Public GA Territory | Senator Distress Signal | The Solis Custos

[Atos Vodus]

4 hours ago, Thyrsus, outside Thyrsia​

The time had finally come, Atos was approved to be the new Senator of Thyrsus. Perhaps even the first, and he felt this was the closest he had been for the last ten years at fulfilling his fathers wishes of a united Thyrsus.... a united Sun Guard, brought back home. He was going to go to Coruscant and make his first speech for his people, and hopefully, see about reuniting those that still followed the old Sun Guard ways. It's been tough, it's been a hellacious struggle. But he was taking his first steps. The Galactic Alliance may not be his goal, but it would certainly help thrust his ambitions forward. He used his own personal credits to fund the creation of a mighty spacecraft, one to give a good, fresh, new look for Thyrsus and the Sun Guard. He wasn't going to go over there and boast, flash some new military vessel, no. He was a Thyrsian, not a god, emperor, or general. He was still just Atos Vodus. This.... Son of Suns he still didn't quite know how to grasp.

"Son of Suns, we're ready for the first launch into Hyperspace."​

Solis Custos, a cobbled together starship, with a fresh coat of paint and looking good, was finally ready.

He hired some local Thyrsians that knew how to pilot a ship. He didn't want an army of Sun Guard. Of course, he was basically forced to bring some, but he had to make a point that he couldn't walk into Coruscant with an army. The Supreme High Priest, although disappointed, heeded the Son of Suns word, and agreed.

"Plot a course to Coruscant," Atos spoke, "they are awaiting my arrival. Let's not waste more of their time."​

The aging parts made wearing sounds, but they held together. The temporary Captain ordered the crew to engage the Atlas-10 Drive, and soon enough, they were in Hyperspace. It couldn't be expressed through just words how happy Atos was. Genuinely, this was his first time ever being off Thyrsus, his home. He was going to a completely alien world, and had no idea what to expect. All he knew was his completely ecentric culture would not be replicated, so he would do his best to fit in, but he understood the Galactic Alliance to be most mannerly and noble. He just had to make sure he kept the Sun Guard soldiers calm. They were entrusted by the Supreme High Priest to protect the Son of Suns, and as a prophet, he could not be insulted. Atos can take an insult, compared to everything else he had endured, but the embarrassment of one of his soldiers going zealot mode was not something he wanted, especially when he was so close.

Atos was a smidge bit too awestruck to move, on the bridge of his ship, seeing it hold together and on the most important journey at this very moment. He had been working for years for this moment, in fact, he didn't know if this moment would even come. Honestly, he was prepared for an even harder stepping stone towards his goals. He was thankful to the Senate for accepting him. He was still on the bridge for the first hour, some of the crew were celebrating, understanding what Atos was going through. The others, really just here for that paycheck, and not into the whole religious thing. A couple Sun Guard soldiers were on the bridge, ensuring Atos security, while the rest were in their barracks.

Suddenly, the entire ship shook. An alarm popped up on one of the bridges consoles, but it was registering as an open airlock in the... refresher? Even the captain was confused by this.

"Perhaps the wiring was mismatched, sir.... but certainly, something's wr-"​

The entire ship shook again, and the power flickered. Before anyone could speak up, there was comms chatter going crazy.

"There's so-... ... ... We ne-.. .. down here!"​

An explosian rocked the ship, and it immediately came out of hyperspace. The power core shut down.

-- .. END OF BLACKBOX RECORDING .. --​

Current time, Hyperlane to Champala

"The crew is all -..- dead, there's -..- -..- -..- This is Atos Vodus, Senator of Thyrs-, why won't it send?! Sergeant, hol- -..- -..- If anybody is out there, ple-"​

The ship was old, it's back up power system was barely functioning. The comms system was being rerouted to get as much power as possible, but it was a weak, old transmitter. Some may pick up on an old Pre-Galactic Republic transponder, some may just get an old S.O.S. morse code signal. Either way, it had taken four hours for the distress signal to even reach Champala, which it was then given enough strength to bounce for a few more systems. It would show that it was over four hours old, and while the original distress signal would echoe out only once, the ship did have an automated distress signal, in case something happened to the comms.

Solis Custos: "Mayday Mayday Mayday, this is the Solis Custos. Hyperdrive System destroyed, ship has lost all power. We are on the Hyperlane just before the planet Champala heading to Coruscant. Registration: Senator of Thyrsus requesting emergency assistance. This automated message will repeat."

I would rather die tonight, than let you down one more time​

This is open to all Galactic Alliance Members, anyone nearby the Champala system whether neutral, evil, sith, etc., and criminal factions of course. This is Atos Vodus introduction thread.​

 

[Lucas Gracin]

A diplomatic meeting, the first of many with a new senator. Lucas himself, while no stranger to politics practically as green as the Thrysian senator when it came to the Galactic Alliance, and had thus been waiting with bated breath for the man's arrival. That arrival however, never came. What did come was a rather disturbing distress call that sent Excelsus barreling back into his ship the moment he had word of it. "Start the engines! We're rendering aid!" Soldier, diplomat, sreet rat, or Valde, it didn't matter. A Zorren protected life.

The Lupa dropped out of hyperspace near the wreck with lucas and his own squad of the Veran Royal guard already suiting up in whatever envirosuits they could find aboard the vessel. It had been hours since the ship had been sent adrift and already, Gracin's stomach was dropping at what the implied. In an emergency situation, seconds could mean the difference between life and death... hours... he'd rather be fighting in the trenches. [This is the VSF Coyote to any and all survivors! Do you read me?] he called out over the comm system, his golden tail flicking nervously as he checked the seals on his suit.

Atos Vodus

 

[Cynthia Alucard]

Commodore Cynthia Alucard

Spoiler: Fleet Strength and Action:

(Flag Ship) Strict Justice Courageous-Class Star Destroyer
11x Squadrons SS02 T-95h "Howling" X-Wing

|| Atos Vodus | Lucas Gracin ||
​

​

​

A new era, new vessel and new orders to begin her deployment. Cyn stifled a yawn as she readied herself within her private quarters, her Naval cap sat neatly on her head. A quick brush of her coat with her hands and a single nod to the mirror in front of her, Cyn made her way towards the bridge.​

​

Cynthia entered the bridge, the area brimmed with hushed voices and scattered voices, several Officers attentive to their data-slates. This was all quite new to them, an actual deployment and not some simulation, with actual Starfighters and pilots stationed inside the hangar bay. Cynthia had been instructed to conduct a standard patrol sweep, it would be a great way to get the crew and their starfighter compliments to get along and iron out any issues.​

​

Or catch any issues before they become larger problems down the line. Cythnia mused quietly to herself, her eyes scanning the holo-map display with intense curiosity. Everything appeared rather perfect, the X-wings were conducting their standard patrol group formations, and her crew onboard the carrier were expertly relaying information between both Flight Commanders and Communication Officers.​

​

“Let’s wrap up the patrol and get our fighters refueled and rearmed. It’s time for our hangars crew to conduct their practice runs.” Cynthia ordered, her voice steely and without any inflection that indicated her weariness.​

​

Cynthia was never one to shirk patrol duty, it was in fact one of her favorite missions to conduct. The annoyances arrived when she needed to also conduct training patrols and get newly graduated Naval sailors their mission and flight hours. Tedious data-slate work and further more accidents were prime to happen with new crewmembers and overly excited pilots. But someone in Command needed to get these deployments. A task Cynthia knew better than to challenge her superiors with requests for different assignments and other obligations.​

​

Too young to become an Instructor at the Academy, such a load of- ​

​

“Emergency. Distress Signal detected. Coordinates being uploaded to the Holo-Map Display Commodore.” A rather frantic looking Comm Officer nearly shouted into Cynthia’s ear.​

​

She kept up her rather expressionless face and nodded in understanding of the Officer’s report. “We’re not too far away to assist, get the starfighters refueled immediately and send out a sortie to extreme scouting range.” Cynthia ordered.​

​

Great, more data-slate work. Cynthia inspected their location in comparison to the distress signal, they were rather deep within the Core so any actual militarized enemies seemed rather unlikely. But who knows, piracy has been increasing in certain areas. Regardless Cynthia wanted complete information around her single carrier, if they needed assistance she wanted to make sure she could give herself time for assistance to arrive.​

​

“It appears there is already a response to the distress signal from another nearby ship.” The Comm Officer returned to Cynthia’s side.​

​

We’re in a rather busy hyperlane after all, “-Give them notice that an Alliance Defense Force Carrier will send over a transport ship to provide aid if necessary.” Cynthia ordered before she glanced around the nearby sector they were located in.​

​

“Also have all our X-Wing Flight Commanders get their squadrons ready for a long recon mission. Alliance Vessels just don’t stop working on their own, I want to make sure the space around us is completely safe.” Cynthia added as she kept her eyes on the holo-display. If she could avoid inserting Naval Marines and Assets from direct Civilian interaction the better, the last thing she wanted was a diplomatic crisis on her watch.​

​

 

[Atos Vodus]

Pitch. Black. Darkness. Surrounding on all sides. Blaster fire, but only from a few pistols. Grunts and growls, battling it out. Metal on metal, from a body hitting the floor and a sword unsheathing, or a weapon dropped. It was getting cold. Five and a half hours in, there was only a little air left. Atos had an oxygen mask on, thankfully his Sun Guards had oxygen in their suits.... but the same could not be said for the newly hired crew members. Atos was doing everything he could to protect them, the last thing he was going to do was abandon them. This could spell the end not just for the Son of Suns, but the future union of all his people, at least, for another thousand years...

They were trying to reach the power core to ascertain damage, or how to turn it back on. They still had no information on what the explosion was, what the alarm was for, or why the power went out. The only answer they had, was what the screams over the comms were about. "We can't be that far from the power core, can we? I know I wrote the specs, but I never imagined trying to find the thing in pitch black and under attack!" Atos shouted, gripping his blade in his hand, focusing. His mouth was still around to guide, but his eyes were straining in the dark, to see something as the others fought. One of the few crew members with him chirped up with a datapad alongside him, "we still have two decks to get down, sir!"

Atos was stressed, he was more concerned that the crewman that just spoke was going to use the last of his air trying to guide him. He was hoping one of his Sun Guards could chime it, but sure enough, they were too busy. "We can't use the turbolifts, where's the maintenance stairwe-" Just as he was about to finish his statement, he heard something on his personal comms.

-..- -..- static -..- and all survivors! Do you- -..- -..-​

Atos grabbed his commlink and tried to radio back, "this is Atos Vodus, where are you? We'll try to get to you?" Atos tried to focus on his comms, listening intently as the fighting around him went on, but the comm registered nothing, "this is the Son of Suns, do you hear me, over...?" There was nothing coming back. Atos was thinking it was another crewmember in the ship, trying to request help. "This is Stellar Legionnaire Antonius, sir, that didn't come from within the ship!" a Sun Guard responded over the comms. Atos was thankful the one Sun Guard that wasn't with him was still alive, but if that didn't come from within the ship, then.. Atos had an idea; they were next to a side corridor on the ship. If that transmission came from a ship in space, his comms might be too weak to get to it, especially through the ships hull. But if he could get to the side corridor, there might be less resistance.

"Everyone hold here! We might have reinforcements, but I have to get communications out." Atos shouted. "We don't have much time, sir, the crew may not survive another hour!" a Sun Guard shouted as he swung his blade. "I'll be quick about it," Atos responded, looking for a a blast door. Once he found one, he did his best to force it open. Time was ofthe essence, so he used all of his might to crack it open. He slid into the room and shoved himself against the back wall next to a viewport.

Lucas Gracin​

The ship was unsteady, drifting through space. The engines seemed to have this ...crackling, sparks and short circuiting flowing all over the engines. No visible signs of an attack, however. He didn't get any response over the comms to hius initial transmission. However, a few minutes later, he would get a response.

-..- -..- static -..- -s Vodus, Senator of Thyr- -..- -..- There's a -..- -..- -..- -..- -raas aboard the sh- -..- -..- do -..- board unl- -..- -..- -..- -oldiers. Do you r- -..-​

There was a lot of interference, but the signal was also weak. A thousand years ago, one might not be able to decipher even half the message, or where it was coming from. Thankfully, with the modern technology, Lucas and his crew would be able to figure out that the signal was coming from a personal comms unit, and that is why it was so weak. They would have to be a lot closer to get a clearer signal.

 

[Lucas Gracin]

Lucas growled at the frustrating lack of information that was coming from the coms, his tail thrashing in annoyance. "Someone boost that signal!" he barked before going to the ship's armory. Three things at least were clear. There were survivors. They weren't alone. And he needed weapons. Lucas was a senator of the Galactic Alliance, the excelsus of Veradune's Howlaw court. But he was a Zorren, one of the galaxy's watchdogs. He'd been a soldier once. He plucked an Alsatian rifle and a fennec pistol from the wall and started for the airlock. When you didn't know the exact foe, simplicity was the essence of a good plan. Made things easy to adapt to. "Start docking procedures."

He looked behind himself to the platoon of soldiers ready to heed his commands. "Lance 1-1, you're with me. Lance 2-1, find survivors and get your engineer to the engines. Lance 1-3 you're watching the ship. Broadcast a signal to any alliance craft and let them know what's going on." A quick peek out the view port revealed that such a message would be necessary rather soon.

As the Coyote saddled up to the Thrysian craft, Lucas took one last deep breath and closed his eyes to extend his presence in the force. With any luck, he'd be able to wind his ways through the halls towards any presences aboard. Unfortunately, he was a master of the Wilder arts, a force tradition devoted to nature. Being locked in a metal box in the middle of the void made one about as from from nature as they could get.

Atos Vodus Cynthia Alucard

 

[Atos Vodus]

Lucas Gracin | Cynthia Alucard


Atos was angry all on his own. He wanted a new, fresh image, and all he got was trouble for it. Even now, he had to make others come to his rescue. He would have just called the rest of the Sun Guard if the comms system was working, but they didn't even have power to give oxygen to the crew. A Sun Guard soldier yelled from the cracked open blast door where Atos forced himself through, telling hin they have to fall back, as they were getting flanked. "Just a moment more, if they are coming in they need to know what they are dealing with!" Atos yelled back, fiddling with his commlink, actually attempting to pull more juice out of its cell.

The spacecraft had only three ways to enter; there were two primary airlocks for docking, though they were built for stations. The third option was a starfighter docking clamp with its own airlock. Many shuttles could also dock there, if they didn't have giant fins on the top like Lambda shuttles.

As Lucas peered into the force, he was made aware of several force sensitive entities. He might have been able to feel the crew, as they had a life force of course, but there were entities that were strong in the force on board the Solis Custos, and they were quadrupeds, dozens of them. They were lightly spread throughout the ship, but they was a mass of them in the lower cargo hold, and a thicker group in the hyperdrive and power core rooms.

There was a particularly strong force sensitive humanoid, but only one, surrounded by the other entities on board the ship. Whatever was giving the crew and the Senator troubles, it had to be whatever was strong in the force.

Public comms chirped up, which Lucas could hear, and very clearly this time. "Son of Suns, this is Stellar Legionnaire Antonius, I was unable to reach the power core, there's too many of them. I have saved what crew I could, however, I have casualties due to the lack of oxygen. I have only found a few oxygen masks."

 

[Cynthia Alucard]

Commodore Cynthia Alucard

Spoiler: Fleet Strength and Action:

(Flag Ship) Strict Justice Courageous-Class Star Destroyer
11x Squadrons SS02 T-95h "Howling" X-Wing

|| Atos Vodus | Lucas Gracin ||
​

Cynthia watched the holo-map display attentively, the rest of the bridge were gathering as much information as possible and parsing it among those who need to know. Efficiency distribution of information was perhaps the most paramount talent for a crew to possess. Especially a Carrier Crew and perhaps most importantly, my own crew. Cynthia watched the Holo-map display, curious on how quickly the Hangar Bay crews refueled and rearmed the fighter squadrons to get them back out. Her attention was occupied on the scanner’s report to see if there was any unregistered ship stalking for any vulnerable ship. Or maybe the culprit of the downed vessel.

A Comm Officer marched up to the bridge to report to Cynthia, his voice a tad breathless as clearly he had just finished running. “Commodore, the crew of the Coyote sent a message that they have begun docking procedure and attempting rescue.” The Comm Officer took a moment to breathe, “-We’ve crossed reference the ship’s identification markers and they are designated as diplomatic vessels belonging to the Alliance Senate Assembly.”

Cynthia nodded, “-Send a message of the time of our arrival in less than thirty minutes. Keep the channel open for seamless communication. If we need to send out our marines for emergency aid I want to know immediately and be able to coordinate.” Cynthia ordered as the Officer nodded and rushed to relay the message.

Great, this might turn into a scandal if anybody winds up dead under my watch. Cynthia fought the urge of pinching the bridge of her nose and instead stared daggers into the holo-map display. The green dot and blue dots that indicated her and ships in distress seared into her mind as she willed her ship to move faster. The piles of data-slate work only seemed to grow in intensity with every passing minute, while Cynthia's patience seemed to shrink at the same rate.​

 

[Lucas Gracin]

Lucas' eyes flicked back open and he hefted his rifle before continuing onwards. "A force user, some basic crew, and a horde of non-sentients. Keep your eyes open," he said, his voice low as he shouldered the weapon and stalked down the halls. The captain of the guard behind him gave a grunt of affirmation and motioned for two soldiers to step forward, each one carrying a VSF Jackal. The weapon was horrible on an open field, but in close quarters like these, it excelled, being able to spray a room with rapid fire or shotgun blasts whenever necessary. [Gracin to Vodus, my men and I are on board. Where can we find you for an extraction? And can you point me to anyone else that needs rescuing?] That was the word that would ensure their purpose. Rescue. It was what every zorren was born to do, whether they were a Howlaw diplomat, an Armis soldier, a Tenevi agent, or the Valde himself. They all followed the code.

His ear buzzed with a comm channel from his ship, his men reporting to him what Alucard had sent in response to the distress signal and his own ship's stated purpose. "Let them now we have dozens of creatures on this ship, all assumed hostile. Assistnace would be-" He was cut off as a flurry of blaster fire lit up the hall before him.

"Crux our shots are bounc-" the soldier's voice was cut off as he fell down, his weapon keeping the beasts jaws away from his face while claws threatened to rip through his suit and into his chest.

Lucas' rifle clattered on the ground as he surged forward, taking off his glove and lancing his bladed hand forward. He felt a squelch as his claws punched through the Maalraas' neck and the beast gave a whimpering shudder before collapsing on the haggard but very much alive soldier. A gurgling scream let Rerreno know that the other man hadn't fared so well and his free hand snagged his pistol form his belt before aiming it down the hall way. With a bloody mawed nightstalker illuminated by the blasterfire down the narrow hall, it was an easy enough shot to put the plasma covered bullet between its eyes. Their hide might have been resistant to blasters, but such enemies were the reason that the fennec had been invented. [Dozens minus two... We're also down one.] He rose up and removed a hankerchief from his pocket to wipe his blood covered hand. "Fennecs, claws, and blades out. Alsatians can provide a shield, but no more blasters."

Cynthia Alucard Atos Vodus

 

[Atos Vodus]

Lucas Gracin | Cynthia Alucard


Atos didn't know if any of his comms originally had gotten through, just as suddenly a Sun Guard grabbed him by the shoulders and urged him that they needed to move. As the Sun Guard began pushing him through the ajar blast door, he saw one of the creatures attack a crewman. Atos quickly lashed out at the creature, unsheathing his vibrosword and striking at it. He aimed for the neck in a piercing motion. The Maalraas had the crewman pinned down, and the aiming was towards the wall, but it grazed the hide and cut into the corridor wall. Another Sun Guard kicked the Maalraas off of the crew member, laying a volley of blaster shots into its maw.

The Sun Guard that was pushing Atos out of the side corridor tugged at him once more, unfortunately having to make him leave behind his vibroblade. "Son of Suns, we have the evacuate the ship, th-" The Legionnaire was cut off, Atos hearing it as well. They kept moving towards the rear of the ship.

[Gracin to Vodus, my men and I are on board. Where can we find you for an extraction? And can you point me to anyone else that needs rescuing?]​

"Crink, they're already aboard," he pressed to his commlink, saying publicly, "Maalraas aboard, I repeat, Maalraas aboard. We're heading to the power core, there's almost a hundred crewmen aboard this ship, so unless you're going to save all of them..." he didn't finish his sentence, hoping the rescuer would understand. Atos was making a fools play to save these crewmen, but perhaps the rescuer understood this man may be putting everything he had on his mission to Coruscant. If he abandoned these people, his own people, how would that look for a brand new senator?

-----​

At the Rescuers location, blaster fire suddenly erupted from down the hall. Enough that it lit up the hallway as if the power wasn't even out. Metal could be heard scraping against the metal floor and wall, gurgling sounds, and then a body or two hitting the floor. But the commotion didn't stop abruptly there. Quickly after, boots can be heard hitting the ground towards them, the comms chirped up, "good kills, Rescuer Gracin," the voice spoke. Turning a corner, Gracin could see the speaker, barreling down the hallway. Behind him, somewhat meagerly armored crew behind him. Some were in squad formation, some carrying wounded, and a few more covering the rear, seemingly about twelve still breathing. "I'm sorry about your man, Son of Suns did his best to contact you, I guess there wasn't enough signal strength," the Stellar Legionnaire spoke over the comms, "I've got the rescue party handled, sir, I'll help them as necessary."

"Stellar Antonius, don't send them on any monkey-lizard chase, prioritize them getting the crew you have off. We don't need to risk more people. We can use them to ferry people out." -- Atos Vodus over comms

The Stellar Legionnaire gave Gracin a quick salute, and began talking over Vodus when the comms started saying 'We don't need to risk...'. "Stellar Legionnaire Antonius, at your service. Status report; There's a large hive of Maalraas in the lower cargo hold, the ship is made of pieces of old pre-galactic republic ships, somebody either overlooked it, or didn't look at all and wrote it off. You are aboard the Solis Custos, personal vessel and flagship of the Son of Suns - Senator Atos Vodus - and the Sun Guard of Thyrsus. Atos gave me the mission to try and restart the ships core, I was unable to reach it, they are thick. He is now trying to reach it himself. If we don't, everyone on this ship without an oxygen suit or mask are going to suffocate, if not die to Maalraas." As he spoke, emergency red lights tried to flicker on, but they just eventually gave out, "Atos Vodus said he either dies here with the crew, or saves every last one he can. I am obligated to fight for him until his dying beath. The Hyperdrive room is infested, and it seemed they attacked everyone in there, hit the hyperdrive core while we were in transit, and that's what started this. The cargo bay and the Hyperdrive room both have cargo bay doors, one old, one new, respectively. If you catch my drift."

 

[Cynthia Alucard]

Commodore Cynthia Alucard

Spoiler: Fleet Strength and Action:

(Flag Ship) Strict Justice Courageous-Class Star Destroyer
11x Squadrons SS02 T-95h "Howling" X-Wing

|| Atos Vodus | Lucas Gracin ||
​

​

​

Cynthia raised an eyebrow, her fingers were tapping against one another, a sign of apprehension that rarely showed. I’ve been calmer when under fire on a shaking bridge. With a quick squeeze of her hand she stopped her tapping fingers and refocused attention to the bridge screens. They hadn’t yet been called for any assistance, which for the most part wasn’t all bad news, but neither have they given the all-clear.​

​

I hope I don’t need to deal with more data-slate work than I already have to. ​

​

Looking back at the Holo-map display, Cynthia noted that the X-Wing patrol groups were already about to finish their first cycle. Nothing to report there, and her Marines had given the all-ready sign in case of an emergency. She began to feel less anxious about the situation, being prepared does wonders for the mental health of a Commander. Despite the looming dark thought of dealing with a potentially dead politician. ​

​

“Get us as close as possible, I want our Marines able to respond and reach the downed ship in under five minutes.” Cynthia ordered her crew on the bridge. She couldn’t wait to give the all clear to the rest of the ship and get herself back to headquarters. I’m already hating my next debriefing session. ​

​

“Get our patrol groups to form a tighter screen around us, I want their cloud coverage to overlap as much as possible.” Cynthia added, her CommOfficer nodding as he relayed the new orders to their fighter groups.​

​

 

[Lucas Gracin]

"Senator Gracin," the Zorren corrected with a polite smile. "Its a pleasure to meet you, Legionnaire. I simply wish the circumstances were less grim." His lament was spoken as he knelt to close the eyes of the fallen soldier. Though I don't think I'll be leaving your company quite yet." He lifted his comm device. [1-3 come to my location and cordon off our escape route. 1-2 return to 1-1.] There was a grim determination as he called out the orders before retuning his attention to the sun guard soldier. "We're zorrens, soldier. We'll get you out of here." Despite their loss, the soldiers around them were grinning and checking their weapons, producing knives and pistols like that which had punched through the first of the felled beasts. This was what they were born for. They would mourn their fallen comrades later. For now, there were people to save. "Point the way, and my men will clear it."

[This is the Coyote to the Strict Justice. Senator Gracin has encountered resistance in the form of Maalraas. All we know is that there are dozens more. Requesting assistance to expedite the rescue. We've started setting up a perimeter around our docking area. Forces within the Solis Custos are moving towards the hyperdrive and core to get her moving again.] The communication to to the commodore's ship had come from the Coyote's radio officer who was quickly finding himself alone as the rest of his platoon sallied out from the ship at their senator's orders. He'd heard of the Valde getting himself into suicidal situations and had thanks the wilds that he had been assigned to the security of the Alliance's more clear headed excelsus of diplomacy. Now, he was thinking of retracting that gratitude.


Atos Vodus Cynthia Alucard

 

[Atos Vodus]

Lucas Gracin | Cynthia Alucard

The Legionnaire nodded to Gracin, shifting on his heel and not wasting any time, heading towards the rear of the ship. "Son of Suns, this is Stellar Antonius. The reinforcements are lead by Senator Gracin, they are down one man. We are continuing with the plan. You have the easy job, we'll handle ours. And one more thing, sir, I'm sorry; there's a lot of dead crew." he finished as he started speaking without the comms, "a full inspection wasn't made of the cargo hold due to the old cargo bay door being jammed, and a full stock was unnecessary since we were just heading to Coruscant, the Son of Suns is the new Senator of Thyrsus, wishing to make his acceptance speech. I'm sure he'd like you to be there. I hope it isn't to big of an ask, but we're going to need explosives for the bay door, might you have brought any? Also, no telling what we're walking into, when it's their den." He was short and to the point, as any Maalraas may interrupt them. The crew that were still alive were following his command, a few injured and being assisted in walking.

-----​

Atos had the rest of the Sun Guardian detachment, so they were probably the safest. "Senator Gracin," Atos said in a curious tone and a pause, "it's wonderful to make your acquaintance. I must say, I didn't expect a Senator to come out here for little old me," he continued to speak, meanwhile Gracin could probably hear fighting over the comms. "My apologies for getting you mixed up in all this, but I can't just abandon those serving me. Plus, if we can carry out this plan Antonius has, we can save the crew and restart the ships power. We have no word on the status of the core, just the hyperdrive is all but destroyed in the explosion. Though I planned for the former; we have a secondary bioreactor on board. So if, perhaps, you can lend a hand afterwards with Hyperdrive replacement, we'll be able to limp to Coruscant for full repairs. I hope I get to shake your hand after all this." He was sincere, he sounded exhausted. He had been fighting for hours, not knowing at what turn there could be another Maalraas. But in addition, if Gracin didn't assume Atos was the force user, then there was some on board that could use the force. So perhaps not only were the Maalraas a threat.



Whenever any of them would eventually reach their destinations, the amount of Maalraas they would encounter would only thicken. Atos reached the hyperdrive room about 10-15 minutes before Antonius and Gracin reached the cargo hold, since they didn't have as many Maalraas to contend with.

The Cargo Bay is pitch black, all the emergency lighting had been destroyed, and there was an uneasy feeling. It wasn't just one small room, this was the cargo bay for warships of old for long voyages. It was a good walk from one end to the other, to say the least, with crates and debris scattered everywhere, in complete darkness.

After about half an hour from meeting Gracin, climbing emergency ladders in turbolifts, contending with thicker swarms of Maalraas, and picking up a few more crew members, they arrived at the main door to the cargo bay. It was a damaged double blast door, but thankfully the left side was all the way opened, so no need for a Strength Check. Antonius saddled up against the wall next to the opening and activated his helmet floodlights, checking a datapad on his wrist before whispering, "I've got good news and bad news; good news is, my lifesign detector is working, the bad news..." he turned his wrist to show Gracin. The datapad seemed more like someone pulled up a clear white picture on a cellphone, than any dpts dispersed about. They didn't completely blot the screen, but it was obvious there was probably the same amount both groups have killed still in there, if not double. "Any thoughts on how we should proceed?" Gracin may not know this, but Antonius - even being a sort of elite commando, special operations trained - was still the lowest rank in the Sun Guard. And he saw Gracin as sort of above him. He also believed that a chain of command argument was unnecessary.

 

[Cynthia Alucard]

Commodore Cynthia Alucard

Spoiler: Fleet Strength and Action:

(Flag Ship) Strict Justice Courageous-Class Star Destroyer
11x Squadrons SS02 T-95h "Howling" X-Wing
3x Nu II - Class Attack Shuttle
46x Marines (Including Combat Engineers)

|| Atos Vodus | Lucas Gracin ||
​

Cynthia listened to the newest communication sent to her ship from the Coyote, she frowned but turned her attention to the Comm-Officers nearby. This was the last thing she wanted to do, but if they could speed up the rescue then it was the only option.

“Order a platoon of Marines to enter the Solis Custos, relay the information we received from the Coyote and tell them to include a few Combat Engineers. They’re dealing with some sort of deadly creature known as Maalraas so who knows how badly infested the ship truly is . . .” Cynthia really just wanted to evacuate the entire crew and simply designate the downed ship as ‘condemned’ to be scuttled at a later date.

Honestly it would probably be a lot safer and incur the least amount of casualties if we try to clear the ship clean and repair.

The Commodore watched as her orders were being sent and followed, her holo-map display showing all three ships. Her own ship maintained a suitable distance for her transport vessels to launch and reach the others in only a few minutes of travel. The X-Wing patrol groups greatly reduced their distance and kept a perfect cover from all directions.

“Send another communication to the Coyote and Solis Custos, tell them that it is highly recommended that we evacuate all crew and we’ll provide transport to Coruscant.” Cynthia ordered to her Comm-Officer, “-Rely my request to the Marine Captain as well as their reply so we are all in sync.” She added quickly.

I really don’t like dealing with people I can’t just order. Cynthia, while for the most part enjoyed her employment in the Alliance, there were certain perks from Imperial organizations that she on occasion missed from time to time. Not enough to make me go look for another useless Imperial government somewhere out there. Cynthia waited on the bridge and hoped whatever dangers her Marines and Engineers faced would only result in interesting stories and nothing worse.
​

 

[Lucas Gracin]

Lucas let out a low whistle as he looked down at the blinking screen. "No chance your scanners malfunctioning, I take it?" He looked back at his mean who were taking the moment of respite to lean against the wall and catch their breath. It had been a hard fight up to this point, and shen almost every fight turned into a melee brawl with a pack of rabid animals... one got tired very quickly. "I might have an idea. But we'll have to be very careful." He took a deep breath and started to focus himself through the force. "I'm a wilder Captain. I might be able to keep those things calm while we slip in, but thats a bit risky. I'm not the best beast tamer out there. Other option is I keep them calm enough for us to rig something up." He looked behind him to their squad. Thankfully, one man had decided to bring a wild dog with him. The weapon may not have been the best option in a ship's cramped quarters, but it did have its uses.

"By the way, any of your crew force users? I sensed one aboard earlier, so either we're looking at a possible source of this nastiness, or another asset we could probably use." While he tried to take stock of their options, his radioman was keying into the com unit, relaying that they'd reached their location while also offering the advice offered by Commodore Alucard. "Let her know that we'll be trying to get the hyperdrive repaired. Then we'll be getting out of here as soon as we can."


Atos Vodus Cynthia Alucard

 

[Atos Vodus]

Cynthia Alucard | Lucas Gracin

Stellar Antonius shook his head at Gracins request, if his scanners were malfunctioning, "listen, uh, Senator Gracin, was it? If you've got a way to keep mama bear chill, that's probably our best bet. But there's a lot, if you really think you can sooth them, be my guest. But that risks the Son of Suns and his sanity for those who remain alive on this ship. That's the whole reason we're trying to get tge power back on; the crew is suffocating to death as we speak, so do your little... magical sooth creature trick, and have your men plant some explosive charges on the cargo bay doors weak points. I'm ready when you are," Stellar Antonius showed his speech to be very... mercenary like. Considering up until five years ago, he was still a mercenary, it stuck with him. But at the very least, he was honest.

Yet when Gracin asked about a Force User, Stellar Antonius' chabged to genuine curiosity. "Since it sounds important and relevant, uh, no. I do not factually know of any Force Users aboard the ship. Although... The Son of Suns knows how to use The Way, he can force people to do things by speaking to them, and he's been able to do some other... Uh, things," he quickly paused hinself, realizing he was revealing information about the Son of Suns, simply because he had an assumption The Way might be The Force, "but as for the Hyperdrive, no, it's definitely out of commission. Unless somebody has a replacement, the class 5 backup is going to make the Son of Suns late for his Acceptance Speech."

 

[Cynthia Alucard]

Commodore Cynthia Alucard

Spoiler: Fleet Strength and Action:

(Flag Ship) Strict Justice Courageous-Class Star Destroyer
11x Squadrons SS02 T-95h "Howling" X-Wing
3x Nu II - Class Attack Shuttle
46x Marines (Including Combat Engineers)

|| Atos Vodus | Lucas Gracin ||
​

Cynthia read the response on her data-slate, the Communication Officer already appeared a bit unsure of how to react to Cynthia’s rather blank expression. She hadn’t expected the response and internally she wondered if she should have simply made a demand rather than a request. Civilians were rather more inclined to listen to the GADF, but when it came to Senators and Public Officials it was a coin toss on how they interpret Military requests. Either way, best make a note of their refusal to my advice. Cynthia really did not want to step inside a Military Tribunal or Senate Hearing if any civilian deaths happened after her arrival to the ship in need of help.

“Alert the Marine Captain with the civilian crew’s response. Have them set up a defensible position and be available to react to a rescue mission.” Cynthia ordered the Comm-Officer with a stiff nod.

I guess I just wait here until either they fix the hyperdrive or receive a call for assistance to clear out the ship. It wasn’t the worst possible situation but as it stood Cynthia would feel more comfortable with the crews climbing aboard the Shuttle crafts and on their way into her ship’s hanger-bay. Attempting to avoid both an infestation and critical ship failure was not as simple as a walk in the park.

“Send a response back; the Marines will set up a defensive perimeter in the docking bay. We stress the importance of evacuation and temporary abandonment of the Solis Custos.” Cynthia added as she stepped back to her holo-map to check the new incoming reports from her fighter squadron leaders.
​