Campaign The Hapes Civil War: The Pre-Eminent Strike

[Kaialina Fenholt]

[ - Nothing is Sacred, Don't Care if it's Wrong - ]​

Kaia`s personal lead ship, the Knife - A Modernized Nova-class Battle Cruiser, was leading the Hapes Syndicate Fleet through The Throat towards Shedu Maad as their first act of defiance to the Monarchy would begin. Part of the fleet had detached and headed to the Roqoo Depot to enact a blockade, effectively closing the Hapes Cluster off from the galaxy on one side, and cutting off transport and supplies of the Silver Jedi Concord through the Hapes Cluster to their front lines. Kaia was determined to bring a new law to the Hapes Cluster that meant a new, better life for everyone on Hapes. But first she had to extinguish the nearby Jedi Stronghold. She had no plans to kill any of them, the Hapes Syndicate was not capable of taking on entire Jedi Order forces, as she was only able to take on a few at a time - if they weren't excessively powered, mind. But this was important for her, her personal ideals of the future for her people outweighed everything else, and she was prepared to do what was necessary, even if it meant war.

The fleet, while not as impressive as the first Galactic Empire, was enough to tell anyone above that this was no exercise, and it was no bluff. As the fleet exited The Throat on sublight speed, they would eventually be seen just overhead of the planet, in fact two Coronet-series Star Destroyers entered the atmosphere as a show of force. Among other, smaller ships, entered as well and began landing in designated areas defined by Kaia herself all over the planet. Several shuttles and Corellian Armed Transports landed nearby the Local Jedi Academy, spilling out soldiers. Martial Law was being enacted on the planet, and several shuttles would announce such over loudspeakers near to any villages or settlements, including the Jedi Academy. Kaialine was landing her personal ship down less than a hundred meters from the entrance, as she wasn't interested in walking. Any hails by the Jedi Academy were ignored, any response given was "This is Hapes Command, you are hereby commanded to surrender any all command and authority upon the planet of Shedu Maad. Direct control of the planet is to be handed over to Hapes Command, Martial Law has been enacted," and yet, the most concerning command may have been the end, while the message endlessly repeated, "All Force Users are ordered to expose themselves and report for processing. You will not be harmed."

One of the Coronet Star Destroyers loomed right above the Jedi Academy in-atmosphere, but it made no movements nor powered its weapons. Kaialina was on the ground below, and none of them would open fire unless given the order.... preferably when Kaia was no longer directly underneath. After the airspace was seemingly "controlled" Kaia approached the Jedi Academy along with several Hapes Consortium uniformed soldiers. She hoped she would meet all of the Jedi outside, as entering the Academy was not ideal for her. If no Jedi's revealed themselves, an order would be given over loudspeaker for Jedi's to exit the Academy. No one would be harmed, was reiterated. Kaia was obviously the one in command, wearing a dress uniform and not in battle fatigues, showing her war medals and decorations, which might have shown the Jedi she was not prepared to fight. The Jedi that revealed themselves, Kaia would speak to them, close, or at a safe distance, whichever they preferred. "I am Kaialina Fenholt, Grand Admiral of Hapes. Commander of the sixth Legion, Admiral of the Inquisitor's Armada. The Queen Mother has been attacked and presumed dead. All Force Users have been ordered to leave the Hapes Cluster immediately, we will not ask this twice. The Hapes Cluster is being closed to all outsiders, including the Silver Jedi Concord and all Jedi Orders. I wish to speak to your leader or Jedi Elder of this Academy so we may negotiate your expulsion from our space. We do not wish to harm any of you." Swarms of Hapes uniformed soldiers surrounded the entrance of the Academy, while fighters and attack ships circled around above, "under the authority of the Hapes Military Command, you will need to leave our space when we are done conversing, or you will be removed by force."

Spoiler: Inquisitor's Armada

Inquisotr's Armada
Coronet-series Star Destroyer - 2
Sand Panther-series Heavy Cruiser - 4
Surprise-series Q-Carrier - 2
Terrik-series Attack Frigate - 6
Modernized Nova-class Battle Cruiser - 3
Martan-series Carrier Corvette - 4
"Corellian Armed Transport" - 16

Dagon Kaze , Aaran Tafo , Viera , Allyson Locke , Auteme , Laraine , Marlon Sularen , Elicia Hejaran


Disclaimer: Any Jedi or Neutral Force User are freely able to join this thread, but be wary of the number already tagged and already joined. If the unfortunate circumstance arises that combat is initiated, this will behave more like 'simulated combat' (that means it must be discussed beforehand, not random per post). This isn't intended to be a combat thread, it's intended for story purposes only. No one will die. No matter what happens, this is just for writing stories, not who is better nor will this be in the sense of 'canonical' meaning it's like a sidestory of CHAOS, and not actually really occurring in CHAOS history. Or, rather, nothing will be impacted (no butterfly effect) due to this. Please respect the end result being the Jedi's leaving Shedu Maad, or if it really has to happen, be forced to. This character is for my personal stories and I appreciate everyone participating, it makes me really happy.​

 

[Laraine]

Hearing what had happened, Laraine was concerned. As all Force-sensitives were ordered to reveal themselves, the Melodie guided her hoverchair towards the entrance of the building. "I am Jedi Knight Laraine of the New Jedi Order," she said, not disrespectfully, her mask muffling her voice slightly. She placed her hands in her lap, her blue-green tail swishing a little before she stilled it. "I'm not in charge, but I'd appreciate a little more information," Laraine said calmly and politely.

 

[Viera]

A tragedy had struck the Hapes Cluster, their Queen Mother; Merci Inkari Djo of Hapes, had been assassinated. One Adron Malvern, King of Illyria had been accused and arrested for the murder. But there were the shadows of mystery shrouding the Queen’s death, a potential third party seeking to take advantage of the strife caused.

No one knew what had happened, if the King of Illyria had indeed assassinated the Hapan Queen. But the events concerned Dagon Kaze , who sent out a message to a small group of individuals that he trusted. Information was limited, but the young Jedi was worried for the other Force sensitives within the Hapes Cluster. Namely, those within the academy that resided on the planet of Shedu Maad.

It was a symbol of the Jedi, a haven for Force sensitives that desired to learn about their abilities within a safe environment.

A prime target for someone who wanted to make a message.

Perhaps a few were already there at the time, but others managed to arrive before the hyperlane routes could be blockaded. Viera was one of the latter, managing to fly her ship to Shedu Maad and make contact with the local Jedi.

Just in time too, as a sizable fleet made its appearance, deploying a pair of Star Destroyers amongst other smaller craft down into the atmosphere. The Thyrsian watched from within the academy as shuttles and transports landed before, unloading armed soldiers, with their apparent leader leading the charge.

Viera sighed, looking back at the others who had assembled in the wake of Dagon’s call. “Here’s hoping this doesn’t turn messy.”

Hopping down from her perch, the Thyrsian headed towards the academy entrance. Along the way, she glanced around at the local Jedi. Masters trying to ease the concern and raising panic within their young students.

Already, a Melodie Jedi called Laraine had made her presence known. Viera followed shortly after, stopping at an equal distance as she gazed out towards the assembled forces. She was dressed in her usual robes, but there was no lightsaber attached to her belt.

“I am Viera, Jedi Knight. Might I inquire as to why you’re specifically evicting Force users...” Viera’s eyes swept across the soldiers, then up at the sky where the Star Destroyer was posed over the Academy. Then back to Kaialina Fenholt . “With all this at your back?”

So far only the Jedi who had arrived were revealing themselves, the local Force users were remaining within the confines of the academy.

Aaran Tafo | Viers Connory | Auteme | Laraine | Marlon Sularen | Elicia Hejaran​

 

[Kaialina Fenholt]

Kaia was hearing over the comms that other Jedi were revealing themselves, as two and it seemed a couple Padawans stepped out with them at the front entrance to the academy. As they both spoke up, they both more or less had the same question. Since no other stepped up to the plate, Kaia slowly approached. She didn't want nor need to give off an intimidating walk, the intimidation already existed, but two Hapes soldiers did follow her, just as a typical guard group. She would stop at a reasonable distance in front of Viera, perhaps six or seven feet, just to ensure they were comfortable. Here came the tricky part, convincing them. "No other force users have come out declaring leadership or rank, so I'll choose to speak to you," she said looking at Viera, "your second question is considerably, and most likely, understandably easy to answer. We'll start there." At first she had this friendly and welcoming attitude, but now her facial expression became stone cold, "we both know what your capabilities are. Last I checked, Jedi don't take kindly to eviction notices, and typically they draw it out by going up the chain of command. Well unfortunately, no one here has any choice in the matter, and I've come here personally to ensure this goes as smoothly and peaceful as possible. I will do what I must to protect Hapes, and while you are too far from the incident that claimed the Queen Mother to have personally done the deed, you are a suspect. Behave like a suspect, and you'll be treated as a suspect. Behave as a hostile, and..." she looked over at one of the frightened padawans, showing no remorse before glancing back to Viera. Viera probably expected the sentence to continue, but it didn't. She was finished.

"You won't be able to go up the chain of command, you only have me to speak with. I am the highest rank within the Hapes military, which is why I haven't mistreated your people. I am not the police, I can't accuse you of anything. But I will defend my home by any means necessary. Unless you are called for investigation, you are required to leave, which brings us to your first question. The Queen Mother is dead, assassinated just after a deal made with the Silver Jedi. I don't care if you're part of their organization or not, force users are being evicted from the Hapes Cluster while this investigation goes on because it was already suspected that one did the deed. We're in a state of confusion; we don't know who is friend or foe. Currently the suspect on trial stands as a very dangerous suspect. You and the suspect share a particular trait and we have no way on confirming if you had any part in the matter or not. The Security force would round you up for questioning, I'm evicting you." She looked down, huffing a bit as she smiled. She realized she took a considerable amount of time to explain the easy answer in comparison to the complicated answer. But her grin left her, looking back up. "I offer escort out of the Hapes Cluster, by means of escorting your ship, or escorting you onboard one of my ships until we can drop you off at another planet. Well behaved Jedi are treated as guests, ill-behaved Jedi are taken into custody and forcibly evicted." As she finished her sentence, on of her bodyguards loaded their weapon. It wasn't super terrifying or out of the ordinary, every bodyguard was wielding their rifle, and most of the soldiers were carrying their rifles on-hand rather than slung, but none were aiming their weapons. Kaia raised her arm slightly to gesture to the soldier to calm down, showing she didn't approve of being aggressive.

For the Jedi, the soldiers seemed to be mostly behaving as appropriately as they can. Not as common thugs, not forcing anyone out of their homes, and giving ample distance to try and ease tensions. For the most part, Kaia`s words seemed to hold a lot of truth to them, and the reality of the situation was very few, if any, words were not truths. But they were just ordinary soldiers, and Kaia would never give the order to fire on the academy from the star destroyer if she was right under it, would she? "Well, what do you say, Knight Viera? How shall we proceed?"

Viera , Laraine​

 

[Viera]

Viera said nothing as Hapes’ Grand Admiral spoke her piece, didn’t interrupt and simply listened to what she had to say. Though she did raise an eyebrow when one of her men loaded his rifle. Seriously? Were they that tense over standing before; and outnumbering, a group of Force Users? Sure, as Jedi they had abilities that no normal person could utilize. But there was a point where the numbers game outweighed any ability. Their assembled group could use the Force to disarm a small number of Kaia’s men, but the remaining would just start shooting.

Not to mention the looming threat above them, poised over the academy. They weren’t reckless, they weren’t Sith.

“That’s particularly extreme, is it not? I can understand arresting and investigating those within the time and area of the Queen Mother’s murder. But to go after all Force users, across the whole Cluster?” Viera had more to say, but she refrained from going any further. But she imagined Kaia would have a good idea where her thoughts had been leaning towards. This all had the markings of an excuse, an agenda. What reason did they have to evict all Force users? Viera couldn’t imagine Hapans had that narrow of a view on the Force, that by simply having a connection, made them defaultly complicit to a crime.

Not to mention they were doing it right now, before a verdict was even reached. How could they be sure the person they had arrested was the culprit? What happens if it turns out to be someone else, someone without the Force? Or did it not matter either way? Because they would get what they wanted. This all had the markings of someone higher up, or maybe adjacent to the Grand Admiral, wanting to covertly shift the Hapan Cluster into a new direction. Frame a Force User for the murder, and manufacture a schism between the two peoples.

Were they trying to get rid of outsiders? Was history repeating itself perhaps? Viera didn’t know, but she knew her mind was wandering and speculating too much.

“You’re not incorrect about Jedi and eviction notices, but context is important. If I remember my history right...” Allyia, her former Master, had been a bit of a historian to balance out her Battlemaster duties. That by the time she had taken a young Viera under her wing, she was a font of knowledge. “This academy was eventually used to allow those within the Cluster to learn about the Force, within a safe and comfortable environment. Something agreed upon by the Jedi and the Hapan government at the time. So it would stand to reason that should the status quo change, the Jedi would freely depart if the government deemed it so?”

It was ultimately all speculation, as there was no other reasonable decision other than to comply. Viera turned her head to look at one of the local Padawans. “Return to the Academy, inform your Masters to start packing their belongings; if they haven’t already started.” She watched as the young boy nodded and jogged back towards the building. Viera on the other hand remained, and turned to address Kaia again.

“I wanted to speak with the Masters myself, but figured you’d rather have me remain here, in sight. But I do have a question for you.” Viera paused as she chewed on her thoughts, gaze shifting away from Kaia for a few moments. “Why such an extreme show of force here? I can get some people who don't know the Force, don’t understand it and thus fear it. But you strike me as someone who doesn’t have such a narrow view of things, Grand Admiral. You could’ve come here with a smaller group of men, and spoke to the local Masters personally. A civil conversation between two parties, rather than holding a threat of annihilation from high above.”

Throughout all of this Viera’s words were respectful, calm. No anger or spite, nothing negative in the way she spoke. But at the same time it was clear Viera wasn’t naive. Kaia herself said she’d ‘defend her home by any means necessary’. So if that meant blowing up a building with younglings inside, even those of Hapan descent? Viera suspected the Grand Admiral would make that call.

“We’ll comply with the eviction notice. I’m sure my fellow Jedi who assembled here today have their respective means of transport. We can accommodate as many local Jedi as possible, and use one of your ships to ferry the remaining. Although, I’m sure they’ll need a little time to gather together their belongings. You can allow them that at least, right? Given you’re asking them to just suddenly uproot their entire lives.”

Kaialina Fenholt​

 

[Kaialina Fenholt]

Kaia smiled, but not in a demonic or mischievous way, she smiled in a calm, relief manner. "Your question..." she started to walk, her direction was in a half circle, all the way around Viera, ensuring there was ample appropriate distance between them, "I already answered. We want this quick and painless. A messenger being sent, Jedi love to throw them off, whether it's clever word play or using their forcey-tricks. Perhaps you're new to this, Knight Viera, but Jedi love their bureaucratic linguistics, this would have taken a week, at least, if we attempted the proper channels. The great," she raised her arms, showing off the might of her military, "Inquisitor's Armada being here was, admittedly, to scare you. But its purpose is only intended to to encourage you to take action, rather than wait. Which.... you have done so." Her walking stopped when she was on the opposite side of Viera. Now, Kaia was between Viera and the Acadamy, potentially putting her in harms way as she wasn't watching the other jedi, or any jedi behind her. This was a show of confidence. "You've been very respectful, and you've shown a willingness to comply. Out of mutual respect, I will tell you why we're doing this." She looked to the soldiers as she started walking towards Viera, waving her hand at them like a 'shoo', "commence with the preparations. Go." The soldiers saluted, and most that were in support of Kaia left, helping out those that didn't have a ship, conversing as necessary. Only a very few guard remained.

Kaia stopped only about two feet from Viera, and her louder tone calmed down to something just an inkling less than the volume of that in a home. "There's a civil war brewing on Hapan," she immediately started, dropping the proverbial bomb right off the bat. "Originally, it was the Isolationists and the Loyalists, but now there are Zealots of the Crown, the Pact of the Force, and the Patriots of Hapan. Different factions, fighting for control. Those who want the Crown to rule everything from war to a persons way of life as a divine right, those who want the Light Side to determine laws and rights of an individual and ultimately replacing government with a Force Order, then the Patriots who want the people to rule themselves and not be subject to others. The entire military is splintered. Admittedly, I don't want you part of this civil war in support of one faction or another, but you are not Hapan. This is not your conflict. You neither have the right nor the necessity to get involved, and I don't want to see innocent people caught in the crossfire and forced to make a decision that will cost lives. Lives that shouldn't have to be involved." Kaia drew her service pistol in a casual, inspecting manner, not any way to prepare to fire it. She looked at it and dropped it on the ground without a thought more about it, "I don't know who killed the Queen. But the Queen was one piece on the chessboard to set off a powder keg. I've locked down the Hapes Cluster to get a hold on the situation. It doesn't matter what faction I'm part of, what matters is getting your people out of here and figure out the situation in the Capital. When this is all done, I'm heading back there. The counsel doesn't have the reinforcements to quell a rebellion. They are limited to a local Security Force. The Inquisitor's Armada is a significant chunk of our Military, ever since we started the Reformation of Military and followed similarly to the old Ruusan Reformation."

Kaia sighed, taking a breath after her long-winded speech, "Hapes Consortium hasn't had the strength to defend itself in a long time, time after time again, we are controlled by a new galactic power, forced to submit to their law, or die because of it. Now.... our own people have turned against us. This is an internal matter, and you have no place in it. The future of Hapan is decided by Hapan. Not outsiders." Kaia attempted to, albeit gently, put a hand on Vieras shoulder, "I have no wish to harm you or have you involved." Her words seemed mostly truthful, some things were questionable, if Viera knew anything about Hapan, but the ISOLATIONISTS and the LOYALISTS have been an ongoing conflict within the people of Hapan for a long time.

Viera​

 

[Viera]

Kaialina was certainly not wrong in suggesting Viera was new to this. She hadn’t made a habit of speaking on behalf of others, not to this capacity at least. And she certainly wasn’t wrong in the way various Jedi orders have gone about these situations in the past. Her Master had told her all kinds of stories, specifically surrounded the Galactic Republic, and the Jedi Order that existed around that time.

There had been numerous reasons why Allyia had left the Order before the Republic ultimately collapsed.

Viera stood here in concern for those that were being asked to leave, with a show of force to intimidate. Another Jedi would’ve likely frowned at this, put their foot down and argued further. But Viera understood, knew that the woman before her wanted this situation solved sooner rather than later. It was still a slippery slope, a worse person wouldn’t be so lenient with her questioning. Although, Viera was sure if she had pressed any further then Kaia’s patience would’ve been tested.

The Thyrsian watched as Kaia walked around, stopping when she had circled around and placed herself between her and the academy. She broke her stare as the soldiers dispersed, breaking off to assist in the transport of the other Jedi.

She silently watched and listened as Kaia explained the situation, hers and that of the Hapan Cluster itself. A brewing civil war would certainly explain the tensions, and why the Grand Admiral was so eager to get this all sorted soon as possible. It was an ultimately small matter compared to the more serious ones elsewhere. Not to mention the heap of responsibilities on the woman’s shoulders if their military was splintered.

Ultimately, Viera didn’t have much more to say. Kaia had spoken her piece and explained what was happening, which wasn’t even really necessary. She could’ve put her foot down and not said anything further, but she did and Viera respected that.

“You’re right, I’ve no place in this other than ensuring the Force sensitives here are safely escorted.” Which was already well underway. “Nor am I Hapan, and don’t have a vested interest in this outside of a general care for people.” In part she was glad to be the one here, rather than a proper representative of the current Jedi Orders. Viera could only imagine how drawn out this might’ve been.

“I guess the only other thing I’ve left to say is, good luck Grand Admiral.”

Kaialina Fenholt​

 

[Kaialina Fenholt]

Well, it certainly seemed this Force Sensitive was entirely more agreeable than most others, it was probably because they weren't a Master, or 'elder' in their councils. The Jedi do seem to get a slight bit more arrogant, or confident, in their waning years. But this one didn't show any signs of preparing for a stand off after the truth was so brazenly told to her. From Kaia's perspective, they seemed to believe every word of it, just taking it at face value. Now Kaia couldn't tell if Viera was taking it with a grain of salt, or was merely saying what Kaia wanted to hear so she could do things later, but at the moment.... it seemed like tensions were gone. When she first landed, it was so thick, one could cut it with a knife. Now? They were free to fly with nothing holding them back. Kaia rolled her shoulders a little, her muscles and joints were tensing up, ready to act should a fight ensue. But it didn't, and she wanted to loosen up.

"I appreciate that we are on the same level. You are a reasonable Jedi, I must admit. It will be good to jot your name down, for future interactions with the Jedi," she started walking towards Viera, but pushed for the side where they would brush shoulders. "If we meet again, I hope it will be on good terms. It was a pleasure meeting you, Knight Viera," she had paused, just mere inches from her. They were lined up shoulder to shoulder, but facing opposite ways. She smiled, giving her a well earned respectful nod, before continuing and walking back to her ship. "Now, it's time to secure the homestead," she said boisterously, "let's go." Some of the troops that were originally escorting her followed suite, embarking back on the ship with her. Before she was finished, she turned quickly, shouting "until we meet again, Knight Viera!" She said this was she was walking backward, the troops following behind her until Viera couldn't see her due to her walking up the ramp and the soldiers blocking line of sight.

Viera​