Faction Stoke the Embers (RTL/Underground)

[Aeshi Tillian]

DEFIANCE NOVA
THE DEEP HOLD
Iris Arani Arkyn Rane Porro Tanau Yula Perl Mariah of House Marr Raefe Khilasa Kaia Starchaser Varen Ardos @Other League and Undergrounders

The time was here, and Aeshi found the fighting spirit to be... a bit on the low side. The Underground still lived, of course, with cells on Dorin thanks to the efforts of the Jensaarai after rescuing the Perl girl. Not that she expected the GA to think of thanking the League for keeping their friendly resistance movements in a somewhat survivable condition. But still, she was glad they'd been able to deal out some black eyes and get a few small groups of resistance fighters able to wage the long war ahead of them.

But now the problem was much closer to home.

Sith.

At the far end of the Rimma Trade Route. That did not bode well. Where had they come from? How had they gotten there? How many were there? Why were they there? The League had their hyperspace beacons all over that area of space and she had plenty of business contacts in the regions.

But she wasn't going to wait around this time for them to conquer most of the known galaxy. Not again. She couldn't help but notice the irony. Her own parents had been caught and executed while running ops for the Underground against the One Sith.

And here she was- about to do the same. She intended it to be much more successful, at least. She'd rang some bells, and sent some invites.

It was time to be proactive. They needed to redirect their attention out towards the Rim. The Core would have to handle its problems for a while. The League couldn't do both. She'd ensure the Captain's Coterie kept the Dorin and Redoubt cells up to snuff with intel and supplies.

But beyond that, she would have to focus her attention this way. Keep the Sith in check. Get the League to start taking official action somehow. Maybe not direct action immediately. But perhaps political action. Embargos. Blockades. Sanctions against Sith business partners. Anything to starve the Sith war machine of its supplies while she got her teams ready to move.

"They're on their way, Aeshi," one of the Underground analysts said, glancing up from a display. "They're making their way past the Jig."

Aeshi nodded. "Good. The sooner we can be ready, the better. Clocks are ticking. How's our eavesdropping?"

"Signals coming in loud and clear," the tech replied with a nod. "We have clean chatter coming in from past Elrood."

"Well done," Aeshi replied with a nod, keying up a holochart of the sectors at the end of the Rimma, marking out the progression of worlds that had initially gone dark, following the route up to Pergitor and Karideph, which had been her last intel regarding Sith movement, some old contacts identifying suspicious behavior that could only be the start of some incursion.

Now she waited for the others to arrive to decide on their move. Their goal: hard intel on what was going on that they could share with the galaxy. Get the Rimma locked down.

But she couldn't do it alone. They needed a plan and they needed a team.

 

[Jared Starchaser]

Running around with the Rimward Trade League was Kaia's place. Jared's… not so much. But Kaia's place was also in the corporate offices and the hyperlane trails leading to riches untold. Jared was much more the wet work. He was the one who followed his father's footsteps into the freedom fighter role, while Kaia followed the Starchaser wanderlust. No one was following how strong of a Jedi either could be. Which left the next generation, or that other kid, Kyra Perl . Jared was all for putting the fight into the galaxy.

And with Sith on the rise? He'd let his father and sister be the getaway drivers, and he'd handle the fight. A bit of training with the Jensaarai went a long way, add in some armor? Even longer. And with Sith resurging? Someone needed to take up the mantle in the war. His father had Celeste Rigel to worry on, and the twins. It was important. Moving the people and supplies around, even more so.

It took some time for Jared to arrive at the rendezvous. He was breaking in a new ship. A racing version of a YT-3500 known as the Squall. The vessel made its way to the rendezvous and join the team. Like any Starchaser modified ship, the Squall was fast, well shielded, and had listening and navigation gear that was second to none. The ship didn't have many outward weapons but it did have a hidden bay that could hold a starfighter. She was a freighter at her core, but Jared didn't have much time for honest smuggling. Running into war zones, dropping people off, and getting out, plus an E-Wing with some automatic droid piloting? It helped a lot.

The ship was not running with stealth systems, though a stealth cruiser was not far away. Nor was the E-Wing backup. A mere microjump out. The ship pulled from lightspeed and dropped a stealth beacon.

"Another beacon in place, Tillian. Squall looking for our next order." Jared called over the comms, hoping the encryption was working well. The ship was moving at sublight as it awaited the one of three pre-programmed jumps.

Aeshi Tillian

 

[Raefe Khilasa]

Raefe hadn't expected one of his first jobs as an unofficial member of the Rimward Trade League to be an operation against Sith. He might call it irony but knows better than to trivialize such things. It seems to obvious to make a stop at Dagobah on his way to the edges of the Rim, given its history and territorial relation. Yet he does, there should be time enough, and, if nothing else, redundant comms with encryption won't hurt. Advanced astrogation algorithms take only moments to launch communication and reconnaissance buoys to optimal and subtle orbits around the swamp planet.

The mirialan owes his ship and, by extension, his life to the League and its captain. He doesn't feel regret or resentment at this fact. Years slid by in a blink, and so his place in the galaxy. He is content with his role. Having earned loyalty and the influential figures trust in such a manner seems to be enough for both of them. Having few ambitions, even those in line with the factions prerogatives, goes far in the exchange. While he had pondered moving up within the organization, mere knowledge of Defiance Nova feels penultimate in its way.

As for the ship, Isilme, this is a perfect job, speed, cargo drop, and evasion. She was made to move quickly, not for prolonged engagement. It shouldn't have a problem escaping traditional tractor beams and interdiction, but fortunately he hadn't reason to test that yet. Isilme would fracture under direct fire, but those shots would have to be lucky, nimble as it is. Such an instance had forced surrender of the ship not long ago, lucky shots in a crossfire ambush quickly diminishing shields.

"Beacons in place, captain, my captain. Should be forwarding transmissions and scans soons, though I wouldn't expect much, personally. Next Isilme communique coming should be a long minute." He double checks further course. Able to relax unless systems notify him, he still spreads his senses abroad. The planets dark energies would mask any ripples. Unfortunately, this might work both ways if anything of suspect had already entered the planet's sphere. His best bet would be to catch something hiding in celestial shadows beyond. His jedi training, known to few on the Rim, while common enough are his slight advantage still and one he would covet as long as possible.

Aeshi Tillian

 

[Porro Tanau]

Location: Innton II | Defiance Nova | The Deep Hold
Tags: Aeshi Tillian

Porro really enjoyed his missions with Sorr Kortu and the crew of the Tiaza’s Purr, but he was very grateful for their move from the Tion Cluster to work more with the RTL. Porro had made some good contacts and was really starting to make a life for himself in the League. Aeshi had been putting him to work since he answered a call she put out while they were both on Dagobah. He did a little bit of covert work in regards to the reappearing Sith and then there was the missing delegation on Dorvalla. That work earned him an invite to Defiance Nova as a member of Aeshi’s Captain's Coterie.

He knew that Aeshi was hard at work, but Porro couldn’t start working in a new locale without first trying out the nearest cantina. The Rimma Jig had a nice Alderaanian brandy, which Porro forced himself to stop enjoying after one glass and informed the bartender to be sure to keep that in stock.The bartender didn’t seem to pay much attention to the suggestion, but Porro had a feeling as long as he was a frequent visitor to the base the owner of the bar would find it useful to keep his favorite drink on hand.

Entering the Deep Hold, Porro was not at the least bit shocked to find Aeshi hard at work. The Sith really seemed to have her worked up. Porro knew people well enough to know that he didn’t want to ask why until he was sure Aeshi was nice and drunk or in some other way distracted. There was more than just the fate of the League in her urgency and Porro wasn’t always comfortable with bringing out the emotions of others. He much preferred casual or business interactions.

“Hey Aeshi,” Porro announced his arrival to the defacto leader of the anti-Sith movement. “Any more intel on Sith movements? I had a drink with a friend who might be willing to give us a small fleet and definitely will help us with supplies and logistics after the deal on Dorvalla. Nulexia Ye'dulla is getting a little worried that Sith are getting too close to her family on Eliad. NuNoble Inc. might just be a good ally in this fight. Even if she doesn’t officially throw her full support into the League.”​

 

[Shaye Ares]

Shaye had been doing a lot of flying lately.

A new --to her-- project with Uncle Coren and Co. He'd managed to persuade her to smuggle people -- in a good way, via the Great River. It was a vast and shadowy network that she'd never heard of before. And while he'd told her straight up that she sucked at being a Jedi, he'd commended her on her smuggling efforts. And the rest was history.

Since she needed her ship so often now, she wasn't about to let it get blown up today doing whatever they were doing here...

So, she had tagged along with Jared Starchaser about his new ship. Was there a better way to break in a ship? She didn't think so. But why was she here again? What was her part in all of this... sith business? Shaye wasn't even sure herself. Maybe it was boredom. Or maybe it was actually seeing the impact the sith had on the galaxy first hand... she'd moved some refugees to safe houses recently. They'd lost their homes.

If she was going to punch somebody, it might as well be someone that deserved it, right?

"What's the word, cuz?" Shaye said as she joined Jared in the cockpit.

 

[Aeshi Tillian]

Raefe Khilasa Jared Starchaser Shaye Ares Porro Tanau

Aeshi leaned back for a moment and flexed her fingers, feeling the movement in the cybernetic joints. They ached today, even though they shouldn't have felt any pain without actual damage.

Phantom pain. That was what they called it, at least according to the docs she had spoken briefly too after the battle. She opened her eyes and let out a deep breath as signals started flaring to life, messages coming in, crackling across hyperspace.

She tilted her head, to listen. "I read, you Squall. Datapackets should start filtering in shortly. Appreciate your work. Come on back. It's about time for us to start making moves as a coordinated team. See you shortly."

Another message came through from one of the fairly new volunteers, and she smiled slightly. "I read you, Isilme. Come on back. Make the standard three random jumps before heading back to base. And no worries if the intel is scanty at first. You're in a fairly out-of-the-way part of the sector."

Despite that, Dagobah was a surprising hotspot for warfare. It was something she had set aside as a plan for the future. There was a way they could turn that to their advantage. If these were truly Sith at the end of the Rimma, she suspected they would want to seize the planet for its powerful Force presence. She wanted to establish a trap of some sort for them when they arrived.

Porro came up behind her, turning halfway around, and giving a quick nod. "No, nothing on their movements yet. It'll take some time before we gather that kind of data."

Unless, of course, they sent in a team. And that, she felt, was the next right move. She nodded as he continued.

"NuNoble?" She paused for a moment, considering. "I'm somewhat familiar with them. Never done any business with them, though. And their support would be very useful, even if it's under the table. You trust her?"

That was always the biggest question when it came to resistance movements. And family could be both a strong motivating factor, but also a weakness. She knew that well enough. It would have to be covert if family was at risk of retaliation.

 

[Jared Starchaser]

The fact that Shaye was with him was more an idea of his own, after hearing the orders that the younger cousin had received from his father. She was a smuggler, and a good one at that. But smuggling was just one thing, combat flying was something else. Laying these beacons though? Child's play behind the stick of a ship.

Especially his new one, fast and nimble, but maybe too fast to make a sudden and quick stop. Probably should have kept to the Sunrise for this, but a Sullustan-modded Corellian vessel? Was perfect for him and his line. Looking over his shoulder at Shaye, he nodded.

"Just laying the beacons, and waiting for word. If I know the Sith, they'll be around." Hearing the call come in from Aeshi, he nodded and double clicked the comms in an affirmative. A tactic he learned from being a starfighter pilot.

"You heard her, bring us in. Lets see what you've learned about astrogation." He pulled up the coordinates for their rendezvous with Aeshi. "Three jumps to get us there." Jared indicated the copilot seat and had even swapped controls from his pilot's chair to that one, complete with astrogation set up.

Shaye Ares Aeshi Tillian

 

[Corbin Vasher]

Spoiler: Equipment

STARSHIP: Tra'tena SPEEDER: Burbr ARMOR: Gar'Katya
WEAPONS: Ravenfire - Burbr'sacitr - Burbr'sacitayr - Nuhaatyc'bedtr​

"So, that's twenty cases. Sure you don't need any help carrying it?" Corbin asked, delivering cases of root beer that were going to The Rimma Jig cantina.

"S'not necess'ry. S'me job, efter all. Oi'll hev 'er all up ter the Jig in no toim, ye wait an' see." The man replied.

"Very well." Corbin nodded and headed on his way to see Aeshi Tillian .

---

Corbin happened to overhear Captain Ash speaking with Porro Tanau about a possible ally. NuNoble? Corbin didn't think he'd heard of them, though he felt like the name mentioned rang a bell. A vague, hazy bell. He'd probably heard that name before...

He knocked to announce his presence and nodded to both. "Always good to have decent allies. Speaking of, I might have some allies willing to help. Not the Enclave. They'd be willing to fight Sith any day, but I doubt they'd actively and intentionally lend any aid. It'd be more coincidental. But I know some other Mandalorians who would possibly be willing. And they know some mercs who would be willing if the pay is good. I'd be willing to cover the cost myself, of course. Anyway, I have the reports on Dorin." He tapped his left vambrace and extended his scomplink. "If you'll lend me your datapad, I'll upload them for you." As he did so, he continued. "I wanted to place a beacon around the Hand of the Makers, but the sensors wouldn't work right. Should've occured to me before I even tried." He shrugged. "Oh well. I did get one around Askaj and her moon. In, out, no trouble. Super easy."

 

[Raefe Khilasa]

Blue and white whorls and distorts in a dazzling display that never gets old. This, automated jumps, one away and two back, and an almost empty vessel make for a perfect meditation setting. The mirialan forms a lotus in the pilot chair and blanks his mind to let whatever thoughts wander in as they wish. The quirky connection between hyperspace and the force often leaves intriguing but vague and flighty impressions. Something he should probably study more but hasn't made time.

Recalling the galactic political map and hyperspace lanes, there is sense in Sith hedging the League's territory and interests conflicting. Unfortunately, Raefe isn't enough in touch with galactic, or even local, politics to assume much more. He'd had no reason to consider things on such a scale. Suspicions now are he'd better do some catching up if he's to stay aligned with the will of the force, which seems to be pushing him to schemes grander than any he'd partaken previously.

Almost too soon, Isilme enters Innton II's atmosphere. With a long stretch accompanied by unintelligible but satisfying groans, he switches over to manual. He keeps the sleek, reflective silver ship close to the mountains and secondary and tertiary systems powered down. "Nova, This is Isilme comin' in for a drink, straight up," cuts across the encrypted line; a short and simple conveyance for what it is worth. He's not expecting any trouble or tail here and now.

The camouflaged canopy pulls back and closed again as the ship slips into the shadow port con-listening post. Recently refitted and maintained, which it had been in need of for a while, the light freighter makes little fuss as it sets down and the central ramp descends. Earthy brown boots, their tops folded down, seem louder to his ears the than ship as he steps in to the, well, how to describe it... vintage port. Gone though are the sounds of comfortable black leather pants and brown vest over black shirt rubbing together with the occasional clink of trinkets braided into hair; he'd been off-planet for far too long.

Blaster pistol on one hip and collapsed staff on the other, both requisitions from the League, the taller-than-average, pine alien wanders around for a few minutes to gather his bearings. A quick stop at the Jig allows enough time to down one of the local favorites before heading down to the Deep Hold. Concealed, old warships did make for excellent hideouts, so long as no one got curious. Why should they so close to the end of the line?

Drawing in his aura and consequently losing the feel for others, he enters operations in time to catch individuals chatting business and a few name drops; they hold no significance to him. The, curious and cheery, tone of his voice and inflections suggest one from the core worlds gone native for a few years, "Hey, captain, crew! Did I miss tha preamble? Was aiming for tha fun stuff." He adopts a quirky grin, a section of white flashing past dark lips.

 

[Porro Tanau]

Location: Innton II | Defiance Nova | The Deep Hold
Tags: Aeshi Tillian | Corbin Vasher | Raefe Khilasa | OPEN

Porro nodded at the status. Waiting was always the hardest part for him. He got antsy quite easily. “Trust is a very strong word,” Porro admitted openly. He was a smuggler of sorts and he his early life was filled with less than reputable crews and work. “I trust Sorr Kortu and Brinna Dara to be goodie goodies and to do the right thing. And I trust them with my life. I trust that our work here is what is best for the League. As for Nulexia? I trust she is sincere about her desire to help and that the presence of the Sith in this area is an unfavorable development for her.

“I don’t think that she’s going to promise something she can’t deliver,” Porro continued. “I don’t think she will knowingly do anything to hurt the League. She is an upstanding business woman. The League is good for her. But she is a business woman, so I can’t guarantee that she won’t take any gains from this mission and profit from it somehow. I can’t say she will act completely in our interests. And I certainly wouldn’t invite her into Defiance Nova without demanding some kind of commitment, but she’s got means to help and a reason to do it. Let me know if you wish for me to reach out.”

Porro gave Corbin a nod. It was the first time they’d been in the same spot though Porro had heard of the man before. Porro’s spine tingled at the mention of the Hand of the Makers. Porro was always cognizant of those old places and the bad joojoo they can hold. He was glad the beacons didn’t pick up much from that area. He would hate for Aeshi to see the look in his eyes if he was assigned a mission to look into the derelict Dreadnought. “Glad things went smoothly. Hopefully we’ll start getting intel soon.”

Soon after, Raefe Khilasa arrived. Another member of the League, who was a part of Aeshi’s trusted inner circle. Another person that Porro had yet to meet in person. “Welcome to the war room. We’re waiting on further intel at the moment. But probably wouldn’t hurt to talk through a plan and wait for the intel to tell us where to put the plan into action.”​

 

[Aeshi Tillian]

Jared Starchaser Porro Tanau Corbin Vasher Raefe Khilasa

Aeshi stepped away from the console as the others began walking in. She pushed away from it and turned to survey the others, giving them nods as they came in. As Corbin spoke, she nodded, sliding a datapad off the console and handing it over. "Appreciate the data. Here's the datapad. What's your initial assessment of the Underground status there?"

The answer was not easy by any stretch of the imagination. She couldn't even guess how they might do, but the best she could do was make sure supplies trickled in to keep them fighting and sustaining. If they could keep the Sith in check, or force them elsewhere, they could move more actively in Imperial space.

As Raefe came in, she nodded. "No, nothing yet. We're waiting to see the sensor data come in first. But overall, the first step is getting eyes on the situation. Start probing patrols and response times to slip people in."

As Porro spoke, she nodded, considering carefully. "No, I won't invite her here unless she's committed. This isn't the kind of place for an upstanding businessperson anyway.' That brought out a somewhat ironic smile as she considered the implications. "Although what's best for the League..."

Aeshi shrugged. "I'm not sure there is a right thing. The League will fight the Sith eventually. And we've only got so many Jedi. We'll have to start preparing the ground before it comes to that. Once the last two arrive, we'll put a plan together. What did the rest of you see on your runs? Any signs or indicators?"

 

[Shaye Ares]

Shaye gave Jared Starchaser a nod. Sith, huh... well, they were an ever-present threat it seemed. However, Shaye herself had yet to actually encounter one face to face. Maybe that was a good thing. After all, she was just a spacer with a training saber she'd stolen from Coren's temple on Kattada and later tinkered with to be a real saber.

"Alright," she said, confidently.

As far as she was concerned, this sort of stuff was in her blood. Starchasers could fly. She turned a narrowed-gaze to the console as she took a glance at the coordinates. Three jumps. After a moment's focus, it all seemed to snap into place. "Got it." With the controls at her fingertips now, they set off for the meeting.

Once they'd linked up with Aeshi, Shaye would walk in by Jared's side. She'd let him do any of the talking.

Aeshi Tillian | Porro Tanau | Corbin Vasher | Raefe Khilasa

 

[Jared Starchaser]

It was nice to be able to race around, but it was a bit better to be part of something bigger. Maybe he wasn't as far from his father as he thought himself to be lately. The fact that he was bringing his cousin into this conflict? Well, that made it all the more difficult. But laying listening devices at first? Not so bad. And he would need a Starchaser at the helm with him, if he knew Aeshi as he thought he did. But hopefully they'd be doing things Underground style.

"The trick is I don't know what we're gonna get ourselves into. We are fast enough right now that I think we may be able to break any blockades if we need to get people in. Have you done much with the Underground?"

He was speaking based off what he was feeling from her. This girl needed a teacher in the Force if they were about to go toe to toe with the Sith.

Shaye Ares Aeshi Tillian Porro Tanau Corbin Vasher Raefe Khilasa

 

[Corbin Vasher]

Spoiler: Equipment

STARSHIP: Tra'tena SPEEDER: Burbr ARMOR: Gar'Katya
WEAPONS: Ravenfire - Burbr'sacitr - Burbr'sacitayr - Nuhaatyc'bedtr​

TAGS: Aeshi Tillian Porro Tanau Raefe Khilasa Jared Starchaser Shaye Ares​

"Appreciate the data. Here's the datapad. What's your initial assessment of the Underground status there?"

"Lots of casualties, sadly. The Kel'dors were hit hard, but they're a strong, resilient people. They can get past this. We will continue to lend what aid we can, but there's only so much we can actually do. We're not the Alliance, after all."
Corbin finished uploading the data to the Aeshi Tillian's datapad. Another man walked in, a Mirialan slightly taller than Corbin. Well, taller if Corbin weren't wearing his armor. That boosted him so they were probably even. The man was obviously Force-sensitive, by the glow of the Force Aura through his body. But, like Aeshi's Aura, it was weak. Corbin wasn't sure if either just had a lack of training or were actively trying to hide their Force presence. He could certainly understand that, having been rewuired to learn to hide his own as a small child because it unsettled other Force-sensitives. He'd learned it so well he could completely erase his presence. Not just in the Force, but from sight, electronics, and even people's memories if he chose. So far, though, he had never really had a reason to go that far. His standard stealth abilities generally sufficed if he needed to remain undetected.
Corbin gave the new arrival a nod of respect. He wouldn't mention it, because it wasn't any of his concern.
As Aeshi was conversing with the two other men, a notification pinged on Corbin's HUD.
"Captain Ash, looks like there might be movement. The Askaj beacons are picking up ships heading toward the Hand of the Makers. Frek, I wish I had been able to make that beacon work at the site. Interesting timing that I just missed them by so short a time. Maybe if I'd stayed a little longer, I could've seen something myself. Thankfully I have the beacons from Askaj. Better than nothing."

 

[Aeshi Tillian]

Corbin Vasher Porro Tanau Raefe Khilasa Jared Starchaser Shaye Ares

Aeshi nodded for a moment, "They knew what they were doing when chose to take up arms. You and Veino trained a core of them and taught them to how to fight to survive. That'll mean more in the long run than any initial victory."

It was always the case. Rebellions may be built on hope, but they were paid for with blood and won only by patience. That was something that had to be relied on and what it came down to was the Kel'dor were an excellent species. Stubborn, strong-willed, independent, and a strong martial tradition in a world that was hostile to the mostly-human occupying forces.

"Unfortunately the Alliance cannot always be trusted to be able to help," Aeshi said at last, "But good work. That intel will be critical."

At the next one, she frowned, looking up from the datamaps. "Askaj? Toward the Hand of the Maker? That's concerning. But it would give us some advantage if we can slip behind the forces they've sent to the Hand."

 

[Shaye Ares]

Shaye side-eyed Jared as he asked about the Underground.

Had she worked with them? Probably not. However, she'd done plenty of Underground-type things before. Her whole life was about lying low, after all. A smuggler needed to operate like that.

"Does working with your Dad count?" she asked, shrugging. Shaye knew that she probably should have taken Coren up on offers to help with her force skills... but she was stubborn and she didn't like to accept charity from others. If she could do it on her own, she would. And if she couldn't... well, she'd cross that bridge when she got there.

Once she'd docked the ship w/ the station, Shaye stood from her seat and stretched.

"Alright," she said. "Well, we ought to meet up with the others, yeah?"

They'd probably have an update and maybe some orders about what to do next.

Jared Starchaser Aeshi Tillian Corbin Vasher Porro Tanau Raefe Khilasa

 

[Raefe Khilasa]

The mirialan returns the almost strange nod to the heavily armed and armored man. He could guess this one is Jensaarai, and, from that, can't help but wonder about the raven motif. The decision to dim his aura is reinforced.

He finds himself quickly learning things about and from these people that he'd only had notions of before. Having an active reason to consider the Hand of the Makers has a whole different feel to reading about it as history. Through the discussion, he finds himself scratching stubbly beard thoughtfully for lack of contribution. Geopolitical intelligence is far from his forte.

"What could the Sith want there? Surely they don' expect ta collect research or resources unharried? I find it hard ta believe they could accomplish anythin', but clearly they don't."

His stance shifts with arms folding as he tries to work out a puzzle with few pieces available.

 

[Corbin Vasher]

TAGS: Aeshi Tillian Porro Tanau Raefe Khilasa Jared Starchaser Shaye Ares​

"What could the Sith want there? Surely they don' expect ta collect research or resources unharried? I find it hard ta believe they could accomplish anythin', but clearly they don't."

"I have no first-hand knowledge, but from what I've read and heard about the area, there are supposedly powerful weapons and ancient relics hidden there. Along with all manner of dangers. Undoubtedly starweirds roam there. They would most certainly hate a mass of Force-users barging in. There are also all sorts of anomalies in the area. I confirmed that our beacons wouldn't work, but there are also tales of spatial and temporal distortion. For them to risk trying to take the Hand, the Sith must either be desperate for power, or confident that they can handle it. Either way, it isn't good news." He turned to Aeshi Tillian . "Who else are we waiting on?"

 

[Aeshi Tillian]

Raefe Khilasa Corbin Vasher Porro Tanau Shaye Ares Jared Starchaser

Aeshi considered what they said, before shrugging. “I’ve no idea. Ancient arcane artifacts aren’t my thing, and frankly, I steer clear of them.”

That brought together a thought though. “They have the advantage of knowing the terrain now, but I’d stake creds on us being better pilots.”

She filed the thought away for later and waited for the others to straggle in.

“So,” she began after everyone had gathered around. “I want to start probing the Sith space forces. That will have to be our advantage. We know this territory better than they do— the side hyperlanes, the anomalies, the shadowports, and where sensors get fritzy. Kathol Rift especially- I’ve been flying that for fifteen years.”

Aeshi rapped her knuckles against the holodisplay, a metallic clanking sound from her cybernetics. “Let’s pick a target. Let’s make a plan. Let’s measure their response times, see if ID their response vessels. Maybe wreck a few small craft.”