Invasion Iron Rain | EE Invasion of TSE-held PL-40112-CE-021105

[Kainan Wolfe]

Equipment: Sword | Shroudsaber | Sith Lightsabers | Armor (Custom Appearance)
Allies: EE | Enemies: TSE
Attn: Darth Prazutis | Ingrid L'lerim
Location: Near landing zone
Troops: 10x Wolfguards | 4x Netherworld Demons (Consumed) | 2x Voxyn


​

The wind howled and shrieked amidst dessicated vines and the withered remains of jungle plants. What was once verdant jungle, was a field of death and at its center, stood two dark lords of terrible power, facing eachother. One was the Sith, indignant, formidable, burning with destructive, all-consuming fire, an unstoppable force. The other was a Warden, the first of his kind, a being of iron will and calculating mind, with coldest ice running through his veins. The Sith spoke and unleashed his terrible wrath, the destructive, fiery gaze sweeping towards his opponent, pure Darkside energy that seared everything in its path.

Tacitus stood like a pillar, in complete silence in the face of this assault. He may as well have been a statue, had it not been for his cloak, which rippled angrily in the unnatural, cold wind. He whispered a single word, a command in an ancient language, one remembered only in the most forbidden of Anubian texts. It was a necromancer's word and the dead answered, compelled to obey, tortured spirits ripped from their resting places, rushing forward through the veil between life and death to form an ethereal shield of silent wraiths between their summoner and the Sith's wrath. They were beings of infinite cold, always hungry to devour the warmth of life, driven by a desperate and futile primordial need to feel that warmth again. They drank in Prazutis' fury, drank in the fiery blast like a hungry beast of the deepest desert upon encountering a puddle of water. Satiated, for now, they returned to their realm, dissipating into the charged air.

The glowing eyepieces of the necromancer's skeletal helmet regarded the Sith like ethereal, horrific orbs driven by indomitable, unbreakable will. If Prazutis was the unstoppable force of the Sith made manifest, he had met the immovable pillar that was Tacitus' will and determination. And the Sith had reacted to his speech exactly as he predicted, with rage, with anger and indignation, crying out for vengeance at the Eternal Empire's betrayal. Anger made people predictable and the necromancer would use this to his advantage.

A low chuckle erupted from the necromancer, cold and deadly like an animal growl, reverberating amongst the dessicated vegetation. "Decrepit old fool," Tacitus spoke, his voice low, detached, inhumanly cold and lifeless in its lack of emotion. "And what have you accomplished throughout all the years since, but revel in the spoils of past achievements? You struck me down on Coruscant, yet what have you achieved through that? Here I am, despite your efforts."

"Tell me, Sith, do you know why you will fall? Because you spend your days reveling in opulence and comfort. While you wasted yourself away on self-indulgent pleasures and sadistic entertainments, I toiled and fought and grew stronger. While you wasted your Empire through the useless pursuit of excess, mine raised an army, waiting, watching, patiently preparing while you Sith fell asleep on past laurels. Complacency, Prazutis. That is why you Sith are inferior. That is why you will fall."

"You are surprised I stand against you today? Indignant at my betrayal? Once, when the Mandalorians were useful to you, you used them as a weapon with which to bludgeon your enemies. Then, you turned on them and struck them down. Some may have thought it cruel and callous, but it was merely natural selection. They were in your way."

As Tacitus' cold voice echoed across the dead forest, the temperature in the air kept falling, as if something gnawed hungrily at the roots of the world, feeding upon its warmth and life. His fingers twitched and from the dessicated ground, rose hands, withered and shrivelled, blackened like the appendages of some impossibly ancient mummy. Each finger ended in a bulbous growth, stretching and crackling unnaturally until the leathery skin parted to reveal a sickly, disembodied eyeball.

The dead bark of the withered vines cracked and from the husks emerged blackened stalks, an eyeball at each end, blinking, lazily turning to affix itself upon the hulking form of the Epicanthix. A necromantic spell, ancient and powerful, slowly building in strength. At first, there were only a few dozen eyeballs. Soon, they would be hungry. And they kept growing in size.

"You see, Prazutis. Our alliance was useful. You were an effective weapon to bludgeon our enemies with, a gullible pawn in a game of Dejarik who's stakes you can not possibly comprehend. But now..." the necromancer spoke, his voice a charged growl as he drew his longsword and extended a clawed hand. A black spear, as dark as midnight, who's shape seemed to devour all light, materialized itself in his taloned fingers.

"You're in my way," Tacitus proclaimed and his voice echoed with terrible power, with the finality of judgement. He threw the spear and it shot out towards Prazutis like a nightmarish harpoon. At once, the Wolfguards dashed forward, swords drawn, rifles firing, seeking battle with the Crownguards as the Voxyn stalked.

EDIT: Fixed formatting errors.
EDIT 2: Fixed spelling mistake ("Indignant and my betrayal" replaced with "Indignant at my betrayal")​

 

[Kascalion Giedfield]

Equipment: Double-Bladed Lightsaber [Red Crystal] | Armored Sith Robes | Retractable Wrist-Blade
Allies: TSE
Enemies: EE
First Phase Enemy (Planned): Rurik Fel
Location: Observation Post, Beyond the Trenches
Forces: Sixty Cognus Legion Soldiers | Stationed inside Interior Vista | Armed with "Extinguisher" Precision Pulse Cannons and KS-04s
Post Title: New Plan
Post Theme: Gundyr

---

Time slows once again upon missing his attack, the crimson blade now on a path for dirt, and the silver on a path for his heart. The Knight is good. Truly good. But the Devil knows that he has only survived thus far through his usage of that damnable loop he has forced the two combatants into. Any other form, any other method of attack, and he would have been wiped from the battlefield in a second. The man is smart for knowing that as well and smarter for using a style specifically designed to combat the Dark Side. In that vein, Kascalion is fighting a subdued version of himself, and even that is enough to give his foe an edge in the duel.

Another edge given to the man is that the Devil has no desire to play with his food, no desire to delay. He never has. He is like his brother in that regard. No time for fooling around. No time for Sithly stereotypes or cliches. His focus is death and death alone. The killing of his foes and the challenging of it for his allies, his family, his friends. To bring them back from the place beyond life. That is his goal. And this man, this creature who believes his knighthood makes him powerful, will not stop that goal from being reached. He will not. He cannot.

Challenge death.

Can I?

You must.

I will.

Time resumes and the Devil leans into the downward pull of the knight's grip. Suddenly, he deactivates the blade and begins igniting the other, dropping the lightsaber entirely from his hands. With intense focus, the Force of Kascalion wraps itself around the hilt with invisible fingers and flips it downward mid-fall and mid-ignition, the blade now aimed to carve through the wrist of the Knight's saber hand. In that same instant, the strike to his chest hits hard like a mace from its unstoppable momentum. Sharply jutting his body backward from the impact, the Devil exhales in relief upon realizing that the silver blade had not sliced his flesh beyond the epidermal surface. His armor, however, was beyond damaged and now practically useless.

Whatever the blade had slashed did enough to turn it, essentially, into a simple hunk of heavy metal on his torso. Weight distributors: offline. Impact regulation: offline. Ease of application systems had been disabled by a single, lucky attack. It can still protect him from attacks, but only barely, and the risk of attempting to brave damage and relying on the plate is too great for Kascalion's liking.

No time to waste. I have to end this. Can I do this? I may not have enough time.

There is only one way to find out.

He has to remove the armor. It is weighing him down and serves little purpose now. Whilst nimbly dodging the continuing blasts of the Knight's followers, the Devil grips the connector-latch at his waist and pulls with an annoyed grunt. The chestplate and attached bodysleeve fly off with ease and thunk into the ground. Purple and red bruises dot his tattooed skin like pockmarks and the result of the Knight's attack across his chest is still singed with orange light.

He barely pays it any notice before moving on, darting across the battle's radius like the shell of a railgun, not checking to see if his attack had worked and disarmed his foe. All the while, he channels the dark energy needed to cast the ritual and identifies the subjects needed. The dead of this world, both freshly killed and buried ancients, all waiting to rise once again from the void. This was the first step he had learned to challenge death and to reach his goal. And it is nearly killing him to cast it with so little preparation.

Do it now!

He ceases his momentum mere feet away from the Knight and discards his weapon to the ground. His veins are blackened, his wounds and ink glowing with a sickly green, and his eyes bursting with a color out of space. There is a great pain to this spell, but it is worth it. Even if he will not be able to use it to its full effect given his circumstances, it is worth it. Only a dozen are needed to even the odds. Immediately slamming both of his open palms into the dirt beneath his feet before the Knight can strike, the Devil utters a phrase in a tongue as dead as those who created it. The air becomes suffocating. The ground begins to darken.

And the dead begin to stir.

 

[Rurik Fel]

// PARABOL ACTUAL // Imperial Knight Commander
// ALLIES | EE & NIO // --
// ENEMIES | TSE // Kascalion Giedfield | Coordinated
Armor | Lightsaber | The Vane | Pistol | Grenades

P A R A B O L A

His thrust made purchase into the Devil's armor, the silver blade seeming to mar it down to the core of its composite layering. Bearing dead weight, Rurik reeled his saber back for another strike. He could not relent, not bare to see his prey whimper back and retreat. He held the shimmering blade of superheated silver above his head before he sword to pull it down it a swift, downward cut across Kascalion's collar bone.

Half way through the strike he could feel that phantom limb immediately as the crimson made purchase into the armor and almost immediately into the flesh and bone beneath before his right hand was severed completely, falling limply to the bloodied earth beneath.

Pain is an illusion. The sensory envelopment of the nerves experiencing that brief flash of pain before he realized there was nothing there at all felt like far too long as he settled into the time slowed cognitive haze of valor. With his hand gone, in the very moment his disengaged blade began to plummet to the earth he ducked down, grasping ahold of it in his left hand, the blade facing downward in an icepick grip he cut it up and fast toward Kascalion's chest. Without skipping a beat in this battle, he would not see The Devil be given any upper hand.

Seeking to step forward and move after him. He felt the searing pain in his knee envelop around the nerves, driving him to collapse to a kneel with his other, his left hand clutching the saber slamming into the earth as he isolated it all. The pain, the sweat, the blood, the burning. All until it was just breathing, his tenacious will to march forward. Stay alive. Sucking in a tight breath before exhaling out he slowly lifted himself from the bloodied ashen earth beneath.

Pain is an illusion. As he ignited the shard of silver again to strike at Kascalion, he was far too late to interrupt the Devil's cursed incantation. The ground went black as pitch and his Auxilia rose to his side again. But not as the stalwart soldiers they were before, rejuvenated in painful anguish they sought to snuff out their former Knight Commander in tow with the Cognus Legionnaires that had faced him down moments prior. If he was going to lurch into the fray again against Kascalion. He need cleanse the earth. Consecrate it of this depraved malfeasance.

The first man was headless, one of the NCOs accompanying Rurik through the breach. He sprung forward with a vibroblade only for it over commit and cut into the earth beneath. Keeping a backwards grip of his blade he eased the forearm once connecting to his missing hand behind the blade before thrusting it through the Auxilia.

"You've earned your rest brother..." , Wymar could only mutter beneath his breath before he disengaged the saber to step back and away only for a emerald bolt of charric to splash against his armor, urging a groan from him in reply.

Pain is an illusion. Re-igniting the saber he lurched forward and sliced it through his chest cavity again, disemboweling the dark and rotten revenant.

"Forgive me...the hereafter will be far kinder for you...I can only hope. Take care." He said, pressing his forehead against that of his former comrade past his hood before he let him collapse to his final death again. The rest began to swarm and envelop him. With a bold and frigid fury of his silver blade he continues to cut and power through each of these tortured souls. Until it was done. A kick to the chest of a risen Cognis as he retracted the saber from his chest was the final coup de grace to this first swarm before Rurik was back on his mark again. Kascalion would not evade him so easily.

"Do not further taint this world with your sorcery, Sith." Rurik sternly uttered, marching toward The Devil with his saber clutched tightly in his lone hand.

"Kill me." He taunted, a command almost as he surged back to meet Kascalion in an exchange of elegant weapons, leading with his left side he sought a downward swing and cut toward his abdomen before swiping it back up toward his chest.

 

[Broka the Hutt]

Allies: Taozi Fuyuan Sterling Kinslayer Tiberius Bayne Marlon Sularen
Enemies: Hailyn Thaelius Eldaah Aderyn Taeli Raaf
Objective: Sweet War Profiteering
Ships: Hutt Chelandion (Quantity: 1), Kesselian Blockade Runner (Quantity: 5)

The blockade runners careened through the atmosphere of the planet bellow. They beat the guns of the Sith fleet, but now they had to avoid not being shot down by any possible artillery on the surface. By the time those three ships landed, the most damage they sustained were a few dings and dents from stray blaster fire that happened when they got closer to the ground. Now safe in the makeshift hangar on the ground at one of the established occupation zones, the goods were being unloaded from the cargo holds. Weapons, any required ammunition, basic provisions, and other goods of the like.

Broka's image on the bridge of the flagship sat satisfied. Comfortable in his palace across the galaxy, the young Lorda of Nem'ro was making good on a contract. The Eternal Empire promised credits for successful deliveries. Now that half of the mission was confirmed to be successful, half of the promised reward is secured to come his way. The tricky part was getting the reinforcements of soldiers to one of the wayward occupation zones. The blockade runners were not drop-ships. There better be some landing grounds that would be as safe as an active war zone could be located at the destination for these reinforcements. The Sith transmissions have not yet mentioned his ships, so Broka said with confidence, "<Captain. Send the other two ships with the soldiers to the planet. The Sith seem to be occupied by the Imperial fleet rather than us. However, in case they are baiting me, have the ships take a more indirect route to the planet's atmosphere. This drop will be quicker than the other three ships that seem to have confirmed they landed. As soon as those Imperial soldiers get off the runners, that part of the job is over, and they will take off straight away. The other three ships will wait until the other two have successfully gotten past the Sith. Once all ships are back, or the ship is fired upon, have as many ships as you can leave the system. I cannot afford to lose these.>"

"Yes, Lord Broka. As you say so."

As the captain accepted the orders, the two blockade runners made their way closer to the planet. They were just in range of the Sith guns. The Vong ships were strange, and exotic. Broka did not know who commanded them. They had to be very powerful to get their hands on such a thing. Who else could have obtained such ships intact without being a Vong themselves. Whoever owns such a fleet, may make good business once war is over. The Sith do not know it is him commanding these ships, and seem to be ignoring these ships anyway. After this is over, better business relations with the old clientele of his ancestors would be good to have. But nonetheless, he had his ships come across the galaxy while he watched from home to finish a job, and so far, it is almost complete. It seems to be too successful for his liking. It could be a trap for later. That worry creeped in the back of Broka's mind, though it was not externally communicated at all. All those on the bridge could see from the holo-projection of their master is a satisfied, yet mostly stoic, expression.

 

[Thaelius]

Location // HMIS Thrawn //
Objective // Crush Sularen //
Tags // [Allies] Taeli Raaf Eldaah Aderyn Hailyn [Enemies] Tiberius Bayne Broka the Hutt Marlon Sularen //

The Captain of the Bloodhound scouled as he pulled from the fires which danced on his bridge. Away he walked, to the secondary bridge where he saw the cataclysmic damage done to the very thing the embodied his life was slowly, but surely, dying.

"I'll show those New Imperial bastards, who the hell they're messing with. Engines ahead full. Fire everything we have left at thier flagship and angle us towards thier engines"

Thaelius watched from the bridge of the Thrawn as the Captain went on a rampage, preparing his crew for something Thaelius would not and could not condone. "No! No, I order you not to!" The Admiral's plees were not heard, as vocal communications with the Destroyer had not yet been established. They could only see it unfold before them, helpless to stop it.

Thaelius winced as he saw the Bloodhound push irswld directly into the Secondary Battlecruiser, firing everything it had until it made impact.
"
Swing us around. Bring the other Marr II behind us. Prepare for Broadside Combat" the Captain ordered when Thaelius nodded. "All cannons are to target the hangars of the Predator. Those fighters cannot launch under no circumstances! I want Battery Group A (500 Kyber Enhanced Turbolasers) to target the Main Hangar. Group B the Endurance and Group C the Attack Ship. No fighters can launch!

Spoiler: Fleet Actions

The Bloodhound has crashed into Marlon Sularens Secondary Flagship

The Thrawn is focusing it's Kyber Enhanced Turbolasers on Enemy Carriers

Four Athena Class Shield Frigates are protecting the Thrawn from attack from the Intercessor Class Star Destoyers

 

[Lord Venari]

Location: Landing Zone, PL-40112-CE-021105
Objective: Repel enemies & defend AA guns
Gear: In Bio
Allies: TSE & Allies, open
Enemies: EE & Allies, open

---

Durasteel chunks and debris thudded against the earthy jungle ground as the anti-air guns continued to render overhead dropships to mounds of scrap. Each life lost was another the Sith forces needn't concern themselves with but such loss also represented another meal Venari was deprived of. The guttural roar from the endless void within the Sith Lord demanded it be fed. Death and decay lingered throughout the jungle and saw the bogan powers churn and roil, he could call upon them but to feast on another living being satiated in ways very few could imagine. Only by draining the essence of others and stirring it into his own would Venari find himself sated. Enemy momentum slowed as survivors and those who breached the anti-air defense coordinated, amassing themselves in the distance. The morsels, that comprised of the Sith Empire's many traitorous foes, congealing into a coming banquet.

Above, threads of smoke swelled into pillars and those pillars into towers, oily and boiling out of the riddles holes blasted into the jungle's canopy. Daylight gave to a bleak stormy overcast as a fellow Sith somewhere across the battlefield seized reign over the powers of nature and cast it against their enemies. Bolts of lightning arced through the sky into the distance followed by the thunderous crash of their enemy's annihilation. Rivaling nature's forced contributions to the traitor's demise was only the lithe fingers of Defoliator fire reaching across the dark skies for their gathering foes. Shortly after, the specialized weapon fire came to a pause, though regardless their condition; the droids had done their work. Death was abundant on this world indeed.

Emerging from the tree line Venari's armored boots slushed through the mud as he and the entirety of his squad, save their singular loss, returned to the anti-air position. A mix of Sith and Eternal corpses strew about the grounds but the defense held strong. The Sith Lord's helmet fed him tactical data on displayed the legions names and ranks as he sifted through the troops.

"You there, Master Sergeant." He pointed toward one of the legionnaires taking up a position behind an armored cover emplacement.

The soldier stood at attention, "Yes, my lord."

"How're we holding?"

"Early skirmishes have been in our favor. Minimal losses but the enemy’s numbers have been growing. It's possible they plan on using the clearing between our position and the second AA group to-" An explosion shook the outer edge of the perimeter.

"Return fire!" The sergeant shouted.

Sith and Eternal blaster bolts traded but the Sith Lord would tolerate none of it. The hungering lord marched to the front catching sight of the five person meal. Venari extended his open palms releasing twin violet tendrils into the air. The bogan extensions connected with two of the unit who immediately collapsed to their knees then fell to mud, drained of their life. Sniper rounds pierced the air and saw another two fall a moment later. The lone survivor backpedaled but it was too late. Another jutted hand saw his life draining away.

"Wait my lord! We could use him."

The hunger demanded its fill, but Venari was its master - not the other way around. The Sith Lord pulled him arm back and looked to the sergeant.

"Indeed. Good call sergeant." The Sith Lord looked to two privates who trained their blasters to the jungle, awaiting the emergence of any Eternal allies. "You two retrieve that rabble. See if he has anything worthwhile to tell us. Worst case, he's provided us some enemy communications access," the Sith Lord said with a sneer. The hunger was unending, but the circle's work would be done.

 

[Kyrel Ren]

Objective: 1
Alles: NIO, EE
Enemies: Loreena Arenais-Valhoun , R Reyn Australis


Kyrel despite the objections of his Jedi Adversary, while she claimed she was no Jedi. Her Mother, her Father, her Brother. They were all Jedi in some form or another. It didn't matter to him all followers of Ashla were Jedi in one way or the next. She would die by his hand or none at all. Despite being surrounded by rebels and one man against a group of them. The Master of Ren was capable in trying to take them all down, but they weren't his target she was. After all despite losing everything, his hatred, his rage. He clung to it for so very long it was all he knew, and old scores were indeed a part of that lifestyle he carried as a warrior of darkness. The blades clashed over and over again, as she so desperately tried to evade.

When a tree was used against him, blocking the next array of attacks. He responded in kind with his as he continued to launch the next series. Letting out an angry growl the more that he had advanced upon his foe. He had power, and she had speed. It would not last against the hammer of force that he wielded. Years of nonstop battle had made him strong, peace made his enemies softer and weaker. He was confident that if he kept his chain of attacks she would break before him. Avoiding the tree the sizzling ozone of the lightsaber leaving quite a mark on the tree, he could only continue as a raging juggernaut to bring his foe down. This method worked on many of his foes, powered by his hatred and that of his armor. Many foes fell to his blade.

This time as she launched a blast of light towards him. He groaned as he appeared right in front of her. Prepared for the next set of strikes. This time, however, before he had time to react the Rebels interfered, putting his senses off. Trying to ruin his own focus on the duel with his foe, giving his opponent another chance to strike with a ball of light in his face. as it was launched, he was blinded and the force of the blast caused cracks in his helmet to appear. "Ughhh.." He was forced to stumble back, no longer able to engage to close-quarters fighting with his enemy.

"You command the Ashla, I have the Bogan on my side girl, it is far more powerful then you realize." Drawing upon his own rage, and the conflict surrounding him, if she wished to play their respective trump cards. He himself would respond in kind. Even as the enemy was trying to throw off his senses. Nonetheless, he focused on the dark side, the fury that was all around him. Forming a spear of darkness within his hand. The tip was separated almost as if a trident. Before she could attempt the same trick twice. The weapon of pure dark side energy was launched towards her direction, aiming for her midsection pouring all of his hatred into it.

Even then as he launched his attack, the Force was trying to tell him something, the duel had to end soon for what he felt not far from his own duel was the shadow of fate calling his name. Soon the duel had to end if he had to form an unlikely truce with his enemy he would, but the duel would end one way or another. Unknowing to him he sensed the plight of Imperial Knight Rurik Fel

 

[Placeholder 0128]

Allies: EE Rebels
Enemies: TSE, Orion Darkstar specifically
Objective: Talk


Different forms of death had different noises to accompany them. Cedric had heard all of them in his time, but it was rare to hear a man succumbing to primal animal fear as he met his demise. The Sith's beasts fell upon his warriors like a tsunami, and the reverberations the deaths of his comrads emanated out into the Force were particularly disturbing.

When a man died to an artillery shell, there was pain and fear, but the fear was distant. A man stuck through the gut with a plasma bolt had a few moments to make peace with his gods. Soldiers mutilated by a slathering animal had no sense of respect in their ends. Their fear felt akin to that of a Nerf right before its owner put a bolt between its eyes. It was not a valiant thing, not something spoken of in song and story. It was terrifying, violent, messy, and ultimately agonizing. The fear of being consumed by another living creature was the most primal fear of all, and Cedric felt that overwhelming chill at the base of his spine as men he'd known since his early youth were consumed by it.

Privately, Cedric cursed this whole affair. He cursed the galaxy for forcing him to live such a life. He cursed the Sith for perverting nature and twisting such abominations into being, but most of all, he felt a deep sorrow in his heart. The man standing before him, whom spoke of peace as if it were the dirt beneath his boots, was lost. At least his men, even in their bloody, ugly deaths had a future. If this boy's course was not changed, only damnation would follow.

It was a that deep sadness that urged Cedric to speak before he swung the sword. "Perhaps peace is a lie," the resoluteness in his voice carried over the cacophony of battle, "But we can make it truth. The galaxy has been in this endless cycle for millennia, and the Bogan is at its source. You're a pawn in its plans my friend. Call off your men, let us speak with our words rather than our arms, and then if you find me lacking, and my viewpoints false, we shall make war as war is best made."

Cedric held his arms out wide, his lightsaber dousing in a show of good faith. The Essonians pressed onward behind him, though their progress was slowed to a stand still as they tried to contend with the Sith's beasts.

"Let us speak as men before we both die for masters that care for neither of us. There is nothing for you to lose here. This assault is a merely a distraction, and more time bought for you and your people is greater than us simply pushing forward, is it not? If you find what I have to say inane, then it is a win either way for you, but I would like to hear your perspective."

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Objective: Castle Cry
Enemies: Kyrel Ren
Allies: Eclipse Rebels, R Reyn Australis and Curtis Learchin
Accompanied by: Arla (in sig) and 20 Infantry Soldiers

Lori could feel her stamina being pushed to the limit. On and on Kyrel continued to press her with his attacks, forcing her to retreat further into the trees, weaving in and out around the tree trunks. "Ashla? What are you talking about?! Who's that?" She wasn't familiar with the names. Unlike her brother, she hadn't learned about the variety of names that aspects of the Force were known has. She didn't stay to train with the Jedi. Her time was spent with the Mandalorians and on her own.

But now wasn't the time for Force History 101. This wasn't the Academy.

This was war.

Lori sent another ball of Force Light at Kyrel, breathing an inward sigh of relief as it caused him to back off, giving her a moment of respite like before. Yet that small amount of relief soon gave way to something else entirely. She hadn't come across the Darkside in such a manner that was used against her now.

Seeing the Darkside Trident Spear form before her very eyes, the very air around them went cold. Lori hesitated as she swung her lightsaber at it, just as the spear was thrown at her, not quite knowing if her blade was even capable of stopping it. And that hesitation cost her as the spear imbedded itself in her midsection.

Time seemed to slow down to a crawl...

Lori's mouth dropped open in a silent gasp, her eyes widening as she looked up at Kyrel. Her leg muscles slowly gave way as she dropped to her knees, yet still she clung to her lightsaber with one hand while the other tried to remove the spear.

But it didn't want to budge.

Lori looked down to her impaled midsection and then up to Kyrel. If she was to die this day, then she was going to do so bravely. "Well....played..."

 

[Aerarii Tithe]

Location: Mirador tower, Sith-Imperial Observation Post
Objective: II - Discuss business and defend against the rebels
Kit: Skystas Rieve iv Tave Daboti Dvasi | Sith-Imperial Military Uniform
Allies: Grand Moff Aut-X | AMCO | Kascalion Giedfield | Darth Prazutis | Onrai | TSE
Enemies: Malicar | Karisa | Vidalu Na'an | EE
Post: VI

---

Having realised that they had been manipulated, the rebels began making preparations to escape. In an ideal world Tithe would put a message out to the Sith-Imperial Legionnaires throughout the base alerting them to the intrusion, but that could wait until the rebels were far enough away not to be a risk to him.

As she departed, the Jedi leading the rebels reminded Aerarii and his two Chiss companions to remember the feeling of betrayal caused by the Eternal Empire. “Yes… I’m, I’m, crestfallen,” Tithe called after the rebels as they climbed out the windows of the tower and roped down to the main compound. The actions of the Eternal Empire had little bearing on his business on PL-40112-CE-021105, but then again, confusion was rife today.

“I, ah, I apologise for the abeyance in our proceeding,” he said to Malicar and Karisa as he surveyed the half-destroyed conference room. He tried to pick up a glass of the fine Alderaanian wine only to have it shatter in his hand and spill its contents on the debris slew floor.

Updates over his battlenet comlink told how Grand Moff Aut-X had launched bombers against enemy artillery positions. At the same time, Lady Onrai engaged the crashed landers - which Tithe now knew belonged to rebels rather than cultists. Lord Kascalion Giedfield had moved out beyond the defensive trenches to battle the Eternal Empire and their New Imperial Order allies, while Shadow Hand Darth Prazutis was marching out to meet the Eternal Emperor Kainan Wolfe .

The battle still sounded to be going in favour of the Sith-Imperial defenders, which left Aerarii in a strong bargaining position. Should the tide of battle turn and they were put on the back foot, questions would arise around his assertions of the Sith Empire’s strength. Best to get the Chiss CEO on his way while the deal was still good.

“I fear we may need to part ways,” he explained, slowly walking toward the blastdoors and the turbolift beyond. “I’ll inform the garrison to facilitate your swift launch and departure. But with regard to the blockade overhead…” The Interstellar Shipping vessel would be marked as a friend to the Sith-Imperial Armada, but there was little the Moff could do to ward off the Eternal Empire vessels.

“And may I add, a pleasure to do business. Malicar, my Lady.”

Spoiler: LOA

I'll be on leave over the weekend, happy for my writing partners to proceed without me.

 

[Marlon Sularen]

---

Location | PL-40112 CE-021105
Objective | Operation Iron Rain -Sky on Fire
Focus | Thaelius

---

Spoiler: Wraith Squadron

• Primary Flagship - Agitator-Class Super Heavy Battlecruiser (1) | Moderate Damage to the Shields
• Secondary Flagship - Bellidux-Class Star Battlecruiser (2) | Shields down 90% , Considerable Damage to the Hull
• Phaetra-Class Star Carrier [x1] (3) | Considerable Damage to the Shields
• Endurance-Class Fleet Carrier[x1] (4) | Moderate Damage to the Shields
• Inceptus-Class Assault Ship [x4] (6)
• Intercessor-Class Star Destroyer [x4] (5)
• Starfighter Compliment
  • 41 Tie Drone Squadrons [1,008 Total]
  • 30 Tie Outlander Squadrons [480 Total]
  • 20 Tie Slasher Squadrons [240 Total]
  • 10 Tie Vanguard Squadrons [80 Total]
• Support Craft Compliment
  • 28 Tie Bruiser Squadrons [224 Total]
  • 19 Tie Mauler Squadrons [152 Total]

---

Spoiler: Battle Situation

---

---

As the Battle progressed , Marlon Sulaern's Fleet continued to deal punishment towards the enemy fleet unleashing waves after waves of Missiles , Railgun fire and even his Proton Beam Canons on the enemy Vessels dealing considerable damage against them. However what happened next was unexpected. Right as the Bellidux-Class Star Battlecruiser was about to join in the frey one of the Sith-Imperial Star Destroyers charged at Wraith Squadron and collided with Bellidux. Though the Battlecruiser had survived due to it's strong shielding , the shields were 90% down and the ship itself had taken damage to the hull and was vulnerable to enemy attack.

Fortunately , the Sith-Imperial Commander was focused on Sularen' Carriers then just his Flagship. The Predator itself had taken some damage to it's shielding but yet the enemy had relieved the ship in which was ready to counter attack. Given at how Sularen's Carriers were in the rear of the formation and the Predator's Hangars where in it's underbelly , Marlon's Starfighters were safe , however the New Imperial Commodore decided enough was enough and decided to strike intending to launch a devastating counter attack against the enemy.

"Have 2 Intercessors and the Bellidux attack the Flanks of the enemy Flagship and press the attack forward. I want all Fighters and Bombers deployed and for all Bombers to target the Sith-Imperial Star Destroyers while the Fighters cover them and establish a defensive screen infront of our ships. Today we crush the Sith-Imperial vermin once and for all" Marlon ordered.

Within seconds 2 Intercessors and the Bellidux charged at the side of the Sith-Imperial Fleet focusing on the gap left by the suicidal attack and moving forth to unleash their payload of Concussion Missiles and Turbolaser Fire on the right flank of the Sith-Imperial Flagship just as the Predator and 2 other Intercessors fired their Proton Beam Canons and Ion Railguns at the Sith-Imperial Star Destroyer once more followed by intense Turbolaser fire from and Concussion Missiles from the Fleet. As the Barrage took place , Bombers zoomed past the enemy fleet charging at the enemy Star Destroyer and unleashing their payload : Electro-proton bombs capable of disabling the Marr-II and even potentially the enemy Battlcruiser.

It was here where Marlon would deal with a death blow to the enemy Fleet by attacking the 2 Remaining Main vessels of their fleet victory was guaranteed for Marlon Sularen and it was only a matter of time before the Sith-Imperial Fleet broke and was out of morale. Already they had a gap in their formation being exploited by Sularen and with Fighters and Bombers swarming out to deal additional blows Marlon knew the enemy had no where to run. This was where he crushed that same Sith-Imperial Commander from Mygetto.

---

Spoiler: Fleet Actions

• The Bellidux has survived the ramming but it's shields are weak and it has taken considerable damage to the Hulls
• Both the Phaetra Fleet Carrier and Endurance Fleet Carriers are targeted but due to their position at the reat of Marlon Sularen's Fleet , they recent minimum damage
• The Bellidux and 2 Intercessors attack the Right Flank of the Enemy Fleet attacking the Thrawn's Starbord side with all they got
• The Predator and 2 other Intercessors launch a final attack against the other Marr-II Star Destroyer firing everything they have at it.
• All Ships deploy Fighters and Bombers with the majority of Bombers charging at the Marr-II Star Destroyer and unleashing a payload of multiple Electro-Proton Bombs while the Fighters enter in a defensive position to protect the Vessels of Wraith Squadron.

 

[Cara Dorniarn]

Location: 0.9km from landing zone.
RP Partner(s): Agrippa | Open
Allies: TSE
Post #3

Heavy steps parted the soil beneath. Since the death of her former self Cara's new vessel was shorter in height and lighter in mass, yet such changes did not diminish the weight born by her numerous cybernetics. The ground, unable to decide whether to stay firm or remain as muck, split the bill and meshed their consistency with no disparity. Sink or stand, Cara pressed on in search of the observatory. If the plots of her living map were correct, the solitary webs to the north were the forces of her empire. They were close, close enough for her to recognize the internal blurbs of standard issue carbines. Though admittedly it confused her: With their distance, how many soldiers were present to allow her to sense their blasters from this range? The Eternal Empire did not wield the weapons of Sith Legionnaires, so just how many legionnaires had arrived so quickly?


It began to rain.

"Ah, perfect. Of course." The rain gave the muck an upper hand. So much for an even split… At least Chuza hadn't been a burden, his body seeming to float as her arms stabilized him above the mire. Yet with every change of ground he clung tighter, and tighter, and soon Cara had to stall.

"Technician Chuza," she leaned back to speak over the increasing peals of thunder, "I understand your anxiety but release my neck please."

"What--oh, oh I'm sorry," he released his squeeze and embarrassment stirred some more life into him. As the servos of her neck whirred freely he found himself fumbling for another place to grip. Once secure he glanced around to see nothing but thick walls of greenery and gnarled, ivy-snaked trunks. A sworn city-man, it felt as close to purgatory as one could be.

Cara had begun trudging along when it clicked in her mind. A literal click, that of a Sith Imperial issue carbine. But no, it was different. Something felt altered from the source of the familiar cadence. The modulation of the pieces, those conjoining voices of what should've been the gear of a Sith Imperial trooper, were mutated.

She knew that broken tune. Muunilinist was full of it.

Left arm slipping out from under Chuza's leg Cara whirled around, the carbine bolt splashing against her forearm as she slung the blast away.

The Mirialan tumbled down into a thicket of overgrowth. Groaning from his previous injuries he crawled deeper under cover, "The feth?! They found--"

"It's only one. Stay put!"

Only one so called "New Imperial." More would join at its beckon, eager for any chance to play superior to those they left behind. But she couldn't allow that. Yellow eyes were quick to light as she locked her gaze toward the trooper's direction, sacrificing her map of the area to focus on the one source that posed a threat.

The sleeve of her lab coat smoldered from the bolt and she tore it away along with its mate, casting them aside as she walked forward. Leaves shriveled as they connected with the hot metal, arm still aglow from the shot.

She started to charge.

​

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Ingrid L’lerim
The Red Witch; Emperor's hand; Director of Blackwatch; Baroness of Vengard​

Location: Observation Post, Floral Research Hub Aurek, integrated into exterior walls.
Equipment: Assassin armor with this look | Black blade lightsaber | Red blade lightsaber shoto | 2x vibroblades | Stealth field generator
Tags: AMCO

Background music:
Elena Siegman – Abracadavre​

She didn’t want this war…

By the way, Ingrid guessed from what she had seen before that, Adrian isn't particularly good at firearms either. But the fact that he might hit someone if he’s shot – and this is necessary because the woman is dealing with something else – at the moment it was enough for her. That's why she didn't say anything else, and is true the shape-shifting really impressed and distracted her. By the fact that even Adrian's voice became different which Ingrid could only achieve with her gadgets while working she was even more impressed with the ability.

The woman's eyes widened for a moment thanks to the knowledge she stole from the Force entity, she now had an idea of what exactly that meant. Adrian could see on the woman's face how she realized this and when they first met, Ingrid said she knew essentially nothing about alchemy and Sith sorcery yet. She finally nodded and since the man had not practiced stealth, she also handed him the object.

”I have a faint idea about it how you did this. But that doesn’t detract from that amazing ability, sorry improvement, and not from that, it would be useful to me either.” she laughed softly, then she continued kindly. ”And I would have dared to put my annual salary on it at betting, that you are not in a good stealth.”

But there was no problem with that; the man did not have to understand as much of everything as she did. They moved in other circles during their work, only in cases like this, causing trouble for the lack of stealth. It was visible that the man was interested in the story after what had happened to the woman, but like everything else Ingrid will have to tell this Adrian later, too. That's why he just nodded again.

”I’ll tell you everything, if you are safe!” she promised.

Not them, just he. She still found it incredible that a man in Adrian’s position is unable to hide himself in the Force. But rather did not bring this up. The Sith Lord was right that, fortunately, quite large forces were working out there. The Shadow Hand, the sith who caused the Force Storm, was felt by Ingrid as well, and of course it was there for her own Emperor as well. After what Ingrid saw from the Shadow Hand before she had no idea if her emperor had a chance against him. She should be there to help him, as would be expected of a good disciple and an assassin who is also a bodyguard. And of course she should protect Adrian as well, but it would have been good if there were two of her…

”I feel Tacitus too… He is fighting with the Shadow Hand.” she said.

They were ready after the short kiss, Ingrid reached out to the Force and made herself invisible. She also disappeared from Adrian's eyes for the first few moments, but only until a telepathic connection was established between them, then the man could see her again. After this she opened the door, and she finally saw the said bodyguards. The level was fairly quiet and calm no one has been here except them now. She stepped out of the room, proceeded slowly and carefully, so that Adrian could keep up with her. She took a few meters forward, then waited for the other.

There was no damage down here, although some of the machines were no longer working. She headed for the staircase and elevators from which she himself came. The elevators did not work, in light of the fact that there was an explosion upstairs, she was not surprised. Before entering the stairwell she heard voices approaching down, she did not yet know whether he was a friend or an enemy. To be honest, everything was hostile to her this time, including her own. The rebels, ‘cause they are always the enemy, the people of the TSE, because they would kill her because of the war, and her own would want to hurt Adrian. It was not easy to be an assassin…

”Take cover, we will have company!” she message telepathically.

She didn’t want this war…

​

 

[Hailyn]

Legion Yun-Ne'Shel Flotilla

Total: 19988 M

Battlecruisers Destroyers Cruisers Frigates Corvettes Deployed Smallcraft

• 
  
  • Tchilatte Al'Yun-Ne'Shel - Yun'o-tu Tchilat (5 KM - 5 Squadrons Qworlth Skaal amputated)
  • Sith Saber - Autarch-class Siege Breaker (4.5 KM - 20 Squadrons)
• 
  
  • Izai-tu Yammosk - Us-hrok Izai (1.5 KM - 15 Squadrons)
  • Us-hrok-te Harla - Us-hrok Izai (1.5 KM - 15 Squadrons Damaged)
  • Gadma Belek - Us-hrok Izai (1.5 KM - 15 Squadrons)
• 
  
  • Yorik Besh - Avek-Liluunu (800 M - 12 Squadrons Heavily Damaged)
  • Yorik Cresh - Avek-Liluunu (800 M - 12 Squadrons Damaged)
  • Yorik Dorn - Avek-Liluunu (800 M - 12 Squadrons)
  • Yorik Onith - Avek-Liluunu (800 M - 12 Squadrons Damaged)
  • Yorik Jenth - Avek-Liluunu (800 M - 12 Squadrons)
  • Yorik Resh - Avek-Liluunu (800 M - 12 Squadrons)
  • Yaret Zaret - Vua'spar Interdictor (908 M - 0 Squadrons)
• 
  
  • Hul Aurek - Ro'ik Chuun M'arh (250 M - 0 Squadrons)
  • Hul Besh - Ro'ik Chuun M'arh (250 M - 0 Squadrons Heavily Damaged)
  • Hul Cresh - Ro'ik Chuun M'arh (250 M - 0 Squadrons)
  • Hul Dorn - Ro'ik Chuun M'arh (250 M - 0 Squadrons)
  • Hul Enth - Ro'ik Chuun M'arh (250 M - 0 Squadrons Damaged)
  • Hul Forn - Ro'ik Chuun M'arh (250 M - 0 Squadrons)
  • Hul Grek - Ro'ik Chuun M'arh (250 M - 0 Squadrons Heavily Damaged)
• 
  
  • Zhaelor - Yorik-vec Assault Cruiser (30 M - 0 Squadrons) Destroyed
• 
  
  • 122 Squadrons Yorik Oqa
    • Swarming deployed Eternal Empire smallcraft
  • 20 Squadrons Mailoc-class Sith-Imperial Gunship
    • Swarming Eternal Empire capital ships

Location: Tchilatte Al'Yun-Ne'Shel, Bridge
Allies: The Sith Empire | Taeli Raaf / Eldaah Aderyn , Thaelius
Enemies: Eternal Empire & Their Rebels | Tiberius Bayne , Marlon Sularen , Broka the Hutt , Taozi Fuyuan
Objective: Mass Murder
Theme: F U N E R A L

In a game of chess what did a piece that outlived its usefulness mean to the one that put it in play? Did a player in a game of sabacc give sentimental value to the card they'd discarded to gain a flush? Did the soldier care about the pair of boots they threw away once a hole was worn through? No, and as the Qworlth Skaal stretched out hungrily through the void of space with its gaping maw crashing through walls of force fields there wasn't an iota of emotion to be found in the Sith Lord as the creature served its purpose, its temporary distraction. She offered no audible response, no order uttered from lips that were held tightly shut in a thin line as her thoughts were projected through the cognition throne to the Yammosks that uttered the orders telepathically on her behalf. Dovin basals had indeed been stripping the shields from their respective ships, but it was an entry ploy to a greater plan that the Eternal Empire, in the infinite expanse of their audacity, was playing right into.

She knew little of the Eternal Empire's behavior during naval engagements, but she didn't care about the tactical nature of an officer during times of war - even the wisest of men, the bravest of soldiers, and the most brilliant tacticians shared a common ground that sunk them at every turn. Confidence. Tell a man he didn't know what he was up against and he would show that he did, challenge him to rise to the occasion and he would, but give a man an opponent he thought he knew? Well, as she'd suspected, he would simply do what he knew to suppress what he thought to expect.

The sudden pulling of dovin basals from the Us-hrok-te Harla on the Tchilatte Al'Yun-Ne'Shel's flank aided in the turning maneuver of the larger ship, while the grip of gravity on the head of the massive worm, by the dovin basals of Gadma Belek, sent the worm careening down and into the hull of the large dreadnought as the burst of energy from the ship's superlaser carved neatly through its neck. The decapitation of the dread weapon was, of course, exactly the moment she was looking for - the true dread weapon aboard the ship, the modified rock spitters, were now given a clear trajectory to fire right down the barrel of their massive weapon while the green gleam of tibanna gas dissipated just out of harms way from the side of the massive Yuuzhan Vong battlecruiser, its blinding glow still fading as a volley of projectiles fired from the front of the Tchilatte Al'Yun-Ne'Shel at velocities far exceeding the meager weapons it endured.

No, her target had always been the weapon - or, perhaps more specifically, the massive radiation signature it produced.

The rock spitters were special, shaped with her guidance, and were similar in nature to a hypervelocity gun - devastating weapons of war that were as much a danger in the field of war as a proton beam cannon, and twice as practical. The Arbiter had played its hand, the disposable shields it offered crushed by the Qworlth Skaal, and it had fired its main gun prematurely - as all men in a uniform tended to.

Now she would fire hers.

"Light it up." Came the voice of a Zeltron officer aboard the Sith Saber, signalling the firing of another weapon, from another ship - one which had been sorely neglected by the brilliant strategy employed by the brains behind the Eternal Armada. The same confidence that the Zeltron, the brains behind many of the more recent success stories in the Imperial Armada, had been counting on to give her the window she needed to put their dreadnought down like the rabid dog it was. Twin orbital autocannons fired on the belly of the Arbiter while the rest of the flotilla endured a rather painful rain of sustained fire, the Zhaelor collapsing under the sudden onslaught before being dragged into the planet's orbit, burning up as it fell through the atmosphere until nothing but dust remained of it or its crew - no one to hear their screams, if any of them had survived long enough after the initial salvo killed the ship itself.

Unlike the proton beam cannons of fame, or the hypervelocity cannons - or in this case, a pair of modified rock spitters doing much the same - with an earned reputation, the orbital autocannons sounded far less harmful than they really were - in truth they were a pair of gigantic cannons that could have been turned down to the surface and wiped away the entire ground force of the Eternal Empire if need be, along with much of the surrounding landscape, in one firing. The Galactic Alliance had learned the devastation of the weapon first hand, though they'd managed to eek out a victory in spite of the massive loss of life over Muunilist. On a ship that had already felt its shields drop, one which was faced by the stream of projectiles from what was essentially a pair of massive hypervelocity guns intent on putting the ship's main gun out of action?

At least Dracken Pryce had been lucky enough to have the full weight of shields present to give him his fighting chance. Here?

She could only wish him luck - or a swift finish.

 

[Teresa Pelles | Darth Pellax]

Spoiler: Music

Location: Landing Zone
Allies: TSE and allies
Enemies: EE and Allies
Main tag: Ardana Vorco
Equipment:

Spoiler: Click me

Silens cursor
Revans Lightsaber
Y.N.D Ysalamiri Neural Disabler

The three enemies Teresa engaged began to collect themselves and stand from been knocked down. Even though she could not source the anger from people and beings all around her she could feed off what was in front. They were seething with rage. In the space of moments the remaining witnessed three of their unit die. The woman turned around facing the three the first time they'd properly see her face and more so her eyes that gleamed with a raging fire in them. "Burn heretics." She said with a wicked smile as flames rose up their bodies slowly. The wailing screams bought pleasure to her ears as that anger turned panic and fear. Both hands wrapped around her waist as she let out a long exhale towards the sky where lightning crackled and lashed out.

She looked around to see that the enemy line here was beginning to curve inwards towards Xanesh. It was probably time to move back she though, for a moment. Teresa had to take care of herself first once more feeling the pinch and burn of where she had taken a shot. "Medic, where did its body lannnnd." Teresa muttered to herself spotting the body. The woman searched the body taking bacta shots and injecting one into herself. It was immediate pain relief. She also took the weapon and some ammunition along with it for temporary use. With it tight in her grip, saber on hip and medical supplies in her bags the woman moved into a sprint.

With a big push downwards with her wings both feet lifted from the ground. With each powerful flap she raised up a little higher and bagan to take aim at the line that was pushing hard. Red blaster bolts flew from the barrel towards the enemy below, most shots would miss but she had managed some chest and head shots that knocked or killed some. Just before turning to move back towards her future master her finger squeezed at the other trigger and aimed it at a large gathering of soldiers taking cover. With a thwump sound she watched the large round plummet down and exploding in the middle sending people flying.

However she had garnered to much attention now in the sky. For self preservational reasons she made her way back to Xanesh. Blasterbolts kept straying her way as she retreated. Battlezones was not her forté, in fact she had no experience at all and in hindsight it was a lot of pressure. It did not take long for Teresa to reach her masters position landing meters away. "You certainly got their attention." She said to Ardana Vorco curious to what she was about to do next. It was hard not to notice the power she was drawing in once more, and the winds and clouds had almost took her from the sky. Really it was safer next to the Sith lord than in the enemies lines.

 

[Curtis Learchin]

Equipment: Viper (Light Armour), Saberstaff
Allies: Eclipse Rebels, Loreena Arenais-Valhoun , R Reyn Australis
Enemies: Eternal Empire, The Sith Empire
Post 3

Curtis continued towards the observation post as fire and brimstone rained down in the distance. As he looked around for an signs of movement, The Force seemed to pull at him again, more intensely this time, like it was warning him of something. But before he could react, he felt something pierce through his stomach.

Shock and fear were plastered on his face as he dropped to his knees, clutching at his torso like it was on fire. Frantically he tore off his chest piece to check for any injure, but was stunned to see that there was nothing there. No blood, no bruising, nothing. The shock and fear was replaced with pure confusion as Curtis checked his armour for any fresh dents or scarring. But again there was nothing.

Something came into his mind as he felt the Force pull at him again. Slowly a memory came into being, of when he and Lori had first begun their relationship. She'd mentioned Force Bonds, how her mother and father had had one, and how it was possible that they had developed one as well.

Then it clicked, and his veins ran cold, sweat dripping down his forehead. That pain wasn't his, it was hers. She was hurt, maybe worse, and he didn't know where she was or how to get to her. Curtis scrambled to re-equip himself, smacking his commlink.

"Lori? LORI?!?"

 

[Malicar]

Location: Mirador tower, Sith-Imperial Observation Post
Objective: II - Discuss business and support the rebels
Fashion: Suit and Scarf - Krongbing Interstellar Fashions
Allies: Vidalu Na'an , Kainan Wolfe , Karisa EE and EE Allies - sorta...
Enemies: Aerarii Tithe , TSE, Eclipse Rebels, and TSE allies - kinda...
Post: V

Seeing a stray piece of cheese had lighted on his jacket, he gently swept the morsel onto the ground with the rest of the mess. It was apparent now that Vidalu and her team did not aim to stay, nor were they going to risk the trip down the observation post interior—which was smart. Set-up or not, the Sith would not be happy with their incursion.

Vidalu spoke to Malicar as they were about to rappel down the side…

"We've got better priorities than staying here and protecting you lot. But I hope the three of you remember what it feels like having Tacitus play you for chumps. It won't be the last time he does it before all this is done."

With a smirk, he responded, “Oh, you staying to ‘protect’ us would not be in anyone’s interest. Yes, we are aware of the lack of consideration by Darth Tactitus. Travel well and ‘toodles’…”

He obliged the Eclipse Rebel team leader with a dip of his head as they were about to descend. Turning back to his host, Malicar nodded in understanding as he apologized. In comparison to some of his meetings back with Black Sun, he was quite relieved at the turnout…so far. It seemed Aerarii was in need of leaving, for his safety. In truth, the longer he stayed here, and without Aerarii, the more of a risk it was to he and Karisa.

With a slight bow, the Chiss responded, “You have been the consummate host under the circumstances, Moff Tithe. It seems we have come to an accord. And no, no, Aerarii, the pleasure was indeed all mine…”

Malicar quickly typed in his alert code to the pilot flying the Shadow Hammer, which had by this point already emerged from the nearby pond a few miles away. In addition, he gave the pilot the code that would identify the Shadow Hammer as “neutral” on the IFF to Sith assets, courtesy of Moff Tithe. However, that was not the only code he sent. Malicar also punched in his IFF code identifier to the Eternal Empire…just to be sure that their freighter was not mistaken for something that could be construed as a “target of opportunity”…

As the Eclipse Rebels went over the side and Moff Tithe and his security detail exited via turbolift, it left Malicar, Karisa and his ISSG security team left in the meeting room.

Looking over at Karisa, he smiled wryly and quipped, “Let it be said that boredom is something you will never encounter while in my company…”

The shipping tycoon looked down at Karisa’s hands as she cradled the open bottle of Toniray Alderaanian wine. With an overexaggerated gasp, Malicar mused, “Is there enough for two glasses?”

 

[AMCO]

Location: Observation Post, Floral Research Hub Aurek, integrated into exterior walls.
Objective: Stay out of danger as the goons repel the "cultist" rebel Eternal Imperial incursion.
Equipment: Tactical Turtleneck & G1 OmniLink | Shield Talisman & Shadow's Folly | SIB-14 | Stealth Field Generator
Appearance: Wearing a white lab coat over a black turtleneck and trousers; rancor-leather boots.
Ground Forces: 200/200 Karza'Arana Warriors (Reserve) | 4/4 Karza'Arana Darksworn (Honour Guard)
Writing With: Ingrid L'lerim | [OPEN]
---

"Oh, I'm sure it would be most useful, in your line of work - perhaps I can cook you up something to bestow upon you comparable abilities in exchange for, say, some training in the art of stealth and the pleasure of your company?"

Conversation quickly transitioning as they prepared for departure, Adrian nonetheless paused to raise an eyebrow as she mentioned her Emperor's current situation. "Tacitus and Prazutis? When they clash, we are sure to notice - as are the sorry bastards taking to the field alongside them."

He could only hope their battle wouldn't further decimate the region... the damage to the unique foliage found here was bad enough already.

Impressed once more as the redhead quite literally disappeared from view, despite his focused attention, and further yet as she reappeared but only to him, he sent her the nonverbal telepathic equivalent of a "Damn impressive, if I may say so myself." before proceeding out the doorway, past the watchful guards he had placed; guards which he had tethered to his mind in a similar manner, and so they knew what was expected of them.

Following along as quietly as he could as his companion lead the way through the silent - aside from fighting further up and away - facility, they soon arrived at a stairway leading up... and voices coming down. Ingrid's request to take cover was sensible, perhaps the supply closet...

... which turned out to be a poor choice, the opening door revealing a cowering researcher who promptly let out a shrill shriek.

Hmph. That was less that ideal - as was the fact that the voices turned out to be a quartet of unwashed rebels, a quartet who promptly pointed their blasters at him. Looking genuinely frightened - though Ingrid would feel nothing but calm through their link - he responded to their demands in a suitably quavering voice. "P-please, I just work the lab. Please let me go."

"The lab? One of the Sith's monster makers, then - sorry pal, but I can't let you-"

Adrian's eyes turning to pits of inky blackness, bottomless abysses from which neither light nor hope could ever escape, the rebels suddenly froze as one, muscles refusing to obey even as he walked closer, cold fury painted upon his features. "You would kill an unarmed researcher - one of my own? And to think that I was planning to let you live." With a twist of his hand, the rebel's hearts gave out as one, bodies collapsing to the ground.

"... that wasn't very subtle of me, was it? Apologies, I get rather cross when those under my protection are threatened."

 

[Orion Darkstar]

Allies: TSE
Enemies: NIO | Attackers
Intent to Write With: P Placeholder 0128
Forces: x4 Warghest | x4 Qyazik Dziri | x16 Imperial Legionnaires, Part of the 33rd Battalion | Major General Gill Shrewd

"Perhaps peace is a lie,"

The Jedi admitted it, the sapphire saber hummed through the air for his shoulder. Orion felt a brief moment of pain, flashbacks to his duel with a Mandalorian by the name of Trajan Fett scarring him as he instinctively swung the hilt through the air. The beam of ruby death slipped out from the inner chamber, its once vestige appearance crackling to life. As the blades slammed into one another, Orion could feel energies from both sides of the force.. More so this time than his previous bouts, it was as if a magical pull and push locked them into a stalemate. The sabers obeyed the same way, both refusing to separate. It was unusual to him, to have both apparent sides of the force rupturing through his surroundings. Orion could only deduce that the man before him was an exceptional student in the false teachings of the Jedi way. Or better yet...a teacher. ​

"But we can make it truth. The galaxy has been in this endless cycle for millennia, and the Bogan is at its source. You're a pawn in its plans my friend. Call off your men, let us speak with our words rather than our arms, and then if you find me lacking, and my viewpoints false, we shall make war as war is best made."

More words. Only this time the man before him was clearly demented. Orion caught wind of it the first time with the word Ashla. However, Bogan was mentioned this time. Orion grinned, his mind spinning for an answer behind the sudden change in the Jedi's threatening demeanor. He couldn't quite pinpoint what kind of devotee he was to an underlying cause that had been the source of pain and suffering. Ironically, Orion had done the same to those on the opposing side. He did it in response to the Jedi's constant infatuation to blindly denounce, belittle, and threaten the true cause. Orion felt a tug, snapping his saber backwards. His eyes met with the strange intruder. The grin remained, but the disconnected sabers created space between them both. Orion followed the blue blade, waiting for the next attack. Still the words bugged him.

Ashla...Bogan? Is this guy sane? Wait...

Orion remembered the names. It seemed this lost soul in front of him was twisted into another web of lies. Bogan was the source of being locked in perpetual war with one another? It was a crazy and absurd thing to say, but Orion's curiosity was rising. Even more so as the blue lightsaber retracted back into the hilt of his adversary's own. The Jedi's arms displaying themselves outward in a form of surrender. All of this to talk, simple banter between two different beings. It was rare, but Orion understood this case was different. Being some form of intellectual, Orion shifted his gaze at his beasts. His free arm rose, a whistle escaping his lips as the crimson powerhouse of a weapon vanished. In suit, his beasts retreated away from the Jedi's men. It was a sign of good faith. If the Jedi wanted words, Orion would entertain. It happened so fast, the Jedi's words came out of line.

"Let us speak as men before we both die for masters that care for neither of us. There is nothing for you to lose here. This assault is a merely a distraction, and more time bought for you and your people is greater than us simply pushing forward, is it not? If you find what I have to say inane, then it is a win either way for you, but I would like to hear your perspective."

Orion could feel the truth behind his words. Masters, they were the key to the success for thousands of Sith and Jedi in the past. Orion only ever had brief ones, from Sith Lord to Sith Lady, it mattered little. It was absoluteness that tainted them both. Vying for which was more prominent and right, like school children. Restrictions, while impairing progress were necessary for some, but Orion took it upon himself to swallow every practice he could get his hands on. It molded him into what he was now, a devoted Sith. Even scriptures from the Jedi's sacred temples had forms of brainwashing tactics. They had to, otherwise they would be deprived in numbers. At least,. that's what Orion was taught to believe. He was free from both concepts and because of such things, he was now free to speak.

"My lovely pets are bowing." Orion looked to the imperials firing back. He wouldn't call them off like he had with his beasts. That was up to Gill and the other opposing forces. "For Now."

Orion didn't know where to start, then it struck him. It was so simple, but unnatural in every way.

"You want someone to give you perspective on this?" Orion opened his arms, gesturing to the continued bolts of fire happening to the wayside. "You don't even know me. You probably would never want to either, so spare me the psychological tactics." Orion looked down as his Warghest, its nose slowly pressing against his side for comfort as it grumbled lightly. "Even though this will end in your tragic death, I want you to know I've given you a chance. It's only fair that you know my name and I, yours."

Orion carefully watched one of the legionnaires, a stray bolt slicing through him in just the right spot. Orion glanced over to the one man that would feel the most pain from the death of another, Gill Shrewd. The Major General of the 33rd Battalion had been with these men and women for longer than Orion could remember. It would be a difficult one, but paying respects would have to wait till they disposed of them all. A slight irritation reached Orion, another death on the scoreboard for the same people that spoke of peace. This conversation would end the way they always did when a Sith and Jedi exchanged 'Perspectives'.

More Death.

"Orion Darkstar," he examined the Jedi once more before continuing. "If we are going to have a real conversation, tell your men to stand down. Mine will follow your lead." Orion stepped forward, the space between them a rough six feet. "And your name, peaceful negotiations can't be done anonymously."
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Template Made By: Annasari ​

 

[Placeholder 0128]

Allies: EE Rebels
Enemies: TSE, Orion Darkstar specifically
Objective: Talk
Moosic


Cries of war bled away to eerie silence as Cedric complied with the boy's demand. A plate-bound fist was raised, and an order shouted in his mother tongue. "Stoe Äert Feier!"

A wave of confusion passed through the line of veterans, but they did as their lord bid them. One by one, the soldiers slowly lowered their weapons, though the shields remained active as a safety precaution. The roar of weapons spitting plasma was replaced by the rhythmic thump of rifle butts clapping against the soldiers' chestplates. It was fortunate Cedric had brought the veterans - anyone else would have ignored his order.

The Essonians took this opportunity to scoop up their wounded, the three medics they'd brought along scurrying across their lines as they tried hold back the shadow of death. Cedric spared them a brief look of concern, and muttered a quiet prayer beneath his breath. Whatever was to happen now was entirely in the hands of himself and the young Sith.

"There are no tactics here my friend. I want to know of everyone I meet, most of all those that would see me dead." His presence was that of stone within the empyrean. Any attempts to read his intentions would be like trying to scale a wall of stainless marble. One might find a moment of purchase against the rockface, but only just that moment before they fell into the abyss.

The Essonian met the youth's words with a simple nod. He slowly reached upward, and popped the enviro-seals of his helm. The slab of phrik and steel slipped from his head, revealing a relatively young face that might have been patrician once, but had since been ruined by a patchwork of scars and warped flesh. Eyes like pinpricks of flint peered at Orion Darkstar , curiosity plain in his otherwise stoic expression.

"If I am to die here, then I welcome it. An honorable death has eluded me for decades," he stated plainly as he hugged his helmet beneath the crook of his arm. "I am Cedric Grayson. You face the Sons of Ession. We are a warrior people, not unlike your own, but yours took our home from us, and so we are here." Cedric would offer a thin smile.

"I am honored to meet you, Orion. Know that I have no quarrel with your or your soldiers. I have no desire to see innocents dead, and that is what you and your men are to me. You simply stand between us and your emperor. It is he with whom we bear our grudge. I will say I am pleased that you wish to speak, even if you believe you are only humoring me," the Essonian rumbled with quiet laughter at that. "Most children of the Bogan are too intoxicated by its seductions to do much more than throw themselves on our swords."

"Tell me, Mister Darkstar, why is it that you choose to stand between my warriors and their abuser?"