Invasion [GA | DE] Operation Shadow Hand | GA Defense of Tython, Empress Teta, & Prakith

[Marlon Sularen]

O P E R A T I O N_S H A D O W_H A N D
Objective : Ashla's Tears

DARK EMPIRE
TYTHON, DEEP CORE

The NIV Predator emerged from the portal gate, right behind Admiral Cott's gathered Fleet. As he remained seated in his Command Chair at the front of the bridge, Sularen was still focused on the large holographic display projected right Infront of him. Little action had taken place so far, although the necessary preparations to spring his trap were complete. Titan Leader's Air Wing was proceeding to lay out the masked transponders while Cott's Fleet moved forth to make attempts to draw the Alliance fleet towards the debris field. As for the Alliance Fleet itself, they still remained fixed in their location waiting for the Imperials to come at them first, leaving both sides in somewhat of a stalemate where both sides waited for the other to attack them first.

As the Predator navigated the dense mixed debris/asteroid field, it's magnetic visual cloak and stealth systems still active allowing it to remain undetected by enemy forces, the Grand Admiral continued to ponder his next move thinking of how he could lure the Galactic Alliance to split up their forces and give the Imperial Fleet the opportunity they needed they destroy the Alliance Fleet in a divide and conquer strategy. As the Grand Admiral remained deep in thought, he was suddenly interrupted by his personal aide Colonel Rackham. "Sir. It would appear the Despot has arrived with his fleet." Rackham said. "Apparently, the rift has collapsed forcing them to join us sooner then expected." he added. Almost immediately after Rackham finished speaking, the Senior Communications Officer of the Predator's bridge joined in with another major development. "Sir, we've received a message from the Despot. He wants to know why we haven't secured the landing zone."

"I don't think it's rocket science to know how we are outnumbered and outgunned here considering the Alliance's Battlecruisers alone are enough to take on our entire fleet." Sularen retorted. "Patch me through with the Despot." Sularen ordered. The Communications officer then nodded and returned to his station, moving forth to open a channel between the Predator and the Tiberius. The Grand Admiral then turned to Rackham and proceeded to give him new instructions. "Rackham, i want a complete assessment of the Vanguard of the Alliance Fleet along with the rest of the Imperial Fleet commanded by Admiral Cott and the Despot." he commanded. "Yes, Grand Admiral." Rackham said before leaving Sularen to gather the requested data. "Sir, we've opened a secure line of communication with the Tiberius." the Communications officer cried out.

Soon enough, Sularen would find himself connected to the Despot's Flagship ready to discuss the Imperial Fleet's next course of action with the Despot. "Ah, Lord Despot. The necessary preparations have been made for our offensive against the Alliance Fleet, all we need to do know is to simply get them to split up their forces and take out the individual task forces that make up the larger Alliance Battlegroup one by one in order to gain control over the battlefield." Sularen explained.

His Strategy was indeed sound as it would allow the combined might of the Imperial Fleet to concentrate their firepower on smaller sections of the Alliance Fleet one at a time, but it relied primarily on the impatience and overconfidence of the enemy Alliance commanders and for the ruse to last long enough to keep the Alliance Fleet separated for enough time. While the arrival of Korvan's Fleet was premature, it might be the boost that Cott's Fleet needed to have a fighting chance against the large Vanguard of the Alliance Battlegroup. Thus the Grand Admiral would wait for a response from the Despot and Admiral Cott, all while the cloaked Predator would continue to slowly navigate through the debris/asteroid field ready to move against the Alliance when the time was right.

Tags [Friendlies] | Zethran Cott | Ignacious Korvan | Sinestra | Darth Ptolemis | Aerarii Tithe
Tags [Hostiles] | Amelia von Sorenn | Cessair Ideon | Arla Rodarch | Vaux Gred | Ari Naldax | Ordo | Reiner Ghadi ​

 

[Darth Apophion]

​

OBJECTIVE 3: Clash at Kaleth
Allies: Dark Empire
Enemies: Galactic Alliance, Mya Windu

His opponent switched to Form Three and with considerable skill defended herself from the Sith Lord's onslaught. Backflipping out of the way and down a hall.

"Coward! Face me blade to blade."

As the droid sprang to life with a cacophony of mechanical whirrs and the glaring light of its photoreceptors, Darth Apophion found himself momentarily taken aback by the rapidity of its activation. The sudden hum of the Gatling-style weapon charging up served as an immediate call to action, a challenge to which the Sith Lord was more than prepared to respond.

The chamber was soon filled with the relentless sound of blaster fire, the air illuminated by the rapid succession of bolts aimed with lethal intent at Apophion. Utilizing his lightsaber not just as a weapon but as an extension of his will, he began a series of deft movements that allowed him to deflect the incoming barrage. Each movement of his blade was precise, calculated to redirect the bolts away from him, his form a perfect embodiment of the elegance and efficiency that Makashi espoused. He was long able to overcome the weakness the style had against blaster weapons fighting the Jedi on Begeren.

As the droid expended its energy pack and Mya, with a glare that spoke volumes of her determination, prepared to fling the mechanical assailant at him, Apophion was already two steps ahead. Aware that brute force would soon follow the failed barrage, he grounded himself in the Force, prepared to counter the next phase of the attack. When the droid was hurled through the air towards him, Apophion, rather than evade, chose to confront this new threat head-on. With a surge of dark energy, he extended his hand, channeling the Force to slow the droid's momentum before diverting its trajectory, turning Mya's intended weapon into a harmless projectile that sailed past him, missing its mark.

As she executed a cartwheel and launched herself into the air, her saber descended in a vicious arc toward him. In that moment, with Mya airborne and committed to her strike, Apophion leveraged Makashi's principle of minimal effort for maximum effect. He sidestepped with a fluid grace, positioning himself just outside the path of her descending blade. This maneuver placed him at an advantageous angle to her, where he could launch a counterattack aimed at exploiting the brief vulnerability her committed strike presented.

With Mya's back in front of him mid-cartwheel. Apophion unleashed a flurry of strikes, each one precise and targeted. His blade moved in controlled, efficient patterns at the woman's back.

 

[Amena Kader]

VIPER
KALETH TEMPLE | TYTHON
ALLIES: DE
ENEMIES: GA
ENGAGING: Lily Decoria
GEAR: Armour | Lightsaber | Pistol | Vibroblades | Vibroknife | Grenade loadout

PNEUMA​

The kid had a lot more guts than was good for her.

A pity, really. If only she could see the real truth as Amena had seen it all those years ago- the amount of people that had either lost their lives or were displaced because of the Order and Alliance's choice to rather save themselves than the rest of the Galaxy. That people had died that could have been saved if they had chosen to stay and fight for a better Galaxy.

But, alas, the kid had chosen ignorance instead of opening her mind.

When the girl finished speaking and remained firm, the Inquisitor smiled while shaking her head.
"So be it. Just remember, Padawan, I gave you a choice. You chose differently." she said, still in her defensive Shien position. "I do hope, for your sake, that your Master taught you how to fight more than just Sith."

Amena had started to circle the young Jedi as she spoke, reading every little movement or twitch of a muscle from the girl. As she finished speaking, she jumped into action, the argent blade feinting a strike toward the Padawan's midriff. When she was sure the Jedi would take the bait, however, she quickly changed the blade's direction and strike. The pure blade suddenly struck like the paw of a Vornskr straight at the girl's head, the Viper having changed form to that of Juyo instead midway.

She was no robot, however. The Force flowing freely through Amena now, moved as she struck. She still held back on utilising the Form fully just yet, even though it wouldn't be visible to the young woman. The Inquisitor was still testing the girl's defenses, trying to see how she would move when confronted by some of the ferocity of the Form.

The Viper circled again, waiting, the purified blade humming in anticipation. She was, however, curious to see what this girl could do. If it would be more beneficial to sway this girl instead of killing her like she should.

Only time would tell.

 

[Mya Windu]

Flying through the air with a wheeling Ataru strike, her lightsaber a fan of purple as she did so; she'd missed her mark. A bit frustrated that he'd easily tossed the droid aside with a powerful movement of the Force telekinetically; she actually was in the next moment calmed by the magnitude of the Force she'd felt in that brief moment. Good, this wouldn't be easy. However, what she didn't anticipate was his speed of counter. A single slash crossed her back at the top of her shoulder; slicing in an orange glare through her right shoulder and searing through her; she'd moved a bit forward to spin and face him so it didn't have maximum effect; however it was as if an iron had moved across her top back shoulder; roaring in determination she would perform a whirling low strike at his upper thighs; meeting his flurry of blows in a clashes that literally caused the floor itself to shake as instead of retreat she slammed her blade against his in Djem So; whacking and batting formations, following his every wrist movement as the red and purple blades flashed bright white at each contact; with a downwards spinning slash; she followed with a swift uppercutting slash that flared in a spin with into a Djem So upper stance.

Calling on the force with a roar it swelled around her lifting the dust off of the ground and then downward as she moved with blinding speed. A loud CRASH! was heard as she would either rend him asunder or meet his blade with unprecedented force. Lifting her blade at a constant whirl as she raised it above her head, still in the Djem So stance; she would slow her thoughts and center herself once more; bending her knees with her saber held above her head.

"As you wish...." she replied solemnly, a scary tone as if someone was a bout to pull a trigger.

With one hand she moved in slamming her blade downward in a whipping formation, following through into an oriental style spin she would slam her blade down again with two hands this time; moving from Djem So into for the first time with Niman; she would at a millisecond have her blade behind her in a samurai esque fashion, going for center mass she blurred with Force Speed directly past him making sure to strike the moment she saw him react; just below his saber if possible, but deftly enough to parry any incoming strike.

Behind him likely now she would spin backward, turning her saber off with a ballerina like whirl. With both hands now; she called upon the Force around her. The strength of the place in which she stood flowing through her. Images, blue and ghostly would flash before her, walking through the hallowed halls briefly in her mind. The room properly began to shake as the ceiling began to crumble in small pieces; pillars fell, and the ground itself began to crack. Large chunks of the floor would rip up, stone and marble alike. Holding her hands outward they would barrage the Sith Lord; flinging at high speed and spinning, some from the ceiling above others from the very walls themselves. Narrowing her gaze as her brow furrowed; the floor would CRACK! Giving way properly as they both likely would descend in a free fall downward to the floor below; far enough that both of them would notice the fall, but not enough to wound combatants blessed with the force of such a level.

Daylight beamed in but darkened as they fell.

Holding her hand out as they did so; the air would vibrate with the Force as the onslaught of telekinetic projectiles would continue from all sides. When they finally hit the ground, huge chunks of debris would slam into the ground all around them, although missing her the crashes were extremely loud. It seemed they were now in some kind of abandoned Control Room; deep within the ancient temple, as old technology and panels and comm systems along the walls were seen. Long dead. Sparks and wiring flew as the room was bombarded from falling construction above.

A violet glow would fill the room as her saber would reactivate; walking towards him slowly, she would point her saber at him threateningly before whirling it once into a Niman stance one more at her side; continuing to approach with a loud hum of her saber through the indoor destruction of the temple.

Darth Apophion ​

 

[Lord Kalrath]

Kaleth
Tags: Aris Noble , Zaiya Ceti , Braze

Kalrath saw the blow coming for his heart. In fact, he even anticipated such a thing. But this? This was far more fun. The Echani's lightsaber would tear through him like butter, splaying tendons and searing skin as it did so. He would be impaled fully, but the ancient Sith wouldn't even flinch. Instead, he simply boomed with laughter.

"I have lived for thousands of years," Kalrath stated. "Beyond the need of flesh... organs... but you?"

The Sith Lord clasped onto the short padawan's wrist with increadible strenght, well stronger than the average person. His withered appearence was decieving, hiding raw alchemical strength from his total corruption. His mind gave way to power, his power giving way to strength. It was as though a durasteel vice had clasped onto Braze's wrist, with no clear intention of letting go. Just as quickly as he had grabbed hold of him, Kalrath's arm began to twist.

"You are fragile," the Sith boomed. "It takes so little for you to... snap."

The crack of his broken wrist would ring out faintly, and Kalrath would pry the boy's lightsaber from his hand.

 

[KN-967]

Location: Empress Teta, Cinnegar East Bank
Allies: Monos | Salvor Thul | Arminius Kroeger | Thomas Barran
Enemies: Ashley Nevermore | Gress D'ran | Lycus Merita
Interacting: Jon Hojkstra | TK-818
Theme: [x]

“What do you take us for?” Kane growled, her stoic mask barely containing the venom in her voice. The corporal was smart enough to see what kind of situation they were in, how bad things had gotten and how little chance of success they had. Stuck behind enemy lines, supplies running low, support lagging behind and the objective seemingly out of reach.

The young woman could also see what Jon was trying to do. He was a sympathetic lot, that much was certain. Loyal, brave. If she was capable of feeling empathy towards his plight she might have been touched at the sacrifice he was trying to make. But she let out a laugh. “We’re stormtroopers, Jon. The moment we stepped onto the shuttles we were already dead.” An age old saying, done by warriors of old. Conquerors who claimed the galaxy. Legends told to children as a warning of what happens when soldiers make peace with death and build their entire being around their service for something greater than themselves. “Victory is life. Only victory.”

The analytical part of her mind looked around. “We bring down the tower. Take it out, specifically placed charges get it to fall.” She angled her hand in a chopping motion towards the shield generator complex. The tower was a few hundred meters tall.

“Lane, Bravo, your detonators.” She ordered, grabbing them up and rushing to the first big load bearing wall in her path, keying in the parameters on the thermal detonator she needed. She needed to chop out a wedge from the tower, leave the back supports intact to angle the buildings fall. Even then, it wasn’t a precise execution. She didn’t have hours of planning, the architectural layout of the buildings, or enough small explosives to ensure everything went exactly as intended. Mostly she was relying on makeshift thermal detonators and repurposed anti-tank mines.

“Jon. I need you to go upstairs and place charges on the outermost load bearing columns.” Alliance troopers would not be so kind about setting bombs in their tower. They would not sit idle and let it happen once they realized what was happening. “I’ll try to get the ground floor set up. We may have to use the megablaster to weaken some of the supports.”

 

[Jasper Kai'el]

Kaleth
Tags: Kaleb Sunwalker

​

"Don't worry. I promise to give you a Jedi funeral worthy of such respect."

Jasper didn't give him the satisfaction of a reaction. Blade raised in an overhead strike, Form V perhaps? Djem So seemed to be the most likely option. Already Jasper was analyzing the battlefield, looking to take advantage of the present environment. With no way to naturally use the force without assistance, the man was limited to the runes that Kahlil Noble had taught him, as well as any martial arts technique imparted to him by his time with the Matukai.

This would work. It was a puzzle he just had to put together.

The Sentinel of Harmony lifted his mechanical arm, revealing a rune on his finger. Lightning. He channeled energy into the rune, which sent out a jolt of electricity. Energy would fan out, enhanced by the conductivity of the rain. It would jump from droplette to droplett, making a small burst of electrical energy aimed towards his face in hopes of slowing his attack.

Then Jasper would prepare a defensive stance to take the blow.

 

[Detritus Ren]

Location: Tython, Kaleth Temple
Allies: NSO, Dark Side Elite, Knights of Ren
Enemies: Jedi: Jonyna Si Taam Moghul
Equipment: Ren Lightsaber, Orbalisk Armor

Detritus would grin as he had launched the Male warrior towards his mate, but watched with interest as he had used the Force to counter the push with pull. Both forces clashing against each other that caused the push to be canceled out. The triumphant grin quickly turned into an angry scowl once more as he watched his foe skid across the floor to be more closer to his mate. This hadn't been the full effect that was intended, but Ren managed to fend off a simultaneous strike if not for the moment. His blazing, yellow eyes would narrow closely upon the Cathar duo. His fury rising to the point of frenzy awaiting to be unleashed. He would stand before them both not moving an inch.

The storm had begun, a grin appearing on Detritus's face as the wind howled, lightning crackled, thunder roared. His eyes fully intent on both the Jedi closely. He watched as the Woman leapt off the shoulders of her mate and towards him. At first would Detritus stand there embracing the inferno that came from him. He could feel the heat agitate the Orbalisks. He could feel them biting, and biting into him. Anger fueled him as both heat and acidic fluid brought pain unlike any other. Burning would mix with sharp pain, as he felt the fire across his arms. He could feel himself rise with the heat, through the flames would he watch the female leap through the sky. Through the fire and smoke, a flash greeted his vision. He was blinded for a moment, and in attempt to ward off such light would the hulking Ren crouch slowly to grab two fallen Dark Side Elite next to him to aid in death as they had in life.

When the smoke did clear would he see the Cathar Jedi Woman come right at him. The blinding light was lightning heading his way. Detritus took a sharp breath as the Orbalisks overpowered his conscious thought. He was giving into the rage, the intense pain that coursed through every bone, muscle, and fiber of his body. All he could feel was stinging pain. When the lightning came to him, would he use the armored carcass of one Dark Side Elite to act as a shield. The fallen darksider held up tightly in his right hand as Detritus found his legs moving. Slowly would his dug in boots now try to run into a sprint.

The lightning struck the discarded Dark Side Elite. The force of the lightning would cause both armor and flesh to sizzle against the strike. A smoky smell graced Detritus's nostrils as he gave into pain, and adrenaline. His legs still moving furiously in a sprint. The Cathar Woman would see a hulking force of rage attempting to move with speed. The lightning absorbed Dark Side Elite was cast aside as a smoky ruin where the woman would hear. "RAAAAAGHHHH!!!" Came the furious roar of Detritus as he was running right towards her, looking to close the gap between the two so that Detritus could fully unleash his rage.

Holding the second fallen Dark Side Elite in his hand would he see another shot. Detritus wouldn't stop as he placed the Elite in front of him. The fallen Elite would absorb the next strike. This time of sizzling, or smoking would the form start to ice up dramatically. The ice would spread until the armored warrior would break into pieces. All the while Detritus continued his wild charge, discarding the crumbling warrior now that his purpose was served. He was so close to her now. His body and mind giving fully to rage, a snap hiss ignited his crackling, fiery blade once more. In mere moments he was ready to crash into the Cathar Jedi Woman with furious anger, the storm continuing to intensify all around them.

​

 

[Kaleb Sunwalker]

Location: Tython, Evac Platform
Allies: Dark Side Elite, NSO, Knights of Ren
Enemies: Jedi: Jasper Kai'el
Equipment: Lightsaber, Stygian Codex

Kaleb could feel burning pain within his shoulder. He looked to see an arrow that Jasper had fired had punctured deep. What pain he didn't feel before could he feel now. His shoulder once numb from the blow, was now burning with the stinging impact of rain starting to pelt against the wound. Kaleb could smell the rain mix with the ionized scent left by the burning of lightsabers. This scent was made all the more known as drops of rain sizzled against the activated green blade against his lightsaber. Kaleb would look towards the man anxiously awaiting to see how the man would respond. Would he himself attack, or would he remain on the defensive.

The Jedi Knight wouldn't likely wait. He quickly tried to make the opening strikes, hoping that the man would use his own blade. His eyes narrowed in anger, his blade moving to strike would Kaleb then fail to realize what was heading his way. As the fury of the storm would commence, would Kaleb see a burst of electricity through the rain. His strike was mid-way through the motion of his strike when the lightening would his face. "AHHH!" He said as his eyes were momentarily blinded by the flash, and he felt stinging pain upon each feature of his face. He could feel the grasp of his saber start to loosen from his fingers.

His strikes stopped, as in order to make the pain subside for the moment would he press his fingers into his face. Rubbing the rain through his eyes did he hope for the pain to stop. This wasn't good, his shoulder was growing more numb as blood trickled onto the platform. He was left open for a strike. His eyes squinting through the pain, his temper quickly rising would Kaleb attempt to strike back in his rage. His blade once swinging wildly, would attempt to strike in an flurry of power strikes. He could feel a burst of energy when he acted upon his rage, now he attempted to lash out through that rage with wild strikes against the Jedi before him. He was out of his element here, his anger getting the better of him. His spirit feeling conflicted, teetering on the edge of darkness itself.​

 

[Cessair Ideon]

175th Chandrila Naval Task Force​

Battlegroup Kenobi​

Spoiler: 175th Naval Task Force

Bippina Class Dreadnought Battle Cruiser ANS Whirlwind

BSD - MC87 Heavy Star Cruiser ANS Liberty's Array ANS Mentor's Plight

Triumph Class A-601 Main Battlecruiser ANS Montorr ANS Kellin ANS Colls ANS Sinbad

BSD - Hammerhead Class B Cruiser ANS Lorix ANS Almac ANS Torin ANS Dain ANS Monsu ANS Jagar

Declaration Class D-100 Starfighter Cruiser ANS Blotus ANS Mollo II ANS Greylock II ANS Furlow III

Blissex-class Assault Frigate Mk III ANS Selziro | ANS Guose

Madine Class Patrol Frigate ANS Locket ANS Monsoon ANS Addle ANS Fiery ANS Hopping ANS Huanan

BSD - DP40 Heavy Gunship ANS Larus ANS Pippin ANS Dinas ANS Picket ANS George ANS Gnarl ANS Momo ANS Valery

Fleet Starfighter Cores F-29 Fortress Bomber E-Wing Multi-Role Starfighter LRS-B W-Wing Heavy Strike Bomber RZ-5 Crynyd-series A-wing Interceptor​

Zethran Cott Marlon Sularen Arla Rodarch Vaux Gred Ari Naldax Reiner Ghadi Ignacious Korvan Darth Ptolemis Sinestra
​

"Vice-Admiral Ideon, we are picking up distant chatter on our communication relay, apparently a distress signal from within the asteroid field." With a mix of anticipation and caution, the Chief Communication Officer's eyes widened as the data transmission finally broke through the intricate web of alliance fleet communications bouncing between each vessel within the task force. This unexpected turn of events made him pause, considering that previous COMSCAN reports had detected no activity within the asteroid field. It raised the unsettling possibility that the Imperial Fleet might be playing a deceptive game.

"Unfortunate that civilians entered into an active warzone, but we can't compromise the security of our defensive line by assisting them at this moment in time." - Ideon's face contorted slightly, resembling a grimace, as the possibility of the transmission being genuine sank in. However, their hands were tied when it came to aiding the stranded individuals in the hailing vessels. Any rescue attempt would jeopardize the safety and security of the Alliance Defensive Line. Only under the direct orders of Supreme Commander Von Sorenn, who held authority over the entire Alliance Military by appointment of the Chancellor and the Senate, would they consider mounting a rescue mission.

Unfortunately there was little time to contemplate on the subject any longer as there was a worried look on the face of a junior transmissions officer as the Vice-Admiral approached along with the Senior Command Staff on board the bridge. "Ah...Vice-Admiral..Sir!, our secondary scanners have picked up a massive signal belonging to an imperial battlegroup composing of twenty-four ships, attempting to flank us from behind the remnants of Ashla." The shaky voice of the officer said glancing up at the imposing group surrounding the monitor. Such unfortunate news would surely have shaken the confidence of any other naval officer regardless of their experience, as being pincered in between two battlegroups would prove disadvantageous.

"They've played their sabaac hand entirely too early, my colleagues. Any Imperial Force attempting to move around the remnants of Ashla towards our flank exposes themselves to a full broadside from the Viscount Class Star Defender ANS Mon Mothma before they can get into battle positions. No Imperial Commander would make that mistake, certainly not when they could have maneuvered around the orbital boundary of the planet to avoid such a blow due to the risk of hitting the planet. This is a clever ruse." The Vice-Admiral carefully detailed the plan to the puzzled Command Staff, watching as their expressions shifted from confusion to understanding. The concept of a commander willingly facing a direct attack from an SSD Class Vessel seemed absurd, ultimately revealing the signal as a cunning tactic to divide the alliance battlegroup.

Ideon maneuvered towards the bridge of the ANS Whirlwind as the ancient portal's destabilization was detected on the tactical screen exposing the main enemy battlegroup to direct confrontation by the Alliance Forces. Preliminary scans of the fleet showed it composed new ISD Class Vessels no doubt built by loyalist shipyards within former New Imperial Order space. It wasn't quite as large as the Alliance High Command had predicted but it would pose a challenge none the less despite the prevalence of Alliance Battlecruisers.

"This is Vice-Admiral Ideon, detach from the defensive line and advance all vessels towards coordinates N2-566 and N3-556 on the orbital grid, prep all secondary and primary weaponry in our frontal batteries and prepare for direct assault against the imperial battlegroup. We only have a limited window to smash through the remnants fleet." The Vice-Admiral gave the order to the the command staff as they transmitted the message accordingly down the chain of command until the 175th Naval Task Force had successfully detached from the defensive line and would be advancing ahead to confront the Imperial Force of Ignacious Korvan .

Spoiler: Fleet Actions

• Alliance Task Force has detached from the Alliance Line
• Moving to confront the Imperial Force under Ignacious Korvan's Command.
• Starfighters have been maintained around the Task Force Flagship to provide anti-starfighter duty.

 

[Syd Celsius]

The Clones brutally engaged Sith Soldiers around Kaleth, using walls of tanks to press their attacks against the Sith. But a good chunk of those tanks had been destroyed already

Syd's orange blades moved around her body as she whipped to and fro on the grounds near the temple bent on keeping the Sith occupied with the fact various members of their army were getting brutally filled with holes from a DC-15A (Indeed, even some of the Clones noticed the alarm of enemy soldiers actually increased once they spotted those because absolutely no one in their right mind wants to go against a rifle with a potential ten kilometer range. A 700 meter Range at the very least, which was way more than what a lot of modern rifles sported, while retaining deadly accuracy and power.).

Clone Offense Troopers hugged the back of tanks in firing lines, lancing bolts creeping out from their rifles and striking targets that were so far off they didn't even hear the sound of the bolt being fired as Syd ripped into enemy units like a hurricane, bent on chopping apart every soldier that had come here to assist the Sith in striking down Tython.

She could feel Nathan getting closer to the temple in the distance. Clone units were spreading out, trying to punch even deeper into enemy lines. Flame tornados ripped into a Sith that had tried to duel her, her orange blade whipped about in the Niman Style.

She felt the reverberation of Tython echo within her and Nathan. This was where Darth Solipsis had altered reality, the tears he had caused in his ritual had accidentally revived Nathan from the dead.

Nathan was deeply uncomfortable. She knew it in her bones. This place sang twisted notes. The Violence of the other Battle the Maw had fought for this place echoed.

He didn't want to be here. He didn't want to be here with her.

She understood why, certainly. Yet, for some reason, it still stung.

It was completely irrational. He had every right to despise her. Yet it stung...

Why?

Perhaps she was letting the Bond cloud her judgement.

Syd engaged a Sith with a red Saberstaff as she and the Clones immediately near her cleared out.

Syd's use of Niman was not by choice. There just wasn't much left of her Makashi after the Battalion had devoured it from her head. She knew enough to win,but not to dominate with it as she used to. So she blended the Force with her attacks as she and the Sith fought, barriers set up and smashed through, lightning dodged and absorbed. She killed him in the span of thirty seconds, decapitating him.

She felt Nathan cut down a Sith inside the temple, the Clone Knights that had gone with him dueling their own foes.

The father was doing much the same as his daughter had done when she had come to Tython. Except that he had no one but Clones with numbers for names to fight alongside him, not those who could have complimented his front toward enemy fighting style.

The shame she felt over the fate of his daughter, and her role in it, would never fade. It would haunt her until she finally died.

She had lost her.

Laertia's turn to the Dark Side had broken her heart. Shattered it into a million pieces. That both the daughter and the father utterly despised her and wanted her dead shattered it into a million more.

It was moments like this, surrounded by carnage, the hubris and madness of people trying to play God as she once had made her realize she would die alone, surrounded only by those who hated her and wished her to suffer for what she had done.

And she accepted it. Because they were right. They were right about her.

That was the worst part. That she had absolutely earned that loneliness, that sentiment towards her.

Syd watched as clones surrounded a Sith Lord who had been butchering them and started firing.

Syd had seen many things. Fantastic things. Some of it forgotten by time, some of it forgotten because of the Battalion's theft.

But even she had never witnessed full on Fett Clones outright Order 66 a Force User.

It was a fascinating, simplistic thing to see in it's execution. It seemed an idiot's tactic, just surrounding a really aggressive, dangerous Saber User, and shooting them until they die or you do.

But that is what she saw play out. Oh, The Sith was a monster of a Brute, a head taller than her, and he did indeed slice apart many clones, even as she flew in to to assist the clones but those DC-15A'S sent lances of blue energy to their target, and though he deflected many, it wasn't long before he fell to the hail of blaster fire as she landed.

"Did you see that?! We just sixty-sixed a freaking Sith!" A Clone Trooper exclaimed as she walked up to examine the carnage.

"Old habits dying hard..." Syd replied. "Gather what troops you can and storm the temple. See if you can't get a perimeter set up around it. Do your best to make sure any Sith in that temple has to fight their way out. Assist what Jedi you can."

"It shall be done, Milady." The Clone Offense Trooper nodded in assurance.

Syd fought back the urge to fly to the temple herself to assist Nathan. Nathan didn't want her help any more than necessary.

Syd continued to fly about the Battlefield, conjuring flames and directing troops as needed, while the Clones prepared to make a Push deep within the Kaleth Temple, which was definitely heavily defended, and simply intended to brute force their way inside, and deal with any Sith opposing them through repeated Blaster and Tank fire...

 

[Darth Apophion]

​

OBJECTIVE 3: Clash at Kaleth
Allies: Dark Empire
Enemies: Galactic Alliance, Mya Windu

Mya launched herself through the air with an Ataru strike, her lightsaber a blur of purple, Darth Apophion's reaction was not merely defensive but anticipatory, understanding the momentum and trajectory of her movements with an acuity honed through the many battles he faced on Begeren. The Sith could feel his strike land and graze her back. The first real victory and an advantage he could exploit later.

The clash of their blades, a tempest of red and purple, illuminated the chamber with each contact, a visual symphony of their struggle for dominance. Apophion, recognizing the shift in Mya's tactics to the powerful style of Djem So, adapted his strategy accordingly. Makashi, while emphasizing finesse over brute strength, afforded him the agility and control necessary to meet her force with deft precision, redirecting rather than opposing her strikes.

In the moment of her attack, with a roar that matched her own, Apophion channeled the Force not just defensively but as an extension of his counterattack. Rather than meet her blade directly, he utilized a sidestep derived from Makashi's principles, turning his body to minimize the target area and using the momentum of her strike to position himself advantageously. His blade, a vermillion arc in the dim light, was not idle; it moved in a precise, calculated motion aimed to intercept Mya's saber at an angle that would deflect the force of her blow away from him, mitigating its potential impact.

"Time is on my side now." He stated.

Suddenly, however, the Sith Lord found himself amidst a maelstrom of collapsing architecture and hurtling debris. Mya's connection to the Force, bolstered by the ancient power of their surroundings, transformed the chamber into a tempest of stone and marble. Yet as the ceiling crumbled and the pillars fell, his awareness expanded, each movement of debris tracked with a predator's focus. The Force around him became not just a tool for attack but a shield against the chaos Mya unleashed. As chunks of the floor and ceiling were propelled towards him, the Sith quickly summoned a barrier of Force energy around him, diverting the barrage of stone and marble.

When the ground beneath them cracked and gave way, sending them plummeting into the depths of the temple, Apophion remained composed, his fall controlled and deliberate. Landing amidst the ruins of what once was a control room, Apophion was quick to regain his footing, the force of his landing dispersing debris in a radius around him. As Mya reactivated her saber, the violet glow casting eerie shadows across the devastated chamber, Apophion stood ready, his saber igniting with a Vermillion fury that cut through the dim light.

Apophion, ever the tactician, had not forgotten the injury he had inflicted upon Mya's right shoulder earlier in their confrontation. It was a weakness, however slight, and in the high stakes of their duel, even the smallest advantage could be decisive. He planned his next series of attacks with this in mind, intending to exploit her compromised mobility and the potential pain that would flare with each movement of that arm.

His first move was a feint, aimed directly at her injured shoulder, not with the intent to strike, but to force her to defend with it, to test her pain threshold and distract her from his true intentions. As she moved to parry, he swiftly redirected his attack towards her left side, targeting areas that would require her to use her injured shoulder more extensively if she wished to defend effectively.

Each strike that followed was calculated to compound the strain on her right shoulder, using a combination of direct thrusts and cunning feints that would require rapid, forceful movements to counter—movements that would no doubt exacerbate the injury. Apophion's blade danced with lethal precision, a vermillion arc in the dim light, each movement designed to not just physically overpower Mya but to erode her defensive capabilities by focusing on her vulnerability.

 

[Silas Westgard]

Location: Empress Teta
Objective: Defend the capital
Tag: Ardana Vorco

Not to his surprise the masked individual had the where with all to block his strike and lock them in a stalemate. His gaze looks straight at her visor, curious if he could catch a glimpse of who was underneath. Either way, they were going to meet a quick end if they didn't stop their hostilities. Sighing to himself from her comment he quickly motioned to the other invaders lying motionless on the floor.

"The others didn't last long due to their insolence. I hope you don't follow their path"

However, it didn't seem like she was going to be listening anytime soon. Using her strength, she pushed him back first into the wall and closed the distance to apply pressure to her own cause. Silas swung up his lightsaber to catch the staff once more, and before long she was looking to catch him off guard with a swift blow to his head. Keeping his eyes on her movements, he dug his feet into the ground and sent her back with a mighty push to prevent her from going through with her thoughts.

Silas quickly stumbled back towards the wall and kicked his feet against the structure to send him upwards into the air. His body seemingly front flipped and cleanly landed behind her, giving him a chance to throw a stiff sidekick into the side of her body to send her falling into a few decaying crates that had been damaged by previous fighting.

"You're smarter than the rest, put down your weapon and stop this."
​

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Kaleth Temple
Interacting with: Aris Noble | Braze | Lord Kalrath | Denn Verdan

-

Relief washed over Zaiya as Seszil returned and helped to secure Aris's lightsaber back in its sheath. But her relief quickly turned to concern as Aris stirred and groggily opened his eyes.

"Oh, thank the stars, Aris. Are you okay?" Zaiya's words were cut short as Aris immediately asked about her well-being. She nodded vigorously, more worried about Aris, Braze, and their escape from this dire situation.

"I'm fine - but what about yo--" Once again, Zaiya's words were interrupted, this time by the realization that Aris couldn't hear. Had the concussion burst his eardrums? Glancing up, she spotted the trickle of blood by his earlobe.

There was no time to dwell on it. Aris quickly determined that they needed to flee from the menacing Twi'lek. Panic, confusion, fear, and concern washed over Zaiya's silver skin, with shades of grey and pale yellow pulsing faintly, revealing the depth of her distress. She felt utterly helpless.

With blind trust in Aris's guidance, Zaiya nodded in confirmation. "The halo light? Yes. Yes, I can do it again. Okay."

Trusting that Seszil would help Aris steady his feet, Zaiya withdrew her arm from his back. The last thing she needed was to blind Aris after he was already deafened. Bringing her wrist back up, Lovalla had to remind herself to try to steady her fingers as she quickly swiped and brought back the selection for the halo light option. Her nictitating membranes swept over to protect her eyes again.

At this point, she knew they were too far away for her to blast the Twi'lek with the light. She'd have to throw it into place. Those yellow swatches over her mottled spots spiked in hue, foolish courage again.

Focus, focus, focus, Zaiya told herself, snapping off the band from her wrist. With the activation of the band, that blinding bright flash of halo light shone within her hand. At that moment, the decaying Sith managed to grab Braze's hand.

Zaiya was lucky she had tossed the wristband toward the Sith's feet then, hoping to get it close enough that the shockingly blinding white light would disorient the Twi'lek.

Had she waited any longer, the disgustingly shocking sound of cracking bone would have made her falter.

Spoiler: Gear

Robe and cool jewelry | BCA - Solid State Hologram Tool Band | The Babysitter Droid AKA - Nana *Zapped for now

 

[Elise Ahana-Gwyneira]

Elise Vizsla
Mandalorian Protector.
Student of Mia Monroe .
Pupil of Siyarr Ahan-Mitharran .
Third Dreamrune of the Novanian Shamans.
Alor'ad of Vercopa Squad.
Dreamseer.

Equipment
Armor	Beskar'gam.
Melee Weapons
	Copad'kal, "Ambition", personal Mandalorian Kal.
	Tar'Nau, Bes'manda Beskad.
	The Royal Dragon, lightsaber.
	Kada'yr, Mandalorian Kal.
	Breshig War Forge Consolidated K-02M Kal.
	Iviin'cer, beskar spear.
Pistols
	KSTR-20 Borealis Heavy Blaster Pistol.
	ENCL-21 Ra'ntisr Heavy Blaster Pistol.
	Mandalorian Ripper Pistol MK.II.
Seeds
	Mother's Root.
	Ori'ramikad Tree.
	Chakaar Weed.
	Creepervine.

Squadron Text Colors:
- Elise Vizsla: Red.
- Olivia Vizsla: Crimson.
- Ori'ramikad Rodarch: Lime.
- Choruk Ordo: Light Blue.
- Vhekad Rook: Brown.
- Dinui Krayt: Orange.
- Azalea Rodarch: Pink.

Cyan colored text indicates an illusion.

​

The red dreamscape was still the same. The same swamp, the same trees. The same pools of blood. As she stood, knee deep in the hot liquid, Elise could feel the spell's words pounding in her brain.

​

"You've failed to protect your friends, your comrades, and the innocent you swore to protect. And now, they've left you behind to your death."

Elise looked down, at the faces in the swamp. They were all so familiar. Faces of the slaves Elise mercy killed, to save from Darth Carnifex. The faces of her lost loved ones. Her father, her auntie, her mother... her dear mother... The face of her sister, still alive, as it seethed in rage from beneath the surface. The Sithspawn Elise had failed to save on Mandalore. The countless helmets of vode, dotting the floor of the swamp like pebbles. Elise looked down, as hands began to reach up from the murky waters.

She truly had been a failure. From the very beginning.

The hands grasped at her, pulling her legs, hips, stomach, arms, shoulders. They were all red, but a strangely blue hand rose from the swamp. Her throat was gripped by the hand, and she was finally yanked down to her knees. As the iron scented liquid splashed around, she gazed down at the faces of the damned. The faces of the damned she had failed to protect. As tears flooded her eyes, she once again contemplated ending this dream the same way it always had. The dreamscape she had conjured and attempted to trap her enemy in was not some mere fabrication... it was the dream she kept reliving. Over and over. But as she slouched, losing the fight, she heard a familiar voice echo around her.

"Hey! That's it? That's all you got?"​

Elise's head neared closer to the waters. Her nose faintly touched the liquid, making it ripple.

"You were just starting to get fun there! We were on the verge of crossing a new threshold."​

Elise heaved a heavy sigh. The hands did little to yank her, as if paused mid-action, as she lifted her head. She leaned backwards, back arching as she looked drearily to the red, cloudy sky.

"Can't you see I have post traumatic stress and clinical depression, Arr'Huwal?"

Arr'Huwal scoffed in amusement at her self depreciation. He was yet to be seen, but Elise could feel him here.

"But my curiosity! But this fight!"​

Elise's eyes narrowed, unamused. She flung her head back towards the swamp. "I'm not in the mood to amuse you, Arr'Huwal..."

To drown in the despair of her failures. It was an alluring fate. To trap herself deeper in her subconscious, and to let the enemy finish her off in reality. It was not like reality had ever needed her anyways...

"Tell me more of what I don't know, SHOW ME WHAT I DON'T SEE!!!! Let me see it.... Dare ye hide it from a seeress? Ea! Dare ye hide it from Arr'Huwal? Ea! Dare ye hide it from the Firmament? Ea! Dare ye hide it - even from your own soul? EA!!!!"​

Elise gritted her teeth, as she hovered just above her fate. She slouched again, coming up to shoulder's length. "Then come in here with me. You can see my darkest thoughts before I die."

All she had to do was submerge.

"Your edgy boyfriend and edgier uncle grandpa thing and edgiest Buir wouldn't appreciate it."​

Elise bolted straight up, clenching her fists. She was about to scream at a very Ancient One in fury when another voice interrupted.

"Please, Arr'Huwal, let me take it from here."​

Elise gaped, pausing in her anger. As red liquid soaked her and dripped into the swamp, another presence surrounded her. He was far calmer than Arr'Huwal. The chaotic energy of the trickster was countered by an all encompassing light, as it brought sunrays to the entire dreamscape. Elise saw a glimpse of the swamp without the darkness and mist. The faces, the buyce's, the hands... all were just floating over a strange, unnatural static. But from the static, little sticks controlled them and held them like puppets. Elise attempted to look up to the sky, but it was so overwhelming. The light nearly blinded her, and she clenched her eyes shut.

"Mind the light, child. even Godseers need to adjust in the beginning."​

In one of the neighboring pools, Elise's enemy remained. But unlike last time, when his scattered remains smiled at her, he stood completely in one piece. All powerful, unharmed. Elise's inner fears of being unable to change a thing personified.

But through that image, the second Ancient One could see just what kind of opponent Elise was fighting.

"This one feels familiar..."​

A memory flickered in Elise's mind. Through the eyes of a Novanian who felt so familiar, Elise saw the planet Zoist, and the appearance of one known as Darth Malus.

"Ah, I see... Sorry, Maaru.... I might need to bastardize your beloved art for a while."​

Then, Elise felt as if her heavy heart was somehow lightened. The air grew cooler and crisper, and she felt the Ancient One speak directly to her..

"Breathe."​

Elise shuddered, struggling so much to maintain stable breathing as she shook. But as she looked down, she saw the red being washed down, back into the swamp, by an invisible force.

"Melarran," Elise shuddered, "I'm not strong enough. I can't change anything..."

"Nonsense."​

Melarran was to the point, gently correcting the Dreamseer.

"You fear what every soul in the galaxy fears. The past. Why else did your mind come up with this place?"​

Elise looked up, exhausted and defeated, to the sky as glimpses of light broke through the clouds.

"Your opponent fears it too. Make him relive his memories, then use them against him! YOU HAVE THAT POWER! THIRD DREAMRUNE!!"​

Elise heard the chanting enthusiasm, so similar to Siyarr's, and it felt home. She was reminded, that she had trained and worked so hard. And it felt pointless right now. Even being a Mandalorian was a prickling doubt in her mind once more. But she remembered what she was capable of. If she was going to do what Melarran suggested...

"But you must be careful when dancing on those flames - he must not know his recall is working against him. He must believe it is all of his own doing!"​

Elise blinked slowly, "You really think I can pull it off?"

"Jac'Eli'Serum, you're the most capable of your entire generation in your coven, don't you know that? Even as a person, you have no idea what kind of difference you have made to those around you... Believe in yourself."

As she flung against the ground, Elise felt the enemy's darkness retreating briefly, but she caught ahold of it. Directly in front of him, between the two opponents, the crystal and locket remained. Elise sunk into his side of their mental link, activating the parts of his brain involving sentiments, memories, and pain. At least, she did her best. Mother's Root was a great help in her probability of succeeding. Elise was a natural contractor of Psychometry and Drain Knowledge. She had no idea who that feminine voice was, but she heard it. And she felt millions of souls, screaming inside one body. Elise knew a small ounce of what they felt like, having the memories of multiple people shoved inside her. And despite him being her enemy, she felt pity.

But that pity could not get in the way.

She stood up, her primal powers flaring. The Mother's Root would run out soon, but she had done her part as the shaman. The Mandalorian, no matter how flawed, would do the rest.

"Even if you do not succeed, do not hate yourself. He is a powerful foe, and going as far as you already have has proven your potential."​

Elise ripped her beskad, Tar'Nau, from its sheath.

"You truly are Siyarr's student! Ah-ha! Go get him, Dreamseer!"​

The red tattoos burned on her skin. Her eyes were like molten rock.

"My dear, you have survived. And you are not alone. Mother Melarria is always watching you. Like your mother and teacher watch over you in this plain."​

The beskad itself glowed, becoming covered in bright cyan runes. The Dreamseer Blessing was awakened in the bes'manda blade itself, as Elise slipped into position.

"My brother may be a prankster, but when he speaks of you, he tells the truth."​

While her subtle mind games hopefully worked their magic, Elise rushed her enemy with intent to stab his center of mass. But she did not need to kill him. All she needed was to graze him, and he would be out like a light

As she made contact, she put all her strength into one blow. The ethereal energy swirled around her and the sword as she screamed the nightmares awake.

"EA!!! MA'TH PRATAN!!!"
hail! For it's ink!
"EA!!! MA'TH AJAYARN!!!!"
hail! For it's Ajayid path!
"EA!!! MA'DEN KATHAN MELARRAN!!!!"
hail! for all under Melarran!​

The energy slipped away, Mother's Root depleting. As Tar'Nau slipped into comatose itself, Elise wobbled and fell, unbalanced. She crashed on her knees, as the headaches and agony set it. The Mother's Root hangovers were wicked, and she knew fully well that her fight had ended...

​

"You've failed to protect your friends, your comrades, and the innocent you swore to protect. And now, they've left you behind to your death."

Olivia gasped, waking up as she attempted to push herself up. Elise! My mission!

She grimaced, struggling as intense, burning pain seared his skin. She looked up, seeing that Ori' was holding her as most of the squad sheltered in the alley. But she heard screams. Looking over, she saw that Azalea was holding her buy'ce, crying beneath her visor as if she saw a ghost. As the girl shook, she heard Ori's chilled voice speak.

<<"You're covered in burns. Azalea gave you some bacta patches, but it'll take a bacta tank to completely heal you. We... were hit with some Sith Illusion or something. The dark mist, the voice in our heads...">>

Dinui's fist slammed into the alley wall, causing several vode to jump. Dinui seethed, <<"We won't abandon her! Not now!">>

Vhekad stared ahead the entire time, <<"Clan Rook stood by Ra... we failed our people... and we were left behind...">>

Choruk looked over at him for a moment, then looked over to Dinui, <<"We're not fit for combat.">>

<<"I am. I'll go in, snatch her, get out. Plain and simple. We may be beaten, but we'll retreat with grace not cowardly fleeing.">>

Ori' leaned Olivia against the wall. She watched as he stood up, <<"Choruk, stay here with our wounded and Vhekad. Dinui and I will handle this.">>

Choruk turned, as if ready to argue. But he paused, and he nodded. <<"Careful, idiots.">>

Dinui chuckled, amused and frightened, as she pulled her pistol out. <<"Yeah, yeah...">>

Ori' and Dinui stood side by side, nodding in grim determination. They knew what to do.

<<"Wait!">>

Everyone looked over to Olivia, struggling to push herself up, <<"I'm coming too-">>

<<"No.">> Ori's voice was assertive, <<"You'll get yourself killed, jare.">>

<<"It's better for me to die than to fail!">>

<<"Olivia...">> A hint of genuine softness was heard in Ori's voice, but he was struggling to answer.

<<"You're not a failure. For being wounded, or for being knocked out.">> Vhekad still stared ahead, strangely calm in his tone despite his absolute terror. <<"But even if you were, you can only learn from your mistakes... not to do the same thing twice.">>

<<"Vhekad.">> Ori' breathed, surprised by the wastelander's softness.

Dinui locked and loaded her last weapon, looking to Ori'. <<"Let's go.">>

Ori' nodded, and they both darted out to save their leader. Meanwhile, Choruk looked at the shell shocked Vhekad and Azalea, and the wounded Olivia. And he sighed.

<<"Maybe, we should have fought him together after all...">>

​

 

[Mya Windu]

As they landed with an approach towards him, she felt an sense of adrenaline.
You will feel the Force in it's true nature this day Sith.

A whisper through the Force would echo into the area and into his mind perhaps. As she approached with a moments notice he would move; she planted a foot to the right in response; but it was a feint, a fake out. Aimed at her sizzling and her shoulder pulsing with pain; without any option she wheeled her saber upward, his movement however would give him away to his true intentions as she jumped over his strike and delivered a counter slash with Djem So with such force that sparks would fly from the ground; it was aimed at his saber arm. With a landing perhaps after a strike of her own; she would meet his blade as he followed into an attack that caused her to flick her blade meeting his in a loud CRASH! in a Soresu stance; his superior strength backing her down as she would call on the Force and shove him backward; just as she did so she would deliver a slash directly across his mid-riff.

He continued to press; his attacks dancing at her as she was forced into Soresu; backpedaling at a walk around a central control panel; long dead and out of use. Standing firm she would plant her feet and whirl her saber once into Shien; slamming down aiming at his neck, then his legs with two flaring slashes as her violet blade would blaze through the air, meeting his vermillion-red one. The pain, it fueled her resolve. Backing off within a few seconds; she paced her opponent. Gauging him as she would show her spirit not only as a Jedi and warrior; but a person with a glowering gaze.

Drawing silent, she would glare at him as they would likely pace around the central control panel. A table as big as if you were hosting a dinner. He was confident now because she was a bit hurt. Now was the time to surprise him. Leaping onto the table she would run across it and with a swatting motion parry any attack he made; with a leap forward she would go into a bicycle kick, velocity accelerated by the Force. A series of eight kicks would go off onto his chest as targeted, Vapaad in her mind she would throw with two furious figure 8 slashes downward; cleaving the main command table in two as so, hopefully ending or throwing him off balance.

The command table would split in a blaze of electricity and power as she would summon the Force once more and attempt to sandwich him between two pieces of the split architecture with a loud crash. Her fuel was more than just her pride as a warrior, she genuinely wanted this being cease. With the maneuver in the Force; she would take note of her surroundings, her life flashing before her eyes. If she failed, she would be just another Jedi killed by a Sith; if she succeeded she would be perhaps the cause of much peace and relief through the galaxy.

Darth Apophion ​

 

[Anthony Gray Sun]

"I sense nothing but darkness Master... Darkness and a tremendous anger... It is if the force itself cries out in a rage!" Tears streamed down the soft hearted girl's face. She didn't know who or what was causing this, but perhaps she and Anthony could help them. A Sith was just a person on the wrong path to Catronia, they could be redeemed. Yes, her mission was to protect the temple, but she wasn't a cold blooded killer. Sith were people, they could be reasoned with!

Catronia pressed onward into the garden she saw something that she couldn't even process. From the vantage of the garden she could see the war in all its fury. Jedi clashing with the Dark Jedi and Sith forces of the Dark Empire. Bodies strewn across a bloody field and war machines stomping forward. She clutched her robes, such a great loss of life, and for what? All the Empire wanted was the temple, surely there were ways to settle this without killing! As emotions swelled inside her like a roiling sea, the air in the gardens began to chill...

Again, Kali'ka targeted out to the little one. If the padawan could be compromised, the knight would have to his attention divided. The Sith sorceress reached out through the Force, pulling on the Dark, to fill the girl's mind with her darkest fears. Granted, it was a newer spell to the sorceress, but she hoped the padawan's inexperience and her heightened emotions would make plying her with terror easier.

The man had always been one of focus. You had to be when you were fighting plasma fires. Before he responded to his padawan, he closed his eyes, reaching out through the force to find the source of this darkness. He could feel his padawan's fear. He needed to be strong for her. His mind radiated hope to her, something he'd done plenty in the past for those scared for their lives.

...THERE!

In a blink, he pulled out his cryo blaster, a quick draw that would put most smugglers to shame, as he fired a stun shot into the darkness. "The darkness is only scary if you don't know what's in it, Cat. You need to see with more than your eyes, more than your mind." It was a lesson he'd learned through his time, and now he would teach it to her. Trust in the Force, and in yourself.

 

[Drego Ruus]

Objective: Protect the Tram Line
Engaging: Jon Hojkstra KN-967

A T D O O M ' S G A T E
​

"Jon, Taker. Maglev entry is there," the veteran's eyes followed her gesture at a descending staircase across the highway, "If we are lucky, we might be able to turn it into a battering ram. Cut the safeties, ram it down the tunnel at full speed loaded up with our demopacks. Won't take out the generator, but might clear a path for someone else to make a run on it."

“Lane, Bravo, your detonators.” She ordered, grabbing them up and rushing to the first big load bearing wall in her path, keying in the parameters on the thermal detonator she needed. She needed to chop out a wedge from the tower, leave the back supports intact to angle the buildings fall. Even then, it wasn’t a precise execution. She didn’t have hours of planning, the architectural layout of the buildings, or enough small explosives to ensure everything went exactly as intended. Mostly she was relying on makeshift thermal detonators and repurposed anti-tank mines.

“Jon. I need you to go upstairs and place charges on the outermost load bearing columns.” Alliance troopers would not be so kind about setting bombs in their tower. They would not sit idle and let it happen once they realized what was happening. “I’ll try to get the ground floor set up. We may have to use the megablaster to weaken some of the supports.”

Drego had kept a...hands off approach to helping so far. Coordinating Protector's movements from the command post, keeping things stable. What he couldn't stand for was a spearhead though. The Imperials had broken through the northern line, and he was the closest thing to the Maglev.

Watching from above, he chuckled. Only a squad.

Pray for them, ancestors. They're fools.

The mando leapt down, landing right into the street, the thud of his boots hitting the ground cracking the already well worn pavement.

"Ladies. Gentlemen. You have eaten well. You have eaten Teta's spirit. Your feast is nearly over. From this moment on -- none of you are safe."

With that, he spun around, firing at one of the troopers with his disruptor blaster in his vambrace disintegrating him in an instant, before pulling out the Fang Blaster Pistol from his holster, and opening up a full salvo of particle bolts at Jon Hojkstra

 

[Aris Noble]

He couldn't hear anything, but he could still see. The colors that Zaiya had shifted too much for him to not realize just how frightened and nervous she was about all of this. She should be, by all accounts. This wasn't something she was ready for, or something he really wanted her to experience. Come visit the Jedi, he had said. It was selfish of him to want her to join.

It was an emotion he'd have to face later. He reached out, just to pat her shoulder. Give her some comfort and trust. They could do this. They had to, or it meant Braze was going to face this monster alone.

Aris really couldn't help him alone.

"Seszil, form three. Then ensure her safety before anything else."

He'd already asked too much of Zaiya. But he would make sure she was protected to get off world should the worst happen. He tensed himself, readied his footing as he unclipped his saber. He didn't ignite it, not yet. The Sith was focused on Braze, so he wanted to try and delay how soon his own attack would be picked up. And find hi footing with the imbalance in his head.

The flash of light came shortly after, and he jumped. Raw speed and strength were where his power truly laid. The blink of an eye, faster than a Jedi should be capable of especially considering his age, and he brought his blue saber around for the neck of the Sith with all his super human might.

It was, ultimately, a feint though. Aris had no delusion he could take a Sith by surprise like this. But that wasn't the point. He wanted to get his attention. Build upon the blinding from Zaiya, on Braze, to distract from the flash of silver as Seszil arched low to cleave through the Sith's legs.

Braze | Lord Kalrath | Zaiya Ceti

 

[Gress D'ran]

34th Hellstompers
Galactic Alliance
Objective: Push them back.
Engaging: Arminius Kroeger
Allies: Cael Corvax | Lycus Merita | Alicio Organa | Kaleleon | Drego Ruus | Ashley Nevermore
Enemies: Jon Hojkstra | KN-967 | Janus Cassel | TK-818 | Thomas Barran | Sahar | Salvor Thul

<"On the way!"> The TIE pilot barked out before soon enough its bomb bay doors open to a surge of concussion bombs, disruptor torpedoes and blaster fire before they swung away, already alight from the surface-to-air punishment of the Alliance forces. Kroeger dug his teeth inside his cheek in anticipation for the battle damage assessment of the attack.

First the arty hit, or rather, missed. Heavy explosions rattled off behind them as they moved in, the Cerberus not even paying it any mind as they did. Them came-

"Incoming!"

"Shields to full power! All weapons offline until we're clear!" the Davronion barked, the men acting as quickly as they could. Blaster fire hit before they could, but it stopped the bombs and torpedoes. They were a target. He knew this. They were always meant to be. Gress grinded his teeth as his mind raced, only drown out by the sound of the new flak cannons firing endlessly at the Tie trying to make it's escape vector, and heat seaker missiles following it as well. "Phones, call up air support. We need superiority. Firestorm, engage the crossing troops. We don't want more pouring in."

The other Sphinx, the secondary command vic, opened up on the river with it's Ion cannon, spreading a wide blast of ion over the open water. At the very least, it might jam most of their systems. Best Case scenario, it knocked out their repuslorlifts and sunk the bastards.

With the Tie passed, Gress focused on the war at hands. "Gunner, open fire on the AT-ATs across the water. I want their fire support flattened. Tell Krayt to hit them with another counter battery."

Both the walker company to the north, and the marine company to the south, kept their progress. The jaws were closing on the trap. Mortars from the Thundercats in the center never stopped. The beachhead, and the push inland, was being turned into a moon. Infrastructure cracked under constant bombardment.

The tanks crossing the river weren't left either. The Walkers swinging south now opened up on approaching armor with beam cannons and turbolasers, Cougar tanks firing in an arc to hit the top of the cataphrats coming across, while Thundercats fired flak rounds at Ties that attempted to support the crossings. Practically every vehicle was equipped with anti-air, as the Ties quickly found out.

The tanks still at the beachhead, kept up their fire. Wildcats used their composite beam cannons to fire in an arc, one end of the street to the other, slashing through APCs like a massive lightsaber. The Pumas kept the pressure on with their autocannons, as one caught a rocket that seemed to ping off the front armor and fly off, exploding harmlessly.

"Sir!"

Gress turned to his RTO.

"Marines requesting fire support, grid quard-"

"Give it to them. Turbolasers, fire on that grid." He ordered, one of the Hammer operators turning the gun to fire on an advancing tank.

TL;DR: Flak cannons on the Sphinxes and Thundercats are opening up with reckless abandon on Ties. Sphinx 2 is firing it's ion cannon on the river, hoping to sink the advancing tanks. Falcon Arty is counterbatterying the enemy arty, while the two other companies are pushing in. Marines to the south, walkers to the north, turning in to trap the enemy armor in a pincer movement.