[First Order] Boom Crunch

[Roderik von Brinkerhoff]

After scribbling down some more notes into his pad of paper, Colonel von Brinkerhoff took a moment of pause. Everything was looking to be in order, from his end. The plans were clear, they would fly a 'nap of the planet' flight path, including several trajectory course corrections on both departure and approach, in order to better obscure their home base's location. Upon arrival at the site, they would initiate strafing and limited bombing attack runs against the entechment location. In and out, as they had done many times already by now.

It was becoming nearly as routine a feeling, as flying a regular patrol out of Concordia. Or so it felt to Roderik at the moment.

"Ah, yes, thank you." The Colonel turned around to spot [member="Lilith Sedarri"] inbound with a tray containing water glasses. "Hydration is key in times like these." He said, half-jokingly. Battlefield etiquette was a very real concern for them all, now. More than it ever felt like it should, at least, for a bunch of Starfighter pilots. Roderik's eyes and attention switched over to his on-again, off-again wingman, [member="Pierce Fortan III"]. Promotion separated their flying, but fate had consistently brought them back together in their respective cockpits.

"Give this a look over. Unless my projections are off, we're looking at about a two hour sortie. I figure lift off at, maybe midnight?" The low-light optical capabilities available to a TIE Fighter pilot afforded them an equal footing with the Ssi-Ruuvi and their natural preponderance to night sight. Coupled with their low altitude flying, the fighters should be able to slip in, create havoc, and slip out before any retaliatory strike could be initiated by their saurian enemy.

Roderik stood up, making a circuit around the room, first to collect a glass of water from Lilith, and then to hand the notepad to Pierce.

"You and I as the lead element, of course." He grinned to the Captain.

 

[Progflaw99]

[ Theme ] [ Img Source ]​

--- --- ---​

Location: Garden District, Avalonia, Dosuun​

Time: Early Morning​

​

In Vicinity:​

[member="Madlyn Sol"] | [member="Natasi Fortan"]​

[member="Marzena Choi"] | [member="Halcyon Greenslade"]​

--- --- ---​

​

He awoke with a start, frantically reaching for the antique dagger beneath his makeshift pillow. Rising on an elbow he blinked rapidly, forcing the sleep from his eyes. *Nathaniel Barrett, Commissioner of New Advora... and this is what life has become?* Eyes scanning his surroundings, memories began to surface. Eight days, no.. Nine days ago the Ssi-Ruuk, a Saurian species from the Unknown Regions, had made a blitz assault on the planet of Dosuun, the Captial city of Avalonia no less. It had all happened so quickly, hardly had the alarms sounded before the ships had breached the atmosphere and begun dropping canisters from the sky. Thinking back on the first day of the invasion, Nate didn't understand how he'd survived thus far, it had to be fate.

Nate, along with a small contingent of other political figures and a few executive assistants had been dispatched to Avalonia on the Governor of Riflor's behalf. Normally Nate would have uttered a few curses under his breath about the lack of effort from Riflor's current Governor, though by now he had accepted the man's laziness as par for the course. The man had been decent enough to assign the Commissioner a few executive aides from his office but beyond that Nate had done most of the ground work and was proceeding to continue to do the majority of the footwork. The group had come to Avalonia originally to press the First Order to increase patrols near their borders. The trade lanes just outside of Riflor had seen an uptick in pirate activity, reports of ships being attacked, some never arriving to their destination. Shortly after arriving on Dosuun however, Nate knew that asking for increased patrols of the sector would be the last thing on anyone's mind.

Pushing himself up from the ground, Nathaniel looked to where Ms. Sol had chosen to curl up. *Still asleep.* he mused. They'd chosen a small antique shop to hole up in for the night, just one of the many storefronts in the Garden District. Escaping the inner city hadn't been easy, their path a winding one, several times they'd almost been discovered but they were learning. At first it had been a mad dash to escape, the pair had seen hundreds of people immobilized by the paralysis affected by the canisters dropped by the Ssi-Ruuvi vessels, Nate himself nearly being hit by one. It had to have been fate, as he would later tell it, that the canister was a dud. Nate and a few of the other members of the envoy from Riflor had survived the initial attack and managed to escape the innermost parts of the city but as they'd approached the Garden District they were picked off, one by one until the only ones left were Nate and a woman named Madlyn Sol. Nate had heard the name but beyond being a part of the same envoy knew little about the woman, their constant state of danger hadn't them to get to know each other well aside from recognizing that she was capable; the two of them were the only two left of their original group.

Risking a peek over the small counter top Nate peered out of the pane glass window of the shop. It was still dark outside, a few errant street lamps still lit but most had been smashed or lost power. Who knew what the Ssi-Ruuk were doing, with access to the main power grid, they could be doing any number of things, fueling the metropolis of Avalonia was definitely not their priority. All was quiet, for now. Searching the interior of the antique shop Nate didn't see much of use. Books, furniture, some old toys, nothing that would really help them in the long run. With a sigh he sat back down on the floor cross legged, his hands reaching for a small canvas bag. Loosing the drawstring at the opening he looked in, a dissatisfied expression crossing his features. Two cans of beans and a small half loaf of bread was all they had left. They'd need to look for food today. The Ssi-Ruuk seemed most active during the night making day travel a necessity. Drawing the bag to a close, he tied down the main flap. *What to do, what to do.*

Reluctant to wake the woman from her slumber he brought himself to a crouch, shuffling as quietly as he could and began rolling up the small blanket he'd scrounged when they'd arrived. Strapping it beneath the flap of the small bag he then moved over to where the woman lay. Pressing a flat palm against her upper arm he gingerly squeezed. They'd need to get a move on as soon as the sun came up, no telling when the Ssi-Ruuk would make a patrol past the abandoned shops, or when one of their flyers would pass overhead. Nate didn't know much about the Ssi-Ruuk except from the boogeyman stories of his childhood, but he hoped that they would continue to be able to evade the saurian invaders. Rumor had it that the First Order had set up a resistance of some sort, an organized effort to push back at the Ssi-Ruuk but the only information they'd heard on the small hand-cranked radio the group had is that it was located somewhere in the Garden District. Now that they were here, they still had no idea where to look. As Nate gently tried to wake the woman, he whispered in a hushed tone.

"Ms. Sol... Time to go."

Nate hoped he'd remembered her name right, there were so many names and faces. Normally he was good with that sort of thing but the events of the last week had weighed heavy on him, throwing him well out of his comfort zone.

 

[Halcyon Greenslade]

Halcyon listened to the Grand Moff, [member="Natasi Fortan"] respond in the affirmative to Major Amsel's request to head outside to assist the burning of the evidence.

The Lieutenant was no stranger to danger, despite his limited experience thus far as an officer of the Stormtrooper Legions. Halcyon had come up the enlisted ranks very much like his commanding officer, [member="Rolf Amsel"]. Hal's was a stormtrooper career begun just over a decade ago, giving rise to a man who was calm under pressure not just through conditioning, but by learned knowledge and personal experience. "The XO should be racked out right now, if you want to wake him." The Major's executive officer (without a doubt a brevet promotion), resting nearby could do without some sleep, if it meant letting Rolf come out to play, Halcyon was sure.

The ambitious side of the Lieutenant would've jumped in to offer himself as a stormtrooper commander-by-proxy, but Halcyon looked up to and admired his newest boss. The shared camaraderie of enlisted service was something he missed from within the officer corps, where things were occasionally more stand-offish and prickly. Halcyon figured taking his commander out on the mission to burn the bodies couldn't hurt for bonding with his new CO, and [member="Beka Barineker"] would surely appreciate an additional man for security purposes.

He turned to Beka, nodding. "And sir," Hal turned back to Rolf again, adding with some seriousness to his tone. "you should wake the Captain up quickly. We can't afford to waste any time before daylight. Barineker and I will secure the additional manpower for carrying the scales."

Halcyon himself was already geared up, complete with additional ammunition cartridges for his fletchette launcher.

"I don't suppose you have anyone in mind from your side of the tracks, for carrying the bodies?" He asked to Barineker as he rotated his body to face her. It was a somewhat selfish question, though he hoped it didn't come across that way. He, again, didn't want to overburden the stormtroopers he personally commanded with the additional workload - though he would if need be. But the woman seemed to be a resourceful and influential sort, and Halcyon wondered whether or not she was not a Moff, or some other highly placed individual, back in the real world. Back in the Dosuun that was not, well, a war zone.

It ultimately didn't matter who or what [member="Beka Barineker"] was, before the invasion, though. It only mattered what she was capable of here and now.

 

[Kuzo]

"Excuse me, Ma'am."

Her voice was low behind [member="Natasi Fortan"]. Irajah didn't want to interupt the gathering, but as the only doctor here, this wasn't the kind of thing she would delegate. She waited patiently, her face an intentionally neutral mask - one that she thought was better than it actually was. Her hands were clasped behind her back. There was no way to hide the bruises, with her arms bare, but minimizing the attention on them she could do.

"You told me to let you know if we needed anything before the next patrol went out," she said softly, once acknowledged. "We're doing fine on dressings, but we are running dangerously low on antibiotics. There are a few people here who I am afraid may become septic without them. There is a list of other things that would be helpful, but antibiotics are crucial if everyone who was injured is going to survive."

It was easy, to hide behind the professional necessity. It meant that she could at least try not to think about what had happened on Gap Nine.

Gideon.

 

[Progflaw99]

​

It was everything the Major could do not to break into a grin. Despite the turbulent times and the overhanging risk of eternal doom and destruction, Rolf was feeling pretty good. His injury on Skye had taken him out of the fight prematurely and it had been grinding at him for some time. He'd lost several close comrades that day and soon enough he'd get the chance for payback... but not today, today was about getting back up on your feet after being knocked down, dusting yourself off and pushing onward. A smirk playing across his features, Rolf nodded at the Lieutenant. Greenslade, right? He seemed to recall working with the baby-faced Lieutenant in the past but struggled to recall where. Snapping his fingers it came to him. He was there, that fateful day on Skye. Turning first back to the Grand Moff he half bowed.

"Of course Ma'am."

Looking back to Lieutenant Greenslade he extended a hand.

"Glad to see you made it off Skye in one piece, sorry to dine and ditch." He winked. "Speaking of my XO..." He turned to the nearest trooper, organizing a stack of hand filed reports at a nearby desk. "...Trooper, go wake the XO, and be quick about it."

Gingerly looking down at his hastily donned utility belt, grimacing as he realized he only had the small blaster pistol all officers tended to carry. It felt strange, being out of uniform in the presence of other officers, the Grand Moff... but pomp was likely one of the last things to be worried about, the survival of the First Order and the people of Avalonia bore far greater significance. Reaching up to stroke the light stubble that had begun to form on his chin, he mused. He'd need to find a weapon, and maybe something other than these rags.

"Your troopers manage to come across any extra armor or weapons on any of their patrols? I hate to admit but I'm woefully unprepared at the moment. " The Major motioned casually at his attire. "I imagine we should be right off then? Once I find myself a weapon and some protection we should be good to go in short order."

As Rolf stopped talking it was as if a switch had gone on in his mind, switching into a new mode of operation. He was no longer the charismatic "Rolf Amsel" he was a soldier, and as such he began analyzing the enemy, preparing his mind for any confrontation to come. It wasn't that he was new to the Ssi-Ruuk after Skye but it never hurt to run over these things in your mind before a mission, you know what they say about combat: you'll default to your lowest level of training. Preparing himself for that eventuality was not only good for survival, but wise if they hoped to some day repel the invaders. He raised an eyebrow as he overheard the request for medical supplies, he'd have to be sure to pass that along to any of his troops in the field.

[member="Natasi Fortan"] | [member="Halcyon Greenslade"] | [member="Beka Barineker"] | [member="Irajah Ven"]​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi turned at the subtle and quiet entry of [member="Irajah Ven"], the woman whose medical knowledge was, and would continue, to come in handy. "Dr. Ven, come," she said, moving to offer the woman a space around the small, indigo lamp that illuminated the maps and the faces of [member="Halcyon Greenslade"], [member="Rolf Amsel"], [member="Marzena Choi"], [member="Beka Barineker"], and [member="Valessia Brentioch"]. She listened to the doctor's description of what was required and nodded thoughtfully. "Of course. Antibiotics." She inclined her head towards Marzena as if to ask her to commit this to memory as well. Just in case. "Do you have any names? Does what you need come in pill form or something else -- injections or intravenous or whatever?" she asked Dr. Ven, her dark eyes studying the woman carefully for a few moments.

When the details had been settled, Natasi said: "Dr. Ven -- I'm sorry, I know you have patients, but I wondered if you might take a look at Ms. Brentioch before you return? She doesn't like to make a fuss, I'm sure, but she was bleeding rather profusely. And... ah -- " She hesitated, looking to the side, a little embarrassed. " -- if you can provide a list of what other medications you could use, we'll try to grab some while we're out."

She shrugged into a utility coat and pulled on a woolen cap, then worked her fingers into gloves. "Ready?" she asked [member="Marzena Choi"]. "We'll grab a few of the stronger men to carry and I guess [member="Viktor DuSang"] is having a lie-in." Natasi rolled her eyes, shaking her head subtly. "We'd better get going before it gets too light." She looked past Marzena to [member="Rolf Amsel"]. "Major -- everyone -- good luck."

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

What would her mother do? Ryssa thought to herself, what exactly would her mother do in this situation? Her mother would rise above her station and do what needed to be done. She looked at her younger sister, Ariel. Ariel now rested in her arms, sleeping so peacefully. Sleep she so desperately needed, sleep they all needed. Ryssa looked over to her cousin, [member="Natasi Fortan"] and then she gave her surroundings a survey. Taking in all that was now theirs, at least for now. At least for now, she knew she wouldn't be here forever, as she listened to her cousin. The young girl thought to herself that if anyone could get them out of this, it would be Natasi. Still, she couldn't sit here and do nothing, it was not her way. It was not their family way, quietly she slid out from her sister's sleeping form and looked at the woman who had brought them here.

Valessia caught the young girl's look and was silent, she looked back to her leg and took in a deep breath. Her mind went to Sumiko Tanaka, wondering what the Sith was doing at this moment. Or if the Atrisian woman even cared, it would be harsh to say she didn't but then - Sumiko wasn't most. She was far from that, so far from it. The Ambassador's leg was still bleeding although by now the bleeding had slowed considerably and was just about done. She looked to her satchel and fetched it from the ground. "Grand Moff," she says, "a message from the Imperial War College in Victoria."

"They're mounting an attack," she says softly, standing is a struggle. Bloodied hand grabs at the flag covered intel, and hands it over to the Grand Moff. Valessia leans up against a wall, breathing carefully. Natasi mentioned her injuries to [member="Irajah Ven"], the Ambassador smiled, "I can wait, don't worry - just get what you need. I'll be fine, I promise."

 

[Alleycat]

Garden District, Avalonia
w/[member="Nathaniel Barrett"]
taking shelter in a shop front

This was not how the business trip to Dosuun was supposed to go. Madlyn had been a last minute replacement for the Governor of Riflor. The man was not feeling well again; something of a pattern from what she was told from others in the planetary executive's office and those in the know. His laziness would be the politician's downfall. Hopefully it wouldn't take Riflor with him.

The newly hired Executive Assistant hadn't even fully moved into her desk yet at the Capital Rotunda when told to accompany New Advora's commissioner to the First Order's capital planet and governmental seat to discuss and appeal for increased patrols in the Narrant sector particularly in the Riflori system where their homeworld they represented was located. An uptick in pirate activity along the Cerean Reach was causing havoc with commerce for the Mid Rim planet. Transports of goods both imports and exports were being hijacked.

The redhead was normally a light sleeper, but exhaustion had finally taken over after nine days on the run from the lizard-like invaders; trying to stay one step ahead of them. It was only the two of them now out of their original entourage; the Commissioner and herself. Madlyn had slept hard curled up on the tiled floor with her back up against the front counter, red-gold head pillowed on her arm with the Eriaduan's favorite wool trench coat draped over her svelte body. It was fortuitous that she had worn the copper-colored coat over a tailored white blouse and black dress slacks instead of a thin suit jacket. Wearing high-heeled shoes though was her folly, but even that was used to the executive assistant's advantage using a sharp heel as an effective melee weapon of sorts.

Madlyn had been dead to the world when Nathaniel had placed his large hand upon her petite arm that had come out from under the blanket of her coat. When she awoke, it was with a start; sleepy blue orbs coming to alertness quickly. They met another pair of baby blues; ones calmer though with an urgency etched in them she only knew too well. It was time to move again.

A knowing shake of her red-gold head was given, then Madlyn pushed up, taking a moment to wipe off the drool from her chin with the back of her hand. She slipped each arm back into the wool trench coat, then rummaged around in one of the pockets and pulled out a candy wrapper. Unfolding it, the last two pieces of a segmented chocolate bar were broken apart; one of the two pieces offered to Mads' surviving companion.

"Here, Commissioner… Pretend it is a nutritious breakfast muffin. That is what I have been telling myself," she said in her distinctive Eriaduan accent with a small weary smile gracing her slightly chapped lips. "Now if we had a cup of hot joe to go with, it would make for a decent morning shove off, hmm?"

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Marzena crossed her arms gently, her eyes were fixed on the maps, but her thoughts were drifting. A pang of anxiety hit her square in the chest. Suddenly, she remembered that she had promised young Nicholas that she would be back when he woke up. She bit her bottom lip. With the change of plans, she would not simply be going out for a patrol. At this rate, she was not even sure when they would return to the Garden. Of course, there were plenty of other mothers taking refuge here; surely they would look after the boy. But the worry remained…

Was this what it was like to be a mother?

She was pulled out of her thoughts by the appearance of [member="Irajah Ven"], and she offered the doctor a gentle smile. Marzena listened closely as Dr. Ven spoke, and did her best to take mental notes. After a few moments, she could see that it was time to move out. Her slender hands reached up and pulled her long hair into a quick bun, and then covered it with a dark colored cap. She fumbled with the buttons of her jacket for a moment, the nerves were difficult to ignore now. After sliding her hands into a pair of gloves, she took a step to follow after [member="Natasi Fortan"]. But her boot stopped abruptly, and she turned a glance over her shoulder at Irajah.

“Excuse me, Doctor…” She started, momentarily moving back to her side. “I know you are very busy, but would you be able to do me a favor?” Marzena’s brows lofted hopefully. “I have been looking after a young boy, his name is Nicholas. Would you be able to check on him while I’m gone? I just… I want to make sure that he’s not lonely. Please tell him that I will be back later.”

She trailed off, because her throat was beginning to feel tight with emotion. Marzena drew in a breath and quickly described the location where Nicholas was currently curled up sleeping. Before turning to leave, she placed a hand on the doctor’s shoulder and gave a light squeeze in thanks. Her dark eyes shifted to find the Grand Moff, and she hurried along to Natasi’s side.

“Ok, I’m ready now.” Marzena said with a nod and an apologetic smile.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Pierce was somewhat distracted from [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"] by the sight of [member="Lilith Sedarri"] coming in. It wasn't just that she was beautiful (though she was), or that she was graceful in movement (though she was), or even that the enigmatic woman had seemed to produce miraculous results based on the limited foodstuffs on offer at Breakriver. His cousin's country retreat was usually stocked, but since the current crisis -- if that's what you called it -- had broken out at the tail end of a house party. Natasi had only been called away just before the communications went down, so there had been no opportunity to resupply. She -- Lilith -- was a marvel. With little acts, with a seemingly preternatural understanding of what was required without asking or being asked, she was smoothing things out for the pilots.

Breakriver -- Falcon Point he guessed it was called now -- was the gift that kept on giving. First, it provided shelter and a safe and secret place for Roderik and Pierce and Lilith and [member="Hyacinth Fortan"] (well, to a lesser extent) formulate a plan. Then, when they had used the chartered shuttle to fly to a starfighter depot, where the rendezvoused with a few other remaining pilots, and escaped with 5 TIE fighters. The place was unmapped, and not in any official directories or databases, which meant that the Ssi-Ruuk would only discover it if they traced the fighters -- which was a real danger, necessitating fancy low-altitude flying. Since then, they had made a few runs out, occasionally lending a hand to the city-based resistance.

"Thank you, Lilith," Pierce said, taking a glass of water at her offer and taking a sip. He set it to one side on the table and looked over the map. "I have a good feeling about Barineker," he told them both. "She usually makes good time. Of course none of that will matter if the Garden can't come up with any food..." His voice trailed off and he stared at the map on the table again. "Perhaps we should go up-river during daylight. I'm sure during construction they put some sort of system upstream to keep fish getting downriver. So they don't get in the hydro-electric plant and get smashed, you see. They had one at Herevan, I'm sure Natasi thought of it. We could try for some fish."

He frowned as [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"] handed over his notes, looking skeptical. "You sure you want me on this?" he asked his friend and commander. Pierce's confidence had been shaken since his injury, and thought he was eager to fly, he was also eager to ensure he wasn't putting the rest of them at a disadvantage.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi snatched the circled map off the table on the way out.

"We need to stop by the armory on our way out," Natasi told Marzena as they made their way out of the command center and started down the tracks. Along the way, Natasi collected people -- strong-backed men and women who she knew she could trust, and who could carry. When they got to the armory -- a disused ticket-takers office in the abandoned underground station -- Natasi signed out sets of armor for each of them. The armor, used for local police forces, was lightweight, akin to kevlar vests that would provide some protection from the paddle-beamers and blasters of the Ssi-Ruuk. "It's dangerous to go out there," Natasi murmured to Marzena, in a voice low enough so that they wouldn't be overheard, as she re-laced her boots. "But I think that more and more it's getting dangerous to stay in here. Every day we're not caught out is a miracle." She paused and looked up at the singer. "I'm sorry to put you in this position. But I'll do everything I can to keep you safe."

When the small group finally emerged from the tunnels, picking their way through derailed underground cars and across the rubble-strewn platform of the next 'used' station, Natasi had to close the door on her feelings about endangering Marzena. If something were to happen to the singer, Vaas would be wrecked. She didn't want that; she cared nothing for the man, but she didn't want to see him hurt, and she didn't want to see Marzena hurt either, for that matter. But Natasi had mouths to feed, and people to safeguard. She couldn't play favorites. She wouldn't. Yes, Marzena was a special case, to Natasi as well as to Vaas. But every man, woman and child in that tunnel was a special case to someone.

"We're going to take it slow and steady," Natasi told the group. "No heroics. No rushing. If there's a doubt about the safety of our route, we stop and wait until it's safe. The Garden is counting on this food delivery -- we cannot fail."

[member="Viktor DuSang"]

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Beka watched the proceedings silently, her glassy eyes flickering between the people she observed. It was the intelligence agent in her, she thought as she filed away the information she absorbed.

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]: up-and-comer at the Diplomatic Service, and rumored confidant of the Grand Moff; her arrival with the Grand Moff's young family members all but confirmed the rumor for Beka. Selfless... or wanting to appear that way, refusing medical treatment that was obviously needed as her blood stained her shredded clothing. Something about her led Beka to believe that she was not necessarily all she appeared. A diplomat as a runner, in a crisis, she could understand, but Brentioch looked like she had durasteel in her blood.

Her attention turned to [member="Rolf Amsel"] -- the officer and the gentleman. She had had reason to read his file not long ago and during the last week and a half had learned that his commendations and promotions were well-deserved. His willingness to assist in leadership and operations, despite his injury, was something else. Barineker filed his name in her memory vault; he would be one to watch. As would this [member="Halcyon Greenslade"], the charming, fair-eyed officer next to her. She didn't know as much about him, but his unflinching service to the Garden made an impression on her.

Her gaze flickered to [member="Marzena Choi"] as she spoke. Being the public mistress of the Supreme Commander himself, in addition to being a pop star, made her distinctly un-diva-like behavior during this crisis remarkable to Beka Barineker. She sensed tension between the Grand Moff and the singer, and wondered whether rumors circulating the Palace earlier in the year about a slapfight over the Supreme Commander were true. But on the other hand, Fortan seemed genuinely concerned about the singer, so could they really be enemies? Beka put a pin in that and mentally stepped away; there were more important things to worry about now.

Finally, she looked at [member="Irajah Ven"]. She had never met the woman, besides friendly greetings as they passed in the tunnels, but word around the Garden was that she was a competent and quiet medical professional. That seemed accurate, from what she saw. Idly, Beka wondered what was behind the woman's exterior collection. Everyone had something... but at this point, Beka had no reason to suspect there was anything to concern the First Order about Dr. Ven.

Beka worked her jaw -- an unfortunate habit resulting from an even more unfortunate TMJ bout, something to do with the anxiety of keeping secrets -- and considered the last one in the room: [member="Natasi Fortan"], looking about as un-Grand-Moffy as she had ever looked in plain black leggings, police-armored boots almost to her knees, and a dark grey utility jacket, stained with Force only knew what. It was a far cry from the images of her in uniform, or her second uniform of luxurious dresses and gowns at social functions. The woman hadn't slept well in weeks; Beka had heard it on the grapevine that even before the invasion, the Grand Moff had been dealing with a difficult personal life following the parting of ways from her last suitor, [member="Darell Irani"]. The stress from the Ssi-Ruuk invasion wasn't helping; dark circles grew under the Grand Moff's eyes, and she was paler than usual. Then again, the same could be said for almost everyone here, Beka included. Her eyes lingered on the Grand Moff for a few moments, until Greenslade's question drew her out.

"Yeah," she replied casually. "Civvies, but we don't need pros to dig holes. Any objections to that?" She put her hand on her hip and brushed some dirt off her leg with the other hand before turning to him.

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Marzena walked alongside the Grand Moff as they made their way down the tracks. In a matter of moments, they had a capable group of men and women to accompany them to the surface. The singer offered small nods and encouraging smiles, even though there was an anxious knot growing in her stomach. At their makeshift armory, Marzena accepted the set of armor handed to her by [member="Natasi Fortan"]. Her fingers ran along the surface of the Kevlar vest, she had a new appreciation for the people that had to wear this kind of armor on a daily basis. She listened quietly as Natasi spoke, and worked to get the vest and other pieces of protective gear in place.

The Garden did offer the illusion of safety, but the Grand Moff was right, they were lucky to have not been found. Her chestnut eyes caught Natasi’s gaze, they blinked away her apology, and perhaps the urge to cry. “We will look out for each other.” Marzena said with a steady nod. “Everything will be fine.”

Her hands reached up and tugged her stocking cap down, and she glanced at Natasi out of the corner of her eyes. Goodness, weren’t they a sight to see? They were the last two women in Avalonia that anyone would imagine in dressed in armor and armed with blasters. And it was also quite possible that people thought it a bit strange to see them standing together. No doubt, some present in the Garden had likely heard the rumors of a rivalry between the pop star and the Grand Moff. It was in the past now, only bitter memories of that night remained.

When they came to the end of the tunnel, Marzena listened to the steady sound of Natasi’s voice. There were solemn nods all around. Everyone understood the dangers they were about to face, including Marzena. The Supreme Commander was never far from her thoughts, and she allowed her eyes to close for a moment. She recalled their harrowing time on Seoul, and the lessons he had given her. Marzena would do her best to put those instructions to good use today – to achieve their goal, and to get everyone back safely. She drew in a deep breath.

"Ready when you are..."

 

[Progflaw99]

--- --- ---​

Location: Garden District | Anita's Antiques Shop Front​

Time: Morning​

In Vicinity: [member="Madlyn Sol"]​

--- --- ---​

​

As the woman roused herself from her spot on the floor, Nate's eyes flicked towards the storefront. They'd done a decent job at covering up the pane glass windows but even so light began to filter through from the street. The streets were dangerous, far too open. That was how they'd gotten their numbers halved towards the beginning of the week. The Ssi-Ruuk and their nimbler slaves the P'w'eck had the advantage on open ground, their powerful legs able to propel them forward faster than most bipeds could ever hope to run. Coupled with their razor sharp talons, claws, and teeth snatching up and dispatching any threat. Nate had found it strange in retrospect, the only people he'd seen the Ssi-Ruuk actually kill were soldiers, those armed with weapons. Everyone else had been stunned with a strange paddle device, rendered unconscious where they stood. It was evident the saurians were capturing them, but why? To what end?

The thoughts were pushed from his mind as the quiet rustle of a wrapper tugged at his attention. Looking back to Madlyn, he offered her a smile. It was kind of her to offer, and he was half tempted to refuse but just then, his stomach made a quiet rumble. Sheepishly he grinned, bowing his head as he accepted.

"Thank you..." he chuckled. "It's certainly not breakfast at the Sleeping Siren, but right now it's exactly what the doctor ordered." The Sleeping Siren was a small seaside bed and breakfast back on Riflor Nate had grown fond of over the years. Bringing the bit of chocolate to his lips, he nibbled at a corner before continuing. "And please, it's Nate. I suppose we're probably well past titles. Madlyn, right?"

He barely recalled her name, at least that's what he thought it was. A few days prior he'd overheard a conversation she'd been having with one of their fellow survivors but now, it was only the two of them. Nate hadn't been terribly strict when it came to titles and now that they were just trying to survive he was even less so. They needed to decide where to go, they'd already been through a quarter of the Garden District before they'd holed up here with no indication that there were any survivors left in this area. Maybe the rumors were wrong. Tendrils of doubt began to cloud the Commissioner's mind, perhaps there was no resistance and Avalonia was really lost.

"Well, we've gotten through at least a quarter of the Garden District I suppose." He said, retrieving a small folded brochure from a small front pocket on the bag he was holding. Unfolding it, he shuffled over next to Madlyn, pointing to a small mark on the map. "We're here, at the malls, of course. But where do we go from here? We've got a lot of ground to cover if we want to find this resistance." As he spoke the last word, a sliver of despair slipped through his usually calm demeanor. Trying to recover, he kept talking, forcing the feelings of doubt and fear back down. "We are running a little low on food, and there's a food shop here." he said, tapping his finger against the brochure.

The brochure itself was a small tourist map, advertisements for many of the local shops and restaurants but also outlined on the map was a wholesale store, advertising the newest in electronics, a sizeable selection of clothing and camping equipment, and even a small food products section. As far as he could tell, it looked like it might be the only place with everything they were looking for, food, water, new clothes... They'd been wearing the same outfits for over a week now. Subconsciously he looked down at his suit, or what was left of it. His suit coat was tattered, small holes littering the fine fabric. His tie had long since been discarded, his button up shirt a collection of dirt with a few random spatterings of blood. The rest of his attire wasn't much better, scuffed dress shoes on his feet. If they went to the warehouse perhaps they'd be able to stock up before they continued searching the district.

"What do you think? I'm certainly not an expert."

Nate looked at her, an inquisitive expression upon his face.

 

[Kuzo]

​

She had jotted down a list of item preferences (though with the antibiotics, anything they could find) on a small scrap of paper. They couldn't waste anything larger. With the required supplies in [member="Natasi Fortan"]'s hands, Irajah knew she'd done everything she could. Join the party going out? No. She wouldn't be able to keep up with the speed they needed to make, or carry enough to make her presence there worthwhile. Here however, with the wounded, she knew she could make a difference. She didn't feel bad about what she couldn't do- after all, in this case, there was no one else here who could do what she could do. It simply wasn't an option, even if she'd wanted to.

And honestly, going back out there with those things? Not a high priority.

Offering a tight smile to [member="Valessia Brentioch"], she nodded to Ms. Fortan. "Fresh bleeding can't wait," she agreed with the other woman. "There's no one who cannot wait a few minutes for me to ascertain the level of injury." Addressing Valessia now, she gestured to one of the makeshift cots in the corner dedicated to 'medical'. "Please, rest, I will be with you momentarily."

Hazel eyes cast over [member="Marzena Choi"] as she approached, and the first thing resembling a real smile flickered on to her lips. She reached out, squeezing Marzena's shoulder. Practiced gaze flickered over the other woman, trying to quickly assess how she was doing physically. She could demand that the pregnant woman remain here- and she was momentarily tempted by that impulse. But she quashed it swiftly. Certain things needed to happen- survival required risks.

"I'll keep an eye on him," she confirmed with a small nod. She watched at Marzena moved away, wondering more than idly if she was doing the right thing.

At least [member="Boo Chiyo"] wasn't here. He was safe, on that school field trip.

Of course, if she knew what he was actually doing- well.....

Gideon.

Stop it.

She shook her head, as though it could dislodge the word with physical action. Breathing in deeply, she moved over to Valessia's side.

"Alright," she murmured, her voice almost unnaturally calm, "Let's take a look at that, shall we?"

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi felt a chill; it tore through her jacket and shirt, through her skin and muscles, and shredded at her insides. She tried to tell herself it was only the winter air, but she knew better. It was terror -- absolute abject terror at the thought of being caught out by the Ssi-Ruuk. Of being slaughtered like animals. Of being captured. The best case scenario with that was that Natasi and the others were killed instantly. The worse-case scenario was that they were subjected to the brutal and barbaric process of "entechment," wherein their souls or life force or whatever was ripped away from their bodies and used to power the Ssi-Ruuk's machines of war. The entechment process is what made the Ssi-Ruuk nigh unstoppable -- the more planets they captured, the more souls they enteched into their starfighter drones, their battle droids, their mar machine manufacturing. But that wasn't the worst thing that could happen.

No. The worst thing that could happen is one of them being captured. Tortured. Forced to give up the details of the Garden or other resistance centers. That was the nightmare scenario.

As they walked through the city blocks -- armed with kinetic weapons and a map marked with suspected Ssi-Ruuk patrol routes and times -- Natasi allowed herself to feel hopeful. They would track along known patrol routes as they could, using their schedules to know when to get off the beaten path. They had figured out the Ssi-Ruuk -- to an extent. They had used that information to survive. But soon they would need to use that information to fight back. The Moff leaned over to [member="Marzena Choi"], her voice low enough not to be overheard.

"I've been developing a plan," she told the singer enigmatically, a serene half-smile on her face in the dark, pre-morning light. "A plan to alert the Fleet and recall them to Dosuun, and to eradicate these... things."

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Marzena pulled her coat around her, thankful that the large size offered enough fabric to wrap around her pregnant form. She tugged at the waist belt to secure the woolen coat and keep the cold at bay. Despite the warmth of her rugged clothing, the winter chill still touched her face and made her breath show in the air. And there was still a cold feeling within, one that spoke more to fear than it did the weather. Never before had the streets of Avalonia looked quite so eerie. The buildings were dark and empty, the sidewalks littered with debris, and the occasional dark spots that might have been blood.

Don’t think about it.

She turned her eyes down to her boots, and watched as they moved along the pavement. A gloved hand slid down to cradle her stomach protectively, and the other gave the weapon holstered at her hip a light pat. Marzena walked next to [member="Natasi Fortan"], at times lingering so close that they bumped elbows. Her brows arched at the sound of the Grand Moff’s hushed voice. She glanced around to the others; they were fanned out slightly and out of earshot.

“Really?” She asked in a voice just above a whisper. “That’s good news.”

There would certainly be a better chance to reclaim Avalonia if the fleet returned. Deep down, she knew that they would not be able to keep hiding forever. Marzena felt a flicker of hope. Her heart also felt warmer at the thought of reuniting with the Supreme Commander. This momentary bright spot was interrupted by a stab of anxiety. She offered Natasi a small but encouraging smile.

“I want to hear more.” She nodded, “But should we start heading for shelter? Is there a patrol soon?”

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

​

​

Ryssa would always attribute this event to her future, this was the turning point. At the age of eleven, she decided that the Imperial Army would be what she wanted to be. She refused to be this helpless, ever again. The gun still rested in her hand and she often wondered if she'd ever have the guts to pull the trigger. She no longer needed to wonder, she could pull the trigger and would should the occasion arise. For now though, she and her younger sister Ariel were on the sofa. They were safe here, and yet, she could not help but be awake, alert for anything that may happen. Looking over she watched as the woman who came to get them looked as if she might fall over. Ryssa eased herself down from the sofa, "I'll give it to her."

Valessia handed over the satchel, "be sure that she gets it when she returns."

"I will," Ryssa took the satchel and set it on the sofa before curling up with her younger sister again.

Looking at the doctor, Valessia sighed, "if you must," it was a pretty nasty wound how the Scion was still here was another matter entirely. Those sensitive to force could feel it running through the newly appointed Ambassador's veins. They might also sense that Valessia was more than just an Ambassador. She carried herself differently, born with a silver spoon - and yet she acted as if she had none. Perhaps that's what made her more relatable, or approachable. Either way, she adjusted her weight in the chair, cold sweat forming along her brow as a chill ran through her body.

[member="Irajah Ven"]

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi glanced at her chrono, studying it in the dim light for a moment before glancing back up to [member="Marzena Choi"]. "Yes," she said. "There's a safehouse a few blocks in that direction." She pointed north. "If we make good time, we can make it there before the patrols come by. We can talk more there" The Grand Moff made a hand signal to the men in the group, and then darted out from under cover. True, they could have hid anywhere, but a safehouse was infintely preferable to staying rough somewhere. Most safehouses were secure, and some even had heating. If they were lucky, they might come across one with a spare ration bar. Natasi hadn't eaten properly in two days. It was hard to tell where her image consciousness ended and her good intentions began, but the truth was she didn't want to be seen as pulling rank, so when food became scarce she demurred. As a consequence she was beginning to feel somewhat lightheaded.

They came to a corner and she lifted her hand, stopping the group, and peered around the corner. "It looks clear," she whispered to Marzena, glancing back over her shoulder. She rounded the corner, crouching low at the last half-block. This was the route of a Ssi-Ruuk patrol. Once she reached the corner, she lifted a pair of binoculars and looked down the street one way, then the other. Natasi turned back to the group. "Straight across the street, then take a left down the first alley. Look for the door with the tag."

She paused and looked through the binoculars again, then ordered: "Lans, you and Marzena and go first. Jaul and Rhan, we'll take the rear."

 

[Progflaw99]

​

​

Nimbly the practiced dancer reached up to the tray and removed a glass for the esteemed Colonel. At first he was simply "Pierce's boss" but over the last few weeks she'd grown an appreciation for the man, his care for those under his command genuine. She was sure Pierce had noticed as of late, the dark circles beneath the elder man's eyes, but Pierce had his own demons to face after the Omega Crisis. Everyone had become a harder version of themselves, the crisis costing many lives across the First Order military. Setting the glass tumbler down gently on the table in a small space between a manila folder and an unfolded map, she responded with a smile at Roderik's comment about hydration.

"Thankfully that's the one thing we're not short on up here."

Taking a step to her right she moved gracefully over towards where Pierce sat. Handing the belabored pilot the glass she moved around to his side, resting a delicate hand on his shoulder and giving it another gentle squeeze. She didn't say anything, the two men had been in conversation but she wanted to let him know that she was there. Stepping away, her touch lingered just a moment before her fingers slid from his shoulder and she made her way into what had been the living room, offering glasses to a few of the other pilots that had taken refuge here at 'Falcon Point' as they were calling it.

The food she'd put to boil had begun steaming nicely, the meat beginning to cook along with the vegetables, filling the air with the sweet aroma of homemade stew. Lilith had learned cooking mostly through trial and error, developing an acute sense of how much seasoning and what particular spices worked well together. This meal had been no different. It was simple but it was efficient and to date she'd had yet to have someone complain, at least seriously. After distributing the glasses of cold water she made her way back into the kitchen, setting the tray down next to the sink. Grabbing a linen mitt, she lifted the lid on the pot, steam billowing from the edges as she raised it. The aroma of food spread quickly, Lilith's eyes scanning the contents. It certainly looked good but it would require just a bit longer before the meat was safe to consume. Replacing the lid and setting down the glove she leaned casually against the counter, observing the two men at the table.

She wished she could be of more use, to be entirely honest she'd felt pretty restless, watching the pilots go out on excursions while she herself had remained in the relative safety of their cabin abode. Sure, the hunting had granted her a modicum of excitement but truthfully she felt quite useless. She could feel the frustration building inside of her, in fact it had made her almost angry at first. The first time she'd put down roots, even if shallow, and these saurians had seen fit to throw her world into chaos. Musing as she leaned against the counter, she waited, watching the pair before her as she monitored the meal as it continued to cook.

[member="Pierce Fortan III"] | [member="Hyacinth Fortan"] | [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"]​