Junction Hostile Takeover | Neshtab Crisis Part II | Empire vs GA (Neshtab/Quesaya)

[Dionus Bharro]

Neshtab

​

Outfit: Factory Link
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Double-Bladed Lightsaber
Tag: Dionus Bharro

"They're coming."

"I can hear them, too. How many of them do you think there are?"

"Too many for the forward choke points, it seems..."

Valery heard the voices of the soldiers behind her and finally spoke up herself, her voice calm and projecting both confidence and strength that she hoped would inspire hope. "Stand your ground and stay in position." All around her, she had helped direct a solid defensive line with heavy repeating blasters, a few small turrets, and plenty of regular riflemen. In the rear on slightly elevated platforms of ice she had created, snipers and their spotters were waiting as well.

Those who would enter this tunnel first were walking straight into hell.

"Imperial Knights will be leading the way to provide their men with cover, so hit them with those turrets," she instructed, knowing that the heavier bolts couldn't be reflected back that easily, and were often far too overwhelming to block at all if they were fired in great numbers. "Snipers and heavy repeating weapons to pick off the lines behind that, and the rest of you..." She glanced over her shoulder and flashed a confident smirk.

"Hit them with everything you got."

Turning her eyes forward again, Valery drew the hilt of her double-bladed weapon into her hand. She had chosen it because it would allow her to provide a lot of cover, and especially in the days of the Old Republic, it had been her preferred weapon for dueling too. Finally, she just waited and closed her eyes while her senses expanded out into the caves to feel the enemy approaching with all of their hatred and vile intent.

She feared there would be no honor or respect in this battle.

"Here they come," Valery said, right before two violet blades ignited from the emitters of her weapon, and as soon as the enemy entered their tunnel, her plan would be executed, starting with the opening salvos of the turrets.

PAGE CLAIM!!!​

Objective: III - Wipe Them Out. All of Them.
Location: Subterranean Tunnels, Neshtab
Tags: Valery Noble

---

---

Blood would begin to wet the ground beneath the feet of the Knight Paladins surging through the tunnels; the blood of Graug, Human, and other sentient races from both Neshtab and the meddlesome Alliance. Scores of defenders began fleeing for their lives as their brothers were cut down mercilessly, which in turn pushed the Imperial Knights to pursue alongside several advance units of stormtroopers that had caught up with them.

That was when the trap was sprung.

The caves became quiet the deeper Dionus and his cohort penetrated, until they eventually rounded a bend in the tunnels which in turn fed into a larger subterranean chamber. Several fixed turrets opened fire upon their position, with a handful of his brothers falling during the initial salvo.

Their force-assisted reflexes kicked in as the remainder push forth, attempting to dodge what firepower they couldn’t deflect, while also attempting to deflect what nearly felled them as they advanced. Dionus’ senses honed in on a singular figure amongst them all who stood out like a supernova in the dead of space.

While Lord Bharro had never personally met the Jedi known as Valery Noble, he knew her reputation well. She had fought against many of the infamous denizens of the galaxy, and had been implicated in several actions against the Empire itself.

As far as it depended upon him, her unchecked movements would end - today.

The Knight Commander barrelled forth, pulling in a mighty heave into his lungs before he pushed it out via his agape mouth. A sonic blast surged through the air, akin to a well known technique he had mastered in another life; albeit heavily modified given the dark nature of its origin.

Where practitioners of the darkness would use their pure, unbridled pain and rage to fuel such a scream, Dionus’ variation emitted a focused and principled judgement instead. Judgement for the hypocritical stances the New Jedi Order seemed to make at every turn. Judgement for their clear complicity in aiding enemies of the Imperial State.

Judgement that would result in Valery’s death.

As the echoes of his scream rippled through the air and crashed into the general area the Jedi Master occupied, Dionus launched himself through the air - coming in from 70-degree angle with his saber pike pointed at Valery center-mass.

 

[FN-999]

SUBPOST - 908TH SPECIAL FORCES DIVISION

EC-644-21 ​

"Identification, all of you. We're never to prudent, especially when giving out classified informations."

"Wise response." replied the first shadowtrooper. "Your memory remains as sharp as it was in your Old Republic days."
​

"Indeed." added the second shadowtrooper. "Especially in the realm of special forces, war is as much a game of deception as it is power. No matter how Imperial someone may look, there is always a chance they may be a hostile infiltrator. It is good to see you recall that. I am ST-1071a, callsign 'Dromos'."

"And I am ST-4829d, callsign 'Wraith'."

The pair unzipped a small pouch on their waist belts, both black as night, pulling out standard Imperial military ID cards with a scan code linking to their official profiles.

"Now it's your turn, EC-644-21." continued Wraith. "Show us your identification, and then give us your insight on the unfolding battle."

908th Legion - "The Reborn"

TUNNELS OF NESHTAB - APPROACHES TO THE ROYAL HIVE​

Manpower: 11766/12000
Objective: III
Allies: Empire | Imps in the Caves | Open to interaction
Enemies: GA & Pariah Legion | Ironhide | Others TBD
Proximity Tag/Engaging: Caltin Vanagor

Equipment: Sniper | Rifle | Shotgun | Pistol | Flamethrower

The Baron watched tensely as the rocket approached its target.
​

At the last second, the man leapt away, out of range of the ensuing blast. He then stayed where he stood, blocking further advance into the tunnel.

Clearly, this man was a smart one.

FN-999 still had yet to see a lightsaber or obvious Force trick, and could only vaguely estimate the strength of the foe he faced. Even the probing rocket had answered few questions, only confirming that the man was more skilled than an average Padawan. So, was he a Knight? A Master? A cyborg? Or something else entirely? Even the Baron was unsure. For the veteran of a thousand battles, the man in the tunnel was an irresistible puzzle waiting to be solved.

Perhaps a little more force would be needed.

"Bigfoot, order the advance squad to withdraw." ordered FN-999. "I'll take over operations from here."

Soon after receiving a nod of affirmation from his co-commander, the Baron activated his helmet comms network and spoke.

[Flamers, move up. Keep a distance of ten meters and then light it up. If he retreats beyond that range, follow. If he advances towards you, retreat. Just keep that range.]

A unit of ten "flamers" took the lead next, marching in a single horizontal line in order to cover almost the entire width of the cave.

In unison, they lined up at firing range, aimed their flamethrowers at the man in the tunnel, and unleashed their scorching ammunition in a voluminous wave of fire surging into the man's path.​

 

[Cordé Sabo]

______________________________________________________________
M A J O R J U L T A N Y W I N S P I R R
DULCET | OBJECTIVE ||
NESHTAB | DOREAU MOUNTAINS | MOUNT ISSUS | FORT NETUS
______________________________________________________________

Tremors of conflict shook through the base. Sonic detonators, firing turrets, shrieking plasma, everything they’d planned for was coming alive. Cordé was focused on the screens, trying not to let the shaking base on the mountainside tap into her claustrophobia.

"Major. Imperial soldiers have entered the facility. The Jedi have moved to engage. Evacuations are proceeding, despite interference."

On one of the bluish-green screens, Cordé sipped her too-bitter caf and watched the counter teams, Fencer and company, as little dots en route to the upper fort.

"Interference." The major scoffed, and set down her mug. "This is a fortress, is it not? This is our fortress." The Major clipped, although she looked hurried and distracted. With deft motions, Cordé relayed the final update through to her teammates, with a note to send it through further to The Director. Then she terminated the connection. No further incoming messages or outgoing messages would be possible between herself or the SIA. "Our world. Hold them off until all transports are away."

He saluted, and nodded tightly. Then the Neshtab-native relayed the command out to the channels that controlled the turrets mounted on the upper deck.

For several minutes, there was silence shared in the intimate space. Collective communicators with earpieces plugged in and monitoring screens that kept them abreast of the situation zeroed in on updates, moving dials here and there to update positions.

Suddenly the blast doors hissed open, and in came someone around Cordé’s actual age, who braced the wall to barely catch his breath — "Major!" he puffed, "You have to leave. There are Imperial Knights, and Death Troopers en route to this centre! They—" he wheezed "They’re in the fortress. They got inside."

Cordé felt her stomach tighten. They weren’t supposed to know her position so readily. She was supposed to have more time.

In contrast to the sunken feeling of the SIA agent, the façade of the battleworn woman exhibited no emotion, nothing other than irritation.

"Save your breath for the fight." She heard herself say, with the smokey voice of Major Winspirr. There were moments where even she was convinced of her genuinity as Jultany. An inspiring woman, no doubt. "Seal all blast doors from their route to ours. Prepare to evacuate stations once they arrive in the D-sector. Begin transfer protocols for all your active programs." She crossed to look over the shoulder of a woman with tight braids beneath her ear pieces.

"There," she stabbed a gloved finger against the glasteel that projected the base’s layout and relayed security cams "Along here." Her pointer dragged along the hallway. One after the other, the communications expert sealed the doors. Durasteel layers that put at least five thick walls between their position and the last marked of the intruders.

That, plus a Jedi, would certainly slow them down.

"And if it comes to it, you will all go out.." Jultany pointed to the tiny dot on the screen that was to their left and down, down, down the cliffside. "Here."

To a secondary landing pad, away from the primary evacuations.

______________________________________________________________
​

F O E S | THE EMPIRE | Crail Halcyon | Varos Ignacious Korvan | DT-1159 | EC-644-21 | FN-999
F R I E N D S | GA | THE COLLECTIVE | TASK FORCE NULL | Ronval Rubat | Amani Serys

______________________________________________________________​

 

[Hall Mannarra]

The Empire
Expansion Region | Neshtab | The Veers Redoubt, Imperial Vanguard Frontier, Undercity Outskirts
Primary Objective: Achieve Breakthrough via Thunder Run
Secondary Objective: Provide Armored Support To Friendly Infantry Elements
Friendlies: The Empire | Michael Barran | FN-999
Hostiles: Pariah Legion | Ironhide | Galactic Alliance | Jasper Kai'el | Corazona von Ascania
Directly Engaging: N/A
Gear: In Bio

Spoiler: Forces

Elements of the 181st Armored Division, 2nd Bn. 3rd Co. 3rd Pl.
XT-62 MBTb ‘331’ | Charlie 3-1 | [Command Tank] | Dozer Blade Attached
XT-62 MBTb ‘332’ | Charlie 3-2 |
XT-62 MBTb ‘333’ | Charlie 3-3 |
XT-62 MBTb ‘334’ | Charlie 3-4 |

Elements of the 181st Armored Division, 2nd Bn. 5th Co. 4th Pl.
XV-60a APC ‘541’ | Echo 5-1 | [Mech. Inf. Command Element]
XV-60a APC ‘542’ | Echo 5-2 |
XV-60a APC ‘543’ | Echo 5-3 |
XV-60a APC ‘544’ | Echo 5-4 |

Drastarra Charge​

Small clouds of snow kicked off the icy lands as the very ground underneath trembled in the wake of the Imperial Armor’s advance. With main guns and COAX heavy repeaters alike, they were smashing through the enemy opposition that made an attempt to slow down, or halt their advance altogether.

”GUNNER! HEAT ANTI-TAAAAANK! TRAVERSE RIGHT!” The TC’s voice rang loud over the intercom amidst the sharp mechanical whine and whirr of the rotating turret; swung at the direction The Sergeant called out, it would not be for long until Litzke brought the gun to bear on a Pariah anti-tank team, situated roughly two hundred meters over yonder to their northeast, peeking over the top of a small hill.

Perhaps out of fear and the rush of combat, his replacement was rather rushing it. Amidst the turret rotation the gun had missed its mark by several inches, which translated into several dozen meters once the target range and their own speed was taken into account.

”STEADY!” He urged Litzke to slow down as the young Gunner’s sights drew nearer to the intended target, correcting his mistake in a mere moment; excitement and fear was laden in the Sergeant’s young voice as he shouted his commands over the intercom.

The back of his mind was burning like a midnight pyre.

His uncanny sixth sense ability granted him not a moment’s respite; from the moment they’ve punched through the Pariah’s lines and began their swift advance northward, it urged the young Sergeant to heed to the threats that possessed the utmost danger towards him, his crew, and the rest of his platoon elements.

And although the supposed calming effects of the issued ration was swept away by the indescribable rush of adrenaline and liveliness it brought in its wake, his sharpened focus would remain unperceivable to the young man at that moment; one of the many effects of the ration he had consumed not long ago.

”OOON!” Having heeded to Hall’s command, Litzke had slowed down the turret traverse speed in order to accurately place the gunner sights on target.

”IDEN’IFIED!” the young man shouted back to the TC over the intercom, confirming the target.

”FIREFIREFIREFIREFIRE!” Eyes widened, and glued to his 360° panoramic optics, he could see the team of Pariah Legionnaires in the middle of loading another round into their MANPATS; they were but a few precious moments away from firing another shot at the advancing armor; right at them, specifically.

”ON THE WAAAY!”

With a loud THUMP the gun breech of the dreaded 120mm L77A4 recoiled back the moment Litzke pulled back hard on the trigger; the fin stabilized HEAT shell darted out the barrel at breakneck speeds.

With a metallic, brassy clatter the spent shell rolled out the gun breech, falling into the basket underneath the breech; their Loader wasted not a precious moment. The giant of a man immediately turned around to face the ammo storage behind him, and went about retrieving another HEAT shell to load into the breech.

”HEAT UUUUUP!” The giant of a man bellowed over the intercom, making sure Hall and Litzke were aware the gun was loaded.

”TARGEEEET!” The young Tank Commander shouted. Although a hint of fear and anxiety underlied his words, his young voice was laden with excitement, joy and a mere moment’s relief at the sight of the neutralized enemy contacts; as the kicked up a large column of snow and ice settled down, he could see the bloodied and torn remains of the anti-tank crew scattered about.

But the enemy would not grant them a moment’s respite; his sixth sense yet again demanded his attention, pulling his gaze towards the outskirts of Drastarra; although roughly two klicks further north-northeast from their current position in the hilly, icy plains, they had visual on the city.

And visual on the encroaching threats.

Switching to TVD on his Commander’s Sights at the press of a button at his station, the young Sergeant laid eyes on small clouds of snow at the outskirts of the city, stirred up from the ground into the air by the repulsor units of several vehicles; heat signatures amidst the clouds resembled the silhouette of tanks, quite similar in shape to their XT-62 Cataphracts.

The Imperial armored spearhead punching towards the city was the furthest Imperial armored unit from their lines, closest to the city; those contacts did not register as friendlies on the TacMap!

”PARIAH ARMORED PLATOON! DUE NORTHEAST, BEARING ZERO-FIVE-FIVE! ENGAGE!” Löwe’s voice rang sharp over the platoon’s command net, confirming exactly what the young Tank Commander was seeing.

”GUNNER HEAT TAAAAANK! LEFTLEFTLEFTLEFTLEEEEFT!” at his shout the turret let out a sharp mechanical whirr and whine as Litzke swung around the gun; although the Tank Commander could not make out the finer details, all smudged in his thermal sights, he could feel the turrets of those hostile armor turning their way, as they positioned their tanks at relative advantageous positions in the streets, looking outward towards the icy plains.

With a sharp mechanical groan, the turret came to a grinding halt; the gun was pointed at the center mass of the intended target. ”OOOON!”

”IDEN’IFIED!”

”FIRE, FIRE SABOOOT!” Hall gave the command, urging Stege to get a sabot round in the breech as soon as the shot was out; the all too familiar brassy ringing of a spent shell falling into the metallic basket underneath the gun breech reached their ears, at the wake of the pull of the gun’s trigger.

The young TC could see the trajectory of the round in his thermal vision sights, almost as soon as it darted out the barrel; a column of torn ice and snow was kicked off the ground, blanketing the enemy armor at the wake of the shell’s detonation, just two meters short of the upper frontal plate of the enemy tank.

Short! Too damn short!

”SHORT! RE-ENGAAAAGE!”

”KILL THAT KARKEEEEER!” Kale, their Driver, roared a frightened, enraged shout in the wake of a shell striking their frontal plate; crushed on impact due to striking the armor at an odd angle, the metal penetrating dart merely put a dent on their armor.

As much as the round failed to penetrate the armor, the loud BANG that accompanied the hit strained the nerves of the already highly uneasy crew within the armored confines of their tank.

With a loud metallic clink and clatter, the gun breech closed shut after being fed another round. ”SABOT UUUUP!”

”AGAINAGAINAGAINAGAINAGAIN!" The TC implored his Gunner to re-engage the target, fearing the next round the target would shoot their way would spell their doom; it was kill or be killed.

”RE-ENGAGING!”

 

[DT-1159]

Objective: II - Blackout
Equipment: Armor | Rifle | Sidearm | Melee Weapon | Bio
Location: Neshtab - Mount Netus
ALLIES: Varos Ignacious Korvan
ENEMIES: Amani Serys | Ronval Rubat | Cordé Sabo

[Death Troopers]​

Like a burning hot knife through butter, they cut a swath through their opponents with ease. Precise movements, calculated shots. Nothing was left to waste. It was clear the addition of the Inquisitor made the approach far, far easier - they practically had a moving piece of cover for themselves. Thus far, the enemy had not presented one such opponent that could rival such. From over the shoulder of the Inquisitor, searing hot bolts flew out from behind him to put an end to those who dared poked their heads out to fire. Reaction speeds seemed inhuman, their crosshairs near-robotically shifting in the blink of an eye and pulling the triggers when needed.

Focused on this singular objective; Find the Leader. Capture or Kill. They would allow nothing to stand in their way; as if an unheard mantra echoed in their minds. Their formation was akin to that of a spearhead - keeping tight behind the Inquisitor to easily maintain the momentum of their push. Not a single Trooper had been lost as of yet during their foray into the heart of the enemy; a testament to their efficiency. One called out for a Grenade, and knees instinctively shifted to dive to cover - only for what could’ve been plenty of wounds to have been prevented by Varos. There was no time for ‘Thanks’ or platitudes; only the instinctual drive forwards.

<”Secure the area.”> Came the encrypted voice of the Sergeant of the squadron as the battle slowed for just a moment. The dark-clad troopers treaded forwards side-by-side to the Inquisitor for a moment, encroaching at the Junction. Blasters remained trained on the corners as they rounded them, wary of what was left. Stragglers injured by the shrapnel of the blast attempted to crawl away, groaning some with exertion. 59 found himself towards the front once more; and he did not hesitate in allowing the barrel of his blaster to sing its song as it delivered one, two more killing blows. The rest of the squadron followed suit. Examples to be made of - opposition would be terminated with extreme prejudice. It would’ve invoked fear in their enemies, if there were any left. Perhaps if they were watching through cameras, or sensors, they could see each life extinguish in such a rapid manner it’d be as if Death itself had drawn His scythe across in a swathe.

As 59 assessed the paths for a moment, towards the center of the junction as he readied to make the next surge forward with his squad, one of the others made a signal, <”We’ve a hostile approaching leftwards.”>

His helmet turned aside, as the Inquisitor seemingly also looked off in the direction - what prompted more concern, however, was that they were seemingly already looking in that direction.

Then the entity made itself apparent. A Jedi, in all their supposed glory. Their first real Jedi. Not a simulation. Rifles were preemptively raised, aimed and trained on the approaching figure. Then the Inquisitor waved them off; “Secure the target. I will take care of this.”

The rest of the Death Mask squadron glanced towards 59. After a moment, his off-hand left off of his rifle for another hand motion - <”...Move on. We have our objective.”> Came his stern affirmation of the Inquisitor’s orders.

The Death Troopers silently, ominously lowered their rifles, and moved on just as swiftly as they came. Depending on how the Jedi looked at it, that could be a good thing, or a very, very bad thing.

The 110th wasted no time in advancing down the central passage. The swiftest way to the hub they were looking for, and subsequently their primary target: Major Jultany Winspirr. Sensors, scrambled as they were, could pick up the faint bustling activity that lay further beyond. That made it, at the very least, a nerve center. And those were best to sever when you needed to kill something fast.

More steps made their way through. They noticed a sudden decrease in resistance, as they continued their foray inside. Something was amiss, 59 knew it. Hand raised to signal another check of the sensors, before the reason made itself apparent in the form of Blast Doors suddenly sealing in front of them. Audio sensors picked up the dull thuds of four more behind that. His brow furrowed in mild annoyance underneath the visor. They were only prolonging the inevitable.

Now, they could’ve brute forced it. Enough breaching charges, you could get through eventually. That’s how the army would’ve typically have done it. But they didn’t have ‘eventually.’ And they were not the army. Here would be another of the many examples over their counterparts - a showcase of just how versatile they were.

<”46.”> Came the stern command to another - not even needing to state the rest of the command. <”Sir.”> Acknowledgement from another, as they shifted towards a side panel of the first door in front of them. Their visor did a brief once-over, before the gauntlet slammed into the metal, and detached some of the wiring with a grunt of effort. It was then he took the wire, and connected it into his vambrace.

59 turned, pointed to positions along the sides of the walls to, <”Rear Guard, cover.”> More silent movements, as defensive positions were taken up. <”How long?”> He queried to the other.

<”Short.”> Replied 46. Fingers moved swiftly across his vambrace - the in-built computer was hard at work, the AI Assistant of this particular unit tailored for the job to hasten the process. Trained to adapt to any situation, the scenario where slicing would be needed was an expected one, and would be dealt with in short order without wasting additional precious time.

 

[Siyndacha Aerin]

ERRANT HEIR
THE ORDER OF IMPERIAL KNIGHTS
SUBTERRANEAN TUNNELS, NESHTAB
PRIMARY TAG
Alicio Organa

FRIENDLIES
Dionus Bharro | Corvallis Tavlar | Katja Javik | Hall Mannarra
FN-999 | Lily Stevens | Garris Corrack | Mischa Korvan | Michael Barran

HOSTILES
Ironhide | Ishida Ashina | Jasper Kai'el | Caltin Vanagor | Starlin Rand | Aiden Rennek
Ariana Du Couteau | Corazona von Ascania | Orson Velus | Valery Noble

BRIEF EXCHANGE​

Tunnels. It had to be tunnels.

The last time she had went underground as such, the tunnels were crawling with cultists, the heady stench of death, and the oppressive presence of dark ritual. A detestable event that had seen her skin crawl for days afterwards - a common effect of the most putrid of Sith magics that included sacrifice in the setting out of the ritual - and reaffirmed her loathing of it all. It was always better to have knowledge of that which one despised and her academic expertise in the subjects of cults and Sith Magic was born of this very kind of reasoning. Not that it helped her avoid exposure to the subjects of her loathing; the Empire knew quite well how to use its assets and she was no exception.

What they pursued in the Tunnels of Neshtab was something of an entirely different variety, but to her mind it fit the bill of that sector of her knowings, that of cults - albeit, to call the Jedi such a thing might have been a matter of personal opinion that the likes of her Mentor, Simon Meinrad , and a limited number of Imperial Knights could agree with. The Pariah Legion was, however, thought of with such loathing through a broader swath of her Order for the acts they visited upon her ilk - they were filth, and they would be expelled from this plane of existence.

Nothing, absolutely nothing and no-one would stand in her way. Her way, that of the Imperial Knights, Imperial Forces, and the Will of the Empire. This was a sharp point of focus, despite recent events that could see their domain rend into pieces; an act of vengeance, as much as it was a drive, by sheer force, to institute the one true solution to millennia of Force-borne conflict and the one way to galactic peace:

Order.

Paid for by the lifeblood of Graug, other sentients that populated this world, and the servants of the corrupt Alliance, a payment taken by the precision of her blade, movements, and frigid, disciplined power. A far cry from the girl-child that had once been ripped from all she knew and put into the services of the very dark that she now so often put under the judgement of her own beliefs, beliefs self-realised and further fostered by Imperial doctrine.

Judgement that spread as the Lady Knight of Eshan pressed on alongside soldier and fellow Knight alike, and didn’t cease at the advent of live fire. Doing what she could to aid the advance, and cover those not blessed with power akin to her own, until one trooper rushed forward from her rear, likely taken by the energy of battle and what was falsely seen as opportunity. Misplaced confidence that saw his life meet its final moments at the end of a navy-blue blade, and drew her focus to the guilty party: a dark-haired one hardly much older than herself.

“You did away with him quickly,” she observed, as the Imperial soldiers traded volleys of bolts with Alderaanian troops, her one lit argent blade deftly swatting away a few errant bolts that flew into her space as she stepped forth with a calm in the midst of battle that belied her nigh-twenty-two years, “and efficiently.”

Aerin brought her blade up from where it had fell to the side in her grip, the stark line of her mouth picking up a vague downward turn. The pearly white of the hilt in her hand, called ‘Burden’ by her forebears, was a near-match to the pale skin of the digits enveloping it, and a contrast to the deep black hilt, named ‘Remembrance’ by those same ancestors, that as-yet remained tethered to her hip.

“And with such gracefulness for the lie that you serve.” Clear disgust in her voice. With this, her next step took her into a forward surge that would put her into his immediate space in the scant approximation of a second, with her blade coming for him in a sharp, diagonal cut within the instant she got close. Uncompromising.

How long would that grace last?

 

[EC-644-21]

SUBPOST - 908TH SPECIAL FORCES DIVISION

EC-644-21 EC-644-21
"Wise response." replied the first shadowtrooper. "Your memory remains as sharp as it was in your Old Republic days."
​

"Indeed." added the second shadowtrooper. "Especially in the realm of special forces, war is as much a game of deception as it is power. No matter how Imperial someone may look, there is always a chance they may be a hostile infiltrator. It is good to see you recall that. I am ST-1071a, callsign 'Dromos'."

"And I am ST-4829d, callsign 'Wraith'."

The pair unzipped a small pouch on their waist belts, both black as night, pulling out standard Imperial military ID cards with a scan code linking to their official profiles.

"Now it's your turn, EC-644-21." continued Wraith. "Show us your identification, and then give us your insight on the unfolding battle."

Objective: OBJECTIVE 2: BLACKOUT;
Besiege the mountain stronghold to capture or kill the key persons of interest.
Location: Fort Netus, Mount Issus, Neshtab.
Tags: FN-999 Open to SIA, ISB, Special Forces
(Open for engagement).
​

EC-644-21 would, in a quick move, show his Imperial military ID Card. And as he did that, EC-644-21 took a Datapad from the tent's table. He'd then proceed to say, "DT-2178 should have been my identification if I didn't change it for my old one. So.. Here are the notes about my maps. Most of them are about the terrain. I also made some reconnaissance and mapped the enemy forces global positions. To be clear, I have a several maps you might want to look at with the notes."

-

---

NOTES OF THE MAPS, OBJECTIVE 2, MOUNT ISSUS.

---

#1, Topography of Mount Issus and it's surroundings.

Most of the map here are for the topography, terrain if you prefer. The first thing to note is that the Fort Netus is in the best position, it's defensive forces have the high ground, a parameter that should not be underestimated. The defensive forces artillery is currently creating a wall against our forces if not destroying them. Thus making breaches in the front more complicated than ever.

The only parameter in favor to us would be the numerical advantage, you'd prefer thousand Storms swarming around the Fort than ten DTs swiftly breaking through. There is also one advantage to that situation, they overestimate our forces, which is, until they do not know our real power: can be really helpful in capturing or killing the key persons of interest.

#2, Mapping of the enemy positions and their defenses.

There are two maps for that, were are the defenses situated and where the enemy forces are.

First things first, a lot of the defenses are against walkers and tanks. Mines are also near the Anti-walkers and tanks but I didn't want to gut myself to check where they are. We might want to hold any large-scale attacks until THIS is cleared.

As for the enemy positions, they are rather vague: we know that garrisons are mainly on the left side of the Fort because of the recent clashes but the right side is also fairly protected. More intelligence report shall be made, even if most of the troops are Alpine divisions.

​

[/SIZE]

Spoiler: EC-644-21's equipement.

• Hellion-class Commando Armor Mk. I
• BKM-62x Particle Beam Rifle | TF
• CSR-50i Slugthrower Sniper Rifle
• KXR SFP-60x Particle Beam Pistol
• BAW-63 Heavy Rotary Blaster Cannon
• KXG 'Stopilka' IDR-854-01A Rifle
• REC-PWL/01 "Harbinger" - Pattern Adaptable Warhead Launcher
• Vibroblades
• Grenades
• Medkits

​

​

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

OBJECTIVE 3: WIPE THEM OUT. ALL OF THEM.
“Stand up for what is right even if you're standing alone.”
― Suzy Kassem,
​

When a Jedi is taught about combat, the first thing that they are taught is the need to enter each situation with a completely open and objective mind. This has been covered pretty extensively already, but what of the next thing? It varies from time to time and from Master to Master, but if you are given a choice, try and not fight. If you have the option to de-escalate a situation, you should do so. Be it with speech, be it with negotiations, be it with an intimidating look. There is nothing wrong with getting out of a fight that you never had to get into.

The Jedi set themselves apart from the rest of the galaxy as while even though this incarnation of the “New Jedi Order” is ready and willing to fight…

Thanks Aaran… Thanks Ryv… where were you eight hundred years ago…

… there is still something to be said about doing so on your own terms, and not your opponents. What is about entering a fight with an open mind? Anyway, many Force Users out there jump into battle with all of their powers and abilities at the ready and the willingness to use them all at the drop of a hat. This is not efficient though, sure, intimidation is a tactic even Jedi use in some cases and Sith can use it (for example) like no other to get out of fights all the while looking even stronger than they might be. However, what if their opponent is ready for this? What if they weather the storm that is about to be struck onto them? What if there really is nothing that a Sith can offer that can affect their would-be opponent? Then what?

That is why the Jedi often appear “lackadaisical” in their approach to fighting, not because they are unwilling, but because they have choices. Take the big man, Caltin Vanagor here for example. He could have drawn either of his lightsabers, the Long Handle stalwart “Conservator” and its vibrant Sovereign Gold blade (don’t forget the blue tinge) or the telescoping dual bladed (Permafrost on one independently activated side Silvery Purple on the other) pike “Vanguard”, though he has had well enough the opportunity to do so. He has chosen not to, because he does not have a need to just yet. The massive Jedi Master has multiple choices to be able to make the squad that was withdrawing. They were not retreating and he knew this, but Vanagor still stood his ground as he waited for but a moment.

Then the picket line formed…

… and the wall of flame…

That’s…

DON’T YOU DARE MAKE A “THAT’S HOT!” JOKE!

Party Pooper. Anyway, his next moves were limited, so Caltin created his own opportunity. A “Wall of Light” should give him the moment he needed to plant his feet. Then a twirl of his fingers here, a grasp into a fist there and the air started to rush inward. The breezes were kicking up and into a controlled wind all to push their own flame back into them, not to burn them or anything around them (they were no doubt protected from accidents but just in case) but to force them to fall back, which they did. Which came as no surprise. They were not "cannon fodder" they were good, and not even on the one in charge. That was probably the trooper who stood even taller than Vanagor himself. It made the massive Jedi Master wonder just how dangerous this incarnation of the Empire really truly was if they employed soldiers at this level of ability on every level?

He thought about following them all the way outside and then closing this tunnel off, and he still might, but there was something else he wanted to do. Something that would make them wonder if he was someone that they wanted to push further. Pulling the moisture from their air and into the natural electrical currents flowing in, and throughout his body, Vanagor summoned a powerful bolt of lightning at those in front of him.

Make no mistake, it would hit the ground and give them a good “charge” (nothing lethal but more “OH (CENSORED)”) but they would get off the ground. Who knows. Maybe that grouping of tanks that he could see off in the distance might get hit as well.

Walk away while you can.

There, now they cannot say that he did not warn them.

TAG: FN-999 | Michael Barran | @Hall Mannarra

Spoiler: Personal effects

"Vanguard" (Secondary - Long Handle)

"CONSERVATOR" (Primary - Long Handle)
HK-88 Robes, Battle Armor,Toraynor-Henkan(mind crystal added) Advanced Jedi Utility Belt
Starship: Spectre, (NC-1000 X-wing (Jedi Variant) in the hangar, Dilorian, and Bike both in the cargo bay, the late Karki Eusith's Armor, Shield, Temple Guard Lightsaber mounted on the wall)
Sanctuary Island

 

[Alicio Organa]

NESHTAB, CAVE SYSTEM
OBJECTIVE: EVACUATE CIVILIANS, SURVIVE
TAGS: Siyndacha Aerin
​

A challenger approached.

The streaks of red burning through the air became background noise as an Imperial Knight made herself known. Alicio narrowed his eyes, dark and cold like gunmetal, as he observed her, blade humming low at his side. Her words echoed in his ears, as he experienced them twice. Once in the future, then once again in the present.

What she said made him frown bitterly. The knight complimented him on his kill, but the fact that he had killed at all didn't sit well with him. It likely never would.

When her strike came, though, Alicio was ready for it. As she bolted in, ready to bisect him, the Count stepped into her swing, cutting the momentum in half as blade met blade. With their sabers bound together, the Count's footwork flowed like water, and suddenly, he was in the Imperial's space, attempting to body-check her back with an elbow to the chin.

"There are innocents in the caves behind me," he said simply. "I serve them."

"No truth you believe is worth their lives." He wished he could say more, but the middle of a life-or-death duel was not the place for a drawn-out conversation.

 

[Amani Serys]

Varos Ignacious Korvan | DT-1159
Cordé Sabo​

Amani froze in place as she saw the source of her concerns: A squadron of troopers clad in black, spearheaded by a man whose presence echoed through the ethereal Force. She peered sharply at the intruders, stone-faced, as if simply unamused by the circumstance.

“Just tired,” Amani droned in response to the Knight’s presumptions. Her gaze flicked from him to his cadre of troopers, who quickly turned to leave. Not content to let them escape and wreak havoc uncontested, the Jedi’s free hand clenched, causing a gust of telekinetic energy to whip two of the rear troopers into one another with violent force. Unlikely enough to kill, but without any resistances to such an attack, they wouldn’t be getting off the ground any time soon.

With that, her focus then fell solely to the remaining Knight once again, “Respectfully, you don’t know a thing about me,” Amani snarked, now slowly pacing parallel to him. Given her tone, the word respectfully meant very little in this context. His empty accusations only affirmed her disposition, “Whatever helps you sleep at night.” There were few things as insufferable to her as Imperial audacity.

Amani’s saber pike ignited, a radiant beam of silvery white that illuminated the nearest walls. Her grip loosened, letting the haft slide down for extra reach, but otherwise remained defenselessly at her side, “Come on, then.” The Jedi goaded. And sure enough, the first strike was made. Amani braced against the initial impact, sliding back across the floor but remaining on her feet. His follow-up was quick but telegraphed. She raised her songsteel haft, deftly blocking the blade, letting it slide off as she countered with a sweeping horizontal cut at his midsection.

 

[Jasper Kai'el]

Neshtab, Undercity Outskirts
Allies: With Corazona von Ascania , Other Ironhide
Enemies: Hall Mannarra

"There are... lots of reasons for that," Jasper sighed upon Cora's question. "Governing systems can't exactly exist without a people to govern. Regular people hold more power then you'd think. It makes sense that a system built on the suppression of civilians would be afraid of them. They're here to make an example... to keep their people drowning in fear. Not all rulers are benevolent, Cora..."

That's why he was a Jedi, not a ruler. The only thing he was bound to was the people. It was why he spent so much time in the Coruscant underbelly, or traveling around the Outer Rim. It was in that time that he came to recognize the power that civilian populations had, even as victims.

It wasn't long before they were trekking out of Drastarra. Ahead lay an icy, and somewhat uneven terrain. Open war waged on the surface while below, no doubt, the Pariah Legion was holding their ground against the Imperial lines. They set themselves up behind a natural occurring slope, right next to a hole that went down into the tunnels. This was their main mode of quick traversal: Tunnels to run, explosives to delay. Keep as many personnel from reaching their objective as possible. Jasper was quick to draw a pair of binocs, scoping out potential targets. It wasn't long before that happened.

"XT-62s," Jasper informed them, "Looks like a unit of four-"

Jasper paused for a moment as a stray bolt of plasma from a distant cannon few overhead.

"Jeez," he muttered before continuing. "Right then. We're aiming for the top on these. Clip the gun, clip the tank. You three," the knight spoke directly to three of the men, "Move ahead. See if you can surprise them closer to their objective point. Remember to keep moving. Give them time to follow the trail on those warheads and... well, the rest is pretty self explanatory."

The marines saluted before slipping down into the tunnels, setting off ahead of their advance. Jasper then turned, offering a thermal detonator to Cora.

"You have a good throwing arm?" Jasper asked. "I don't wanna make you do anything you aren't ready for. Well, any more than you already are."

He truly believed that no padawan should have been greenlit for this past a certain age or skill level, but there was an increasing need for Jedi in the field, weather he liked it or not. That would be Maran one of these days...

There was no time to be distracted. As the tanks moved forward, followed by the other vehicles in their company, Jasper primed his thermal detonator and threw it, aiming to have it land under one of the XT-62s as they passed. The remaining troopers would fire off their warheads, targeting those closer to the front. Cora would have time to throw her detonator if she chose. Now that their initial strike was made, however, they needed to move, lest their trail betray them. Jasper would begin to move his team into the tunnels, making sure Corazona was the first to enter.

Warhead Launcher

 

[FN-999]

SUBPOST - 908TH SPECIAL FORCES DIVISION

​

EC-644-21 ​

"To be clear, I have a several maps you might want to look at with the notes."

The pair of shadow troopers peered over to inspect the datapad.
​

After a silent minute, the pair returned their attention to the clone in front of them. This time, Dromos took the lead.

"All of this is solid intel by the Imperial playbook." stated Dromos. "We were unaware of the presence or location of so many mines. Wraith, can you spread the news?"

"In a flash." replied Wraith, turning away before vanishing into thin air.

"Wraith is delivering the key points of your report to the field commanders." continued Dromos. "You are a skilled scout, and you could make a skilled shadow. If you have any interest in the program, hit me up."

Then Dromos too vanished, leaving the clone to his own devices.

908th Legion - "The Reborn"

TUNNELS OF NESHTAB - APPROACHES TO THE ROYAL HIVE​

Manpower: 11739/12000
Objective: III
Allies: Empire | Imps in the Caves | Open to interaction
Enemies: GA & Pariah Legion | Ironhide | Others TBD
Engaging: Caltin Vanagor

Equipment: Sniper | Rifle | Shotgun | Pistol | Flamethrower

FN-999 stood utterly surprised as the flame reversed course.
​

Fortunately for the flamers, the fire was now thinly spread and their specialized armor ensured that the indirect flames caused them no harm. They withdrew a few meters back and put their fingers off their triggers, waiting for the flames to clear. Once they did, they found that the man was still standing, completely unharmed.

At least now we know he's a real tough cookie of a Jedi. thought the Baron as he observed the spectacle unfolding in front of him.

Now was the time to get equally serious.

Or at least, it would have been, had electricity not erupted from the Jedi's body.

"E-POSITION!!!" yelled FN-999 to all those around him as he leapt to the ground.
​

Less than a second later, the bolt struck, landing a few meters in front of the flamers. The electricity swiftly arced through the ground, easily conducting in the armor of the flamers as they crumpled to the ground, alive but unconscious. With more time on his hands, the Baron and his cohort fell down onto their hands and feet.

A standard element of training in the 908th Legion, introduced by FN-999 himself, was electric positioning. If a powerful, unavoidable electric shock were to come in a person's direction, the optimal position to be in was crouched down low with feet placed together. It would by no means guarantee a person's safety, but it was highly effective at reducing the effects of electric shocks.

Still, the lightning position made the jolt no more comfortable for the Baron.

He barely held in his pain as his muscles jerked and vibrated uncontrollably, putting his entire physical effort into maintaining the "E-position". Pained grunts and groans around him indicated that a good portion of the company was impacted as well. Fortunately, the pain lasted all of a few seconds before the electricity dispersed harmlessly, letting the Baron and his cohort recover. As he attempted to open his comms, he realized that his helmet's electronics had been fried, effectively disabling them.

It would seem as if the Baron would have to deliver his next orders via Bigfoot.

"Bigfoot, this man is too dangerous to risk good troops on." stated FN-999. "My helmet's fried, so I need you to order the company to withdraw to the tunnel's main choke and fortify it as if they were defending against a siege. If he gets through me, they're next."

For a few seconds, Bigfoot said nothing, only staring motionlessly at his old friend.

"Bigfoot?"

FN-999 was genuinely startled to see his closest friend hold a pistol to his head.

"Enough is enough." exclaimed Bigfoot, pressing the barrel against the Baron's helmet.

"You're the smartest guy I ever met, but you're too stupid to see."

"Before you go making another of your valiant last stands, you should remember that there are people who care about you!"

Bigfoot's voice broke at this, the emotion in his appeal seeping through his helmet.

"We've - you've been through a lot, I know. But you are NOT the only one capable of winning this fight! Your legion has some of the finest veterans in the Empire, itching to settle the score with their most enduring foes! They are not children! I understand you want to protect them, but you have to trust them too! You've taught your troops well, and they know their limits. If they were unprepared to fight the worst of the worst, then why would they be out here??"

His arm quivered, his grip on the gun growing unsteady.

"Think of how much we've already lost! Finna, Leonti, Jaden, Buster, Hermes, Krayt, and Tess. Especially Tess. They all tried to be big damn heroes, and in the end, we lost them! You know how that feels - we've both been coping with that for the past twenty years! Don't tell me that you too don't wake up at midnight in a sweat after dreaming up Tess's final mission or Buster's hideous end. How much worse would it feel if I died? Think of how it feels for ME, watching you go off alone to face the MOST POWERFUL warriors in the DAMN GALAXY, with NOTHING to hold onto but my memories of you!"

"Enough is enough. You have an entire legion that has been shaped by you, that cannot function without you. I cannot function without you."

"So please, let me help you. Let US help you."

Now it was the Baron's turn to go stock-still as Bigfoot faced him down, his arm quivering but still holding the gun in place.

By now, nearby troopers had begun to take notice, and they turned their rifles towards Bigfoot.

"Lay down your arms." sternly ordered FN-999. "I will deal with this."

"I'm sorry, my friend."

In an instant, the Baron wrapped his arms around Bigfoot's and smashed it down into his raised knee.

The bony point resonated through Bigfoot's armor and bent the muscles of his arm, sending the gun flying out of his hands. With several inches over his friend, FN-999 reached up and grabbed the gun, pointed it at Bigfoot's chest, and fired a single shot.

Stun.

"You've always been the better man, Bigfoot. Live on, and live a long and happy life. You deserve it."

"Take him and the flamers to a medical tent." ordered the Baron to the troopers around him.

He then gestured to an individual lieutenant, urging him to come over to him.

"Relay these orders to the company."

FN-999's doubts withdrew with his company as he alone drew closer to the Jedi in the cave.
​

His helmet now utterly useless, the Baron took it off and tossed it aside. In its place was his face, pale, bald and riddled with scars from a thousand battles.

Walk away while you can.

​

"How bold." exclaimed FN-999, chuckling coldly to himself. "If you wish to protect those in the Royal Hive, then it is you who should walk away. Otherwise, I will take you myself."​

 

[EC-644-21]

SUBPOST - 908TH SPECIAL FORCES DIVISION

​

EC-644-21 EC-644-21
The pair of shadow troopers peered over to inspect the datapad.
After a silent minute, the pair returned their attention to the clone in front of them. This time, Dromos took the lead.

"All of this is solid intel by the Imperial playbook." stated Dromos. "We were unaware of the presence or location of so many mines. Wraith, can you spread the news?"

"In a flash." replied Wraith, turning away before vanishing into thin air.

"Wraith is delivering the key points of your report to the field commanders." continued Dromos. "You are a skilled scout, and you could make a skilled shadow. If you have any interest in the program, hit me up."

Then Dromos too vanished, leaving the clone to his own devices.​

Objective: OBJECTIVE 2: BLACKOUT;
Besiege the mountain stronghold to capture or kill the key persons of interest.
Location: Fort Netus, Mount Issus, Neshtab.
Tags: FN-999 Open to SIA, ISB, Special Forces
(Open for engagement).
​

EC-644-21 simply looked at Dromos a few seconds, "I might be interested, Fort Netus could be cleared before I see the program -" And as he said that; Dromos vanished. "- Are all Shadows like this?" EC-644-21 continued. Yes, they, somehow were like that. When you can vanish in a fraction of a second, I guess you exploit that.

Then, EC-644-21 took off his helmet in his tent, still thinking about the offer Dromos made while inspecting the several maps.​

 

[Abeodan Tyiskore Charidot]

First Attack Group

Flagship of the Fleet NIV Legacy of Bödvarr [ 100 | 100] Pellaeon III Star Destroyers NIV Resurgency II [ 100 | 100] NIV Dispatcher [ 100 | 100] NIV Trident [100 | 100] NIV Kraken [ 100 | 100]

The flow of the battle over Neshtab was ever changing as Fleet Admiral Chariot and Vice Admiral Gurn would survey the holographic battlefield from the command bridge of the NIV Legacy of Bodvarr. A constant flow of information came and went through the Main Command Bridge as casualty numbers began to increase with each death of a TIE Fighter Pilot. They would be considered necessary losses if it meant that the Empire could maintain dominance over the orbit of Neshtab and begin supporting the ground forces.

The 1st Attack Group was at a considerable disadvantage due to the lack of smaller vessels to counter starfighters and bombers which could slip through the point-defense systems to target his Pellaeon III's and flagship directly. Although this weakness could prove advantageous to draw the Alliance into the heavy fire power of the star destroyers. Communication between the Command Bridge and the Starfighter Command Bridge was considered critical as they could respond much quicker to Galactic Alliance Starfighter Squadrons.

"Sir? Don't you think this Alliance Group is a threat to our battle group" Vice Admiral Gurn said with quite a worried look on his face in reference to Cynthia Alucard 's Alliance Taskforce which was approaching their battle line. Abeodan glanced over the holographic map and spotted the group moving into position in a direct challenge to his 1st Attack Group. "You are right, they can't be allowed to get any closer. Recycle our point-defense systems and sent out several squadrons of TIE Fighters and TIE Bombers to intercept them. The advantage that we have is superior numbers when it comes to starfighter capacity compared to the alliance." Charidot said with a confident look on his features. As that command was issued to the Starfighter Command Bridge and sent out to the squadrons within the hanger bays of the flagship.

10 Squadrons of TIE/HB Bruisers would emerge from the hanger bays in a direct intercept course with Cynthia Alucard .

"Fleet Admiral, we are intercepting a transmissions from the Galactic Alliance. It appears Senator Vexx is incharge of one of the task forces." The voice of a communication officer would garner his attention. Charidot was more than pleased with the news as the death of a senator would demoralize the alliance into backing down from the superior might of the Empire. On the other hand, she could serve as a rallying symbol to resist the empire moving forward and garner support against them.

"Target the Senator with as much firepower as we can bring into range." He said as the 1st Attack Group would begin to move forward once again to bring their weaponry into closer range than before to target Dominique Vexx with as much of their heavy turbolaser fire that they could afford to bring without leaving them open.

Second Attack Group

Command Ship of 2nd Attack Group NIV Impulse [ 70 | 88] New Imperial I Star Destroyer NIV Pioneer [ 89 | 97] Praefect Class Star Destroyer NIV Herald [100 | 98] NIV Berserker [ 100 | 100] Inceptus Class Assault Ship NIV Siren [ 100 | 100] NIV Torment [ 100 | 100]

Vice Admiral Du'Bois would maintain his current battle formation moving forward in order to draw the T The Hallowed Naval Elements towards him. The holographic map of the battlefield would shift as reports of casualties flooding through the Command Bridge of the NIV Impulse. The unknown fleet had the advantage due to the Empire never having encountering them before which left quite a hole in any planned countermeasures that the Imperial Command Staff on board would come up with. The 2nd Attack Group would continue their assault targeting the larger vessels of the Hallowed Fleet in short bursts of turbolaser fire. Light damage was reported from the NIV Herald but the hull was still in good enough condition to engage the enemy fleet.

"Maintain formation and draw them in." Vice-Admiral Du'Bois said to the captain on board as the NIV Siren and NIV Torment launched their starfighter squadrons without much delay in order to turn the tide of the battle in the empire's favor.

Several Squadrons of TIE/HB Bruisers would surge ahead to soak up damage away from the 2nd Attack Group.

​

Core Support Group

Command Ship of the Support Group NIV Paramount [ 100 | 100] Stalwart Class Carrier NIV Intruder [ 100 | 100] NIV Mercenary II [ 100 | 100] Tirailleur Class Frigate NIV Glory II [ 100 | 100] NIV Pursuer II [ 100 | 100] Vanto-Class Escort Carrier NIV Eternity II [ 100 | 100] NIV Challenger [ 100 | 100] TXS Vandal Class Corvette NIV Messenger [ 100 | 100] NIV Deceptor [ 100 | 100]

Admiral Kom'zarr would glance over the tactical display before deicing his next movement. The 1st Attack Group and the 2nd Attack Group were engaged with the unknown navy and the Galactic Alliance Naval Elements. A priority message came through the bridge from the Imperial Army engaging on the ground requesting starfighter support to intercept shuttle craft emerging from a nearby mountain zone. Since the Orbital Conflict was secure for the moment there was little disadvantage to sending a squadron of TIE Fighters to the surface assist the Imperial Army in capturing the surface for the Empire.

"55th Bal Talmshaa Attack Wing, you are clear for launch." Admiral Kom'zarr would say as the command was issued without delay. The 55th BT Attack Wing would emerge from the hanger of the NIV Paramount and proceed down into the harsh atmosphere of the planet on a direct intercept course with the enemy elements in the mountain.


​

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

OBJECTIVE 3: WIPE THEM OUT. ALL OF THEM.
“Stand up for what is right even if you're standing alone.”
― Suzy Kassem,
​

When a Jedi is taught about combat, they have to learn a variety of schemes, scenarios, angles, defenses and attacks. Above all else, they are taught above all else to respect life and not waste it needlessly. Though he was often one to definitively “lead from the front” and share the danger with everyone, regardless of who they were, Caltin Vanagor was never one to simply win for the sake of winning. It had to mean something. Up to this point, he was given no choice. The Empire had been attacking a populace who had barely survived an influence of the Maw. There was no choice there, he had to stand with them, even if not representing the Jedi, be it “New” or “Silver”. He would not be able to look himself in the mirror if he did not.

“The only thing evil needs to thrive is for good to stand by and do nothing.”

Then, he watched what looked to be some kind of heartfelt appeal between two of the Stormtroopers. They were a ways away, so he could not hear them necessarily, or pick up on everything, but it looked like there was some akin to friends trying to stop the bloodshed. It reminded him why he was who he was, and why the Code was there. They had their orders, they had to be the way that they were, so that others did not have to. Caltin understood this, to an extent from a personal standpoint, but more so from his friends in Omega Squad. Same principle. The big man was reminded how these men may be “monsters” in the eyes of many, but they were “heroes” to Imperial citizens and “brothers” and “sisters” to each other, he got it.

Then the bigger one… probably a commander… attacked and shot him?

No… no, this was a disabling move. He was coming to face Caltin alone? Taking off the helmet was either a sign of respect, or a sign that his lightning was stronger here than he expected it to be. Not a surprise as Vanagor was still learning to master his control over the element. His face, the scarred, torn and tattered face of a warrior who has seen too many battles Yes, he wanted to take Caltin alone. He looked to be tough enough to hold his own, but unless he was Force Sensitive, which he was not, Caltin would not pull out either weapon, unless this was a ruse.

A possibility, but doubtful, at least for the moment.

“Bold”, you say? No. We may be on opposite sides, and I cannot smell the Force on you anywhere, but you are a “warrior” and that says to me that you live by a code of honor. You have your orders, I get it, but if you were not honorable, you would not be sending your men away right now. Live to fight another day, this is not a “loss” for you right now. Do not make it one if you do not have to.

Do not force my hand… he thought.

I am sure, judging by the battles recorded on your face that there is more to you than what I see, I’m sure. There is more to me than any of this as well.

He felt no remorse, or pity towards the combatant standing across from him, the trooper probably would not want that anyway and his hand would not be stayed if he was given no choice, but Caltin saw anything that came out of this confrontation as “empty”. There was something missing to defeating an opponent who was half beaten already before the first shot, no matter who made it.

TAG: FN-999 | Michael Barran | @Hall Mannarra

Spoiler: Personal effects

"Vanguard" (Secondary - Long Handle)

"CONSERVATOR" (Primary - Long Handle)
HK-88 Robes, Battle Armor,Toraynor-Henkan(mind crystal added) Advanced Jedi Utility Belt
Starship: Spectre, (NC-1000 X-wing (Jedi Variant) in the hangar, Dilorian, and Bike both in the cargo bay, the late Karki Eusith's Armor, Shield, Temple Guard Lightsaber mounted on the wall)
Sanctuary Island

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Friend: Jasper Kai'el
Not Friend: Hall Mannarra

Cora nodded along with Jasper's explanation in grin understanding. Her homeworld operated under a monarchy, and had rebelled against the tyrannical reign of a regent when she was very young. Perhaps naively, Cora believe that it was a ruler's responsibility to see to the happiness and prosperity of their people. When a noble failed to protect his charges, the people had every right to rebel.

The fact that people were being silenced under Imperial boots made her nauseous.

Cora pulled the cloak tighter to her body as they stepped from the tent and into the chilly open air of the Drastarra outskirts. She kept behind Jasper as they set up behind a hill, wincing visibly as a plasma bolt streaked through the air only a few feet above their perch.

The Padawan straightened when Jasper spoke, admiring how focused he was even as war raged around them. Cora accepted the thermal detonator with a curt nod, glancing over to the Marines as they slipped into the tunnel.

"I'll do whatever I can." She responded to Jasper earnestly. He'd been made aware of her concerns during Auteme's remembrance speech, and she'd do her utmost to be useful rather than a liability.

Drawing in a deep breath, Cora filled her lungs with frigid air. The primed detonator flew from her grasp, aided by basic but subtle manipulations of the Force as it aimed to cling the the barrel of an approaching tank. Her heart was thundering away in her throat the entire time.

Jasper moved them swiftly into the tunnels, motioning for Cora to climb down first. She obliged, heels digging against the dirt and frost to slow her descent into the steeply sloped passage. Once they'd settled into more linear ground, Cora offered Jasper a glowrod.

"Here," She said, clipping one to her belt. One hand found the hilt of her saber, retrieving it from her hip. Her other hand felt against her waist, feeling the hard durasteel of the side arm secured against her body.

Fighting sounded different down here in the tunnels. On the surface, cannon fire could be heard for miles. In an enclosed space, everything echoed. Even the staccato of blaster fire further into the cave sounded loud.

"So they're…using civilian lives to push their agenda?" Perhaps a delayed response, and Cora winced when an explosion at the surface shook the tunnel. Debris clattered around them, but the integrity of the structure seemed relatively solid for now.

 

[Ishida Ashina]

THE DAUGHTER OF DUTY
NESHTAB | OLD-TOWN DISTRICT | DRASTARRA
LEADER OF THE COMPANIONS | BEARER OF THE RING OF JUDGEMENT

Her expression remained intent in neutrality, betraying no reaction to the surprise and the anguish she was met with.

'You fething what, mate?'

Though, admittedly, she was startled by the intensity of Barran’s accent and ease of slang when she seemed to have surprised him.

Regaling the identification of the lost Barran, the eldest, was a visceral thing. Pinching the dust of bones between fingertips, the searing heat of an after-effect of an orbital bombardment. Michael’s words, heavy and hurt, put narration to the scene Ashla’s Arbiter had revealed on the beaches of Empress Teta.

There had been a time in her life where she thought her elder brother was dead. Where she’d felt Inosuke Ashina ’s life force evaporate to nothing.

She’d been wrong then, just as this younger brother was now.

The parallels of her life, and the Barran family’s, were becoming uncomfortable. As though they were intentional for a purpose still unseen.

Though she was unmoving, Ishida’s eyes glistened in the distant firelight. Her grip on Ashla’s arbiter tightened, as she tried to leverage the kiss of metal to unravel the lattices and intricacies of memory, purpose, and all the layers that stacked to result in an accurate judgement. The ring, burning beneath her glove, was wooing her to action.

saw the orbital bombardment an' felt that searing heat until I snapped out of it, an' here you stand - forcing me to drudge up a past I moved on from.... Poor form for a Jedi, wouldn't you say?'

"I know the pain of an older brother's death"

A nebula of a network was growing around Michael, more than the lines that had been there initially that drew her to the spot. Distantly, Michael may have felt a tightness with his existing wounds and pains, where Ishida leaned in and probled. Like a gentle brush— the majority of his aches and areas of vulnerability, resonated around his head.

"Just as I know the confusion that comes with learning I was wrong."

How much of that was his mind? How much of that was from traumatic impact that she could physically exploit? She had to dig in a bit further

In a snap decision, Ishida withdrew her blade from keeping his locked and suspended, letting it hover harmlessly at her side. Snow turned to rain on her face, mimicking the moment in the darkness on the beach.

This seemed to happen in concert with his own motions. His preparation for attack, clearly. He alternated his weapon. Ashla’s Arbiter still whispered through to her, even as she sheathed it in favour of her sabre.

It remained unlit. Honour begged that she share what she knew — the tremors of The Force’s lines quivered and trilled with the idea of exploding.

“Moved on too soon,” Ishida’s voice was careful, as though concealing a warning as she drew a foot back in a small semi-circle to ground herself. The air’s chill was another good reminder to make her more purposeful and patient.

She looked past the glare of his blade, through the flurries of flakes, and sought his eyes.

“If we cross blades, I won’t be so kind to you as I was your brother only a few months ago.”

---

ALLIES | GA | NJO | THE COMPANIONS| [PROXIMITY TAGS] Jasper Kai'el | Ironhide | Ariana Du Couteau | Starlin Rand
FOES | THE EMPIRE | Michael Barran [IMMEDIATE/ENGAGING] | [PROXIMITY TAGS] FN-999 | Hall Mannarra

 

[Cordé Sabo]

______________________________________________________________
M A J O R J U L T A N Y W I N S P I R R
DULCET | OBJECTIVE ||
NESHTAB | DOREAU MOUNTAINS | MOUNT ISSUS | FORT NETUS
______________________________________________________________

The next steps in Major Winspirr's plan had always made Cordé's skin crawl. Listening Jultany walk through what would happen, and how they would respond, had made the SIA agent live through the narration of one of her worst fears. Suffocation in an enclosed space.

She couldn't help it, she had to draw in a breath to steel herself and give the order. It wasn't her in the hallway. It wasn't even her in the control centre.

it was Jultany Winspirr versus the Imperials.

"Seal the blast doors behind them and isolate the hall's atmosphere." Clicking of keys confirmed receipt, along with someone's verbal affirmation.

"Major, I'm getting interference on our programs. They're trying to code break."

Jultany, Cordé, frowned. They'd expected more brutish tactics to get through the doors, not hacking.

"Run a diversion alongside the transfer protocol. We just need enough time for them to.." she paused, finding the word stuck in her throat. Several eyes on her, demanding she finish her sentence, forced the sound out with a crispness she didnt feel: "Suffocate."

Part of the protocol to transfer programs was to run a series of encryptions over the existing algorithm. It wasn't impenetrable, nor the most advanced technology, but it was enough to add at least another layer, tenuous though it was, to the baseline operation codes. It took concentration to run though, not fully automated, and the woman with braids frowned. It looked like her fingers were moving faster.

"Atmosphere to sector-D is isolated."

"Make it a vacuum. Do the same with sections C through A."

Cordé shuddered, and rest a hand against one of the control centres. Jultany's plan depended on the traditional length of life support in suits — delays and no oxygen were.. useful only for time. And time was all they needed.

"Monitor their response. Continue with the plan's escalation if they advance."

______________________________________________________________
​

F O E S | THE EMPIRE | Crail Halcyon | Varos Ignacious Korvan | DT-1159 | EC-644-21 | FN-999
F R I E N D S | GA | THE COLLECTIVE | TASK FORCE NULL | Ronval Rubat | Amani Serys

______________________________________________________________​

 

[FN-999]

908th Legion - "The Reborn"

TUNNELS OF NESHTAB - APPROACHES TO THE ROYAL HIVE​

Manpower: 11739/12000
Objective: III
Allies: Empire | Imps in the Caves | Open to interaction
Enemies: GA & Pariah Legion | Ironhide | Others TBD
Engaging: Caltin Vanagor

Equipment: Sniper | Rifle | Shotgun | Pistol | Flamethrower

“Bold”, you say? No. We may be on opposite sides, and I cannot smell the Force on you anywhere, but you are a “warrior” and that says to me that you live by a code of honor. You have your orders, I get it, but if you were not honorable, you would not be sending your men away right now. Live to fight another day, this is not a “loss” for you right now. Do not make it one if you do not have to.

Do not force my hand… he thought.

I am sure, judging by the battles recorded on your face that there is more to you than what I see, I’m sure. There is more to me than any of this as well.

The Baron now openly laughed.
​

It was not a laugh of joy, the type of laughter he shared with his comrades over a drink. This was a harsh and bitter chuckle, laced with all the pity FN-999 could muster.

"Honor, you say?" retorted the Baron. "There is no place for honor on a battlefield. The strongest survive, and those unable to protect or be protected will always fall. This is the folly of your kind, so lost in your idealism that you fail to notice reality until it guns you down."

"I am your reality."

The one benefit that came with fighting Jedi, as opposed to regular soldiers, was that their Code forbid them from assaulting a foe without warrant. Different Jedi had different interpretations of this tenet, but it seemed as if the man facing FN-999 was sticking to orthodoxy.

The Baron would therefore gain the advantage of the first move.

He took a step back, bent down on one knee, and pulled out his rifle. Given the increasing number of Jedi he had fought in recent years, FN-999 had loaded his rifle entirely with solid bullets, which could be dissolved by a lightsaber but not deflected back at him as a plasma projectile would. One of these bullets snapped in place as he aimed down the sight at the man's center of gravity.

He opened fire.

SUBPOST - 908TH SPECIAL FORCES DIVISION

Cordé Sabo | DT-1159 | Varos Ignacious Korvan

A group of shadows weaved through the snow.
​

Thanks to a certain clone's intel report, they were able to silently evade the mines laid around Fort Netus. Taking advantage of the chaos above and inside the fort, the unit snuck undetected towards an exterior ventilation shaft. One shadow pulled out a laser cutter, now the only part of his body that was visible. Within thirty seconds, the solid titanium grate had been sliced off its hinges, falling behind the unit that now rushed inside.

They crawled through the vents single file for the next few minutes, waiting to emerge until they were a comfortable distance inside the fort. Then, they slid out, utterly invisible to the naked eye as they crept through the halls. All around them, alarms were blaring, masking the noise of their footsteps. The unit froze and hugged the walls as a pair of Doreau sentries ran by, not resuming their careful stride until they were out of earshot.

Suddenly, the blast doors in front of them slammed shut.

How did they find us?

That thought rang in the heads of the squad as the doors behind them sealed themselves as well.

In an instant, it became all too clear.

A unit of regular Storm Commandos ran urgently towards the back doors, attempting in vain to hijack them and secure their escape. It had not been the shadows that the defenders had seen, but the commandos that had gotten too far in for their own good.

There was only one thing left to do.

The squad rematerialized behind the commandos, weapons in hand. They briefly startled at the sight of the pitch-black stormtroopers appearing out of thin air but calmed as the light shed better angles on their undoubtedly Imperial armor design.

"Follow my lead!"

He pulled out his laser cutter and began to take a stab at the door. It was far sturdier than the vent, and it would take far too long to completely detach it. Instead, he focused on making a man-sized hole in the doors so that they could slip out one by one.

It was as he was wrapping up that the room abruptly became a vaccum.

The shadows had temporary life support.

The commandos did not.

There was no time to grieve or honor the fallen.

A hole was cut, and the squad slipped out, once more vanishing from sight. The leader took the risk of activating his comms, assuming that the alarm was loud enough to mask his chatter.

[All allied units, this is ST-1371, callsign Dromos. The defenders are creating vacuums in the halls. Be warned.]

​

​

 

[EC-644-21]

Objective: OBJECTIVE 2: BLACKOUT;
Besiege the mountain stronghold to capture or kill the key persons of interest.
Location: Fort Netus, Mount Issus, Neshtab.
Tags: FN-999 Open to SIA, ISB, Special Forces
(Open for engagement).
​

EC-644-21 was preparing to get in another expedition, because as he listed it in the Datapad: several intelligence reports must be made to gauge the enemy. As he took the BKM-62x Particle Beam Rifle, CSR-50i Slugthrower Sniper Rifle and a Vibroblade: EC-644-21 regulated the Temp. regulators built in his armor, adjusted the camouflage patterns to fit the environment and climate adjustments.

"Ready.", he said to himself.

A few minutes later, EC-644-21 was in the snowy terrains of Mount Issus, examinating the Fort Netus and make a possible entry. It was dark outside, even if the combats persisted in the night, you could hear the enemy walk.

Well, not for long. Fifteen minutes after EC-644-21 took place in the snow, an alarm blared, a few minutes later, he heard something in his comms.

[All allied units, this is ST-1371, callsign Dromos. The defenders are creating vacuums in the halls. Be warned.]

EC-644-21 quickly answered: <<Copy that, any reinforcement needed?>> After that, EC-644-21 continued to stay alert, hesitating on if he needed to retreat from his current position.


​

Spoiler: EC-644-21's equipement.

• Hellion-class Commando Armor Mk. I
• BKM-62x Particle Beam Rifle | TF
• CSR-50i Slugthrower Sniper Rifle
• KXR SFP-60x Particle Beam Pistol
• BAW-63 Heavy Rotary Blaster Cannon
• KXG 'Stopilka' IDR-854-01A Rifle
• REC-PWL/01 "Harbinger" - Pattern Adaptable Warhead Launcher
• 
  
• Grenades
• Medkits