I Will Have War! (Ession)

[Placeholder 0123]

The One Sith had gone too far. A single Sith Lord had landed on Ession, and abducted Graxin's sister and Padawan, [member="Felicity Mason"]. Agents were dispatched to find the girl, but she was shrouded by the Dark Side. Not even the bond she shared with the Archlord could lead him to her. There was nothing that could be done, not now, and the One Sith were a very clear target.

If he cut down enough of them, one would eventually tell him where his dear sister was taken.

That was, of course, only a personal reason for declaring a state of war. The Sith were expanding rapidly, and would eventually come to crush Ession once the Republic was out of the way. He had his people to protect, and despite personal grievances, helping the Republic was the right thing to do.

Half of Essiah City stood in the courtyard of the Grand Temple. Cameras were locked on the Archlord as he strode up to the head podium in ornate ebony armor; face masked by a helmet of Phrik as Ession tradition dictated of its rulers.

Dreadguard stood on either side of him in two four man teams. All were resolute and silent in their shining green armor. The crowed did not make a sound.

"There are no speeches I could give that would begin to describe my outrage." He began in a metallic voice. "The One Sith have dispatched agents to our world, and abducted my flesh and blood. They have carved a bloody path through Republic space. It is time we stopped waiting. It is time we rose to act."

Not a sound came from the crowed. The citizens of Ession looked upon their elected leader curiously. He rarely showed any form of anger in keeping of his Jedi tenants, but Graxin Rade was clearly fuming.

"These transgressions will not be allowed to continue unmolested. Tomorrow, our fleets will depart for the core to assist the Republic. The Second Fleet will remain to defend our world. I call upon the people of Ession for their support. Together, we can stop the Sith war machine."

Silence.

"Will you march with us?"

A single man roared his approval. Then another, and another, and another...

Soon, the silent crowed was a cacophony of cheers. Ession was going to be entering the war, and its people were hungry for blood.

"I will go to the Republic capital to give our support!" Graxin boomed into the microphone. "Who will join me?!"

Spoiler

[member="Aaron Kidd"]
[member="Abel Denko"]
[member="Book"]
[member="Bruce Lars"]
[member="CC-308 Maverick"]
[member="CC-953 Oddball"]
[member="Cei Hyst"]
[member="Choden Yonten"]
[member="Coci Sinopi"]

[member="Coric Adromak"]
@Corvinus Palpatine
[member="Corvus Caligo"]
[member="Corwil Branpri"]
[member="Devan Ghost"]
[member="Devon Gramus"]
[member="DG-45"]
[member="Dott Vel"]
[member="Ethiwic Rellis"]
[member="Eyrina Ateo"]


[member="Fate"]
[member="Graxin"] Rade
[member="HWD-002"]
[member="Isabella Denko"]
[member="Jaani Doosun"]
[member="Josiah Denko"]
[member="Julian Solo"]
[member="JX-XS Visser"]
[member="Kaigann Fossk"]
[member="Kale Xeros"]

[member="Karnyn Turrell"]
[member="Katrina Garnier"]
[member="Kelios Shara-da"]
[member="Krest"]
[member="Laaba Rancisis"]
[member="Lan Graendal"]
[member="Loman Calrissian"]
[member="Lrae Htrowsgnillik"]
[member="Lysle of the Hydian Way"]


[member="Marcus Rann"]
@Mason Comachi
[member="Minna"]
[member="Mo Ye"]
[member="Monitor"]
@Nocturno
[member="Nrahsol Enelram"]
[member="Omag Don"]
[member="Opal Selah"]
@OzamuTzang

[member="Parmi Miemant"]
[member="Ral'in Kaloran"]
[member="Rellim Selah"]
[member="Rexus Drath"]
[member="Riley King"]
[member="Rowan Athzaria"]
[member="Rusken Shaxx"]
[member="Salvor Arnex"]
[member="Selene Ishtar"]

[member="Semaj Srehtam"]
[member="Senji Selah"]
[member="Sigourney Xanthius"]
[member="Simon St. Claire"]
[member="Sochi Ru"]
[member="Spook"]
[member="Synthea Trills"]
@Ta'mur Rokar
[member="The Dark Man"]
[member="Toby Mendoza"]




[member="Tyri Lsu"]
[member="Ulfric Draycon"]
[member="Varesk Fey'lya"]
[member="Venus Rose"]
[member="Vilox Pazela"]
[member="Xander Corbal"]
[member="Zane Hara"]
[member="Zavzen Sae'ryx"]

 

[Zavzen Sae'ryx]

Xavzen watched the rallying cry with a stoic face aboard The Eternal Saviour. Hearing the crime of the kidnapping a living being committed by the One Sith filled him with rage and blood-lust. Rather than discarding these emotions as many Force users he would be fighting alongside in the near future, instead Xavzen directed these emotion to fortify his resolve and mind to help prepare him for battle. There was no doubt in Xavzen's mind that he would following the beatings of the drums of war and fighting in the war with the One Sith. Turning towards the cockpit Xavzen let a blood-thirsty smile cross his face, alowing himself to feed of his gladiatorial heritage, soon he would be fighting again but this time instead of fighting for the enjoyment of a kriffing Hutt he would be fighting for a just cause. A cause he would firmly fix his clan's banner behind.

[member="Graxin Rade"]

 

[Darth Ferus]

[member="Graxin Rade"]

A man stood out in the crowd. Not by what he wore, though that was standing out on its own, but by the fact he was quiet during the cheering. It had been a very long time sense Krest had truly seen the Son of Vulcanus. He was but a knight, an agent with no authority. And a boy he wanted to help. And he had failed Graxin. Yet, here he was, a top the highest point of the Ession, and the commander of one of the Galaxies major armies. A faint smile formed on the Zabraks face as a single thought went to Rade, for only him to hear.

"You did good, kid."

Krest would depart then. Yes, he would be there to fight the Sith, but this wasn't his show. Asides, he needed to get some other people ready for war.

[member="Minna"]

 

[Gherron Dragovalor]

Upon hearing of the girl's abduction, Gherron had come to Ession as soon as he could. The Sith needed a serious damper in their spirits. As he stood in the crowd, listening to the man's words, he nodded solemnly. He hated violence, but he would defend anyone who found themselves at the mercy as such scum as the Sith. Watching closely, he made out a figure next to the speaker, and gasped in recognition. "Pardon me. Excuse me, out of the way please." Pushing through the crowd, he tracked the zabrak's whereabouts as he left the speaking Jedi. Soon enough, he found himself behind the man. "Jedi, Sith, Jedi. Make up your mind, Krest." He had no doubt who it was. You never forget when someone tries to kill you.

[member="Graxin Rade"] [member="Krest"]

 

[Darth Ferus]

[member="Gherron Vael"]

The Zabrak would stop dead in his tracks, looking over his shoulder. "I have never once been Jedi, boy. Templar, rouge, Sith, Grey. But never Jedi." Krest would turn fully then, offering a faint smile. Another boy he had not seen in a while, only this one wasn't as high up at the last. He'd offer a slight bow of his head though. "It is nice to see you again Gherron."

 

[Gherron Dragovalor]

The "boy" only watched Krest cautiously, as if he were a scorpion about to attack. "Whatever faction, we helped each other, and next time I see you, it's with a saber to my back. I don't know what you're doing here, but don't expect me to trust you." Glaring into the zabrak's eyes, he made it clear that if he was crossed again, there wouldn't be a third chance.

[member="Krest"]

 

[Rusken Shaxx]

This... this was an atrocity. Far too much stress had been put on the Ession as a whole, as well as the Republic. The tides of war were no longer subtle waves that left one wondering, the ripple effect had come and gone. Now there was only the maelstrom that would consume the life of all if action was not taken. But in retrospect, war was not the way of the Jedi unless completely necessary. Defense must be taken, and a counter-active procedure must take effect to ensure the survival of innocents. To Rusken, there was no honorable way to go about committing genocide on those that plaster death all around as if it were a holiday celebration.

But as a guardian and a Jedi, it was his duty and sworn service to protect the Republic and all those within its domain. This enemy had the means of wiping out whatever bastion of hope was left, but that wouldn't stop brave and the bold from making a stand against their misdeeds. The old Epicanthix would raise his fist in defiance towards the Sith as he had always done time and time before. His blade would pierce and cut down the darkness that loomed over the galaxy's fate. Or would he be the one to be beneath the heel of a Sith? Only time will tell.

Rusken appeared from within the crowd clad in his durasteel armor, watching as his young leader spouted a message of war. The people's morale was bursting with hardiness and a stalwart determination. A truly patriotic scene if the old man had ever seen one. He stepped forward and out of the crowd, holding his gauntlet skyward as a sign of his loyalty and determination to drive off this Sith threat, staring down Graxin out of respect.

The boom of voices bolstered Rusken's senses with an energy he hadn't felt in a long time. The drums of war were coming close, and he could feel each beat as he awaited his time.

Spoiler

@Aaron Kidd
@Abel Denko
@Book
@Bruce Lars
@CC-308 Maverick
@CC-953 Oddball
@Cei Hyst
@Choden Yonten
@Coci Sinopi

@Coric Adromak
[member="Corvinus Palpatine "]
@Corvus Caligo
@Corwil Branpri
@Devan Ghost
@Devon Gramus
@DG-45
@Dott Vel
@Ethiwic Rellis
@Eyrina Ateo


@Fate
@Graxin Rade
@HWD-002
@Isabella Denko
@Jaani Doosun
@Josiah Denko
@Julian Solo
@JX-XS Visser
Kaigann Fossk
@Kale Xeros

@Karnyn Turrell
@Katrina Garnier
@Kelios Shara-da
@Krest
@Laaba Rancisis
@Lan Graendal
@Loman Calrissian
@Lrae Htrowsgnillik
@Lysle of the Hydian Way


@Marcus Rann
[member="Mason Comachi "]
@Minna
@Mo Ye
@Monitor
[member="Nocturno "]
@Nrahsol Enelram
@Omag Don
@Opal Selah
@OzamuTzang

@Parmi Miemant
@Ral'in Kaloran
@Rellim Selah
@Rexus Drath
@Riley King
@Rowan Athzaria
@Salvor Arnex
@Selene Ishtar

@Semaj Srehtam
@Senji Selah
@Sigourney Xanthius
@Simon St. Claire
@Sochi Ru
@Spook
@Synthea Trills
@Ta'mur Rokar
@The Dark Man
@Toby Mendoza




@Tyri Lsu
@Ulfric Draycon
@Varesk Fey'lya
@Venus Rose
@Vilox Pazela
@Xander Corbal
@Zane Hara
@Zavzen Sae'ryx

 

[Darth Ferus]

[member="Gherron Vael"]

"Very well, I suppose. I don't plan on betraying anyone at this point. Or any point. Regardless, you should stick around to see what [member="Graxin Rade"] has in store. A lonely man such as myself is a little threat to the Ession, Republic, even the Sith as a whole." Krest would turn then, glancing a out the roads. "When the war against the Sith comes, try not to die. You are a face I'd rather not see dead."

 

[Gherron Dragovalor]

Gherron reluctantly nodded and turned on his heel, walking back toward the Jedi whose padawan had been taken. "And Krest.... likewise", he said to the zabrak in closing. Shaking his head, he wondered just how he got himsel involved in such affairs. Stepping up to [member="Graxin Rade"], he looked out at the crowd. "I know what I would do if I were in your position. Probably the same thing. The Sith need to be stopped. I've got your back."

 

[Armand Temi]

Armand arrived at The Grand Temple without much expectation. In normal T'mox fashion his sister had bartered for his post in the Ession Reformation, sent him the coordinates for Ession and hurried him on his way without any information on what he was getting into.

But once he had heard Graxin Rade's stirring plea for help both in finding his sister and battling the Sith, he felt gratitude to T'mox. This was exactly the type of adventure Armand had been craving for awhile now, that which he could not find on Hapes. He moved closer to the speaker's podium to get a better look at the regal and well-armored Ession Archlord.

[member="Graxin Rade"]
[member="Gherron Vael"]

 

[Judas of Vahl]

It was never hard to know when someone declared war against you and your kin. Especially when you had over two dozen floating droids pointing cameras at you from every angle, Mordecai assumed that he could get a nice live feed of this Archlord's bottom if he paid extra. However, the Dragon Lord didn't r0ll that way and paying extra to see something that was probably covered in armor wasn't worth the price.

This Archlord was quickly searched up in his HoloNet search engine "Gooble" and the first link sent him straight to Wookiepedia. Apparently his real name was Graxin Rade, though the only images on the article were of his masked demeanor and nothing else. Mordecai tried Gooble images and was a little disappointed to only find pictures of his masked visage.

"Gimme some sweet stuff, HoloNet." No, not that kind of sweet stuff. Even though his search queries weren't strange, he opted to clear his search history lest Carly take a look through it and find him searching up images of some man from halfway across the galaxy.

The Dragon Lord sighed and downloaded the declaration of war video, pulling up a secure communications network before forwarding it to the rest of his compatriots within the One Sith. If agents had already been on Ession, it wouldn't be that hard to get them back there again. Jedi were so easy to predict and manipulate. Their little crusades only painted them as the brutish, aggressive, and war-like beings that they were. Once upon a time they held the title of Peacekeeper, now they were called Warriors.

Oh how the ages have changed.

Mordecai downed the rest of his StimCaf, cleared his search history, and made sure his message had been securely sent. And with that, he logged off and disappeared down the hallway.

[member="Graxin Rade"], [member="Zavzen Sae'ryx"], [member="Gherron Vael"], [member="Armand Temi"]
[member="Darth Isolda"], [member="Reverance"], [member="Darth Vornskr"], [member="Darth Helios"], [member="Darth Carach"], [member="Darth Vitium"], [member="Avadreia Lacroix"], [member="Darth Vindica"]

 

[Lenne Fayth]

So the big bosses baby sister got snatched by the slithery sithy. That was unfortunate. Still, she guessed it was beneficial in it's own twisted way to have a little Princess in trouble to motivate. Literally. The kid was a Princess from what she heard. Could you ask for anything more fairy tale than that?

The young Zabrak stood straight and silent in her green armor with the rest of the dreadguard, but she really wanted to cheer and yell with the rest. She wasn't the only one here who absolutely hated the Sith, even if she didn't have a tragic backstory to explain why. Not yet, anyway. She was working on that. But she liked that Graxin guy. The leader was someone to really look up to, cool as a wampa cave. You might even say she was a bit of a super fan. Had pictures of their brave leader posted in her locker. And above her bed. She bet under the mask he was absolutely scrumptious!

When this was all over and she had time to ask for the leaders autograph... oh, she would just die! Next time she threw a sticky bomb, she'd dedicate it to him! She'd even plant a kiss on it first. Someday she'd even kill a Sith and dedicate it to him!

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

"GRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRR!"



The ear-piercing roar would cut a swath through the cheers as the area went silent, stopping everything dead as people looked around for the source of the noise. Someone would point toward the sky, and all eyes would gaze up to the sky that had previously been cloudy with a chance of meatballs. Gasps could be heard as the people, Jedi and Non-FU alike, would catch sight of the demon in the sky. This creature... This humongous dragon let out another roar as it flew through the sky toward the group that had assembled itself. Finally, it would come to a landing in a spot that had been cleared at this point when people saw where it had been trying to land. Now... If they looked at the large blue dragon, they could see that riding on it's back was a figure clad in blue and red armor. Good looking armor too, probably really good grade stuff... The spikes on it's shoulders seemed to set the tone, as the figure riding on dragonback would gaze around at the assortment of people. His or her helmet was shaped like the head of a dragon as well, they certainly didn't seem to hide their class very much...

Finally, the Dragon Rider would dismount this massive beast. They would pat the dragon on the head before gazing around at the people of Ession City... Civilians, Jedi, Dark Jedi, Soldiers... People of all different walks of life moved out of the way as the armored figure, who's red cape moved in the wind as the figure walked with purpose toward the podium. The aura was definitely that of a Force User... But what kind? Who? Even those such as [member="Gherron Vael"] who think they might have known prior... Wouldn't recognize the aura now. It was a new aura, a new man forged in fire. Finally, the figure would stop on top of the podium. The figure would stop in front of the guards that were in charge of guarding [member="Graxin Rade"]. He knew their weapons were ready... And he could feel them staring him down, waiting for his next move. The figure would draw their lightsaber, a brilliant blue blade that would cause people to stand back, fearful of what was to happen... A blue lightsaber... But why would someone with a blue lightsaber draw it in front of the leader of the Ession Reformation? In a crowd of Jedi, to boot?

The figure would stare Graxin down. They didn't make a move, and neither seemed the guards, though everyone knew that they would strike the moment that the figure attacked... Suddenly, the figure would turn, to face the crowd. And then... They would raise their lightsaber, a show of unity, of loyalty, this armored figure had declared war on the One Sith!

The crowd would burst into a fit of cheers. This mystery armored Dragon Rider was on their side! But before they could accept their new ally... The figure would remove their helmet, and the cheers would turn into petrified, surprised gasps.

Long blonde hair, brimming brown eyes stared at the crowd... Nobody had seen this man for so long, stories said he was dead, others said he had traveled past the Outer Rim and into the far edges of the galaxy, never to be seen again... But here he was, in living color... And a small smile crossed the man's face as he revealed his identity for all to see... For all to see the truth.

Joshua DragonsFlame was back.

 

[TB-705]

While the bloviating continued, a figure stepped forth from the crowd and came to a halt before the Zabrak, barring his path. The fellow wore no helm, though he was bedecked in gilded armor, with a flowing cape of purest argent. Blonde hair the color of gold hung past his ears, framing eyes like twin seas. At his right hip was a coiled lightwhip, in his hand an unlit saber.

"[member="Krest"]," he uttered, "Thou pretender to light, thy time is at an end. Darkness perverts yon gathering. A taint which ye doubtless seeded. Yield thy life unto the realm of Horr, else have it stricken from thee. The Force Wills it."

 

[Marcus Rann]

" Ah, the sith. "


This was the utterment of the young man, Marcus Rann, while overhearing a conversation of two. Personally Marcus has never heard of those baspoodoo for ages, but is yet to kick some right under their cables. Like he would often do, he would just sit right by furnished seats , with legs crossed up like a naive child. He would either get caught by some or he would end up getting drooled on by some youngsters down the streets. His seemingly slender figure stood up off of height, whilst he sported a crimson tunic, with a charcoal beret covering right on his head. Curly strands of hair build up right over his forehead as they strike a sophisticated appearance. Slick eyes came off their knicks after they opened up. He walked on the streets of Ession.

 

[Gherron Dragovalor]

Gherron's eyes tore away from the Jedi he was trying to reassure, to look up at a massive beast her only heard of in stories. Quickly going for his lightsaber, he felt a strange presence to the force come with it. That was impossible, dragons are real, and now... was there someone... riding it? Slowly, in awestruck wonder, his hands fell back to their sides as he watched with everyone else. The reptile veered over in his direction, landing not far from [member="Graxin Rade"] and himself. Staying where he was, he tried to get a look at the face under the fantastic helmet, with no luck. He was certainly a Jedi, from his aura and lightsaber. Of course, from te way he presented himself, he must've been rootin for them anyway. And then he took off his helmet.

The younger Jedi's jaw dropped. Was that... how... So many questions made themselves appear in his head. He hadn't seen the man in years. From what he heard when he came back to the temple, he had left the Jedi. But here he was, bathed in a new light, looking stronger than ever. Walking up to him, he forced himself out of his stupor. "Josh... You look... different."

[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"]

 

[Darth Ferus]

[member="Tycho Shorn"]

The Zabrak stopped, a frown on his face. Quite a few people had something to say to him it seemed, odd. He simply held his hands up, offering the faintest of shrugs. Of course, other people talked in a way he understood. This guy though. He didn't know what to make of that little speech.

"So.. Something about darkness, seeding, light, and my life? What exactly do you want?"

 

[Placeholder 0123]

No doubt the Sith would hear of this declaration. In comparison to the One Sith, Ession's fleet was small. A mosquito to a rancor some would say. There was no point in denying that much; The Reformation's strength was not in the void of space.

Ession had soldiers. Soldiers that numbered in the seven-digit area. It had the Graug Empire, or what was left after Zambrano and his ilk had stolen the loyalty of the lost colonies. Jedi Masters and Knights that would have never touched the war beforehand now held up their weapons in a cry for Sith blood.

It was not the Jedi way, and Graxin found that he didn't care. He had followed the old code to the letter, and been ostracized by the Jedi Council and its allies for showing mercy. If the ways of old were so obsolete, then the Jedi Order would have to adapt. In this time, they were not Peacekeepers. Jedi would be the champions of war, leading armies and commanding fleets with calculative minds honed by years of training.

Still, their tenants had to be followed.

"Jedi! I urge you not to let your emotions cloud your judgement in battle. We do this for the sake of the Light, not personal vengeance or glory."

Graxin's voice was rather pointed. He had relieved Krest's telepathic message, and bowed his head in reply. Shaxx and Dragonsflame joined him on either side of the podium.

This was good. The people needed faces for the war effort.

They had left the Republic discraced, self-imposing exile to protect the Outer Rim.

They would return to the Republic with an army at their back, and with the force guiding their hands, the One Sith would finally lose its momentum.

That was the hope anyway.

"I must leave for the Republic immediately." The voted Archlord stood up a bit straighter. "There we will establish this alliance, and begin the campaign to push back the Sith....and my friends, I urge you to save your judgement for the Sith, rather than one another."

He did not know the Shorn man. There were some who had joined the cause recently, and frankly, Graxin would take anyone so long as they weren't causing problems. Anything to stop the army of darkness.

"The remainder of the Grand Council will rule in my stead, and until my return, I name Tetry'kal Regent Lord."

There was little more to say.

...

"Those of you who would fight for the cause, submit to the Architects. The third generation of the Dreadguard will be our escorts into this Great War. As for the rest, we stand as one. In a year's time, the galaxy will have peace once more. You will never need to worry about the Sith again!"

The crowd roared as crowds did. They always approved when a man was shouting, or so it seemed. The content of his words had little weight when compared to the power of his voice.

For a moment, Graxin keyed off the microphone to speak to the two at either side.

"Shaxx, you will be my second in battle. Joshua, wherever you believe The Reformation needs you is where you belong."





[member="Krest"] [member="Gherron Vael"] [member="Marcus Rann"] [member="Tycho Shorn"] [member="Joshua DragonsFlame"] [member="Lenne Fayth"] [member="Mordecai Zambrano"] [member="Armand Temi"] [member="Rusken Shaxx"] [member="Zavzen Sae'ryx"]

 

[Rexus Drath]

[member="Marcus Rann"]

Recurs walked besides Marcus all the while just kicking it with his fellow brotha from anotha motha, they were a rare breed in the Star Wars galaxy and dammit when you found one like yourself you stuck to it!! Everyone had these uptight British accents and it was quite strange to say the least, but that's when Rex heard Graxin's speech. It was time for war, how long had it been since he fought in a war? Caridia maybe? Atrisia? It had been years non the less. But even though things were dark and the galaxy faced destruction at the hands of the sith and Yuuzhan Vong, Rexus lifted his head up to the sky and was not filled with dread or terror. He was scared yes, who wouldn't be?

He thought of his girlfriend and love [member="sabrina"] and how she was going to take the news. But that didn't matter right now, for one feeling was the most strong and present in Rexus. Hope. Hope that there would be a new dawn for the galaxy and that light could prevail over the darkness, hope that the strongest Jedi he knew [member="Graxin Rade"] could lead them into victory. He looked over at Marcus and gave a weak little smile.

"Any regrets?"

 

[Placeholder 0123]

The ships were ready to launch. A single trip to the Grand Temple needed to be made, and then the Reformation would make its move.

"The Army of Light has been reformed!" He threw a fist up into the air. "Let us make sure we live up to the title."

The first domino fell, soon others would follow, and the entire galaxy would be thrown into the war. With so many factors, it was inevitable.

Better that the Army of Light headed the efforts, rather than a less dedicated group.