of battle. His platoon sat nervously. Twitch of an arm, shake of a leg, and the silent mutters of prayers to the force. It was evident the 101st was a new regiment. The ship quaked violently as enemy fighters slipped past the White Maw's defenses and engaged friendly vessels. Can't stop 'em all thought Lucien. Laser fire rocketed pass First Order craft. Explosions roared as missiles found their mark.

A voice crackled over the intercom "Hang tight boys! It's gonna be a bumpy ride!"

Lucien tightened his safety harness. Then the ship seemed to do a one eighty. Everything that the recruits hadn't buckled down went flying through the shuttle. A man sitting across him was hit right in the helmet by an extinguisher. Amateurs. Another trooper threw up in his bucket as the pilot righted the ship. An explosion rocked them again as a nearby vessel erupted in a ball of flame.

"We're nearing the rally point! Khark that was close! Prepare for-," A laser hit home and the cockpit erupted in flame. The intercom buzzed static.

Feth. The ship began spinning uncontrollably. Men started screaming. For their mothers, for their friends, for forgiveness. The usual. Lucien closed his eyes and began counting. He reached Twenty three by the time they made land fall. The ship convulsed ferociously, A terrible screech as metal grated against metal, then silence. When he opened his eyes he was hanging upside down. The ship had been completely gutted. The fore aft had collapsed and the pilots were most certainly dead. He unbuckled his harness and fell to the ground like a sack of potatoes. Around him men began to pick themselves out of the wreckage.

"Sound off! Who's alive?" Lucien shouted. Completely unnecessarily. He was still getting used to wearing a helmet with comms. Thirteen of them had survived the crash. Thirteen out of a whole platoon. Lucien was the senior ranking official and that made him leader of the "Platoon". They formed up outside the crash sight and Lucien addressed them promptly.

"Judging from how long it took to crash we are a long way from the landing zone..." He took in all thirteen troops with a sweep of his head. "The enemy will be looking for us! We've got to find a vantage point and link up with the rest of the company as soon as possible!" He left out the fact that he had no clue what kind of opposition they'd be facing or even that he had no clue if their own forces had made it. He only hoped the rest of the First Order had an easier time then them. A man began sobbing uncontrollably.

"We're all gonna die!" He started shouting, followed by "Just like the rest of them! All dead!"

Lucien stormed over to the man and threw him to the ground "Shut your candied sheb up and get ready to move out! I swear to god if you don't, i'll kill you myself!" Lucien leveled his gun and the man stopped his sniffling. "Now that's more like it," Next stop. Landing zone central.

[member="Asharad Graush"], [member="Rexus Wenck"]