Skirmish The Black Nest Crisis: Mission to Draemidus Prime

[Romi Jade]

Spoiler

---

[Draemidus Prime Orbit -- Jade's Triumph]

The modified corvette propelled itself with brief thrusts, hovering amongst chunks of debris and rock -- they bounced and ricocheted off the hull. Jade's Triumph, ignorant of what Drael space was really like, exited right into the gaping maw that was the far outer layers of the Blight. This ship, was manned by professional soldiers formerly apart of the Galactic Alliance armed services. They were put together to

serve under Jedi Master Romi Jade after her return from the clutches of the Sith Empire, the group adopted the name 91st Sentinel for their training and focus on a variety of techniques, tactics, and functions that were largely inspired by Jade's personal combat philosophy/style, and the philosophy of the Jedi Sentinel -- become moldable, efficient survivalists that possess a degree of independence from other GAAF units, but be nonetheless conditioned to work with partners whenever it is possible.

Sol Stazi knocked them into shape himself, and Coren Starchaser sanctioned their creation. They'd been serving her ever sense in the Alliance-in-exile...though largely stationed at D'Qar Base.

The vessel surged forward, maneuvering around the massive debris field -- suitable for carrying members of the Order, and those interested were welcome in the command room.

Her reflection flashed in the surge of light that crept over her shoulder, making it more visible in the viewport than originally; she didn't falter. After reestablishing her presence, "They seem to be...preparing for something?" She leaned into the glass, the latter part of her sentence fading over time. "Why'd their path stop here?" She was curious. She could see the forces of the Bryn gathered through their space, but almost idle. They'd cut through a large chunk of wild space by this point...why'd their crusade suddenly go silent?

Or did it?

"Commander?"

She backpedalled, a half pirouette put her on course for the center holotable. She sauntered to the subtle vibration of the reactor core. " Duch'a Lady Rowan Vale should be arriving with forces from Hapes to assist up here in Space and Jedi Knight Loske Treicolt has flown multiple times in scenarios with the Bryn, she'll be able to get you hip to info we aren't privy to. Follow her lead. In the meantime..."

Sigh

The hologram molded into planetary form with the wave of her hand.

"The grounders and I will make our way to the surface as soon as we get that nav data. We'll have about 29 standard hours...Master Baanu, you have predictions?" She shot a quick glance across the table to the Jedi Tactician, a Bothan who'd taken residence recently at the Enclave, "The success rate...as of now, is about seventy percent. Once we've made it planetside...that'll decrease by two percent with every standard hour. Master Jade--"

"I know..." she retorted -- she was ready to be the contingency plan. "I'm the Queen of Air and Darkness Baanu," she smirked, "Odds don't apply to me..." She'd like to think so. Her concern went more to the others. "I'll use the Crown to meld us and keep us off the map once we're planetside. Captain, just buy us as much time as you can.

A beat.

She leaned into table, stretching her frame along the edge with the flexibility of a tame nexu.

"We've got two objectives here..."

Objective 1: Flap those wingsss
Obtain nav data from a Bryn ship to help the ground team navigate the asteroid fields for landing. (Space/boarding)

Objective 2: Sneaky sneakyyyy
The ground team will enter the Draeyde Caves a network of tunnels that run long the surface of the planet -- deal with some Draeyde bats -- and navigate to the factory where the crystals are being manufactured by Draelvasier


"If we should be so lucky...we'll be in and out..." But even she didn't believe that. "Let's do a check-in...see that everyone is suited up (x-x-x) and prepared to go when things get hot."


*For the sake of the thread, we'll be writing both objectives concurrently so people can post at their own leisure.

Spoiler

Viers Connory
Kaska Arden
Dagon Kaze
Zaavik Perl
Thalia Senn
Ala Quin
Vexander Graves
Julius Sedaire
Samatharis
Aaran Tafo
Jend-Ro Quill
Mishel Kryze
Tathra Khaeus

 

[Vexander Graves]

Being out of touch was high distateful... it left some weird sensation in his mouth eventhough he was quite sure that it was just a mental state that passed through his brain all the way to his mouth. It didn't cause any real sore taste or anything similar, it just made him move his tongue to his lips and wet them a bit at the situation at hand.

Vexander didn't know much of the beings called the Draelvaiser, or the danger that they posessed at first hand, however; for some reason, they were a serious threat that require the attention of the Jedi and that is why the corellian Jedi was heeding the call in this day. He didn't know if this was linked to the vision he had in Dressel, but he knew that he was needed and that it was extremely likely that the will of the Force was for him to be there.

The bearded man looked at Jedi Master Romi Jade when she began explaining the objectives, he heard patiently as she commanded them to look at their gear.

Dressed in his very own JSTP Armor was quite exciting, the suit really matched with his persona and that would assist him. In fact, wearing the armor actually made him realize that his old Alpha 7 armor was due to be replaced and perhaps he could take this one with him. Doing a quick check, he just tapped on his belt to see if his lightsaber was in place as usual and then the strap in his chest that hold "Rosita" tight to his back in case that he would needed it. Ranged support was something one of his specialities and he had to be ready in case the Jedi Ground team needed it.

Silently, the man nodded to confirm that he was ready, but it was more to himself than to anyone else... the ones around him were practically unknown to him but he hoped to be of assistance to all of them during the upcoming mission one way or another... and he hoped to see his strong sides and weak sides in order to compensate as needed to be a force to be reckoned with... a Jedi Strike Team guided by the will of the Force.

 

[Zaavik Perl]

ORBIT // DRAEMIDUS PRIME

「 IT'S A DIRTY JOB BUT SOMEONE'S GOTTA DO IT 」​

Zaavik grimaced as he looked down at his figure in the tight strike suit. He stepped around, doing an awkward sort of dance as if willing it to fit more comfortably. Suddenly keenly aware of his credentials, he snuck a furtive glance over his shoulder, hoping he didn't find anyone gawking.

Anything but that.

A fluid stride brought him over to the central briefing table. "Not sure we can count on luck where the Drael are involved," he offered wryly. Two sudden chimes rang out in unison from the table as if on cue. Zaavik punched a button on the in-table terminal and allowed the nav data to forward. A holoprojection blinked to life, displaying a three-dimensional map of the labyrinthian cave systems.

He whistled, eyes widening as he looked over the web of serpentine tunnels. "Yikes," he quipped. Squinting, he considered several routes toward the factory. None of them looked ideal but hoping for anything to be so simple was a vain effort. "Alright, what's your take cous?" he asked, looking toward Romi.

A route lit up with a yellow line after a few taps of the terminal. "I say this one, but, the drop-offs and ravine might be a problem. Gives us the shortest avenue of approach though, and beneficial terrain if we manage to twist the less desirable bits in our favor." Left hand stabbed a finger toward a cluster of upside-down red triangle indicators over the ravine. "This fuckoff cluster of bats might be an issue too, but if we're pressed for time, might be worth it."

If it was up to him he would've taken this one without much further consideration. Alas, he wasn't alone, and wasn't in charge. What can you do?

Romi Jade Vexander Graves ​

 

[Dagon Kaze]

Draemidus Prime.

The Heart of the Swarm.

Even from this distance, Dagon could feel it pulsating. Beat after beat, each reverberating a wave of dread. It threw a long shadow over the stars, all the way to Coruscant. Planets put to the sword and to the torch, one after another before the galaxy could react; and when they finally did, they brought the bulk of their forces to the other side of the galaxy on the green fields of Dantooine. Fiasco. Failure. Complete cognitive dissonance.

The Jedi padawan's thoughts wandered from there to now, as he overlooked Drael space through the viewport. When Ryv, Maynard and Loske, among others, had ventured to fight the Bryn'adul, Dagon had been told to remain in the Jedi Temple. To train, to improve, to grow. As news of the horrors reached his ears through second-hand sources, he couldn't help but feel as useless as he did on Korriban. But no more. Master Jade had called and the New Jedi Order would heed it.

He turned his gaze away and ambled to the command room where all had gathered. Some faces he recognized, some he did not. Dagon resigned to simply listening as plans were drawn and discussed. His mind wished to drift away into the depths of an unknown holocron, he gave it no respite.

Zaavik Perl | Vexander Graves | Romi Jade

 

[Tathra Khaeus]

DRAEMIDUS PRIME
HOURS BEFORE BLACK NEST CRISIS
- Sanctum of the Seers

The heart of Draemidus Prime, Xaeldrask, a forever changing fortress of moving puzzle pieces and dying light. Constantly built upon and improved as the strength of their own grew. But some things, had not changed - the Sanctum of the Seers. A timeless metallic vault with souring ceilings that stretched into the long sceptre towers. Quiet and empty to those who would not listen, but to those who understood one could hear the miasma of comic force energy. A focal point where the veil was nearly torn so thin they could see, a wound in the force perhaps - a weapon to be utilised.

The overlapping metal and stone doors retreated into the doorframe as the familiar scarred crimson carapace was cloaked in the natural light the Vault syphoned from the surface, conflicting with that of the apparition of energy at its centre. Tathra stood idle as the door sealed behind him, the Seers deep in meditative state as the scribes of the Ashaka came and went for their every whim and need. Deeply sunken aureate eyes scanned across the various pedestals of marble the Seers sat upon.

His presence was announced without a word, the weight on his shoulders spoke louder as the knowledge darted around the room. An echo of a whispered thought reverberating through the vault as the many heads of the dozen Seers slowly shifted upwards. They were consciously aware of him now. It had been more than a month since he had left the surface of Draemidus, the leviathans had required his direct attention and they had been conquered, tamed and brought to his heel.

The entire Galaxy had been given respite, time to breathe as the Bryn'adûl prepared after their immense victory. But instead they had been allowed to grow in strength as they fought among themselves.

"Sire, you honour us with your presence." Seer Kalanthir rose as he spoke, bowing his mangled face as he descended to greet the Titan.

"Preparations continue." He replied as he leaned in, everything was proceeding as he had foreseen. Curiosity shifting his eyes to the apparition at the centre of the Vault once again.

"And what of our enemy?" Seer Kalanthir inquired, looking to the apparition as well. It had puzzled them all. In all the time they had spent on this plane of existence, they had never felt anything like it.

"They kill and ravage to climb atop one like primitive beasts." Pride filled every word, validation. Justification for his actions and gratification for his successes.

"They waste what time they have, as always." The Seer acknowledged with a nod.

"This Galaxy is ours, Seer." Tathra spoke as he moved past the Seer, walking closer to the apparition.

All across Bryn space, thousands of ships were being prepared. All across the worlds they had taken, millions of Drones were prepared for the endgame, for their final purpose. But with all that, somehow something still felt wrong. It was like a mirror yet now, a tear in the fabric that defied everything the Galaxy understood. It made no sense it held no weight, no readings of any kind other than pure cosmic energy. It was like it didn't want you to know it existed.

Avert thine eyes. But he did not, could not. It was in his nature to resist the instincts of fear.

"What is it?"

"We don't know, Sire."

PRESENT TIME
Planet Surface
- Mouth of Mount Khad

All across Draemidus Prime, hundreds of thousands of Draelvasier warriors practice in the most horrid conditions, drilling alongside living Siege Towers, various ginormous kaiju-like beasts towering nearly fifty feet tall are armoured in the daylight, golden verikast adorning their mutated forms. The surface of Draemidus is cast in daylight, as the terraformer's keep the storms at bay.

The helm of Xaeldrask extends into the mouth of the tallest mountain on the planet, nearly a thousand metres above the massive valley beneath, extending as far as the eye can see. From here, the Titan watches with folded arms. The armies of the Draelvasier grew under his careful tender and the watchful eyes of the Warlords extended that progress to furthest reaches of Bryn space. They were nearly ready.

Spoiler: Tags:

Osam | Sethrak | Keldothera | Galak | Primarch Drek'ma | Gordrak | Ostak Cl'mana |

 

[Jend-Ro Quill]

ABOARD SHIP

"This is a recipe for death unless we're extremely careful," Quill said flatly. "Three key reasons."

He gestured to his combat suit. "These suits were designed for fighting Drael on human-standard worlds. I've just finished speaking with the sensor officer. That planet has four times standard gravity. For those of you who haven't been to a high-grav world before, imagine trying to run and fight while carrying three people on your shoulders. Even with the Force as our ally, we'll tire extremely quickly if we see any sort of action. Backpack-sized artificial gravity modifiers can blunt but not totally compensate for what we'll be facing - it'll feel like one point five, maybe two gees - and if the gear dies, it's trouble." He'd just finished lugging the gear into the room.

"Reason number two, that planet has terrible sensor interference. You can't trust those scans to be anything like accurate.

"Reason number three, the Draelvasier may be overconfident, but they've never, ever let that stop them from being meticulous. There'll be monitoring, there'll be obstacles.

"There's a very good chance of death, so please wear Testament Pendants. Forgive my bluntness - but you're all adults, you can handle the truth."

Viers Connory
Kaska Arden
Dagon Kaze
Zaavik Perl
Thalia Senn
Ala Quin
Vexander Graves
Julius Sedaire
Samatharis
Aaran Tafo
Romi Jade
Mishel Kryze
Tathra Khaeus

 

[Aaran Tafo]

The suit itched.

It had been a long time since he worn anything resembling armour. In fact, looking back over his career as a Jedi. Aaran cannot actually recall ever garbing himself in actual combat suits. The heaviest protection he had ever worn before were simply reinforced robes. The sensation of it, hugging his skin was an alien one. It felt weird, as if he was wearing nothing at all. An uncomfortable feeling of exposure washed over him as he twisted around, staring at his own body as it highlighted his form. Head twisting around to look at his own rear end.

Looking around at the Jedi assembled around him. He suddenly realised why both Ryv and Maynard were so happy in their relationships.. He probably would be as well if his significant other wore suits like this all the time.

If his thoughts seemed whimiscal. There was a reason behind it. He knew the others around him were nervous. And so he allowed his emotions to be clearly felt by those in close proximity to him. A solid bedrock of calm and placid feelings. A comforting sensation to cut through the anxiety surrounding him.

These creatures, the Draelvasier. He did not underestimate the threat they held. So many worlds fallen under them. So many lives snuffed out. A war waged over twisted ideals that do not even entertain the notion of co-existence with the universe around him.

Needless to say, such ideals irked him a great deal. "Keep your head on a swivel then." He said, nodding once to Jend-Ro Quill 's breakdown of the general plan. "Watch each other's backs. If we're careful we've got a good chance of getting in and out intact. We just need to stick to the plan."

Hopefully his reassurance would not be taken idly. If he could offer some comfort or confidence to the others around him. It would be enough.

 

[Kaska Arden]

J A D E ' SㅤT R I U M P H
D R A E M I D U SㅤP R I M E

Romi Jade | Vexander Graves | Zaavik Perl | Dagon Kaze
Jend-Ro Quill | Aaran Tafo
Tathra Khaeus

Kaska spared a nod to Dagon as he entered, glancing up briefly to gauge the padawan's general mood and demeanor before returning her attention to her boots. Stamping her feet experimentally on the decking to try and break them in a little before the mission began. Tight fitting boots would be the least of her problems once the battle began, but she couldn't do anything about those yet to unfold.

For now, she only had the impending threat of blisters to concern and distract herself with.

"The biggest concern will be their numbers and their willingness to use them." She said, twisting and turning on her heel. The boots squeaking lightly as they marked the durasteel plating with black scuff marks. "My experience with these creatures is admittedly limited, but I have dealt with more than a few zealots in my time on the Rim. All of them subscribing to cardinal belief life is cheap, including their own. If they can purchase ours with theirs, then it will have been a bargain well worth paying in their minds."

The Nyriaanan offered a shrug.

"They will swarm us first chance they get and be glad for the opportunity."

She had received a reminder of the impact of that same Bryn'adûl fanaticism only a week prior in the Rorak system. The refugees, survivors of the endless and insatiably brutal conquest, laid low and shattered by what they had witnessed during their escape to freedom. Young or old, none had come away unscathed, bearing heavy wounds that would likely haunt them for decades to come. She would like to have believed that no species was born inherently evil, that there was a path to the light laid before anyone that sought to walk it, but Draelvasier made her question just how idealistic that belief truly was.

They were made for war, but had perfected ruthless cruelty.

She reached out to take one of the pendants as they were passed around, looping it around her neck and tucking it beneath the folds of her armor. "We cannot rush blindly, yet we cannot allow ourselves to become bogged down. Hesitation will be what kills us here just as surely as carelessness."

Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. The quick and the dead. In a matter of hours, when the dust had settled, it would be abundantly clear to which the Jedi and the Draelvasier belonged to.

 

[Primarch Drek'ma]

DRAEMIDUS
Tag: Tathra Khaeus |

Mount Khad was unusually active today, the upper levels of the their first ever city was newer than the near two decade old foundations. But the new melded with the old, just as their forces did. The new War Beasts had taken some time to be tamed, but nothing was above the Shaman core. In the ramp up to the final act of the war, the Chieftain was increasing the pressure on all corners of their territory. Every single Drael worth their salt was working harder than ever before.

It was a chilling view, the endless legions of their forces stretched out in every direction as the Titan watched from on high. Was this what he had wanted? Did it bring him happiness? The Primarch could only help but wonder, Tathra was his friend. But even across the span of two decades he could never guess at what he felt.

A white pool of energy grew from nothing on the edge of the interior just beyond the ridge Tathra stood at, expanding into a circular portal as the Primarch walked through, the pearl in the helm of his Staff blinking with light as a trio of Honour Guards followed in his step. The repeating clap of his Staff against the metal plateau announced his approach even before he spoke.

"Sire... The Shamans are ready. As am I. The cauldron will be ready when the time comes." The portal collapsed behind them as Drek'ma spoke - hissing with his forked tongue.

The cauldron had been a theory for so long that its becoming a reality was still surreal, the force surged through him with new life now. The power that swelled in it was as immutable as the will of the Titan itself.

Under his guise, the Shaman's would wield their mighty beasts for the great war to come.

 

[Ostak Cl'mana]

POST: I
ALLIES: Bryn | Tathra Khaeus | Primarch Drek'ma
ENEMIES: SJC | Open to ground engagement

DRAMEDIUS PRIME - XAELDRASK HQ OF THE TACHAEL-VEMNAK - COUNCIL ROOM
FIVE HOURS BEFORE THE BLACK NEST CRISIS

Ostak and sixty other Enforcer Overseers lay seated in a vast circular chamber.
​

The room was nearly twenty meters tall, crowned by a vast circular dome. Located near the geographical center of the building, the room was surrounded on all sides by the offices of the lesser logistical Enforcers who documented operations of the Tachael-Vemnak across all worlds loyal to the Draelvasier. Carved into its walls were depictions of strong Baedurin, crafty Aeravalin and comparatively diminutive but clever Drones marching together into battle, an image of perfect loyalty and unity that all sixty-one Overseers desired, a loyalty that had defined the Tachael-Vemnak since their founding.

The Overseer of Dramedius Prime, the first and eldest among them, rose from his seat and began to speak.

"Greetings, my fellow Overseers. With recent territorial gains, a new Oversystem has been assigned and our numbers have increased to sixty-one. With the Byrn'adul Empire larger than ever, our mission has become even more essential. Hardly a month ago, the Kesh system shocked by rebellion after the assassination of its Warlord. But thanks to the efforts of its new Warlord along with our own Overseer Ostak Cl'mana, the system has fallen in line once more. Let us use the example of Kesh and redouble our duty to ensure the unity of ideology among our species. Without further to do, let the one hundred and twenty-fourth meeting of the Overseer Council begin."

DRAMEDIUS PRIME - XAELDRASK HQ OF THE TACHAEL-VEMNAK - 13TH FLOOR OFFICES
ONE HOUR BEFORE THE BLACK NEST CRISIS

Ostak let out a deep exhale and slid his back up against his chair.
​

The 124th meeting of the Overseer Council had been... boring to say the least. Aside from the introduction of the sixty-first Overseer into the ranks of the Tachael-Vemnak, the meeting had consisted of merely the usual status check of each system. With most of the quantitative logistics handled by the data teams in the offices of the Vemnak headquarters building, the discussion was largely focused around minor heresy reports in each Overseer's system. As a result, nothing of particular note had occurred. Ostak almost missed the 98th meeting of the Council, where news of the greatest heresy in Byrn'adul history had created an atmosphere of excitement and determination, with Ostak being personally deployed to ensure that the Chieftain properly quelled it. He had been disappointed by how blunt the Chieftain had been in his execution of the conspiring Shipmaster, but in the months since he had begun to realize that perhaps the supreme leader of the nation and species had been under far more stress than he had initially assumed.

Then again, Ostak assumed that an uneventful meeting was a good thing. After all, if there was not much heresy to report on, then the Tachael-Vemnak were doing their jobs well. Rising from his chair, Ostak began his trek to the compound's elevator to depart the facility and assume his alter ego of a Shaman Beast Master.

DRAMEDIUS PRIME - XAELDRASK CITY - PRESENT TIME

The vast towers of Xaeldrask loomed above the road on which Ostak traveled, disappearing into the cavernous roof above.
​

His Skag mount swiftly propelled him through the vast main streets, its steps steady even as it rushed forwards at over sixty kilometers per hour. They veered off onto a smaller side road, aiming for a nearby barracks. Two minutes later, he parked near the vast arched entrance of the facility and strode inside, where he would gather the beasts that defined his power as a Shaman.

​

 

[Viers Connory]

//: Dramedius Prime //: Jade's Triumph //:
//: Zaavik Perl //: Kaska Arden //: Romi Jade //: Jend-Ro Quill //: Dagon Kaze //: Vexander Graves //: Aaran Tafo //: Tathra Khaeus //:

This was the real deal, an entire mission, and Viers found herself terrified. The small moments she had, like on Jakku, were just routine, and she had found herself in the right place at whatever time it was. ​

Quiet footsteps wandered up and down the hallway, hidden and protected by the veil of the Force. The Padawan had been practicing a viable skill her Guardian had taught her. One that she had picked up quite quickly and had saved her life when her Guardian passed. Returning from the shadows of the camouflage, Viers inhaled deeply and held it; she could feel the tightness of the suit against her lithe frame - it felt like a prison. Maybe it was just her nerves, she thought quietly as she exhaled, trying not to make a sound in the briefing room. ​

Mentally, the Padawan went through a quick checklist. Her equipment was packed, she had emergency rations and her weapons, mostly her lightsabers were on her person. There wasn’t any more that she could do to physically prepare herself; it was all a mental battle now. Another deep breath and release as she cleared her mind of the fears. What they were facing was nothing she had seen before. How could something like this be roaming the galaxy like it had been? Unchecked? The thought made Viers nauseous the more she let her mind wander. ​

Voices began to break through her clouded mind; the more experienced members of the group spoke - giving their warnings and guidance. Many Jedi in one area; most were strangers, while Kaska and Romi's familiar faces provided a comforting feeling for the most part. Taking a step, she looked down at the maze of tunnels that were being talked about. A Knight spoke; his pale pink skin alerted the girl of his species, Zeltron. She had never met one before and had only heard stories. ​

Viers felt something tickling the back of her throat; she quietly cleared it hoping to scratch whatever was bothering her. No sooner, the tickling sensation moved and now started to affect her nose. Viers rubbed the tip of her nose, but there was no alleviating the irritation. She did her best to try and ignore it, but upon another breath, the girl erupted into a series of stifled sneezes. Her face buried into the crook of her arm. ​

“I’m sorry.” She forced out through a small break. She stepped back, redder than the Zeltron, as she tried to settle the fit.​

 

[Samatharis]

Obj: 1 Wings P1
Dagon Kaze | Loske Treicolt | Thalia Senn | Kaska Arden | Romi Jade | Lady Rowan Vale

​

Sam stood at the end of the table. Watching Romi give the briefing. Sam wore a custom, black Stormtrooper's outfit and held her dark helm under one arm. She looked mean. She looked ready. She looked hard.

Her Eta Angel Interceptor was docked on the exterior hatch of the Triumph. Shielded from the asteroid dust by a risen forward armor flap of the Corvette. Her Astromech was loaded, her missiles were loaded, and the pre-flight combat checks were already done. Her ship was ready. Her ship looked mean. Her twin guns looked meaner.

All she needed now was the location and combat data of their space faring target. Everything else. Would be history.

 

[Vexander Graves]

Zaavik Perl | Kaska Arden | Romi Jade | Jend-Ro Quill | Dagon Kaze | Aaran Tafo | Tathra Khaeus |
​

Vexander took one of the pendants and looked at it... perhaps he would be needing it? He didn't want to jump to conclusions or to predispose himself to what was to come but anything could happen based on what he was learning from those who have dealt with these beings. Master Quill's bluntness was appreciated but the brown bearded Jedi Master wouldn't dwell in those negative statements that much... he didn't want to predispose himself to such negative thoughts that could demoralize.

Placing the pendant around his neck, the corellian looked around and tried to picture the faces he was seeing to the dossiers he had seen before, at least had a sense of who was around him and to keep in mind which teammates require what at what moment. Afterall, how could you help someone and watch his back if you do not know what his strenghtens and weaknesses are? Perhaps you are needed the most elsewhere while you are trying to help someone who can just slip by from a tight spot... or so he thought.

The bearded man thought that perhaps he could break the ice with some serious question "What are the odds we can actually clean the area of bats with someone skilled in Force Light? Or even perhaps a low level super contained Wall of Light?" The man scratched his beard a bit while thinking "If done properly we could just exterminate the flying rodents and remain conceal for the infiltration efforts"

 

[Romi Jade]

She cocked her head in silent contemplation, largely absorbing what everyone was saying around her; the shift in the hologram riddled her face in sharp shapes.

Nodded, "Adversity is a constant in scenarios like this. I hope we all understand the risks, and note that there could be shift at any moment during this operation. We'll all need to be ready to make decisions without hesitation, be mindful of our objectives and gear, and hold each other accountable." She worked the room while Quill passed around the talismans, noting that they agreed before on the usefulness of having a memory bank.

Her attention turn back to the shift in holographic scans, wincing in agreement with Zaavik -- what was luck really?

She nodded, "Quill makes a good point, we may not know what the route really looks like until we touch down, but I think we should follow this for now and pivot when its necessary keeping time in mind. But on the issue of the bats--"

Vexander offered his thoughts and they were solid.

Hmm

"There's likely millions of those things, we may not be able to rid ourselves of them entirely but bats do have a natural affliction to light. Before we exhaust our reserves, it might be best to explore glow rods...maybe even our sabers--some other means first. Using the Force as a last resort if only to avoid their shamans locking on to our signatures."

A faint sneeze knocked her off her intended mental path.

She forgot what she was gonna say.

"You alright V?" Signaling her with the motion of a head-nod.

"Zaavik will be putting us on route once we touch down. Captain have you found your target?"

"Ma'am. We're locked on and ready to go." He spoke over strategies that relied on decentralization and the sheer vastness of space

In table digits allowed him access to change the hologram, and the attack cruiser they were focusing on.

"If there's nothing else, let's start to board up."

-----

*Feel free to move the narrative forward however you want -- wrenches welcome

Spoiler

Zaavik Perl
Kaska Arden
Viers Connory
Vexander Graves
Samatharis
Aaran Tafo
Jend-Ro Quill
Tathra Khaeus
Primarch Drek'ma
Ostak Cl'mana

 

[Starlin Rand]

Objective 1
Location: Aboard the Triumph
Gear: Lightsaber | Shoto | Armor
Accompanied by: Tom Kovack

"Thanks," Starlin said cheerfully as he took a Testament Pendant and a backpack from Jend-Ro Quill , only to hand both items to Tom. "I'm gonna be in space, so... well, I guess I might as well bring along a pendant." He took one for himself. "Might be hard to recover from the wreckage if I get blasted, though."

Tom put on the extra items with an air of grimness. But that might've been the tightness of the new armor making him grumpy. He was going to be on the ground for the first time in... well, a long time. Starlin didn't know his friend's exact history with missions like this.

Once Romi Jade finished explaining things, Starlin gave a casual salute to the rest of the group and headed to the hangar, where he had parked his starfighter, the Steward of Zeffo, not far from Samatharis' interceptor. Tom meanwhile joined the others headed for the caves.

Viers Connory Kaska Arden Dagon Kaze Zaavik Perl Thalia Senn Ala Quin Vexander Graves Julius Sedaire Samatharis Aaran Tafo Mishel Kryze Tathra Khaeus Ostak Cl'mana​

 

[Samatharis]

Obj 1: Wings P2
Loske Treicolt | Lady Rowan Vale
​

Romi answered questions and then adjourned the brief. It was party time.

Sam gave a nod and donned her black helm. Then she turned on a dime and made for her ship. The Captain of the Triumph had designated the target. The mission was the acquisition of nav data for the ground teams to chart the asteroid debris. Funny enough. They'd be stealing from a bio-ship too. Ha. Kind of made Sam wish she had some of those fancy cyborg Vong upgrades that link organic pilots to organic ships. Could probably come in handy right about now.

She sealed her suit and entered the Truimph's third air lock. Activated her mag boots and prepared for EVA into asteroid debris. The first of many suicidal maneuvers she'd pull tonight. She just knew it.

She touched the com on her wrist,

~ "This is Escort One requesting EVA out of air lock three." ~

The ship's handler replied stoically,

~ "Roger Escort One. Outer doors are green and armor shield is holding. You are go for space walk." ~

~ "Roger Triumph. Lock her up behind me. Escort One out." ~

Sam pulled the lever and the outer door opened with a hiss. Space was busy outside. Luckily, the armor flap was holding the debris at bay and her ship was anchored right outside. No biggie.

She boarded her Interceptor without catching a bullet. That was one suicide mission complete. Now to get ready for part two.

"R2. What's our ETA on Lady Rowan and the Hapes?"

~ "Donk donk." ~ The droid shrugged.

"Okay. Then we'll keep the engine running and wait for them. Let me know when Treicolt is ready to party. We'll lock in on her ship and follow her team in. Maybe see what these Hapan Queens have in mind for an approach vector."

~ "Beep!" ~ The droid nodded.

"Okay partner. Let's do this."

. . .

 

[Tathra Khaeus]

Planet Surface
- Mouth of Mount Khad

When the Primarch arrived, Tathra felt the quiet fade. The quiet of the mountain slopes, of the distant sounds of Juggernauts, Drones and Zealots working together. It was a glorious symphony below. It allowed him to think, to give time to things other than the conquering of the Galaxy - but now, there was no time at all.

The ground quaked with the thuds of his few steps, turning to the Primarch. Aureate eyes locked on to the Aeravalin, squinting slightly as they scanned over his armoured form. It had been many years since that Drek'ma had worn his armour at all times. He had always thought it was a deviation to set himself apart, but now that war of galactic scale was on the horizon, it seemed everything was coming full circle. He didn't understand what it meant yet, but he hoped it spelled out success as it had before.

Maybe things weren't so different now than they had been then, maybe it was just him. He was older, past his prime and so very jaded, tired. Old battered bones and bruised muscle carried the weight of the world still. It was his to bare, of course.

"Good. We will need everything if we are to succeed." From the Titan's palm came a map of the Galaxy.

The map showed and overview of the battle-plan, hundreds of planets - strategic footholds that would be necessary for victory. It would be their biggest attack yet and their greatest.

"There's been some debate about my plan from the Ish'makra." He didn't ask, but he wanted Drek'ma's opinion now that they were in private.

Below their forces continued to drill with the Drones. Juggernauts and Drone Commanders saw to the armouring and training of the new legions. Sraelvun fresh from the birthing chambers in the millions. Systems away on Kesh, their shipyards were constructing new drop ships to deliver them to enemy systems and landfall within minutes.

When they finally struck, it would be hard and fast.

Tag: Primarch Drek'ma | Ostak Cl'mana

 

[Aaran Tafo]

Objective 2
Open for Engagement.

"I have to agree with Master Jade. Conservation of power is key. Especially with the high gravity of the world below. No point in wasting energy or drawing attention with anything flashy." With a small click, Arete was sheathed at his hip, connected to his waist by a magnetic lock. Twisting his body back and forth, Aaran ensured that it remained fastened to his hip. Ready to be drawn on a moment's notice.

He forced himself to remain calm. Despite the warning, being a room full of empaths allowed emotions like anxiety to spread quickly. If one person got nervous, then the person beside him was likely to feel the same tension and get worried as well. So there was little point in allowing such feelings to spread about. But he did take the offered Talisman, adding it to the one that currently rested against his chest under his armor.

Taking a breath, he fell in line with the rest of the ground team. He was a combat specialist, not an infiltration expert. His purpose here was clear enough. Carve a path for the others if needed. Hold the line if that was what was required of him. It was a role he was fine with. Sliding up next to Zaavik Perl , he gave the Zeltron Shadow a nod, letting him take the lead.

 

[Ala Quin]

Having lingered in and around the Jakku Enclave for a time, without making little to no impact, Ala decided that now was the time for action. Her experience with the Draelvasier Argaloth had not only seen her two 870 year old lightsabers, but had cemented her resolve. The Bryn'adul were a threat, but the hatred and fear people - even Jedi - had for them was as much a threat. Whatever was to be done about the Bryn'adul it had to be done in such a way as to insure that the galaxy came out of it with some form of moral respectability. The collective shame for anything nearing genocide would be a shame that would tear families, cities, planets and governments apart. Not to mention denegrating the sacred heart of the Jedi Order that she loved so dearly.

If Caltin knew she was here, well, he would be here too...but likely he would spend all his time convincing her NOT to be here. But once her mind was made up. It was made up.

For those in the ground crew, Ala was perhaps the most unlikeliest of actors in the play that would unfold. Thin framed, small and with a near irrepressible smile painting the corner of her mouth, she seemed more likely to be going into a gymnast competition than the heart of a Bryn hive. Still, resolve counted for a lot. And Ala had it in buckets. Her task was clear - be the one to sneak into small places that no one else could reach - and don't lose the 'loaner' saber she had gotten from Vanagor.

"Stick together, watch your step...and don't go dying on me," Ala said as she lined up with the rest of the ground crew, "I don't know you well enough yet to give a decent obituary. The inconvenience is unthinkable."

| Vexander Graves | Zaavik Perl | Aaran Tafo | Romi Jade |​

 

[Ostak Cl'mana]

POST: II
ALLIES: Bryn | Tathra Khaeus | Primarch Drek'ma
ENEMIES: SJC | Open to ground engagement within or just outside the caves
EQUIPMENT: Ceremonial Shaman robes | Spitter Utility Bow (10x explosive arrows, 1x grappling hook)
COMPLEMENT: 2x Rhivaks, 50x Draeyde Bats acquired in the cave system

DRAMEDIUS PRIME - XAELDRASK OUTSKIRTS - PRESENT TIME

Ostak slid off the back of a sturdily built Rhivak, guiding them with caution as they approached the entrance to a nearby cave system.
​

The Shaman-Overseer's destination was the entrance of Mount Khad far above, where military maneuvers were being planned. To reach the location, he had two options. Ostak could ride a transport ship above Xaeldrask and towards the planet's stormy surface, but today most transports were reserved for larger and more numerous units. Instead, Ostak took the longer route up, following a vast series of caverns stretching for kilometers around and above the underground city of Xaeldrask. Fortunately, he had taken a well-worn route, with stone bridges and caverns large enough to fit both Rhivaks walking side by side with room to spare. As the torches lighting the way became dimmer and less numerous, Ostak instead reached out to his spiritual energy. A neon pink orb appeared in his hands after several seconds, its light bright enough to illuminate the area for ten meters around the formation.

As Ostak and his light quietly continued up the cavern with the Rhivaks slowly striding behind, swarms of Draeyde Bats became visible. While not native to the planet, the bats had been placed throughout the caves surrounding Xaeldrask as a defensive mechanism, with many infiltrating spies and fleeing traitors meeting their end to swarms numbering in the dozens, who were often very well fed in days of turmoil. Yet as Ostak sensed the presence of a dormant swarm a dozen meters above his head, he snuffed out his light. As the bats awakened, Ostak stretched his spiritual energy out to them, invisible purple waves coursing through their skulls. Instead of swarming to consume Ostak and his Rhivaks, the bats descended down and encircled him as if they were an organic shielding array. With a flick of his finger, Ostak dispersed the bats, who were directed forwards and upwards.

Ostak's usage of the bats was a standard cautionary procedure for Shamen and Seers entering the caves, meant to dilvulge the location of any hazards or hidden hostiles. If any of the bats detected unusual light or were killed before returning to Ostak, their cries would return to Ostak as a ripple of his spiritual energy, and he would be able to bring himself and his Rhivaks to directly face any threat coming their way.

The bats flocked together and rushed upwards, erratically breaking off into smaller swarms before consolidating once more, all shooting towards the exterior entrances of the cave system.