Frigid Shadows [Atrisian Empire Dominion of Csilla]

[Sargon Vynea]

Optio Sargon reviewed his new squad over in his head even as he grabbed a his seat on the drop ship. His transfer had been unexpected and his new deployment even more so. He privately wondered if he could get away with a short leave to visit Iridonia while he was this close, however he doubted the Fringe ships would be sticking around long after the mission was finished. Given the price of passage back into the Fringe if he couldn't met back up with the ship he shrugged the thought off. He had been religiously hording every single credit he got his hands on for a much more personal goal, and to be more personal than his home planet was quite a thing for the Zabrak.

Either way the powers that be had decided to send assistance to the Atrisian Empire, and so here he was. What he wasn't sure of is what they were doing here. Was it a show of force to reassure a friend? Squashing a distant enemy before it got closer? Even who the enemy exactly was he wasn't aware of, but there had to be something out here to get this much man power moved. Right? Some days Sargon truly considered joining the Academy if nothing else than to simply get some more complete briefings! In the end though for this particular mission he'd hoped it was more of a show and parade type of mission. He wasn't thrilled so far with his new company. They were more the mercenary full autos wasn't that explosion awesome, and less professional soldiers. On the other hand they had some really fun looking toys. Leaning back against the wall of the drop ship Sargon closed his eyes the glow of his heads up display a hazy color behind his eye lids, and waited. This was his least favorite part of every mission. Sitting and waiting for the hull of the drop ship to be blown open, and being sucked out into space. "Squad, keep your suits sealed remember this air might be breathable but its a whole different kind of cold down there."

 

[Trista Nemorra]

She had arrived on the planet shortly before senior agent @[member="Cody Weadge"] and had made preparations for the mission, she wore her usual all white but this time had an all purpose thermal outfit and heavy coat on with thermal gloves and hat, her mission was simple as she was to infiltrate the planet and keep an eye on the planets sentient, or non sentient life forms. Yet as she roamed the planet with secrecy and stealth she noticed the mysterious species that were on rakata prime just this time it was different.

Trista Nemorra, the older sibling and sister to Caile Nemorra, whom is the Baroness of Vortusa, is one of the best on the planet with stealth and deception yet as she remains she watches a group wander lost with their own wounded, she noticed it last night as the wounded of the enemy somehow irritated it's own and they broke his leg and is now forcing him to walk on it, it was an amazing site, two days ago she lost radio contact due to being jumped by two of these creatures, she used her wrist casters to kill them and then hid their bodies in the thick snow... Yet now she watched a group patrol a part of land that obviously was important.

 

[Ashin Varanin]

Elsewhere

Ice tunnels glowed with the light of Ashin's burnt-orange sabre. The tunnels flickered and writhed like the insides of tentacles.

Infested tentacles. An army bore down on Ashin, an army composed of two elements. The meatshields were vaguely humanoid, boasting biological or implanted wrist blades. Behind them, other shapes waited, stranger things that inspired a touch of fear even in her - or perhaps that was her sensing the fear that drove the bladed ones.

She slashed through the mooks, wishing she could have spared time for pity. Their fluids stained the ice tunnel, and blades clattered off her durasteel armor.

 

[Mirien Valdier]

@Naamah Aesham, @Jyn Sol, @Cronos Aegir, @Somarae, @Zalderic Drayke, @Tirdarius, @Thane Danson, @Bellalika, @Krae Varo, @Black Dovehttp://starwarsrp.net/user/2280-black-dove/ (and any other Inquisitor I've missed)

Mirien was quickly slipping into her set of Ultrachrome armor, fashioned in the style of the Stormtroopers. A reason for it for sure, so that her and her Inquisition members who chose such armor could wear it into the field and not be seen or view as any different. Her rank, carefully marked along her shoulder as she adjusted the last of the straps.

Her comlink out, and still in her quarters, knowing it was safe, this time she spoke. "Inquisitors: The time has come to put our boots on the ground and learn the nature of the threat that has brought Csilla to it's knees. For those of you who are pilots, please continue with your duties as your branch dictates. The rest of you, on the ground. As I said before and I will say it again: Be prepared for anything. I'll be gathering a team once on the ground myself to search for the missing agent. It is paramount that we return him alive if possible. He could have vital information that we desperately need on this new threat. We've no idea what we are up against. Not at all but I sense much darkness and fear."


With the last of her various weapons and tools in place, she headed for the ships to the surface. The Directorate Chief, sighed a little more tense than she should have been for going into battle. Usually she was utterly calm and eerily still. Today, was not like that. Not in the least. Sealing her helmet into place as the hatch closed, she merely watched as her shuttle to the surface took off. Eyes moved through the view port watching as the Atsushi shrank from view. Fighters gathered, guarding their way to the surface, seeing her and the many other troops in the drop-ship to the ground. As they grew nearer to the surface, intense turmoil, pain and suffering rose to meet her. All of it, the former Sith took in, drawing it into her body for later use for something about today just screamed that she'd need every ounce of power she had to survive the day. Not a feeling she liked in the least.

The ship paused, hovering above the ground and Mir .. er Rebecca Novar bailed out, landing on the ground in a crouched position. Then like a flash she bolted off ahead of everyone else. Reaching down she pressed something upon her wrist, a beacon. The once more she opened the com, this time to the Inquisition members on the surface. "For any near my location, I've got my tracking beacon up. Join me at once and lets get this show on the road."

 

[Darth Libertas]

@[member="Mirien Valdier"]

Naamah had taken up position in one of the dropships that carried a contingent of stormtroopers, as it roared out of the hangar bay of the battleship towards the snow and ice world of Csilla. She was clad in battle armour reminiscent of stormtroopers, which incidentally fit her cover as an ISB member because the agency did in fact have its own contingent. A blaster rifle lay on her lap and she was idly twirling her knife, ignoring the glances some of the troopers shot her.

The Atsushi disappeared from her view as the dropship sped towards the planet, fighters screening it. Word was the Emperor himself was on the vessel, directing things personally. Frankly Naamah did not care either way. She had never met their ruler, did not care for a distant sovereign, the only one she bent to was the Grand Inquisitor. Of course part of Naamah still suspected that the whole line about serving the Empire was just marketing, but she had learned not to provoke her mistress too much. After all, she very much liked living and performing her...totally dirty deeds.

Turmoil, suffering, terror, agony - all hit her in waves as the dropship sped towards the surface and she fed on it. Inside the visored helmet she licked her lips in anticipation. She felt this would be her true test, more thrilling and challenging than breaking second-rate 'dissidents' and fools in dungeons, as fun as that was. Part of her felt a rising fear if she failed, but she banished that thought. It could not be scarier than Mirien, after all. This is going to be so much, she thought, then as the dropship descended bailed, though she landed less than gracefully. Stormtroopers rushed out as the dropship landed and the landing ramp was lowered, but she was on her way, following the signal transmitted by Mirien. Time to make her proud.

 

[Davik Tren]

Davik simply continued to go over the various checks for his ship as the landers sped from his hanger, although, the important landing personnel were aboard the battlecruiser. His job was to simply send down the stormtroopers that had been carried aboard his ship for the journey and would provide support for those of the higher status. He imagined most would not come back, but that was not of any importance to him. He had his orders and he knew what happened to those who did not comply with the orders of the Emperor himself.

"Sir! The last transport is away."
"Excellent. Inform the Emperor."
"Right away sir."

 

[Bottlecap]

Colonel Bridjek reviewed all his priorities, objectives, and patterns his unit would need to handle on touchdown. Essentially--Contain, Recover, and then Purge.

Bottlecap was in a rare moment--uncapped, head-bucket gripped tightly in his left hand. Otherwise, he was completely clad in the polished white plastic and its accompanying blast skirt, obviously denoting his status as an advanced assault trooper. He was anxious to get on the battlefield with his men. An unscuffed, untested breastplate was bad luck. Time to get this party started.

He donned his helmet, altering nothing of his appearance save the absence of his ashen-black hair and swamp-green eyes--all that set his true face apart from the cloth-masked, white helmet and its eternal goggled scowl. He turned about and absorbed the scene in the rear of the shuttle. His men clung to straps, staggered in formation with anticipation of their departure from the vessel. Bridjek’s lieutenant briefly turned to acknowledge him, the invisible digital imprint--a katarn skull and the Imperial spokes conveniently situated inside an eye socket--on the marine’s shoulder pad and over his heart revealed by the in-helmet HUD. Rasmus said nothing, and Lt. Vidan promptly returned his attention to the exit point of the transport.

A few minutes later, the dropship clopped down onto the icy surface of the planet. Its contained warriors were subsequently unleashed into the biting cold. “Infil squads, file off to your ten,” Bottlecap commanded in his punctuated, abbreviated style. He did not like to waste time or breath. “Breakers, Theta Pattern. Your one-and-a-half, then cut sixty and burn post. Run it, Vidan.”

The lieutenant replied in the affirmative and led the majority of the company to their northeast, then they cut further east beyond a gully, spreading their ranks with a fan-like dispersion. It was Vidan’s first time in charge of more than a squad. Commanding the majority of the company would certainly test his mettle.

Bottlecap’s smaller group, consisting of three squads, dashed single-file to their northwest towards their objective. These men would take care of Recover, while Vidan’s troops would Contain and Purge. It was time to break in some plastic.

 

[Jake]

Jake stared out the view port mentally cursing himself as he watched the other ships send down their troops. Quickly he turned and walked up to the sensor operator, "Do you have any readings now?" He asked impatiently. "No sir." The officer said back to him. "Than get up off you ass and go down there in person." Jake snapped at the man who stared blankly at him. "Now!" He screamed. The officer jumped up and started to exit the bridge as Jake gave him one last order, "Take the troops down with you." Turning back around, Jake noticed that the whole bridge had stopped and was staring at him dead silent. "Get back to work!" Jake yelled astounded at crowd's reaction. He walked up to an ensign who was jus standing out of sight looking very nervous. "You, you're my new sensor operator." He said to the squimish ensign. -I have a feeling that other one won't be coming back- he thought to himself as he walked back over to the view port and stared out at the planet. -how could a species willingly spend generations and generations on such a hostile environment and not consider moving?- Jake thought to himself.

 

[Garza]

I watched as people were leaving to get onto the ships. Each of them were going with or without me. Looks like I would just have to tell them in the field. Moving with the people who were leaving, I joined in on a ship so I could at least make it to the planet with oxygen in my lungs. Once we entered the atmosphere I broke off from there and fell to the ground. My black wings unfurled to slow my decent from terminal velocity to a nice 35 Km/h. as much as I would have fallen down and broken bones. My hollow bones could withstand falling impacts, just like birds, where the bones would bend to absorb the impact. I landed next to a woman who was transmitting some beacon to where all the others would meet. I stood next to her. -as close as a winged being could- and waited for the others to come. However since she was commanding us I thought to ask.

"I could look from the skys if need be Ma'm. I just need a comlink so I can talk with you guys. I can also give you a position to any ambushes that my come."

It seemed reasonable for me to be in the sky as I had wings. If I was on the ground that would be slowing me down. And even better I could attack from the sky. People never see a human with wings. If so a rare few. So surprise was a factor that I had here. Even though I was wearing black armor, If I was high enough in the sky I wouldn't look anything near a human.
@[member="Mirien Valdier"], @[member="Naamah Aesham"]

 

[Antera]

Somarae received the Chief Inquisitor's message without any obvious reaction, her helmet already sealed into place as she walked the deck inside the Atsushi's hangar. The new rank insignia on her shoulder had also come with a squadron transfer, and the young Chiss woman was now flying as Dao 3, after a series of refresher flights on how to handle the Naginata space superiority fighter.

The mission of the day was escort and patrol, get the troop carriers on the surface past whatever defenses these aliens might spring on them, then stay in flight to provide support to the fleet and ground operations as necessary. If it was anything like last time, the gods only knew what might be lying in wait for them.

She strapped herself in to the new fighter, carefully running through her pre-flight. Her old Qiang had started to feel almost like an extension of herself. The Naginata wasn't there quite yet, but she was quite respectful of what the heavier fighter could do. She just had to pay attention to it and learn its quirks.

The reports from the rest of the squadron started coming in, all clear, "Dao 3, standing by for launch," she replied in kind.

She rested her hands on the controls, closing her eyes and focusing on what she could sense beyond herself as she had in orbit above Rakata, only opening them when the hangar clamps released and her fighter took off screaming into the void.

@[member="Mirien Valdier"], @[member="Thane Danson"], @[member="Akio Kahoshi"]

 

[Qhorin Solas]

The Trooper​

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After ingratiating myself with the Lieutenant Colonel of my chosen battalion, I donned my armor alongside the other soldiers, our battledress nearly identical save for slight modifications on mine to showcase my rank. I frowned all the wall, eyes riveted to the blaster rifle I had been issued. I'd rather have a vibrosword, if I couldn't use my lightsaber. Anything was better than a blaster. I hated blasters. They were crude, ungraceful and inelegant -- that's not to say I was a bad shot, but I much preferred my lightsaber.

We boarded the dropship and again I looked to the Force, deeper this time now that we were nearer the planet. I noticed blights, small pockets of dissonance hidden in its many currents, like so many small wounds -- I could see them, but I couldn't discern their nature. Worse than that though was the sheer weight of suffering I sensed from the planet as we broke the atmosphere, suffering carried on the back of strong, northern winds. There was something else too, something unknown lurking in the depths of the Force, something hidden so deep I had only the barest notion of its existence. If I were a lesser man, I would've been worried. As it was, I simply felt excited.

Flanked by Naginata class fighters and dozens of other transports, we made our way to Csilla's surface. There was a familiar mind amongst the fighter pilots, one I remembered from the dogfight above Rakata Prime -- she'd saved my life, even. Good flying, Somarae.

The dropship didn't land completely, but hovered above the snow, kicking up more of the icy powder than even the wind. I heard some of the soldiers grumbling about the cold, but their complaining seemed more habit than anything -- these men were true professionals, and not a single one hesitated before stepping off the side of the dropship. I leaped from the open ramp with the rest of them, landing lightly on my feet. Almost as soon as I landed my com sounded again, the audio feed localized to my helmet; my right ear, specifically.

"For any near my location, I've got my tracking beacon up. Join me at once and lets get this show on the road."​

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I wanted to laugh -- we were Force-adepts, we didn't need to use tracking beacons to find each other; well, most of us. Nevertheless, I engaged my radar, still pondering the dissonance I'd sensed in the Force. According to her beacon she wasn't far away; just a brief jog to the north, beyond a short stretch of hills. I nodded to the Lieutenant Colonel -- he 'knew' I was IIB -- and pulled ahead of the battalion I'd landed with, making my way to the Grand Inquisitor. I felt other familiar presences, other Inquisitors like myself.

Perhaps if we formed our own 'group', I could use my lightsaber instead of the blaster rifle? One could only hope.

________________​

@[member="Mirien Valdier"] | @[member="Naamah Aesham"] | @[member="Bellalika"] | @[member="Black Dove"] | @[member="Somarae"]​

 

[Sargon Vynea]

Sargon felt a bit out of sorts in this operation. He didn't know the protocol of the Stormtroopers he'd be fighting with, but he supposed it didn't really matter either way. He was still under Fringe command and control and whatever joint operational needs came up he'd send it up to them. In truth he supposed he should be more worried about working with a squad he simply didn't have any experience with.

With a hiss the double doors of the drop ship opened up and the legion exited in a rush. The cold he had expected wasn't present in the subterranean tunnels that lay below the glacier surface like a spider's web. "Alright, squad, we're the last set of boots to touch the ground we need to move with a purpose." Switching his heads up display to show the tunnel networks he marked out his path to Fringe leadership. Their objective flashed up on the display a command and control center.

"Optios, we are moving to the ground command and control center. Seems we pulled a lucky roll of the dice off and got guard duty." The Centurion switched his comms to speak to the whole company. "Company, you have your route lets move." With that they marched towards their objective. Sargon with an exertion of will kept his mouth shut. This was an active combat zone and protocol called for a double time movement until they were sure command and control was secure.

 

[Lucien Cordel]

Lucien watched as the mission began and manouvered down to the hanger bay his squad had launched before him so he moved over to his fighter and began his descent.He stepped out onto the snowy surface of the planet and pulled his overcoat tighter silently blessing his luck.He strode through the tunnels to rendaivu with @[member="Sargon Vynea"] and his team.He moved through the squad to sargons side "Cold isn't it mr ... erm..." He didn't know the soldiers name and prayed the soldier wouldn't notice.

 

[Sargon Vynea]

Sargon didn't bother to be surprised at the man leading the legion's movements didn't know his name. Other then the phrick shield on his back he looked like every other legionnaire. The only decoration on his legionnaire body armor was his designation as an Optio within the legion. "Greetings, Governor, I'm Optio Sargon Vynea of the 121st Legion. We've been sent to guard command and control and our at your immediate disposal. Our Centurion is at the front of the column, but if there is anything you need let me know."

Sargon stopped there for a moment but he couldn't help but ask about the situation."Forgive me, sir, if its above me but I was wondering what the situation looked like at the front. Exactly what are we looking at here our briefings were basically empty." It was only after he spoke he realized he had completely skipped the Governor's question/ comment on the temperature. Ah well hopefully he was a man who appreciated the meat of subject as much as Sargon. If not well he'd cleaned a toilet before and doing it again wouldn't hurt. On the other hand he'd heard rumors about some of the upper echelon of the Fringe and their force powers. "As for the temperature, sir, I suppose it makes the planet easier to defend. Who'd really want to take it? Natural resources aren't particular rare and it isn't exactly an agricultural paradise."
@[member="Lucien Cordel"]

 

[Lucien Cordel]

"Very good Optio in regard to your question Im afraid the details I have are sketchy at best from what I understand an operative of the artisan empire has gone missing and they are here to find him" He glanced ahead to the centurion but didn't move ahead "When we get to the post I will request further clarification on the situation" He would like to think he had the power to have a man demoted and put on cleaning duty but he didn't so Sargon was safe However Lucien had not contemplated even trying and was far too focused on the battle to take offence .He admired the Optio he had pluck and a strong mind .

 

[Trista Nemorra]

Trista knew that soon the planet would be bombarded by soldiers and inquisitors and then the loud scrambling would drawn out the quietness of the planet, she was to secure the base complex and demolish the main compound, she walked miles to get here and now she stands in the military complex some would consider a base, she needed to make sure some of the heavy artillery of the planet would not be used against the empire.

As she stealthily started to walk through the complex a massive noise came barreling toward her, rolling to a set of tires Trista hide behind them, she had nearly been discovered and the military convoy slammed past her in succession heading to war with the invaders, she sent a coded transmission to mission command @[member="Akio Kahoshi"] and then moved on.

 

[Sargon Vynea]

The man's answers left the Optio with a favorable opinion of the man. He'd answered honestly without trying to be vague about false information. The fact that he was willing to do so and would see to getting information let Sargon know he was at least an honest man and more than likely practical. Since he didn't move up to the front Sargon used a hand signal to order his squad on escort duty. The man was a governor in Fringe space as well as the active commander of Sargon's section. He deserved and had earned the honor of an escort needed or not.

Switching his comms unit to his squad only he gave his orders, "Squad, keep your IWS on three round bursts. Your on escort duty for your commander, and you will do me proud." By all that was he wished he had his own 121st squad with him. He would however work with what he was given and if they were willing would leave them better for it. Switching his comms he informed his Centurion they had moved to escort duty and the commander was with them.

"Governor, if you would allow us to escort you to command?"

@[member="Lucien Cordel"]

 

[Lucien Cordel]

Lucien nodded "Thankyou" He looked ahead He wondered what opposition would surface and present itself.They had walked a considerable distance now they must be nearing the post now.Lucien turned again to the Optio "Have you been in charge of this squad long?" he asked in passing conversation.

 

[Bellalika]

@Mirien Valdier | @Naamah Aesham | @[member="Cronos Aegir"] | @Black Dove | @Somarae

Bellalika was in a different dropship and looked at her troopers. The shiny new leathers nicely fashioned while some of the equipment... She wasn't sure if Naamah had gotten all the new toys but she did have her visor on with the mask allowing her optical implants to make a small HUD to see the signal. So much fun to be had all at once and then the dropship jerked prompting the troopers to get ready as the doors opened. An mass of white came out as she walked among them checking the purge gun and all the extra ammo at her side. A saber would work wonders but here and now well they had to get to the signal for The Grand inquisitor.

"Everyone move out and stay in radio contact." With a look forward Bellalika smirked igniting the flame on the end of the unit and speaking on a private channel. "Naamah sweetie? Did you get all the new toys we have, the purge units are wonderful."

 

[Mirien Valdier]

@Naamah Aesham, @Cronos Aegir, @Somarae, @Thane Danson, @Bellalika, @Krae Varo, @Black Dovehttp://starwarsrp.net/user/2280-black-dove/

Mirien looked out over the landspace sensing as well as seeing figures move across the tundra towards her, she could only smirk pleased with her Inquisitors thus far. The beacon had a reason, for there were some in the Inquisition who were not as well trained within the force and certainly not as powerful so not all could so easily sense the great darkness that was the Grand Inquisitor.


Black Dove arrived first and so she patiently listened to him before shaking her head. "It's not so simple I'm afraid. Whatever is happening, is happening below the surface. The Chiss did not thrive on this planet by being out in the open in these harsh conditions." She sighed, "Sadly, we'll all be going underground and searching the tunnels. There is much suffer, much fear and there is something else that I cannot place my finger on. Danger surrounds us here."

Her eyes moved to Naamah as she came in to the grouping, oh so obedient in every way, unless she desired punishment. Mirien knew this, and was happy to dish said punishment so long as the offense wasn't anything serious. She gave a bow of her head to Naamah to greet her. "Miss Shaw, happy to have you join us."

Another presence she could feel, this one notably grey. Cronos. She thought to herself. Even with the harsh methods of the Inquisition, he'd remained in a more neutral position. He was an interesting being for certain.

So there were three by her side and as they all gathered she spoke. "I wanted us alone, Inquisitors grouped for a reason." Her words firm but carrying a heavy amount of concern. "So we could use whatever means necessary to win this fight. To obtain the information we need on these beings and to rescue our agent. Agent Cody Weadge, a fine IIB agent, in fact one of the best. He can go toe to toe with me and day, and thus deserves our respect." A sigh came, "Working along side him as often as I have over the last decade, I know him well enough to feel that he is still alive. In grave danger but alive, so time is running out and we must move quickly. May force be our guide."

Turning she looked towards one of the entrances to the tunnels beneath the ice. "Be careful, and be on high alert, something is amiss and I can sense strongly now. Been feeling this way since we reached orbit. Now let's move." Mirien spoke as she took off, bolting and expecting those to follow right behind her. Any questions could be asked on the move.

Even as she hit the entrance the feeling that they were being watched was palpable. Something was close by, something unseen, forcing a chill to race down her spine. Things were bound to get interesting and fast.