From beyond the Pale of Darkness

[Ekaro]

​

Introductions​

Hello and welcome to a collaborative thread between the Primeval and the Imperial Remnant. This thread is intended to give the Primeval a small but significant debut onto the main stage. The thread will proceed in three Acts. The outcome was agreed upon between the faction leaders of the Primeval and the Imperial Remnant.
The Imperials would win the battle but suffer a strategic set back as the result of the damages wrought by the Primeval.

• Act One: The Primeval arrive with a small force of 7 Deluge Class frigates and overwhelm a small crinan royal navy patrol at the edge of the system. The Imperial Navy responds with a significant force and deals a deathly knell of damage to the enemy fleet. However…
• Act Two: Following the desire of Nogras a few ships simply push past the Imperial’s rapid responders and crash onto the world of Lenuta. The Armies of the Primeval although small unleash with devastating results on a particular facility of importance to the operations.
• Act Three: However because the forces of the Primeval are so small they are eventually overwhelmed and wiped out. The Imperial Remnant has received a blow to its ship fuel production. In this act the Imperials will assess and evaluate the dead warriors and their strange vessels.

So In order to properly execute this story arc we will all strive to follow the intent of each act.
The purpose of this thread is to provide the Primeval additional public attention. Showcase the Primeval’s fighting spirit along with the Imperial War Machine in action.
I will post when we near the conclusion of each Act.

Order of Battle​

​

ACT I​

Imperial Remnant: Imperator II Star Destroyer Insufferable ; 1 Crinan Carrier; 2 Crinan Destroyer; 3 Merciless Frigates;

The Primeval: 1 Carnage Frigate; Seven Deluge Frigates; 2 Mendacity Corvettes

Premise​

Musical Accompanyment​

​

Star Wars: From Beyond the Pale of Darkness​

An echo in the void from a scream cast so long ago.​

It was but a hushed whisper calling out to those whom sought its divine voice.​

Nogras “The Loud One”, “The Inhospitable Caretaker”, “The Star Maker”​

When she was born a number of stars went supernova from the sheer energy dispersed into the ether.​

It is unknown to the followers of the Primeval of when their gods truly came into being. What mattered is that they were calling for them.​

A generation was forming a massive fleet. With small warbands launching forth into the void without restraint and simply following the voice of Nogras in this region. Her bellows from the past now whispers of guidance to those who could truly understand her voice.​

One such warband was about to enter the Luminita system with only the simple command of “stab into this world and let them know the terror of my heart”​

That world is Lenuta. ​

Important to the Imperial Remnant not just for its fuel resources but also a mixture of ancient gree ruins. ​

The sudden appearance of the Primeval would be a surprise to all.​

First contact was made by a few patrol ships of the Crinan Royal Navy on the edge of the Luminita system.​

All contact has been lost.​

The Imperial Remnant's Navy is sending a rapid reaction force​

Will their response be enough to stop this invasive action?​

 

[Boethiah]

Awaken the fires in the entrails of darkness, the dogma of four commands war.

The Primeval Fleet escalated far above the dark world of Gulamendis; a swirling orb of death. Countless starships whisked past each other weaving complex formations with no apparent goals and in the very heart their Host Lord rested quietly, surrounded by her trusted advisors.

"Our vanguard reports contact, your Worship.", one older Umbaran sat quietly on a pillow directly ahead of her; he seemed to be in the twilight of his life and his wisdom spanned further than the scars marking his exposed skin. Anja Aj'Rou had been previously meditating on past events that unfolded, allowing all her former experiences to soak into her battlemind. "And the onslaught begins?", her voice raised from a hush tone into a commanding demeanor over the cursive sway of each syllable. The older one who stood before her nodded as he entered a deep bow, no words needed expression and he simply got up and left the room. Others were scattered around the darkened chamber; doing the same in follow. Several warships had been sent out to meet these new-found heretics, heathens of pride and greed no less. Although their true motives were to find their lost Gods it wouldn't be without merit that they should hunt down all who disobey the doctrines laid out long ago. A particular person was missing from the picture -- Pyrrhus Alet -- her ship's captain had been the one placed in command of this trusted envoy. An initial scouting routine would soon become the forefront of a major conflict, the first of many, set out by The Primeval and their grand fleet. The former-slave and human officer was more than formidable in battle but his conservative views and over-cautious attitude constantly put him in situations where low stakes became rather high. One cannot forget the last time he commanded an invasion, although they won a particular pride of their fleet was destroyed in the process. Another mistake would mean his swift demise, if it didn't come from battle itself. A spearhead of Deluge-class frigates prodded their way into Imperial space to meet whatever forces this mysterious opponent could muster.

Back on Order's End - Anja's command ship - the young Host Lord continued her meditation; the tendrils of darkness unleashed inside her spirit, lashing out at any faint light that made way into her. Just as the power of her fleets grew so did the force-sensitivity inside her. A wild and uncontrolled power was turning into a fine-tuned affinity and tactical weapon. Surrounded by compatriots of high honour, she felt the outreach of her power was capable of influencing even the most headstrong of people but that too would have to be put to the test. With a small fleet entering known-space and the rest of the bulk still over Gulamendis she waited patiently; the answers would soon reveal themselves...

As the vessels approached a feint yet very real sight could be made out. There were ships in the distance and finally the hunger for battle would be sated and Anja's promise to High King Ozuvyn Sar-Sargoth would be fulfilled. The lust for war lay ahead of them, one battle would define the entrance for a new reign of darkness; one which will create an epicenter for death like no other.

Anja looked over a datapad, an account written by one of her conquered victims.

Fire rained down upon the now desolate world. Cities were in an uproar of flames, the stench of death mixed with the now toxic air. A handful of resistance fighters fled into their final sanctuary; expecting it to be their grave.

So little have met such a foe and even fewer could fight with the stomach-churning revulsion. In the backdrop of the fighting, as more fell in twisted malevolence that befall them all, a young fighter looked over his dying comrade.

“We’ll fight em’ together..”, the soul said as he looked towards his closest friend. The armoured body on the ground was covered in blood, soot, and embers. The concoction resulted in a dark residue that clung to him like sap on a tree. Upon his face was not fear, nor courage, it was emptiness. To see his friend live longer was all he had hoped for now. There were simpler times to remember but all they had left was hope itself. Survival was everything, it still is, and that won’t change even as the last of them fall.

The dying man chuckled, spitting up some blood in doing so, “I’ve fought enough.” His final words were soon to follow as he pushed with the last of his strength; his favoured pistol into the chest of his young compatriot. “Take it. Give em’ hell. Kill every last one of them!” In final exclamation the veteran soldier gave way to his last breath. The epilogue was nearing, more and more fell and the silhouette of a figure maneuvered into sight. Behind the onslaught, a young woman clad in light armour and carrying a long scepter stepped forward into line of vision. In her piercing pale-blue eyes the young soldier took the pistol in grip, charged through the lines with his target in sight. The blaster was by no means advanced, it had one charged shot. A few salty tears rolled down his cheek, it was all his body could give as the rush of adrenaline took everything from him. He pulled the trigger and the shot made it’s way towards the woman.

It was a sign of relief, he felt that whoever she was; it would be his revenge. This moment was shattered when the burst found its way into one of her bodyguards. Who were these foul zealots? Who could forsake life only to take it away from others? The pistol fell to the cold metal floor, the click echoed. In his abdomen was a sharp long blade, the wielder was a sickening and twisted figure. Much like the woman except paler in complexion and scarred in ink and cuts.

Was this the end?

His final thoughts decayed into the fabric of his mind; vision faded into the nothingness of death…

The world had fallen. A blood-soaked banner in the form of a bleeding sun was mantled in their great hall. Very few survived, and those who did would eventually join them. Becoming twisted and cruel; forgetting the sacrifice they made and giving into fear of death.

This was The Primeval. A force to be reckoned with, a force that will not stop. A force of zealots and soldiers, of starships and fleets. Wherever they went next, whomever they conquered, the same fate would likely await.

[member="Ozuvyn Sar-Sargoth"]

 

[Tålamod Shapochka]

The star destroyer Insufferable was in its last days of service as an Imperial-II class; soon to be upgrade to an Imperial-III. It had only recently been commissioned under Lieutenant Commander Tålamod Shapochka, successor to a colored family line of Imperial and Republic navymen. Currently, it prowled the heavens on the shadow side of Lenuta, a somewhat useless world in its current state, but sure to become another diamond in the Imperial collection.

The half-Miralukan hobbled out of her personal quarters rather undignified, her hand clasped against the temple of her head. Another crippling migraine had assailed the pedigreed Lieutenant Commander, likely linked to the 'crossbreeding' that had brought her into the galaxy. Few knew of this, but with those higher-ups who were aware, such 'impurities' had held her back in both the Republic and Imperial ranks.

Indeed, her genetic heritage was both a blessing and a curse. Colorblindness and chronic headaches had impaired her, nearly since birth. But she had a 'second sight' inherited from her non-human mother, which had proven its worth when she was finally promoted to take charge of her own bridge. Her military heritage, however, was far exceeding most others. It had only been a matter of time before the Empire arose once more, and she would lead the mighty warships to secure the galaxy for order and prosperity.

Finally arriving on the command deck of Insufferable's bridge, Shapochka immediately took a seat and read through the 'morning' logs of the commanding officers under her direction. Her fleet was small in comparison to the potent assemblies of the Republics and Protectorates, but it was more than enough to defend one world from a more 'casual' attack. And her collection of vessels numbered more than any in the Empire, save the Grand Admiral's own fleet.

It would have made her father proud. "Turn to the starboard with angle of 312.54, Galactic East," she instructed her Lieutenant. It was a tradition they might all get to know in time. As the star destroyer swung about to face Empress Teta, Tålamod stared ahead with the anticipation of a child, though she hid it from her face. Her home was out there. Perhaps she could catch a sparkle from her sun.

 

[Davin Jusik]

It'd been a rough few weeks since second platoon had been wiped out on that gods forsaken jungle world. Max had forced himself to forget the name. He didn't want to remember. The broken faces and bodies of his comrades haunted him more than anything else he'd seen in the Corp. Some of them had been folk he'd known for years, a few from even before the Pubs had turned the tide. There were very few left from that time.

Max had been selected to rotate into an Infantry Battalion after the platoon had been lost in the ship crash. The Psycs had determined that he'd needed some time away from his MOS. Max had laughed in the Doc's face when he'd said it. Trading one horror for another. The unit was in good enough hands with the XO, and Max felt responsible even though he wasn't. The men had understood. Given Max's background he was placed with one of the QRF Battalions operating with the Navy. These units were constantly being rotated from world to world aboard massive ships. The point was to have the capability to put boots on the ground in any Imperial Controlled system within a day. They only picked people who knew what they were doing for the job, those who either excelled in training or were seasoned. Max hadn't required retraining since pre war EOD Training and his years of experience placed him miles above most combat leaders at his rate.

Max had been assigned a company who's CO had gotten killed by an unsecure box of ammunition aboard a landing craft. The 1st Sgt had brought him up to speed when he arrived and from the exercises he'd done with the unit they seemed on the level. Though they were still learning to trust Max. Living through the things he had translated into an interesting reputation. They knew that he could more than handle himself, but couldn't decide if he was bad luck yet.

It was a work in progress and he'd only been there a couple quiet weeks.

Max had been asleep in his quarters when general quarters had sounded and his lights had automatically flashed on. The vet had been out of his bed in a moment, swiping open his footlocker and donning his armor within forty seconds. He then grabbed his rifle and sidearm from their place next to his bed and stormed out of the spartan looking quarters into the barracks.

Most of the troopers were already in the same state of readiness as him.

"GET TO YOUR STATIONS. TIME NOW." Max boomed through his coms as he strode past them.

"AYE AYE SIR." Was repeated over two hundred and forty times throughout massive company size barracks. His Lt's began to shout and order the stormies in a similar manner. The fever moved down the ranks and the machine functioned as it was supposed to. Every hallway inside the ship bustled with activity.

The company retrieved it's ammunition before moving to the hangar, where landers and assault ships waited. A mass of armored beings stood armed to the teeth with the latest and greatest in Imperial Weaponry.

Max stood in front of his Troopers and awaited the order to board.

 

[RC 212]

[member="Anja Aj'Rou"] [member="Tålamod Shapochka"] [member="Maximilian Vinticus"]


Aboard his Deluge class frigate the mighty priest of Balagoth roared a hearty laugh. his voice boomed with great evil and a seeping terror would overcome any who heard it. A hulking beast, clothed in steel and bone, wielding his sceptre of Balagoth. The bright green emerald at the top burned with dark void energy, amplifying his terrible presence.

"In the name of our lord, let none survive!"

The three Deluge frigates he commanded whirled in space evr so slowly and began to pick up speed as the crew fired her afterburners. The remnants of the Crinan patrol lay dead in the water. Hapless prey for the snatching.

Balagoth must be pleased, all life must be unmade

Lances of terrifying crimson sped from the small scout fleets sides at the royal red and gold vessels. Screams in the force echoed violently in their death throes. Red orbs stared fixedly from beneath a t slit in his bone helmet. they were closing fast now. Then their was the sound of bone crunching metal as the three armored frigates burst into the broadside of the first crinan patrol craft.

The bridge rocked and vibrated the priests teeth in his rotted skull. Screeches of jubilant joy travelled the halls as the twisted mutilated creatures under his command rejoiced. Rock hard ramming heads splintered and clashed with steel, tearing the small vessel into three. Bodies streamed into the void, crystal water and fuel marking their passage like a contrail.

The servants of Balagoth grew stronger with every death. Matter being returned to the void where it belonged....

 

[HK-36]

Meanwhile, aboard the Siege Tower,

Traversing the Hydian Way heading Relatively East towards Republic Territory,

In Proximity of Cathar


"Sire?"

One of HK's officers spoke up, his Communication Officer that was,

"Yes, Hikens?"

".. My name is McCrikey actually, sir."

".. That sounds more made up than what I just made up."

"Yes, well anyway, we have intercepted stray transmission from the Imperial Remnant territory."

The droid, currently standing on the bridge of his flag warship, the Siege Tower, a Protectorate Nebulon B7 frigate, was just watching the hyperspace lights, calculating and planning, as his crew and him were traveling from Ziost where they attended a meeting with the Ubehr clan of armor wearing Mandalorian bears with his partner in crime Siobhan Kerrigan. At the words of his officer he would turn about to face his bridge crew, his cloak fluttering as he did so,


"I suppose it is something of note if you are bringing it up?"

Machine quipped,

"Yes, sir, Imperial Crinan Fringe Patrol has reported detecting unknown forces and from the chatter we picked up, the very same unknown forces on world known as Lenuta."

The droid nodded to himself, nodding slightly,

"Well since we are in neighborhood-"

"Hey, listen!"

His navigation officer sounded out, the droid glancing to her sharply,

"What is it, Navi?"

"It is quite out of our way, m'Lord, it would be a set back to us returning to Abregado."

The machine shrugged,

"It may bring more favor and possibly even trade if we impress the Imperials, besides, where is your sense of adventure?"

"Hey, listen!"

"I am listening. I am speaking to you."

"I just wanted to give specific-"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah."

The droid cut her off with a dismissive wave of his hand, looking to his communications officer once more,

"McCrickey, notify the troops, have them prepare to enter combat at moment's notice."

"Yessir."

The Communications officer nodded, relaying the machine's commands through his console,

"Should I wake up Lady Kerrigan to join the fray?"

"Oh, my Force, no."

The droid protested,

"The longer she sleeps in her cabin the less time she spends skiddlypooping with my crew or wrecking chaos and undermining my authority on my own ship."

At that he would look to his Second in Command Yeoman,

"In fact, Kelly, remind me to install that sleeping gas injection system into air vents of her cabin."

His Yeoman nodded, taking note of it on her datapad,

"Another operation of questionable ethics, aye, aye, sir."

And finally he would look to his navigation officer,

"Navi, set the course for the world of Lenuta."

"Hey, listen! Changing the course to the world of Lenuta."


"The Imperial Remnant is in luck today-"

The droid quipped, moving back to his bridge, turning around to face his viewport once more,

"For the Iron Knight is coming to town!"

He raised his hands and clenched his fists as his ship changed its course mid-jump.


//I'll actually enter combat when the battle enters Act 2 as discussed between me and [member="Anja Aj'Rou"]//

 

[Boethiah]

Back over the dreaded death planet, Gulamendis, Anja Aj'Rou had been quietly observing feeds from her dispatched vanguard fleet. The force commanded by her second--Executor Pyrrhus Alet--was closing in on the remote world of Lenuta where a small Imperial Remnant fleet was investigating the disappearance of one of their patrols. The Primeval at this point were still unaware of who they were facing but for them it did not matter much; it was always the same. They conquered, they burned, they left. Death was not bias nor was it ever unchanging; the same fate awaited all the unfaithful. Surrounded by countless warships and in the heart of her own flagship, Order's End, the young and prideful Umbaran commander kept a watchful eye and an open ear on everything going on. Whispers echoed down the halls bathed in soft shadows from discreet lights that dotted the way to her private chamber, and even with her large crew at hand the vessel seemed uncannily quiet; save for whirring sounds of torture coming from Salacious Vile's post. This same sense of nothingness reached out in dark waves across their entire force and even the vanguard fleet would bear the same unmistakable stain of death.

"The first breath echoed across the Dark Halls and from it the birth fire was born.", the scripture of their Gods was etched into her mind since she was a child--if you'd call it that. Childhood was a pathway that had only two outcomes; life or death. One must prove their faith to the Gods and for her she became the Harbinger of Nogras, Host Lord of The Primeval, and perhaps the most ambitious of them.

"Your worship.", the static of long-range communications cracked through the speakers in her chamber with the unmistakable voice of Pyrrhus Alet. "Executor Alet, I trust you're speaking with me because you have... Succeeded?", a hidden sense of doubt rested on the very tip of her tongue. If it wasn't for High King [member="Ozuvyn Sar-Sargoth"] being amongst his fleet--initially against her agenda--she wouldn't have stayed her doubt. Although Alet had been competent in the past he seemed to have built up unnecessary losses, even by her own standards. The fleet was still becoming situated in its Zealous command-structure; perhaps a weakness of zealousness was that many bright minds perished from their unworthiness.

"No--Well, I mean... *ahem* I was reporting back. We just encountered a small patrol fleet and annihilated it.", the initial broken-speech was unamusing by the officer was quickly able to regain his composure. Anja philosophized his words, reviewing each one of them intently and judging them one-by-one.

The Host Lord finishing her assessment relaxed in the seat of her throne-chair, "From your initial stutter I assume that means you're not finished. What else is out there?"

"A world, your Worship.", the voice of Alet took a brief pause, "Likely inhabited."

Anja released a small laugh, the quiet gesture echoed faintly into the comm unit followed by her final orders:

"Burn it."

[member="Ozuvyn Sar-Sargoth"] [member=HK-36]
[member=Ekaro]

[member="Tålamod Shapochka"]

 

[Ral Sanaka]

Act I
Rapid Reaction Force Insufferable

Spoiler

Flagship: Insufferable ISD II; The Resolute Dreamer Crinan Carrier; 2 Crinan Destroyers; 3 Merciless Frigates

Location: Aboard the Resolute Dreamer; Holding formation with the Insufferable
Imperial Characters: [member="Tålamod Shapochka"] [member="Maximilian Vinticus"] [member="Kara Runo"] [member="Alva Calvarona"]
Primeval Characters: [member="Anja Aj'Rou"] [member="Ragnar the Destroyer"]
Other: [member="HK-36"]

Enter Lieutenant Commander Ral Sanaka Imperial Navy

I had just received command of the Resolute Dreamer not too long ago after former Lt. Commander Flavian had been promoted to the rank of Commodore. This vessel was an exquisite design. The Crinan’s were efficient and effective at ensuring that each component was purpose built.
I stood on the bridge of the vessel assessing the latest status reports. We had salvaged several XG1 Starwing Assault Gunboats that formed the heavy hitting fire power for the 181st Void Wing which had been cross assigned between the Insufferable and the Resolute Dreamer. The 181st was a mix now of Crinan pilots and their own designs along with our Imperial Tie series. The elite bunch however of the 181st was the Skull Squadron. Ace pilots proven in the crucible of battle. Many could claim to be of the 181st but few could make the mantle of Skull Squadron.

The Insufferable was soon to be the flagship of its own Line Battle Group. With the 181st Void Wing
“Sir! A distress call has been issued by the Crinan Naval Patrol at 332.42, Galactic East.”
A surprised look crossed my face.
“Hail the Insufferable I’m certain that if we are getting this distress beacon then Lt. Commander Shapochka must be seeing this as well”
I stroked my mustache in thought. What the in worlds could have happened to the patrol group?

 

[Kara Runo]

Act I
Rapid Reaction Force Insufferable

Spoiler

Flagship: Insufferable ISD II; The Resolute Dreamer Crinan Carrier; 2 Crinan Destroyers; 3 Merciless Frigates

Location: Aboard the Insufferable; Forward Ventral Hangar Bay
Imperial Characters: [member="Tålamod Shapochka"] [member="Maximilian Vinticus"] @Kara Runo [member="Alva Calvarona"]
Primeval Characters: [member="Anja Aj'Rou"] [member="Ragnar the Destroyer"]
Other: [member="HK-36"]

Enter Lieutenant Commander Kara Runo Imperial Navy

Today was an auspicious day. I had spent the better part of the last few months working with the Crinan Royal Navy on training the next class of pilots. I was proud to say the least of their progress and former Lt. Commander Flavian had put me in for a promotion. It appeared the Imperial Crown favored him as they had promoted him as well for his efforts at Kalee and Kad V. Commodore Flavian, quite the ring to it. I sighed and shook away my thoughts of the man.

Why auspicious? Well today would be the first day I could count myself as a member of the 181st Void Wing. I had retired the Cradle to rest in hold of the Flavian Star Corporation’s company headquarters the Seed of Renewal.
I stood on a catwalk looking over the XG1s we had dredged up out of vaults and hangars of Valc VII. They were quite fascinating to look at. Similar to the Sentinel but its purpose and build held a focus of unleashing some of the heaviest of ordnances. I had just finished hanging out with three of my buddies who went by the call signs the Torch Shots. I was proud of them for having made it so far.

The general ambience of the forward hangar bay was that of crew members loading ordnance. Pilots checking their systems. “TK-2345 report to the forward security center” standard 1mc chatter.

I had procured a cigar from Rae’rwna Ves’stahl. I was about halfway through it when I heard my name come over the 1mc “Lt. Commander Runo please report to the briefing room. I say again Lt. Commander Runo please report to the briefing room”

“Ugh, now what… making rank sucks…”
I tapped the cigar on the railing of the catwalk before puckering it up again. Its ember glow and smooth taste relaxed my mind. I strode away from enjoying the sight of the big shuttles, drop ships, and heavy gunboats.

 

[Ekaro]

Act I
Primeval Vanguard Fleet

Spoiler

1 Carnage Frigate; Seven Deluge Frigates; 2 Mendacity Corvettes

Location: Aboard the Carnage Frigate
Imperial Characters: [member="Tålamod Shapochka"] [member="Maximilian Vinticus"] [member="Kara Runo"] [member="Alva Calvarona"]
Primeval Characters: [member="Anja Aj'Rou"] [member="Ragnar the Destroyer"]
Other: [member="HK-36"]

Enter Ekaro, a High Priest of the Primeval

“Yes… yes… yesssssss” High Priest Ekaro cackled with joy as the sacrifices head was wrenched back. The ceremonial blade cut finely into the creatures throat. The beast writhed in pain as it suddenly realized it was dying. Ekaro had fed the creature a concoction of hallucinations.
Ekaro could feel the life ether being released back into the force.
The beast was a human fresh from a recent raid.
Its blood spurted from its neck and gushed onto the floor of the vessels ceremonial chambers.
Ekaro’s devotion to the gods had given him the greatest curse and blessing one could hope for.
Immortality. If Ekaro died his mind would find itself awaken inside a new body. That was the blessing. The curse was that his connection to the force would be so severely weakened that it required offering and great feats of devotion to regain his strength.
The god Nogras had whispered into his ears that he must sacrifice himself to prove his true worth.
That was why the High Priest accompanied this mission.
He was here to die.
To sacrifice himself to curry the favor of the gods.
Just as the beast before him bled out so soon would Ekaro find himself dying.
The next slave to be sacrificed held a chalice to the beast’s throat.
Pooling the blood.
Ekaro gingerly took the chalice from the beast whose pupils were wide from the numerous drugs that Ekaro fed to such beasties to enjoy their passing from one world to the next.
A cruel smile grew wide. He drank the warm blood. The elixir sundered his mind. With it a vision.
“Yes… send word to Executor Alet vanguard… the portents are in our favor” Ekaro clicked his teeth.

 

[Tålamod Shapochka]

She was still gazing at that point in the heavens known as Empress Teta when the distress signal was broadcast over the bridge systems. Her hand clenched around the arm of her chair in tension for a moment, then relaxed as she stood up, commanding the attention of her subordinates. "Location?"

"332.42, Galactic East, Ma'am!" Captain Otålighet reported. "Origin code is from one of our own. It's a standard patrol cruise."

"We're getting a confirmation from Resolute Dreamer, Lieutenant Commander. They want to know our response."

Shapochka held up her hand to the comms officer to silence him and readdressed her captain. "Turn us about to 332."

Now acknowledging her communications officer, Shapochka imparted her instructions. "Tell Dreamer they are stand by, and you send a response ping to the patrol." She was hardly complacent with potential emergencies, but it was best to double-check and not get too hasty with declaring wars. False alarms were not exactly rare.

"Affirmative."

Five minutes of silence passed on the bridge, the fleet leader pacing back and forth across the deck and routinely glancing into the stars, as if she would see the beam that might traverse the black and clarify that their people were still alive and responsive. But after waiting an appropriate duration, an eerie feeling came over the crew, and Tålamod was not excluded. "Nothing at all?" she asked, an almost puppy dog-like pout crossing her eyes as she looked to her comms men. They only shook her head.

That was it. "Order all fleet fighters to prepare for operation! But no launch yet!" the woman shouted as she hustled back to her chair and activated the battle HUD. "Send back to Lieut Comm Sanaka, we have alert orange. All ships are commanded spread and report everything. Guns at ready.

"And signal Crina," she added. Someone would need to investigate when the bodies began floating.

[member="Ekaro"], [member="Anja Aj'Rou"], [member="Maximilian Vinticus"], [member="Ragnar the Destroyer"], [member="HK-36"], [member="Ral Sanaka"], [member="Kara Runo"]

 

[RC 212]

Location: 332.4 Galactic East

Enemies: The Remnant

Ekaro, Anja Aj'Rou, Maximilian Vinticus, , HK-36, Ral Sanaka, Kara Runo


"Excellent, more of the pagans have been unmade!"

"My lord, we have a blip on our systems it appears the patrol has called in their brethren."

The minions voice was creepy crawly and it echoed with darkness. Ragnars eyes came down to a small slit as the red orbs glared across the void into the wreckage of the pitiful humans patrol fleet. These were children to him, not worthy of being prey. they were idol sacrifices to Balagoth.

These next one would prove to be real sacrifices, hopefully satisfying to his lord.

"Send word back to the fleet, a battle brews! Servants!, Arrange us in delta formation, weapons hot, complete firing solutions on the remainder of this pitiful fleet. Send them to the void!"

The crew scrambled about, fearful of the giant high priest. They knew his word was law, and any disobeying would be met with their swift end.

 

[Boethiah]

Back on Order's End above Gulamendis; Anja Aj'Rou was eagerly awaiting news from the Vanguard. Whom did they make contact with? To some it mattered little: Fate did not change. For Anja, however, there was a keen sense of curiosity anytime a new force to face was announced. There was a sense of pleasure and pride in knowing your enemy that went beyond the battlefield. Who are they? What are their ideals? Why do they fight? These are all questions many commanders, soldiers, and contenders might think but few ever have the courage to ask. Perhaps it was blasphemy to suggest that they were worth understanding but that did not change her desire to know.

Pyrrhus Alet, Executor in command of the Carnage-class Outcry was viewing the scene from the bridge. Two Mendacity-class Corvettes, Vicar and Maven sat on either side of the vessel in support and escort roles. The trio bore long-range firing capabilities through the two heavy long-ranged ion's of the Mendacity and the six long-ranged barrels on the Outcry's mass-driver weapons. Even for such small vessels in comparison they are to be feared by practically any capital ship. Of course no such vessels come without weakness and each lack in anti-fighter defenses save for fighters in their hangers but the GU-54 is hardly an interceptor. "Deluge-classes, don't break formation: Maintain shockwave formation.", The Executor's orders were broadcast throughout the Vanguard. "The High King's ship should remain on the far left rather than in the center rear like a command ship.", he added to assure that the enemy's forces would not preemptively destroy their great General's starship. It's a common tactical misconception, really, it makes sense that a command ship be in the most defensible position and the flanks are the least. This judgement tolls greatly on insight, an insight that suspects whoever they're up against is the kind who'd go to break the formation from the center. Nonetheless the Deluge-class had an exceptionally thick hull as made known by its bulk. The fleet in position -- his trio elevated above for cover -- was well underway towards the planet that lay ahead.


[member="Ragnar the Destroyer"] [member="Ekaro"] [member="Kara Runo"] [member="Ral Sanaka"] [member="HK-36"]

 

[Alva Calvarona]

[member="Tålamod Shapochka"] [member="Ragnar the Destroyer"] @Ekaro @Kara Runo [member="Ral Sanaka"] [member="Anja Aj'Rou"] [member="Maximilian Vinticus"]

As soon as the alarms began to sound on the Insufferable Alva found herself calling out orders to everyone she could in the hanger. Honestly she wasn't entirely sure what was going on, but she didn't have to for her to be terribly worried and angry as she issued commands to the 181st to prep their ships. This was just a short gig in the Luminita System, there shouldn't be any major trouble within the system for everyone to be put into combat readiness. No one was supposed to know it even existed! It was likely the rebels then, between the Alliance and the Crinan resistance they could have tried to stir up some trouble. How annoying.

It was bad enough after all to have to put up with a bothersome assignment like patrol duty within her own home system. Somehow Lieutenant. . . . pardon, Commodore Caius Flavian was no longer in command of the Resolute Dreamer and was no longer on the front lines for the time being. Instead the 181st was no on board the ISD II dubbed the Insuferrable under the command of Lady Shapochka and part of a task force with Lieutenant Commander Sanaka, in charge of the Resolute Dreamer. The 181st, and more specifically Skull Squadron, sat under Alva's command though, for the time being.

So it was that Crina's second princess made sure to call out to the flight leaders and squadron commanders as they organized their people into their various craft while she also began prep work checking on the status of her own TIE Seeker. Lenuta was a rather important supply and research location, it would be irksome if the rebels damaged it. Although at the very least Alva could content herself it wasn't entirely important to the Crinan people, though it might be one day if they themselves ever controlled it.

 

[Jessu]

The alarms were sounding, and it stirred Ozio from his sleep. It had come only three hours after he had rotated his shift. While tired, he was not exhausted. He slowly emerged from the blankets of his bed, looking across to see another ensign begin pulling on his boots. They shared a silent moment they both said, 'Just our luck.' Nitric wasn't used to the military, he was a former Senator of Carida for the Galactic Republic, but he had nonetheless gone through the officers navy academy. He tied his boots, firmly pressed and adjusted his uniform and moved into the corridors. He threw an over-the-shoulder glance to his dorm-mate but he had already be lost in the crowd that surged towards the hangers. Ohio wound himself through hallways and near bulkheads until he came to an elevator that opened up onto the bridge. It was bustling with activity, and when he spotted the commander, he made a beeline for her. "Ensign Ozio reporting for duty," he said with a salute.


*[member="Tålamod Shapochka"]
[member="Kara Runo"] [member="Ral Sanaka"] [member="Alva Calvarona"]

 

[Kara Runo]

Act I
Rapid Reaction Force Insufferable

Spoiler

Flagship: Insufferable ISD II; The Resolute Dreamer Crinan Carrier; 2 Crinan Destroyers; 3 Merciless Frigates

Location: On board the Insufferable; Forward Ventral Hangar Bay
Imperial Characters: [member="Tålamod Shapochka"] [member="Maximilian Vinticus"] [member="Alva Calvarona"] [SIZE=13.63636302948px][member="Nitram Ozio"][/SIZE]
Primeval Characters: [member="Anja Aj'Rou"] [member="Ragnar the Destroyer"] [member="Ekaro"]
Other: [member="HK-36"]

​

Musical Accompanyment​

“All Hands General Quarters, All hands General Quarters, man your battle stations, man your battle stations!”
“All pilots to your craft, all pilots to your craft! Standby for launch, I say again All pilots to your craft, all pilots to your craft!”
A cacophony of noise erupted throughout the length of the ship as thousands of voidsmen and women mobilized into action. Alien and Human alike moved like a well-oiled machine.
“Damage control teams to your stations, damage control teams to your stations”
“Naval Security teams to your designated checkpoints, security teams to your designated check points”
“Marines prepare for combat, I say again Marines prepare for Combat”

I nearly snorted as I strode down a passage way to my squadron ‘The Marines were constantly ready for combat, trigger happy bucket heads’ I had just left the briefing room where I got a break down on the present situation. It appeared a number of unknown hostile vessels had entered the system. A Crinan Naval Patrol was unfortunately destroyed. I was nearly finished with my cigar. The Imperial 181st Void Wing was one of the most well equipped fighter bomber wings in the Imperial Fleet. A mixture of different variants of the Tie designs were racked up on the ceiling launch hoists. Salvaged from the vaults of Valc. A few alien storm troopers roamed passed me as I made my way down a ladder well. An Imperator Star Destroyer’s size allowed for standard staircases to be installed at various points in the ship.

I took a few more puffs on my cigar before licking my thumb and extinguishing it. I saw an astromech droid up ahead. I smirked and gave it a thump on the dome piece “Hey bud, toss this for me will ya?” I said dropping it on top of the little droid. It chirped and whistled a retort before carrying out its basic programming of maintaining clean spaces. I got a chuckle from that.

I returned to where Torch Shot Squadron was housed in the forward ventral hangar bay. The launch procedures were in full swing. I paused to assess where we were at. Klaxons continued to glow throughout the hangar bay. A gaggle of black suited pilots were waiting next to my star wing. ‘What a sorry bunch of sobs to be placed under my command…’ I thought jokingly.
I descended another ladder well.
As I came into view one of the pilots shouted out “Attention on deck!”
All fourteen pilots snapped to attention.
I walked into the midst of them.
I got right into the face of one of the ensigns assigned to my squadron.
“You ready to die to day rookie?”
“No Ma’am”
“Good answer you green eared bastard, I don’t want to you to say yes to that question until you are grey and old. Understood”
“Understood Ma’am” The ensign kept his composure
My eyes bored into his like a drill to a rock.
I gritted my teeth and pulled away from the ensign.

“Right so it seems some bastards from the beyond the pale of darkness we call space has decided to blunder into our territory. Crina’s territory, the Imperial Remnants territory. Our majesty’s realm has been spat upon by this incursion. They have killed our brothers and sisters, a Crinan Naval Patrol was overwhelmed by these ravenous space bastards.”

I paused for a moment letting that sink in. I took a half dozen paces away from the group before rounding on them all. My words came out dripping with passionate venom…

“I don’t care who they are, or what the frak they stand for. If they come into our territory with an appetite for war then we will feed them every bomb, every torpedo, every force forsaken laser blast we have until their guts are broken and chest ripped apart for the carrion beasts to pick apart. Let them know they are not welcome at our door, let them know their existence was meaningless and let them only taste the cold empty void upon their lips as they draw that last breath before meeting death.”
I put my helmet on. Drew my combat knife in my left hand and held my left arm up in the air. I brought my right fist to my chest and thumped it once before raising it out in salute.
“For the Emperor, for the Empress, and most of all, FOR THE EMPIRE!” I bellowed my voice slightly deeper than usual due my inhalation of smoke earlier.
“FOR THE EMPIRE!” They replied.
“Now get to your crafts you bastards! Move move move!”
I strutted over to my fine star craft. It was a beast of death incarnate. Its sharp grey coloring and sleek form resembled the Cradle, my home and personal sentinel shuttle craft, but this craft was smaller in length but much more deadly. It had eight torpedo launch tubes, with dozens of proton torpedoes on board. Its own blaster cannons were of a stronger ilk than my Cradle.
The canopy to the Star Wing was open. My Co-pilot was already in preflight check mode. He looked up at me “Lt. Commander Runo, or should I say Torch Leader?”
“Frank, I’m gonna slag your face one of these days”
“Phrasing!” he teased as I climbed into the pilots chair. The flight crews were moving about prepping the star craft for combat. “Chief are all my torpedoes loaded?”
“Yeah Lt. give me a few moments and I’ll have her spun up good”
“Thanks chief!”
We shut the canopy. The noises of the hangar ceased to exist. I took a breath then keyed the comms.
“Flight Control to Torch Leader, Flight Control to Torch Leader, Torch Squadron is showing green across the board”
“Copy that Flight Control, green as a kashyyyk forest canopy”
I flipped a switch and directed my next set of communications to Captain [member="Alva Calvarona"]. The Crinan Princess had shown extraordinary skill at star fighter combat. Such finesse was going to prove invaluable in this battle. I had the pleasure of encountering the princess a few times in person. She truly was inspirational. I had also met the Empress while acting as Commodore Flavians adjutant not to long ago, Kista Fel was just as much of an inspiration. Such brave and heroic women continued to break the status quo of the rampant male cronyism that existed sometimes in societies.
“This is Torch Leader to Skull Leader, we are green light to go. I say again we are green light to go”

 

[Ekaro]

Act I
Primeval Vanguard Fleet

Spoiler

1 Carnage Frigate; Seven Deluge Frigates; 2 Mendacity Corvettes

Location: On Board the Carnage Frigate
Imperial Characters: [member="Tålamod Shapochka"] [member="Maximilian Vinticus"] [member="Kara Runo"] [member="Alva Calvarona"] [member="Nitram Ozio"]
Primeval Characters: [member="Anja Aj'Rou"] [member="Ragnar the Destroyer"]
Other: [member="HK-36"]

Musical Accompanyment​

Ekaro strode onto the command bridge. He licked his lips of the blood of which he had feasted upon. The hallucinogens were powerful, especially once mixed in with the blood of cattle beasts such as humans. Ekaro’s face would forever be cursed to wear the artifact upon his head. The helmet was imbued with part of his soul. A blessing that Balagoth had granted him upon his fervent and zealous self-sacrifices.
“Status report?” He inquired with glee, his vision was in complete discord.
The bridge was melting and reforming before him.
“My Doyen, the Executor Alet has ordered us to the far right of the Vanguard. I have complied” One of the Apostles responded.
“Good, good… hehehehehehe” Ekaro began to cackle with an unsettling laughter “It is just as Nogras’s will for us to be here. We will achieve victory today for the gods!”
Ekaro spoke with such assurance that the crew eased into focus.
The High Priest sat upon the command throne made of obsidian.
Stroking his chin with a grin so pointed in shape that Ekaros teeth were fully visible.
Stained a dark ruby red.
Ekaro clicked his teeth in thought and began to meditate “These fools will come to understand why this vessel is classified as Carnage. We will wreak such havoc upon their minds, bodies, and souls… we are carnage incarnate.”
Ekaro’s mind reached out to probe the emotions and thoughts of the opposing forces.
It was disconcerting to sense that these lowly beasts were stoic in resolve.
Ekaro’s stomach tightened into a knot.
A curled fist slammed onto the right arm rest cracking the obsidian.
His wrist and fingers broke.
The pain didn't even register.
Cocking his head to the left Ekaro let loose a contemptuous sigh.
“These vile sacks of flesh think they can stand against the inevitable end to their pathetic existence. We will rend them to pieces. I will break their skulls upon the feeble pillars of what these fools call civilization. We will not offer any choice, they will die.”
Ekaro cackled one last time. The hallucinogens had taken full hold of Ekaro’s sensory’s.
The High Priest recognized the zenith and with a sigh clicked his teeth
“Await the Executor’s orders, prepare the mass driver cannons. Target one of those smaller vessels. I want to feel their fear in the ether. Haaaaaahahahahaha!”

 

[Boethiah]

The Primeval's vanguard fleet continued to approach the enemy; the new were nearly in range. An Imperial Remnant response force was all that stood between them and the planet that would soon become a battleground in its own right. Executor Alet was not inexperienced with battle but this was the first time they had faced an enemy force that was actually challenging; whomever they were, they seemed prepared. The Deluge-class frigates at the spearhead continued to push forward; the two of the five that sat column formation in back of the shockwave had elevated above the primary force and spread into a line formation with full speed ahead. Meanwhile the carnage and mendacity vessels, carrying twenty-two fighters, opened the hanger bays and began launching the gu-54 bombers.

The craft had poor handling and sat behind the deluge-class frigates, awaiting to fly into the action once enemy fighters achieved ranged. The Mendacity-class corvettes charged up their long-ranged heavy ion cannons in preparation to mess with larger craft that got too close. The single carnage-class prepared the mass-driver cannons.

Order of Battle:

[member="Ragnar the Destroyer"]
x1 Deluge-class frigate (right flank)

[member="Ozuvyn Sar-Sargoth"]
x1 Deluge-class frigate (left flank)

@Ekaro
x2 Deluge-class frigates ((the forward two, full-speed ahead; although your character is on the Carnage(?) he could take remote control))

@Anja Aj'Rou
X3 Deluge-class frigates
X2 Mendacity class corvettes
X1 Carnage-class heavy frigate

((The remainder of the ships under my command will be rationed off to other Primeval members who decide to join the battle later on, assuming they're not destroyed first))

[member="HK-36"] [member="Kara Runo"] @Everyone Else

 

[Tålamod Shapochka]

Fleet:

Spoiler

Flagship: Insufferable ISD II; Resolute Dreamer Crinan Carrier; 2 Crinan Destroyers; 3 Merciless Frigates

The report came in that fighter activity had been detected off the hulls of the incoming vessels. Immediately, Shapochka issued the order. "Launch fighter craft, yes." Even if there was the possibility of enacting diplomacy with these encroachers, she was not trusting enough to take that chance--not with the swarms flitting around their ships already. "Ship guns to be firing in twenty seconds." The commands were passed down, and the hangar personnel were signaled to give the pilots the go-ahead for deployment.

The half-Miralukan activated the holo command HUD and bade for a public comms line to be beamed to the invading fleet. "I'm Lieut Comm Shapochka of the Imperial Remnant. Trespassers of the Imperial space: you are to be changing your course and exit the system, or we will fire on you, yes." She did not wait for a response, snapping off the public line and switching her command HUD to a tactical readout. They would either obey her instructions through physical action and course redirection, or they would suffer the consequences.

"Ion cannons are first, follow with turbo cannon," she specified for the gunners. Her captain relayed the word to the rest of the fleet.

Ten seconds to go before they would be opening fire. Would the intruders respond before Tålamod enforced the sovereignty of the Empire? Either way, she was not going to fail her nation or the name of her family.

[member="Ekaro"], [member="Anja Aj'Rou"], [member="Maximilian Vinticus"], [member="Ragnar the Destroyer"], [member="HK-36"], [member="Ral Sanaka"], [member="Kara Runo"], [member="Nitram Ozio"], [member="Alva Calvarona"]

 

[Boethiah]

[member="Tålamod Shapochka"] [member="Ekaro"] [member="Maximilian Vinticus"] [member="Ragnar the Destroyer"] [member="HK-36"] [member="Ral Sanaka"] [member="Kara Runo"] [member="Nitram Ozio"] [member="Alva Calvarona"]

The fleet continued its pursuit and was clearly not responsive to the warning sent out by the Imperial Remnant's task force. The ships under Pyrrhus Alet maintained course. The charged ions of the mendacity sat still as the fleet approached, by this point warnings were flashing all over the command deck of the Carnage-class. "We're in range, sire.", one officer said as he monitored the targeting systems and sensory data. Another officer began sending out notices that all crew maintain stations. "Excellent. Continue pace, prepare to fire when optimal.', he ordered the intercom officer to send out that same order to all ships in the pack. The Mendacity's prepared targeting data and the gu-54's maintained their course just to the rear in preparation. The rest was up to the other Officers in the fleet. "To all Mendacity-class Corvettes: When ready provide covering fire for the Deluge-class. I want six of the seven to maintain ramming positions, the High King will break off towards the planet."

Marks were set and the symphony was about to begin.