The Fire That Beckons

[Jacob Crawford]

The Sith Empire’s Saaraishash received information claiming the Great Holocron was hidden within the library on Ossus. While there were questions on the intel’s source, it was an opportunity the Empire couldn’t pass up. The holocron was a desirable item for many, and the Sith were no exception. A small force was sent to Ossus only to find a building devoid of both its contents and any defences. The only threat they had crossed paths with were a group of the native Ysanna. Either way, it was clear the Silver Jedi hadn’t left the planet without taking everything they could from the Great Library. But most importantly, the reported holocron was nowhere to be seen. If it had ever been there in the first place.

It wasn’t a waste however, as an idea was formulated between those present. They were stood within a place that was once a beacon of the Light, where the Jedi and their allies went to learn. What better way to make use of it, than twist it into the opposite; into a Darkside Nexus. The plan was transmitted to Bastion, where the Dark Lord of the Sith ordered them to proceed while also sending a secondary larger force to back them up - as well as providing more supplies for the ritual.

However, as this happened the same third party that had brought the Sith to Ossus, also sent a message to the Galactic Alliance. Massacrading it as a distress call from those living on the planet, the Alliance was urged to help them against the Sith invaders. Unfortunately due to their distance from the planet, the Sith Ritual was well underway by the time the Galatic Alliance finally arrived on Ossus...

Locations:
While the Great Library as a whole is open to fighting, there are specific locations that are important for both factions. Upon approaching the library, the Jedi will discover it is reeking with the Dark Side, leaking from the building’s depths and growing more pungent the further they delve inside.

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Central Atrium (The Ritual)​

Once a central point of the Great Library, it has now been dismantled to make way for the Sith Empire’s ritual. Furniture and decorations cast aside, a group of robed individuals stand around a large brazier. Blue, fiery energy burns in the centre, growing more intense as the corruptive nature of the Dark takes hold of the Library. With it being the most important part of their plan, the majority of the Empire’s forces are located here.

Hall of Knowledge (First Focus)​

In order to further bolster the ritual, the Sith placed two powerful artifacts in key points within the Library. Both pull at the Lightside energy that still lingers, corrupting it and funneling back to the Central Atrium. The first of these is located within the Hall of Knowledge, where many scholars once stood and sat, tome or holocron in hand as they furthered their knowledge of the Force.

Chamber of Antiquities (Second Focus)​

Located in the depths of the Great Library, the Sith Empire planted the second focus in the Chamber of Antiquities. The series of rooms and vaults once held numerous treasures, too dangerous to be near the public, mainly consisting of Sith artifacts. While such items have long since been taken, the dark energy still permeates throughout it.

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Flooded Sublevel (Alternate Entrance)​

Due to deterioration of the surrounding terrain, the Library’s sublevel has been flooded. This has in turn caused severe electrical failure that has plummeted the level into a giant environmental hazard. While the opening from the outside provides an alternative entrance into the Library; especially towards the Chamber of Antiquities, the Alliance will have to brave the hazards before facing against the Empire’s forces.

OOC:

Spoiler

You can find an OOC thread here: [link] where you can converse and seek each other out for glorious combat.
You can always approach myself or a member of SJO staff if you have an issue.
Please respect your fellow writers!
And most importantly: Have fun!

 

[Aela Talith]

Transport Besh

Aela stood quietly in the very back of the transport, her lithe figure adorned with a full kit of armor and weapons that she had not taken upon herself in months. Her lightsabers rested within the holsters on her thighs, her sword was strapped to her back, and the cloak that Micah had made for her gently draped over her form. The Vanguard armor that she had worn since the first liberation of Coruscant stuck to her, the odd plate like skin holding dozens of tiny scratches and cuts.

It was odd.

She felt at home within this armor. She had spent so long within it that she'd thought it would be foreign and yet...she couldn't help but feel comfortable. Fighting had most of Aela's life, by her own choice. She had wanted help the people of the galaxy, something she had accomplished. For the longest time she had tried to run away from that, but everything that had happened to her on Kraysis, everything she'd been through with Jacen, she knew that running wasn't right.

You couldn't fight everyone. You couldn't save the galaxy, but you could make a difference.

That was what mattered.

It was why she had joined this little coalition, why she had answered the call to head to Ossus. She had been on the planet twice before when the Sith had attacked. The first had been under the Silver Jedi's watch, the second orchestrated by the Mandalorians. She remembered the incidents well, and she doubted that this time things would be any different. Her face remained stoic, impassive as she glanced towards a young Jedi Knight besides her.

The boy was shaking slightly, his hand stuck to the lightsaber that hung at his side. Aela looked at him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder in a soothing touch. "Relax."

She said with a warm smile.

"The force guides us today." As it always did.

 

[RC 212]

Central Atrium- Base of the Steps

She was the first there. Her StealthX had cut day and night to reach the forgotten Ossus, and the blown out Library where once Master and Student alike did learn. Now she walked, hands balled into fists with a determined stride to the base of the Temple structure itself. A high rising tower of stone and metal, and from its bones a darkness flowed forth.

A Darkness Karren could taste in every pore of her being. She'd felt it before, when she lost herself in the battles of Mirial and elsewhere.

The Orrazerus Crystal from her Lightsaber Seraph vibrated, taking in the fumes of the dark and whispering to her via the force, its will now amplified.

Kill.......Consume.......​

Karren growled, teeth bared, and ripped two pistols from her gunbelt. One a modded DL-44, the other A heavy caliber High explosive slugthrower. Both of them raised up, at the high ready and framing her wild hair. Green orbs narrowed and searched the steps. The light within her clung to stay alive.

​

Kill.....​

​

Kill the Sith. Gladly. After Mirial, and the Bloodshed I've seen.​

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No. It's not the Jedi way.​

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But am I even a Jedi anymore?​

She took her first step, a lone figure in orange silhouetted by a towering staircase to the Atrium. The dark grew ever more thick like molasses.

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This is where you're meant to be....​

Its your destiny.....​

Then another, and then another, breathing deep in a rhythmic cycle, drawing raw energy like water into parched earth. Emotions flickered and fenced with Serenity.

She was coming unglued the closer she got. Still she stepped again...

A silent message blasted through the force like a hurricane to the Sith she knew must be close. The Distress message had said as much.

Who will face me. Cowards​

 

[Coren Starchaser]

Local Ossus Space -> Planetbound


The Sith were on the move. It wasn’t always that Coren was keeping track of the Sith Empire, but when they were coming near certain locations? It just set him off. He had friends in a number of places, and they assisted the Sentinel in keeping tabs when he physically couldn’t. And Ossus was one of the worlds that was to be watched. A Jedi world, a library world. Many secrets and mysteries of the Force were kept there. Coming from Sullust was giving him a different approach to the world than anyone else was having.

The ‘Spear of the Alliance’, Coren Starchaser’s personal defender was making its way to the library world. He had a small detachment of Sentinels with him, from the training ground. Most remained behind to protect the training center on Sullust. For now, he had his own goal. Push the Sith back. And that meant he needed to be ready. The ship had loaded up a squadron of E-Wings, redesigned by Coren himself. The ship had given them the warning and he moved, in his Vanguard armor, down to the hangar.

A quick launch, and a low flyover, he’d see where he was needed.

A reversion to real space was felt, and the lights on the hangar deck changed from red to green. It was time to get out there.

 

[Darth Carnifex]

​

Aboard the Behemoth
En Route to Ossus

++One-point-oh-four parsecs until we reach Planet Designation: Ossus, your Excellency.++

The mechanical baritone of Aquila reverberated across the command deck, causing the less experienced officers to wince as their ears rang with the intensity of the proclamation. They would soon grow accustomed, greeness never lasted very long on a warship as exalted as the Emperor's personal flagship.

Those who had failed to adapt had either been rotated out or died from the stress.

"Continue on present course, Captain, and inform Commander Kodirov of our imminent arrival," boomed an equally gut-wrenching voice as the artificial captain. If one glanced back towards the rear of the command deck one would find the origin of such a baleful voice, perched like a god of divine reckoning atop a throne of black durasteel draped with a heavy cloak of ruby red armorweave. Surrounding him were four Royal Guards in bright crimson armor, a bladed vibroweapon held firmly in their hands as they stood still as statues.

This was the Sith Emperor, Darth Carnifex, the Scourge of a Hundred Worlds and infamous Butcher King.

He had come to personally oversee the establishment of a Dark Side Nexus underneath the ancient Jedi Library of Ossus, his fierce hunger to see any blow dealt to the Jedi radiating off of his muscular body in palpable waves.

It wouldn't be long now until the Emperor's flagship emerged near Ossus, and he could bear witness to another triumph.

 

[Seamus Valik]

Bright blue eyes slowly cast themselves over the supple curves before him. The smoothness of the lines, the small pores so close to him, it was gorgeous with limbs that spoke of both grace and strength.

He sprayed it with a water bottle and carefully snipped off the dead leaves as he inspected the plant. He had often found himself in the gardens of late. It was much needed after his recent ordeals. More often than not he avoided other Jedi, and even more often he avoided militants of any affiliation. However, he had few places to go and a lot of time to spend doing it.

He wore no robes or fancy uniforms, just a simple pair of now dirt stained trousers and a sweaty tank top. His gloved hands held no lightsaber or blaster, just a water bottle and pruning shears. As Jedi went, he was not much of one really. As people went, he was fairly decent, earnest at the very least. Why was he in the garden? He had been in the agracorps, and once so weak in the force he was sure he would stay there until forcibly removed. That changed of course but when at a loss as to where one should go, it was often best to start at the beginning. Or, so he told himself.

He snipped another leaf from another plant and sprayed his nutrient water solution on the leaves before moving on and hoping for a nice quiet day.

 

[Matsu Xiangu]

LOCATION: Ossus - Central Atrium - Balcony
OBJECTIVE: Buff the Ritual.
ALLIES: [member="Six-O"] | TSE
ENEMIES: GA | [member="Karren Trask"](?)

Matsu had little to say for Ossus, one of those planets-a-wanderer-should-visit that had always remained somewhat off her list due to extenuating circumstances of persuasion. She might have liked to look around, to see what their was to see, but time had not been on their side even before the realization had struck that the Holocron was nowhere to be found. Truth be told, it was disappointing. However distant her motives from the Empire’s, the inability to capture the knowledge in the Holocron was a blow.

But it wasn’t there, and a trip should not be wasted.

Matsu stood on a balcony that wrapped around the atrium in an open second floor, looking down on the circle of Sith gathered below. The black hooded robes were a little last season, but one couldn’t knock the classics she supposed. She was leaning forward, forearms crossed on the banister, and concentrating deeply on the connected minds working in tandem below. This was a more passive task - molding a oneness from many individual beings receptive to her help, helping them more efficiently work together, rather than the resistance and anger she was more used to in those less...willing to feel her influence.

Light and shadow played off a face unnaturally planed, expression neutral as she let the thoughts from below flow over her mind and directed them to grow more in unison.

And though she could not feel it, she knew it was near - Six-O, an impossibly tall monstrosity that lurked somewhere nearby. One would have to be out of their senses to find relief in its death-grips visage, which perhaps said something about Matsu because all she felt was safety despite the precarious task of concentrating mostly on something that did not include defense of her person. High ground and shadow provided her the web she so craved, but when the Alliance came knocking she would need more than that. But he was around - and to her, it was most certainly a him.

​

Who will face me, cowards?​

Even in her state of concentration, the force of that mental communication hit Matsu like a brick. The tiniest of smiles crooked up the corners of her mouth.

Come inside.​

She stood up from her leaning position, concentration still on the Ritual below until she was forced to do otherwise. Pivoting, she found red photoreceptors gleaming in the relative shadow of the Atrium. “They're coming.”

 

[Darth Bellum]

Kor Vexen​

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Perimeter around the Great Library | Location​

TSE Legion Ground Patrols/Lieutenant Saryn/| Company​

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​

The perimeter surrounding the Great Library where the Sith ritual was taking place was under a fairly sizeable military guard, squads of Legion soldiers keeping a watchful eye of the perimeter with a light accompaniment of AT-ARW recon walkers providing extra support. Any remnants of the local populace that haven't fled or gone mad from the influence of the Dark side was kept under probation and curfew. Failure to identify as military personnel of the Sith Empire resulted in swift execution. None were to disturb the Sith ritual underway at the discretion of General Vexen's orders. Transports had arrived at nearby established landing zones as supplies were unloaded and moved off to their respective areas of need. The Sith Empire's arrival on Ossus was nothing short of swift once word had been spread that an object of great importance and value was claimed to have been discovered; establishing the former planet that had been ripped from the Silver Jedi Order as a Darkside Nexus was also a task that had been deemed of great importance. General Vexen had dispatched his troops as security and he himself would personally see to its safety from any potential remnants of the Silver Jedi Order that may have remained hidden.

Not too far from the entrance to the Great Library was an established command post for Vexen to direct the patrols in the area as he found himself standing before a holotable that gave a detailed map of the area and all his patrols. At his side, who was always ever present was his second in command Lieutenant Saryn dressed in her usual military attire. There were few other officers in the area that were micromanaging the finer details, but nothing of great importance. The armored Sith Knight was silent as he gazed upon the map, the silence only broken by his Lieutenant speaking up after receiving a transmission, " My Lord, our esteemed Emperor will be arriving shortly in the system. " The Sith Knight nodded as the sound of his shifting armor was heard, giving his Lieutenant what appeared to be a dismissive wave of his hand. She would nod and bow her head as she began to put out an order for increased patrols in the area. The arrival of the Sith Emperor was surely noted by the enemies of the Empire that were watching his moves. Any attempts against his life would be futile, but extra precautions never hurt.

Vexen had felt a disturbance in the Force. The mix of collective minds that swirled amongst the depths of his own spoke out to him, feeling a familiar presence of the Light nearby. It came to him like an overbearing stench, yet one, in particular, was a mix of Light and Dark, and it was close...Very, very close...Vexen's vocoded voice would boom as he spoke, " Maintain the perimeter, I have a rodent to exterminate..." The armored Sith would walk out of the established command post, accompanied by two Akguza Guards as Lieutenant Saryn resumed her post. The presence of a Jedi was not unnoticed as one was foolish enough to arrive at the very steps of the Great Library. A squad of Legion soldiers filed down the steps, a reasonable distance away from the Jedi with weapons raised and trained on the girl. Vexen appeared at the top of the steps with his Akguza Guards at either side behind him.

With a hand raised, his soldiers held their fire as his vocoded voice echoed down at [member="Karren Trask"], the Sith Knight holding an air and position of authority as he held the high ground. He was curious and slightly bemused why a lone Jedi would be so foolish or suicidal to attempt entering the Great Library. If anything it would make for an amusing final set of words before the Sith Knight put the arrogance and foolishness of a Jedi to an end, " You are either brave or incredibly foolish for coming here by yourself little one. I do not care for the reason why you have come, only that you will be met with a swift death. The ritual will not be disturbed by the likes of you. What is your name oh foolish Jedi? "

 

[RC 212]

[member="Matsu Xiangu"] [member="Kor Vexen"]

OOC: Gear is in the bio.

I will. In time.....​

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Time....​

That was what she needed now. The behemoth of a Sith now appeared before her, and she grinned.

From her back a small drone popped forth, her Wingmen unit, courtesy of a very knowledgeable gun slinger.

Was she brave? Perhaps. Or was she foolish?

Both pistols stayed at the high ready and she stepped back, creating a bit of space between her and the behemoth. Emerald eyes glared from the depths of her soul, peering into the helmet of the other Sith. Energy vibrated deep within her core, the dark over taking the light like a Solar Eclipse. Blotting out everything into night.

The Orrazerus crystal whispered again.....

Kill.....


"Are you so sure I am a Jedi, Sith? Or has your need of absolutes blinded you?"

She thumbed both pistols, clicking back the hammers, hair whooshed by an arid gust of wind.

"I am Karren Trask. Last of a dying breed. And you?"

 

[Darth Bellum]

Kor Vexen​

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Perimeter around the Great Library | Location​

Squad of Legion Soldiers/Two Akguza Guards/| Company​

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​

The Sith Knight looked down at the female. Had he not been wearing a helmet, it would be clear that he had a look of great contempt on his face. It was a rather repetitive experience Vexen had come to encounter. An upstart warrior thinking they had the mettle to stand up to the centuries-old Anzati, foolish enough to face him in combat only to be put in their proper place and summarily consumed to become one with Vexen. Such was the fate of any foolish Jedi or Sith that challenged Vexen's might and experience. The soldiers continued to keep their weapons trained on her, spreading out to position themselves away from each other and make it more difficult for the girl to shoot them all at once. The Akguza Guards stood behind Vexen like statues as they maintained their position. Vexen's majestic and vibrant cape billowed as a gust of air passed by, flapping in the breeze as the girl took an offensive stance.

Vexen would cross his arms over his chest as he observed the female. He took the time to think over her words as well as the storm of emotions he felt inside her. Last of a dying breed yet the corruption of the Dark Side was strong in her. Surely the intellectuals of the Sith Empire would enjoy picking what remained of her apart if she was of any interest. His mind would be set elsewhere as he heard another voice of Darkness reaching out to the one who was tasked with assisting in the Sith ritual. His own voice reached out to the mind of [member="Matsu Xiangu"] as he spoke, " Resume your task. The Emperor will not hold kindly to delays. I will deal with this pest and spare you the distraction. "

" You are far from being Sith. Whether you are Jedi or not bears little importance. In the end, you are vermin to be exterminated. As for my name...? You won't live long enough for it to matter. But I will remember the name of Trask as a foolish little girl seeking death where the light has been extinguished... " Vexen's raised hand would lower as the sounds of weapons clicking were heard as the soldiers switched off their weapon safeties. Curious as the turmoil within the girl was, if she was weak it would not matter what happened to her path. Those who were weak had no place within the Sith Empire. No exceptions, no mercy. The half dozen soldiers would open fire on the girl in an attempt to gun her down, but seeing as she was Force Sensitive while they were not, the odds were likely in her favor to dispatch of them.

[member="Karren Trask"]​

 

[Samka Derith]

But she wasn't done with Ossus.

The Sith arrival had been irritating to Samka Derith. It meant that she had to share the planet's plunder. Privately, she resented that the Sith scavengers had arrived to pick the corpse her people had laid to rest. She had half a mind to order the initial explorers from the Sith Empire killed and frame the League of Voss for the incident so she could continue to excavate Jedi artefacts in peace. However, when it came down to it, she had welcomed them all with a smile. The sharp knife hidden behind her back.

The First Order had routed the Silver Jedi from this world and the surrounding systems with Samka herself building a regional network in the process. That network being a cult of Stenax which worshipped the teenager as a prophet of their god, Vol. After the initial plunder of the surface by the First Order and Knights of Ren, the Stenax had remained behind to excavate what Jedi artefacts remained and shipped them back to their prophet. It was them who had called her this day.

She's arrived dressed in casual clothes, even after the First Order's victory, it wasn't desirable to overtly call attention to one's self as a Dark Side practitioner on this ancient Jedi world so she wore the loose fitting cream dress which was her usual choice in these situations. Her true nature hidden, the dainty teenage girl made an odd sight amongst the demonic Stenax.

"This had better be important," she had growled at the clan leader. "It's quite the long journey for me to get here."

The Stenax had apologised, bowed and pledged further worship in response, they were a deeply superstitious and religious species, their devotion matched only by their barbarity. But Samka already knew it would be worth the trip, the Force had willed her to answer the calls of her misguided worshippers. Something was coming and judging by the mobilisation of the Sith Empire, they knew it too.

"They're up to something, hm?" Samka peered over towards the old Jedi Library from atop the hill the Stenax had made their camp. The primitives nodded in response.

Licking her lips, the petite girl closed her eyes to concentrate on the library. It felt.. good... seductive... familiar... she couldn't help but chuckle softly as the darkness enveloped her in its loving embrace.

Yet it was wrong.

The Dark Side had had no place here when last she did visit. How interesting. "They are indeed up to something," Samka murmured to her followers. "Stay put for now, I'll call if you're needed. Excellent work, my disciples."

The Stenax growled, cheered and roared with pride at the slightest acknowledgement from their prophet, Samka supposed it was a simple pleasure for such a simple species, and set a pace for the Library.

She'd go and say hello to the Sith for now. She'd decide on her response to them playing in her playground once she knew exactly which game was being played.

 

[RC 212]

[member="Kor Vexen"]

• DL-44: The Karren
• Twin Slughtrower Revolvers: JSA-Break4
• The Wingmen (Combat Drone: Redirects Shots)

She felt the clicks of the bolts before she heard them. She tracked with a wary eye the movements of his men, but still kept her focus trained on the behemoth. Another step back and the pistols still held at the high ready.

"Gah!"

He gave the order, and the rage she'd been holding onto for a very long time burst forth. Air coalesced in a quick barrier, giving her a few seconds respite to aim her own shots. Sickly red and green smashed a blue purple bubble and broke like waves on rocks. She fired left and then right, arms spread eagle. Pivoting full circle while she blasted, eyes aflame.

One weapon sent high explosive shells raining into torsos, blowing chunks of flesh and armor to pieces. The other, her modded DL-44 burped a scatter gun pattern, sweeping the deck with heavy laser shotgun blasts. The Wingman drone buzzed, redirecting the missed shots in a strange unnatural curve that came back around and hit them like a boomerang.

The shield held, and then collapsed...

Karren retrained her sights, dead for the leader.

Right for his shiny helm.

Twin guns talked back and forth, unleashing her fury....

 

[Ras'kala'han]

Who will face me, cowards? The Force guides us today.Come inside.

Voices, voices echoing all around. Voices saying this, saying that, and snippets of vision. When Czernon touches the darkness - that unwholesome, prickling feeling of potential that coils in his chest and crackles along his skin - he never is far from perception. Still, too shadowy and too indistinct for him to part truth and lies, shadow from shadow, never a clear picture. He strained briefly, but there was no image. Battle is too indistinct for a novice to read.

So he keeps mindful of the visions, then returns to the ritual. His seared-on scar flickered with a faint, purple light. He raises a hand and the blue fire flickers and hisses in response. He purses his lips - and he feels the others' minds as well, linked by a liquid power of unyielding will.

[member="Matsu Xiangu"] - one of the Empire's most distinguished nightmare weavers. He tilted his head slightly, reaching out with his thoughts.

If my lord feels I should join the defense, I need a bridge to do so without breaking the ritual.

He paused, gripping his cane. He could feel a twinge of bloodlust - this was a chance to prove himself in the eyes of his uncle. He could not be imagine [member="Darth Carnifex"] with an expression of pride, but he could imagine a smile, and a glint in his eyes as though to say This is useful.

That would be enough.

 

[Six-O]

LOCATION: Ossus - Central Atrium - Balcony
OBJECTIVE: Support Sith Organics
ALLIES: TSE | [member="Matsu Xiangu"]
ENEMIES: GA | Karren Trask(?)
GEAR: Cylix Pistol | HPB Pistols x 2 | Magnetic Reaper | CF6 Concussion Rifle | SIF-71 | YVHa-60 Chassis

It remembered this World. A globe left blistered and charred just a scant interval before it's creation. So too could it recall the headlines of a Planet Reborn, brought back to life by the tools of the Invaders that quite nearly made this Galaxy kneel, defeated, some thousands of years later. Yes, the Droid reflected, wordless. . . silent. It had even been there when the Temples crawled towards the sky once more, only to find their effort cut down at the knees and left bleeding.

The Organics, they were absurdly amusing in that regard. Their asinine desires, so unadorned and futile. What these ones built one century, their progeny would simply tear down and lay low in the next.

YVHa-60, however, would rapturously still be there to witness the lunacy. Yes. . . yes. . . . always there to eradicate, liquidate and destroy. To help lay the bricks of one epoch, so that it may bash the brains of their descendants against them in another.

Indeed, this was cogitation of the finest calculation.

The Droid had arrived here, along with a creature it cherished quite unusually, [member="Matsu Xiangu"]. Beckoned by Sith and collaborators she'd wrought in blood and warfare from years prior.

Defiance to their arrival had been crushed in short order, with a few wraiths that had managed to bleed out in to the shadows and across the horizons. With the Temple empty, and the relic missing secondary protocols were opened. Furniture hefted effortlessly, cowled mystics summoned. Nearly four thousand years striding back and forth across this Galaxy, many of them under the employ of Sith, and the Rituals still caused an incredible sense of agony on it's logic processors.

But there the Droid loomed, draped in the radiant azure glow of the liturgy, residing a measured 5.0975345 meters behind Matsu's left shoulder. Sensors smoldering like fire as it observed the rite from the ringed interior balcony above the main floor.

All it took was that one brief exchange of words from The Haruspex:

“They're coming.”

With rhythmic vibration, YVHa-60's protocols began transfusing it's primary operation systems in to the machines preferred algorithms. Readying it as it strode with heavy, mechanical footsteps towards the Balcony rail, a number of high-powered weapons clanging against it's physique of steel. Ready to intercept any threat that would oppose them, if this lesser beast, [member="Kor Vexen"] should fail

 

[Darth Bellum]

Kor Vexen​

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Perimeter around the Great Library | Location​

/Two Akguza Guards/| Company​

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As expected, the Legion soldiers were unable to pose much of a threat to the girl as she summarily blasted them with a fascinating adeptness and efficiency for using a blaster. Vexen watched with slight amusement as he watched the former Jedi be overtaken in what he could only characterize as rage and anger, seemingly held onto for a long time that had finally been released in an explosive outburst. It was probably the one characteristic or quality that Vexen found remotely redeeming about this foolish girl that thought she could hold a candle's flame to his blazing inferno. One by one they would fall as they let out cries from being struck by the surprising force of the girl's weapons while their own weapons seemed to be ineffective against the barrier that she had produced. Luckily enough for her, her shield had only just collapsed by the time the last Legion soldier had been felled. But she did not just stop there. She dared to try her luck in attacking him. As scattershot and explosive rounds flew at him, he maintained a calm and collected posture.

With startling blindness, the once stagnant Akguza Guards at his sides sprung immediately into action once an attack was made against Vexen. Their cloaks were cast off in an instant as their forearms and shins produced circular deflector shields to block the incoming blaster shots that came Vexen's way, the explosive shells fired from her other weapon would be stopped in mid-air in front of Vexen's helmet, as if suspended in time due to his mastery over Force Stasis. His head would tilt off to the side as they floated harmlessly in the air before shooting past his head as he had tilted it off to the side, resuming their trajectory as they impacted against the building behind him. The Akguza guards would move about as they withdrew small handheld sticks that quickly extended and sparked with electricity after the electrostaffs were activated.

The two droids which had significant upgrades compared to their Magnaguard counterparts, would waste little time in moving at Trask, closing the gap swiftly with the use of their personal shields to block weapon fire and get within personal distance of the woman. For her own sake, it would be best that she drew her saber if she didn't want to be mercilessly beaten down by electrostaffs. Then again, droids capable of handling Force Users with sabers were what they were designed and built to combat. They came at her in a staggered formation, one leading with the other trailing slightly behind; the leading Akguza guard made an upward diagonal swing while the second one moved off to the side to make a sideways swipe. If she was quick enough to react, there would be an opportune time to counter both staffs at once.

[member="Karren Trask"]​

 

[Elani Zambrano]

Onboard the Behemoth
En route to Ossus


An infinite veil of darkness, stretching across the expanse that was Elani's mind. Her body sat defenseless aboard her father's flagship while her conscious was battling the forces that block her mind from unleashing itself completely. The binds placed upon her by humanity have blocked her from her true potential. But, no more. She'd free herself from these chains. She would be free to unleash her full power against her enemies in the coming battle.

They will know fear.

She moved through the darkness, floating in what seemed like an endless void to an objective unknown to her. But she knew exactly what she had to do. In an instant, the darkness was shunned away, revealing the creature from which the darkness emanated. She stood, no fear in her eyes as she laid eyes upon the creatures. It's formless figure was just an amalgamation of nightmarish creatures, stitched together like a ragdoll. As she stared it down, it was attempting to rip her mind apart with just the sight of such a gruesome creature. But, Elani did not falter. She was growing stronger with each passing moment she resided in her mind. And, at that moment, she was too powerful for the creature to handle. The creature actually started feeling fear. It was afraid. It did not want to die. It did not think it could experience death. But, at this moment, it did. Death had came for it and death would not be denied. The creature imploded in a bloody mess before dissipating from Elani's conscious.

Then, she awoke. Elani had returned from her adventure in her own mind. Bobo was sleeping in her lap. Her hand softly pet his head before rising up from her seated position. "It's time." she whispered into her little demon's ear.

 

[Vaylin]

Location: Ossus | Great Jedi Library | Exterior
Objective: Defend the Ritual - Fight Jedi
Allies: TSE
Enemies: [member="Seamus Valik"] | GA
Equipment: Sith Lightsaber x2 | Shoto Lightsaber x1 | Armour | Oculus | Firestarter |

Vaylin had arrived with the second group sent to Ossus. She had been on Bastion by chance when word had gotten back about the developments on the former Silver Jedi world. The idea of a ritual caught the Zabrak's interest, and she made sure she was onboard one of the ships that was sent to reinforce the original group.

It had been a long time since Vaylin had been part of the Primeval, as short of duration it was. The rituals they performed hadn't really interested her back then. But time had a way of changing things, and now the Zabrak was keen to learn beyond simple brawn.

The beginning of the ritual had already ignited by the time they had arrived. The additional supplies had been made into the foundations of the ritual. The brazier the center piece, and the artifacts it's anchors. It had been a palpable feeling to be within the Library when the sorcerers connected the three pieces together. Darkside energy pumping through the building like blood in her body.

What she hadn't expected was the Galactic Alliance arriving. Immediately she questioned how they knew about this, but orders were quickly given and defences were erected around the Great Library, both inside and out.

Vaylin had been walking the perimeter, eventually finding herself checking the alternative entrance into the Library. The Empire's initial exploration of the building's depths had brought to light the flooded sublevel. Before it had been nothing of consequence, there was no defenders and the locals weren't suddenly going to fight them.

But now that the Galactic Alliance was here? It was a risk.

Sure, the entire level was currently electrified, but Vaylin's knew the Alliance could be annoying tenacious at times. The sounds of fighting began at the other side of the Library - it seemed the enemy was finally knocking on their door. Vaylin shifted her direction, turning on her heel and heading in that direction.

Only to stop when she sensed a presence not too far away. A Jedi...how. Did some of them manage to land and sneak up behind the library?

Vaylin growled, fingers twitching near her lightsaber.

It was time for a hunt.

 

[Dante Sotari]

Location: Perimeter Defenses
Allies: TSE [member="Morgan Vance"]
Enemies: None yet

"Man, this heavy stuff just isn't my bag. Leave me with my rifle on a roof and I can do way more to help. Static emplacements? Please."

Dante's helmet was off and she was leaning on one of the portable AA tripods that had been set up. Sure it was mobile compared to something else, but as far as Dante was concerned, needing a ten minute set up time was not mobile at all. Not if (when) the chit hit the fan. It was where it was, and they weren't moving either as long as they were assigned to it.

"I'm just sayin', this is a waste of resources is all," she added with a shrug, glancing over at Morgan.

Her face was still bruised, nose a bit swollen after Cestus, but otherwise she was none the worse for wear. If anything, she'd been a bit nicer lately.

"They could put droids on these. After Agamar there's no lack of 'em. Heck, a mynock could probably operate this thing."

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Objective: Check out some Library material, evict some noisy patrons
Allies: Galactic Alliance
Enemies: Sith Empire

Equipment: In signature

As the transports approached Ossus, Taeli was filled with mixed emotions and thoughts. The last time she had been on this planet, her sister had still been Grandmaster of the Republic Jedi... she still had her family. Now, she was helping lead a mission to the planet to potentially find the greatest repository of knowledge the Jedi Order possessed. If the rumors were true. She knew the same rumors had reached the ears of the Sith, thanks to her apprentice. They would have a head start on searching... or defiling the library with the dark side.

That led to her second conflicted thought of the day... how did she feel about that?

The library had been restored by the Order her sister helped build and lead, and now... perhaps she would have to ask for possession later... as a personal request to the Emperor.

"Master Raaf, coming out of hyperspace in the Ossus system in one minute," the pilot's voice said over the intercom. Interspaced among the transport were Jedi Knights and Masters, all of them wanting to save what they could from the library. One young Knight, a Togruta, was uneasy it would seem. The Jedi next to him, a female Twi'lek, was relaxing back against the bulkhead, centering herself.

"Knight Ryr, everything will be fine," she said gently.

"I'm not sure, Master Raaf," the young Knight replied. "The Force is telling me... something isn't going to be right."

Before she could reply, the Twi'lek female interjected. If Taeli remembered right, her name was Vao.

"That's just your nerves talking, Kalin," she said.

"I'm just trusting the Force, Elira," Knight Ryr replied.

Taeli smiled as the viewports showed them emerging... and the darkness could be felt even here. The Sith were already here. The pilot immediately began the approach to the planet, but Taeli knew this was not going to be an easy mission at all.

 

[Daniel O'Connor]

Aboard The Behemoth
En Route to Ossus

Okonnar stood calmly in one of The Behemoth's many hangar bays, contrasting the organized chaos that swirled around him. The Behemoth would soon arrive at Ossus, and the hangar was alive with preparations to dispatch reinforcements to the planet's surface.

"The calm before the storm..." Okonnar thought to himself.

Wherever The Empire encountered conflict, The Behemoth would soon follow. As such, Okonnar made it a point to station himself aboard the flagship vessel; which had ensured a note-worthy career thus far.

For a moment he glanced at his own image reflecting off of the impossibly shiny hangar floor; admiring the sleek black armor and armaments he had been provided for this particular dispatch. He was armed and ready, but for what exactly, he did not know. Okonnar had volunteered to provide ground support for perimeter defenses of the Temple Grounds. Beyond that, he had yet to receive specific orders. For now, he was instructed to wait in the hangar until he was assigned transport, further orders would follow.

As he waited, Okonnar's wandering eyes soon fell on a pair of Royal Guards standing by the hangar exit; an odd sight this far from the Bridge or The Emperor's chambers. Okonnar found himself staring at the unusual pair, and although their faces were obscured by the Guard's iconic red helmets, Okonnar could have sworn they were staring back at him.

Okonnar turned back around and refocused his attention on the transport shuttles before him, suppressing a new found feeling of uneasiness in the pit of his stomach.