Dominion North and South | EE Dominion of Absit

[Tovald Kahmen’’a]

Objective: Give the Slaves a helping hand in the Rebellion
Location: Capital City, North Coalition, Absit
Equipment: Rifle, Sword, Magnetic Thermal Detonators, Thermite Explosives, Heavy Blaster Pistol, Carbine
Tags: Mairéad Solus | Adenn Kyramud | Silhana Cadera

Tovald had been back for a while now, reinvigorated after being with Family for the High Holidays. A very important part of his culture and it is a holiday of Reflection, Prayer, Mourning, and Revelry and a fresh outlook on the future. The future can be bright if you are willing to push through the darkness.

He took a while to answer communications as he recovered. He needed to, he can’t ignore everything so he turned the communicator flashing pink. Lilianna needed his help to rescue Slaves. Tovald hated Slavery, it was unjust and no one from his Clan partook in it, even his off-kilter brother Diocletian didn’t dabble in the practice.

This is why he focused on this mission above all others, he prided himself in being the calm, level-headed guy with a decent moral compass. Not that he in all his good nature, isn’t above meting out violence if it calls for it, and he can be just as violent as his brother if pushed beyond tolerance. Never good for all parties involved.

As soon as he landed he headed out to where he was to meet the rescue/uprising party. He hoped he wasn’t too late. He had managed to keep the Spiders out of sight, they have evolved and are bigger now.

She had begun scouting ahead, good plan as running head first into situations bode ill omens and was that her name? It is a pretty name, but he dared not voice this as he was wary of offending anyone. As far as the Ubese was aware places like this had scouts, similar to Mustafar. Not that he minded a job was a job.

Directing his Spiders to create traps for Slaver scouts he made sure they never reach base camp.

 

[Trinity Harris]

Dr. Trinity Harris DXenbo DAnthro
Overseer for the Comittee for Scientific Development

​

Location: Joining the negotiation ENS Crimson Empress
Objective: Discuss intention of Imperator
Tags: Imperator Sarilia Ellwin Ingrid L'lerim Mykel Fellheart

Spoiler: Equipment and links

Weapon: HH38 Geysa Hybrid Pistol
Vibrokukri
Riding: Phantom
Accompanied by: Plushee Companion Droid
Wearing:
Hersir Imperial Uniform
Guardema Bio-suit
OPBC-01e
Ship: Carrack Class Science Vessel ENS Mihaly

• 1 military support and 2 storage mission pods

The negotiation seemed to be devolving into an emptional disagreement and it was not a useful route. The Imperator appeared to be backing in to a corner unecessarily, the Empress was an outwardly cold and stoic woman, that was just her style, it was well known that she cared for the Empire and its people greatly "Please, Imperator, I can see this is a very emotive subject for you, and if you would like to request recess, that is your decision, but I think we can get this back on track. If we were only taking into account some 'preconceptions' do you think we would have agreed to this audience?" pausing for a moment she considered how hard it would be for someone with no reputation to even be given consideration to a request for planetary control, let alone a full audience.

"I will tell you the same thing I told the Elysiums, you don't get to dictate your own reputation, and while I have no evidence to doubt your claims, and I respect anyone who would make such sacrifices, they are your claims. We would prefer be shown who you are, not simply told." she was trying not to be confrontational, while also staying within a firm boundary.

"Think about it from our perspective, if someone approached you with nothing but their own word and asked to command one of your star destroyers, having no legal standing within your navy, would you let them? And a star destroyer is what, 2km long and has twenty thousand people on board, give or take. You are asking to control a planet? That is a lot to ask for."

Trinity wasn't sure what more to add, the two had offered a legal framework with which she could be elevated to the position she wanted. She briefly considered discussing her own route. Trinity too was a foreigner to the Eternal Empire that had joined the army specifically to allow her progression into the more protected roles in Imperial Society, she had worked hard to show the Empire who she was, and training had been hard. But now, here she was, one of the most powerful women in the Empire. Her professional history was of public record, so she hoped the Imperator will have done her research and be aware that although the Empire was a military dictatorship, there was still a significant element of meritocracy for those willing to prove their worth.

 

[Mairéad Solus]

Location: Warehouse meeting place
Objective: To help overthrow slavers
Tags: Silhana Cadera Adenn Kyramud Arturo Braga Tovald Kahmen’’a

Spoiler: Equipment:

Beskar'gam
Velmorite bladed lightsabers
Knife on ankle
Ladies Watch under body glove
FDS-4F blaster pistol in thigh holster
Several thermal detonators
Marzanna
Datapad

"Nice shot!" Mairéad called out to Adenn Kyramud through her comm as he downed the gunship and chased off the other. Her normal voice had been drowned out by the staccato of machine gun fire and pained repulsor truck from below as Arturo Braga , had eliminated this early threat entirely. There was nothing else she could see immediately approaching them, but the buildings obscured the vision of what appeared to be the main hive of activity. She was glad when she saw the more lightly armed formed of Silhana Cadera blow past her at high speed and take the scouting role. An army, even one as heavily equipped as their smallest strike team, can't fight if it can't see, so it was good that she had the guts to be the one first into the unknown.

<< This is Silhana, I found the reason why the uprising started here. I arrived at the Government Palace; it is 1.76 km away from our original position. I see that the insurgents will be clustering in this part. I'll send you the coordinates, over. >>

<<Copy that Silhanna, we will make our way to you now, looks clear here. Have the insurgents made a move on the Palace yet? We can't have them push before the are covered.>> part of her training with the Solus had been tactical doctrine, most she was still learning but with keen anti-slavery bent of her mentor Stardust Solus Skirae , she was picking up insurgent tactics quickly.

Activating her repulsors she lifted off and followed the route that Silahanna had flown towards the Palace, as she flew she contacted Arturo <<Your path looks clear for now, if you get pinned down give us a shout!>> It didn't take her long to cover the mile to her target and make an uncomfortable hard landing. She grit her teeth and cursed to herself, she was going to have Star keep throwing her off things until she learned to land it right.

Surveying the courtyard it looked like a lot of people had already arrived and there was a large group loudly shouting at the palace doors. Someone was using a speeder as a makeshift battering ram whilst the belleguered guards took pot shots from the windows, largely ineffecutally as they couldnt risk exposed long enough to aim properly. The rear of the crown though was largely disorganised, too many people just waiting for their turn at the front.

"You lot!" she gestured to a group of about a dozen guys who were taking shots at the windows but mostly just wasting ammunition. "you mean us mando?" They responded and she nodded.

"This road needs blocking, if the coalition soldiers arrive while you are storming the palace they are going to have a free shot at your backs. Someone get that speeder bus and jackknife it in the road." she gestured across the roadway, "Get all the speeders you can in the other roads too, and then begin taking defensive positions. You want someone to shoot? Give them hell if they try to take us from behind." The Mandalorian reputation for war meant her voice carried more weight than the young woman otherwise would, so the men quickly hopped into action.

<<I am setting up roadblocks behind the palace attack to watch our backs, shouldnt... oh chit, incoming>>. The roadblock was still being made but there were three bikes coming down the road, the advanced force for the slavers no doubt. "Get this finished and I will cover you" she shouted as she jumped forwards beyond where the bus was moving into position and immediately opened up with her wrist pistol. The first of the bikers got the shots off first and she felt the impacts against her armour hitting hard, but no breaches. It was the first time she had taken agressive fire and was pleased her forging work was up to the task. She quickly replied to his fire, putting a pistol round through his neck and watching his bike careen off course into a wall.

The next two rode side by side firing wildly at the men trying to move the bus. Stretching out her free hand, the air in front of them briefly shimmered and then hardened as lumps of iced appeared from almost nowhere in their path, it wasn't a lot, but even a just a few kilos of solid ice is enough to throw a biker on his back if it materialises in the wrong place. Both riders flew off their bikes, one landing awkwardly in a way that he wasn't getting back up from, not the other rolled and reached for his gun, just in time for one of the insurgents in the now deployed makeshift roadblock to put him down with his rifle.

It was in good time too as more engine plumes were now gathering further down the street.

 

[Jayce Helms]

Objective: Festival and Ambush
Equipment: PF-LE MK. 1 Armor | MP-042 "Skjöidr" Energy Shield | HH-38 "Geysa" Hybrid Pistol
Tags: Open

Absit felt like it was currently on the turning point that would ultimately change the course of their path one way or another. Even Jayce felt the tension in the air, and it wasn't just because he was being overwhelmed with food being offered to him. The South Absit's hospitality was touching, but he respectfully declined after accepting a couple food items and a drink. The squadron that Jayce was a part of were a mix of accepting and reluctantly accepting the offers. Despite the tension, the festival still sprung to full swing as people danced to the rhythmic beats of a drum that echoed throughout the city plaza.

"You wouldn't think they'd have problems on the other side with how everyone is acting around here," said the grizzled man who stood beside Jayce. The man was Sergeant Biggs, and frankly the name fit the man who stood a head taller with broad shoulders and thick arms. Even the man's military uniform looked a tad too small for him as it hugged his form save for his military jacket. Biggs looked upon the crowd before them with a big grin as his white pearls for teeth shone through. Perhaps this was the kind of spirit that Biggs could enjoy, and perhaps Jayce should loosen up as well.

"Probably because they're just focused on relaxing rather than stressing about something like they have been on a daily basis" Jayce said as his dark eyes glanced at Sergeant Biggs to read the man's expression. The young noble was dressed in his usual light armor with a peculiar device on his left forearm. A large heavy pistol rested at his hip in the holster alongside a couple of belts. He wasn't completely armed to the teeth, but at least Jayce opted to keep his pistol in case things went in a certain wrong direction.

"Corporal, why don't you dress something nice and go mingle with these people? Surely if they see you on their level they'd at least respect us more," Biggs suggested as his grin grew smaller. Jayce opened his mouth to respond before suddenly a familiar voice spoke through the Omnilink on Jayce's left forearm that cut through the buzz like a knife.

"Lance Corporal Helms, do you read," the voice asked urgently. Jayce wasted no time at all as he turned away from Sergeant Biggs and spoke through the communication device with drink in hand.

"I read you Private Ryan. What's the situation," Jayce asked with a held breath. There were naturally other squadrons here under Sergeant Biggs' command. One squadron remained in the city plaza as extra security while Sergeant Biggs attempted to win the South Absit's favor. The other two squadrons were to serve as recon of the other nearby regions. They were specifically instructed to report to Sergeant Biggs if anything suspicious occurred. However, as Sergeant Biggs decided to wear his ceremonial uniform with only a comlink, they decided to get ahold of Jayce instead.

"A large group of people reportedly attacked one of the big cities 20 kilometers north from my location. I can see smoke and fire from my position, sir," Ryan spoke in haste. Jayce subconsciously bit his lip as his brow furrowed over the news. Truthfully it was Sergeant Biggs that was supposed to give orders due to the man being superior in rank than Jayce was. Truthfully Jayce could barely tolerate the man's arrogance and usually Jayce ends his day agitated because of their Sergeant. In his opinion, Biggs was full of himself.

"Find somewhere to lie low and hide. Then send me your coordinates," Jayce instructed as he was going against the chain of command, but Private Ryan voiced no complaint.

"Yes sir," Ryan said quietly before silence fell in the connection. Jayce had begun to pace as he waited for a response from Ryan. His thumb tracing a circle at the tip of his index finger as Jayce's mind raced through countless thoughts. One of the other soldiers of their squadron noticed Jayce's pacing and quickly approached the man. He was also garbed in the same uniform as Jayce along with the weaponry.

"Is something wrong, sir," he asked with a furrowed brow. Jayce raised his eyes to meet the man's own hazel eyes and noted the short mess of blonde hair. His lips parted like he was wanting to say something, but the words died in Jayce's throat. Leaving only a simple nod of his head.

As if on queue, Ryan spoke through the Omnilink again and gave specific coordinates. Jayce navigated through the small computer as he opened the planet's map and inputted the coordinates. There was indeed a city just north of Ryan's location.

"Copy that Ryan," Jayce replied shortly before he turned his attention to the soldier who stood close to him.

"I need you and your men to stand guard over the festival. There's been an attack on a city not far from here. But do try to keep the people from panicking," Jayce instructed as the blonde haired man saluted to Jayce.

"It will be done, sir." With that confirmation, Jayce turns his attention back to Ryan through the communications.

"Private Ryan, I want you and your men to standby. I'm having Corporal Marcie's squadron to rendezvous at your location," Jayce said as the soldier had left to inform the others. The man simply began to leave for Ryan's location before Jayce switched to Marcie's frequency.

"This is Lance Corporal Helms, do you read me," Jayce questioned as his steps quickened to a near jog. No sooner had he asked this question a familiar feminine voice responded.

"We read you Helms," yet Marcie's thoughts were already running through the possibilities of what Jayce could have tuned to their frequency for. Jayce relayed what had transpired to one of the big cities and then, with Marcie's cooperation, gave Private Ryan's coordinates for rendezvous.

"We will be there in three clicks. We'll switch to frequency 4 as well," Marcie informed Helms as Jayce had located one of the city exits that led to the northwest.

"Roger that," he said as he continued to make his way out of the city and start meeting up with Private Ryan and Corporal Marcie's squadron. Only difference was that Marcie's squadron was equipped with speeder bikes, so naturally they would arrive well before Jayce would.

 

[Mykel Fellheart]

Objective: Act as attaché to the Eternal Empress, observe and record negotiations
Location: Aboard the ENS Crimson Empress, Unknown Location, Eternal Empire's space
Loadout: Hersir uniform (naval officer's dress pattern), BAR-58 blaster pistol, Lucius-pattern bayonet
Tags: Ingrid L'lerim Trinity Harris Imperator Sarilia Ellwin

<"Commander, would you like to oversee the Imperator's development if the lady says yes and joins the Eternal Empire's army? And would you be ready to take on the temporary or perhaps permanent title of Baron at Belsavis? Maybe this would be enough incentive for the lady to finally show what she's capable of in addition to begging.">

For all his life, Mykel Fellheart had struggled against adversity. He had struggled against parents who did not believe in him, who sought tutors and training programs and even chemical enhancement to try and turn him into something he was not. He had struggled against schoolyard bullies who had mocked him for his glasses, his slight stature, his persistent sniffles. He had dealt with teachers and professors and upperclassmen who looked down on him, who accused him of cheating, who forced him to perform at a level higher than the most prestigious of military officers simply to earn a modicum of respect. He had battled them all, and had defeated them all. He was the master of his own fate.

And yet, even he was completely stunned by what the Eternal Empress spoke. Every young officer dreamed of receiving a command from the Empress herself, or even one of the flag admirals that carried out her orders to the millions of fighting men and women beneath the Empire’s banners. At this stage in his career, he was lucky to even have a command at all. To receive a promotion even to command of a larger ship, say a frigate or cruiser, would have been unprecedented. And yet here the Empress sat, declaring that she not only wished to promote him, but to make him a Baron. In one fell swoop, she was willing to raise him to equal status with the mother and father who had so doubted him all those years ago.

Mykel’s mind began whirling with the possibilities. An entire planet under his control, for him to administrate as he saw fit for the glory of the Empire. An entire military force to command, to sharpen into a fearsome weapon to wield in the Empress’s name. And, under all of it, a chance to build a great library, to collect all that Belsavis and the galaxy had to offer. A Baron needed a palace, after all.

Mykel was about to declare a resounding ‘yes’ to his glorious Empress, before the petulant Imperator spoke again. Mykel struggled to maintain his military bearing, though he could not help his brows from knitting ever so slightly as he listened to the tirade. It was pure emotion, the words of a woman so steeped in pride that she could not even entertain the thought of not acquiring the position she craved. All three members of the Empire team had reminded her that the law forbade she control the world, and given her an alternate pathway, yet she refused to back down. She asked for special consideration based only on the fact that she “loved her people”. She demanded that she, out of the millions of men and women in the Empire, be allowed to be an exception. Apparently, it was her way or the highway.

“I am sure, Imperator,” Mykel commented, pushing aside his own emotions to remain focused on the task at hand, “That our Lord is not refusing you access to the world, merely to its governance. Now that the world is under Empire control and the antagonists have been neutralized, I see no reason why your ship could not be allowed to dock on Belsavis, to provide your crew members with a well-deserved shore leave.”

<”My Lord,”> he spoke in High Nelvaanian, turning to the Eternal Empress, <”I am deeply honored by your offer, and accept it graciously. Rest assured, I will ensure that Belsavis’ incorporation into the Empire is swift and without incident.”>

 

[Adenn Kyramud]

Objective: Free slaves
Tags: Silhana Cadera | Mairéad Solus | Arturo Braga | Tovald Kahmen’’a​

On the rooftop, Adenn faintly heard Silhana speaking with Arturo. It seemed they were close, so he left it at that as he focused on the gunships. Once he had the range, it was a simply task to take the first one down, not easy, but simple. And with it down and the other one fleeing, though no doubt they would see its troop content soon, Adenn chuckled at Mairéad's words. Rather than say anything, he watched the other gunship fly away, dropping its contingent of troops off near an important looking building.

They'd become a problem eventually, but for now that wasn't his problem. Instead, he turned and looked out across the city. So, Silhana would scout out their target and they'd hit it and anything else that stood in their way. Calling back, Adenn turned.
"Oya, Sil. Let us know what you learn."

Then he launched himself towards another street, in the general direction of their important buildings. With his war cry on his lips, Adenn engaged the chaakar in his direct vicinity. He shot his E'care, while his robotic arms fired at various targets identified by his HUD. The foe that stood before him died, either being torn apart by slugs, shot repeatedly by the heavy blaster, or disintegrated where they stood. It took him a few minutes, but eventually they were either all dead, or retreating to better cover.

Without a word, Adenn activated his jetpack and flew up onto another building. Looking around once more, he noted the various fires again, before Silhana came on the net again. The palace was this close? Excellent.
"On my way."

His response was short, but the eagerness in his voice was evident. Moving along the rooftops, Adenn set off at speed, using his jetpack and repulsors to speed things along. It took time, but he reached it to find Mairéad directing the defenses, and the rebels following her commands. Glancing over the defenses, Adenn was ready to offer his own advice when he was suddenly struck in the helmet. Head knocked to the side, he turned towards the palace.

There was the barest hint of a soldier disappearing behind a wall, but Adenn's HUD pointed out where the shooter had shot from. It also highlighted other points of interest, where more shooters lay. Snarling, he raised the arm that bore a missile, pointed it towards the soldier that had shot him. Adjusting his aim slightly, he let a rocket fly. A second later and an explosion rocked the second floor, killing the soldier and blasting a hole in the wall. Lowering his arm, his face was half snarl, half grin.

That seemed to cow the defenders a bit, and prompted more fire from the siegers. Grinning, Adenn turned towards the defenses, noting the rumbling of engines and the smoke of their vents. On the roof, he looked over the makeshift barricades. They weren't anything special, but for a bunch of protesters it would have to do. Still, he called out to them, pointing as he did so.
"Get some speeders to help prop up the weak sections. Where the bumpers meet, you need speeder support there." Turning to another section, he motioned there. "Set up some rebars so they'll fall on the metal, once they try and ramp the barricade. Spread out as well, we have no bunkers to protect from shrapnel and grenades, distance is your friend!"

Turning to look at the incoming vehicles, Adenn sighed. Glancing back to the palace, he felt conflicted between attacking and defending. Then his eyes settled on the rag tag collection of rioters. Even with Mairéad's help, they wouldn't be able to hold much. So, with a sigh, he turned to focus on the incoming attack. Silhana would have to deal with the leadership for now, while they would hold here. Looking down, he called out once more to the defenders.
"Hold fast! This is where their regime dies, where those slaves are freed. Fight, fight for your freedom!"

Turning to the incoming enemy, Adenn took a knee and aimed towards them. Steadying his breath, he watched and waited. Today, they would die along with their regime, today the slavers would fall. And as he scoped in further, he steadied himself. Another slaver empire would die this day, they would ensure it.

 

[Silhana Cadera]

Silhana Lolaes'ra
Lynne Tal’kira aka Lady Orchid; The Angel-faced killer
Ver'alor (Lieutenant), member of the Clan Cadera; Bounty Hunter, Headmistress of the House Orchid and The Hounty Hunters' Guild​

Objective: To help with the slave uprising
Location: Capital, North Coalition, Absit
Equipment: 2x PV-16 "Sunfury" Pulse Pistol | 2x Beskad | Besar'gam | Mandalorian vambrace || Stealth field generator || OPBC-01m
Writing With: Adenn Kyramud | Mairéad Solus | Arturo Braga | Tovald Kahmen’’a | Open

[ Mando music ]
"Galactic Basic" | <"Mandalorian"> | ~"Telepathic" communication ~ | << comm. channel >>​

<< Just don't regret it if you end up at the bottom of the success list at the end of the day. >> I chuckled.

I didn't mean it, I knew he was good and he didn't have to worry about everyone preceding him. After all, it wasn't by chance that he was in the positions he was in, and he didn't get his titles or his fame for nothing. So I wasn't worried about him, I knew he could handle this situation in a professional manner and solve any problem or situation that arose.

I switched to a private channel for a few moments so that only Arturo could hear this:

<< Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum! >> (I love you!)

After that, I went back to the common channel and soon sent everyone the coordinates of the government building. First I got an answer from Arturo that they were coming. I shook my head at Sulus's question, then remembered a moment later that they couldn't see this.

<< This is Sil! No, for now they are just gathering and trying to surround the building. Based on my data and the way I see it, the coalition people are trapped outside the ring "set up" by the slaves. They will probably try to break through very soon, over! >> I told them.

A few moments later, the events accelerated, and I arrived at the top of one of the "towers" of the governor's building, but I saw that Solus was already near to the building and more and more suspicious figures appeared in the distance. I don't really think they were with the insurgents. It was just me up here, someone shot one of the people who was here before. I headed for the door after taking the code cylinder from the dead sniper.

<< I enter the building and try to lower the security protocols and open the doors. And of course, I'll try to prevent the leaders from escaping, over. >> I informed them.

The door opened and I was in the hallway, I don't know if the enemy knew I was inside. I didn't want to give them time to find out.

~ Come on MANIAC, do your job, I want a map, where is the security room, where are the leaders. If you know, then close them and open the doors of the building to the insurgents. ~ I told him.

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Lady Ingrid L’lerim Ragal Terassi Vandiir
Eternal Empress of the Eternal Empire, Lord Commander of the Wardens of the Shroud, Archon of the Primyn Group
Empress of Terraris, Supreme Commander of the Terraris Command, Head of the House L’lerim, CEO of the HPI Consortium​

Objective: Politics and more politics
Location: Aboard the ENS Crimson Empress, Unknown Location, Eternal Empire's space
Equipment: The Soulsabers (hidden) | Brynja coat and hat | Hersir Imperial Uniform | Viper Mk. I Skinsuit | The Last Gift || Empyrean gland | OPBC-01m
Tag: Imperator Sarilia Ellwin | Trinity Harris | Mykel Fellheart | Open

[ Master of Puppets ]
<"High Nelvaanian"> | ~ telepathic communication ~ | << comm. channel >> ​

"To die in battle is always a glory." she said, her voice still emotionless.

Ingrid came from a warrior culture with valkyri ancestry, for her this was the truth and she would have died for her people or the Eternal Empire at any time.

"Is you done whining and finally acting like a leader instead of a five-year-old? My eleven-year-old son can control his feelings better than you and knows better manners than you. Still words, not actions. And apparently you believe yourself to be more than anyone in the room, Imperator. Then if you give me the respect that I give you like for example I address you on your rank, even though you don't have it anymore. Then I might start to think that you are more than a power-hungry woman who talks about victims while insulting others. You act like a child. You are not looking out for your people's interests, but your own. Did you ask, perhaps, what about them? How are they? What did we do for them? What could you do for them to be better? No, you want only power." she told her.

She turned and walked to the window, turning her back on the woman and the others and looking out into space.

"The correct answer would have been if you care about your people is "With all due respect, my Lord, you're wrong, and I'll prove it." But you were not willing to do so much for your people." she told her again.

She would have chuckled at the further insults, but she couldn't. As always, she had to be cold, distant and callous, that was her duty, that was what was expected of her.

"A leader cannot lead with feelings. I was chosen as his successor by the former emperor precisely because I can rule out my emotions. And you're wrong. I am interested in the prosperity, development and growth of my people and the Eternal Empire. I'm cold and distant, yes. But this behaviour is expected of all Eternal Imperial soldiers, officers, and leaders. We are imperials, order and laws are the foundation of the Empire. Like I said, you didn't do your homework. Would you like the break the Overseer offered to read about the Eternal Empire? I will not break any laws. My hands are tied just like any other civilian. It is my job to see that the citizens of the Empire abide by the laws. If I give you a special permit now, it would mean that I have broken the laws of the state. How can I expect anyone else to follow and obey them if I don't do the same?" she asked sincerely.

Then she turned and looked directly at the Imperator.

"I treat you like this because you still look out for your own interests, you want your own power, your former position. You do not look out for the interests of your people. We have told you how you can achieve it, but you continue to threaten, try to blackmail and insult us. Do you really think you can do what you want? Let's be real, you have shortcomings, in your current state I wouldn't trust you to command a single ship, let alone a planet. That's not an insult, that's a fact. You have to learn. We offered this, but you pushed our hand aside. Even if it wasn't against the law, putting you back in charge would only hurt Belsavis in the short and long term." now she sounded like a teacher or a mentor.

She partly didn't understand why the woman insisted on power so much, rather she should have been happy that she didn't have to rule, but could serve her people in another way. Ingrid never understood why people were so attached to titles and power, the empress still wanted to be just a simple agent again and would have given the crown to anyone if there was a worthy claimer…

"And even now you act like a tyrant and try to blackmail with your men's welfare. Would you refuse their return home because you are unable to improve? It's your choice, but don't be surprised if your men will reject you." she said. "You can leave if you want, if three years of service and study are not acceptable to you in order to become better and prove yourself worthy of leading your world. Well, then that's your decision. No one will stop you from leaving, Miss Ellwin. But if your own people and planet really mean something to you, then join the army or fleet of the Eternal Empire and fight for your own truth and your people once more. You'll learning for them, you'll getting better for them. This is what a true leader and ruler does. One does not make demands, they are humble, and they keep their people's interest in mind and learns, until their death. If you are interests their fate, then there is no such thing as you anymore, only them." she said again like a teacher or a mentor.

She nodded gratefully to the Overseer and newly appointed Baron.

"But if you choose to stay, you will develop under the supervision of Commander Fellheart, who will watch over you and who will be the Baron of Belsavis from this moment on. Whether it's temporary or permanent is up to you, Miss Ellwin. Your choice, if you leave, you will never be more than a simple civilian. But I would like you to refute it and prove that you can change and become a real imperial officer and leader. This is the last option. And I won't repeat myself, actions are needed, not words."

 

[Jayce Helms]

Objective: Festival and Ambush
Equipment: PF-LE MK. 1 Armor | MP-042 "Skjöidr" Energy Shield | HH-38 "Geysa" Hybrid Pistol
Tag: Open

It wasn’t too much longer after Jayce had left the city premises before his Omnilink flickered with activity. Corporal Marcie’s voice could be heard as Jayce paced himself into a jog.

“This is Corporal Marcie reporting, what is your ETA Helms?” She asked over the comms in her usual firm tone. Jayce glanced at his Omnilink as the map was still on display with Ryan’s coordinates still in place.

“Give me ten minutes and I’ll be there,” he said as he continued to jog with the heavy pistol snug against his thigh. Truthfully Jayce wasn’t sure which was heavier, the pistol or the armor that he wore. Either way, Jayce didn’t break his pace as he continued his route.

“Move your ass Helms. This situation is top priority,” she said as Jayce detected the sense of urgency in her tone. Granted all military personnel had that tone, himself included. It only confirmed that the reports had truth to it after all.

“Yes sir,” he said with affirmation as he continued to jog his way off the roads. The land itself was truthfully magnificent as the sun slowly began to set at the horizon. Occasionally a breeze of cool hair brushed along the fields and his form.

As Jayce said, he arrived at the location of a hill with a small rock formation on top. Exactly fifty-six soldiers and thirty-five more mounted on their respective speeders. A few of their faces Jayce had recognized, but at least most of them recognized his own. Upon his approach, a dark-haired male and a pink-haired female approached him.

“Good to see you sir,” the dark-haired male which he recognized the voice to be Private Ryan. After a brief salute, the pink-haired female that Jayce recognized to be Corporal Marcie as her expression was calm yet her green eyes spoke of some nervousness.

“I’ve counted a rough estimate of fifty foot soldiers and a dozen anti-personnel vehicles that have entered the city. They’re destroying any resistance in their path and looting everything that’s not nailed to the floor. Here,” she hands over a pair of electrobinoculars to Jayce which he accepts. As she was informing him of her report, Jayce led the pair to the crest of the hill where he could view over the hill and onto the city. Even from their location they could hear the distant rumblings of explosions as pillars of fire and smoke rise up from different sections of the city. The situation was rather grim, but the odds weren’t completely on fire metaphorically.

“We do have the numbers on our side, but their main firepower are those tanks,” he spoke before he handed the binoculars back to Marcie. As she took the binoculars back Jayce turned his attention over to Private Ryan.

“Where is the commanding officer of your squadron? There were one hundred and twenty men under this squadron; but I’m only seeing less than half,” he questioned as it wasn’t exactly Jayce’s job to manage what each respective officer did with their squadrons. However, in this case if the officer wasn’t found with the squadron then it was possible something had happened. Ryan grimaced as he was reluctant in answering that question.

“Sergeant Kirk took half of our men and went ahead to secure a foothold from the south, sir.” Ryan said as Marcie shifted her eyes between Ryan and Jayce. She pursed her lips to keep her silence, but Marcie couldn’t help except think that plan was folly with such low numbers. Jayce remained calm as the sweat caused part of his dark hair to stick to the back of his neck. He shifted his eyes back to the city for a moment.

“Do we still have any explosives?” Jayce asked as his mind mulled over the ideas.

“We have our ordinances, but Sergeant Kirk took all of our anti-tank missiles,” Ryan reluctantly answered, but fortunately this time Marcie chipped in.

“My Banvænn is fully loaded so our cannons can punch through their own tanks. We can rendezvous Sergeant Kirk and provide reinforcements to them-”

“No,” Jayce interrupted Marcie before he turned his dark eyes over to her own. She was perplexed as to what he was suggesting, but his calm demeanor suggested that he had a plan coming together so Marcie didn’t immediately retort with an argument.

“Send a small detachment to Kirk’s position, but the rest of us must enter from the east. While the Northmen focus on Kirk’s men, we will take advantage of the distraction by moving in and flanking the Northmen’s position. There we will eliminate any Northmen in our path as we secured the center ground. The detachment shall notify us if and when the Northmen attempt to retreat into the city. We will either use the Banvænn stealth to set up ambushes while our infantry protects the tanks.” Jayce said in a clear and loud voice for everyone to hear. He paused for a moment as his eyes swept from Marcie’s squadron of tanks to what was left of Sergeant Kirk’s squadron. His mind focused only on one thing, secure the city and eliminate the attackers. If anything Jayce wasn’t without mercy as he allowed a small detachment to offer some firepower to Kirk’s own.

However, the truth behind it was simply to keep an eye on the enemy and report on their movements. Even so, Jayce wasn’t going to deny them from aiding Kirk’s assault and conquest of a foothold. Either way, it would be a win for them, but Jayce also wagered that the sight of tanks would also demoralize the enemy’s spirit. Whether it was by the defeat from Kirk’s assault, the reinforcement, ambush, or flank around the Northmen. Jayce didn’t plan on letting the Northmen have any chance of escape or survival.

“Is that understood,” he called out to the squadrons before they all followed suit in unison.

“Yes sir.”

In short work order, a detachment of five Banvænn was sent to the south side of the city as they followed the sounds of explosions and blasterfire. There was some chatter in the comms and some colorful words were shared by Sergeant Kirk. Meanwhile, Jayce alongside the fifty-six soldiers and Marcie led her thirty Banvænn to circle around to the east side of the city as they used the hill terrain to cover their presence.

 

[Imperator Sarilia Ellwin]

"So be it. I will resume command of my ship, my privately owned ship mind you, and enter into service. But I should caution you about what you want to open up on Belsavis. Some things cannot be sealed again when they are released. Tread carefully with what you look for among the Rakata's ruins. They sealed things away that cannot be put away quite so easily. My family has kept many secrets about those places to prevent tin pot despots from trying to gain power they cannot restrain. I would hate to see someone so gracious as you find yourself embroiled in something you cannot stop. What was lost, should have stayed lost. That is all I will say on the matter. You can figure out the ruins on your own I assume, since you are so sure of yourself." the Imperator said, still showing the kind of hard bitterness that such treatment engenders. One does not instill loyalty with abuse. Someone should have taught that to this so-called Empress. It hardly mattered when she could throw around the weight an Empire around at-will, but she had quite a burning distaste for her that was unlikely to subside.

She stood up and took this moment to take her leave of the situation. Drawing closer to the door she turned over her shoulder, "Be careful with the prison as well. There are ancients sealed away that have no business being released. I sincerely hope in your pursuit of power you choose to use better judgment than Empire's in the past." with that final message, she motioned for the escort that brought her in to see her out as well. There were things that the Belsavin people did not know about their home; the least of which was the deadly Sith still in stasis within the prison's deepest cells. Those Rakatan ruins were the greatest danger though. They built and created things that were far beyond the reckoning of modern beings. No power should have control of what the Rakatan Infinite Empire tried to do, not even she. They were better left buried but her worry was that this Empire would try to harness them for better or worse.

To that end, she had it in her mind to try to stop whatever they were planning on Belsavis. If not for the people of Belsavis alone then for the galaxy at-large. She did not know the extent of the dangers the ruins and prison posed but she was not sure she wanted to see just what kind of monstrosity this Empire was trying to pursue. Was there a limit to what they would do to become more powerful? Do they really think everyone wants to join in what their vision of the galaxy should be? She could barely stand being forced into the position she was now in, but she accepted it with all the salt she could manage. It was still a sour taste, but one she had to stomach.

 

[Mairéad Solus]

Location: Warehouse meeting place
Objective: To help overthrow slavers
Tags: Silhana Cadera Adenn Kyramud Arturo Braga Tovald Kahmen’’a

Spoiler: Equipment:

Beskar'gam
Velmorite bladed lightsabers
Knife on ankle
Ladies Watch under body glove
FDS-4F blaster pistol in thigh holster
Several thermal detonators
Marzanna
Datapad

<< Silhana Cadera , what is your status in there? Do you need support?>> Mairéad called through the radio as shrapnel peppered her armour from the detonation of a rocket she had just managed to block from hitting their defensive line. She threw one of her thermal detonators hard towards the position they had been attacked for and with a bang, two more coalition troops were silenced. The defences were holding but the rebels were losing soldiers too, her and the large form of Adenn Kyramud were huge force multipliers but they could only do so much.

Mai's dreamsight flashed up a warning that there was a major heat signature approaching, switiching view modes her HUD showed the armoured form of a heavy transport approaching them. <<Adenn, I am going to try and take out that tank before they can bust through our defences>> She lept into the air and flew on her repulsors. A few of the enemy on the ground tracked her with blaster fire to which she responded with her wrist pistols, keeping them down at the very least. Her trajectory should take her to the other side of the transports route and allow her to get a lock on it early before disappearing back into cover.

As she flew over at high speed, there was a buzzing from her missile lock, the next few seconds happened in a flash. Heavy blaster fire from the vehicle peppered her, causing light damage warinings to appear on her HUD. Simultaneously one of her miniature proton torpedoes launched from her back and travelled vertically for several seconds before the guidance chip spun it around 180° and sent it diving back down towards the top of the armoured transport. A bright flash blossomed behind the young mandalorian as she landed, crashing through a a top floor window. She couldn't stop here though as the enemy knew her position and followed her with grenades.

"Kark it! These guys are serious" she cursed to herself as she kept running and lept out of the window on the opposite side of the building. Her stomach churned as she again activated her repulsors mid air and performed a high G maneuver to pull herself around the building and back towards the defensive perimeter. She looked down at the wrecked transport, saving the image and transmitting it to the other defending mandalorians both to update them, but also as a little bit of pride at her kill. The groups of soldiers initially following them had dispersed into the surrounding buildings at least temporarily maybe, just maybe that little show of force would send a few of them home. From above the troops at the defense perimeter seemed to be holding their own and the Mortaii was doing a wonderful job. She came in hard and slid along in the dirt nearby him before rushing to rejoin the fight.

Hopefully Arturo Braga and his own soldiers would arrive shortly and push the balance in their favour.

 

[Jayce Helms]

Objective: Festival and Ambush
Equipment: PF-LE MK. 1 Armor | MP-042 "Skjöidr" Energy Shield | HH-38 "Geysa" Hybrid Pistol
Tag: Open

Things went the way that was planned out to be, and relatively smooth at that. Kirk and his men were rooted into their defensive positions that consisted of abandoned vehicles, crates, and the buildings themselves. Blasterfire cascaded down at their positions from the opposing force as they were equally hunkered down behind their barriers. Only difference was that the Northmen rotated their numbers so that while most would fire, those who had to reload were covered by the reserved numbers. The ground rumbled as explosions scattered debris and deafened those nearby. Some of Kirk’s men were wounded, at least five were dead, and the rest were having difficulty in getting a couple of shots out before their position was peppered with blasterfire. In short, it was a warzone, and it was one that Kirk’s men were pinned down with little ways of getting around without being gunned down.

Then it happened, five Banvaenn pulled up as their camouflage fell like a veil in the midst of all the explosions and debris. By the time the Northmen realized what they were looking at, it was too late as they were soon overwhelmed with heavy fire from the tank’s anti-personnel cannons. Many fell in a short time as the rest immediately took cover. Kirk realized this was their chance as he and his men returned fire upon the Northmen. The tanks had changed the tides drastically as the Northmen’s morale was dwindling just as quickly. They barked orders to retreat and requested some of their own anti-tank arsenal to be prepared. Kirk and his men steadily moved forward as they gunned down any unfortunate soul that poked their heads out. However, despite their advantage, suddenly a soldier to Kirk’s right was hit by something and fell limp to the ground. Immediately Kirk took cover behind a mostly intact wall as he watched two more drop to the streets.

He turned his eyes to the Banvaenns expecting them to at least deal with the sniper, but instead he found that they simply rolled through the streets as they crushed almost anything in its path. Not any of the soldiers of course aside from the dead Northmen. As Kirk’s hearing was slowly starting to come back, he could hear someone giving out orders over the communications. After a moment of registering someone was giving commands, Kirk’s eyes widened as he recognized Jayce’s voice to be issuing out the commands. How dare the brat assume command when Kirk himself was in charge of this operation! Or so his line of thinking went before he strung colorful words to yell at Jayce specifically. However with a few taps later Kirk’s voice was silenced from the frequency they were in.

He sighed as Jayce rerouted the frequency in the communications to exclude Kirk’s toxic behavior. Together with Marcie’s cooperation, Jayce’s forces made quick work to seize the eastern side of the city. Most of the buildings were vacant and looted as they met little resistance. Only scavengers that picked for anything of value that the Northmen might have left behind. Several were detained on sight, and those who attempted to run were stunned by the soldier’s weaponry before they were also detained. The Northmen had done exactly as Jayce had anticipated. Several of their anti-personnel tanks were disabled or destroyed as more than a dozen infantry laid dead on the once beautiful plaza.

"They'll be on us in two minutes tops. Not a lot of time to set up," Marcie said over the communications as Jayce looked upon the dead for a moment.

"Split your troops to flank both sides of this plaza facing south. Tanks on the south, move north to our position in the center and push the opposing force to us. Anyone who remains we will swiftly deal with." Jayce instructed over the Omnilink.

"Yes sir." The voices answered in unison as everyone started to get into their positions. The tanks covered both flanks to the plaza while the infantry covered their six to the north and west sides. Of course they sought to provide support alongside the tanks as well, but the majority of the infantry was focused on protecting the tanks from the north and west side. Eventually the remaining Northmen arrived at the plaza only to be met by the sweet kiss of molten bolts of fire as the tanks unleashed a volley on them. It was efficient and brutal, but it quickly got the job done with minimal casualties.

As the five tanks from the south joined the main force, many turned to Jayce for directions. Everything was proceeding smoothly, perhaps too smooth that most felt was unreal. Yet Jayce never hesitated as he issued out the next command.

"Fan out to the north and west sections of this city! Root out any more of these slavers and drive them out! Detain any looters that you might find along the way and secure this city asap!" Jayce commanded, and with a cheer the forces split off to take control of the city. It was only a matter of time if everything had went as planned.