The 21st Commando

[Kee]

Kee had just past out at the academy, she had her first day to look forward to. She was dressed in very smart, and well ironed uniform. The was not a crease that was not to be there, and the ones where what wear where so starched, that it could cut you. Her boots where so bulled up, that you could see your own reflection in it. She had seat near the back of the transport, as she did not want to talk to many people. As it landed she could hear and feel, the transports shock absorbers contract, as it hit asphalt. The doors opened with a hiss, as cabin depressurised. Then a Marine Sergeant came on board, Right you orbil lot, get off this ship MOVE, MOVE, MOVE! YOU GET UP AND MOVE IT! Most of the other chiss on ship where privates, in fact she was only one that out ranked him, and she knew it. So as the others where being rushed, and getting forced off. She casula waited, and even looked at her own reflection in the Trainsteel view port. The Sargent moved down the transport, getting people to move. He eventually got to her, and saw her tags, and then just turned round, and started making sure, everyone else got off.

As he moved back, she got out of seat. Then picked up her kit bag, and put it on her seat. Then waited for the last of them to get off, so she had straight run off the ship. As the last one did, she picked it up and put it over shoulder. Then walked off transport, and down the durasteel steps, she saw the rest of the marines, being lined up and inspected. She saw one the marine officers watching, and approached him.

As she got close, she saluted him and then asked Where the twenty first commando billets. He returned the salut, and then put his handed out, and then pointed towards a group of buildings. Over there, yours has a flag outside, it has the commando emblem on it. She then Saluted him, and began to march towards it. She had a few butterflies, as she had no idea who she was about to meet.

Soon she was there, she walked up the steps, and opened the door.

[member="BE-745 "Fox""] [member="Tryenu"] [member="Thadrinn"]

 

[Dezoti]

Within her own personal quarters Captain Prusde'zoti'lore sat by her desk, her hair up in a bun. It was down time for the 21st Commando Unit, and as such she was out of uniform, dressed in what passed as civilian clothes. Of course, she still had her heavy blaster on her hip. She'd never be caught without some kind of weapon, even while on break. Never know when the enemy might decide to attack.

Today of course was an important day for the squad. A new recruit was coming, highly recommended but fresh from the academy. There was nothing more dangerous then a recruits first several missions. They don't know the crew, they don't understand the real dangers of the field. Dezoti reached up and touched the burn scar on her cheek, her own reward for her first day. A day she hoped the newbi wouldn't have to repeat.

The Captain then got up from her desk, stretching her arms above her head, then turned to leave and head to the briefing room. There she and the others of the 21st would greet their new recruit, and see just what she had to offer.

[member="Tryenu"] [member="Thadrinn"] [member="Kee"]

 

[Thadrinn]

With a solid thunk, the blade of a well polished and maintained blade pieces into the wall of the briefing room for the 21st's billet, joining five of its siblings in piercing through the centre of a large print out of the Jen'ari Empire's flag. The target itself was haphazardly pinned to the wall by two further daggers stabbed solidly into the wall through its top corners. Shortly after, a seventh blade spun swiftly through the air - stopping only when it too was stabbing at the heart of the Jen'ari Empire.

The source of the thrown daggers was the haphazardly dress Chiss across the room. A creased, wide-collared shirt was hanging across his torso, the edge of the collar nearly fully falling over and exposing one of his heavily tattooed shoulders, with a leather jacket draped over his back, the sleeves empty and hanging uselessly to his sides. With his dyed-blue hair pulled into his normal dreadlocks, bare feet, and the piercings of his nose and ears, the only thing about his appearance that looked vaguely military were the holstered pistols hanging from his belt alongside the numerous dagger-loops - many of which were now empty - as well as his armourweave-leather trousers.

From where he was slumped in the chair he had claimed as his own upon wandering into the briefing room only twenty minutes prior, Lieutenant Commander Mitth'adrin'nvtae of the 21st Commandos, stretched lazily, his back and neck cracking loudly as he did so. Having already been waiting for, in his mind, too long for the rest of the squad as well as the newbie to turn up, the Chiss' mind had begun to wander as boredom began to settle in, impatience thrumming through his body and urging him to do something rather than sitting still. As such, he had ran back to his quarters, gathered up the makeshift target he had made for himself a week ago, and then spent the next five minutes periodically chucking his knives across of the width of the room to both entertain himself and ensure that his aim hadn't faltered.

Such impatient behaviour was not something that most would expect from the squad's sniper and, as such, he always went out of his way to exaggerate that side of himself, enjoying the confusion and frustration it often caused to flare inside the eyes of those who were not familiar with his purposefully contradictory behaviour.

Sighing as he settled back into his chair, Thadrinn's hand dropped to his waist, quickly palming one of the three remaining daggers on his belt before sending it flying towards the Jen'ari target. As he did so, his head lazily rolled back so that he could stare through the open door behind him to stare at the woman approaching - the knife landing true despite the fact that he had averted his eyes. A smug smirk pulled at his lips, the scars stretching from either side of his lips twisting in a grotesque imitation of a smile as he did so, as he locked gazes with Captain Prusde'zoti'lore, not moving from his position in the slightest nor making any effort to hide what he had been doing.

"'Sup, Cap'n?" Yawning blatantly and widely, Thadrinn pushed himself to his feet and lazily saluted the Chiss Captain in such a way it was more of a wave than anything else. "I suppose if'n you're finally emerging from y'r lair o' doom, Zot, that the nuzot will be here soon? Bloody finally. I wanna grab more sleep, 'n soon."

​

​

@BE-745 "Fox" | [member="Kee"] | [member="Tryenu"]​

 

[Matt the Radar Tech]

21st COMMANDO BILLETS

---

[member=Kee] | [member=Thadrinn]

The billets were modest, offering numerous rooms for most of the commandos that composed the 21st. While some had made it a home away from home, Vrott'ryen'uortoqh was a little less comfortable, deciding to keep things simple and practical. Instead of having a bedroom or adjoining area to rest, the commando instead had shifted some furniture around in the main living area where the entrance to the premises was located. Behind one of the bantha leather couches was a makeshift bed, little more than sheets on the hard ground; beside that makeshift bed were several weapons, each in a position for easy reach at a moments notice, depending on which way Vrott'ryen'uortoqh was facing in his sleep.

Vrott'ryen'uortoqh had been against the Jen'ari occupation since he had first heard it mentioned. Part of the commando had withered when the Aristocra had signed the treaty, effectively putting another foreign power into position over the Chiss Ascendancy, and part of him had boiled at the news leaks that those same ruling houses were getting benefits not typical of their usual methods. Not one to question authority, it had been a trying period for Vrott'ryen'uortoqh, forcing him to reassess a lot of his beliefs and who he fundamentally supported when it all came down to it. In the end, the commando had decided that the people, the Chiss, were more important than any single ruling house and that maintaining the independence of the Chiss Ascendancy was vital to the survival of those same people.

Considering the years of training and doctrine, it had left Vrott'ryen'uortoqh feeling equally validated but also guilty. He was a loyal soldier, no questions about it, but how was one loyal to leadership that acted in its own interests? Vrott'ryen'uortoqh still didn't have an answer, so he simply followed orders. Luckily his unit had fallen on the side against the Jen'ari, of which Vrott'ryen'uortoqh had no issue hating, and had aligned itself with various CEDF elements that acted for the Chiss whole rather than personal house gain... so in some ways that defined the commando's sense of purpose.

Protect the entire Chiss people, not a single ruling house.

When the door to the billets opened, not completely unexpectedly, Vrott'ryen'uortoqh was already standing with his rifle in hand. The weapon rested against the back of the lounge, not aimed but simply ready to respond to danger, since the 21st were expecting company. Still, being alert and ready was part of Vrott'ryen'uortoqh's job, his position in the unit being that of a point man; the first in, the first to give and take fire. So being prepared was his default state, which meant Vrott'ryen'uortoqh had a harder time than others relaxing and winding down...

"Captain, the nozut's arrived!"

Looking at the young Chiss standing in the doorway, Vrott'ryen'uortoqh nodded to her to enter.

"Come in, Captain will be with you in a second."

 

[Kee]

Location: 21st Commando Billets
Tags: @Tryenu @Thadrinn @BE-745 "Fox"

As she came in she saw a fellow Commando, he was strikingly tall, and well built. He was also armed, and pointing a rifle towards the door. It didn't phase her, though she had lot things happen like that, for stress testing. He told her to come in, and the captain would be with her in a minute. She replied, Thank you. and then replied Oh I am Pe'kee'tha, it is a pleasure to meet you. These people where the best the Chiss had to offer, and she was now one of them. She had to prove her worth, as it was one thing passing the training, it was a whole other thing, doing the job. She saw a spot, she could put her gear down, till the Captain came to get her. She put her kit bag down in the corner, and turned back, and saw the the flag of the occupiers, being hit with knives, this pleased her. She also felt, the Chiss should take matters into there own hands, and not be mere puppets. She then turned to the armed man, who eventually will have her back, and her his, so she have to say something other than hello, though this was not something she was good at. So is that the Standard issue CCA-01, or have you done some mods to it? Well that was the best ice breaker she had, hope it was good enough.

 

[Dezoti]

The captain stepped over to the poster that [member="Thadrinn"] had set up, glancing over the knife work with apparent interest. Then, with little warning, she snatched one of the knives and threw it so it'd land between his legs. "You would be wise, Lieutenant Mitth'adrin'nvtae, to remember my full name and rank. When we're not on the field, you're to address me as such." No nonsense attitude, though she gave him a friendly smirk.

"Clean this up. The nozut should be here any mo-"

"Captain, the nozut's arrived!"

Dezoti smiled faintly as she heard [member="Tryenu"] 's call. Good timing. "When you're done come out."

She turned then, heading over to where Tryenu took [member="Kee"] to wait for her arrival. She stepped into the room, her arms behind her back to look professional as possible despite her common clothing and loosely tied back hair. She glanced to Tryenu first, giving him a friendly nod before focusing her attention on the newest recruit.

"Lieutenant Pe'kee'tha, I presume? I see you've already met Lieutenant Vrott'ryen'uortoqh. Lieutenant Commander Mitth'adrin'nvtae will be arriving shortly. I am Captain Prusde'zoti'lore. Your room is in the back on the left, feel free to change it however you like. So long as you can be ready within five minutes when the call for action comes, there's no regulation on how you sleep or spend your downtime."

She paused, glancing to Tryenu again. "In the field we will be using code names to keep our identity hidden. Lieutenant Vrott'ryen'uortoqh is known as Point Break. Lieutenant Commander Mitth'adrin'nvtae is known as Knives, for reasons you'll see. They can tell you what they call me, but for now you will be known as Nozut on the field, until you earn yourself a code name. Any questions?"

 

[Thadrinn]

Thadrinn simply stood in place, his lazy smirk frozen upon his face, as his ruby gaze followed the Captain as she strode out of the briefing room towards where Vrott'ryen'uortogh had obviously positioned himself while waiting for the nozut's arrival. As her footsteps faded away into nothing, the smirk broke into a wide grin of glee, low chuffs of amusement escaping him despite his best efforts to restrain his laughter. The knife throw, the purposeful snub of addressing him as Lieutenant instead of Lieutenant Commander even when rebuking him for not addressing her by her proper title? The perfect reactions that Thadrinn had been looking to provoke by prodding and teasing the uptight leader of the 21st by addressing her by an abbreviated version of her core name and his lazy actions.

However, rather than taking the hidden threat of demotion for his actions seriously, rather than getting concerned over the fact that his Captain had chosen to throw his own knife back at him, he simply enjoyed the exchange for what it was. A continuation of the game that constantly went back and forth between the both of them. A form of stress relief considering the high-pressure duties that both he and Prusde'zoti'lore.

Yanking the knife out of the floor between his legs, Thadrinn titled his head in consideration for a moment at the target before ultimately shrugging and throwing the knife back into its position of piercing through the heart of the Jen'ari Empire - a symbolic example of what he dreamed to succeed in doing alongside his fellow Commandos against the scum that had chosen to try and position themselves as the overseers and betters of the Chiss Ascendancy. While they may have made the current Ruling Houses kowtow and subjugate themselves, Thadrinn would see the Jen'ari burnt and beaten instead, their forces shattered by the will of the people. And alongside them, he dreamt to see the Ruling Houses forced to their knees and their power seized from them; the resentment over Hous Mitth's treatment only worsening after seeing the weakness of those that ruled.

Shrugging his arms into the sleeves of his leather jacket - a physical gesture to push away the dark fires that had begun to burn within his eyes and resettle the many masks he wore - Thadrinn turned his back upon the knife-decorated flag and strode towards where he could hear the Captain introducing herself to the new recruit, leaning against the door to the briefing room and calming himself by trying to guess what action the Captain might take when she realised that he had chosen to ignore her order to clean up his mess. Their game was too entertaining not to continue after all.

From where he was leant, his gaze slowly meandered across the form of the nozut taking in her appearance with a focus that most people he knew would be surprised to see, his face consumed momentarily by a cold expression of sadness as he realised just how young the rookie would be when she would take the first step in staining her soul, as all soldiers must, as he questioned himself on whether or not she would be strong enough to shoulder that burden. However, his face soon slipped back into a lazy grin as he interjected himself into the conversation, despite the distance, before the nozut would be able to reply with any questions she did happen to have.

"And that's Captain Stick-Up-Her-Arse herself, Prusde'zot'lore - or Blackout in the field. I've petitioned f'r us to replace the stick with a broom or somethin' so that general tidiness around 'ere would improve, but, n' such luck I'm afraid." Shoving his hands into the pockets of his jacket, he pushed himself forwards from where he was leaning and turned to step back into the briefing room, pausing momentarily to continue talking, his smirk stretching wider and wider with every word. "Name's Mitth'adrin'nvtae, or Knives, as you've already been told. But, call me Thadrinn, or Knives if you must, nozut . Hope you enjoy the chaos and welcome to hell, hope y've said y'r prayers, lassy."

With a quick cackle, Thadrinn ducked back into the briefing room, heading back to the chair he'd been lounging in before. He had two knives left on his belt after all, and he was dying to see if he could land all ten in the centre of his make-shift target.

[member="Kee"] | [member="Tryenu"] | @BE-745 "Fox"​

 

[Matt the Radar Tech]

21st COMMANDO BILLETS

---

[member=Kee] | [member=Thadrinn]

Vrott'ryen'uortoqh relaxed some, letting the rifle lower. Given the commandos were in billets, temporary accommodation at best while the civil war raged on, it was better to be safe than sorry. Still, now that the point-man for the Twenty-First knew it was the nozut for certain, his state of alertness resumed as normal. The biggest issue most would find with Vrott'ryen'uortoqh was his lack of emotional displays, his expression remained passive - or at least neutral - and rarely changed. The only real instance being in combat, where his personality and aggression bubbled to the surface, giving way to moments of snarls or growls or even grins. Once out of combat, it was like the commando became little more than a walking statue, eyes alert, brows lowered.

"Good to have a new replacement, Pe'kee'tha, we've been looking forward to it."

He stilled liked small talk though. That was the best kind of talk, in his opinion. Nobody needed to share emotions or feelings.

"It's the CCA-01, yes," Vrott'ryen'uortoqh said with another nod. He looked down to the weapon, before pointing to each listed addition with his finger. "I've added a hair-trigger, adjusted the venting components, and attached a weapon strap. The strap helps me change between weapons faster, and keeps the Forcers from taking it from me with their mind powers."

Vrott'ryen'uortoqh's voice was low, likely matching what the new arrival might have expected from his physique. Each word was near monotonic, but some level of excitement showed through when discussing his weapon. But, he began scowling at the mention of Force users. Clearly not a topic he liked. Still, the arrival of the Captain and Knives stopped further discussion, to which Vrott'ryen'uortoqh stood straighter and looked to Prusde'zoti'lore, listening quietly as she introduced the squad - or what remained of it, sadly - to the new recruit, going so far as to share squad names. When Knives made his comment about the stick up the Captain's ass, Vrott'ryen'uortoqh let out a low and slow exhale. His red eyes shifted, looking at the other male commando, before he looked to Pe'kee'tha.

"Knives likes to think he's funny," The tall commando said, face passive, as he glanced to his squad mate. There was a hint of amusement in his eyes. "But really he's only funny when getting knocked over by Jennies. Like that one time. Shame I didn't have a holocam handy..."

Deciding it was as good a time as any, Vrott'ryen'uortoqh looked to Pe'kee'tah and raised his eyebrows.

"What do you specialize in, nozut? You probably guessed from my imaginative squad name I run point-man. First in, first getting shot at."

 

[Kee]

She listened to point, and his weapon modifications, that was interesting. He was thinking about his future opponents, she guessed that came with experience, something she has yet to get. He told her knifes, like to think he is funny, and told her about that one time, why band camp entered her mind she had no idea. She turned to Knifes, and said I look forward to hearing some of jokes, when we have time. As she spoke he asked her specialisation, she replied hesitantly as she did not know if she was going to be proven wrong. I am good shot with a sniper rifle, and I can slice almost any computer and terminal. Though it is to know who has point, and I will have your back. The Captain came in, and she stood stright to attention, she saw a scar on her face. She hoped that never happened to her face, but she knew the risks. She then told her the other people call signs, and she gave them each a nod of respect as she did, and tried to remember them. Though she did not tell her, her call sign, she said the others would tell her later, and for now her is Nozut, she liked it as it was shiny. She did like shiny things, and it did kinda suit her, even if was just a default one.

The Captain then asked her, did she have any questions, she only had one. When do we retake Csilia, from the foreign scum? She joined up, for one reason to kick them off her homeworld, like a lot sith, she was Xenophobic, and them being there was an insult.

 

[Dezoti]

"It's that sort of attitude that keeps you from being a Commander, Knives." Dezoti let out a light chuckle as [member="Thadrinn"] turned to leave, giving out her last friendly quip before he disappeared into the shared living quarters the 21st shared. There was a smile all the while, but it eventually faded as she turned her gaze back to [member="Kee"] and [member="Tryenu"] . She nodded once to Point Break, motioning for him to follow after where Knives went.

"Gonna have a quick word with the Nozut before she gets settled. Go make sure Mitth'adrin'nvtae takes down that knife throwing target he made." As soon as Tryenu left her gaze again fell to Kee, her face stoic. Serious. The captain clasped her hands behind her back, standing at attention. "During the fight on Csilla the 21st suffered heavy casualties. We lost four of our brothers and sisters to fight the good fight. Command knows that a squad needs more then three to function properly, and as such we will be having others join as they become available."

She paused, letting her words sink in.

"New recruits, like yourself. This squad isn't just a unit, like you'd expect in the Marines. This is a family. We live with each other, we fight beside each other. We sleep in the same barracks, enjoy the same meals, and die with each other. Those two are the last of my family. You came out a Lieutenant, but you have no rank here. You listen to what I say. To what they say, without question. Until you prove your worth, Nozut, I will not let you endanger my family."

 

[Matt the Radar Tech]

21st COMMANDO BILLETS

---

[member=Kee] | [member=Thadrinn] | [member="Dezoti"]

Vrott'ryen'uortoqh nodded stoically, thinking about some amusing stories to tell at some point, but right now there were things to take care of. Not only that, but Vrott'ryen'uortoqh was reluctant to immediately begin bonding with the new recruit, especially considering how dangerous their work was and the losses suffered over the last few days. Every death in the Twenty-First - Duuvhal Squad - was like being bisected, the insides ripped out, leaving nothing but a numb sensation of what should have been there. It was not easy dealing with the death of brothers and sisters, in any instance, but perhaps even more so during a civil war. There wasn't time for grief, there was a job to do.

In the meantime, Mitth'adrin'nvtae had walked back toward his room, having made his quip and first impression. Vrott'ryen'uortoqh could only shake his head, torn between smirking or not. When Prusde'zoti'lore ordered a moment alone with the nozut, the tall commando nodded and shouldered his rifle, before walking around the lounge and proceeded to follow Knives down the hallway.

"Sure, boss."

Letting out a sigh, Vrott'ryen'uortoqh kept his eyes downcast as he rounded a corner and saw Knives ahead.

"You know, she's going to snap one of these days," The tall commando said, eyebrow raised. "She might actually use a stick on you. Heh."

Vrott'ryen'uortoqh had a dry personality, it was hard for most Chiss to know when he was joking or being sarcastic. But by this point, Knives knew that his squad mate had a wry sense of humor, too. Definitely not expressed in the same way, but still an understated enjoyment in the taller commando's eyes. Vrott'ryen'uortoqh glanced back over his shoulder, red eyes narrowed now, as he wondered what the two were talking about.

"So, what do you think of the nozut?" He asked, before turning back to look at his friend. "Oh. And the cap wants your makeshift target pulled down."

 

[Thadrinn]

Rather than immediately acknowledge Tryenu, Thadrinn simply cocked his head to the side, his gaze locked on the target before, with a flick of his wrist, his last knife was spinning through the air to embed itself alongside his collection of other knives. The only sign that he had heard his brother in arms at all was the softening of his smirk into a sad smile, one tinged somewhat with regret as he strode forwards to begin yanking his knives out of the wall and replacing them on his belt. For a few moments, silence hung between the pair before, finally, Thadrinn released an explosive sigh and stopped what he was doing, staring silently at the dagger riddled symbol of the Jen'ari.

"You know," despite the tiredness engraved on his face, Thadrinn's voice came out jovial as he hid his expression from Tryenu, though, considering how much the pair had gone through together, he was certain that the other male could see through the fake joy with ease, "I do kinda hope she does decide t' beat me with a stick, would ligh'en her up a tad, yaknow. Let her 'air down. You notice how, even with the downtime, she still 'as it in a bun? Not natural."

For a few beats, Thadrinn maintained his position, however, slipping the fifth knife back into his belt, he turned to slowly face Tryenu, crossing his arms across his chest and leaning against the ball next to the still-knife-riddled target. "What do you think of the target, eh? Real nice, right? Shame the Cap wants it down."

His smile slowly dropped from his face as he spoke, his voice smoothing out and dropping the accent he had been speaking with, serious settling into his gaze until it was the Lieutenant Commander who had had to push down the grief of losing his brothers and sisters in the midst of a war, all so as to continue to fight for what he and they believed in, staring out from his emotionless ruby eyes.

Eyes flickering to where he knew Dezoti and the newbie were talking, even if there was a wall in the way, his head bowed slightly in an expression of sadness - the only expression he exhibited as an emotionless facade settled into place. "I think she's too young, Point. Can she bear the burden of bloodying her hands without losing herself to either the madness or the delight of it? Can she handle the pain of losing a brother or sister? Of looking into their eyes as their life fades, minutes after you told them you'd make sure they got back safe, and being forced to bury it deep inside, to ignore it and leave their body where it lays just so that the mission can be accomplished? I mean, bloody hell I'm not too much older than her, half a decade from the looks of it, and I know that I'll die doing this, I'm too broken to do anything else."

Scoffing slightly, Thadrinn pushed himself off of the wall, walking forwards so as to draw alongside Tryenu. "That said, she's good at what she does. I've looked over the reports just as the Captain has, and she's good. Her psychological profile doesn't flag up any issues, her skills fill in a gap that opened up with... with Scramble gone." Pausing, his hand subconsciously raised to trace along the scars on his face, his emotionless facade flickering for a moment and grief flaring within his eyes before the steel slammed back down. "If she can survive, if she can keep herself, I think she'll be a good little sister to have on Duuvhal. Just give her a chance."

Suddenly moving to throw his arm around the shoulders of Tryenu, as much as he could anyway considering that the Lieutenant was both taller and older than him (despite their difference in ranks initially hinting to the opposite), Thadrinn threw his free hand out to the target before the pair, the jokester mask back in place, hiding away the keener and sadder mind of the Lieutenant Commander. "Now, think we should leave this target up? See if the Captain blows 'er top? 'Sides, it's a piece o' bloody art, I say. Blades stabbin' at the 'eart of the Jennies. No finer beauty to b' found."

[member="Tryenu"] | [member="Kee"] | [member="Dezoti"]​

 

[Kee]

She listened intently to captain, she was not getting a dressing down, nor was she getting a warm welcome. She was being told, you have to prove yourself first, and she can only do that in the field. She replied to Captain Understood. She then replied, So when do I get the chance to prove myself, worthy of being a family member? She was hungry, well she was fresh out of the academy, and you don't go through all that training, not to use it. So she wanted her chance, she wanted to prove herself. She saw the others talking no doubt about her, as this was the first glimpse they gotten off her. Though they would read her report, and so would the captain, and if they did not approve of it, she would not be here, she would be elsewhere.

She did not want to be first to leave the conversation, as that might be perceived as a weakness, but she also wanted to check out her room. As no doubt, she taking over a dead commandos bed, and she need to make it her own. She also had to make sure everything was in its place, so she would be ready with three minutes, that was her record. She wanted to be ready, also she wanted to shoot that flag.

 

[Dezoti]

"You'll get your chance, that much I'm sure of. You're dismissed for now. Go check out your room, and get your kit in order. We should be able to relax for now, but we could get a message any moment to gear up." Dezoti left the conversation there, turning her gaze from [member="Kee"] to peer outside at the ship incase there was a surprise coming. So far, nothing. But more importantly she just needed a moment alone. She was prepared to meet the new recruit, but to just accept the reality she had lost so many was just..

Heartbreaking.

Still, she'd join [member="Thadrinn"] and [member="Tryenu"] after a moment to herself, when her eyes were no longer filled with tears.

 

[Helion'Nuruodo]

The cold swept into the helm of the crashed cruiser relentlessly. Helion and his crew had given the Jennies a scare when they announced their loyalties to the Chiss Ascendancy. He and his fleet cleared a path for Carnifex's flotilla, but, at the same time sealed their own fate. Being sandwiched between two Jen'ari fleets left them helpless. They were quickly overrun and their ships put out of commission. It was, in truth, a suicide mission. But, somehow, the fates had decided to bless Helion and crew with life. Even so, the weather conditions provided for a harsh time. Truly, if they did not get help soon they would freeze to death. That is if the crew still loyal to the Jen'ari didn't get them first. The Jen'ari had taken up holding down the lower levels of the crashed vessel.

It consisted mostly of the brig, a few mess halls and finally an armory. While the Ascendancy nationalist had managed to hold down their own section of the ship for quite sometime, the weather was beginning to take it's toll and with each passing moment the Jen'ari loyalist, became more and more bold in their attacks. Slowly the life support was beginning to fail, forcing the nationalist further down into the ship to retain warmth, eventually the two sides would meet and it would become a bloody mess. The Jen'ari had even managed to capture a few prisoners, but Helion knew these men. They would not be broken by the likes of those scum. He looked round to his crew and sighed.

They were in a bad spot.

Men and women lay curled in blankets, rubbing shoulders and huddling together for warmth. Most the Marines had been on watch for the Jennies for almost twenty four hours now, so intense was their devotion to defending the lives of the majority. Helion would've been in the fight with them, but he had to oversee the rationing of life support, food, even ammunition... It was getting to him. When he had to drain power from life support to fuel the beacon he sealed the fate of many who had to stay on the top levels. Already a few had frozen to death. It hung heavy on his heart.

Truth was he was not ready for this kind of leadership. He had gone undercover as "Helion the head of the great house Nuruodo" when the Jen'ari first arrived. They took him at his word and with a falsified dossier on top of the political backing of a reputable house or two had the Jennies fooled. He was by far the furthest thing from an admiral, but as a commando he specialized in infiltration. He wore many mask and "Helion the Admiral" was simply another one of them. He had betrayed the Jen'ari's without second thought. Despite his many masks he would always be loyal to the Ascendancy.

To the vox populi.

So, he ordered his fleet to turn on the Sith, and for the most part, they did. He waited and he hoped that eventually someone would show up. The Marines were tired, the people were cold, and he was sick of it. Sick of the mask. Still everyone around him believed he was some great admiral. Some majestic leader who would deliver them to safety. He had sent out scouts to see if they could find a nearby city, and none had returned. Their only hope lay in the beacon. Truth was he hadn't the faintest idea what to do with these people. He was for the survival of the many, but he hadn't the faintest idea how to lead them. He was simply a cog in a machine. One small gear that mattered very little. It was a miracle he had held his band of survivors together this long...

He didn't know if he could keep them together much longer...

[member="Dezoti"] I [member="Kee"] I [member="Thadrinn"] I [member="Tryenu"]

 

[Matt the Radar Tech]

21st COMMANDO BILLETS

---

[member=Kee] | [member=Thadrinn] | [member="Dezoti"] | [member="Helion'Nuruodo"]

Vrott'ryen'uortoqh didn't much care for the target. Or the claims about the Captain having to lighten up. She had lost soldiers under her command, they all had lost people, and that meant dealing with it in different ways. For some, it was throwing blades at an enemy flag, for others it meant sleeping behind a lounge to watch the entrance, and for others still it meant falling into her work and being the foundation to support it all. Either way, when Knives changed his speech and lost his accent, Vrott'ryen'uortoqh wasn't surprised or shocked, as he had heard moments in the past where the other commando let down his guard somewhat.

Didn't mean Vrott'ryen'uortoqh understood it. Putting on an accent just seemed weird. But the same could be said of himself, because Vrott'ryen'uortoqh only felt alive rushing headlong at enemies...

"She is young," Vrott'ryen'uortoqh agreed. "We all were. Unfortunately she's needed in a full-scale war sooner than most graduates."

Vrott'ryen'uortoqh glanced to Knives, eyebrows furrowed.

"It might be easier on her, all things considered. She doesn't have years of history to push through if we die, not like the others for us. So maybe she'll get out of this okay..."

It was a nice thought, but even Vrott'ryen'uortoqh had to admit he didn't truly believe it. None of the commandos would get out of this, even if they survived and lived long lives. The training, the doctrines, the missions, the killings, it took a toll. Bit by bit the commandos - and all soldiers, really - were being slowly killed in mind, body and soul. Still, the commandos had also been trained for this, to cope with the short-term effects of loss, to overcome it for the betterment of the Chiss, and to strive in their objectives in the face of adversity. And right now, a foreign occupier was that adversity, and Vrott'ryen'uortoqh would be damned if he wouldn't kill every last one of them - frak to the side effects he would suffer, or the detachment that would grow.

His brothers and sisters didn't die in the civil war in vain. He vowed that.

"Agreed," Vrott'ryen'uortoqh said lowly, unfocused eyes staring at the flag again. "The nozut is here for a reason. Scram... Scramble had a job to do, and now that needs filling. It's important for us to get this situation sorted."

When Knives put an arm over his shoulders, Vrott'ryen'uortoqh remained stock still. It wasn't so much an indication of discomfort, so much as it was his way of showing Knives that he was permitted to offer a friendly embrace. Anyone else outside of Duuvhal Squad would have had their wrist snapped. When Knives began talking in his accent, it was obvious the mask was back on, and Vrott'ryen'uortoqh let out a low sigh. That damned flag...

"No. We tear it down." Vrott'ryen'uortoqh shrugged out from under Knives' arm, as he stepped forward and gripped the Jen'ari flag. He ripped it down with a grunt, the embedded blades shredding the material to pieces in numerous places. Holding the tattered remains in his fist, Vrott'ryen'uortoqh growled. "We tear them all down. Every. Last. One."

My brothers and sisters didn't die in vain.

 

[Kee]

She headed to her room, the first thing she did was put her kit bag down, on her bed. The next thing she did, was check for any effects, that belong to the last occupier. She checked all the cupboards, and draws, and behind the mirror. The reason was simple, she wanted to make sure the family had everything of his. After this she began cleaning her room, as she liked her dorm to be as clean as possible. She smiled her code name Nozut, she will earn that, by having the cleanest room in here. Once she spent the time cleaning the next thing was organising it, so she would be out in three minutes, not five. She may be over keen to prove herself, but it was better to be over keen, than just been seen not to give damn. This was her first day, and she wanted to make sure she did well. Though she at some point, had to hold a casual conversation with them.

 

[Dezoti]

There was the faintest blip on her communicator, the first sigh that something was indeed wrong. Dezoti reached up to her earpiece, cycling through the channels to search for the source of the blip. And then she found it. An emergency broadcast from a ship lost early in the war. A ship [member="Helion'Nuruodo"] had been in command of in prep for the rebellion. A sign that one that was thought to be lost might not be. She immediately turned back into the barracks.

"21st gear up! Just got a broadcast from Wraith. He seems to be okay for now, but for how long is still up in the air. Hostile units and friendlies in a crashed ship. We're going to rescue him, and any others trapped. I've already relayed information to command. We take point to find and secure any survivors." As she gave her orders the Captain was more or less sprinting to her kit, pulling out the Commando's armor to begin dressing it up.

"We leave in ten. Gear up for infiltration and subdue. I expect you all to have stun weapons ready."

[member="Kee"] [member="Tryenu"] [member="Thadrinn"]

 

[Kee]

She heard the call to arms, she was given ten minutes. She was already in her undersuit, all she had to do, was put on her outer layers. She started with boots, and then knee pads. Then her chest armour, as she quickly did the strap up. Then arms where quickly put on, and then her helmet. She put her spikes pocket, and got her rifle, and set it to stun. She was ready in three minutes and fifteen seconds, she needed to shave that fifteen seconds. She was geared up and standing to attention, she did not want to let any of her comrades down. She waited for others to arrive, and she double checked her weapons where on stun. As she was sure everything was right, she shouted Ready Captain [member="Dezoti"]

 

[Matt the Radar Tech]

21st COMMANDO BILLETS

---

[member=Kee] | [member=Thadrinn] | [member="Dezoti"] | [member="Helion'Nuruodo"]

Vrott'ryen'uortoqh dropped the remains of the flag, resisting the urge to spit on it. Regardless of how one felt about an enemy, some level of respect had to be maintained, or one risked underestimating a foe. Plus, it wasn't in his character, to disrespect others so blatantly. However, the atmosphere and relative downcast mood was changed with a sudden shout from the living area by the Captain.

"Wraith's alive?" Vrott'ryen'uortoqh raised both eyebrows, looking to Knives. "Sithspit, let's move!"

Running at full speed out of the room, down the hall several doors, and into his quarters, Vrott'ryen'uortoqh almost removed the door from its hinges in his haste. He began equipping his armor, slamming and strapping parts onto his form in rapid sequence, a veteran who had learned the exact and precise way of doing the task. Vrott'ryen'uortoqh was ready within several minutes, before he began collecting his weapon and support equipment, placing them on his belt, in holsters and over his shoulder. Within a short time, the commando was fully locked and loaded, prepared to rescue a fellow brother.

"Move, move, move!" Vrott'ryen'uortoqh called as he grabbed his helmet from the shelving beside where his bed had been. He dashed out of the room, armor near-silent despite his size and muscular-structure. "Ready to roll, Cap. About time we had a turn of luck."

Coming to a stop in the living area, Vrott'ryen'uortoqh walked over and picked up his pistol from beside the makeshift mattress, sliding it into the last holster on his thigh. He noticed the nozut was ready, too, which made the somber commando nod to himself.

"Good job, nozut. You'll be alright, I think," He said as he reached up and slid his helmet over his face. "Stick close, keep your head down, and you'll be one of us in no time."

Vrott'ryen'uortoqh looked toward the Captain's quarters, ready and waiting...