Rebellion The Light Cometh Unseen- Underground Rebellion of ZU Ilum, Redoubt, and Volik

[Veino Garn]

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Veino looked out the viewport of the corvette-sized pocket carrier and its attendant support ships as around them, more ships dropped out of hyperspace. Corellian freighters. A few ragtag squadrons of starfighters. More support ships. Even a few small frigates and light cruisers. Hardly a fleet, barely even a task force compared to the massive navies that waged war on a titanic scale.

But they weren’t those grand governments with budgets in the quintillions of credits who fielded ten and fifteen-kilometer dreadnoughts against each other and could glass a planet with no trouble.

No, they were the Underground. Volunteers, running off of donations and what they could scrounge together from scrapyards and friendly governments willing to lose a ship to them every now and then. And it was time for the galaxy to know they were there and had the teeth to bite. Only when it suited them, however. This wasn’t going to end in a climactic battle that destroyed one side completely. And when it came to attrition, they couldn’t afford that kind of war. They had to use stealth, precision, guts, and guile, and careful planning.

This was their biggest mission so far and the number of things that could possibly go wrong was astronomical, despite their best efforts. But that was what it would take. They had to seize whatever chance they could find. And this had just arrived.

He activated the comm channel to the assorted groups. "All personnel, this is it. You know the plan and your missions. Even though they aren't the Sith Empire or the New Imperial Order, or any of the most powerful imperialists in the galaxy, they are committed, dedicated, and loyal to their cause. Expect them to fight with everything they have. Stick to your training and trust your gut. Let's not lose the war so that we can win these battles."

Veino pulled on his gauntlets and rolled his neck. "Strike Team Kyber will depart for Ilum first. Hopefully it will make them think we're pushing through to the capital. Strike Team Hope will follow fifteen standard minutes after with fighter escort to the Redoubt and work to chart a course inside and find valuable locations. Strike Team Sentinel will follow last to Vodik with the equipment for the outpost."

He checked the displays on the bridge of the Knightmare. One of the technicians nodded and gave a thumbs up. "All strike teams, you are cleared for departure. May the Force be with us."

STRIKE TEAM KYBER
COMPOSED OF JEDI, THEIR ALLIES, AND A SMALL ESCORT OF FREEDOM FIGHTERS, THEIR MISSION IS TO LAND ON ILUM, PUSH THEIR WAY TO THE JEDI TEMPLE, AND BEGIN CLEANSING THE WORLD OF ANY DARK CORRUPTION AND PRESENCE. EXPECT HOSTILE WEATHER AND EXTREME CONDITIONS.

STRIKE TEAM HOPE
COMPOSED OF STELLAR SCOUTS, FREIGHTERS, AND A FIGHTER ESCORT, THEIR MISSION IS TO PENETRATE THE REDOUBT STAR-CLUSTER, CHART SAFE PASSAGE INTO THE DEPTHS, AND LOCATION SECURE LOCATIONS FOR FUTURE UNDERGROUND SUPPLY CACHES, DEPOTS, AND TRAINING BASES. ANCIENT CHISS DEFENSES MAY STILL BE ACTIVE AND NAVIGATION IS EXPECTED TO BE VERY HAZARDOUS. ALSO MAY LOCATE ANCIENT REPUBLIC WRECK OF OUTBOUND FLIGHT FOR FURTHER STUDY AND EXAMINATION

STRIKE TEAM SENTINEL
COMPOSED OF FORMER ORION OPERATIVES, OLD GALACTIC ALLIANCE SPECIAL FORCES, AND VETERANS OF THE ONE SITH WAR, THEIR MISSION IS TO CLEAR A PATH TO THE SURFACE OF VODIK, DISRUPT AND DISABLE ZERIHANDER UNION DEFENSES, LOCATE IDEAL TERRAIN AND ESTABLISH A LONG-RANGE LISTENING POST.

Spoiler: Underground Tag List

Jared Starchaser Peyton Steele Hans Rennagen Arryn Jhanson Alkor Centaris Not Ordo Annasari Baniss Luk Abaigeal E'ron Audren Sykes Eldin Daine Kara Thurston Katarine Falcon Kimiko Taiyou Mariya Pyne Vaeri Vouvry Yula Perl

 

[Not Ordo]

STRIKE TEAM KYBER

"Uhhh, yeah, this is Gib." The Or'zet said into the awkwardly worn helmet mic of his stolen Taris defense force riot gear. The heavy tauntaun lined jacket draped over his broad shoulders hid most of the riot gear aside from the helmet with its fogged up tranparisteel face plate. Gib wasn't the violent type, never had been, but he was well known as a person that would only take so much and he had reached that tipping point years ago in the belly of that sprawling metropolis world he had called his home all his life. Taris, yeah, feth Taris and it's corporations and wage slavery. Feth the other nonchalantly oppressive nightmare groups that spanned the galaxy too. The giant meat grinder organizations that people were shoved in at birth and came out the backside broken and ground down to empty shells of the amazing potential that they may have seen. That was why he left Taris, the slow acidic realization that his one tiny world was just a symptom of a galactic cancer that had spread so far cutting it out wasn't even really an option. The galaxy couldn't be saved with one surgery, it needed the full treatment one spot at a time. Gib wasn't the smartest guy around and no one would argue with him about that. But he knew that doing nothing never solved any of his problems. And maybe it was the epitome of delusional grandeur to think he could make a difference in something as ridiculously huge as the galaxy but how could he not try? How could he stand by and watch something burn without trying to even pull someone out of the fire while he could? He couldn't. It was just that simple. He had to try. And that was what the underground meant. It meant trying. It meant standing up to the big soulless nightmare entities and saying not us, not here, not now...no more.

"Checking in ready for landing." He finished his thought a little later than needed.

He jostled around lost in his thoughts, his salvaged repeating blaster held tight to his shoulder butt down muzzle up like he was taught, and simply waited. Simple was good. He was a simple person. People needed help, he helped. The underground needed bodies, he had one. That was it. No more. No less.

"Three minutes to landfall." The loud voiced Sergeant called back.

Gib didn't know why he was called a sergeant. But that's what hewas introduced as and that's what Gib went with. Another simple thing. He didn't have a rank like that really. Just Gib. And that was simple too. Gib was Gib. Bad was bad and and a repeating blaster was point and shoot. Even a simple guy like him could do that, and he was ready.

 

[Tiland Kortun]

STRIKE TEAM KYBER
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It had been a long time since he had been to Ilum. Ten years, maybe thirty? He wasn't sure anymore, but it was good to be going back. While he had no use for the kyber crystals there, it was still a place sacred to Jedi. Rich in history and the presence of the Force. He sat in the small transport ship with the rest of the strike team as they prepared to make the jump to hyperspace. It would be tight, with them reverting back to realspace just shy of the guaranteed crash distance on the far side of the planet. The idea, he understood was to skim across the atmosphere on a shallow descent to land very close to the ancient temple.

Whatever they did would work for him. Flying was not his business. And while many of the others were wrapped in thick clothes and cold-weather gear, Tiland had just compromised with an extra blanket wrapped around shoulders like a poncho, and a cup, hand-carved from a dried gourd, in one hand. Another was tied to the end of his quarterstaff, which rested against his shoulder.

Ahead, he could hear the chatter of the pilots and flight crew, and the conversations of the rest of the strike team. He gave a broad smile and leaned back in the seat as the engines powered up and the familiar sensation of jumping to hyperspace. The ancient Jedi stretched comfortably and settled in for the trip, letting his mind drift away into sleep for the hyper-jump.

It was not until the message came back from the Underground Sergeant Not Ordo that Tiland stirred to wakefulness. He yawned and stretched again as he rolled his neck to loosen any knots that had developed.

Around him, the ship bounced and shuddered in the atmosphere. Tiland took a deep drink of the tea and then rose to his feet, clutching the side of the hull to steady himself. Through the iced-over viewports, he could just make out the pale view of glacial ice and rocky cliffs reaching up towards them.

"Ah, good to be back," Tiland said, beaming at the view. He topped up his tea and made sure his back-up gourd was full and then made his way over to the landing ramp. The next few moments passed quickly as the ground grew closer and closer, and the ship switched from flight to the landing sequences. Momentum slowed and then stopped, with the movement transitioning from forward to downwards.

After a few more moments, the ship settled with a hiss onto the icy ground. A cloud of vapor and exhaust surged up and around the ship as the ramp lowered with a whine, pushing into the snow. Tiland rubbed his hands together and strode forward down the ramp. A deep, slow breath brought crisp, clean scent into his nostrils.

"It's good to be back!"

He paused and reached out into the Force, feeling for the presence of the kyber crystals in the Force. "The temple is this way." He pointed in the direction of the sensation and started walking that direction.

Jared Starchaser

 

[Hans Rennagen]

Strike Force Kyber
Tags: Tiland Kortun Jared Starchaser Not Ordo

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A day Hans never thought he would see was here. He stripped himself of anything that could identify him as New Imperial, bought civilian cold weather gear, and rented a ship off of Mygeeto under a false name. With the war winding down it was easy to be granted leave, the difficult part would be getting out of New Imperial space without anyone noticing, especially the Knights.

A week ago, completely out of the blue, Hans had been approached on the street by an intermediary working for an old contact of his from the Silver Jedi. The past had seemingly caught up to Hans. As a young man he’d been perhaps the most important freedom fighter on Raxus. Everyone wanted to rally around the young nobleman seeking to rid his lands of the Sith invaders. Despite the backing of a few of the more radical Silver Jedi, Hans had failed. He had been ripped away from his home and thrown in a prison on the other side of Sith space. He had scarcely any information on the state of his home, even after he was recruited to the New Order.

Naturally he was shocked to learn that some of his fellow freedom fighters had survived, even if the Raxian resistance had been flushed out. Hans was being called for a favour. The Silver Jedi of Voss had been friendly with his family for decades and had done more than he could ever ask in their short but motivated fight against the Sith. Hans was unsure if the contact knew he had become an Imperial Knight, but they still came to him regardless. It was Hans’ time to repay the Jedi.

The contact told Hans of a daring mission in the Unknown Regions that was going to take place. If Hans was willing to help old friends in their time of need, he would rendezvous with freedom fighters on the sacred Jedi world of Ilum. He had heard of these people back on Raxus, and then again with the New Order. He was well aware of how many felt about the New Imperials, as well as how the NIO saw these kinds of folks. Hans held no resentment towards the Jedi or anyone fighting the Sith. He had often wondered during his time as a prisoner of the Sith what his life would have been like had he become a Jedi, as he once planned. This mission was likely to be the closest glimpse at that life he was going to get.

As Hans stepped off his tiny rented freighter into the snow and whipping winds, he had second thoughts about his mission. If they discovered who he was, even with his benevolent intentions and will to aid them, they would likely strike him down.

He perished the thought from his mind and pulled his hood tighter around his face before raising his commlink as close as he could to his mouth in hopes they’d hear him better over the wind.

“This is Count Hans Rennagen of Raxulon to Strike Team Kyber. I have landed a few minutes away from the rendezvous point and I am on the approach. The weather is likely to slow me down, but I’m moving as fast as I can.”

 

[Jared Starchaser]

Having one’s own unit within the Underground was one thing, but having a team beyond that? It was something else. Jared Starchaser was following in his father’s footsteps, partially at the direction of and to live up to his father. It was what brought him and part of Osprey Cell to the world of Ilum, between that and the direction of the Force to assist on this world, Jared had landed his cutter, flanked by two others, full of the more Force-Recon team that he was working with. The hunter types were left behind and when the ships were heading to the sacred Jedi world. He had a few Sullustans, the ones that were part of his unit, and the ones that swore loyalty to the Starchaser name, though it was a cold world they were getting themselves into. Add in the other near humans, several Mon Calamari and a seriously cranky tribe of Wookiees and his team was ready.

“You all have your assignments, Sullustans and Mon Cal, you’re heading off to Vodik, help out Force Sentinel. All old Alliance types, you’ll know who you’re teaming up with., Wooks and humes, you’re with me. We can last a bit better in these temperatures, and we’re going to be linking up with Force Kyber. Lets do the Underground proud, Ospreys.”

Over the comms came a positive cheer as Jared checked his gear once more and prepped his cold weather jacket around him. His saber hung on his hip, and his kyber cannon on the other. He could already feel the Force excitedly jumping. He hit the atmosphere and the ship kept moving. Stepping away from the cockpit he looked to his comrades. “This is it. I think we’ll be following Master Kortun in.” He looked to the two Wookies who had light clubs, well, Wookie sized lightsabers on their hips and they offered a small growl as the ship landed and the boarding ramp lowered, Jared being hit with a blast of cold air as he pulled up his hood.

Tiland Kortun Not Ordo Hans Rennagen

 

[Imperius]

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O B J E C T I V E: Defend Ilum

THE GUARDIAN​

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Location: ILUM​

Equipment: Solarion , Gold Armor​

Tag: Jared Starchaser and co​

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NPCs: The Oathkeepers, divided into smaller squads:
Combat Squad Alpha :4/4-Operatives Red(c), Yellow, Orange, and Chrome, escorting Imperius
Combat Squad Bravo :4/4-Operatives Magenta, Lavender, Amethyst(c) and Amber, escorting Malthael
Combat Squad Charlie :4/4-Operatives Green, Lime, Blue(c), Cyan, escorting Tyrael
Recon Squad Delta :2/2-Operatives Black(C) and Brown, Escorting Imperius
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He was ready. Ilum was under assault, and he would defend the Temple against all hostile threats- It was his duty, after all(x). He was prepared to fight any who stood against him, and he left his doubts and frustrations behind as he prepared to enter the battlefield. As he donned his armour, all that was left was an unshakable will to prevail. As he strapped Solarion to his back, his determination soared as all worries were left behind in the bunker. Striding out, he Placed himself at the entrance hallway to The temple. ​

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The weather was truly harsh, but he did not have to face the harsh elements within the shelter of the Temple. Combat Squad Alpha had arranged itself in a Crescent-moon formation behind him, and Recon team Delta was outside, with strict orders to only monitor hostiles and not engage them. The enemy would bring themselves to the Temple, and he would crush them.​

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[Malthael]

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No one can stop Death​

Tiland Kortun​

Malthael was so, so close to bursting. Imperius had decided to sic some of his lapdogs on him, and now he was being forced to wait at the temple, with the hope that their enemy would have the brains to make it here. How was he supposed to slaughter those idiots if they just killed themselves in the weather outside?​

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He was contemplating killing the 4 guys that were following him around (Combat Squad Bravo, 4/4) when he was finally informed that he was supposed to get to the entrance hallway. This had the potential to turn into a good ol' bloodbath, and he hoped that that gold-loving idiot wouldn't try to get between him and the slaughter he wanted. It was time to let loose, and Malthael wore a maniacal grin on his face as he proceeded towards the Entrance hallway.​

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[Audren Sykes]

Strike Team Sentinel

Audren watched as the two other groups blinked away from the rendezvous point into hyperspace. Strike Team Kyber was headed to Ilum to release the fabled planet and its temples from the hold of the Zwiehander Union while Strike Team Hope was headed into the Redoubt to map the dense star cluster and prepare locations within. Their goals were challenging to be sure, but so were those of Strike Team Sentinel. Sentinel needed to get to the surface of Volik, disrupt or disable existing defenses, and set up a long-range listening post. With the notoriety of Ilum it would be surprising to not find ZU forces there, not to mention the extreme weather. The Redoubt would no doubt contain space forces and potentially even ancient Chiss security.

Unfortunately, Volik was closer to the Union capital than either of the other systems. A decent amount of work had gone into the planet: it boasted a military base with command center and a defense fleet. Fortunately for Sentinel, this raid was occurring while most - if not all - of the forces were away from the planet itself. Such made this strike possible; the Underground probably couldn't raise appropriate strength to directly confront three Star Destroyer-class capital ships or an entire army.

Like any good strike force, Sentinel's leadership had broken down the objectives they had and assigned teams to each. Firstly, they needed to get survey crews and builders to the surface. This meant all personnel and equipment either needed to come in on civilian transport or on Underground ships, and the former was unlikely to slip by local officials. Thus this objective was assigned to group Static. Once the engineers and equipment were through the sensor net they needed to avoid outgoing calls for reinforcements; this was enough of an overlap to also be assigned to Static. Swarm referred to the surveyors and engineers who would be assembling their outpost, temporary codename Hive. While every good hive had guardians against intruders, this group's goal was to stay undetected and fight only if required. That left the disabling of existing defenses if possible, given the code name Stinger. If ZU military began returning in force, Stinger was also charged with direct action.

Actual planning had begun weeks earlier. Geographical information had determined a point on the planet that had a clear view in the right direction for a significant percent of the local year and was unimpeded by the closest moon. Of course, this location happened to be in the canyons rather than the flatlands. Such would make the construction difficult, especially given the size of a typical listening station. However, this location was also the rumored site of some smuggler hideouts, so Audren floated the idea of collapsing the post down into the caves, with antennae and dishes situated on the natural high points. This brought its own challenges, such as stabilizing the cave system. Fortunately there was a disproportionate percentage of Sullustans and Mon Calamari assigned to Sentinel; the former lived in tunnels natively and the latter meant the team could make use of existing waterways such as those that fed the waterfalls. Adaptive camouflage would keep visibility to a minimum. It would be tricky, but absolutely doable.

Task force Static had been deployed a week or so earlier. It was largely made up of some old Galactic Alliance Special Forces and a couple engineers. Their plan looked simple on flimsi but everyone knew it actually wasn't. They wanted to keep suspicions low - not raise them at all if possible - so they would do their best to not even touch military communications equipment. Rather, they would wiggle their way into the civilian systems and make a couple changes. They were working off of precedent: if the changes were successful they'd have the disruption that Sentinel needed. A few toys had been put together if it came to worst-case scenario. Team members would join with Stinger afterwards.

The go signal had been given, now all eyes were on the chronometers. Once the clocks hit zero Strike Team Sentinel surged into hyperspace. Static, having received the signal, was now operating on its own, coordinated timeline in conjunction with the greater schedule. Civilian broadcast stations lit up with signal strength dwarfing what they'd been using prior, and began pumping out signals resolving to hundreds of incoming vessels to sensors. It wouldn't take long for the signals to be recognized as originating from a popular show. If investigators managed to get that far, they'd find an intrusion originating from a known local hacker. Unbeknownst to him, he himself had been hacked far more elegantly than any kludge job he'd performed before.

 

[Himm'vaun'merek]

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Location: Volik
Objective: Defend Volik and Extract Military Assets
Tags: Strike team Sentinal | Open to Interaction

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Vaun stood aboard the Nact'un'isb, he gazed out of the viewport of the bridge and wondered if this would be the last time he stared out of it. Suddenly his XO approached and spoke to him. "Sir, the frigate is ready along with the marines." the man hesitated. "I must ask you sire, is this really necessary?" Vaun turned to the man and replied " Vaun turned to face the man. "It is the correct course of action to take Lieutenant Commander Tenzo. The Nact'un'isb is needed in Eternal Empire space with the rest of the Union. I must ensure the safety of Volik. My own homeworld lays far too close after all." The man nodded and saluted to Vaun. "It has been an honour sir." Vaun returned the salute. "The honour was mine..." he paused "Acting Captain Tenzo. The ship is yours." he said before walking off the bridge and into the turbolift down to one of the numerous docking ports of the ship where a Chiss officer in a union uniform awaited him. "Sir, all those who volunteered are ready." Vaun nodded before entering the docking port and onto a Baron-class Escort Frigate.

The plan was plain and simple, crush any rebellious elements and extract any assets useful to the defence of Ornfra. With just under a company of Union troopers and Ornfra auxiliaries he doubted his troops alone could complete the first objective. No he'd just have to hope. As he walked towards the bridge he felt the ship go into hyperspace, it was nearly time. Once up there he was confronted by the ships commander a young human male in officer fatiques. "Lt. Commander, any news from Volik?" the young officer turned and saluted Vaun. "Not yet sir, we don't know what we are expecting but logistics and command chains are heavily disrupted with the evacuation of assets and people." Vaun nodded. "Very well. I shall be leading the ground team. Notify me when we arrive." he said while making his way towards the armoury. Inside the armoury Vaun equipped himself with Union Officer's Armour and a NZ-PBR.445 Plasma Blaster Rifle before walking over to the hanger bay where 6 Adamant Class MP-TTG1 Support ship awaited him. Within each his men were already inside waiting for his arrival.

He felt the ship lurch forward as it came out of hyperspace and the captain's voice was heard over the intercom. "All units be advised we have exited hyperspace, prepare for deployment." The ship shook as it entered the atmosphere and Vaun watched as the hanger bay doors opened, revealing the temperate planet of Volik. Flight crews gave the signal to go and in an instant all 5 transports took off and zipped out the hanger. Once they were out the frigate made a sharp turn heading back into orbit. The journey was short one, and soon he felt the ships come to a stop and the doors of the support ships opening with the platoon of troops rushing out. Alongside the 4 platoons 3 NZ CVG-1 Haulers would act as their transport and fire support. Not the most armoured vehicle but it was all Vaun was willing to take. As soon as they mobilised the dropships took off, heading right back to the frigate.

Vaun looked out to the 85 men and women with him and spoke into his comms "All platoons mount up on the haulers, gunners keep your eyes out for anything. We are heading towards Volik Military Command, see what we can do to help and if they have surplus equipment we can extract. Now lets move out." he said before climbing on the side of one of the Haulers and tapping the drivers window.

 

[Varloc]

Location: Volik Military Command
Objective: Protect Volik
Tags: Strike team sentinel and Himm'vaun'merek

Varloc stood at the view point at Military command. He had just scrambled fighters into screening positions and moved the fleet over Zeth City. As Planetary Lord he was in charge of the defense of this planet, but in truth his faith in the ZU was crushed.

A officer walked up to him, Sir the defense fleet is in place and the garrison is in defense positions. Good, how are the evacuations? 70% sir.

Varloc goes out of the room and heads to the open space outside. Varloc then opens a comm, Commander Himm'vaun'merek, what is your status?

 

[Veino Garn]

STRIKE TEAM SENTINEL
Allies: Audren Sykes
Opposing: Varloc Himm'vaun'merek
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Veino sealed his helmet as the boarding ramp on the shuttle hissed shut, locking in place for departure from the pocket-carrier. The plan was in motion with Team Static already operating as intended unless something had gone wrong. There'd be no way to know until they reverted from hyperspace. He was part of Team Stinger. Checking the comms one last time.

"Team Stinger, this is Nomad Actual. Check comms and ensure decryption protocols are active." He fine-tuned the frequency and encryption protocols until it was secure. Through it, he could hear the various team-members working out the rest of their comms. After a few moments, the channel went quiet and he nodded. "All comms secure. Time to settle in and get comfy."

Around, the Underground members talked amongst themselves, reliving old missions, arguing about what had or had not happened, or what they had or had not done, regardless of their claims. It was familiar to him by this point, comfortable. In a way, it reminded him of his first time in combat, years ago against the first Sith Empire on Togoria, and that transport ride. His jawbones ached at the memory and the scars from those wounds seemed to stiffen. He'd learned a lot of things. Hopefully it would prevent what happened to him from happening to the rest of the team on the shuttle.

In moments, he felt that familiar pull in his gut as the ship made the transition into hyperspace, followed by the familiar thrumming of the hyperdrive beneath the deck panels. He stood up from his seat and ran through the mission parameters again for his infiltration team. "Our job is to neutralize the defenses. The Union's collapsing, but I suspect there's going to be some fanatical holdouts as there always is. Our first priority is making sure our engineers are able to get the job done. We'll secure the vicinity and then press out from there to establish a perimeter. We're not here to crush their armies or conquer the world. If they're removing their forces, we don't intervene, and don't get spotted."

Easier said than done and there was a very high probability that they would be spotted, but that was why Static had gone in earlier and was now wreaking havoc on their communications systems all across the planet. Hopefully it would buy them enough time to deploy and get to work.

"Reverting to realspace in ten minutes!" The pilot called over the ship's intercom. "Everyone get ready. Reports are mixed on what we'll find once we drop back in-system. This ship's a civilian freighter, so shouldn't be much of a threat. But still, things could get ugly if there's a fleet there whose captain has itchy trigger fingers."

 

[Roth Tillian]

ABOARD THE KNIGHTMARE
Arryn Jhanson

Roth stood by on the bridge of the pocket-carrier, watching the three groups make their respective jumps to lightspeed and disappear. He nodded, turned on his heel and saluted. "Lieutenant Commander, the bridge is yours. Have Knight squadron prep for launch." The grizzled old Sullustan looked up from her post and saluted.

"Aye, aye, Commander." Roth gave a half-grin and turned to stride through the ship corridors. Around him, the intercom started speaking. "Knight Squadron, report to your ships. Departure in ten minutes. Knight Squadron, report to your ships. Departure in ten minutes." With the bulk of the Underground team already departed, the small pocket-carrier felt almost empty. Only the ship's crew itself remained aboard, and it was smaller than it had been in the past.

Around him, eleven other individuals in orange flight-suits filed into the hallway. They saluted him, and he saluted back, but they said little. Instead, their minds were consumed with the necessities for a quick launch. They double-checked each other's flight suits, ensuring toggles and zippers were tightly sealed, life-support systems were fully charged and engaged. They were a gaggle of aliens, with only two other humans in the lot. All had the look of earned confidence and high competence.

Blast doors slid open and they swept into the hangar, breaking off to their own ships. Droids and support crew hurried around the bare deck, topping up fuel, checking munitions, making final pre-flight checks. The smell of starship fuel and grease filled the air. Roth breathed in and grinned. Now he was back to where he belonged. Not the stuffy atmosphere of the command deck. Here, in a ship he loved and that loved him back, in its own, quirky, mechanical way.

"Hey, Roth, she's looking good to go!" His crew chief, a old Ugnaught who'd been with him since the early days of the first Galactic Alliance gave a curt nod and stepped back. "All systems green. Full munitions load. She's never been in better shape." He paused to wipe grease off the paintjob and then stepped back. "Keep her in good shape this time. Come back whole. I have spoken." With a grunt, the alien stepped away from the ship and nodded to the rest of the crew. They hurred to detach the loading racks and fuel-line.

"Oh, you know me, Kuarill. I always fly safe." Roth said as he pulled on his helmet. He only got a grump in response. He couldn't but grin as he gave a look over the X-wing he'd be flying. An Outback model, so sturdy, durable, and flexible for any job. That and the red flames painted across the nose gave it a fiercer look. The rungs on the ladder rang as he hurried up and dropped into the seat, already hitting the ignition switch on the engine and shipboard computer. Behind him, his astromech chirped at him.

"Yeah, I know it's been a while, buddy," Roth said as the hatch sealed shut. "I've missed it too. Tell Strike Team Hope we're prepping for launch and will meet them at the rendezvous point, unless called in to support one of the other teams."

 

[Joseph Torson]

Location || Orbit of Relus , on Board of The Enforcer
Objective || Rescue Garm Ki-Sapan and other ZU Prisoners
Forces || Task Force Aurek [Naval Forces : x1 Pellaeon-III | x1 Donnager | x3 Constances | x14 K-Wings | x120 Shreeders | x12 Tie Reapers || Ground Forces : Bloodstone Group | 202nd Legion [x200 Iron Troopers | x30 Steel Troopers]

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Ivan Stadd's Tie Reaper jumped out of hyperspace arriving at Relus within the Beshqek System where Dorian Sevanar , Director-Admiral of the Politorate awaited him. The Politorate Colonel had just returned from Bastion where he had managed to fight off an Imperial Knight during his attempt to recruit a Chiss Imperial Pilot Max Taylor into the Sularen Association. Nevertheless upon leaving Bastion and escaping the grasp of the New Imperials , Stadd had been contacted by Sevanar who informed him that he had a special task at hand and that he required his presence at once.

As the Tie Reaper landed safety on Dorian Sevanar's Ship , the Enforcer. Ivan Stadd was immediately greeted by the Director-Admiral who awaited him in person. "Ah Colonel Stadd. It's about time you arrived. How was your mission on Bastion" he asked. "We found an ideal location for a potential listing outpost , though we ran into an Imperial Knight who killed my entire time. I barely made it out of that bloodbath." Stadd replied. "Well your here and that's what matters." Dorian said. "Nevertheless i summoned you because i have a new mission for you". Already exhausted by the fight on Bastion , Stadd really wanted some rest but given at how the Director-Admiral was addressing him in person it seemed important. "What is my task sir"

"My Spies have reported that the Zweihander Union is falling apart. As we speak Schesa is under seige by Schesan Rebels and Chiss Resistance Movements are rising up against the Union. With the Union largely distracted i've convinced the Supreme Director to give me permission to conduct an operation to free Garm Ki-Sapan and any other Union Prisoners currently held on Volik by the Union. If our mission is successful then we will have more recruits to the cause." Dorian Began. "You will spearhead the Operation , Colonel Stadd with the help of your new Personal Task Force , the Bloodstone Group as well as elements of the 202nd Legion nicknamed "Anaxes Might" in which all await you onboard the Exactor a Pellaeon-III Star Destroyer. There you will command a small task force comprised of 5 Ships and head for Volik where you will liberate the prisoners. Agent Marlo of the Information Branch is also onboard the Exactor and he will provide you with the necessary information you need to conduct your mission. Is that understood Colonel Stadd?" Dorian Finished.Stadd simply nodded and said "Yes Sir" and headed back towards his Tie Reaper where it left the Enforcer and rejoined with Task Force Aurek in which had just arrived over Relus to pick Stadd up before they headed for Volik ready for upcoming battle.

 

[Arryn Jhanson]

Spoiler: Strike Team Hope

COMPOSED OF STELLAR SCOUTS, FREIGHTERS, AND A FIGHTER ESCORT, THEIR MISSION IS TO PENETRATE THE REDOUBT STAR-CLUSTER, CHART SAFE PASSAGE INTO THE DEPTHS, AND LOCATION SECURE LOCATIONS FOR FUTURE UNDERGROUND SUPPLY CACHES, DEPOTS, AND TRAINING BASES. ANCIENT CHISS DEFENSES MAY STILL BE ACTIVE AND NAVIGATION IS EXPECTED TO BE VERY HAZARDOUS. ALSO MAY LOCATE ANCIENT REPUBLIC WRECK OF OUTBOUND FLIGHT FOR FURTHER STUDY AND EXAMINATION

Vessel: The "NOMAD" Heavy Freighter
Personal Affects: M1 Aegis Blaster Pistol
Strike Team Members: Roth Tillian
Opposition: Open

​

Arryn Jhanson sat at the controls of the Nomad Heavy Freighter, a custom cargo-hauler outfitted with a balanced offensive package and prioritizing a strong defense while also equipped with a fully functioning independent manufacturing setup within.

The compliment of droids on board was significant, his own artificial crew that ran a sideline weapons manufacturing business on the sly. It was however rather small-time and more of a hobby for Ajay at this point of time, as other jobs had recently sparked his interest, consequently putting him in touch with people the likes of Roth Tillian and the Tillian Family Enterprise.

"This is Nomad for Strike Team Hope, acknowledging your go. All's green and I'm ready to get this show on the road" Ajay replied across the comm's. Truth be told, these sorts of high profile jobs that the Underground had them doing wasn't typically Ajay's thing. He most often preferred to fly under the radar of the more trigger-happy organizations and especially as far clear of any government authority as he could manage.

Credits were however what made the Galaxy so lively and his pockets were most unfortunately empty. Rebels weren't often picky when it came to who they hired providing the job could get done and so being able to barter a higher paycheck then usual, Ajay had reluctantly signed on for the role against his better judgement.

Depending on the outcome of this little shindig, perhaps he might even come out on the venture with a piece on the side, the Nomad carrying plenty of room after-all for some extra carryon, were they to strike up anything of value to be found.

 

[Not Ordo]

STRIKE TEAM KYBER
PLANET: ILLUM
LOCATION: MOVING FROM DROPSHIP TO TEMPLE

The heavy frames on his feet to keep his dense body from sinking in the snow were awkward and though he wasn't one to complain much he wouldn't add them to his things to do again anytime soon. He wasn't much for the cold either, but his were a thick skinned people and the extreme weather didn't do much other than lower visibility a touch. That said, not all of his troops were quite as hardy. They wore the heavy cold weather gear that a trek like this required, but it did little for the visibility. The roar of the wind was nearly deafening but the ear pieces blocked some of that. They could hear eachother to a degree if they shouted loud enough. Luckily that meant most anyone else would have trouble hearing them too.

He stopped their progress as they had planned to do, and began dividing them up. They were what amounted to the elite commandos of the underground, if you could call volunteers elite. Most of them had been soldiers before the underground others like Gib had just been normal people pushed be circumstances.

"We need to split," he said as he walked up to the squad leaders, "Squad two and four circle around the temple and find some kinda way in. I'll take squad one and three straight up the pike."

They knew it was coming and didn't have much else to say. They nodded made ready and got ready to move.

"Point guys and scouts ready your thermal goggles." He called into the mic, "Keep your eyes open they probably have career military guys up in this place somewhere. Avoid a fight for as long as you can."

They all made their acknowledgements with either handsigns, nods or shouted affirmatives. Then with in a few minutes they were back under way. Two squads in each group as they each made their own ways to the temple.

 

[Himm'vaun'merek]

​

Location: Volik
Objective: Defend Volik and Extract Military Assets |
Tags: Strike team Sentinal | Varloc

​

Vaun's transport rolled through the arid and slightly forested environment into Zeth City. His commlink lit up and he activated it, hearing the voice of Varloc . He had briefly witnessed the man speak at various assemblies on Volik and he understood the man was the ruler of this planet. "My lord Varloc. I'm moving towards military command as we speak. Some of my men have began noticing looters and thieves plundering the evacuated areas but nothing we can't handle. At the request of Union high command my star destroyer has moved to Eternal Empire space so me and my men are here on our own volition. Where are me and my men needed?" he said before ending the transmission. The planets ruler remaind and as such that meant a good portion of the military would assist in retaining order.

As they continued he watched as the AFT-14.4000 FLAK turret gunner turned towards a large group of looter breaking into a shopping centre. It fired off a few warning shots which quickly dispersed the group. The gunner turned to Vaun. "Seems the Union collapsing has riled up the low lifes." Vaun nodded to the gunner. "Yes we will need to show them how the Union military is still in command of this planet." As he spoke a drain cover opened up and a shirtless man with clear gang tattoos and a blaster emerged. As he climbed out he locked eyes with Vaun who had already had his blaster aiming at him. Vaun fired his blaster killing the man instantly and sent him back into the depths of the sewage network. The invasion of Volik had sent many of its former pirate and criminal inhabitants to flee and for those who could not escape go underground. Vaun would not let them resurface.

 

[Varloc]

Location: Volik Military Command
Objective: Protect Volik
Tags: Strike team sentinel and Himm'vaun'merek

Varloc stood in the open loading dock area of military command. He had ordered troopers to setup heavy weapons. The Volik defense troopers ran around carrying heavy equipment when he heard Himm'vaun'merek .

Commander do you hear me? Move to the center of the city and protect government Square between the Volik Government building and military command. Do you understand?

Varloc then quickly ran to the shuttle area and told the pilots. We may need a quick exit, be ready to leave at a moments notice. Yes sir.

Varloc then walked into the middle of the open area, Attention! Ok men we will hold as long as we can. But there is a possibility that we will need to retreat. So be ready, and think smart. Good luck. May the force be with you.

 

[Right Hander Narrator]

Jack Norrington
Fleet Admiral of the First Fleet​

Location: Volik
Objective: Defend Volik and rid the planet of terrorists
Dress: Link
Tags: Varloc , Himm'vaun'merek , Strike Force Sentinel
Forces:

• First Fleet
• 34th Detachment
  • Union Troopers
  • Executor Troopers

"We've received word that Schesa has fallen and the Chairman is safe." Admiral Norrington starred at one of the deck officers, "Understood, signal the fleet to prepare for war." The officer nodded and left. Jack signaled the captain of the Terminator , "Alert all Zweihander Union forces within the area and Lord Varloc we're here to assist. Instruct General Dunham and Captain Karof to prepare to deploy to the surface." He looked out the viewports of the super heavy battlecruiser and to the planet below. "Look below Captain, mere pests. Nothing more but roaches. No quarter."

 

[Tyrael]

​

Cry 'Havoc!’, and let slip the dogs of war​

​

Location: Volik​

Accompanied by;​

Combat Squad Charlie :4/4-Operatives Green, Lime, Blue(c), Cyan​

Preparations were happening at a marvelous pace. Despite being caught off-guard, the well-practiced Union military was already up and about, preparing to defeat the enemy, or at the very least ensure that they earned nothing but a pyrrhic victory. When the Captain of the assigned detachment arrived to let them know all was ready, Tyrael headed towards the ship.​

A smile lit up his usually solemn face as he thought about the suprises they had in store. This would, indeed, be a most fun adventure.​

 

[Joseph Torson]

Location || Edge of Volik System
Objective || Rescue Garm Ki-Sapan and other ZU Prisoners
Tags [ZU] || Right Hander Narrator | Tyrael | Varloc | Himm'vaun'merek
Tags [Underground] || Veino Garn | Audren Sykes
Forces || Task Force Aurek [Naval Forces : x1 Pellaeon-III | x1 Donnager | x3 Constances | x14 K-Wings | x120 Shreeders | x12 Tie Reapers || Ground Forces : Bloodstone Group | 202nd Legion [x200 Iron Troopers | x30 Steel Troopers]

"We are exiting hyperspace now" Agent Marlow said as Colonel Stadd arrived on the Bridge of the Exactor in which soon exited hyperspace along with the rest of the fleet at the edge of the system. As they arrived , Stadd and Marlow could already see the Zweihander Union's First Fleet awaiting them in orbit of Volik , the number of ships present currently unknown. "Hum looks like the Union is here first. Even when their Capital is in ruins they refuse to accept the reality." Agent Marlow said. "Indeed and it looks like their Flagship seems to be the Terminator who do you think is in command of that Fleet" Ivan asked. "Given that Ben Craig , the former commander of that Fleet is now the Chairman of the Union i'd say his former subordinate Norrington is leading the Fleet now" Agent Marlow said in reply.

Norrington wasn't a well-known official to the Politorate given that all they knew about him via their sources was that he was a Commodore serving onboard the Terminator nevertheless the fact that the Terminator was present was a huge threat , one they needed to deal with quickly. "So how do we move forward?" Marlow said. "We're looking at a Fleet that is vastly superior then us in terms of Firepower and Starfighter Capacity,. The Fact that we jumped at the edge of the system is the only thing keeping us alive as we are out of range of their ships" Stadd looked at the Fleet infront of him thinking of a way to make landfall on Volik and free Garm Ki-Sapan. While engaging the Fleet would be suicide , Stadd needed to get on the surface and the Fleet would surely not ignore that. Eventually after a few minutes of thinking he turned around and gave his reply to Marlow.

"Aight here is the plan. We will head for the surface with the all our Fighters escorting us safety. Once we land , the Fleet will withdraw from Volik and once we get our boys we withdraw leaving only our Droid Starfithers behind." Ivan Stadd said. "That way we'll only encounter minimum casualties" Marlow considered the idea. It was a smart one , avoiding a direct confrontation with the Union's First Fleet while also allowing the Task Force to land safety under the cover of the Starfighters. He looked at Stadd and simply said. "Well then , now that we have everything arranged let's get to it as i wouldn't like to keep our Mercenaries waiting" Marlow said with a smirk. "Indeed" Stadd simply said and soon both men would find themselves boarding a Tie Reaper as Stadd's Operation was put into motion.

Soon enough , the Crimson Linings [Piloting the 14 K-Wings] and the Droid Starfighters were quickly deployed from the Ships of Task Force Aurek followed by the Tie Reapers with the entire group of vessels headed towards the surface , Droid Starfighters establishing an fighter screen around the K-Wings and Reapers to ensure that even under heavy fire from numerous enemy fighter squadrons both K-Wings and Reapers would arrive on the surface safe and sound , allowing Stadd to execute their mission and all while the Fleet slowly turned around and jumped to safety towards a nearby system in Neutral Space. Soon Garm and whatever other prisoners the Union held would be freed and soon they would join the ranks of the Politorate and help them retake what was rightfully theirs"