Dominion Secrets Under the Ruins | EE Dominion of Batuu

[STRATCOM]

Batuu; recently, a few weeks ago, the planet was attacked; the Brotherhood of the Maw launched an attack on the planet, from which countless civilians were also abducted to slaves. The enemies of the Smugglers Alliance believed that the planet was now very weak and vulnerable, causing more attacks on the civilian population. The inhabitants of the planet with the Queen at the forefront asked for help and therefore offered to join the Eternal Empire.

This is also why a larger group has arrived on the planet to help organize the defense and rebuild the Black Spire Outpost. In fact, everything needs to be rebuilt and there are still people on the planet who are not locals and are trying to kidnap peoples and steal values. They must be stopped or prevented from sabotaging reconstruction.

At the same time, the entire local economy and business needs to be restarted, not to mention the myriad aid packages and other help the planet needs right now. There was everything here from chaos, especially when local forces or outsiders found groups that were still present on the part of the enemy.

In addition to gambling and razzle, the bar also commemorates fallen smugglers, not to mention the pirates who also worked for the Smuggler Queen.

And if all that hadn’t been enough, Maw’s attack revealed an ancient ruined town a little further away in one of the wooded areas, thanks to the fact that the surrounding forests became prey to the flames. From this place, a strong dark side presence could be felt afterwards…

Objectives​

Objective 1: Reconstruction

This includes everything related to reconstruction, negotiations, construction, helping local refugees, distributing supplies, or just fighting those who want to take advantage of the planet’s bad situation. The whole Black Spire Outpost is almost in ruins, all help is needed.


Objective 2: Commemoration

There is just one Cantina left in the Black Spire Outpost that is now the most popular. Now the organizers have advertised a gambling competition here, not to mention a drinking tournament. During these events, the dead and those who were abducted can be commemorated. The proceeds will be used by the organizers to rebuild the Outpost.


Objective 3: New Enemies

The prologue objective of our new plot. In fact, we’ve successfully linked it to past events to include even more mystery, intrigue, and similar subtleties.

The bombings and attack uncovered the ruins of a rather ancient city from which a strong Dark Side disturbance could be felt, though supposedly there was nothing like it on the planet. However, those who come here to find out what might be causing this, who may have built the city, etc .; they are not the first visitors. An unknown group, a sect, came here before them.


Objective 4: BYOO

Bring your own objective, whatever you want. The point is to have fun.

Spoiler: tag list

Arturo Braga || Formorta || Ingrid L'lerim || Kalic Daws || Loreena Arenais-Valhoun || Taozi Fuyuan || Vidalu Na'an || Broka the Hutt || Race Tolsen || Krae || Shavara || Curtis Learchin || Kessia Miran || Sterling Kinslayer || Sentiri || Vexari Kahl || Willow & Ivy || Deryn Kaaldos || QEMD-15 Echo || Aya Clarke || Sanguine Nocturnal || Ismael Cal-Drouga || Darth Tythus || Rath Nihro || Tristan Evore || Ben Craig || Charles Castex || Stryka Remex || Darlyn Excron || Alli Vern || TE-236 || Lace Donnadieu || Subject 73 Red || Salis || Ladybug || Viermen || Vyktor Orrin || Tranquility || Colton || Joseph Torson || Browning duck || Eskk Jannik || Goyrg || Rowena || Joseph Torson || Eskk Jannik || Ameli Trahir || Airal Thamne || Ty Sibo || Hitos "Gorgon" Jahay || Queen Popara || Song || Ty Sibo || BB-610 || Saro Nakaioma || Leenic Ellsil || Kahlil Noble || Lunafreya Solidor || Admiral Tobias Larr || Sasmay Cull || Gray Venasir || Shran || Calruss Shiman || Caedyn Arenais || Thorald Magnusson || PG-1 ||

Link: Batuu

​

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Lady Ingrid L’lerim Ragal Terassi Vandiir
Eternal Empress of the Eternal Empire, Lord Commander of the Wardens of the Shroud
The Red Witch, The Night Queen, Lady Stuztala, Head of the House L’lerim, CEO of the HPI Consortium, Archon of the Primyn Group​

Location: Ancient ruins, Batuu
Equipment: The Soulsabers | 2x Striith vibrosword | Brynja coat | Hersir Imperial Uniform | G1 OmniLink | The Last Gift || Empyrean gland
Tag: Calruss Shiman | Thorald Magnusson | Open

Ingrid was here a few weeks ago when the events happened. True she was luckier than her opponent, Zachariel Steelblood , at least for the injuries respectively. True, they were both injured and the man scored more, yet the match was a draw. Regeneration and abilities equalized the match in one way or another, from which the man eventually withdrew, because Maw did the same. The Empress originally arrived for the rebuilds, but in the meantime they were also told to her what was going on here, so decided to come in person to see and investigate all of this.

She was brought here by a dropship and apparently was not alone. The devastation caused by the fires was quite obvious and even damaged the ruins. But it still looked like the city could have been bigger. It was surprising that no one had found this yet; did not deal with it, though they may be important. Or the good question is why now? She means, why did the dark side disturbance just start here? Why not before? Didn't know the answer yet, but hoped they would get an answer. She knew Adrian would have liked this place, like all that is old or connected to science. But she was still alone…

What was not pleasant, however, was that upon arrival it became apparent that they were not the first here. Another group was already present, looking mostly cultists, they were further inside the city, in an area that looked like one square. It could have been space at least once because it was lined with buildings and exposed to stones, but now in most places there was only ash here and charred trees that the fire ended with. The dark side presence was felt around the area, quite precisely from under the ground.

"The group seems pretty organized and not part of our units. Apparently they are looking for the same as us. We need to find an expiration under the ground, because there is what can be felt. Of course, unless you want to do something else. I am open to all possibilities." told the others.

 

[Ivixa Nera'kas]

Location: Ancient Ruins, Batuu
Tags: Ingrid L'lerim Thorald Magnusson Calruss Shiman

The sniper held her breath.

This was a city of darkness cast from fire, an ancient ruin pulled from the shadows in the wake of a devastating attack that had left much of Batuu’s population either enslaved or dead. While Ivixa had only arrived on the surface after the battle, the scale of destruction wrought by the Brotherhood had been immediately apparent when she landed on the surface. A sense of death and darkness still lingered in the air, apparent even to her in spite of her lack of Force affinity. That sensation had only grown stronger as she approached the ruins, but fortunately, after activating her armor’s integrated Force mask, she managed to shield her mind from the effects.

The held breath escaped from her full lips as she listened to the Empress, who she knew only as the Aspect of Desire. While it was a semi-open secret that the Empress of the Eternal Empire also held loyalty to the Agents of Chaos, it was ultimately a secret that Ivixa would hold tight to her bosom, unless circumstances explicitly demanded that she divulge that information.

This would not be the first time she would accompany the Aspect of Desire into danger. In hearing the woman’s exploits and seeing them for herself while defending against a Mandalorian boarding force over Kalidan, She knew that the woman was a talented assassin, perhaps the best in the Unknown Regions. Ivixa had already slain many enemies, but the Empress’s skill and prodigious oeuvre were things that she could only aspire to.

While the Night Queen’s many loyalties made her an enigmatic figure, the diminutive Asa’nyx knew that she was safe as long as she was fighting on her side.

“Do we know if they are hostile or not?” The tiny Huntress asked the Aspect. “Either way, I recommend that we keep tabs on their movements within and around the ruins. If they all converge into a single area, it might mean that they found something.”

Spoiler: Gear and Equipment

• Armor
  • Ivixa's Phase I "Glitter Ghost" Stealth Armor
    • Undersuit
      • UL-14 “Virtus” Class Underlay
    • Left Wrist
      • Shatter Beam
    • Right Wrist
      • LPD-40 IceJet Miniaturized CryoBan Projector
    • Energy Shield
      • Phase III “Force Avenger” Energy Shield
• Small Arms
  • Phase I “Clairvoyant” Anti-Materiel Rifle
    • APFSDS Rounds (Neuranium Core)
    • Antimatter Rounds
  • HG-88 ‘Big Iron’ Hand Cannon
• Melee
  • Whimsy Knife
• Grenades and Explosives
  • Impact Grenade (2)

 

[Thorald Magnusson]

Location: Ancient Ruins, Batuu
Equipment: Here
Allies: Ingrid L'lerim | Calruss Shiman | Ivixa Nera'kas
Objective: 3

He sat waiting on the drop, his hand cleaning off the knife he kept in his boot as he looked around him. Seeing his liege and the huntress on the ship behind him. His eyes scanning the ground as they flew towards their objective. Getting a preliminary check done of his suits systems he let out a sigh. The ground passed before the ship as they flew just high enough to not hit anything with the bottom of the craft.

As they landed he was the first to jump out, his blaster scanning the area as his liege unmounted from the ship behind him and began to make her way, seeing that there was a presence of another group that had made it there before them. His eyes scanned over the sighs of this group, he judged the ratings of danger in his head.

"Considering the rules of engagements here, we don't shoot or fight unless they start it. Unless our Lord gives any other say that's what we're sticking with. Let's keep our eyes on a swivel out here and don't get lost we don't know what we're going into."

 

[Arturo Braga]

Location: Ancient Ruins, Batuu
Gear: KC-47 Hybrid Strike Rifle, KC-77N Hybrid Pistol, Sk-AR Mk.1 Armor
Companions: Ingrid L'lerim Thorald Magnusson Ivixa Nera'kas

The mercenary kept quiet as the group fanned out, quickly securing the immediate vicinity as the dropship lifted off. The roar of it's repulsorlifts was all Arturo could hear for a time. Part of him had been expecting a less than warm welcome, to hear blasterfire and to see the distinct red bolts searing the air as they touched down. Instead, nothing. The dropship's noise faded away after a time, returning to the ruined city silence and a certain sense of foreboding he couldn't quite place.

He had read the brief, made preparations. Yet, for whatever reason, he felt like he'd stepped into something far more nefarious than what he'd been led to believe. He understood that. Rarely were the pawns informed of the King's plan; it was a soldier's lot to fight and to trust that their superiors knew what they were doing. No doubt the Empress knew what she was doing. He hoped so, anyway. Returning to her side, he raised an eyebrow at her words.

Cultists? Here? Looking around at the devastation, he muttered a silent curse. He had expected slavers or pirates, the kind of scum that filled the Maw's ranks. Not fools who meddled in things they didn't understand- the Dark Side of the Force was not something to be taken lightly or toyed with. The contractor was no master on the subject, but even he knew that playing with fire got you burnt. He once again hoped the Empress knew what she was doing.

Well, moreso than the cultists.

"I second Nera'kas' idea. Knowing how many they number and their whereabouts in the city would allow us to plan and adapt accordingly. We could also go take a look at some of the landmarks. Place this old, bound to have more than a few secrets worth uncovering, and they're a good place to start." Arturo fell silent, went back to looking around. "Or we could take it to the cultists, see if we can capture and question a few. Whatever you decide."​

 

[Calruss Shiman]

Location: Ancient Ruins, Batuu
Allies: Ingrid L'lerim Arturo Braga Thorald Magnusson Ivixa Nera'kas
Objective: 3

A small shuttle slowly descended to the charred ground beside the outpost, one of which was a shadow of its former self. It had been a few weeks since Calruss had returned to his first battle, a fight that had more blood than anything he had seen before. The ruthless maw sent a message that day to everyone in the galaxy of their great purge had only just begun, and it was only growing stronger with each raid they did. Calruss himself cut down many of them single handed, but even he couldn't escape harm from their deranged tactics. One warrior managed to get a good hit on him with a tainted knife, yet that wasn't enough to stop him in his tracks. Luckily, the knife didn't do further damage in terms of infection.

The ramp of the shuttle slowly lowered to the floor to reveal a young man in normal attire, almost as if he was going out on a walk. Calruss despised using armour and drifted towards lighter clothing to make the most out of his athletic ability, anything heavy would put him at a disadvantage. When he made his way down everything around him was charred to the core, almost as if a raging fire had been burning there for years. Not too far away were a group of people, one of them being the eternal empress herself.

He slowly made his way over and silently stood beside them with his arms folded, listening closely to what each one had to say on the situation. After the battle an ancient city had been found holding a strange group, as well as a dark presence that was equally as strange. The presence itself was strong and all consuming, they all needed to be cautious with what they were getting into with this one. Calruss nodded to what Arturo Braga mentioned and decided to speak up with his own comments "Capturing one of the cultists would be beneficial in finding out how they got here, and the source of the dark presence that resides within its structure." said the teen openly before his head finally turned to the empress and the group "We must be careful my lord, this dark atmosphere is a good indication of bad things to come."

 

[Vidalu Na'an]

Equipment : One(1) shoto lightsaber, One(1) standard E-11D blaster carbine, One(1) industrial-strength syntherope (50m), Three(3) standard thermal detonators, One(1) Imperial trooper helmet with standard comm connections
Ship: Standard-kit HWK-290 light freighter
Tags: Ingrid L'lerim , Calruss Shiman, Arturo Braga , Thorald Magnusson , Subject 73 Red​

Vidalu Na'an had never liked the smell of smoke, at least not for many years. The smell held too many bad memories inside it to like--smoke meant fire. Burning. The destruction of loved things before their time. It was a smell that made her head hurt and her blood run hot, and was always bookended by the feel of her lightsaber growing warm and deadly in her hand. Today was no exception--she, and Leigh, and several units of the Eclipse had spent several days clawing back part of the city from multiple enemies, from the Maw to roving smuggler gangs to even the beginnings of a new Imperial occupation. It was only in the last few hours that their people had finally gained enough ground to be able to start handing out aid within the zone.

Then a bomb farther in the city had gone off, half a click from the zone's borders. With it came the acrid smell of new smoke, thick and cloying and dark dark dark, carrying the edge of something that had driven Na'an almost to distraction. She had left Leigh in charge of the Zone, promising to be back before the planned ceremony for the dead, and Leigh had recognized the look in her eye enough to let her go.

Whatever was at ground zero of that bomb was Enclave business. Green business.

Now she hovered at the edge of things, one silver eye peeking out from the hood of a dark cloak. The last bomb had uncovered a door of sorts, carved into the earth and still half-buried. Na'an could see stairs leading down from the door, although the bottom of those stairs was too deep to see from this angle. In the last few minutes, other cloaked figures had come and gone through that door, each of them carrying that dank dark scent in a cloud around them. Their voices had been hushed, sibiliant--filled with awe--and when they vanished into the depths of that door, they hadn't ever come out.

"It's like a crypt," she murmured to herself, and shivered as she wrapped the cloak around her tighter. And it was--not a healthy crypt, not a place where the dead found their good rest. Something in here was rotting those people from the inside out. Dead and not-dead. The kind of dead that did not rest. The kind of dead that hungered.

It would rot her, too, when she went inside. If she wasn't careful.

Not that there weren't other reasons to be careful. She could feel a familiar sharp, cold prickle on the back of her skull. It was the Kalidan feeling, the icy imposition Empress Ingrid L'lerim carried around her like her own personal climate. She was here, somewhere, likely out of sight--a block away, maybe two? Either way, there was too much rubble around for either of them to see the other. But without a doubt, the Eternal Empress would have been drawn by the stink just as much as Na'an had. Knowing the Empress, she wouldn't be alone, either. She never came alone. There would be lots of Imperials here hungry to bend whatever rank abomination was here to their own ends, or barring that obliterate it.

Not that obliterating that smell would be the worst thing the Empire would ever do. But somehow, Na'an got the feeling that when this...whatever it was...finally died, it would have to die right.

And who better to give a good death than those among the Living?

"Ok, Ma'am," she said grimly, setting her teeth and willing her heart to thump a little slower. The last few cultists had vanished into that door's depths a few minutes ago; at the pace she'd been counting out, she had maybe half an hour before any more arrived. "Hope you actually ate this morning. You'll need the energy."

And with that, she spurred herself towards the door, her cloak whirling behind her as she pushed past the rocks and went through.

 

[Subject 73 Red]

Tags: Vidalu Na'an Ingrid L'lerim Calruss Shiman Arturo Braga Thorald Magnusson

Of course Red had been sent to scout out this area...

Ever since Red had held a diplomatic meeting at blaster-point, the Empress had been... careful with Red. Now, she hadn't even let him join in the fighting, or even the rebuilding. No, Red had been sent to scout out this sector. And of course, when he had been scouting it, a bomb uncovered a weird... thing. Whatever it was, it was certainly grabbing attention.

Red's armor and helmet was colored to fit in with the surrounding rocks around the door of the crypt, and he had been keeping eye on the entrance. He had been watching the figures around the entrance through the scope of his rifle, laying down, hidden by rocks. Something was... off about them. They had this strange air about them, and they definitely had something off about them.

Then, a strange looking woman approached the door. There was something strange about this woman, too. Again, Red couldn't quite put his finger on it, but she war definitely strange. Red could hear her talking too herself out loud. Oh yeah, she was definitely crazy. Red did know, however, that she wasn't sent by the Empire, that much was certain.

Then, the woman ran for the door. She passed the rocks that Red was hidden in, apparently not noticing him. Then, she ran through the entrance, and entered the crypt.

Red cursed himself silently. Then, he got up from his hiding position. He strapped his rifle back to his back, and grabbed his TL-50 heavy repeater, holding it at the ready. Silently, he followed after the woman through the door, stalking her. He wanted to see where she was going, and so far, she hadn't noticed him. Not yet, at least.

Red stood at the entrance. He sighed, and quietly entered in after her, following the strange, definitely psychotic woman.

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Lady Ingrid L’lerim Ragal Terassi Vandiir
Eternal Empress of the Eternal Empire, Lord Commander of the Wardens of the Shroud
The Red Witch, The Night Queen, Lady Stuztala, Head of the House L’lerim, CEO of the HPI Consortium, Archon of the Primyn Group​

Location: Ancient ruins, Batuu
Equipment: The Soulsabers | 2x Striith vibrosword | Brynja coat | Hersir Imperial Uniform | G1 OmniLink | The Last Gift || Empyrean gland
Tag: Calruss Shiman | Thorald Magnusson | Ivixa Nera'kas | Arturo Braga | Subject 73 Red | Vidalu Na'an

Ingrid watched the cult group through binoculars; she did not know if they were hostile or not, but it was so certain that they did not indicate that they were coming here to investigate. They did it in secret. That was never a good sign. The Empress was glad Ivixa was here; the young woman has shown countless times what she is capable of. She has a great talent, a great ally, not least good to work with; and was a member of the AoC, that was not the last consideration either. She did not yet know the answer to the question, so rather contacted the communication officer; as soon as received the answer, turned back to the young girl.

"Not sure, but it is certain that they did not ask ours for permission to come here. In light of recent events, let us proceed with caution."

Looked at the candidate for the leadership position of the intelligence committee when the man spoke. Nodded at his words, then spoke in her usual cold, military voice.

"If it’s up to me, pretend I’m not here either. I wonder what you are capable of. Consider this as a test on which I am the examiner. I’ll only have a say in things when we’ve found what they and we are here for. But in the meantime, yours is the terrain, ladies and gentlemen!"

Didn’t want to steal the work and the acknowledgment from her people and was also curious about what they were capable of. So it seemed like the perfect opportunity. Ingrid, anyway, loved and preferred soldiers who were able to think, act, be creative and not just carry out commands. Meanwhile, Braga also said some ideas, and she nodded again. It was good that the man was here too, they had already fought together in many places, he was a reliable great mercenary. If she had to choose, she would have said he was Broka’s best man.

Hadn't seen the young man much before, she knew he was here when the Maw attacked the planet, but she didn't know more about him yet. Now will be a great time to assess his knowledge. Nodded at Calrus's words, as Braga had said before, which was a good idea. She actually supported it, but the woman had already decided that she would entrust them with the course of events. Meanwhile, knowing that one of their men was already inside, Red was sent forward; he could have caused at least a little damage here, whatever he does. In the end Ingrid looked at the others who were here.

"Well, if you feel ready, you can go!" gave permission to the others, if everything was true, this was her last order today, everything else depended on those present.


// OOC: I’m so glad so many of you joined in such a short time! <3
And Ingrid wears a Taozin amulet so her presence can’t be felt in the Force. ^^ //

 

[Thorald Magnusson]

Location: Ancient Ruins, Batuu
Equipment: Here
Allies: Ingrid L'lerim | Calruss Shiman | Ivixa Nera'kas | Arturo Braga | Vidalu Na'an | Subject 73 Red
Objective: 3

With a quick nod, Ranulf turned on his camouflage, becoming one with the terrain that surrounded him he began to stack his way down towards the objective that was set out in front of them. Ranulf took light feathery steps towards the group of cultist, becoming near blind to the naked eye as he made his approach to the group.

When he got in ear shot, he stood just far enough away to not cause any unwanted attention and began to listen to the words of the cultist. He didn't dare get any closer, in case they caught the slight imperfection of the cloak he was wearing and caught onto him, causing for him to be unable to fully make out what they were saying, much to his frustration.

"I'm just out of earshot from the cultist, they don't seem to have detected me for now. I intend to shadow them until they make any hostile movements. I recommend we take a stealthier approach and shadow them to see why they are here, before we attempt to engage."

With these words he whispered into his commlink in his wrist as his eyes followed the movement of the group that he was shadowing. Staying just out of earshot at all times.

 

[Ivixa Nera'kas]

Location: Ancient Ruins, Batuu
Tags: Ingrid L'lerim Thorald Magnusson Calruss Shiman Arturo Braga Vidalu Na'an Subject 73 Red

Ivixa was quiet as she listened to the suggestions of the other soldiers, assassins, and operatives within the small group, her golden eyes taking in their features as she committed their faces to memory. When the Aspect set them loose, Ivixa nodded and pulled the massive anti-materiel rifle from her back, an implement which seemed almost too big for the tiny sniper to carry.

“Yes Empress! I won’t let you down.” Ivixa said.

From there, the Huntress followed after the operative’s lead as his armor blended into the environment. In turn, Ivixa activated her armor’s cloaking device, rendering her tiny form a phantasm that was almost completely invisible to the naked eye. Then, she followed after operative, keeping track of his movements towards the cultists via her armor’s IFF systems.

While the operative moved closer towards the group of cultists, Ivixa moved towards an overwatch position, climbing up the stairs of a burned out building, sharp eyes scanning for cultist activity within the rooms inside. Given the need for stealth, Ivixa only had her armor’s passive sensors active. As such, she only detected the sniper during her sweep of the third room, his crouched form situated in the exact spot she had intended to take for herself in moving into the building. The sniper was staring down the scope of a high-powered disruptor sniper rifle which was trained dangerously close to the location of the camouflaged operative. Fortunately, it seemed that the cultist had not spotted her squad mate, due to the fidelity of his camouflage and perhaps his skills as a stalker.

“I have a potential hostile sniper, directly in front of me, inside the building overlooking the cultists.” Ivixa spoke over the squad’s comm channel, not needing to whisper due to her armor’s integrated sonic neutralization system. “He has not detected me or anyone else, but be careful. If we need to take him out, I can do it quietly.” She added.

Spoiler: Gear and Equipment

• Armor
  • Ivixa's Phase I "Glitter Ghost" Stealth Armor
    • Undersuit
      • UL-14 “Virtus” Class Underlay
    • Left Wrist
      • Shatter Beam
    • Right Wrist
      • LPD-40 IceJet Miniaturized CryoBan Projector
    • Energy Shield
      • Phase III “Force Avenger” Energy Shield
• Small Arms
  • Phase I “Clairvoyant” Anti-Materiel Rifle
    • APFSDS Rounds (Neuranium Core)
    • Antimatter Rounds
  • HG-88 ‘Big Iron’ Hand Cannon
• Melee
  • Whimsy Knife
• Grenades and Explosives
  • Impact Grenade (2)

 

[Kalic Daws]

Equipment: 1x PR-1
Tags: Ingrid L'lerim Ivixa Nera'kas Thorald Magnusson Calruss Shiman Arturo Braga Vidalu Na'an Subject 73 Red

Kalic held his head as Jee flew the modified Y-Wing down to the ground. He'd kept having vision after vision of an explosion, and then something at it's center. He looked at the site, grabbing his head again. Echuta! What the heck was with this? He would soon hop out as Jee followed whistling a little.

"I'm sure about it Jee. It's here. I know it. I don't know how but I know it." Unknown to Kalic there was a reason he had felt like he should be there. Ingrid had put it in the agent side of his mind. Kalic just didn't know it. He just hoped he could get back to the "Cargo fleet" without being captured. He walked out, grumbling a little before seeing something. Something dark. He walked forward, stopping before seeing the door.

"Poodoo....." He then grabbed his comm, he had to let the Rebels know about this. "This is Kalic Daws. There's some sort of dark temple here on Batuu. I'm investigating now." And with thathe would sneak for the door, not knowing that others had already slipped into the structure.

 

[Arturo Braga]

Location: Ancient Ruins, Batuu
Gear: KC-47 Hybrid Strike Rifle, KC-77N Hybrid Pistol, Sk-AR Mk.1 Armor
Compadres (and Vidalu Na'an ): Ingrid L'lerim Ivixa Nera'kas Thorald Magnusson Calruss Shiman Subject 73 Red Kalic Daws

Without a word, Arturo took up position at the back as the posse of three began to move. Triggering his armor's adaptive camo, he fell into step a dozen meters behind the sniper, Ivixa. He couldn't hear her footsteps, but he could see her. As good as her armor's cloaking was, his KC-VISR allowed Arturo to keep a close eye on her and the lead man further along. Little more than silhouettes in his Optics, they led a careful path through the ruined city. The mercenary kept pace as best he could, every now and then turning to walk backwards.

He couldn't see Ingrid or the other man. Perhaps they were doing their own thing?

He about-faced, clambered carefully over some rubble. Easier said than done. Though he made little in the way of noise, it was difficult to mimic the finesse of his now-comrades. Being sneaky was not his forte, truth be told. Still, he did his best, taking a knee as Ivixa disappeared into a building off to his right. Ranulf was somewhere else, having disappeared entirely from Arturo's view whilst he was busy skirting the rubble from a collapsed building. The man was good, the contractor had to admit, probably one of the best at what he did. Had to be, if he was assigned to the Empress.

Taking a slow, smooth breath, Arturo pressed into the building thirty seconds or so behind Ivixa. His rifle came up as he swung through the breach, covering a full one-eighty degree arc as he took in the house's interior. Dust and ash swam across his vision, submerged the burnt out living room in a half-light that spoke nothing of the colorful lives once lived here. A brief once-over told him the structure was sound enough, but the cracks in the walls and the alarming creaking left Arturo feeling distinctly uneasy.

Or maybe that was the idea he was being watched by Darkness Incarnate.

Creeping away from his thoughts and the breach, Arturo secured the ground floor, before taking up a guard position that allowed him to keep an eye on both the breach and the stairs. His comlink chirped as he settled in to the shadows. "Copy." The Contractor replied as Ranulf gave them a quick rundown on the situation. His comlink chirped a second time soon after. "Copy that," he replied again, his voice little more than a whisper in the close atmosphere.

"Suggest neutralizing the sniper. Could do without having to worry about him taking a pop at us while we work." He took a moment to think. "Then again, these Cultists might get a bit wary if he doesn't report in. Your call." He added helpfully, before returning his focus to the gap in the wall.​

 

[Nighthaunter]

Location: Ancient Ruins, Batuu
Equipment: MK I Nightsuit, Silent Blades, Willbreaker, Phase I "Clairvoyant" Anti-Material Sniper Rifle, Smoke Bombs, Throwing Stars., EMP device.
Tags: Kalic Daws Ingrid L'lerim Ivixa Nera'kas Thorald Magnusson Subject 73 Red Vidalu Na'an Calruss Shiman Arturo Braga

Nighthaunter had been very much quiet the entire time the Empress and her subjects had been talking. He stood in the corner, in the shadows, mask on hood up. He wasn't one for grand speeches and far preferred to stay in the shadows. The Reaper had been commanded to accompany Ivixa Nera'kas to the planet of Batuu to assist the Eternal Empire with the situation there. He listened and observed the conversation that took place in front of him noting each individuals characteristics. Trying to figure out what their strengths and weaknesses were respectively. They all seemed very capable which made him more comfortable and confident with the task at hand. As the Empress assessed the situation he absentmindedly flicked his wrist which revealed a short blade. He detached the blade from the gauntlet and began to fiddle with it, flicking the colourful blade between his hands before putting it back in his gauntlet.

Hearing the Empress's decision, the Nighthaunter stepped forward from the shadows, the suit that covering his frame seeming to suck in all light around him. The only aspect of his physical being that was visible were those two piercing emerald eyes. He immediately followed the lead of the armoured operative. He noticed Ivixia peel off into a building on his right and take up an overwatch position overlooking their position. Arturo seemed to have the same thought process as Ivixia, as he moved into the building. Nighthaunter decided to stick to the ruins and the few intact buildings as close quarter stealth combat was his forte. He moved forward quickly but silently the shadowsilk of his armour making his movements even more silent. Finally he reached a building about 50 metres in front and to the left of Ivixia's position. He quietly crept into the building, the ground floor was completely clear but he could hear footsteps coming from upstairs. He moved over to the room on the left of him and crouched in the corner of the ruined building. He kept his eyes fixated on the doorway as his comms came to life on his HUD.

"I agree, taking out the sniper would be the best course of action. I also think I may have one or more hostiles above me in this building. I can stay put until you decide whether or not to engage." He said silently. "It's your call though."

He kept his eyes fixated on the doorway as he waited for his orders on how to engage the cultists...

OOC// Sorry I tried to post yesterday which is why this one is kind of a catch up post.

 

[Broka the Hutt]

Location: Approaching Batuu from Annaj
Tag: Vexari Kahl
Objective: The Sitdown

Broka recently was spending some time on Annaj, part of the reason he was late to all the action. There he was making sure that the investment he put into that world under the trust of the past Emperor was still paying off, and it was. Casinos were being set up in his name, clubs and cantinas were opening their doors, and trade between Hutt Space and the Eternal Empire's area of the Unknown Regions was flourishing. All the while, his new palace was just finished in construction. Similar to that of his palace on Hutta, just different materials and less aged.

His Chelandion was just came out of hyperspace when he noticed that several others, including a few from his own organization, were here. From what the reports on the surface were saying, things were going somewhat well. The reconstruction was going as planned, and the freighters were en-route to Batuu from the foundries recently put back into operation on Bahla'dahl. Some good cheap metal to begin the construction of new buildings, and-or repair old ones.

His ships were in orbit now, and he opened the coms to the surface to a frequency that only the Smuggler's Queen would receive. He was already sitting in the coms room aboard his ship. No food or drink, as he was waiting for the possible meeting between the two.
(In Huttese)"<Vexari Kahl. I hope you recieve this message. I have arrived here at Batuu to discuss future business, and the possible return on the investment I am making in your world's reconstruction. Respond when you can. I would like to know where we shall meet. Would it be up here on my luxurious ship, or down there at a specified location?>"

 

[Ladybug]

Location: Ancient Ruins, Batuu
Equipment: Dark Blessings of Kuolema / Varjokävely
Ship: Aries XIII

Days turned into weeks, weeks into months since the Sith Lord last appeared. In her absence, she had claimed the role of Overseer of the Scientific Development. There were some, she undoubtedly knew to be her rivals, balked at her appointment; but it was her reputation that earned the appointment. Now, back from her self imposed exclusion from the galactic society way of life, there was much to be accomplished with little to no time to work with. This of course suited her perfectly. Where most suffered mental and physical exhaustion from the stress of being backlogged, Mikilanna thrived in those harsh conditions; her underlings forced to thrive deeper in harsher conditions.

However, even in her absence from the galaxy her hands were not idle. Pooling resources and finances not only from within the Empire but from outside sources, benefactors, who owed their lives to her; literally. Favors rightfully indebted to the Sith Lord were fulfilled. In the end, what she had accomplished so quickly, silently, and secretly for the Empire, and herself naturally, would benefit the Empire as a whole. That secret, happily, was tucked away to be revealed later. For now, duty called.

Ancient ruins. Once, when she was younger, she had persuaded herself to be included on an archeological dig. Nothing fruitful came from the expedition except a few scratches, bruises, and cuts. For others, they were not so lucky. She vowed back then she would never go spelunking in caves or ruins again; but curiosity has a unique and fundamental sway over the mind. And she was no exception. Back then she was foolish and naive, believing she held the galaxy by the throat; and of course she was taught a lesson that was an untruth. Fast forward some seasons and the gifts of maturity, wisdom, power, and knowledge grew within her; as well as her ability to command the Force's darksided nature.

The area around where the ruins lie at one time possessed great, magnificent structures. She could only imagine what beauty they once beheld whilst standing there gazing upon the now defunct structures; most now a shell of their former glory. What befell these structures was a mystery, a topic of conversations in cantinas, or subjects of debates from archeologist scholars. For her, to unravel the history of these ruins bordered scientific inquiries. Undoubtedly if the Empire dug deep enough, they might discover ancient technology that could be exploited for future, positive gains. But all that was pale in comparison to what she was feeling....

The presence of the Dark Side like none she ever felt. And that, in her mind, was the only mystery here.

 

[Vexari Kahl]

Vexari was already enroute to Broka's ship when she received the message, transmitting her response. "Great Broka. I thank you for coming all this way to discuss business. I am presently enroute in my own ship. Requesting docking arm access.", she asked politely. Her ship, a YT-1300 Light Freighter, made it's way towards the Chelandion, proceeding to dock with the vessel whenever permission had been given. She'd dressed up in her best. An exotic black dress, made from some of the finest silk this side of the galaxy.

She found herself escorted through the ship by Broka's men, having come alone as a gesture of good faith. Eventually, she was brought before the Hutt. She bowed politely before him before speaking. "Mighty Broka the Hutt, it is an absolute pleasure to welcome you to Batuu's orbit. I thought I'd come to you and save you the trouble of a shuttle ride down to the surface. It's....still a mess down there, presently, save for the cantina which escaped undamaged, surprisingly."

Broka the Hutt

 

[Vidalu Na'an]

Equipment : One(1) shoto lightsaber, One(1) standard E-11D blaster carbine, One(1) industrial-strength syntherope (50m), Three(3) standard thermal detonators, One(1) Imperial trooper helmet with standard comm connections
Ship: Standard-kit HWK-290 light freighter
Tags: Ingrid L'lerim , Calruss Shiman, Arturo Braga , Thorald Magnusson , Subject 73 Red​

Red stood at the entrance. He sighed, and quietly entered in after her, following the strange, definitely psychotic woman.

"Poodoo....." He then grabbed his comm, he had to let the Rebels know about this. "This is Kalic Daws. There's some sort of dark temple here on Batuu. I'm investigating now." And with tha the would sneak for the door, not knowing that others had already slipped into the structure.

It was warm. It was damp. The stairs under Na'an's feet seemed to go on and on, deeper than anyone could have guessed from the outside, long steep steps in a passage narrow enough to only allow two men abreast at most. She made her way down carefully, feeling her way in the dim space and trying to ignore her rising claustrophobia. At one point the stairs had half-crumbled, forcing Na'an to lean against the wall to hop past them and continue down; her fingers landed on something soft and wet and slippery, and she had to swallow the yelp in her throat as she flinched away from the sensation.

It was likely just a fungus of some sort growing on the walls, she knew. Underground ruins had a tendency towards rot. But the thought was in the back of Na'an's mind now--that this place, it was like climbing down the throat of a massive animal. Something old, and slow, and dangerous if roused. Something that would be familiar if it wasn't rotting from the inside out.

Old stones, old stones, old stones....

She shuddered, taking a deep breath and regretting that too. But she was almost at the bottom of the staircase now; she could see another door, closed and illuminated by torchlight. This door was newer than the rest of the structure, fresh materials haphazardly slapped across the arch by whoever was coming down here. Beyond the door, she could hear the dim sound of--well, Na'an couldn't tell what exactly, but the feeling that had brought her here said it was important to know what before she could leave.

Even so, it was dangerous to go much farther than this alone. Good thing she was being followed. Na'an pulled back her hood, letting her low braid hang loose as she gently pulled at the eyepatch covering her left socket. As the Libeta implant woke into active mode, she turned up towards the man a little ways behind her. He had been going slowly, and was far enough away to be little more than a vague shape in the gloom, but as she blinked the implant's visual array kicked in enough to see the shape of the repeater in his hands. He must have been trying to be quiet, to have paused at the half-crumbled gap so far back.

"It opens up a bit down here, gentlemen," she called, keeping care not to let her voice ring out. "Easier to get your bearings before we continue on."

 

[Eskk Jannik]

Objective: Sabotage the reconstruction

Equipment: Several thermal detonators, purple lightsaber, Ghostsaber

Location: Black Spire Outpost

Tags: Chassella

Eskk walked around the Black Spire Outpost. It was in a horribly dilapidated state, but Eskk wanted to bring it down completely. There were many laborers here trying to rebuild it. Eskk himself was walking around with some lumber, trying to look like he belonged here. Meanwhile he was scouting out the building and the surrounding area.

His first objective was to place bombs in the building itself. Eskk went inside and put the lumber in a pile. Then he went over and inspected a section of wall. There was a support beam here. Eskk quickly looked around to make sure no one was watching him. After confirming that he was unnoticed, he pulled out a thermal detonator from his robe and stuck it behind the support beam. It was configured to explode by remote trigger and he had several more just like it.

Eskk walked around the building. He made a show of stopping at various intervals and looking like he was inspecting things. Some workers were laying duracrete on a wall nearby.

Eskk walked up to them. "Youve installed cross braces to help support that right? When it dries it gets really heavy."

"Of course we did," one of the workers snapped. "We know how to do our jobs."

"Yeah," Eskk responded. "Well I think I'll check it out for myself anyways."

"Suit yourself," the worker said. "Dont stay behind the wall too long, you might get sealed in." Eskk moved behind the duracrete wall that was being put up. He was careful not to touch it or get any on his clothes. The workers had indeed installed cross braces between several support beams. Eskk planted three more thermal detanators here then came out from behind the wall.

Eskk would just have to plant a few more bombs. After that he should be ready to drop the building. So far, everything was going according to plan.

 

[Ivixa Nera'kas]

Location: Ancient Ruins, Batuu
Tags: Ingrid L'lerim Thorald Magnusson Calruss Shiman Arturo Braga Vidalu Na'an Subject 73 Red

Upon hearing the confirmation from the group, Ivixa moved to act in quick and silent fashion, assisted by her armor’s integrated anti-sonic systems that nullified any sound she would have made in advancing on target. On top of her training in various sniper and stalking techniques, it was more than enough to conceal her approach. From there, a mental command set her armor’s anti-sonic systems to full power as the knife was pulled free from its sheath. In the next moment, she was on top of the cultist, swiping the bladed implement across her target’s throat in a manner not dissimilar to a swiped chit, ruthless, yet efficient. The sputtering noises that erupted from his throat were confined safely behind the dampening field, but the tiny sniper held her mass on top of the cultist until the man breathed his last, strong thighs keeping her body in position until the cultist finally ceased moving.

As a deep breath escaped from her lips, Ivixa pushed the body aside. Then, she took position at an angle behind the window, allowing her to look down at the group of cultists in the street without framing her head within the window, which would likely present an easy target for any additional snipers.

“Target KIA.” Ivixa spoke into her comms. “I am in position for overwatch.” She added, before sweeping her sights across the area to search for any more snipers or lookouts, utilizing both her eyes and the passive array of micro-photoreceptors on her armor to do so.

“What’s our next move?”

Spoiler: Gear and Equipment

• Armor
  • Ivixa's Phase I "Glitter Ghost" Stealth Armor
    • Undersuit
      • UL-14 “Virtus” Class Underlay
    • Left Wrist
      • Shatter Beam
    • Right Wrist
      • LPD-40 IceJet Miniaturized CryoBan Projector
    • Energy Shield
      • Phase III “Force Avenger” Energy Shield
• Small Arms
  • Phase I “Clairvoyant” Anti-Materiel Rifle
    • APFSDS Rounds (Neuranium Core)
    • Antimatter Rounds
  • HG-88 ‘Big Iron’ Hand Cannon
• Melee
  • Whimsy Knife
• Grenades and Explosives
  • Impact Grenade (2)