The Debacle on Teta (Grayson Imperium)

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The subjugation of Empress Teta was something vital to the Imperium's growth. Adding a secondary ecumenoplis to the Imperium's borders would catapault the fledgling state into something of note on the galactic scale, if not by terms of military, than by terms of trade. Furthermore, the conquest was a holy one. Empress Teta had fallen into the greedy hands of a former Geonosian slave and his followers, whom elected to worship the old gods of the Rakata, and in doing so, led their people to the slaughter. Humans were murdered by the hundreds in acts of revenge and worship of Geonosian's false gods.

His cult of aliens had managed to maintain dominance over Empress Teta via sheer numbers; millions of slaves had been transferred to the system during its time within the Core Imperial Confederation. Cedric had initially sympathized with them, but the realities of their cruelties had dashed such sympathies. There was no justification for genocide, no matter what it might have been in retaliation for.

Thus it was that the High Lords of the Imperium had aligned their fleets to converge on the system.

The initial assault was a brutal one. The fleet the aliens had managed to scavenge was meager, but the planet's orbital defense system was nigh impregnable. There was also the issue of needing that system disabled rather than destroyed. It would be far too valuable to the imperial war effort.

The Sons of Ession had served as the vanguard, breaking through the defense platforms' screens via small, fast vessels intended to deliver the elite warriors into the heart of the ecumenopolis's capital. Many had been shot down, but a few vital dozens managed to break through.


Cedric stood within one of those shuttles, his lips pressed into a thin line as it rocked from anti-air fire. Two dozen of his Sons stood on either side of him, grim silence their only response to the chaos. Beneath the shuttle hung a repulsortank - the plan was for these shuttles to make landfall in a similar location, and to use the repulsortanks to shatter the less well armed cultists' defenses.

"For the blood of our fathers," Cedric's voice was heavy with purpose.

The Essonians thumped their chests to their hearts, their words spoken as one. "For the blood of our sons!"

The shuttle rocked hard as one of the AA rounds crashed into its stern. Alarm klaxons began to scream. Cedric wasted little time in putting on his helmet, grabbing onto the bulkhead, and bracing himself for an unplanned landing.

 

[Tobias Dracks]

Location: Empress Teta, Space
Objective: Support High Lords

-- Tobias was here only as support for the other High Lords, his fleets were already spread thin with supply patrols and conquest of the other worlds in this sector. The Imperials and Republic factions were insignificant in the size of the UTC Fleets, with the fall of the First Order their shipyards were bought out and placed under his control. In truth he cared little for the Core Worlds, being a Warlord in the Fringe Worlds was far more interesting. The only reason he brought his massive fleet and nearly infinite armies to these worlds was the promise of revenge on the worlds that hurt him. In that pursuit he was required to assist the lords that could help him.

-- The forces he brought here were on loan to the Imperium, Cedric promised revenge so much of the cost was paid for from Tobias pocket. He only asked for the continued support of his gains in the Core Worlds.

-- "My Lord, we have arrived in system." Stated the Comms Officer, "It seems the Imperators Fleet has already engaged the defense structures."

-- Tobias nodded as he looked at the ground planning before him. "Get the Marines Prepared, the Imperator ordered us to take those stations, not destroy them." He looked back at one of the Armored Officers on the bridge. "We will break the blockade here, I will travel with the 1st Army Corp and the 16th Droid Legion, the High Lords have more ships then we do so let them deal with the space forces."

-- The officer saluted. "Of course my Lord, just give us a hole and a few good men and we can impregnate the Kark."

-- Tobias chuckled, it had been a few cycles since his men were in a good fight. Probably the raid of Fondor was the last little combat they saw. It would be good to see what his forces had to offer. "Alright men, lets wait for our hole and then drop with the transports."

Ground Army:
1st Army Corp

Spoiler

[Standard Armor] Republic Infantry Armor
[Anti-Tank Weapon] VT-SDC 13
[Light Machine Gun] RR-LRB 'Suppressor' Model 32
[Heavy Machine Gun] RR-HRB E-19
[Anti-Material Rifle] Anti-Material Rail Rifle
[Shotgun] Inferos Class Disruptor Rifle
[Blaster Rifle]M-1016 Blaster Rifle
[Combat Knife] C-11 "Nastirci"
[Scout Vehicle] R-Series Mk.1 Pathfinder ARV
[Infantry Fighting Vehicle] R-91B "Liberator"
[Supremacy Tank] RR P-HBT M71
[Anti-Infantry Walker] RR-AW Prowler Mk. 1
[All-Rounder Walker] RR-AW Prowler Eradicator Mk. 2
[Tank Destroyer Walker] RR-AW Prowler Destroyer Mk. 3
[Gunship/Dropship] RRATD Gunship

16th Droid Legion

Spoiler

[Battle Infantry] NH-Knight Droid, [Air Support] NK-Wasp Droid, [Dumb Battle Inf] NN-I Battle Droid,[Heavy Battle Inf] NN-2 Front Droid, [Turret Doirds] NN-Disco Droid, [Commando] NN-K Infiltration Droid, [Transport] Queen Mason Airspeeder

Fleet Navy:
10th Transport Fleet

Spoiler

3 Breaker-class Cargo Ship, 3 Admata Dropships, 5 Pelta-class Transport Frigates, 7 Katana Lighter Cruiser, 10 Xeta-class Troop Carrier, 4 Spewer class Assault Ship, 4 Kyr'yc Ayahada Attack Frigate, 4 Hammerhead Class Frigates, 7 Preserver-class Corvette

 

[Dak]

[member="Cedric Grayson"] | [member="Tobias Dracks"]​

Imminent threat detected.

As the shuttle jerks from the impact the droid's preservation routines are quick to activate, magnetically securing his feet to the floor and triggering the actuators in his legs and torso to lock. Having effectively become a durasteel statue, Dak stands unwavering in the aisle as the shuttle begins to destabilize and shake violently.

"Master," his tone is as mild as usual, though his voice is louder to project over the deafening screech of the klaxon "there is an increasing probability that this craft will be forced to make an emergency landing." He looks to Cedric, seemingly unfazed by the severity of their situation, and watches the Imperator secure his helmet. "Brace yourself."

He gives Cedric a still nod, "and may the Force be with you."

 

[Loske Treicolt]

Empress Teta​

Entering the Atmosphere ​

On board with: [member="Cedric Grayson"] / @Dak ​

Allies: [member="Tobias Dracks"]​

Soundtrack ​

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Clambering to grasp on to the safety netting, Loske’s entire body fought against gravity when the AA Rounds made their connection. “Oh for the love of…” Loske grumbled angrily when she could cling to some of the straps. While the ship careened, she frowned and righted herself enough to step through the throngs of enthusiastic evangelists. All the while muttering to herself (amidst excuse me, and pardons) about the shoddy piloting and if you want something done right, do it yourself.

Finally pushing through the sea of meat and armour, Loske wedged her way into the cockpit of the vessel — speaking before looking “Are you planning to swan dive the whole way there?” On rude arrival, she was woefully greeted with co-corpses and she covered her mouth with immediate regret. “I’msosorry.” Blood and glass were everywhere, much of the HUD was flickering and rendered largely useless. Metal coiled and plumed puffs of sparks and smoke.

Still, if this vessel went down nose diving first, the impact would be fatal for the soldiers on board. “Oh gosh, excuse me. Yuck..” She felt terrible purpose wedging herself to the chair where the pilot had been, and attempting to roll the bloodied body out and make room for her lithe figure to do some assistance.

With the HUD knocked out, a lot of the information the vessel was receiving was imperfect. Fragmented audio readouts, filled with static announced “A plus fifteen. Atmosphere entered.” All she could see in the distance was zeros dropping by the millisecond, which meant their approach was severely quick. The heat of the cockpit was threatening searing, and an orange glow ignited the nose. She coughed, looping her fingers around the yoke to yank upward, doing her utmost to rectify and right the descent to at least keep it level.

“Frank, I need a distance reading. Can you find us in the atmosphere, tell me how many clicks I have until ground?”

Instantly, her droid companion from a safe distance (not a part of this flight, blessed animatronic soul) No clicks. 7,000 feet.

“That’s hot.” Loske commented to nobody but herself and the dead, doing what she could to manage the remaining distance. The levers, buttons, and screens she traipsed around from her proximity were all connected to the shields and thrusters. Levelling the belly of the beast to collide and skid with the ground with a shattering reality versus the nose. Thrusters were in as much reverse as technically feasible, but breaking the atmosphere at that level of acceleration was far too much momentum to counter with faux physics aided by the repulsers.

The sound of collision was deafening. Flat, successful (by their standards), but deafening. She gutted forward, the console ramming into her stomach and winding her as flames engulfed the entirety of the ship, licking around all the exits that remained in tact.

On the bright side, the enemies would be barbecued if they chose to rush the intruding vessel.

 

[Marlon Sularen]

Location : In orbit over Empress Teta
Objective : Destroy the Enemy Fleet and Disable the Enemy Orbital Defenses

Directorate Fleet:

Spoiler

• 7 Assimilator-Class Star Destroyer
• 3 Pellaeon-III Star Destroyers
• 4 Nebulon-A Frigates
• 2 Quasar-Fire Class Carriers
• 15 Dreadnaught Mk II Heavy Cruisers

On board his Star Destroyer , the Eye of the Director Maracel thought at the recent events that had unfolded since the Capture of Coruscant , the Battle over Coruscant , the Battle of Xa Fel and the Skirmish at Pijal. The Directorate indeed had shown to be a valuable asset for the Imperium but yet Maracel faced more threats then ever. Now he had to aid the Imperator in the conquest of Empress Teta a planet conquered by a Genosisan Warlord whom had managed to take over the planet in the wake of the collapse of the CIC and create his own Mini-Empire. Now Maracel thought was the best chance to prove his loyalty and to support the Imperator in the best way possible.

As his Personal Fleet exited from Hyperspace arriving after the forces of the [member="Cedric Grayson"], [member="Tobias Dracks"] , [member="Dak"] and [member="Loske Matson"]. “Sir, we have arrived at the system. Scanning indicates that Lord Grayson’s forces have broken through the defenses of the enemy orbital defenses and are soon to land at the capital. Lord Dracks has already arrived with a rather small fleet” an officer stated. “And what about the enemy fleet?” Maracel asked. “Their Fleet is small in size and composed of outdated Imperial Warships. Nothing we can’t handle.” the Officer replied. “Well hold your positions and await any sort of enemy response.”.

With that the Fleet moved into Defensive Positions waiting for the enemy to make the first move. For Maracel always striking second gave you an advantage. One in which you would be fully able to predict the new attack from the enemy. And with that Maracel watched as the battle unfolded waiting for his enemy’s next move.

 

[Tristan Evore]

(This never happened)

 

[Tristan Evore]

Location: Entering Orbit of Empress Teta, aboard the Shield Class Star Destroyer HMIS Avenger
Objective: Purge and Purify

The First Imperial Fleet:

Spoiler

1x Shield Class Star Destoyer, HMIS Avenger
18x Jast Carrier Destroyer's
17x Jast Pocket Carriers
15x Hades Class Star Battlecruisers
145 Squadrons of Jast Fighter's

Tristan paced the warm lighted floor of the bridge of the Shield Class Star Destroyer HMIS Avenger, nervously. This was perhaps his second visit to the metropolis of Empress Teta and he preferred it would have been a relaxing vacation but, he we are now. He stood there, in full dress uniform , his lightsaber slightly protruding from behind his white cape.


"I see the Duke has been rather busy. Move pur fleet directly behind Duke Yorkell's Directorate Forces. Stand ready to engage the enemy forces. ". He ordered, refering to [member="Maracel Yorkell II"]'s Fleet which was already in orbit of the planet. Tristan took this time to seat himself in the Star Destroyer's command throne, his white cape flowing to the ground as he sat.

" Aye, Marshal" responded a crewmen from a trench below the command throne.

Tristan stared at the derelict, Imperial Ship's that stood before him and his dominance of the space surrendering Empress Teta. Normally, he would not have hesitated to engage the small enemy fleet but [member="Cedric Grayson"] had given the Sons of Ession specific orders: Let the High Lords run the show. And so he turned slightly to the Communication's Officer and stated bluntly:

"Hail High Lord's [member="Maracel Yorkell II"] and [member="Tobias Dracks"] for further orders".

 

[Shran]

Location: In orbit of Empress Teta
Objective: Eliminate the enemy

Galactic Imperial Fleet

Spoiler

- 3 Imperial V-class Star Destroyers
-1 Resurgent Class Star Destroyer
-4 Nebulon B frigates
-3 Arquitens-class light cruisers

Shran's star destroyer dropped out of hyperspace along with the other ships in his fleet.

"Sir, we have arrived above Empress Teta. Duke Yorkell's fleet is holding position alongside Mr. Evore's fleet. Your orders sir?"

The Chiss smiled as he stared out the view port at the enemies across the way. Despite most officers on the bridge being confused as to why the battle hadn't already begun, Shran knew exactly what Yorkell was doing and had to admit that he was impressed by the Duke's military prowess.

"Hold here for now." After he said that, he tapped a button on his command panel that activated a comlink connected to all the vessels in his fleet.

"Soldiers, today is the first day that you will be tested in battle since the events on Coruscant and the rise of the Grayson Imperium. Today is your chance to show those who'd seek to hold our leash how powerful we really are. Here is your chance to prove what it means to be an Imperial. Do not disappoint me. Long live the Empire."

At that moment, each of the ships that were filled with the roars of officers who shouted in unison "Long live the Empire!"

Shran turned to his communications officer, "Send a message to the other Imperium forces; Open fire."

 

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"I think you're right on that one Dak." Cedric mused grimly. The Sons of Ession mumbled whatever misgivings they might have had, some of them clutching amulets and other mementos to their chests as they prayed to the Ashla for safe guidance. How unlucky they would be to have come this far, only to perish in a heap of burning metal. "May the Force be with you too," he added, clunking Dak on his mechanical shoulder as he turned to speak to his apprentice.

He was just fast enough to catch Loske charging into the cockpit. Confused, the Jedi Master followed after her, a curse spilling from his lips as he caught sight of the ruined corpses that were once the vessel's pilots. His mind shot through a dozen different options, none of them particularly promising. Fortunately for Cedric and the rest of the shuttle's inhabitants, they had a master pilot aboard.

The Jedi stood back, silent and hopeful as Loske did her work. He braced himself against the bulkhead, a string of curses spilling quietly from his lips as the ship careened ever closer toward the planet below. His stomach lurched as the vessel made impact with the ground, the sound near-deafening as it screeched across the permacrete below.

It was only when their ship came to a slow, creaking stop that he realized he'd been holding his breath.

"Loske," Cedric was out of breath as he stepped forward, a shaky hand pressing down on the blonde's shoulder. "That was amazing. Thank you." And he meant it.

A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he turned toward [member="Dak"] and the soldiers. "Anyone hurt?"

A headcount followed. There were some minor dings and bruises here and there, but nothing serious.

Cedric had no idea what awaited outside, but the violent shifting of the empyrean told him it was nothing good. "Everyone ready? Don't think we have much time to recuperate."

@Shran, [member="Tristan Evore"], [member="Maracel Yorkell II"], [member="Loske Matson"], [member="Dak"], [member="Tobias Dracks"]

 

[Alyson Halle]

More city planets, how wonderful. Alyson had grown to accept the bustle and cluttered nature of the galaxies many city worlds, but she had not come to appreciate them. She would never trade in her quiet countryside, chirping birds, natural rain, and sweet summer air for the mechanical whirrs, shouting, and overarching feeling of depressing sensation that the city worlds brought. The combat was far more bloody, though lacking in blood the close quarters chewed through men like a meat grinder. She had trained her men to not fear death, and it was ture that they did not, but that made it all the more painful when they mindlessly threw themselves on the pike for their empress.

The name amused Alyson. She wondered how wonderful that empress was that the world now bore her name. Would Alyson be worthy of such an honor? Would she even want it? She didn't think so. The person of history becomes buried under the history of the planet which outlives them. Their own achievements become blurred by the achievements of great men and women to come after them. Alyson wanted her name to be remembered for her actions, not the actions of some distant descendant thousands of years after she had died. Not that she could stop her successor from doing it, but she would make it clear that it was not what she wanted, whenever that occurred.

She had barely even noticed that the shuttle had taken a hit, until the klaxons blared. It had become so standard for her that she didn't even think much of it. She merely held on close and put a telekentic barrier around herself, when the impact did happen, it would dull any blows she recieved. She had been in far too many crashes to let this skill go to waste. Luckily the landing was much gentler than she was expecting. Normally a dive like that left no non-force-sensitive survivors. The mundane soldiers aboard would not suffer that fate this day. The landing was rough, but easily survivable.

She closed her eye for a moment, recalibrating her highly attuned senses to the enviornment around her. She could see the attention they were recieving. It wasn't good.

"While I would love to celebrate our unexpected survival, I would like to note that every ground unit within 5 kilometers is currently clambering for our position. We should get moving as soon as possible."

[member="Cedric Grayson"] @Shran [member="Tristan Evore"] [member="Maracel Yorkell II"] [member="Loske Matson"] [member="Dak"] [member="Tobias Dracks"]

 

[Dak]

[member="Cedric Grayson"] | [member="Alyson Halle"] | [member="Loske Matson"]
[member="Shran "]| [member="Tristan Evore"] | [member="Maracel Yorkell II"] | [member="Tobias Dracks"]​

There’s a terrible screech as Dak’s magnetically locked feet scuff across the durasteel floor on impact. As the dropship comes to a stop and settles in the trench it had carved, the droid releases his actuators and takes a few testing steps to ensure no damage had been sustained to his joints from the force of the controlled collision. Satisfied with the quick visual diagnostic, he looks to the Imperator.

“Minor injuries,” Dak notes as a response, looking around at a few soldiers who were clutching their ribs or pawing at bruises or sprains. As his receptors pass Alyson, he gives her a silent nod “an excellent outcome, all things considered. Well done, Madame Loske.”

Without further hesitation, Dak releases his Jackal ACR from the magnetic holster on his back and pulls it around, giving it a quick once-over before cocking it and releasing the safety. “Combat routines functioning optimally,” he brings the stock tight to his shoulder and moves to a position next to the drop hatch “I am ready on your orders, Master.”

 

[Dante of Ession]

Despite his recent near-death encounter, Dante showed little emotion. He hastily scrambled for his high-powered jaeger rifle, which he had dropped during the descent, and made his way to Cedric. Every step he took was calculated, not unlike the bulk of his actions. He often subconsciously did this, as he wasted no time. As he approached Cedric, he gave a customary salute, a sure sign of respect.



He was ready for war, and deep down inside, he was glad the ship had crashed; Glad that he would finally get the chance to participate in true warfare. Nevertheless, he had to keep this skewed joy hidden because what he truly felt was happiness, something he had not experienced in a very long time. His demeanor changed now, from stone cold, to something sinister. "SIR, I AM READY"

 

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The land beneath their feet rumbled as nearby AA guns sspat plasma up at the dozens of other shuttles cutting their way across Empress Teta's surface. Cedric took a few moments to steady himself, reaching out far into the empyrean to see what just exactly was coming for them. He felt unhinged life all around them, and cruel intent present in nearly all of it. These warriors were driven by fanaticism; the sort that inspired gleeful fatalism in its followers. As soon as the Jedi Master touched their minds, he understood just how bad their situation truly was.

"We had intended to hit one of the primary AA batteries. Judging by the sounds and the minor shakes, I'd say we made it close, though I've no idea just how far." He drew upright, the red flood lights of the shuttle reflecting in the grim black of his helmet's visor. They only had a few minutes to act.

Without a word, he made his way toward the hatch. The hull was still blazing hot: Cedric relied on the Force for this endeavor, willing invisible telekinetic strands to warp around his fingertips, and caress the edges of the exit hatch. With a powerful push, the hatch blasted open, and hot sulfuric air came rushing into the cabin.

Another force of will shifted the clouds of smoke apart so that Cedric might get a good look at the situation. They had crashed into what had once been a massive and luxurious fountain. Streams of water still spurted upward from the shattered nozzle system. The fountain was located in the center of a large trade plaza cornered on the eastern and western side with skyscrapers so high a normal sentient couldn't see their peak from the bottom.

There were movement along the shadows of the buildings, fleeting silhouettes that passed just beyond one's vision. The locals were taking notice. Atop one of these skyscrapers was a massive battery of AA guns - nearly two dozen of the accursed things fired away at the Imperium fleet above.

"Okay," Cedric sighed as he eased back into the shuttle just as a spattering of blaster bolts cracked against the bulkhead outside where he'd just been standing. He turned toward his companions. It was a decent sized team, though without reinforcements this might very well be a one way trip.

Above all the grim determination and terror he felt on the broken shuttle, Cedric sensed a rather out of place glee. His gaze centered on the source, [member="Dante of Ession"], a private that had been assigned to this mission on recommendation from his superiors.

"You certainly are son. Your enthusiasm is appreciated," Cedric snickered, finding a moment of brevity in chaos. He turned toward the group. "Our situation doesn't look good. The guns we were targeting are atop these skyscrapers nearby - we'll have to climb," he frowned beneath his helmet, "And someone is going to have to hold this position until we can get everyone moved into the building. More unfriendlies than I can count are setting up on either side of us."

He turned to [member="Dak"]. "We had a repulsortank with us. I looked back - it detached a few dozen meters south of us. The repulsorlifts look scrapped, but the cannons might still be operable. If you can interface with it and get that turret online, we'll have the cover to move the rest of our troops across the open land. I'll protect you on the way there."

Then to [member="Dante of Ession"], [member="Alyson Halle"], and [member="Loske Matson"]. "We'll need you all fighting from the hatches. Try to give us covering fire as we make our way to the tank." Cedric turned, utilizing telekinesis to blow open the two other emergency hatches on either side of the ship.

"Everyone clear on their duties?"

 

[Dante of Ession]

"YES SIR!", responded Dante as he began toward the exit of a nearby hatch. He immediately arrived at the conclusion that shooting from inside of the ship would be near suicidal, so he made his way through the hatch and assessed his situation. He was at a vertical disadvantage, but there was plenty of cover left behind from the "landing" of their ship. He soon found a nearby pillar system overlooking the path of his team and headed toward it. Suddenly, he heard something, a distinct noise. It was the rumbling of many footsteps, the chatter of an uncountable number of people. He peaked his head back into the ship. Nobody else was sharing his experience. "They are almost here! lets move!"

The world fell silent, not a footstep to be heard. Dante was confused, but wasted little time. He continued toward the pillar system, but was nearly knocked down by the deafening sound of hundreds, seemingly thousands of footsteps heading for their location. Time was of the essence and they had none left.

 

[Loske Treicolt]

On board with: [member="Alyson Halle"] / [member="Dak"] / [member="Cedric Grayson"] / [member="Dante of Ession"]​

Orbital Allies: [member="Shran "]/ [member="Tristan Evore"] / [member="Maracel Yorkell II"] / [member="Tobias Dracks"]​

Playing over broken speakers​

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Oxygen was difficult to recapture, and it took a few dizzying seconds to hear what was going on around her again after they'd collided with the ground. Hr lungs felt immense pressure. She felt [member="Cedric Grayson"]'s appreciative hand on her shoulder, and heard murmurs of gratitude from him, [member="Dak"], kind of [member="Alyson Halle"] and then the shift of conversation to the more important matters. She only gasped in response, pushing herself from the dashboard of broken controls and pressing a hand against her stomach. A long time ago, somewhere, she'd heard that a palm against the belly could calm the mind and body, and bring balance. That's what she'd needed, given the bruising and cuts already incurred -- and it was only going to get worse.

Something bad was going to happen here. Or had already happened. Her mind had been clear up to the point where they'd landed. Now that she was closer to the ground, the citadel, her cognitive load was increasing with a flux of whispers that didn't belong to the present conversations. Wiping at her eyes to focus, she heard enough to know what her direction was to support this endeavour.

Did the folks who were supposed to be providing cover fire understand their roles? She nodded affirmatively. "We landed on an angle, we can probably use some of the shuttle's canons still. That's some firepower to contend with when you're on foot." Some eye contact and a jerk of her head, and one of Essonian soldiers kneeled down to check at something, before gesturing a positive signal. The ship's canons were operational.

She grinned.

"I'll take those, then meet you when I'm out of ammo. Or...worse." A grimace. She imagined [member="Alyson Halle"] would probably be on Jedi magic power time, and [member="Dante of Ession"] was already outward.

A mock salute, turned real (given she'd assessed this was not a mockery of a situation, after a glare from a loyal Essonian Son), and a "May the Force be With You" was offered before she moved to keep the weapons online and heated.

 

[Dak]

[member="Cedric Grayson"] | [member="Loske Matson"] | [member="Dante of Ession"] | [member="Alyson Halle"]
[member="Shran "]| [member="Tristan Evore"] | [member="Maracel Yorkell II"] | [member=[COLOR=#7a98a2]Tobias Dracks"][/COLOR]​

It was time.

The DAC’s red photoreceptors narrow as his heads-up sensory readout shifts to its combat suite. “Affirmative. I will secure the repulsortank and provide covering fire for your advance,” he shifts his sight between Cedric, Dante, Alyson and briefly to the other soldiers accompanying them “advance as soon as I’ve interfaced, do not wait, Master. I will help Loske extract from the wreckage and we will rendezvous further up.”

He gives a nod, leaving little time for any protest, and springs from the blasted side-mounted hatch into the open market square. Once in the open, Dak is immediately met with the impact of several slugthrower rounds to the chest. With little in the way of a response, he simply shoulders his own ACR to return fire from his position in the open.

Two hostiles – organic – rooftop – 52 degrees – 23 meters away – 2.5 meters apart

As the two pop out from cover to fire again the droid returns two shots in quick succession, dropping each of them with a connection to the chest.

Targets eliminated

With his Jackal held tight to his shoulder and ready for reflexive movement, Dak begins to dart toward the smoking repulsortank that had found a new home through the roof of a shop not far behind them.

 

[Alyson Halle]

The Song of the Forcehttps://youtu.be/3FsvD-C5_i4: LETTRE À ÉLISE

[member="Loske Matson"] [member="Cedric Grayson"] ​

Fighting was something Alyson was used to, it had been the thing that had bound all her life together. From her youth to this very day, she had been fighting, and she intended to continue fighting until the day she died.

Humans like [member="Dante of Ession"] guided their shots with training and guesswork. Droids like [member="Dak"] guided theirs with numbers and computers. Alyson's shots were guided by the force. She could see where the bullet would land before she even fired, she knew right where to aim. She knew where he opponents would move, she knew how her bullets would fly, she knew where the return fire would come from. It took a lot of the pressure out of fighting, but this sort of state also required a sort of battlefield zen. You could not lose your composure, not for a moment. No stress, no fear, nothing, or you will not be able to act on your senses.

She popped out of the hatch with a force enhanced leap, doing a flourishing flip before landing on the ground. In this case, advertising her superior abilities would be critical, they needed to break the poorly trained and disciplined conscripts. They believed their numbers would protect them, this illusion would need to be broken. Untrained grunts dropped like flies to superior troops, and this was not an exception. She immediately upon landing began to unload fire onto a group of targets on an elevated position. City planets created messy combat, it all took place over varying elevations, being able to survive this would take guts, fortitude, and a great deal of luck.

She swerved between the blaster fire, using the force to guide her steps. It looked like a well trained dancer. Despite her proclivity to wearing heavy armor, it did not stop her from moving through the blaster bolts. She had a military mobility shield, she could take quite a few hits, but better not to waste the batteries which would be in short supply.

She weaved and swerved through the enemy firing lines, firing rounds whenever the enemies heads popped up from cover. When enemies came in large groups, she flipped the fire selector to full and let loose on the group, all without stopping the fine dance. It was beauty in chaos, that was the jedi way.

Jedi were islands in the center of an ocean, dancers in a burning theater, marionettes among sock puppets. They must be steadfast in adversity, humble in failure and success, and most of all, a light in all darkness. Before she even realized it, she had reached the tank, but felt pressured to move forward. Something told her that she was needed elsewhere. She pushed forward once more, towards the fountain.

 

[Placeholder 0128]

There was something satisfying watching a well oiled war machine rumble to life. The Essonian warriors took positions on either side of the shuttle, two LMGs being set up to provide suppression. A handful of the men charged out after Dak. Their shields blistered and shattered as bolts crashed into their forms. Some found cover, others fell to the earth wounded, and two died near instantly. Cedric marched on with him, keen to stay close to [member="Dak"]'s side as his lightsaber came to life.

He and [member="Alyson Halle"] had fought together across over a hundred battlefields. Their synergy was quite the sight, as Cedric moved along with her, his blade near effortlessly batting away the disorganized shots of their aggressors. He dared not leave Dak's side, opting to adopt the defensive Soresu style as he did what looked almost to be a dance around the automaton. No bolts would touch Dak as the droid drew closer to the repulsortank.

"Must be fun," Cedric breathed as he crossed a bolt back into the skull of its shooter, "Tanking shots like you can. You're an iron god of war." The Jedi Master cracked a grim smile as he returned to his rotations. The air was practically filled with bolts of plasma as conscripts on either side of the road fired blindly at their foes. Many of those bolts were directed toward Cedric - a Jedi Master was a grand prize, and in the minds of the conscripts, the key to their victory here.

As Dak would draw closer to the tank,. Cedric would step away, presenting himself openly in the center of the footpaths. His mind was devoid of thought, his body moving with the primal instinct that decades of Jedi training had instilled him with.

Even still, he could likely only manage this for a few minutes longer.

[member="Alyson Halle"], [member="Dak"], [member="Loske Matson"], [member="Dante of Ession"], @Shran, [member="Tristan Evore"], [member="Maracel Yorkell II"], [member="Tobias Dracks"]

 

[Tobias Dracks]

Location: Orbit above Empress Teta
Allies: [member="Maracel Yorkell II"] | [member="Tristan Evore"] | @Shran
Enemies: Tetan Warlords

-- Tobias stood on the bridge of one of the transports, he was awaiting a move from the Imperials as he was only here as a ground support for the invasion. His main force was securing the loyalty of the other minor planets. He was already spread thin with his support of the Imperium and continued supply line through the Unknown Region. The High Lord had no other warships to spare for this little invasion of a warlord that overthrow their Imperial Overlords. If the slaving karks werent so darn evil he would have continued to support the little empire. However, the Imperator wanted the planet under Law and Order of the Empire, thus he mustered up what he could and headed here.

-- Only problem now though was that an array of orbital defense platforms and a small fleet stood between them and the surface. He had the soldiers to storm the planet, but the Imps were in charge of opening the whole for his forces to land. There was a little hesitation on his part in trusting them with doing their job, but he truly had no choice.

-- He walked over to the Coms and radioed the other High Lord. "High Lord Shran, this is to part of your domain, I have brought the troops needed to suppress this little rebellion, but my navy is held up with the Rebels of Kuar and are assaulting the planet," He paused as he looked out his duraglass window and nodded, "I suggest you give us a hole to break through their fleet and land our ground forces, otherwise the Imperators Forces are on their own, my Transport Fleet cant land without support."

-- Tobias looked out the window as the other Imperial ships entered the area, they could easily take out the Warlords fleet. The Invasion would be quick so long as they did not get cocky about this battle and leave the rear of his Transport Fleet open to attack. Thousands of ground forces could parish for no gain for the Republican Faction. He walked a fine line in assisting with their gains.

Ground Army:
1st Army Corp

Spoiler

[Standard Armor] Republic Infantry Armor
[Anti-Tank Weapon] VT-SDC 13
[Light Machine Gun] RR-LRB 'Suppressor' Model 32
[Heavy Machine Gun] RR-HRB E-19
[Anti-Material Rifle] Anti-Material Rail Rifle
[Shotgun] Inferos Class Disruptor Rifle
[Blaster Rifle]M-1016 Blaster Rifle
[Combat Knife] C-11 "Nastirci"
[Scout Vehicle] R-Series Mk.1 Pathfinder ARV
[Infantry Fighting Vehicle] R-91B "Liberator"
[Supremacy Tank] RR P-HBT M71
[Anti-Infantry Walker] RR-AW Prowler Mk. 1
[All-Rounder Walker] RR-AW Prowler Eradicator Mk. 2
[Tank Destroyer Walker] RR-AW Prowler Destroyer Mk. 3
[Gunship/Dropship] RRATD Gunship

16th Droid Legion

Spoiler

[Battle Infantry] NH-Knight Droid, [Air Support] NK-Wasp Droid, [Dumb Battle Inf] NN-I Battle Droid,[Heavy Battle Inf] NN-2 Front Droid, [Turret Doirds] NN-Disco Droid, [Commando] NN-K Infiltration Droid, [Transport] Queen Mason Airspeeder

Fleet Navy:
10th Transport Fleet

Spoiler

3 Breaker-class Cargo Ship, 3 Admata Dropships, 5 Pelta-class Transport Frigates, 7 Katana Lighter Cruiser, 10 Xeta-class Troop Carrier, 4 Spewer class Assault Ship, 4 Kyr'yc Ayahada Attack Frigate, 4 Hammerhead Class Frigates, 7 Preserver-class Corvette

 

[Dante of Ession]

Dante's squad began to head toward the battlefield, as the battlefield simultaneously began to approach them.

Dante had positioned himself well. he was stationed at a pillar system, his back pressed against a large building. The pillars provided sufficient cover, however, he planned to achieve high ground.

The sound of a firearm being perched onto the edge of a rooftop balcony alerted Dante, who immediately lifted his rifle and pressed its trigger, without giving even a slight glance toward what he was aiming at. A distant "thud" sound was followed and he was satisfied.

Several ground troops began to push through three streets that led to their wreckage. The building, in which Dante was holding, possessed optimal high ground for him to cover his squad. Nevertheless, it was being filled with hostile troops. Dante had one choice.

He stormed the building, completely destroying the wooden back door with a simple, yet powerful kick. There were two hostiles holding a staircase, directly in front of him. He lifted his rifle and hastily fired into each of them. The first bullet glided through the hostile's forehead with ease, not unlike a knife cutting into butter. The second bullet connected, in a similar fashion, leaving behind a large, black circle on the soldier's forehead.

The thought of considering these uncoordinated, lazy conscripts to be soldiers enraged him. They were not worthy of fighting such an opponent. Nevertheless, he was only further motivated to participate in the onslaught. He motioned for two other accompanying soldiers to follow him into the small room he had secured. They were to hold this position and watch Dante's flank.

Dante knew what awaited him on the other side of the door. He was about to enter a large, circular room with three turrets aimed toward the door. Sand bags were placed strategically throughout the entirety of the building. There were men stationed on each of the three turrets, ready to fire if necessary. On their right side, was a table of six people playing a high stakes game of Sabacc. To their left, seven men were arming themselves with rifles, in preparation for assault. Two men stood above each side of a round staircase, overlooking the complex. The second floor was a large, rectangular room. There were five heavily armed men unpackaging ammunition crates. There was an additional small man, seated at a desk in the corner of the room, using an old communication system. They had a level of coordination, however small it may have been.

Dante knew this because he could smell it, hear it, he could almost taste it. His reinforcements, however, could not; And so, they were incredibly surprised when he fired several shots through a solid, plaster wall.

Suddenly, all order was swiftly put to an end, as the hostiles began to raise great clamor. However, Dante left them little time to reorganize. He strapped his gun to his side and unsheathed blade from its hibernation.
He burst through the door, immediately turning to his right and driving the blade through the neck of an enemy. Then, with little effort, he drew the blade from its residence and propelled it into its new home, a soldiers head. Dante had cleared the first floor in a matter of seconds. He stood in the doorway for a moment and shortly after, he fired several bullets into the ceiling, killing the two men atop the stairs.

He entered the room, immediately turning toward the upstairs hallway.

"All clear."

He moved past the many lifeless bodies he had left behind and toward one of the heavy machine guns. He heaved one of the beasts over his shoulder and began to open fire upward, toward the third room, leaving behind a plume of smoke and rubble. He dropped the weapon and began to make his way up the gold-plated, white stairs, that were now painted a dark red.

There was an elevator on the second floor. He had to reach it. As he made his way to the elevator, he heard something, a faint whisper.

"wait...", the small man, who was working the communications device was pinned under a heap of rubble, his legs, torn apart. He was rendered immobile. He used the last of his energy to gain Dante's attention.

To his misfortune, he succeeded. Dante turned and immediately fired his pistol. The man's body stopped struggling and he fell, limp.

"You're welcome.", said Dante grimly. "This world is far too harsh for a cripple."

And so, he proceeded toward the elevator.