Scalebound (Downfall)

[The Major]

The space over Bakura…​

...The final stand…​

…​

Chased from all over First Order space, a large portion and pride of the imperial’s navy had pooled together in a barely tactical retreat.

So harsh was the pursuit of the relentless horde of the Ssi Ruuk that pockets of Supreme Leader’s proud fighting force had been cut off from a proper reorganization. Dosuun had since fallen. The order's heroes, scattered or dead. Grand Admiral Rausgeber was rumored to be stranded near Dosuun space, his own actions buying time - but for what end? Grand Admiral Tregessar had since lost contact with the rally point over Bakura. And all this still did not mention the numerous failed attempts to contact the Knights of Ren. Seiger was nowhere to be found, presumably fighting for his own life near the Terminus systems. The Ison Corridor was on fire. On top of all this was the reeling loss of the Grand Moff.

The attacks never ceased. Thermobaric missiles and crashing capital ships pounded the last bastion in rolling waves of thunder. The enemy, inspired by Natasi’s sacrifice were inspired to use the same tactics - and as the space over the bastion was filled with fire and melted steel blinding flashes of hyperblue would occasionally criss-cross through the lines of the First Order’s defense once shields were popped, each a beautiful line of ultimate pulverization.

Exhausted as both the planets of Bakura and Panatha continued to be sieged by the Imperium of lizards. The remaining leadership pooled together loosely by the Security Bureau finally broke protocol and sent out the emergency transmission to the any of the friends of the Order.

As the flames from the forests of Panatha filled the atmosphere every imaginable form of distress beacon was sent out the Sith Empire. And yet the fortresses withstood the pounding of the artillery as they waited for their fate.

On Bakaura, the countryside was razed as the major cities were held, recreating similar horrors to those upon Dosuun -devolving into block to block fighting, down to holding and contesting every lost apartment in an orgy of nonsensical violence. From this wild canopy came out the transmissions to the Chiss Ascendancy.

It was already too late, but now all that remained to be seen was if there would be any single imperial left alive by the time the First Order’s allies came - if they came at all.

[member="Darth Carnifex"] | [member="Thorne"] | [member="Decima Fortan"] | [member="Kyrel Ren"] | [member="Robogeber"] | [member="Samka Derith"] | [member="Cyrus Tregessar"]​

 

[Darth Carnifex]

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En Route to Panatha
The Super Star Dreadnought, Behemoth

"The death toll is catastrophic, Nephew. The Ssi-Ruu attack relentlessly, even with what remains of the First Order fleet we cannot repel them for long. Already they make planetfall near the Blackmoor Marsh."

Bathed in a cerulean light, the Emperor of the Sith Empire watched as his esteemed uncle, Servelus Zambrano, pleaded with him to send aid to Panatha as it came under attack by the Ssi-Ruu Imperium. With the collapse of the First Order's central government, dozens of systems had come under attack by the scaled menace. Though a system of resilient warriors, the Epicanthix could not sustain such grievous casualties without aid.

Bunduki had already fallen, the Ssi-Ruu washing over the Gateway to the Reach within hours of first appearing in the cluster. The other worlds were holding their own, but the Ssi-Ruu's spear was thrust directly at the heart of the Reach; Panatha.

If Panatha fell, then so too would the Reach.

"I am coming myself, Uncle. I bring with me a grand war fleet of five hundred warships and the entire strength of the Blackblade Guard, a million warriors strong. Ensure that Canthar does not fall, it is the lynchpin." The Emperor's tone was grim, as was his expression as unfathomable hate and indignation warred in his dark eyes. That the Ssi-Ruu would dare profane his place of birth was a sacrilege that he would not permit to continue.

None would be spared.

"Coming out of hyperspace, Supreme Excellency. We've broken through their blockade at Bunduki."

It was through sheer strength of will and brute-force that the Behemoth pushed past the Ssi-Ruu fleet at Bunduki, moving on as parts of the Sith-Imperial fleet broke away to attack the reptilian invaders. Now the bulk of the Emperor's fleet materialized in the Panatha System close to the eponymous planet. Because of the dreadnought's advanced hyperdrive, it arrived ahead of the escort fleet. Temporarily alone in the void, ten mighty sublight engines thundered to life to propel the gargantuan warship towards the attacking ships. Lances of emerald energy cascaded from the warship's prow, slamming against the shields of the Ssi-Ruu cruisers at the edge of the dreadnought's optimal range.

"Push forward, scatter them to dust!"

 

[Onrai]

A sigh crossed the lips of Vanessa Vantai as she observed the mass of ships gathered at the fringes of the Panatha system. Rarely did she bother mobilizing the Maldrood's naval units to an entire degree, but this was very much an exception to the rule. The overwhelming mess of Ssi-Ruuvi that had swarmed the First Order and utterly eviscerated them now came towards the Emperor's home planet, and Vanessa had no intention of allowing them to take it. While not one to believe in the carefully concocted lie that Kaine Zambrano had turned into a god, Vanessa had no intentions of letting a planet full of the Emperor's kin be extinguished - not when so many of them were devoted to the Imperial cause.

So it was that the Void Irregular Fleet, Crimson Command, the various Maldrood irregular units, the fleets Vanessa had great influence in, and the Sith experimental task force were all gathered, advancing against the oncoming tide of enemy vessels. Still at Nathema were the reserve ships, along with the various Sovereign Elite-class Battlecruisers. Only Heresiarch, having been upgraded to such a standard during its refit after the clash with CIS forces during the Battle of Eshan, represented the design on the battlefield today. Vanessa's reports did not indicate that any dreadnought-class warships were going to be participating - and if so, the Saturns were more than ready to duel with them.

In their individual units, the fleets would begin to slowly advance as a giant wave against the horde of invaders. Vanessa commanded the battle from the Ablution and already the various warships would engage the outer perimeter of Ssi-Ruuk vessels with their beam weapons, several corvette and frigate-scale ships falling to their firepower.

This was certainly going to be a fight to remember.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi Fortan was dead.

The news had shocked the Vitalises when it had arrived by messenger only a few days ago. The Grand Moff, larger than life in her public stance and diminutive -- if not retiring -- in person, was dead. In a way it had been more surprising than the death of Talbot half a decade ago. Talbot had signed up for war, had marched off knowing that he might not return, but Thaddeus Vitalis didn't quite picture Natasi getting her hands dirty. Perhaps because he was inclined to view her uncharitably, following over a decade of feuding with her and her family. Her insistence that she have an equal say in the running of Foxfield had been the final straw; what this upstart woman from a barely existent family knew about running a great house, he couldn't know. He, Thaddeus, was quite capable enough of looking after his nephew George's interests where Foxfield was concerned until the boy came of age.

And now Natasi was dead in an act of heroic self-sacrifice -- it hurt his head to even think of it. His enemy vanquished and there was Thaddeus feeling something like grief for her loss, feeling something like admiration for her actions.

He chewed his inner cheek as he watched the multicolored mottle of lightspeed morph and twist around his ship. The craft was fast and sleek -- Natasi's own Allegro-class stealth corvette -- which would make getting in and out of the Bakura system quickly and quietly. He was focused on his goals: to retrieve and ensure the safety of his nephew and his niece. They were half Natasi, of course, but they were also half Talbot -- his own brother, the continuation of their name and their line. It was critical that they be retrieved and preserved. On the hierarchy of 'worst things that could happen', in Thad's opinion, them dying or being enteched was only marginally less preferable than them falling under the sway of the First Order -- or worse, Natasi's aunt Fiolette. On their distrust for the flighty and disloyal admiral, at least, Natasi and Thad seemed to have a common ground, though Natasi seemed at least interested in smoothing things over with her aunt.

The trump card: blood. Thad didn't have that problem.

So when word had arrived that Dosuun was falling, that Natasi hadn't survived, and that her children were in hiding at Natasi's maternal grandparents namata plantation on Bakura, Thad had to act. But he was not prepared for what greeted him when the ship dropped out of hyperspace over Bakura. "My God," he whispered. The Ssi-Ruuk Imperium had not had its fill at Dosuun. The wreckage of countless ships filled his viewport. Immediately, proximity klaxons went off, and Thad seized the controls, hurling the ship into a tight, planetward spiral. "Fuck," he spat as the ship's controls shuddered in his grasp. Explosions seared the sensors, temporarily blinding flashing the sensor readouts white.

As he burned thrusters towards Bakura, Thad thought about broadcasting his security codes to the First Order fleets in orbit, but -- well, they seemed to be too busy to care at the moment. He dove at the planet, keeping an eye out for the ship's map to start filling in once the sensors stopped freaking out. He had the coordinates for the Estrella Plantation but didn't have a map to compare them to, so for the moment he just needed to focus on getting planetside for the moment.

[member="The Major"]​

 

[Matt the Radar Tech]

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CHISS SPACE

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Entering Hyperspace; Copero System.​

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The day had started much like others. Warships were patrolling, some were under maintenance, others were undergoing training drills. The Chiss Expansionary Defense Fleet prided itself on being in a state of preparedness, especially considering the dangers posed continually by the Unknown Regions. In this particular instance, Admiral Mitth'orn'eruod was going through several standard starship tests, the crew checking non-vital systems to ensure recent repairs and maintenance had been performed successfully to less important areas of the vessel. So far the quality of the Chiss engineers had been ideal, leaving no red indications on the boards.

"Admiral, we've received a distress signal-- correction, numerous distress signals," A Lieutenant at the communications consoles said into the low din of the bridge. "The First Order have been attacked on Bakura and Panatha, currently engaging Ssi-Ruu forces in fleet and ground combat."

Mitth'orn'eruod narrowed his eyes. It seemed the Ssi-Ruu were now expanding on their previous successes, having managed to force the First Order into a retreat...

"This is Admiral Mitth'orn'eruod, prepare Second Fleet for immediate full deployment," The Chiss said over the communication network to CEDF forces. "First Battlegroup will travel to the Bakura System to engage the Ssi-Ruuvi Imperium forces, to assist our First Order allies. Second and Third Battlegroups will arrive in the Endor and Firrerre Systems to await further reinforcement orders. Full alert status to the fleet. Prepare for war."

Confirmations resounded, the bridge crew of the Vesci moving to prepare, as alert commands sounded throughout numerous warships...

​

Sometime Later...

With the First Battlegroup prepared, Admiral Mitth'orn'eruod looked toward the navigation crew. There stood a small Chiss child, little older than seven, dressed in robes next to a complex looking system panel. The Ozyly-esehembo were rare Force Navigators, capable of using Force Precognition to guide entire fleets through hyperspace, making minute adjustments to avoid danger. Honestly, Mitth'orn'eruod had little understanding of it all, aside from the technical aspects, but the usefulness of the Force children couldn't be denied...

"When you are ready, navigator, take us to the Bakura System."

The child nodded, crimson eyes glazed over, as she began pressing several buttons on her small panel. The fleet was aligned, all stations securely connected to her Ozyly-esehembo panel, each heavily encrypted by numerous multi-identification sequences, and prepared to allow the navigator to move the amassed vessels. With no need for navicomputers, the fleet engaged hyperdrives, the Second Fleet disappearing into the void with bright flashes, en route to assist their First Order allies...

If only we had of known how dire things were prior, we might have been able to do more.

​

[member=Dezoti] | [member=Karisa"] | [member="The Major"] | [member="Darth Carnifex"] | [member="Robogeber"]​

​

CEDF - 2nd Fleet, 1st Battlegroup

Spoiler

Command Vessel [Talon 1]:

• CSB Vesci (Sovereign) [Mohn-Class Battlecruiser - 5000m] [100% | 100%]

Front-of-Line Vessels [Talon 2]:

• CSD Tin'si (Spear) [Batahn-Class Star Destroyer - 2000m] [100% | 100%]
• CSD Nact'un'isb (Javelin) [Batahn-Class Star Destroyer - 2000m] [100% | 100%]
• CSD Vumesin'ci (Wayfarer) [Mohe'in-Class Star Destroyer - 900m] [100% | 100%]
• CSD Nehso'cssa (Blackhole) [Ticsuti-Class Escort Cruiser - 500m] [100% | 100%]
• CSD Rcati (Star II) [Ticsuti-Class Escort Cruiser - 500m] [100% | 100%]

Support Vessels [Talon 3]:

• CSC Tsicert (Ferryman) [Tsicah-Class Star Carrier - 1137m] [100% | 100%]
• CSD G'enraszert (Watchman) [Interdictor-Class Star Destroyer - 1600m] [100% | 100%]
• CRC Csact'isi (Bulwark) [Fighter Screen-Class Corvette - 150m] [100% | 100%]
• CRC Lescah (Shield) [Fighter Screen-Class Corvette - 150m] [100% | 100%]

Fighters & Transport Vessels [Talon 4]:

• 15x Squadrons of Nssis-Class Clawcraft [120]
• 7x Squadrons of Clawcraft-X [84]
• 1x Squadron of Tether Ships [12]

 

[Fiolette Fortan]

En Route to Panatha​

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7th Fleet - HIMS Elidibus​

Command Center​

[member="Darth Carnifex"]​

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"No time to rest," Fiolette quipped as the stream of hyperspace hurried the flagship through to her next destination, Panatha. The Emperor's homeworld a message relayed by a relative informed him of the Ssi-Ruuvi Imperium's arrival. "Marshal, Colonel I trust you're both ready." She called to her staff, Air Marshal Ishana Pavanos and Colonel Ranulph Tarkin both of whom joined her in the command center. The two gave non-verbal acknowledgments as the Air Marshal fixed her helmet to her flight suit and the Colonel his alabaster plastoid helm to his armor. The Lord Admiral left a token force to aid Sulis Van, ensuring that the Imperials would hold the line.

"Commodore Sentongo, reports from the Emperor's fleet?"

"Yes Admiral, here, we're getting eyes out on the system now sending target strengths and shield percentages now," Sentongo answered firmly, her black and red uniform contrasted with the white and gold that the Lord Admiral wore. Klaxons wailed once more throughout the Elidibus, the amber-red hues crisscrossed against the dull grey durasteel plating of the command center. The dreadnought's sleek onyx exterior seemed to reflect the azure sea that it now traveled through. "Here we are up-to-the-minute data from the Emperor's War Fleet."

Lights were dimmed on the command center as the sounds of the crew moving through the 'pit' below were heard. The command staff was collected around the holographic projection table. The real-time feed from the Emperor's War Fleet drew their attention, it was the Air Marshal who broke the silence. "Elidibus is still packin' fighters, I can get us a line in - Emperor's crew will be busy, so going to move to reinforce them and keep the lizards at bay."

"Indeed," the Lord Admiral agreed and added to that, "Tarkin, you get down there and reinforce any First Order pockets you can. Keep the field clear for the Blackblades when necessary."

The 7th Fleet followed the Behemoth's lead pushing past Bunduki. Commodore Sentongo looked over her shoulder a moment her focus on the crew in the pit, she returned her attention to the command table. "We'll need a solid forward push, recommending attack pattern Delta-Four."

"Alter it, I've seen these creatures before when they attacked Dosuun the first time. Cut underneath, Delta-Four-Saarish-Two."

"Alright, altering formation - mhmmm."

"Suggestions, Commodore - out with it, we haven't timed for mulling about."

Sentongo made an alternation, "we'll have to lean on the Marshal for a moment, but we should be able to send the corvettes up through here and get a quick breakaway with the Dowager's artillery. It'll catch them off-guard and-"

"Give us a distraction, good work Sentongo. Let's go, Tarkin - ready your men to the hangar prepare for departure."

"Marshal, good luck."

Marshal Pavanos gave a small salute before turning to head out of the command center with Tarkin. Fiolette walked past the table and gave it a look over once more before turning to focus on the enlarged viewport ahead. An automated alert for revision sounded, leading the Galidraani to her seat. The Admiral's chair which overlooked much of the pit and the command center. Whatever hard feelings she had when leaving the First Order on her own accord, resignation, as it were - had to be pushed aside.

What mattered now was helping those that they could.

​

 

[Samara Raine]

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CEDF 2nd Fleet, 1st Battlegroup​

Aboard the CSB Vesci​

En route from Copero, Unknown Regions, to Bakura, Wild Space​

[member="Thorne"]​

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3U3-boYeUMA

Brask'ari'sabosen walked down the boarding ramp of the shuttle that had ferried her to the Vesci after the STAT order to deploy was issued by Admiral Mitth'orn'eruod, then the doctor made her way with purpose across the expanse of the Mohn-class Battlecruiser's hangar bay with her "Doctor's bag" in hand and a small duffle slung over her shoulder to the turbo lift.

She wasn't assigned to this vessel normally, but the Chief Medical Officer's flagship was still supporting the disaster relief efforts on the Chiss worlds of Sarvchi and Copero alike so the Vun'ruti could not easily be retasked on such a short notice to accompany the 2nd Fleet into combat... But, the Medical Corps' top Battle Surgeon could.

Stepping inside, Brask'ari'sabosen pushed the appropriate deck number on the wall panel where the medbay was located on the capital ship. After getting settled in and the fleet was underway, she would then visit the bridge to receive the latest sitrep. If initial reports were indeed fact, the situation would be dire.

​

 

[Yasha Cadera]

Location: The Behemoth Bridge
The Dark Throne

Yasha watched the production of the Sith Empire going to war. The message which brought her off Mandalore was simple, without emotional plea or lengthy speeches.

Panatha was burning. The Epicanthix People must be saved.

The homeworld Yasha never saw, but in holo-footage and in the memories of those who reminded her, required assistance. She watched the transmission from Servelus Zambrano behind narrowed amber eyes, Wolf-helm down until the battle began in earnest.

Being on this bridge turned her stomach. Yet, when [member="Darth Carnifex"] sent out the call, her mother [member="Aditya Fitz Kierke"] alone was hot on her heels. That was their home! The place where Yasha’s grandmother, aunt and cousins still resided in the Holy City. Her Papa Girak was frothing at the mouth to have Yasha save his spouses... her grandparents, whose lives were forfeit if Panatha fell. Knowing the Chiss were also present sweetened the bitterest of wines.

“Didn’t mention the Mandalorians and Chiss at your side. Better that way, Kaine.” Whether it was wise to tempt Kaine Zambrano’s seething anger was beyond the Infernal’s ability to care. She knew why he called. A force of lizards thought themselves worthy enough to destroy their ancestral home, and regardless of alignment, theology or politics, the Epicanthix race needed its diaspora to fight.

Draped in her beskar’kandar, weapons at her side, the Mand’alor boarded Zambrano’s Behemoth with a retinue of the faithful. She slunk into the belly of the deadly, arcane beast to its bridge. The same metal beast her riduur ripped apart, in the hopes of destroying the menace, who smiled with grinning maw to take his wife and children into his bower.

After the holo transmission, Yasha walked where none dared. She mounted the dais which kept that obsidian throne, and sat on the arm.

“We get to the surface, we destroy. Any lowers, who wish for a relocation to Mandalorian space receive it, regardless of station. Our agreement stands, Emperor Zambrano. We shall spill their cold blood on the jungle ground for what they do to our own.” A fist on the throne. Armour clanged in echoes through the obsidian hall.

War. Today, Yasha of House Kierke, would go home.

[member="Thorne"] [member="Darth Carnifex"] [member="The Major"]

 

[Darth Athora]

LADM Zahori Denko
1st Fleet Commanding Officer
The Legator, Legator-class Super Star Destroyer
En Route to Panatha

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Activity was boisterous aboard the Legator as Imperial servicemen and women were moving through the many corridors of the Super Star Destroyer. Word had come through all comms channels of an assault on First Order held Panatha, the homeworld of the Sith Emperor. The Emperor had every available fleet mobilizing to aid the allies of the Empire and 1st Fleet was no exception. As Legator prepared in the orbit of Muunilist, the rest of 1st Fleet positioned themselves around the flagship. Each vessel was prepping for hyperspeed towards their target, Panatha.

Lord Admiral Zahori Denko stepped onto the bridge of her command ship and looked upon her crew operating the many systems on the command deck. Upon her arrival, each person on the bridge turned to salute their commanding officer. She returned their salute thne dropped it. They dropped their and continued with their duties. She stepped elegantly towards her command chair and sat in it. She crossed one leg over the other and looked on without a word.

"Admiral, the fleet has checked in. All ships are prepared to jump to hyperspeed at your command." reported one of the junior officers. "Several other fleets have left for Panatha already, Lord Admiral. They have begun the assault on the enemy."

"What are we up against? The New Republic? Outer Rim?" Zahori questioned.

"No, ma'am. The Ssi-Ruuvi Imperium." the junior officer replied.

"Ah, yes. Very well. Commence the jump to hyperspace. Also, summon Major Uvkithis to the bridge. He should prove very useful in the upcoming battle." Zahori commanded.

"Yes, ma'am." replied the junior officer. He then turned to the console and pressed down upon a button on it before speaking again. "All 1st Fleet vessels. Enter hyperspace when ready."

At that moment, all of 1st Fleet quickly left Muunilist's orbit and entered hyperspace. The First Order needed them. They would be there for them.

 

[Onrai]

The wave of vessels would soon come within medium range of the Ssi-Ruuk fleet. Laser cannons, mass drivers, energy torpedoes, and a wide variety of secondary armaments were being unleashed, but the longest ranged weapons of the alien horde were also capable of engaging the fleet as well. Some vessels were beginning to take moderate damage already - these ships would ease back and allow other parts of the fleet to absorb the fire in their stead. The mighty UBeam of the Heresiarch would charge up and open fire once more upon what appeared to be a Star Destroyer-scale Ssi-Ruuk ship, cracking the vessel amidships and reducing it to a couple chunks of rubbish within the voids of space.

Meanwhile, behind the 'barricade' the fleet had formed, Vanessa was contributing to the clash on the ground as well. Transports were dropping all over the planet, transports containing Dark Troopers, both living and machine. The cyborg veterans of the Imperial army, some of whom had decades of experience, would soon disembark from their ships and form into their basic elements, engaging the enteched constructs and Ssi-Ruuk infantry on the world's surface. Oppressor-16 Dark Troopers would stand their ground as they marched forward, driving back the alien horde and securing space for them. The radtroopers had not been called on for this mission, as Panatha would survive this, thus ensuring that radiation did not need to be used on the planet at all. The bloodtroopers, Vanessa's elite, were on the surface as well - they were engaging attacking Ssi-Ruuvi droids and ground forces near the capitol, where Kaine's uncle was located. The entirety of the Maldrood's forces were in play today.

Hopefully their battle would not be in vain.

 

[Decimus]

Location: Panatha System
Objective: Flanking the Ssi-Ruuk Fleet
Post: 1

​

While the main Sith armada had engaged and occupied the Ssi-Ruuk fleet, the opportunity Aut-X had been waiting for had finally arrived. The vast droid navy of Agamar would be brought to bare for the first time since it's recent completion. Over a hundred vessels, ranging from a trio of Lucrehulk-class Droid Control Ships, several Providence-class Dreadnoughts and a multitude of other vessels, came out of Lightspeed at the other side of the Panatha system. They were led by Aut-X's personal flagship, the Vanquisher-class Heavy Battlecruiser aptly named "Malevolence", after the infamous Separatist Dreadnought of old, the Vanquisher being an improved version of that design.

The Super Tactical Droid arose from his command throne aboard the Malevolence's bridge, surveying a nearby tactical map supplying relevant data about the current fleet battle. "Good. Everything is proceeding as I have calculated. Bring us into firing range of the enemy fleet. I must contact the Emperor.", the droid said calmly, in his usual mechanical tone of voice. His armada made it's way towards the planet in a wide offensive formation, hoping to wrap around the Imperium fleet's flank in a tight, vice like grip. He sat down once more, activating the bridge holo-communicator with a button upon the armrest of his throne. His holographic form would be transmitted to the bridge of the Behemoth, Darth Carnifex's flagship. "My liege. The battle has proceeded exactly as my calculations have anticipated. We are in position at the other side of the Panatha system, and are about to commence our assault. With your permission, if I find an opportunity, shall I deploy the Malevolence's Ion weapon and commence boarding of the Imperium's flagship?"

[member="Vanessa Vantai"]
[member="Zahori Denko"]
[member="Karisa"]
[member="Yasha Cadera"]
[member="Fiolette Raaf"]
[member="Thorne"]
[member="Thaddeus Vitalis"]
[member="Darth Carnifex"]
[member="The Major"]

 

[Samara Raine]

CEDF 2nd Fleet, 1st Battlegroup
Aboard the CSB Vesci
En route from Copero, Unknown Regions, to Bakura, Wild Space
Bridge
[member="Thorne"]

After the fleet jumped to light speed, and she made sure everything was good to go in the medbay, Brask'ari'sabosen made her way to the bridge of the Mohn-class battlecruiser. The Chief Medical Officer needed to get the latest sitrep for her planning purposes, but more so wanted to see Admiral Mitth'orn'eruod one last time before their respective duties would consume them as it should.

Stepping off the turbolift onto the Vesci's bridge, the doctor was dressed in her CMO's uniform, which was made like the Admiral's though sported a long jacket over a jumpsuit. Her long dark hair was pulled back into a neat bun with minimal makeup worn. A medkit was attached to the left side of her utility belt along with other pouches, and a side-arm Charric pistol was holstered off her shapely right hip.

Brask'ari'sabosen took in the sights and sounds of the men and women at their respective stations. Chiss were extremely efficient and dutiful. Crimson orbs spotted Mitth'orn'eruod sitting in the command chair. He appeared to be going over reports, no doubt analyzing and strategizing with his keen mind.

The Sabosen stopped a couple of feet away from the chair, standing with her hands clasped behind her back, shoulders square in good form, then cleared her throat.

"Admiral Mitth'orn'eruod, permission to approach?" Ari asked matter of fact, then added. "I would be appreciative for an ETA and update of the situation, if you have one, sir."

 

[Matt the Radar Tech]

Planet Bakura​

Low Orbit Troop Transport​

Approaching Fortan Estate​

The time had come.

The invasion by the lizards was in full swing, the First Order had been reduced to little more than tactical retreats. High ranking leadership had been killed, others had fled, or worse had sacrificed themselves to give the struggling remaining forces of a once great military power a fighting chance. It had been the death of Natasi Fortan that had changed things, at least for the 44th Stormtrooper Platoon. Each soldier was fiercely loyal to First Order command, particularly their commanding officer SQ-33744/2, and the dire circumstances of the battle against the Ssi-Ruuvi Imperium now called for more drastic measures. The time for conventional warfare was over, there was no strategic options to formulate a winning result, nor was there point in holding a line no other company or platoon sought to hold either.

No, now was the time to honor the blood and sacrifice of Grand Moff Fortan. Now was the time to ensure what remained of her bloodline remained alive, and survived this onslaught to take up the mantle.

Within the troop transport, forty-one Stormtroopers stood prepared and ready. The group once known as the 44th were now something new, something required for the next phase in the war, as each member was cast in red-dyed armor. At the head of the troop bay stood their commander, no longer a simple trooper designation, but a soldier with a new name - Judicar. Such was the focus of the newly created group of soldiers now calling themselves the Red Platoon. They were men and women with a new purpose, one they would not fail in, like they had the First Order.

"Our goal, Red Platoon, is to secure and protect the offspring of the Grand Moff at all costs," Judicar said through the vocalized speaker of his dull red helmet. "We will arrive at the Fortan Estate within minutes, performing a hot landing into unknown enemy forces. We will not allow the Grand Moff's sacrifice to be in vain, and we will not allow her bloodline to end this day. We protect the children George and Reima. At. Any. Cost!"

The platoon raised fists, offering carefully timed but uplifting roars of agreement. Then they fell silent, as final checks on equipment and weapons were performed. Judicar walked along the perfect rows of his soldiers, his commander cape flowing in his wake from across one shoulder. The new visage of the all red Stormtroopers was vastly different to the standard, aimed at being both intimidating and symbolic of their new purpose and mission.

"If we have the chance, we will save anyone else in the estate, but the children's safety are our primary mission."

With some turbulence of the transport, the pilots announced the Estate was rapidly approaching. There were enemy IFF telesponders appearing across the board, the transports sensors alerting those manning it to the threat the platoon faced ahead. Yet, amid the enemy, there were also friendly signatures. That information was sent back to the Red's commander, to which Major Judicar held a hand to the side of his helmet to better hear the updates.

"Copy that, friendlies are confirmed protecting the estate and many hostiles approaching the main dwelling," Judicar repeated, loud enough so that his troopers could hear. "Take us in as close to the main house as possible. Put us between the family and the highest concentration of approaching lizards. We will establish a perimeter, lock down defense barricades, and have Alpha Squad enter the manor to locate the children and escort them out."

Nearby Stormtroopers confirmed, the ten members of Alpha Squad nodding to Judicar as he paced by them.

<<"ETA seven minutes!">>

"Copy."

Looking out the transports armored viewport, Major Judicar clenched his jaw muscles, while flexing the fingers on his cybernetic left hand. He had given his pound of flesh for the First Order, as had the Grand Moff; but unlike the trooper, she had given everything. Now it was Judicar's turn to repay the sacrifice, no matter what...

 

[Darth Carnifex]

"It wasn't considered necessary information. All he needed to know was that help was on the way."

From the elevated bridge tower, the Emperor and his guest could see the entire expanse of the dreadnought's smooth superstructure as it expanded out for kilometers in every direction. Turbolaser towers, bristling the entire length of the Behemoth, opened fire in synchronous volleys that choked the empty space with streaks of emerald energy that blossomed into raging infernos once they connected with Ssi-Ruu ships unfortunately enough to cross into their firing trajectories. Each weapon on the Behemoth, and every ship in the Emperor's fleet, was being coordinated by the advanced artificial intelligence program known as AQUILA. By using his advanced computing software to coordinate their movements, the fleet could move as one entity and respond to circumstances faster than they could otherwise.

"Supreme Excellency, a transmission from unit designation: Aut-dash-Ex."

"Put him through."

The image of the super tactical droid Aut-X appeared before the Emperor, bathed in a shroud of cerulean haze that warbled as the transmission's strength waxed and waned with the battle's intensity. "My Liege. The battle has proceeded exactly as my calculations have anticipated. We are in position on the other side of the Panatha system and are about to commence our assault. With your permission, if I find an opportunity, shall I deploy the Malevolence's Ion weapon and commence boarding of the Imperium's flagship?"

Carnifex considered this, "Unleash the weapon. My fleet will conduct flanking maneuvers to corral the Ssi-Ruu ships into the killing field. Cut off the head of this snake, and the battle will surely be ours."

[member="Aut-X"] | [member="Yasha Cadera"]​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

The stealth corvette touched down on the outskirts of the namata plantation. Even from the approach, Thad could tell that things were not good here. The plantation had a massive scorched scar across half of the orchards, with a crashed gunship still smoldering at the edge of the property. The shield was down, and the wall had been breached in at least two places. Still, there was no sign of the scales -- or anyone else living, for that matter -- but piles of bodies, crashed and wrecked ships and speeders, and dead troops from both sides of the conflict.

Thad's blood ran cold when he spotted Fortan livery among the bodies, growing thicker as he approached the big house at the center of the compound.

He had drawn his blaster and was picking his way through the grounds as quickly and quietly as he could; he had no way to know if there was anyone left to hear him -- First Order, Fortan, or Imperium. The large front doors were hanging off their hinges, having been kicked or blasted in. Some bodies littered the foyer -- footmen in Fortan livery. He frowned and, after a quick look back the way he came, he moved forward.

The first clue was a body of a First Order officer in the doorway of a room, which when he turned on the light, was revealed to be a library. A trail of blood led from down the hall. He was wounded over there, Thaddeus thought. And he crawled here... to check on the children? Thad entered the room, stepping carefully over the body and into the library. The room was trashed, with cabinet doors wrenched open and filing cabinets turned over. Books scattered the floor. Thad looked around carefully and spotted something unusual.

A series of books pushed out at a certain angle on the carpet. Almost as if --

Thaddeus went to the bookshelf there, ran his hand along the shelves and woodwork, searching for a switch, a lever, a button.

[member="Judicar"] | [member="The Major"]​

 

[Matt the Radar Tech]

​

CHISS SPACE

---

---

---

---

​

---

Entering Hyperspace; Copero System.​

​

Mitth'orn'eruod contemplated the coming battle, his chin resting against thumb and forefinger, as his information screens remained largely blank. Unfortunately the information contained in the emergency transmission had been scarce, leaving little in the way of actionable intelligence beyond mentioning overwhelming enemy forces. Not exactly sufficient to prepare for a battle, but at least the Chiss wouldn't be stumbling into a large confrontation unprepared. A slight change in scent around the Admiral, as well as crisp footfalls approaching, told of the individual that stood behind. Mitth'orn'eruod was familiar with Brask'ari'sabosen's movements, his keen eye for observation and details almost uncanny.

"Greetings, Chief Medical Officer Brask'ari'sabosen," Mitth'orn'eruod said with a nod in her direction, before he tapped a screen that brought up the Bakura System. "Unfortunately we do not have specifics nor details, only that the Ssi-Ruu forces are overwhelming. Positions, numbers, vessel classes all remain unknown to us. So, in order to overcome that disadvantage, I have already prepared the fleet in arrow formation, maximizing weapon and shield coverage between multiple vessels of the Second Fleet."

The Admiral motioned to a display that had the formation present, despite the starships moving through hyperspace. The reversion formation would be tightly maintained, with the larger starships on the forward and sides, smaller vessels bringing up the rear. There was also an indicator showing where the fleet intended to revert to realspace, which was off to one side of planet Bakura itself, overshooting the planet somewhat...

"I have analyzed the likely position of the enemy fleet, estimated through a back trail of their movements through nearby systems, which indicates they should be around that region--" Mitth'orn'eruod pointed to a red haze on the system map. "--if their direct invasion of each preceding system holds consistent. As a result, we will be overshooting the planet by some parsecs, appearing behind their flank on a broadside angle."

Assuming things went to plan.

"As for our ETA, we will have reversion to realspace in less than fifteen minutes. How are your medical teams? Do you intend to join marine forces on the ground to assist the wounded, or would you prefer armored shuttles transporting them to a medical zone?"

Unfortunately I know Brask'ari'sabosen will not simply remain here, when there are others injured in the fighting. So the best I can do is provide safer options than being directly with marine platoons amid it all...

​

[member=Karisa"] | [member="The Major"] | [member="Darth Carnifex"]​

​

CEDF - 2nd Fleet, 1st Battlegroup

Spoiler

Command Vessel [Talon 1]:

• CSB Vesci (Sovereign) [Mohn-Class Battlecruiser - 5000m] [100% | 100%]

Front-of-Line Vessels [Talon 2]:

• CSD Tin'si (Spear) [Batahn-Class Star Destroyer - 2000m] [100% | 100%]
• CSD Nact'un'isb (Javelin) [Batahn-Class Star Destroyer - 2000m] [100% | 100%]
• CSD Vumesin'ci (Wayfarer) [Mohe'in-Class Star Destroyer - 900m] [100% | 100%]
• CSD Nehso'cssa (Blackhole) [Ticsuti-Class Escort Cruiser - 500m] [100% | 100%]
• CSD Rcati (Star II) [Ticsuti-Class Escort Cruiser - 500m] [100% | 100%]

Support Vessels [Talon 3]:

• CSC Tsicert (Ferryman) [Tsicah-Class Star Carrier - 1137m] [100% | 100%]
• CSD G'enraszert (Watchman) [Interdictor-Class Star Destroyer - 1600m] [100% | 100%]
• CRC Csact'isi (Bulwark) [Fighter Screen-Class Corvette - 150m] [100% | 100%]
• CRC Lescah (Shield) [Fighter Screen-Class Corvette - 150m] [100% | 100%]

Fighters & Transport Vessels [Talon 4]:

• 15x Squadrons of Nssis-Class Clawcraft [120]
• 7x Squadrons of Clawcraft-X [84]
• 1x Squadron of Tether Ships [12]

 

[Samara Raine]

CEDF 2nd Fleet, 1st Battlegroup
Aboard the CSB Vesci
En route from Copero, Unknown Regions, to Bakura, Wild Space
Bridge
[member="Thorne"]


When Admiral Mith'orn'eruod acknowledged her presence, Brask'ari'sabosen took two more steps forward and stood at parade rest by his side as he sat in his command chair. It had actually been a few weeks since last she'd last seen him. He had seemingly been busy with Ascendancy business outside of Chiss space and also his respective duties as she was too. Twas the life of two dedicated Chiss who both sought to make things better for their people.

"I see," Ari responded thoughtfully as her crimson eyes took in the holographics being shown in front of her. "Your keen mind for detail and contingency is commendable, Admiral."

During the Battle Surgeon's time serving with the First Order, the doctor had on one occasion been to Bakura. It was a terrestrial world with a temperate climate often with low cloud cover that saw bountiful rainfall at times. She had only visited the capital city of Salis D'aar while giving a presentation on cybernetic transplantation at a medical conference held at Tiarest University. The city sat atop a natural quartz outcropping. Its street network was laid out in a circular design with three main districts made distinct by the color of their streetlights, which gave it an interesting flair. She wondered by the time the Chiss got to Bakura, if the capital would even be recognizable given how Avalonia was completely destroyed when the Sss-Ruuk sacked Dosuun.

Red orbs flicked from the presentation provided back to Mitth'orn'eruod when he asked about her readiness and preferred plan.

"The embedded medics with the Marines are ready and know their job well. My hope is once a Forward Operating Base can be achieved, I will be able to deploy my cimsoo so the wounded may be brought to it by medevac. But, we shall see what the fluid situation presents us in real time. I cannot rule out going to the front line, if the need arises for my skills more so there."

 

[Yasha Cadera]

“Give me a target. I will gladly fell any who attempt harm on our People, Kaine.” The audacity of the… lizards. These Ssi-Ruu, unworthy to the loyalty and might of the reptilian people Yasha knew. Her comm waited always for word from her family on the surface... House Kierke were fighters all, they should be capable of holding out in the Temples.

It took no gift of the Force to feel the anger and wroth radiating out of [member="Darth Carnifex"], nor did the Infernal fight such sensations. Anger was fuel. Fuel she craved to unleash upon the destructive foes, about to be obliterated. The guns opened to destructive power, prick marks on the vault of the dreadnought’s vast stretch. It was beyond impressive to behold. A quirk of Yasha’s eyebrows. The past was done, but the ghosts of the Behemoth’s wreck still lingered.

Their voices drowned by AQUILA’s emissaries, and the transmissions incoming. Yasha caught Kaine Zambrano’s eyes, sharing her hatred for those who would kill their kinfolk, then triggered her wolf-helm to cover that severe, feminine face from view.

A series of coded transmissions filtered through her HUD, fleet movements, agent placements, and the Pack coordinating below. She answered dutifully and waited for the right opportunity to offer more of such aide. From the powers of the Sith Naval fleet, they might not be necessary until the relief effort began.

Whatever was left of Panatha would be salvaged and renewed. Yasha gave her word. She watched the maneuvers from her perch on the Black Throne’s arm, refusing a lesser location in silence.

She wondered of the Chiss, whom chatter amongst the Allies of Panatha said were mounting their own defence. Should they require more medical and relief vessels, the Mandalorian fleet rested one jump away, in neutral space. A fleet of engineering and medical ships, it was not suited to the first defences that the Sith Navy produced, and instead waited for its’ apropos entrance.

[member="Thorne"] [member="Karisa"]

 

[Kyrel Ren]

With the First Order scattered it had been mere weeks since the Sacking of Dosuun, for the better part of twenty years the First Order had been a major power that was even recognized as the Successor state to the Galactic Empire centuries before. Now all the work was nothing more than debris floating around Dosuun. The Master of the Knights of Ren, perhaps one of the last. Kyrel Ren with the help of Admiral Cain had retreated with a handful of forces to Mustafar, a place he knew best as far away from the Ssi-Ruuvi Imperium as he could get, there he had been up day and night contemplating why it had happened. His mind was in turmoil like other Ren who had followed him, and had wondered what was all the years of serving if his Master had fled. Left them to die as if they were animals ready to be slaughtered.

Slowly within the coming weeks, he had been granted a vision, perhaps the will of the Force speaking to him. Of a stronger Imperial rule rising from the ashes, with the Dark Side taking a more active role. He thought the First Order was dead that it was all falling apart, Sieger disappeared, Moff Fortan dead, High Command utterly obliterated besides those that had managed to escape. All that he had ever known was in utter ruin, and for the first time in his life. Kyrel felt utterly alone and without purpose. Until one day he had received a distress signal coming from Bakura. It was said to have been the last Bastion of the First Order remaining.

Now here he was en route to Hyperspace, standing aboard the bridge of the Resurgent III Star Destroyer FIV Aggressor. With summoning all of his followers with him, watching as the fleet jumped out of Hyperspace. Watching the carnage that was before them, they see a mixture of ships. The Ssi-Ruuk in overwhelming numbers. Sith Imperial Vessels mixed in with the remaining First Imperial ones. He was seeing what would be known in history as the last stand of the Empire in the West, Order's end some would say. His blood boiled at the thought that Sieger's own design was crumbling and he was not there to save it, to leave them all to die.

Now here he stood aboard the bridge watching as the Resurgent guarded by two Vanquisher Destroyers remained on the edge, slowly moving to provide aid, and while watching the order go down in flames second by second, minute by minute, hour by hour. He found himself muttering words that the first Master of Ren Kylo Ren had said to have uttered. "Let the past die."

Cain watched him, in a pensive gaze she asked him sternly. "Orders Ren?" Kyrel was momentarily snapped out of his thoughts by the red headed woman's voice. Regaining his composure he spoke. "Yes summon our people to the bridge, remain at a distance let's catch them by surprise." He said with Cain nodding instructing the communications officer to summon all those that had followed Kyrel to the bridge for orders in the upcoming battle, wondering what outcome would come from this day.

[member="Aisha Ren"]
[member="HK-42"]
[member="FN-999"]
[member="Ashara Evanaris"]
[member="Demitry Draskovits"]
[member="Tendra Daklan"]

 

[HK-42]

Combat. It had been quite a long time since Grievous had seen it. HK-42 hadn't even been on a First Order Ship until [member="Kyrel Ren"] Had located and recovered him, having his engineers fix him on Mustafar. He was just dying to find out what the enemy was this time, as usually HK-42 and Kyrel Ren usually took on the enemy together on the majority of the missions they were on together. So when the orders from the Communications Officer came over the intercom that all personnel that Kyrel Ren himself brought on board to head to the bridge for orders, Grievous booked it. He ran past dozens of troops and navigated past them just to get up to the bridge first.

When he arrived, he didn't run in, but walked instead, towering over a good amount of the personnel on the Bridge. He approached Kyrel, and stood next to him, looking down at the Master of Ren as if he hadn't seen him in a long time. "Greetings, Master. I'm sure that whatever stands currently in our way will be ripped apart, piece by organic piece." HK-42 had actually managed to arrive sooner than the others that were expected, though he had yet to meet them.

[member="FN-999"]
[member="Aisha Ren"]
[member="Ashara Evanaris"]
[member="Demitry Draskovits"]
[member="Tendra Daklan"]