Mission Outbound Flight: The Jaws of Defeat

[Novac Lyrikal]

Balun Dashiell

novac chuckled at this comment "Eh got four arms, might as well make use of em you know. Though i prefer them all in one connected hilt, less to track and think about," in truth if novac truly wished he could wield five since his tail was prehensile. "I'll be sure to remind you" he said with a smile.

Novac followed close behind the man, slithering over the dead ssi-ruuk. "I'd say if we can follow the power or anything back to the source that would be the best bet. If not then go to the spot that powers the cargo transport. Taking out the entire place would be nice, at the very least take out their transport."

 

[Dominic Praxon]

Dominic didn't notice the shift immediately. In the stifling silence of the cell, time tended to blur, but then the rhythm of the room changed. The standard luminescent glow died, replaced by a rhythmic, pulsing crimson. Thrum. Thrum. The deep red light bled across the metallic floorboards, a slow, silent alarm that pulled him to his feet by sheer, instinctual dread. Something was very wrong in the prison wing.

The door hissed open, spitting sparks. Before the steam could clear, two Ssi-Ruuk guards surged into the cell. They didn't speak; their movements were all brutal efficiency as they seized him by the shoulders. Dominic didn't fight. He let his body go slack, a calculated compliance, though his boots still stumbled, barely keeping pace as they dragged him out into the chaos of the corridor.

"Secure the prisoner aboard a shuttle," one of the reptilian guards barked into a comlink, its voice a grating, guttural rasp. "Jedi have breached the sky-hook."

The word word Dominic from his stupor. Jedi. For weeks, the very concept of rescue had been a dangerous luxury — a foolish dream he had ruthlessly beaten out of his own mind to survive. Yet, against his own logic, a spark of something volatile ignited in his chest. A jagged glimmer of hope.

"Bastila?" The name slipped past his cracked lips, a desperate whisper thrown against the metallic walls.

The guards ignored him, their grip tightening as they hauled him toward the hangar bays. There was no answer. He knew, with a sinking certainty, that there wouldn't be. The galaxy didn't offer neat miracles, and the one person who usually defied the odds to save the day was nowhere near this sky-hook.

Team Besh: to the victor go the spoils.
Connel Vanagor Roman Vossari Novac Lyrikal Balun Dashiell Cerys Dyn Lucan Mecetti​

 

[Indra Quin]

The boredom was more likely to kill her than any Jedi blade.

She hated the stillness. The First Order had promised her a true test, a clash worthy of her talents, and she had engineered every variable to ensure it. The Senator had been the perfect, pathetic lure. She had personally curated the information leaks, bleeding out coordinate data just slowly enough to make the Republic intelligence networks sweat for it. She had made them bleed for the lie so they would believe the truth.

And so, she had sat in the dark, watching the noose tighten.

Then, the solemnity of the facility shattered. Red emergency strobes began to pulse, staining the chrome walls the colour of fresh arterial blood. Wailers screamed through the ceiling grates. Distant, mechanical thuds signaled automated turrets cycling into active status, synchronised with the heavy, frantic pounding of Ssi-Ruuk boots as the saurian warriors rushed to wall off the intruders.

She tapped her earpiece, her voice a calm, chill echo amid the rising panic. "Remember the mission. I require at least one of them left alive."

She didn't wait for a confirmation. The lizards were a primitive, bloodthirsty species at their core. If they tore the Jedi to pieces out of sheer excitement, they would find out exactly what happened when they disobeyed First Order commands.

Her thumb slid over the activation plate of her hilt. Two crimson blades of plasma erupted from either end of the saber-staff, their twin hums vibrating right through the soles of her boots.

The trap had sprung. She stepped out into the corridor to collect her prize.

Tatiana Sah Bastila Sal-Soren Corazona von Ascania Sophelia Ardemark Kaia Starchaser Daxin Veyr

 

[Malleus]

“I shall inform him.” The voice that came from the shadow near Indra seemed to break the physical realm like a jagged dagger through flesh. Even modulated, it sounded broken and scattered, almost headache-inducing in the way the words seemed to reach the ear at slightly different moments.

A sickening silence followed which unlike the voice, almost felt welcomed. Several moments passed, the dark helmet bowing as if in submission to something neither of them could see.

“He knows.”

The room seemed to lighten ever so slightly, as though some non-existent cloud had passed from before an unseen sun. The air became easier to breathe. The pressure that had lingered at the edges of perception receded. Eyes that had been upon them had moved elsewhere.

Malleus, unlike Indra, was not with the First Order for the challenge of it. He was here because it had been willed as such. A tool placed amongst the collection of someone far more important than he was, pointed towards a purpose and expected to fulfil it. Yet even he, normally so still and silent, could feel the anticipation beginning to pulse through him.

It was pure unleashed adrenaline.

The Force filled him with restrained emotion, gathering behind his ribs like something waiting to be unleashed. Anger without fury, violence without haste. Everything held carefully beneath the surface, ready to be reached for when it was needed.

Beneath the helmet, Malleus smiled. Not that any living being would see it.

The Jedi had walked into the trap, which of course they had.

The Senator had always been the lure. They had known that from the moment they took the Naboo official, from the moment that girl had carved her way towards him aboard the Outbound Flight with such desperate determination that she had nearly reached them.

Nearly.

Indra had stopped her, though the Jedi had never known it. That was what mattered. They had left her with the knowledge that she had almost been fast enough. Almost strong enough. Almost close enough to stop them.

Such things planted seeds and despair watered them. Desperation had made them that they now they followed those roots all the way here.

Malleus reached outward, quietly and silently, into the Force. He felt movement through the facility. Lives separating from one another. Threads pulling apart when they should have remained tightly bound.

His head tilted slightly.

“They have split up. Makes for easy taking.”


Tatiana Sah Kaia Starchaser Daxin Veyr Corazona von Ascania Sophelia Ardemark Bastila Sal-Soren Indra Quin

 

[Sophelia Ardemark]

Bastila Sal-Soren

Master Reingard…Soph’s blonde brows lifted a hair beneath her breathing mask as the name clicked into place. She followed everything Tapani. All those with covenant members who’d been involved in destroying her home and murdering her people. And she was pretty sure, if that wasn’t some popular Jedi name, he’d broken one of those people out of prison.

“Isn’t a warrant out for his arrest?”

Still. Soph didn’t have a master. So, she couldn’t relate to that whole student-bond thing. A small frown and light sniff as her fingertips found the lizard guts…in….her….hair!!!!!!!!!!

“Okay but seriously what conditioner did you use to get it out?” High-pitched voice nearly whined in panic.

Danger prickled along her spine, taking out her light paddle gone with her free hand, she fired behind them. Worry about her hair temporarily gone. Blocking the door with that glowing blue structure. It bought them a few seconds from being overwhelmed.

“Bastila…,”she said softer this time as she caught up to the other girl. Watching their backs and firing another paddle of light, this time smashing one of those creatures right in the nose. She wanted the other girl to know she was there. Even if they didn’t know each other that well. Because Soph sensed there was something else going on. Something she didn’t understand or know about.

“Of course I’m coming. Someone has to make sure you don’t die by being the idiot hero.”

She frowned as they passed a doorway and it opened with a swish. There were rows upon rows of tables with tubing and other nasty tech. It looked like some kind of experiment gone wrong. Then her heart froze in her chest as she saw restraints at each station. Whoever had been here. Whatever this was hadn’t been by choice.

To: Bastila Sal-Soren
Cc: Tatiana Sah Corazona von Ascania Kaia Starchaser Daxin Veyr

 

[Sophelia Ardemark]

This is the King of Naboo’s fault.

 

[Connel Vanagor]

SNATCH VICTORY FROM…
PS-2R67T8
JEDI SHUTTLE

Omega Squad Every Day Gear Locations

• Michael, Gabriel, Raguel, Raphael, Jeremiel, Connel
  [Any text in brackets signifies comm-link usage and not face to face conversation]
• 
  Rides
  
  • "Enterprise" Station Ship
  • Vigilant Reaper
  • Null Vector
  • Speederbike
  • Iron Psalm
  Gear/Armor
  
  
  • Gear(“Bodycam” Datapad, UAD Drone, link to Seraphim AI included)
  • Lightblaster
  • Shortsabers (“Night” and “Day”)
  • 5 Throwing Lightknives
  • 3 Force Blinding Flashbangs
  • RI-17 Rifle-w-MS-0412 Grenade Launcher
  SURGICAL - CRYBERNETIC IMPLANTS
  
  • Repli Implants that would be for the limbs
  • Bonemer enhancements to strengthen structure of the body
  • Muscle enhancements.
  • Hemo enhancements for blood flow
  • Hawkeye implants for eyes
  • Advanced Medical Implant
  • Scentzy
  • Injected Nanotech upgrades
  
  
  
• Shadow Sanctuary - Enterprise

Every now and then, Connel realized why he normally worked alone. This was not a negative against Vossari, or really anyone, but he did not always voice his thoughts clearly to others. Not that he was not trying, and did not have strong plans, but being used to working with Omega Squad, you did not HAVE to say much for them to understand what you meant. With most Jedi it was different though, they needed to be spoken to in a certain way, and this was something Connel was still learning how to do. Even now.

He had seen more of the hostages, no doubt ones who Roman had freed. They were confused, afraid and moving with a panicked pace. They saw him and froze, their eyes wide as if they thought he was going to hurt them too. Connel felt a pang of guilt, or he would have if his mask was off. Consider yourselves rescued, follow the chem-lights. All green. They will lead you to safety.

One of the hostages, clearly afraid, but leading the way asked. “What if they take us again?” Connel picked up a couple of Ssi-Ruk weapons and offered them.

“I don’t know how to use a gun…”

“Neither do I”

There was a negative consensus here.

Connel’s response was swift and reassuring, his tone firm yet gentle. Pointing at the barrel as he leveled the rifle against a wall. Point that at a bad guy… Holding the weapon in a disciplined position. Hold it like this when you are not using it. Pointing at the trigger and adding, [COLOR=DARK ORANGE]Pull this when you need to defend yourself. NOW you’re qualified.[/COLOR]

Several of them nodded, taking the weapons reluctantly but with a newfound sense of empowerment. Connel took the one who seemed to be the natural leader aside and whispered Keep them calm, keep them moving, and keep them alive. It’s your job to keep them alive. Do you understand?!

It took a few moments, but the leader finally nodded, a spark of determination in their eyes. Connel watched as they began to guide the group towards the green chem-lights, their steps more purposeful now, even as fear lingered in their hearts. He did not have time to stay, but he knew he had given them a fighting chance, and that was all he could ask for in this chaotic situation. As he turned to leave, he couldn't help; he saw a flicker of gratitude in the hostages' eyes, a silent thank you that warmed his heart despite the coldness of his mask. With a final nod, he disappeared into the shadows headed further, inward.

This repeated section by section through this corner of the facility. Connel would find groups of hostages, give them weapons, and reassure them before moving on to the next group until finally coming up within eyesight of Roman. No sign of the Senator. Walking back over to one of the fallen guards, Connel picked up a radio and activated it, scrolling through the channels, he heard it.

"Secure the prisoner aboard a shuttle," … "Jedi have breached the sky-hook."

Shuttlebay! When we get there, get him out. Don’t worry about me.

Getting there, and slipping behind cover, Connel pulled his last flashbang, pulled the pin with one hand, two throwing Lightknives with the other and tossed the flashbang at the center of a group of Ssi-Ruk. He threw the Lightknives at two others who tried to reach for their blasters, taking them down before they could fire a shot and pulled his shortsabers.

SNAP-HISS

SNAP-HISS

Balun Dashiell • Roman Vossari (Direct Tag) • Novac Lyrikal • Cerys Dyn • Lucan Mecetti
Personal Effects - Omega Squad Loadouts​

 

[Kaia Starchaser]

Kaia sort of got it. Her history as a Jedi definitely told her to rescue people. But her main focus? A Warden of the Sky. She needed to protect the greater good and sometimes that meant taking down a station before going after some elected bureaucrat. She’d mourn the loss but they’d elect another before his funeral even occurred. That was the way of things. But still, she wasn’t going to argue with a Kaisin. The green skin woman merely nodded and checked her bag, charges and the detonator.

“Drifter, on our way out, can you mark the locations and transmit to our head sets?”

The probot twitted the affirmative and the Starchaser nodded back.

As she was asked where they were holding the senator, she looked at Drifter and gave a hand signal that was pretty standard for ‘go on’ as the droid started moving.

She grabbed her lightsaber, not hoping to use it, instead prepped to use fists and kicks to the lizards that had to be up ahead. And Bastila was making noise.

“Maybe we’ll have less to deal with than the math suggests?”

Tatiana Sah Sophelia Ardemark Corazona von Ascania Bastila Sal-Soren

 

[Roman Vossari]

TAGS: Connel Vanagor | Dominic Praxon | Balun Dashiell | Novac Lyrikal | Cerys Dyn | Lucan Mecetti

Reaching the end of the dark corridor, Roman stepped into a heavily fortified cell. Empty restraints clattered against the wall, swinging back and forth as if someone had just been dragged away in a hurry.

"Hm," Roman muttered, running a finger over the freshly strained metal.

Heavy footsteps echoed down the hallway behind him as Vanagor came barreling around the corner. Roman gave a sharp nod, falling into step beside him as they pushed toward the shuttle bay. While Vanagor fought valiantly against the Ssi-Ruuk with flashing blades and relentless aggression, Roman focused on defense, channeling the Force to throw up barrier cushions, deflect incoming plasma bolts, and hurl approaching reptiles into the bulkheads.

Navigating the storm of blasters and scales, Roman locked onto the distinct, faint trail the prisoner had left behind in the Force. A desperate, echoing whisper suddenly brushed against the edge of his mind.

Bastila.

Checking his corners, Roman frowned slightly at the unfamiliar name. He didn't know any Bastila, but as the shuttle bay doors loomed ahead, he figured he would just have to do.

 

[Connel Vanagor]

SNATCH VICTORY FROM…
PS-2R67T8
JEDI SHUTTLE

Omega Squad Every Day Gear Locations

• Michael, Gabriel, Raguel, Raphael, Jeremiel, Connel
  [Any text in brackets signifies comm-link usage and not face to face conversation]
• 
  Rides
  
  • "Enterprise" Station Ship
  • Vigilant Reaper
  • Null Vector
  • Speederbike
  • Iron Psalm
  Gear/Armor
  
  
  • Gear(“Bodycam” Datapad, UAD Drone, link to Seraphim AI included)
  • Lightblaster
  • Shortsabers (“Night” and “Day”)
  • 5 Throwing Lightknives
  • 3 Force Blinding Flashbangs
  • RI-17 Rifle-w-MS-0412 Grenade Launcher
  SURGICAL - CRYBERNETIC IMPLANTS
  
  • Repli Implants that would be for the limbs
  • Bonemer enhancements to strengthen structure of the body
  • Muscle enhancements.
  • Hemo enhancements for blood flow
  • Hawkeye implants for eyes
  • Advanced Medical Implant
  • Scentzy
  • Injected Nanotech upgrades
  
  
  
• Shadow Sanctuary - Enterprise

The flashbang detonated.

White light exploded across the shuttle bay, followed an instant later by a deafening crack that rolled from one end of the enormous chamber to the other. Ssi-Ruuk shouted in confusion as the two lightknives found their marks, each striking with the precision of years of practice.

Two bodies collapsed.

Connel was already moving.

SNAP-HISS

SNAP-HISS

The golden-orange (sun-like) blade of Day burst to life in one hand while the darker, colder glow of Night emerged in the other. The first Ssi-Ruuk never had an opportunity to recover. Connel swept the creature's weapon aside before driving a shoulder into its chest hard enough to throw it into a cargo container. Another lunged forward.

Night flashed.

The rifle fell in two pieces. Day followed immediately afterward, driving the attacker backward. A blaster bolt streaked toward him. Another. Then three more.

Good.

That was exactly what he wanted. Beyond the growing chaos, he caught sight of Roman moving toward the shuttle itself. The senator was there. He was still alive. Connel thumbed the side of his helmet. [Roman.]

He deflected another shot into an overhead lighting array, plunging half the hangar into flickering crimson illumination. [I've got their attention.]

A heavy repeating blaster opened fire from somewhere above, showering the deck with molten sparks. Connel glanced upward. A mistake. The gunner had just volunteered. He hurled one of the remaining lightknives. The weapon spun once, twice, and struck home. The repeating blaster fell silent. The alarm klaxons continued their endless wail.

Smoke drifted through the bay.

Emergency lights painted everything red. In the distance, the shuttle's engines were beginning to power up. Connel lowered his stance and tightened his grip on both sabers. The mask concealed his expression.

That was probably for the best.

Come on, then.

Balun Dashiell • Roman Vossari (Direct Tag) • Novac Lyrikal • Cerys Dyn • Lucan Mecetti
Personal Effects - Omega Squad Loadouts​

 

[Dominic Praxon]

The claws that held Dominic faltered in a flash of light and fury. The Senator, still dazed and half aware of his situation, dropped to the ground with a loud crunch.

Something just broke.

He let out a scream, which was muffled by the violence around him and his own semi-conscious state.

The two Ssi-ruuk that were hauling him to the shuttle dropped down dead. Open teeth-filled jaws, and tongues hanging out. It was enough to make the blurry eyed senator startle and attempt to crawl away, only to find his shoulder unable to bear weight.

Again, there was a crunch, softer this time. And Dominic writhed on the floor, pain shoot up his left arm.

Roman Vossari Connel Vanagor Balun Dashiell Cerys Dyn Lucan Mecetti Novac Lyrikal​

 

[Cerys Dyn]

The concussive blast from the Ssi-Ruuk Warrior had barely missed both Cerys and her companion. Her reply was her shortsaber being thrown, in a wide arc, to slice through the power pack of the saurians weapon.

The Ssi-Ruuk fought to get it off from its back. It's nearby compatriot attempted aide. But to no avail.

Pulling Lucan down behind cover, just barely before the explosion erupted, Cerys murmured. "I don't actually enjoy this...just in case you were wondering."

She tapped her comm device. "Extraction point is clear though..."

Her head popped out over the crate to see the carnage wrought to dock and Ssi-Ruuk warriors that had been present.

"...watch your step."

Roman Vossari Connel Vanagor Balun Dashiell Novac Lyrikal
Primary tag: Lucan Mecetti​