Strength Through Joy [FO Dominion of Trenwyth Hex]

[Ludolf Vaas]

It was peculiar that Ludolf Vaas' first taste as Supreme Commander of the First Order would not come in the form of a battle. That would have actually been the preferred method, he thought, because it was one he was used to. Instead, the First Order had mobilized its forces in an effort to peacefully annex more planets under its sphere of influence. Ludolf knew that Supreme Leader Sieger Ren was both wise and powerful. He was a man of great strength, but also a man of pragmatism as well. If the First Order could conquer planets without the shedding of blood, then that would be an even greater victory. Despite the fact that Vaas yearned for battle, he relished in the fact that the lives of his men would be saved today.

He wore the symbol of the black-and-red sun not simply because he was some kind of mercenary military leader. Ludolf believed in the ideals that the symbol stood for, and he knew that the First Order had become the envy of other systems throughout the galaxy. Despite their frequent demonization from their enemies, naysayers could not contend with the fact that their living standards were high, their people were happy and that the First Order boasted some of the most magnificent cityscapes the galaxy had yet seen. And not just on Dosuun, though Avalonia was a marvel in and of itself - even Riflor now boasted a new metropolis, its neoclassical architecture constructed with aesthetic and beauty in mind, a wonderful place to live.

It was true. The galaxy made their best effort to cast the First Order into the role of villains, and there were certainly reasons for that, but the fact remained that the First Order was a place where many wanted to live. It was a place made by and for Humans, where Humanity could thrive like never before.

As Supreme Commander Vaas' dropship lowered onto the surface of Trenwyth, his holoscreen had been tuned in to the address that Supreme Leader Sieger was giving across First Order space.

"... A better future for all of humanity," Ludolf heard the Supreme Leader say as he looked up from the dashboard controls. "Trenwyth will no longer be a simple backwater planet on the edge of the galaxy. This place will be celebrated as a great living space for the citizens of the First Order. A place where Humanity can observe and meditate on the great biological diversity of our galaxy, so that we might understand our place within it. All working citizens of the First Order and their families will receive free vacation time to the bio-museum world of Trenwyth, to experience these great marvels of nature firsthand!"

The crowd in attendance gave a cheer of approval.

Ludolf silently approved, too. A great society was about more than conquering planets for the sheer sake of conquest. It was all for naught if there was nothing of substance behind it, nothing to feed the spirit of Humanity. And although Ludolf normally felt most comfortable in the thick of battle, he was proud to undertake the quest of terraforming Trenwyth. As he stepped off his dropship, there was a caged krayt dragon being lowered onto the field in front of him. It was the first time he had seen one up close.

And meanwhile, though Trenwyth was the most publicly advertised campaign, the rest of the First Order's forces would be spreading to nearby planets, undertaking different operations all with the same goal; to make the galaxy a better place for Humanity.

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[Objectives]​

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Spoiler

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Trenwyth is a sparsely populated planet. .Aside from once being the site of a battle in the Nagai-Tof war almost a millennium ago, Trenwyth has been home to a few small pockets of population – until now.The First Order has a grand vision for this unassuming planet, for Trenwyth will become the site of a great biological preserve that will be a marvel to citizens across First Order space.The First Order military has been tasked with importing the galaxy’s most interesting and rare fauna, while scientists work on further terraforming the planet into a lush, beautiful world that shall be a sight to behold, and a prime vacation spot for citizens of the First Order!Help with the terraforming project or aid the military in rounding up the galaxy’s most majestic creatures for the bio-museum world of Trenwyth!

[Objective 1: Help import exotic fauna to Trenwyth and turn the planet into a place of vacation and enjoyment for the First Order populace![


Tel’erra is a planet rich in minerals and ore, populated by small groups of clannish Tel'varn (interbred humans and Togruta) who have basically reverted to a hunter-gatherer lifestyle. After working out a deal with Raxis Independent Designs for the location of the planet, the First Order will be colonizing Tel'erra for its rich minerals, but also in an effort to improve the lives of the humans on the planet. Travelers should beware of the dark side of the planet, which is wrought with electrical storms, forcing all starships to use the other side of the planet when travelling to Tel'erra. As hunter-gatherer lifestyles are often wrought with health problems, the First Order military has been tasked with making contact with the natives and introducing modern medicine and technology to the camps, and distributing leaflets. The Security Bureau has also been tasked with integrating themselves into local tribes and earning the trust of their leaders. Meanwhile, materials are being gathered for a city on Tel’erra that will both improve living standards and properly industrialize the planet.

[Objective 2: Provide medicinal aid to the tribes of Tel’erra]

[Objective 3: Make contact with the tribal leaders of Tel’erra and ensure the First Order earns their trust.]

Imhalyan is ruled by Stardust Raxis – a Twi’lek Force user with previous ties to the Knights of Ren. She has pledged to support the First Order so long as she gets to keep her position as Queen of the planet. The First Order is sending diplomats to deal with Stardust and ensure she enters into an alliance with the First Order.

[Objective 4: Engage in diplomacy with Stardust Raxis to allow Imhalyan to come under First Order control.]

Annaj is a planet with a great deal of history, ancient and recent. It was recently the site of an insurrection against the local government, which retains only limited control over the planet. It is not only home to Darell Irani’s Iron Crown Enterprises, a company which has worked closely with the First Order, it is also the site where the Galactic Empire’s military retreated after their catastrophic defeat at the Battle of Endor. Numerous ruins remain from the Empire’s brief but historical time on this planet. Reports confirm that messenger droids carrying messages from Palpatine himself in the wake of his death have been spotted on the planet. As such, the Knights of Ren have been tasked with obtaining an old Imperial messenger droid with hopes of capturing a message from Palpatine. Meanwhile, the First Order military has pledged to aid the local government in rebuilding in the wake of the war, as well as bring order to the planet by rooting out any anarchist partisan forces that threaten the local government. Not only this, but First Order diplomats have been sent to Annaj to broker a deal with Iron Crown Enterprises wherein Annaj and Xal 3 are allowed to retain increased autonomy in self-governance, exchange for their cooperation with the First Order.

[Objective 5: Obtain Imperial relics from Annaj which will serve as important cultural artifacts for the First Order.]

[Objective 6: Strike a deal with Iron Crown Enterprises to allow the planet to come under First Order control.]

[Objective 7: Aid in the rebuilding efforts of Annaj and destroy any anarchist partisan formations you encounter!]

Xal 3 – Iron Crown Enterprises currently uses this planet to test their weapons. The First Order will be building a shipyard factory on this planet, in order to pool resources with Iron Crown Enterprises and bring more jobs to the system which, similar to Annaj, has also been wracked by civil war. Meanwhile, the First Order military will be testing any and all new prototype weapons on Xal 3 as a demonstration of our power.

[Objective 8: Test a new prototype weapon on Xal 3! The possibilities are endless!]

[Objective 9: Help in the construction of a shipyard on Xal 3 as a token of good will towards Iron Crown Enterprises and the planet.]

[Objective 10: Bring your own Objective! Further the First Order's cause in any way you wish!]

[member="Natasi Fortan"] [member="Valessia Brentioch"] [member="Rolf Amsel"] [member="Jude Falkrowe"] [member="Garett Van"] [member="Sara Lee Jones"] [member="Stardust Raxis"] [member="Nathaniel Barrett"] [member="Asharad Graush"] [member="William Kerkov"] [member="Sentiri"] [member="Cyrus Tregessar"] [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"] [member="Tanomas Graf"] [member="Darth Veles"] [member="Visser Chernykh"] [member="Pierce Fortan III"] [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"] [member="WD-334"] [member="OK-3103"] [member="Greta Kohler"] [member="Collin Calhoun"] [member="Tirdarius"] [member="Marzena Choi"] [member="Dunames Lopez"] [member="Avicus DuSang"] [member="Ophelia DuSang"] [member="Nabrina Vao"] [member="Iskander Deus Tenebris"] [member="Elensa Jari"] [member="Wolf"] [member="Kriel Firin"] [member="Drako Torture"] [member="Phenex Ren"] [member="Karak Ren"]

(if I missed your tag, I apologize)

 

[Dunames Lopez]

Post: 1/38
Location: Xal 3
Allies: First Order and friends
Enemies: unknown
Objective: Help in the construction of a shipyard on Xal 3 (objective 7)

It was good for Dunames to be back and flying. In the past five years, she had her load of problems with the FOEA, especially when its inaugural service as a waste disposal company went awry. It carried a load of hazardous waste that was more safely disposed of in a black hole and she had her share of problems with now-Admiral Graf as a result. Hopefully it would be the beginning of a new partnership within the First Order. The trick was that the Iranis, owning Iron Crown Enterprises, do not get along very well with Jessica, if only because Jessica was identified as a Silver Sanctum member for as long as she has been with that corporation, the new CEO of Ringovinda StarYards, and hence couldn't get her to sell any Egroeg or Sacul mobile adjustable drydock to them. Dunames had the Ultima filled to the brim with components able to be used to deploy a set of drydocks. Whether they were adjustable or not Dunames knew not: they could have proprietary technology in them for what she knew. Dunames has been approached multiple times to train First Order pilots in capital ship piloting, but turned that down on multiple occasions. With the Ultima's hangar being loaded with 36 fighter-sized tugs, rather than with actual fighters...

"We're being hailed" Merrily tells the bridge crew.

"On screen"

"Incoming vessel, this is Xal 3 shipyard control, identify yourself"

"Xal 3 shipyard control, this is Ultima: we are delivering drydock components. I must warn you immediately, there is a lot of components and they all come through the ventral hangar. If permission is granted, tugs will be deployed momentarily"

 

[Basileus Isauros]

Post: 1
Location: Xal 3
Objective: Assist with construction on Xal 3(Objective 9)

Basileus' Star Destroyer had been grounded after being crippled in an engagement with pirates. He was anxious for action after not being able to be involved in any operations for some time. With ship repairs complete, Basil was expected to begin work again. He received instructions to improve relations with Iron Crown Enterprises by assisting with construction of a shipyard. With improved relations, business would improve for ICE while giving the First Order a much needed edge to stay ahead of the other factions in the region.
Approaching Xal 3, Basileus pre-recorded a message that would be delivered immediately to the administration of the construction site. The sight of a Star Destroyer often invokes fear, which in this case, Basil did not want to do.


"This is Commander Basileus Isauros, Commander of the First Order Star Destroyer Excubitore. Requesting permission to aid the Xal 3 Iron Crown Enterprises endeavor of construction of a shipyard. I have teams of engineers and escort teams ready to supplement your construction crews."

"I will stay with my ship and patrol the area to ensure safety of the project," Basileus says after receiving an all clear message.

"Stay on threat level 3. We don't want any surprises," he says to Weapons Officer Rawkins.

 

[Argyle Crompton]

Post: I
Objective: IV: Negotiations with [member="Stardust Raxis"].
Location: Docking Bay.

Argyle Crompton breathed a steady sigh of relief as he inhaled the powdered painkiller. That was just the stuff for him. For the past two days aboard the star destroyer taking him from Dosuun to Imahalyan had provided him no where to engage in his addiction. The junior diplomat slipped the small bag of drugs back in his tailcoats pocket. The Epsilon-class shuttles intercom turned on with a click, "Strap yourselves in, we're headed for final approach."

The two stormtroopers who'd been acting as Argyle's escort sat down opposite him, and strapped themselves in with the mettallic straps. Argyle followed suit, and breathed slowly in. "Get nervous flying sir?" The senior of the two asked.

"No, it's just this is a big deal for us, if I mess this up, the First Order's progress is stymied." Argyle reflected.

"I don't think you could end up that bad sir." The other offered reassuringly "I heard some story that this star destroyer captain ended up having a crack at Grand Moff Fortan."

"And..?" Argyle asked.

"He ended up fine for the most part." The stormtrooper said, "Just remain calm and stick to your guns."

"What the hell did that have to do with anything?" Argyle asked, brow furrowing in frustration.

"Well, he didn't get killed, so I don't see how you getting offed if you bugger it here."

"Real pearls of wisdom there," His officer sardonically snarked. A moment later the shuttle touched down with an audible thud.

"Alright boys, this is it, we have touch down." The pilot alerted the trio.

 

[Asharad Graush]

Location: Annaj
Objective 7: Testing Out Stormtrooper Exosuit versus Annaj Anarchists / Resistance.
[member="Rexus Wenck"]

A'sharad had landed on the planet Annaj at a testing field, one that was quite similar to the one that he had first met [member="Ludolf Vaas"] on with the new Walker of the First Order that was being tested.

Structures were thrown up all around, rapidly made, mainly tents. What they contained however were tons' worth of equipment. Different pieces of armour, weapons, and technology, all sorts of equipment was being tested today. At this point in time the Sith Knight was going through the process of outfitting Stormtroopers of the White Wolves Regiment with exosuits.

These exosuits were well made, at least he figured they were, they were created by Vitiate, his company.

The exosuit was being tested alone today, and at a later point that wasn't today the armour and the exosuit were going to be integrated together. Already in his mind he was imagining that it would bare some semblance to the standard Stormtrooper armour. The First Order was all about image. He had imagined that if they didn't all look the same, or at least had some semblance of looking like their neighbour, the idea would be shut down.

At this point, the men were outfitted, stormtroopers from all sorts of regiments, battalions, platoons were being equipped with this gear. They were moving into their predetermined ranks, the Sith High Colonel finally exited the tent with a DataPad in hand. All of them, stood at attention as he strode to the front of them all. It was a similar situation to when he had last been on Annaj and had fought alongside [member="Isla Ashen"] in his first First Order Operation.

An exciting day indeed.

 

[Visser Chernykh]

Post 1/38
Breaking atmosphere, Imhalyan
Objective 4
[member="Stardust Raxis"] [member="Argyle Crompton"]

Visser found himself pulled away from Cloud City yet again. He was here in a diplomatic shuttle now entering the atmosphere over Imhalyan. Though he could pilot the craft, he didn't. That was the job of the pilot who, he had to admit, was better.

Also, he could've used the blasters his honour guard carried. That wasn't his job either. What was his job? Ambassador, which provided a definite change of pace.

Being commissioner of Cloud City had been like his previous career so far. He'd been a logistics officer, seeing to supplying an entire regiment. He had skill with management and found himself moved into government. The army needed certain skills to run but his talents were being wasted there it seemed.

He could understand the relatively simple post. It was a stepping stone and he'd begun to see the possibilities. One thing at a time, he reminded himself, he had to meet with this Twi'lek. She was the de facto ruler here and her assurances of cooperation were needed.

 

[Stardust Solus Skirae]

Objective 4 negotiations
Post 1/37
Docking area of imahalyan
[member="Argyle Crompton"]

The first order was here at last, they had contacted her, a surprise to her for sure, she had expected for a few star destroyers to appear before she was contacted

Seems they had changed from the last time she had seen them, no matter she was here to solidify a alliance and talk with the person they had sent to her

She approached as the ship landed, she had no guards, and she wore a earth colored dress with fake gold lining....she wish she didn't have to dress up but.....here she was

She inhaled and exhaled, time to play politics

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Objective: 10 (and 4...ish?)
Location: Imhalyan - Floripida
Post: 1

The First Order had sent some of their key diplomats to Imhalyan to meet with [member="Stardust Raxis"], but Marzena Choi would not be joining them – she was by no means a diplomat. Instead, she found herself on a sandy beach in Floripida, on the coastline of the planet. She drifted along the shore, clad in a maxi dress and a sunhat with a large brim. Sunny weather, a beautiful view, a refreshing coastal breeze...

It was not a bad way to spend the day.

Despite the fact that she had come to Imhalyan’s hottest resort town, she was not here on holiday. Marzena would be performing for the public, a free concert put on by the Ministry of Culture. It was a chance to bring good tidings and celebrate the presence of the First Order. Marzena’s relations with Minister Calinda had been rocky, she knew that he was not overly fond of her, but she had made the effort to change his perception. Perhaps he was finally starting to see that she was not just a celebrity, but also a dedicated and loyal citizen.

With time to spare before the concert, Marzena continued to walk the beach, leaving a trail of footprints behind in the sand. She paused to gaze out at the horizon and let out a soft sigh. It was nice here, but she would have much rather been at home with [member="Ludolf Vaas"]. He had made sure to tell her that he would not be engaging in battle this time around, a fact that brought her some comfort... but she still found herself worrying.

Beneath the fabric of her dress was a small bump, it felt like it was growing more noticeable by the day. In fact, it was becoming difficult to hide. Her hands came down to cradle her stomach, her mind wandering. Before Ludolf had set off for his mission, she had slipped a copy of the latest sonogram image into the breast pocket of his coat, so that it could be close to his heart. The thought made her smile.

 

[Roderik von Brinkerhoff]

Objective 2a - Deliver pro-First Order propaganda leaflets over key local settlements on Tel'erra [Starfighter Corps]
Objective 2b - Escort medical transports to and from local population centers on Tel'erra [Navy and Starfighter Corps]
Post 1

Pilot's Ready Room, Resurgent-class Star Destroyer, Concordia

Colonel Roderik von Brinkerhoff stood leisurely in the front of the ready room as he concluded his briefing report, much like he did in the old days. Unlike those days, however, the room was vacant save for the Colonel and his subordinate officer, commander of the atmospheric fighter squadron chosen as the lead unit for this operation, Captain [member="Greta Kohler"]. It was her first operational mission since reassignment to the TIE/Striker model of the venerable TIE design, and after the tremendous battle that had occurred against the rogue elements of the former One Sith.

"Those are the mission objectives. Simple enough." He remarked, truthfully. There was no anticipated hostility, and the payloads she would be carrying were canisters that would be dispensing leaflets filled with pro-Imperial statements and explanations in whatever dialects were prevalent around the location, as dictated by the men and women of the First Order Security Bureau. Intelligence analysts concocted the most elaborate plans, to which Roderik felt pleased to have a hand in facilitating.

Her component of the mission was simply to fly from way points Alpha-thru-Delta, distributing one ordnance package per site, before returning to base aboard the Concordia. Another squadron would be providing escort to the medical shuttles deploying from the naval vessels at the same time.

"I think we could all do with a quiet mission this time out. Any last questions? Your squadron briefing is scheduled for two hours from now." He wouldn't sit in on her briefing, he always hated when superior officers had sat in the back row of a briefing he presented, in the days when he was a Captain. He wouldn't subject her to the same nervous energy that it had provoked in him. His job was to lead his officers in leading their pilots, not to feed his own ego through intimidation or needless critique of those stationed under him.

 

[Rexus Wenck]

Post: II
Objective: VII: Testing Equipment with @Asharad Graush on pitiful resistance.
Location: Standing to attention.

Rexus Wenck stood to attention with the rest of the Gundark Gunners. Since their action on Nar'Tan and one of their officers being brought into the spotlight helped their image. Since then, they hadn't seen any combat, but they'd been on the front lines, securing Kan'Dul against Vax and Nar'iin agitators. But now, they were back in the spotlight, and Rexus Wenck was hyped. He hadn't seen Colonel Graush since their procession on Dosuun, but he didn't mind.

"Gundark Gunners sir, reporting for duty colonel!" The lieutenant called, saluting. Unlike the last time they'd met, the Gunner discipline had improved. Their movements were swift, slick and most of all organised. The second difference, although not really discernable was the change in armor. The stormtroopers new armour was a little uncomfortable. It felt a little tighter, and that didn't sit to well. But, Rexus hoped that when the adrenaline kicked in, hopefully it'd feel a little better.

 

[Asharad Graush]

Location: Annaj
Objective 7: Testing Out Prototype Versus Anna Anarchists
Post Two.
[member="Rexus Wenck"], Ally.

A'sharad Graush heard the cry from further down the line.

The Gundark Gunners were back. He saw some of the stormtroopers' helmets in the front turn. At that point it was then he realized that it was the same groupings as before, merely with more men this time. Close to a battalion in a swamp, rather than an entire regiment spread thin within an urban landscape.

Zerek Platoon, and Trill Company, and a bunch of other companies were also spread out across the nearby area. Lots of their information was being filtered through his comms.

"We move out," A'sharad called out. He spoke on the comm, one of the additional Wolf Platoon's took off in another direction. There was a swamp nearby, and they were aiming to move through the marsh, rather than going around it. Zerek Platoon and the Gundark Gunners were going to go around while they protected those that were aiding in the rebuilding of Annaj's infrastructure.

 

[Argyle Crompton]

Post: III
Objective: IV: Negotiations with [member="Stardust Raxis"].
Location: Docking Bay.

Argyle undid his straps, and walked towards the landing ramp, his two guards followed closely behind. When the ramp extended, he walked down it, boot making an audible clink against the metal. He was attired in an Avalonian gentleman's coat. Navy blue tail coat, with a white sash on top. Underneath he wore a white buttoned up tunic, which had a frilly thingo at the very top. His head was adorned by a black tri-cornered hat with a white wig underneath. At the very bottom of the ramp, the commissioner offered a salute to the Twi'Lek, a remnant of his old army days. "Madame Raxis, a pleasure to meet you." he said, walking towards her and extending his metallic hand.

 

[Rexus Wenck]

Post: IV
Objective: VII: Testing Equipment with [member="Asharad Graush"] on pitiful resistance.
Location: Marching through marshes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi6tvcDInVY

The Gundark Gunners mobilised immediately walking around the thick swamps. In the distance, a few hundred meters away, First Order naval technicians were reconnecting the areas civilian holonet broadcast receivers. As the troops marched in a rather loose formation, Rexus approached the infamous colonel. Although he knew that they were not friends of any sort, the trooper felt like he and the colonel may have some sort of rapport. The two had shared a rather tense experience, and he wanted to see what had happened to the colonel since the battle, and ceremony. "Hello colonel," he said cordially, "Apologies if I am bothering you, I was just wondering, how have you been?" he asked.

 

[Asharad Graush]

Location: Annaj Swamps
Objective 7: Resistance Busting
Allies: [member="Rexus Wenck"]
Post Three.

The units were all outfitted with exosuits that were attached to the outside of their stormtrooper armour. It cleared some gaps over the suits of armour, but only something that a stray bolt or a sniper would actually have chances of hitting. They were minuscule, and barely noticeable.

The Sith Knight heard someone approaching. Did he have his helmet on? Probably not, he was one of the Gundark Gunners. Shame. One of the White Wolves would've just spoken over the comm to him. He didn't turn his head however when he had referred to him. The grass was damp in the trees. They were too close to the swamp, in low words he had ordered for the loose formation to redirect themselves. Not only that, he sensed something up ahead, his danger sense lightly flickering.

He brushed the hydrastaff belt on his waist.

Glancing over his shoulder after a few moments, he noticed that the man was indeed wearing a helmet.

"You'd do well to remember that your helmet records everything." The Sith High Colonel reminded. "My mental state is of no concern to you." Bound to the job. Especially with the chance of bloodshed.

A few moments later he called for a halt.

"Hostiles are nearby, Gundark."

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Post 1
Objective 6

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqTYPIdS6-I​

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Natasi Fortan's Suite​

Aboard the Consul-class Diplomatic Frigate Frontrunner​

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The Frontrunner had landed some time ago on Annaj, having made better time than expected, so that when Natasi Fortan was awoken she was surprised to see the cool morning light pouring int her viewports. "Have we arrived already?" Natasi asked incredulously, peering at her watch through the sleepy haze. After blinking a few times the time came into focus. The Steward who brought her breakfast tray nodded. "Yes, Your Excellency." She waited for the Grand Moff to sit up before smoothing her comforter and setting her breakfast tray down over her lap, its four legs holding the tray up like a miniature table. "We arrived about thirty minutes ago, Ma'am, and our clearance was already granted so there was no need to disturb you."

She walked to the desk and retrived a selection of local and First Order newspapers, as well as her morning briefing book. "Is everything to your liking, Your Excellecny?"

Natasi studied the tray, checking off the mental list in her head. A soft-boiled egg, top removed to expose the gooey yolk within -- check. A single slice of dry whole-wheat toast, crusts removed, cut into 3/4 inch strips -- check. One half grapefruit, glacé cherry placed elegantly at its center -- check. A cup of black tea with one cube of sugar and a slice of de-seeded lemon floating on the surface -- check. Not a slice of bacon to be seen, but Dr. Penneford had his instructions. "It will do," Natasi said glacially as she reached out her hand for the materials. "Is Malvarn outside? Send him in."

Greye Malvarn had served as the Commissioner for Avalonia and worked closely with Natasi Fortan, but with [member="Sioux Chambers"] accompanying [member="Argyle Crompton"] on his diplomatic mission -- partly as an aide, partly as a spy to ensure Crompton was behaving himself -- Malvarn had been pressed into service to serve as Natasi's PPS for the present. Malvarn entered, and stood at the foot of the bed. "Good morning, Your Excellency."

"You don't have to call me that," Natasi said waspishly. "What's going on with our efforts here?"

The man gave a brief rundown of the First Order's efforts in the area, and Natasi followed along, briefly commentating here and there. "Make sure [member="Argyle Crompton"] provides updates whenever he can. It's critical that we get Her Majesty the Queen, [member="Stardust Raxis"], on board." "Really? [member="Marzena Choi"] is performing a concert for the Ministry of Culture? Petyr Calinda must be losing his grip -- or has forgotten on which side his bread is buttered." "Here's hoping that the Supreme Commander and Colonel Graush don't blow up anything too valuable this time." "Very good, Greye. Has anything come up that's not in the briefing book?"

"No, ma'am -- except, that is, Dr. Penneford wondered if our accelerated travel schedule freed up some time for you to meet with him." Natasi made a face, and Greye turned back towards the door with a smirk. "I'll tell him you're otherwise engaged."

"Good man." Natasi picked up a slice of toast and dipped it into her egg, then closed her eyes, sighed, and left the toast sticking out at an absurd angle. "Greye? On the other hand, tell him I can see him now. I've been dodging his calls for weeks, so -- let's just get it over with."

"Very good, ma'am."

With the door sealed behind Malvarn, Natasi moved the tray over to the left side of the bed. She could readily imagine the smirk that [member="Darell Irani"] would have given her then, from his side of the bed; he was less interested in being served breakfast in bed, possibly because he was good at cooking and Natasi was not. She climbed out of bed, going to the bureau to pull out her clothing for the day -- a white, knee-length sheath dress and a white jacket in the same length -- to hang on the back of the door of the 'fresher while she quickly showered. She had just finished dressing when there had come a knock at the door. Natasi opened it to find Dr. Penneford, looking over his glasses at her, and quickly beckoned him inside, shutting the door behind him.

"I'm afraid we'll have to chat while I finish getting ready," Natasi said airily. "I have an important meeting today and it may extend, depending on how entrenched the negotiations get."

Penneford glanced around the room. The ashtrays were empty and clean; good sign. Her breakfast looked untouched; bad sign. There were no empty cocktail glasses at her bedside; good sign. There were dark circles under the Grand Moff's eyes (which she was currently attempting to conceal under makeup); bad sign. "You haven't touched your breafkast," he observed as he set his bag down on the bed. He did not find Natasi's excuse of a busy morning compelling. Penneford drew a syringe from the bag and approached; Natasi stiffened just a little as he took her arm and pressed the needle into it, finding a vein. He drew a little blood, enough to fill a small vial, and then disposed of the syringe. "How have you been feeling?"

 

[Rexus Wenck]

Post: V
Objective: VII: Being shot down by [member="Asharad Graush"]
Location: Marching through marshes.

"I didn't mean any disrespect sir, I was-" He was cut off by the colonel making a vague statement about enemy positions, "Sniper?" he asked, looking around, before turning to his comms. He presses the button on his helmet, and crouched, "All units, take cover now, colonel says he's got something, squad two, got something on scopes?"

There was a pause, "We have some kind of movement on our infa-red scanners from the swamp sir. Could be us, the enemy or it could be some local wildlife."

The lieutenant looked at the colonel, "My men say they have movement on the infa red sir." he then turned and looked to the technicians doing maintenance, "Should we warn them to leave?"

 

[Asharad Graush]

Location: Annaj Swamps
Objective 7: Resistance Bustin'
Allies: [member="Rexus Wenck"]
Post Four.

The Sith High Colonel huffed as he lwered to the ground into a crouch. This was the first time he wasn't wearing the First Order Officer Uniform. On this day, he bore the armour of the One Sith, but it was clear that he still bore the First Order Officer's darker than night officer's overcloak.

A'sharad didn't answer the Gundark Lieutenant, he was listening to the comm in his ear. Those in the swamp were nowhere near enough to be the ones that he sensed, they felt disorganized, perhaps even frightened, but there was also a sense of determination. The Sith Knight hadn't realized his eyes were closed, but when he opened them up, he had an idea of what the enemy were feeling. "Those travelling through the swamp won't be noticed. Get your snipers in position." The White Wolves didn't feature any specific sniper units, but he remembered from Zarnathea that the Gundark Gunners had quite a few.

"Come," he said, using a hand to indicate to stay low before he practically dove into the brush.

 

[Rexus Wenck]

Post: V
Objective: VII: Being shot down by Asharad Graush
Location: Marching through marshes.

"Yes sir." Rexus muttered, before getting on comms, "I need all sharpshooters ready and on call, we're moving into the swamp, we have con-" he stopped himself, it wasn't confirmed. "Suspected enemy movement." There was a collective groan from the Gundark Gunners.

"I'm getting my shit soaking wet in some force forsaken swamp because some colonel thinks there's bogies there?" the captain of squad one whined.

"Shut the chatter, just move in. I don't like it either, but this guy, we can trust him." The lieutenant said, walking into the bushes. The swamp was a murky place, the trees above blocked out the sun nearly, leaving the whole area in near dark. That, and the fog and gas eminating from some of the nearby bogs also hindered visibility. Rexus tuned into White Wolves signal, "Colonel, snipers are in position, but with all this dark and fog, I think it's gonna be a crap fest sir."

 

[Asharad Graush]

Location: Annaj Swamps
Objective 7: Resistance Bustin'
Allies: [member="Rexus Wenck"]
Post Five.

For once the Gundark Gunner Lieutenant had said something that actually made sense.

It was going to be a crap fest, what with the dark of the swamp and the whiteness of the standard stormtrooper armour. Once he was in a position to do so, changes were going to have to be made, he knew.

"Your units are wearing the exosuit, yes?" Turning his head, he shot a look at the Lieutenant. There was the sensation of being watched, but his danger sense wasn't being stimulated, so he pushed to the side, if only for the moment while he spoke. "Your units strength and speed are enhanced," he explained in a low voice. Since Zarnathea, his voice had deepened, if only a little more, but the same coldness remained. The Sith Knight had grown up since then, if only a little.

Unbeknownst to the stormtroopers wearing the exosuits, they had the strength to take down a small tree, but he'd allow them to discover that.

"Intel said there was a rebel base nearby. The swamp leads to the other side of it, they'll flank, we're going down their throat." Unclipping the lightsabre hilt from his belt, if the Lieutenant had noticed earlier, the belt that had been there was gone. The hydrastaff was already off, far ahead of them, likely having found the Annaj Resistance since then.

A'sharad opened his mouth, and then a blaster bolt came through the trees.

Right for Rexus' chest.

 

[Rexus Wenck]

Post: VII
Objective: VII: Being shot down by [member="Asharad Graush"]
Location: What are doing in this swamp?!

Rexus was knocked down to the ground, "Molly Mother of Vader!" he whimpered, feeling himself winded, he was down, but he wasn't out. The Gunners opened fire, fifty plus blaster bolts sailed towards where the shot came from, not all of them hit, but whoever shot their leader was surely dead.

"Kill the motherkarkers!" One stormtrooper roared, as others began opening fire haphazardly. The blasters that didn't hit their mark scorched and burned the trees nearby. As all this happened, Rexus picked himself up. His breathing was still hitched, his throat felt a little raspy, and he stood up.

"Let's take the fight to these bastards!" he roared, his voice hoarse and gravelly now.