Junction The Frontier War: Beacons of Light | Junction of Enclave-V'Shar, GA-Iskadrel

[Valery Noble]

Beacons of Light​

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Location: Briefing Room
Valery: Appearance
Ally Tag: Kranak Vizsla Alora Vizsla Thonn Rokkal Shai Maji Ishida Ashina Vren Rook Sasha Kryze Gorthalon
Baddy Tag: Krek Libera

With some help from the cover she provided, the Mandalorians around her had gotten into better positions to return fire. She hoped it would be distracting enough to allow Ishida Ashina to get up-close and take down the giant. But Krek was much faster than expected and snatched the Padawan with one of his arms. From a first glance, it seemed that escaping his grip was no easy task, so she knew assistance would be needed quickly.

There was no time to waste.

Knowing that throwing objects or using other types of ranged attacks could endanger the Padawan, Valery decided to explode towards the two with blinding, Force-augmented speed. Much like Ishida before, she approached in a zig-zag pattern and ignited a second lightsaber along the way. Even with two hands occupied to fight the Padawan, he had 2 more remaining, so she tried to anticipate the movements of his limbs carefully as she set her target.

She couldn't afford to be caught in his grip.

When she finally reached him, she jumped up and past the arm that held his Vibro weapon while she lashed out with a quick slash towards it, hoping to disrupt his attack by cutting into his flesh. Her blinding speed then continued as she moved towards one of the walls of the sewer tunnel, which she used to bounce back and perform a second hit-and-run with the other blade, this time targeting the arm holding Ishida in place. She hoped the speed at which she moved was enough, but even if her attacks were not to make contact, they should hopefully at least help get Ishida out of her situation.

If everything happened as planned, she would end up with Krek and Ishida between her and the Mandalorians she left behind.

 

[Runi Kuryida]

Runi slowly turned to regard Ijaat as the man echoed most of her own sentiments. As a Shaman it was Runi's chosen duty to be mindful of such matters. Others might become swept away by the needs of industry or war -- matters that were of importance to Mandalorians, but not all that was of importance. If those of authority within the government chose to recognize the day-to-day needs of their people to ensure a solid foundation, so much the better.

Faith kindly offered to arrange for supplies or perhaps a discussion in their acquisition in turn. To be expected of someone with a personal interest in their culture, and given the opportunity to contribute in a morally pleasing manner. Yet one should never take for granted even that which is expected. Not every great act carried with it the pomp and circumstance of warfare.

The political matters, however, drew Ijaat and then Faith back toward the larger group. Seeing how the sidebar was at an end, Runi turned to follow the pair and listen to what matters held the Chancellor and Quartermaster's rapt attention.

What was put before them by Ijaat was a matter of supporting an ally by bolstering their garrison's own abilities through training, oversight, and at times aid. Runi found the proposal quite pleasing in fact. Not every soul was prepared to don beskar'gam and follow their Ways in this life, but the more people bore witness of a Mandalorian's actions the greater the opportunity for them to take up their own Path -- in this life or the next. The Protectors could defend worlds, but also serve as valiant role models. This would also bolster, Runi would hope, their emotional and mental strength as they dealt with strange, new cultures and frustrating people. Not all training involved dodging a blaster bolt.

The attention was now on the Alliance's delegation and Aerarii Tithe in particular. Even the spiritualist among them was curious what the astute leader would say. His thoughts might be on credits, but Mandalorian warriors could help bring about a propserous, orderly society that enabled the free flow and acquisition of credits -- something Tithe had already expressed in a fashion by offering them such an opportunity.

Seto Du Couteau | Dominique Vexx | The Quartermaster | Vemric Keldra | Kronn K'taris | Verin Oldo | Aerarii Tithe | Faith Organa | Ijaat Mereel​

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Oh, my, was their infrastructure lacking? Deary, whatever was a industrious Galactic Alliance to do, but offer their bountiful services to people in need? Of course they would need financial support of their clients to ensure the timely delivery of quality product; after all, you truly did get what you paid for, and what Mandalorians might need wouldn't be cheap surely. What's more, they were developing! What an industrious bunch eager to claim their rightful place in the galaxy... and Dominique would be happy to offer Denon's personal support.

Golden eyes slid over to the Chair of the Finance Committee then to the Chancellor, and then to Ijaat who seemed taken by Tithe's suggestion. Oh, yes, the Enclave had the Alliance's best representing them today. Just the perfect little assembly eager to take advantage of the Mandalorian's present state of affairs -- stable, wealthy, but in desperate need of development. A mutually beneficial arrangement.

Admittedly, it would have been much more one-sided under different circumstances, but you had to be careful how you handled Mandalorians. They weren't stupid, and if you angered them they were dreadfully slow to forgive let alone forget. Push them gently, but not too far.

"Such a partnership would benefit countless worlds," Dominique spoke up after Tithe and Ijaat gently prodded toward action. Mandalorians training local defense forces? Some of those forces could use with good, stout armor and blasters that could hit what you aimed at; naturally that all meant a free-flow of credits. Not to mention securing spaceports and shipping lanes. Even if no new hardware was purchased an increase in stability and confidence would come with a host of economic boasting factor. "A stable Alliance would be better positioned to ferry the many supplies and personnel to your developing worlds to ensure a rapid, but carefully managed expansion. Pirates in far off regions rarely excite the wider audience, but the impact of such criminal enterprise can be felt throughout the galaxy." If you knew what to look for. Problem was explaining all the nuance and psychology behind the economy bored people to tears. Most tuned out after about ten seconds. It was literally impossible to explain it in ten seconds or with pretty pictures. Not intelligently. And people wondered why the Media only used sound bites.

The Quartermaster seemed inclined toward the idea in a fashion, but not without a stipulation. Evidently the Confederacy had soured the Enclave on blind trust. Not that Dominique could see the Mandalorians suffering as a result of them being 'discarded.' Perhaps this woman wasn't as politically naive as some of them would like. Unfortunate, but that meant Dominique might actually be able to respect her.

The Senator of Denon looked over at Tithe curious if the Chancellor would be willing to concede to the demand for a mutual defense pact. Unless the Mandalorians were secretly planning to wage war against the galaxy -- which was highly unlikely -- such a pact could be beneficial for a number of reasons. It would gain the Alliance an ally that far out on the rim (somewhere establishing authority had historically been difficult and unstable at best), provide a shelter for resources if necessary from the Sith, and garner increasing support of a warrior culture that didn't know the meaning of the word "quit."

Was bolstering another faction in their best interest? When they were as far out on the Edge as the Enclave where the Alliance wouldn't need worry about 'running into' them? Dominique believed it quite worthwhile. And if anyone should be worried it was the representative of Denon -- a world currently on the edge of Alliance space and a likely first target of any Enclave aggression; which Dominique didn't see happening. Why would they attack the Alliance? The Sith weren't laying down and dying despite what the Jedi would like them to believe, and there were countless skirmishes happening all the time throughout the galaxy. The Enclave had more than enough work to keep themselves busy, and the Alliance's industries slaving away to fulfill their every need.

Ijaat Mereel | Vemric Keldra | Verin Oldo | Seto Du Couteau | Runi Kuryida | Dominique Vexx | Kronn K'taris | Aerarii Tithe | The Quartermaster​

 

[Aerarii Tithe]

NEW KROSTPORT, HEFI

Faith Organa | Seto Du Couteau | Dominique Vexx
The Quartermaster | Runi Kuryida | Verin Oldo | Ijaat Mereel

Negotiations between the Alliance and the Enclave continued. Faith offered the dispatch of much needed medical supplies to the Mandalorians, with Ijaat explaining how his people had acted as defenders and military trainers in the recent past. Dominique noted that it would be mutually beneficial for the two nations to work together.

The Quartermaster, not content to simply work for the Core worlds, proposed a mutual defence pact. So, the Enclave was looking to be a player on the galactic stage, not just an honour-bound police force. Tithe sat up straight in his chair - things were getting interesting.

“Well, I must say, I’m certain we can reach a, ah, agreement,” he replied. As it stood, any treaty would be strongly in the benefit of the Enclave. But Tithe had not ascended to his role without an innate sense of seeing potential. While they were a fledgling nation, the Enclave was on a sharp growth curve. There was a literal gap in the market in the galactic east with recent events, providing boundless opportunities. The Alliance could pass the deal over and come back when the Enclave had grown, but by then, bargaining would not be in Tithe’s favour. A small investment now was much better than an expensive buy-out later.

“Of course, the Senate will need to ratify any accord,” Tithe explained. Annasari and her Committee on Foreign Affairs would have long nights ahead back on Coruscant pouring over the specifics of the deal. But the collapse of the Triumervate had left the Alliance short on friends. A friendly partner out this way would be good for commerce and trade… and, he imagined, there was probably some social good it in. He’d leave that to the professions.

“In the interim, I’ll leave you in the very capable hands of the Member for Alderaan,” he added. “I’m certain to aid and whatnot can be put to good use.”

 

[Tren Chaar]

W A Y F I N D E R

ISKADRELL SECTOR
B-WING HEAVY STARFIGHTER​

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The mass shadow sensors on Chaar’s B-wing swept back and forth across the cluttered region of debris, blackholes and pulsar stars along the edge of the Iskadrell and Seeratter Sectors. He could see what this saw such little traffic - the hyperspace obstacles were so tightly packed it was a miracle that Revenant Squadron had been able to jump this far out. The odds of finding a viable hyperlane faded with every sweep of the sensors, one by one eliminating possible approach vectors.

Comms silence was broken by Revenant Ten, announcing that she had something on her long-ranger scanners. The data, and her analysis of its likely origin, scrolled across Chaar’s display. This far out it could be anything, a transport stuck in a mass shadow, a derelict ship still running off emergency power, a smuggler also looking for a hyperlane.

It could also be an enemy contact - the borders of the Brotherhood of the Maw weren’t that far away.

Finding a hyperlane would bring glory and prestige to Chaar’s squadron, but not as much as knocking out another Brotherhood vessel. Sensors put it as a single contact, nowhere near as big as the five-kilometre dreadnaught they’d taken out over Coruscant, but a kill-silhouette of an enemy corvette would look nice stencilled on the side of the starfighters.

Leon volunteered to check it out. While Chaar had arrived at Qellene’s promotion ceremony ready to tear strips off the Jedi for abandoning the squadron during Coruscant, his latent Umbaran ability to sense the intent of others had detected no lying on Leon’s part. Begrudgingly, he’d kept him on the roster. He’d since learned that Leon was a double-recipient of the Golden Starbird - maybe if he kept him around, some of that would rub off on Chair.

“Copy Seven, good hunting.” His hand paused over the coms console as he contemplated calling in Cadence Air Group to support them.

No, it was just one corvette. And besides, he wasn’t in the mood to share the battle credit.

Revenant Squadron: Five: Kaul "Joker" Emos | Six: Dani Stellaris | Seven: Leon Gallo | Eight: Len Vert | Ten: Qellene Tyliame
Cadence Air Group: Liedran Kathause | Kathryn Foster | Voldran Molf
Mandalorian Enclave: Open
Brotherhood of the Maw: CETCOM
​

 

[Krek Libera]

// KREK // BAD ODDS //
// POSITION // V'SHAR // SEWERS // BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE //
// OBJECTIVE // KILL //
// FOCUS // Ishida Ashina Valery Noble Thonn Rokkal Shai Maji Gorthalon // Kranak Vizsla Alora Vizsla Vren Rook Sasha Kryze //
// EQUIPMENT // EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK //
// COMPANY // INSURRECTIONISTS AND MERCENARIES //

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The Jedi's blade was as quick as she was, able to strike and block in the same rapid motion. Krek began to tilt to his right as his foot was lost. Three blaster shots went through where his head had just been -- enemies to his right, one with a blaster and another preparing to approach. This was becoming a worse position by the second.

Krek had no time. One of the enemy flew into the air, raining fire on him. A shot glanced off his headplate, another slammed into his upper left arm, and two more into his durasteel chestplate. Without much more prompting he began to withdraw, bouncing awkwardly on his remaining leg to get out of sight of the enemies to his right and out of range of the one to his front. The assault cannon in his hands fired off another pair of rockets; the first sent in the direction of the flying one to throw him off course, the second to keep the ones to his right in cover, to stop them from halting his withdrawal.

The Jedi rapidly became a more pressing issue. The one he had in his hand squirmed but she seemed weak enough between his crushing grip and the strength of his blade. The second Jedi, though...

Halfway through the elder Jedi's approach Krek stopped, jerking the younger one in his grasp, then wound up and threw the smaller Jedi right down the sewer tunnel. His larger weapon had been far too unwieldy to simply shoot her with earlier, but now it was a clear target -- another rocket flew from the barrel of the assault cannon, followed by few plasma rounds for good measure. His gaze then flicked to the second Jedi and began to fire again, but the speed at which she was coming made clear her intent; surely she would sacrifice an ally to strike a killing blow. Krek braced for attack.

 

[The Quartermaster]

M A N D A L O R I A N
E N C L A V E

Objective: Establish Relations
Location: Ra'ntisr Capitol, New Krostport, Hefi
Tag: Ijaat Mereel | Vemric Keldra | Verin Oldo | Seto Du Couteau | Runi Kuryida | Dominique Vexx | Kronn K'taris | Aerarii Tithe

The Quartermaster considered the Denonian's words before assenting. "The Enclave's territories hold vast amounts of yet-untapped natural resources, yet we lack the infrastructure to refine them. However, the corporations of the Galactic Alliance may be eager for stable sources of raw material, especially as other Outer Rim investments become more. . . risky compared to the relative assurity of Mandalorian-patrolled systems."

At last the Chancellor spoke once more, to which the Quartermaster listened intently. He was a shrewd man, that much she could tell, and was no doubt calculating how best this proposal could be spun in the Galactic Alliance's favor. His answer showed cautious, hesitant, agreement, but it as agreement nevertheless. "The wheels of democracy must spin, Chancellor," the Quartermaster acknowledged. "I have never journeyed to the Core before. Perhaps it is time Mandalorians journeyed to Coruscant once more, though as friends, not foes."

She listened to him offer the Senator of Alderaan as an ambassador during the interim of the treaty ratification process, and she looked the woman up and down before giving a nod of approval. "She is familiar with our ways and people. I have no doubt that she will find the climate on Hefi suitable to her liking."

Sensing that the purpose of their meeting had been achieved -- or close enough that it could be called a success -- she spoke once more. "If we are in agreement, on this, Chancellor, then may I suggest a drink in the spirit of goodwill? Tihaar for Mandalorians and those who wish, and Merenzane Gold for those who prefer something less abrasive? Of course, I have other matters of state to attend to, so I will not participate through consumption, though I will raise a glass all the same."
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[Shai Maji]

Tags: Kranak Vizsla | Sasha Kryze | Alora Vizsla | Valery Noble | Ishida Ashina | Thonn Rokkal | Gorthalon | Tarre Priest
Engaging: Krek Libera
Equipment: In bio | Standard loadout

It seemed that their opponent bit off more than he could chew. With one leg gone and several bolts already scored, he attempted to withdraw from the fight and keep his profile small. Shai fired another burst of three rounds with her rifle as she closed the distance. They had to get him before he became a problem down the line.

:: Target's on the move! :: She reported quickly before she fired another two rounds at him. :: Get him, he can't- :: Her transmission was cut off with a heavy grunt as the missiles zoomed towards them, one hitting her square in the chest. The shistavanen flew back several feet and crashed into the muck, unmoving for a long while. Static hissed over her line to the rest of the team before a heavy gasp finally broke her silence.

With several heavy coughs and gasps she tried to get air back into her cybernetic lungs to no avail. Her eyes went wide as she looked at her submerged form in the filth around her. A battered wheeze erupted as she tried to stand back up, only to fall over again in pain. She eventually managed to scoot back against a wall behind her as she continued to gasp and cough. The temptation was there to remove her helmet, to let air straight into her lungs instead of dragging it through the filter in her helmet. But one look at the sewage enveloping her legs and hips was enough of a reason to not take that route.

Feeling her chest, her armour held up against the blast. The gel underneath was likely completely shattered, but at least she was in one piece. She could officially add another missile to her list of ordinance that she survived direct contact with. Her rifle was gone, lost in the muck somewhere around her. That was a lost cause.

When she finally pushed herself up with a grunt, she got her head back to the mission at hand. :: This... is Wardog... pushing forward. :: She radioed in as she drew both pistols and stumbled on to get back into the pursuit of their enemy.

 

[Faith Organa]

Faith was caught off guard by the offer of staying here on Hefi she nodded to the Chancellor Aerarii Tithe and to The Quartermaster , "I am honored."

With those words she broke the one promise she made before departing Alderaan. Feth.

She should have known better than to make a promise. But who knew how this would have gone. As it was the agreement was not yet final. She would do as she promised send the supplies and talk to Tia.

Tags: Ijaat Mereel | Runi Kuryida | Vemric Keldra | Verin Oldo | Seto Du Couteau | Dominique Vexx | Kronn K'taris

 

[Gorthalon]

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Team: Ishida Ashina Valery Noble Thonn Rokkal Shai Maji Kranak Vizsla Tarre Priest Alora Vizsla

Hostile: Krek Libera

TLDR: Gorth catches Ishida mid-air to avoid her being hit by missiles, then joins Shai and fires at Krek while pushing forward.


Bowels of V'Shar
​

With a greataxe in one hand, Gorthalon still performed repeated peeks from behind a sideways tunnel, attempting to get a glimpse of what is happening ahead. His frustrations grew further as he felt unable to defend his allies or assist in overwhelming the assailant, even though he was already quite close to the enemy. Regardless, his enormous size still meant that he would instantly be hit by blaster fire as soon as he left cover, even as the hostile was preoccupied with the assault of the Jedi named Ishida Ashina .

In the heat of battle, time is fluid; he understands that. Still the Jedi, whom Gorthalon thought was still near the entrance, whizzed by him and Shai at an unbelievable velocity. Her blurred outline practically not even visible, the Yuzzem put together the quick succession of actions only through what happened in her wake; the ankle-high sewage water cracked in two along the Jedi's path with a short delay.

Utterly unshaken and fighting like a professional, Shai Maji is firing another salvo from her blaster rifle. Right after her precise attack, the Yuzzem is ready to pounce; because for a brief moment, it sounds like the hostile is not attacking. Yet just as he readies himself for the advance and his claws on his right hand and feet dig into his surroundings, another thunderous wave of laser bolts and even missiles are launched towards him and Shai, one rocket hitting her square in the chestplate. This sudden turn of events jolts Gorthalon out of his planned course of attack. Out of nowhere and not a single moment later, the silver-haired Jedi from before is flung back towards Thonn Rokkal and the many-limbed enemy prepares to launch everything he has at the Jedi that had just been thrown back. Thinking quickly, he reclips his two-handed weapon onto his back and pounces; but not at the enemy – at the Jedi being thrown back towards the tunnel entrance. There is no time to notify the others.

With the missiles and blaster bolts already dispatched by the capable insurgent operative, the Yuzzem manages to catch the flying Jedi mid-air, snatching her out of the line of fire. Wrapping one arm around the Jedi, and bracing for impact with the other, they ultimately slam into the wall with momentum; but the Yuzzem shields his teammate with his body, soaking all of the blunt force. Gently, but with urgency, he lets go of Ishida, letting her slide from his embrace. Feeling searing hot pain rippling through his lower back, he realizes he caught a blaster bolt while jumping. The charred spot on his back will heal over time and find company among many other identical scarring across his body.

The Yuzzem now snaps to Shai, who has since recuperated and luckily appears largely unscathed, but visibly suffering the after effects of air escaping her lungs violently. She reports in and pushes forward, with the giant Yuzzem in tow. – Thonn! We'll cover your advance! – Reports Gorthalon on the comms, and with that, he fires shots from his IB-series blaster at the enemy ahead, simultaneously trying to draw attention to himself – thus relieving pressure from the Jedi Valery Noble – while also attempting to slide from cover to cover between the few sideways tunnels and outcroppings to cover the Mandalorian's advance.​

 

[IVI]

THE DIRECTOR
OBJECTIVE: INTERROGATE THE HYPERLANE LEAK
CORUSCANT | SIA HEADQUARTERS | INTERROGATION FACILITY
Okkeus Dainlei | CLOSED

"I...I'm sorry about your friend's daughter. I have heard of the sky-walkers, but I didn't know that the Maw was taking them and using them."

When she moved, finally, it was a solemn nod.

It wasn't just agents that fed the woman secrets or information from around the galaxy — sometimes it was from unpredictable sources. From places and people she'd rather not hear from.

As grim as the story was, and as detached as M had become to it, resurfacing it and feigning emotion seemed to move them forward in this dance of rapport. Whatever opportunity for them to be adversarial was instantly buried in the exchange of tales that were founded in loss.

The Jedi's story, however, was his own.

I know this won't bring your friend's child back, but I thought I'd let you know wthat I can kinda relate with what you feel."

"You don't tell that story to many people, do you?" M ventured, relating it back to his earlier testimony of delivering the coordinates of the hyperlane back to Auteme solely. Trust was a fickle thing. The Chiss had to remind him that he was beginning to trust her. "Thank you for your trust."

"So that is why I have such a hard time trusting people. You never know when they will turn against you and destroy your life."

Her tight-lipped expression curled upward slightly, a façade of warmth.

"I understand. Although, we're in the unfortunate reality that we already know The Maw will be against us, and is actively seeking to destroy life.

Especially yours, Master Jedi." She adjusted the preview of the incoming report to a repeat, muted, broadcast of Solipsis. "Which is why, if you have anything further to share, that could protect people – as the hyperlane information could have done – it's paramount that we have access to whatever you're willing to offer.

Not just for your protection, but for others. To ensure no other children are sabotaged by marauders as we've just reflected on."

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[Ishida Ashina]

V'SHAR | COOL, THE SEWERS
LIGHT CAN DEVOUR THE DARKNESS
BUT DARKNESS CANNOT CONSUME THE LIGHT

It would have been natural to scream. At least make a sound of surprise, if not agony, while she hurtled back from whence she came. But silence overtook her, preserving her lungs and the violent sloshing of the few droplets of sewage that had penetrated her mask. What had been curved walls, became just grey blurs. Friends and foes just oblong shadows.

Once again, her trajectory was cut short. While this time she wasn’t seeking a violent outcome, it was still incredibly jarring against her ribs when her ally stopped her mid flight, oddly able to cradle and defend.

Shame pushed itself through her body, tangling with her natural gag reflex from the sewage. Vitriolic repugnance bubbled and frothed within the little Atrisian. She wanted to push him away, scramble as far as possible and run back at the assailant once more. On her own. Cut down everyone else in the tunnels, prove herself again.

"I was not saving you, I was aiding you. There is no shame in succor,"

He released her, and she slid down to her knees, into the welcoming goop of the sewers.

She pulled the mask down from concealing the lower part of her face, and was immediately assaulted by the rancid pungency of the sewers, which only amplified the unsettled churning in her belly that raced up through her diaphragm and through her mouth. Embarrassment and the sting of the watercourse pulled at her cheeks before she spewed it out and back into the ankle-high mess.

“Sorry.” She squeaked, feeling the foreign word pass over her tongue and hating the weight of it. The apology slipped out before she could prevent it. Somehow, in a miscalculation (the number of arms was a new variable), she’d become a liability rather than an asset. And she had to apologize for that.

Hopefully, though, the crew of capable warriors would interpret the Padawan’s apology as abashment for adding to the spoils that floated around their feet.

Totally embarrassed, her cheeks burned more than her throat, and she shoved her mask back over her face, screwing her eyes shut and drawing in a deep, filtered breath. Gratefully, it was dark down here. There was still a chance to redeem herself. At least her ego could bolster itself on the small victory of taking one of the enemy’s legs.

Shame it was so rich with limbs.

– Thonn! We'll cover your advance! –

A pang of envy trilled through her, and Ishida grimaced beneath her mask and reactivated her sabre. Someone else was going in the advance? With Master Nobel? Not her?

Just short of letting out a childish whimper of jealousy, Ishida steeled herself and looked toward her two beast-born teammates. One was..incredibly large. The other, the jovial one from earlier, wounded.

<He’s almost bested.> She spoked through the modulator of her mask. <I can lead you both in, closer, provide you cover from the front and we can push him down.

You won't have to conceal behind walls.

You're both good to press on? Finish this?>

To indicate what she was suggesting, she extended an arm. From it, a gossamer, translucent shimmer glowed against the muddied waters and darkened walls. An invisible Force barrier provided from the Padawan who was learning the importance of teamwork.

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LIGHTBRINGERS: Kranak Vizsla | Valery Noble | Thonn Rokkal | Sasha Kryze | Shai Maji | Alora Vizsla | Vren Rook | Kranak Vizsla | Valery Noble | Sasha Kryze | Tarre Priest | Gorthalon

UNHAND ME YOU BRUTE: Krek Libera

 

[Thonn Rokkal]

Kranak Vizsla Alora Vizsla Shai Maji Ishida Ashina Vren Rook Sasha Kryze Valery Noble Gorthalon Krek Libera Tarre Priest

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The landing was less than graceful, but the opportunity afforded by jumping had been well worth it. Shots had landed and caught Krek Libera, the sheer volume of fire output by the rotary cannon had struck the multi-limbed cybernetic monstrosity with four shots out of the storm sent from the barrels.

Once he'd returned to the ground Thonn's feet skidded off the muck, and it was only through another brief burst of his jetpack that he managed to keep himself righted. As soon as he had regained control enough to do so, he immediately increased the jetpack's thrust to send him airborne for a second attack. The first one had done well, and he was intent on keeping the pressure up.

Thonn blasted out of the water again; and only then did he notice the rocket with his name on it blasting his way.

Chit.

He abandoned his former plans without hesitation at the sight of that. By now he'd committed to his forward arc; a slam of his jetpack thrusters added lateral speed to his direction in an attempt to dodge the rocked. Beskar scraped against the sewer wall as he slammed shoulder-first against it, the two rockets flying into the wall a short distance behind him. The blasts sent chunks of concrete flying, the sewer water erupting into many simultaneous splashes as fragments peppered it. The explosion was too far away to do Thonn any permanent harm, but the force of it sent him tumbling down and forward into the waters again.

That didn't go as planned and he was pretty sure he'd gotten somewhat mangled on the impact, but it could have gone way worse; he wasn't wounded. The interruption did manage to stall the next burst of blaster fire he was going to rain down upon Krek, and he had to get back to delivering that in a hurry. Thonn scrambled back to his feet with his rotary cannon in hand, just as he heard Gorthalon call out to him:

– Thonn! We'll cover your advance! –

"Gotcha; I'm gonna blast that thing again!" he called out, announcing the sole objective on his mind. Back on his feet and moving fast with the waters splashing behind each step, he'd pass by the others – and Shai was in far from good shape. He'd have to make up for it by shooting that karking thing twice as much this time around.

Once he had closed the distance, Thonn would launch himself into the air with a brief burst of his jetpack again. The firey burst would illuminate the waters beneath him, with the barrels of his z-6 menacingly spinning and ready to fire anew.

 

[Valery Noble]

Beacons of Light​

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Location: Briefing Room
Valery: Appearance
Ally Tag: Kranak Vizsla Alora Vizsla Thonn Rokkal Shai Maji Ishida Ashina Vren Rook Sasha Kryze Gorthalon
Baddy Tag: Krek Libera

Valery was less than a second away from halting her assault against Krek when she watched the cybernetic monster throw Ishida Ashina down the sewers. With the rocket and blaster bolts that were fired in pursuit, the Padawan was likely going to have trouble defending herself, and there was no way Valery would sacrifice her just to maintain her attack. But right before she would break off, a large fluffy friend jumped up to save the day.

She couldn't help but smirk, as this meant her path towards the enemy could continue. What did change, however, was her determination to either finish the job or get him to withdraw. The way he had attempted to use Ishida against her wasn't something she appreciated, and this showed as the smirk transitioned into a cold glare, her reflective orange eyes staring at him through the darkness of the sewers.

Drawing her purple blade in front of her as she approached, Valery did her best to deflect any blaster bolts he'd fire her way. But she hoped the sudden assistance of Gorthalon to help Ishida would catch Krek by surprise, allowing her to get up-close without too much resistance from the goliath.

With an erratic pattern of movements, she got as close as she possibly could before aiming a powerful blow towards the arm he used to support his large assault cannon. If she were able to take out his ability to use this weapon, he'd surely retreat. Or so she hoped - he seemed quite resourceful thus far already.

At the very least, her pressure up-close would allow the others to coordinate a final push against this beast.

 

[Krek Libera]

​

// KREK // BAD ODDS //
// POSITION // V'SHAR // SEWERS //
// OBJECTIVE // KILL // SURVIVE //
// FOCUS // Ishida Ashina Valery Noble Gorthalon Shai Maji Thonn Rokkal // Alora Vizsla Kranak Vizsla Vren Rook Tarre Priest Sasha Kryze //
// EQUIPMENT // EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK //
// COMPANY // INSURRECTIONISTS AND MERCENARIES //

---

---

The backwards movement, loss of limb, and his pursuer's speed meant the Jedi caught up to him quite quickly, but Krek kept his combative instincts intact, moving almost in sync with the Jedi, to keep her between him and the other attackers. Seeing all of his opponents in front of him told him how bad the odds truly were.

But retreat was a foreign concept, unless against overwhelming force. He had very nearly killed one of them, and he suspected the rest were just as fragile, even if some hid under heavy shells.

No time. The woman approached, moving first -- swinging at his upper right arm. His tenuous balance and her speed left no options to dodge.

That was fine, he had arms to spare.

She had to swing high to strike his upper arm. She intended to make him drop his weapon, so in response he intended to drop his arm on her face -- just moments before his arm was severed it released the assault cannon, swinging backhand towards the Jedi's head. It came loose as the saber slid easily through his flesh, letting the full weight of the leathery red arm fly.

His lower right arm held the vibroblade, brandished to his right side, which swung in a wide arc to force the Jedi to either run right into his weapon or to stop in her tracks. His lower left arm formed a fist, baring the metal plate on the back of the combat glove, intent to strike a blow to the Jedi's torso when she stopped.

The first of the armored one's bolts struck him in the chest, but it was not yet enough to stop his momentum.

 

[Sasha Kryze]

Kranak Vizsla Valery Noble Alora Vizsla Shai Maji Gorthalon Thonn Rokkal Krek Libera Ishida Ashina Tarre Priest

Sasha having been relatively making generic actions up until then was crouched down behind some makeshift cover within the more open catacomb area of the battlezone. Having witnessed the Jedi Master Valery Noble perform feats that were beyond understanding. It reminded her of the Sith, Zlova that had accompanied her and her vode for the Wyrm hunt not so long ago. Up until now her engagement had been random, and unfocused; only firing back at whatever targets had engaged their Task Force first.

The slug-thrower was being put to devilish use, hitting any targets that stayed out too long, prioritizing those that were lightly armored or didn't wear any over their heavier opposition. Light bursts erupting from the VAARS rifle that landed with vindication, Those that didn't expire on contact with the archaic rounds fired were forced to scramble for cover as the slugs burned at their insides. A bloody battlefield surprisingly not so common in an age of laser, and plasma.

And yet, the psychological impact was evident through the scope as Sasha hung back in cover, roughly twelve meters behind Kranak.

The foul puddles of sewage water splashed all over his combat boots, shin plates and his long black kama as his armored feet stomped on them while sprinting into an alternate sewage tunnel. The blaster fire reverberated loudly in the tunnels. It wasn’t too long after he went in the alternate tunnel he saw about fifteen humanoid contacts in the distance, about a hundred meters ahead. They were highlighted in an orange hue due to his night vision’s heat overlay. They were armed. <”Enemies spotted. Insurgents, hundred meters, right up ahead. Engage.”> His interactive heads-up display passively shared tactical data to the HUD’s of his squadmates within close proximity. The hostiles were highlighted with small, red hollow triangles over their heads, displaying combat related information to his vode, such as their distance and squad size.

The HUD warning flashed for Sasha, and caused her to pause briefly. Switching the weapon from its current function, into a single fire mode. Sacrificing suppression for now, to raise the chance of hitting them.

"Engaging them, Right over your head Vode"

Sasha warned, the periodic thud of the rifle audible behind him. Her helmet's sound suppression doing wonders to not deafen her in the midst of combat.

 

[Okkeus Dainlei]

Coruscant
After This And This
IVI

————————————​

The warm smile from the Director was oddly comforting.

"It has been some time since I shared that story with anyone."

As he came into this whole situation, his mind had been stuck on not telling a single soul about his past, or the secrets that he knew. Opening up to people was never his strong suit. But now, here I this room, it almost felt as if it was his duty to tell her. He could save millions of lives, just like he had tried to do here not long ago on Coruscant.

Continuing to listen to the Director's words, the Knight became slightly taken aback. Master Jedi. Those were words the man hoped to hear one day. But now? Today was not the time, nor would it be for a while. He did not feel the right to be called by such title. It was reserved for the people that truly represented the New Jedi Order as a whole.

He was not one of those people.

"If I may ask, please just call me Okkeus, or Knight Dainlei if you would prefer. There is some more information that I could give you though, hopefully that will be beneficial before the time of attack. A book of mine lists many hyperlanes, multiple of which have not been used for a few hundred years. From what I read, of few of them go through Maw territory."

Looking up at the Director, he was hoping to see some reward in her. As if he had made up for his wrongs, and she accepted that. But her face still remained practically emotionless. It had only slightly changed after his mention of the book. She look as if she was a droid, incapable of showing anything. Whatever reason it may be, the Knight didn't trust it.

"I could get you a copy of the maps and routes, but right now I won't be able to give you the book itself.

 

[Gorthalon]

Team: Kranak Vizsla Ishida Ashina Valery Noble Thonn Rokkal Tarre Priest Alora Vizsla Sasha Kryze Shai Maji
Hostile: Krek Libera
TLDR: Gorth stays back with Thonn and Shai and fires at Krek's legs.
​

- Gotcha, I'm gonna blast that thing again! – Reports Thonn, the Mandalorian heavy hitter from behind. The Jedi in the front, left to fight the multi-limbed warrior alone is holding the attacker at bay in melee, allowing the rest us the briefest of respites and a window of opportunity to take quick stock.

Lightning fast, the enormous beast slaps the side of his blaster, and the red hot energy cell flies to the side, fizzling loudly as it elevates the ankle-high sewage water to a boiling point for a second where it impacts. Pugent wafts disperse as seemingly out of nowhere, the Mandalorian warrior Thonn tears through the steam clouds, holding his frightening weapon and engaging the enemy, while utilizing the jetpack on his back.

Hunched over, with his back against the wall, the robust Yuzzem soldier quickly thrusts another cell into the blaster pistol. The mechanical clanks of the reloading procedure are inaudible next to the roaring fire of the Mandalorian's firearm. Its unrelenting barrage lights up the entire tunnel. Just as Gorthalon would press on, the young Jedi behind him tears off her mask and vomits forth. The giant soldier snaps back at her and scans the young lady intently, looking for signs of what could have caused this bodily reaction. The violent catch might have been a contributor; he presses his lips together upon this realization. Before he could ask what the issue is, she reports in - her voice brave and confident.

- He's almost bested. I can lead you both in, closer, provide you cover from the front and we can push him down. You won't have to conceal behind walls. You're both good to press on? Finish this? – The Yuzzem grunts and nods in acknowledgement and readies his blaster for firing but is stunned by what he beholds next. The young Jedi holding up her hand conjures some sort of protective barrier out of thin air and begins her advance.

Even amidst the firefight, a massive sense of surrealism washes over the Yuzzem, following the Jedi with his eyes in awe as he is left speechless in the face of this mind-bending, mysterious magic. – I… will stay with the others and provide covering fire. – Says Gorthalon in a tone that reflects his surprise. Taking only two steps, he arrives next to Thonn; Ishida in the middle, Thonn on the right side and Gorthalon to the left - with Shai close by - he begins to aim and shoot at the insurgent operative's legs, since that's an extremity he has fewer of. He strives to shoot fewer, more accurate shots, keeping in mind the safety of the two Jedi warriors ahead.​

 

[Ishida Ashina]

V'SHAR | COOL, THE SEWERS
LIGHT CAN DEVOUR THE DARKNESS
BUT DARKNESS CANNOT CONSUME THE LIGHT

Relief flooded Ishida’s composition at the lack of discussion around her wholly abashing display of upchucking. A grunt and a nod from the giant that had caught her.

– I… will stay with the others and provide covering fire. –

The small atrisian returned the single nod with one of her own. Just one dip of the chin to signal agreement before she elected to share the workings of a small plan with her teammates. Last time, she’d run in with no communication.

This time, she could..ask for..some sort of help. Or at least give a suggestion that resulted in the best outcome for the swathe of warriors in the tunnels.

<Try to aim high. It will be easier for Mater Nobel and me to keep below overhead shots. It will also force the unbalanced foe to split his focus upward. He’s unsteady on his legs.>

Taking a precious second to reassess the composition of allies and foe, Ishida’s silvery gaze counted the silhouettes and attributed their relative positions to the massive, multi-armed blockage preventing them from their objective of kyber. With a subtle movement, the barrier she’d constructed adjusted from in front of her, to behind — more intent on providing cover for her team than herself. Still with her blade ignited, she pressed against her ribs. Something moved, and she sucked in a pained breath. Her bones would have to be something she concerned herself with after this was complete. As incredible as her allies were, the foe seemed mono-focused.

So she would absorb that focus and turn this as fatal as possible. Use the environment to her advantage.

Once more, her feet moved. Cutting through the water with tiny splashes as she ran, all the while wincing from the tightness in her torso. The space behind her abdomen stung, throbbing with each step and she clenched her teeth as if it were possible to bite through the pain.

From whence she’d been hurled, she scurried. Not as fast as before, but enough to close the distance and manage to avoid being shot through the back all the while.

<Master Nobel!> Ishida raised her voice above the din of the salvo exchange. She planted her right foot, launching her weight to the left side and kicking off the curve of the sewer’s walls toward the assailant, her blade and katana now in hand. <Take the right.>

The movement was swift, focused, precise, but not without pain. A trill of agony widened through her body, overwhelming her as she made her final swipe to the midsection of the monster, seeking to plunge, sear, and sever from the left side of its torso while it was inundated with the barrage of plasma from her allies, and hopefully, the mirroring incision from the right side that would see him halved.

---

LIGHTBRINGERS: Kranak Vizsla | Valery Noble | Thonn Rokkal | Sasha Kryze | Shai Maji | Alora Vizsla | Vren Rook | Kranak Vizsla | Valery Noble | Sasha Kryze | Tarre Priest | Gorthalon

50% OFF AT THE MAUL, JUST IN TIME FOR LIFE DAY: Krek Libera

 

[Valery Noble]

Beacons of Light​

---

Location: Briefing Room
Valery: Appearance
Ally Tag: Kranak Vizsla Alora Vizsla Thonn Rokkal Shai Maji Ishida Ashina Vren Rook Sasha Kryze Gorthalon
Baddy Tag: Krek Libera

Valery had expected the large figure to value his arms more than he did. Rather than attempting to avoid her strike, his arm went into a swing towards her, causing the momentum to continue after it separated from his torso. With quick head movements, she was able to keep it from hitting her face directly, but the glancing blow still briefly dazed her due to the sheer weight of his arm.

Because of how it stunned her for just a moment, there was no time to avoid the incoming blade that followed completely. But allowing him to stop her in her tracks would put her in an even worse situation.

So as the blade approached, she directed her hand out and channeled the Force into a push opposing the swing of his blade. A quick hop and her feet were separated from the ground, allowing her to use the push-back momentum to launch herself backward, cleared from the punch that would follow and safe from the edge of his blade.

Her back struck the wall on the right side of the sewers and she landed, a shock of pain coursing through her body, but she was more than capable of fighting on.

It was then that she heard a familiar voice, and noticed someone approaching.

<Master Nobel!> Ishida raised her voice above the din of the salvo exchange. She planted her right foot, launching her weight to the left side and kicking off the curve of the sewer’s walls toward the assailant, her blade and katana now in hand. <Take the right.>

The movement was swift, focused, precise, but not without pain. A trill of agony widened through her body, overwhelming her as she made her final swipe to the midsection of the monster, seeking to plunge, sear, and sever from the left side of its torso while it was inundated with the barrage of plasma from her allies, and hopefully, the mirroring incision from the right side that would see him halved.

Valery smirked and wasted no time - she exploded back towards Krek in unison with Ishida, her blade drawn for a horizontal cut across his mid-section. But whether it connected or not, as Valery ended up on the opposite side of the sewer, she came back around once more with blinding speed.

Her approach came from his right side, meaning he had one less arm to cover himself and she hoped this would give her the opportunity to penetrate through his defense. With the tip of her blade directed towards him, she attempted to thrust it through the upper side of his torso, whether or not it was still connected to the lower half of his body.