The Line in the Sand; The Imperial Dominion of Rothana

[Jotham Noktis]

Rear Admiral Jotham Noktis​

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Location: Rothana​

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The Rear Admiralty listened attentively as Cardan spoke and informed the rest of the attendees of the situation at hand. Although he was predominantly concerned with what Cardan was saying for due diligence in perhaps mistaking a detail, an idle thought wandered itself into the back of the mind of Noktis. He had continued to ponder over the sheer utility of a naval-powerhouse of a planet this was. Like any wise prudent leader, he had already assigned a number of his subordinates to perform the approximate calculations for the new additions to the Imperial Fleet that would coincide with a greater work output and ship count. it was still, 'fun', to dwell on all those possibilities. What promising new results would these new additions to the Imperial Fleet yield in their galactic conquests? The truth of the matter, remained untouched, yet still felt from all those days, months, and years away.

However, an inarguable harsh reality and concurrent nuisance clawed at the back of his mind. As Cardan finished his speech and ordered for the rest for the attendees to finish their meals, Noktis had already of course been well-informed of the situation beforehand. He had, of course, made all due diligence in ordering a naval perimeter around the 'safe zone' of the anomalous stellar object in the system wherever of Rothana. Noktis' retinue of Deathtroopers stood idly by, as he suddenly withdrew himself visibly from the rest of the attendance, behind the imposing figures of their line. With himself out of sight, he raised a finger to his ear.

"This is Rear Admiral Noktis. Arrange for a pick-up at Imperial Forward Command Base. Prepare all parameter-affiliated naval vessels for combat. Do not engage unless fired upon, or otherwise ordered to do so.", spoke Noktis, into his ear-piece in a professional, withdrawn manner of voice.

With his retinue of deathtroopers in tow, Noktis made his way out of the large briefing room, and out through the nearest exit of the facility as his armorweave cape followed him like that of a more elegant shadow.

 

[Keyan Mastigar]

I.N.V. PROVIDENCE​

VICE ADMIRAL GROMM CARDAN​

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Cardan entered the bridge of his command ship, Praxon close behind, sitting down comfortably on the command throne. He smirked as the voice of Noktis came through their communications system, his transmission intent on preparing the perimeter that the Rear Admiral 'ordered'.

Although it may have been the man's idea, Gromm was the one to make it official as no ships from the 52nd Fleet would've been diverted without his say. It seemed that although the new admiral was a prodigy, he still had much to learn about the chain of command. The Epicanthix dropped the matter in his mind, reminding himself to note it in his after-action report later, deciding to focus on the situation at hand.

"Inform Squadrons Alpha of Force Aurek to stay behind and oversee the occupation of Rothana while we rendezvous with the perimeter ships." Admiral Cardan ordered in a calming voice "Meanwhile, tell Major C'artyom to prepare his stealth ship. Have maintenance fit him out with the sensor dampening packages, gravitic amplitude modulators and the like if he does not have them already."

During the meeting on the planet below, Gromm had agreed with the strategy laid out by the Major of Naval Intelligence, as well as supercilious and unnecessary remarks of High Moff Malvern. While the ships of the fleet reformed, Praxon tapped his foot lightly, a tick that the admiral had come to know meant something was wrong. "What is it, commander?" He queried, looking over the shoulder of his throne.

Praxon looked up, somewhat flustered "Inferno Zero has not reported in with hangar control yet, they must still be planetside...shall I delay our departure?" He asked. "No, they're equipped with some of the fastest hyperdrives in the galaxy, they will come when they mean." Cardan acquiesced.

Soon enough the fleet leapt into hyperspace, gazing into the azure-tinged maw for but a few minutes until the stars reverted to their normal state, pitting them face to face with multiple Imperial vessels. Gromm pressed down a switch on his throne, opening a channel to the (in)famous Chiss:

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"C'artyom, move along with your plan, the 52nd fleet will standby and track your progress. Glory to the Empire."​

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[member="Desmond C'artyom"] | [member="Jotham Noktis"] | [member="Kayrce"] | [member="Varik Ice"] | [member="Koda Fett"] | [member="Adron Malvern"] | [member="TI-1027"] | [member="Labkahip Mordulla"] | [member="DT-2417"]​

 

[Desmond C'artyom]

Desmond C’artyom was in the hangar prepping his FC-115 for flight. Overseeing the ship manifest, making sure the bomber was fully loaded and that there would be plenty of room for the occupants that would accompany him on this mission. The engineers that dotted the craft slaved away at rearming and refitting the ship. The weapons systems took up most of the room in the stealth bomber, as a result there would only be a limited number of seats for people to come along this mission.

Non essential things were being removed from the ship so as to make more room in the bomber. Such as many of the safety systems. But, Desmond was confident that even without such commodities he and the others would get the job done. As the lead engineer gave Desmond the thumbs up that meant the craft was ready, Desmond keyed his comms to hail those that would be taking this perilous journey with him.

“Attention, all hands please report to hangar 5-5 Aurek,” He said as he activated his comms. It was time they got underway.

…….

Desmond floated listlessly through the void of space in his stealth bomber. The stars shown brightly like a thousand candles off in the distance. A vigil for the Imperials lost in combat, the remains of the ships that sought to destroy this threat still floating idly through space. Desmond spied the massive ship he and the others were to infiltrate off in the distance. It was a mass of fleshy looking circles, with clumps of rock attached to its bow and tendrils of giant tentacles jutting from the stone. He only hoped it hadn’t picked up on the stealth bomber. Otherwise they'd be sure to meet the same fate as their comrades...

[member="Adron Malvern"] / [member="Koda Fett"] / [member="Varik Ice"] / [member="DT-2417"] / [member="TI-1027"] / [member="Labkahip Mordulla"]

 

[Lemon]

The fleet was where the main attention was now, and even the Bounty Hunter was being forced up to join it. Why he wasn't given orders in orbit to save his time was unknown, but nonetheless, he briefly found himself planetside to 'deal' with whatever situation that may have represented itself for such a short period of time. The Concord Spear was prominent among the sea of white and black, as well as the various shades of those colours. In truth, making his way back and forth was somewhat agitating. This next job better be somewhat entertaining, well, as entertaining as being shot at can be really.

The next mission required some stealth, and fortunately enough when you're a wealthy bounty hunter you can attach all sorts of technology to your ship. It wasn't direct cloaking, but the jammers were enough to make him virtually invisible on any scanners. Hopefully it would do the trick, otherwise the shooting may begin earlier than anticipated. "Concord Spear Undetected." The feminine yet robotic voice echoed through his helmet, it was a faithful companion, the only one he really ever needed. She wouldn't betray him, leave him for dead or otherwise unsavoury actions. Though all she did was give status reports.

Drifting through space, the only sound that emitted from the Concord Spear, the ship that may need a name change to something shorter, was the engines whirring and the cackling heat that emitted from them. Soon enough Fett would dock with the ship and begin infiltration with the Imperial Chiss and whoever he brought along him for this mission.

[member="Desmond C'artyom"] | [member="Gromm Cardan"]

 

[TI-1027]

The Tie Pilot would lift his head up as he heard the inter comm in the base, announce and request all hands to report to Hangar 5-5. Which he coincidentally was already at, how the Pilot didn't notice the large amount of Pilots and Troopers scattering around the Hangar was unknown. But regardless the Pilot had no time to question it, he proceeded to finish off his Ration bar before placing his black helmet over his bald head. Getting into his recently repaired Interceptor and turning it on, the various buttons around the cock pit immediately turning a crimson red as it was turned on. Followed by a familiar hum the Pilot was used to though many could not tell he was smiling from ear to ear, as he could not wait to go back into battle.

Audible chuckles could be heard through out the different comms as he could barely contain his excitement, However he would have to wait just a little bit longer as he waited for the Stealth bomber to leave the Hangar and begin flying through the air. The Pilot waiting a minute or so before following behind the roar of the Interceptor echoed loudly through the air as he flew behind the Bomber. "Whoo!, let's go and get them boys!" He said yelling out to no one in particular. The Pilot proceeded to turn on his jammers to prevent the enemy from sensing him though to be safe the pilot would fly a good distance behind the Bomber as it spied on the enemy.

 

[Adron Malvern]

​Things were beginning to proceed. As everyone else prepared themselves so did Adron and his guardsmen. Making his way to his shuttle, the most experienced of the guard spoke up once again, his aged voice holding a bit of irritation in it. "Do you truly believe this worthy of our time, Lord-Captain?" He asked, the tightening of his grip around his saberpike not going unnoticed.

​"The Emperor has put us at the disposal of the Grand Moff. We go where he orders us to, and he has ordered us to Rothana. This bothers you?" Adron questioned, glancing back at the man with a raised brow. It was not within Daskos to comment on the nature of their orders, much less in the form of a complaint. Yet when the High Moff's question was cast to the man it was met with a noticeable silence. "If this does not please you I can have you sent back to the academy. I am sure the cadet's there could be....entertaining." He threatened, knowing how much the man despised the dull duties of an instructor.

​Again he was met with silence, however it did not last for long.

​"No, my lord. I am just eager to return to my duties at the Emperor's side." He said, his tone returning to it's more neutral state.

​"You will, but first we must deal with this." Adron informed, clasping his arms behind his back. As they made their way to his shuttle, he tried to reach into the Force, perhaps bring light to some of the many questions that surrounded this recent event, yet the darkness was silent to him. As it usually was, there was little he could pull from such a void.

​The shuttle quickly made it's way off the planet's surface, heading up towards the fleet that laid in wait. Yes, for this mission it seemed that Adron would not be given the usual level of excitement, but perhaps he would gain knowledge in it's place. Once the shuttle made it to the 52nd Fleet, the High Moff stepped onto the deck, watching as the crewmen seemed to be preparing for Hyperspace travel.

​"Looks like we'll be on our way soon." He made his way up towards the bridge, Daskos still flanking him with a continuous silence. Even the Guard's footsteps were deafened to the halls surrounding them. As they made it to the bridge Adron could feel the soft shift that the ship gave off as it was thrown into Hyperspace. Making his way over to the Fleet Commander, he spoke in a tone laced with curiosity. "If you have need of me I am here, yet I wonder what this mission will bring."

[member="Desmond C'artyom"] [member="Gromm Cardan"]

 

[Varik Ice]

Varik Ice​

Equipment: Lightsaber - Inquisitor Robes​

Location: Stealth Bomber​

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Varik stood in the back of the stealth bomber, many of the areas without seats or systems, having been removed to make room for other essentials they would need to approach their enemy; he hadn't been told much about it, all he did know was that it was dangerous, and enough Imperials had died trying to reach it so far. He focused again, trying to think as he focused in the way he had when meditating before - this time it came much more quickly, and he saw small points in all those around him in the hangar, and even in the ships themselves. What did it mean? He began to notice every stormtrooper had one point that was all the same. Or was it? It gave him pause before he realized. Their armour. The point he was looking at was their armour. Now that he looked at the blasters, they all had the same point as well. What did it mean?

He shook it off. No matter what it meant, that didn't matter now. He had to focus on the task at hand, and that was the monumental enemy they had ahead of them. Breaking his focus as the ship closed up and took off, he collected a helmet from inside just in case he would need it; it was thin and menacing, designed for the Inquisitorus. The engineers had been thoughtful enough to include that for him. Stepping through into the cockpit, he stood behind Desmon and stared past him at the writhing mass in space in front of them. What was it? It was odd. From where they were, he couldn't sense anything from it yet, like it was a regular ship; without life. In fact, it was even more dead to him than a regular ship. Perhaps there were no crew? But surely he would be able to feel a living ship through the force.

"Looks friendly." It was the closest thing he'd made to a joke since he'd appeared in the Empire, at least to most around him. It almost bothered him that he'd said it. The troopers, and the others he tended to work with were rubbing off on him.

[member="Desmond C'artyom"] | [member="Koda Fett"] | [member="DT-2417"] | [member="TI-1027"] | [member="Labkahip Mordulla"]

 

[Desmond C'artyom]

Desmond C’artyom flew the bomber through the expanseless void of space. White inkling stars dotted the distance, they reminded Desmond of candles. A thousand little candles. It was as though someone had lit a vigil for the dead, each star a guide back home. Desmond shook these silly thoughts out of his head and continued drifting the stealth bomber forward.

A palm grasped his shoulder and Desmond jumped a little in his seat. He looked up to find it was only Varik ice. He sighed in relief and the man made a joke. “Looks friendly,” He said in his monotonous voice. Desmond would have snickered if it came from anybody else, but seeing the cold man crack a smile sent chills down his spine.

They entered the ships docking bay and the bomber landed with a slight jarring sensation. The boarding ramp descended with a hiss. “Alright everyone, let’s move out,” Desmond ordered as he exited the pilot's seat and made his way towards the bomber’s belly.

 

[Lemon]

Only a short distance behind Desmond's stealth bomber was the Bounty Hunter's vessel. Though it wasn't cloaked, it was hidden from scanners, military grade jammers were definitely useful. Unlike C'artyom's bomber, inside Fett's Firesrapy there was no chatter whatsoever. The only sound was that of buttons and his gear shifting with each movement, albeit very little. Staring out into the stars wasn't something he did often, and the same went for today, simply soaring inside the hangar as the vessel rotated to land on it's engines. An odd ship design, but an effective one still.

​Departing from his pilot's chair and cockpit altogether, he snatched at the carbine that rested against the interior, propped up and ready to go. His metallic boots creating a clank with each step he took towards the door. "Open door. Lower ramp."​ The speech activation was definitely useful, especially when one couldn't be bothered to press yet another series of buttons. "Understood, Koda Fett." The feminine voice echoed about once more, reminding him of someone else's voice he once knew. A blank stare forming for a brief moment, followed by a quick departure.

Whatever the interior of this ship looked like, he was no doubt ready for what it could throw at him. Some chose Mandalorian Armour for traditional and cultural purposes, others simply snagged it for it's raw killing power. In his case he didn't really know, in some way it was traditional, but now he hardly follows that existence.

[member="Desmond C'artyom"] | [member="Varik Ice"]

 

[Graf's Archive Account]

BRIG OF THE I.N.V. PROVIDENCE​

NADIA VYTUIA, SITH ACOLYTE​

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Apparently, the young woman had underestimated the security capabilities of the Empire.

She had been travelling with her faithful companion into Wild Space, to escape from the clutches of the Sith Empire after her departure from Bastion. She had grown fond of the Ascendancy and was disheartened to know that everything that distinguished them from inferior Sith had vanished in the pursuit of power.

About a parsec away from arriving at Void Station, her stolen ship had tripped the Galactic Empire's hyperspace detection systems and she was intercepted by a corvette. Stripped of her weaponry and her clothing (The stormtroopers had rather enjoyed this one, much to her disdain) for prisoner processing, she had been thrown into a cell to rot for a few days before she was transferred to a larger ship.

Nadia hadn't seen HK since then, marines leading him out of sight while she was decontaminated. She prayed to the Force that he hadn't been disassembled, as in the few months she had him he taught her multiple techniques to kill Jedi as well as provided witty remarks in times of forlornness.

"Nadia Vytuia." A voice called from outside her cell, causing her to perk up. Standing up and approaching the energy field keeping her in there, she scanned the area for someone and spotted a grey-uniformed Imperial officer, a Bothan, striding towards the cell, stopping in front of her. "The fleet's commander has offered to release you under a few conditions." He said, no obvious malice in his eyes.

'Fleet? Where exactly am I?' She thought to herself, raising an eyebrow at the man. "Very well, let's hear them." Nadia groaned, hoping it wasn't something that she was going to regret later. "You will accompany one of our intelligence officers on an expedition into a strange ship. If you survive, you will receive your freedom." The officer divulged, a stern expression on his face.

Of course, there was a catch, but perhaps it was better than wasting away while whatever acted as the justice system of the Empire did its own thing. "Fine, will my droid be able to assist me in this operation?" She queried the man, receiving a curt nod. Soon enough, she had been reunited with the droid as well as her precious lightsaber, being told to board some sort of ship which she did so.

During the flight, she noticed quite a few things: First, she was way underdressed for this occasion, they just sent her in her prison clothes which consisted of a tank top and leggings that made her embarrassed. Maybe this was so the people with her had a constant reminder of her being just another form of labour? She did not know.

Secondly, she laid her eyes upon the weirdest grouping she had ever seen. A Chiss agent that looked like he was on some form of spice, A man skulking in the shadows that looked like some sort of Sith, and an armoured Mandalorian as well as a few others. As they set down, her droid stepped forward daringly.

"Recommendation: I believe this is the time where we concoct a plan before disembarking into a potentially hostile environment."

[member="Desmond C'artyom"] | [member="Varik Ice"] | [member="Koda Fett"]​

 

[Aryn Teth]

Athena

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Unidentified Starship, Rothana System, Quiberon Sector, The Outer Rim Territories​

Interacting With: [member='Desmond C'artyom'], [member='Varik Ice'], [member='Nadia Vytuia'], [member='Koda Fett']​

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It had been five years since Athena was among Imperials with the intent of granting any assistance to them, five long years since there had been something evidently of enough interest to Athena to urge her into the Empire's employ. For her former Imperial contacts, this had become her expected practice. Unlike the Empire's favoured contractors those days, like the infamous Koda Fett, Athena was not easily contacted or found, and in the rare occasions that she had been around and capable of contact, she had turned back more than a few jobs offered to her by the Empire. Yet, the jobs that Athena did accept had always been successes, often times exceeding the expectations of the Empire in granting her such contracts, and so her habits were tolerated even by her most frustrated handlers. There had of course been attempts by those very same handlers to keep track of Athena, the ship they had granted her towards the end of her last period of service had been fitted with numerous tracking beacons, which had all subsequently shut down shortly after she left Imperial space.

Athena had, however, taken care to retain the appropriate parts of the ship which would ensure she appeared as a 'friend' on Imperial IFF scanners, and considering the results of her occasional brushes with Imperial fleets or blockades, that had not been changed by any of the Intelligence officers who had succeeded her former handlers. Her intercept of Imperial transmissions in Rothana had, this time, it seemed been enough to draw her attention, and though the black silhouette and stealth drives on her ship ensured she was not picked up on scanners, and difficult to see visually, she followed close behind the Imperials as they made their way to their mystery ship. She watched from afar, ship running cold as the stealth bomber made its way toward the ship in question - followed by another craft.

A quick scan and Athena knew precisely who was in the Firespray following behind the Imperials. The rumours of Koda Fett had not gone unheard by her even out in the depths of wild space, and what occasional bits of Imperial transmission she picked up never failed to mention the bounty hunter who had now become a poster-boy of sorts, the 'best bounty hunter in the galaxy', her replacement. Had the intrigue of the mysterious ship not been enough to draw her, the presence of the Mandalorian certainly was. She had scoffed at the rumours she had heard, laughed at the recordings she had seen, this Fett was, in her mind, not even worth a quarter of the reputation he held, he was a pretender. But still, killing the Empire's new poster-boy was not going to be the best of ways of maintaining her already shakey 'immunity' - if it could even be called that - within the Empire, no, she would have to settle for undermining him instead. By proving she was stronger, faster, better.

In a moment, Athena started up her engines, the ship roaring to life as it launched through space towards the silhouette of the massive ship. Athena's craft manoeuvred with an unprecedented grace and speed as it fell in on the tail of both the Imperial stealth craft and the Firespray. Her stealth drive was still active, keeping her off scanners, and her ship only became visibly noticeable as it entered the hangar, its black silhouette now failing to fit in among the interior as it touched down. As Athena rose from her pilot's seat, she took her rifle and slung it over her shoulder, the ramp lowering naturally as her neural implants sent the order through her systems. Stepping down the ramp, she strolled towards the group that had formed with an almost loathsome confidence.

She had few concerns that they would attack her, a quick scan of the group with her eyes and a brief search of Imperial records told her who most of them were. The Chiss was at least Imperial Intelligence, and at that, one of the individuals her former handler had worked under, whether or not he knew exactly who she was didn't matter to Athena, she figured he would at least have some knowledge of her status as an asset if he was anything worth his salt. "You need my help, Imperials." She stated matter-of-factly. Though the words could have been taken as arrogance, there didn't seem to be any insult behind the words, there hardly seemed to be anything in terms of emotion, just the cold tone that came with a logical mind.

 

[Desmond C'artyom]

Desmond C’artyom made his way out of the ship and into the murky hangar beyond. Their was a sickening squish as his boots impacted the fleshy floors. He took a quick look around and noted the horrid stench of decaying gore. It was enough to make him almost gag. Several tubals sat imbedded in the walls of the hangar, Desmond imagined that was where the fighters were kept, the space surrounding the Imperial ship seemed otherwise ghastly decrepit.

It was obvious that the ship had been abandoned for some time, as cobwebs and dust had started building up. Desmond hated it all, it reminded him of his loneliness. He felt as empty in his being as this ship was in reality. He cursed inwardly as he immediately identified this vessel as a Vong ship. What else could create such a organic monstrosity.

He was surprised when his vessel was followed by a pair of other vessels. Bounty hunters. He hated them, just about as much as he hated himself. His fiery red eyes glared at the dual vessels as they docked. If they started anything nothing would save them from the Hell Desmond had in mind for them. They approached and Desmond offered up a simple false smile.

“Welcome Imperial agents,” He said in a melancholy voice.

Des was aching for a fight and he dared one of these bounty hunters to start one, but appearances first. He had to act friendly at least until it was a ripe time to strike. Desmond smiled simply and motioned for the others to follow him to the bridge. He and Inferno One led the way. Inferno One easily picking up on his distaste of the bounty hunters. Even so, the sight of a beautiful Sith slightly brightened his mood. But, still his demeanor was not so easily alleviated.

 

[Lemon]

Fortunately enough the stench had no effect on the Bounty Hunter, the better one that was, his helmet was sealed prematurely in case of any toxins that may be in the air. Though for now they just protected his nose from the awful stench. Beneath his helmet, his eyes wandered, taking in the sight of the organics on the ship. To be quite honest, he had never come into contact with anything Vong before, nor had he cared enough to read up on it. The only snippet of information Fett happened to be in possession of regarded Boba in the Yuuzhang Vong War. Nobody thought that kid would become Mand'alor, well, nobody ever thought Koda would ever even be considered as the best bounty hunter in the galaxy. Fett Clones appear to be surpassing expectations all the time.

Then the sight of another bounty hunter entering the scene with a seemingly ego filled comment, "You need my help, Imperials." An eyebrow raised, and a gaze diverted. Hardly. The word rattling around his brain but never making it to his mouth. Other Bounty Hunters were never rated all that well in his books. Either thieves or obstacles. Though this wasn't a mission where a bounty needed to be collected, his payment was a certainty. Even if Fett preferred to work independently, an extra gun could never be turned down at times like these. If she was on the Imperials payroll then Athena could definitely handle herself. The question was: what kind of undermining did she have in store, and what would Fett do when he found out? It wasn't a matter of if, only when.

As for Desmond's greeting; it was ignored by the bounty hunter. The Chiss' resentful disposition was easily identifiable by him. Perhaps the 'Baron of the Empire' wasn't such a huge fan of bounty hunters in general because he realised the only difference between them was that they cost far more than he. Whether or not he had a personal disdain for Koda was unknown, though assumed, the Bounty Hunter was a common sight and his overarching success had him earn a whole lot of praise. It may very well be simple jealousy.

For now, Fett followed along as they made their way towards the bridge. He didn't bother giving anyone any looks, instead glancing about the organic ship whilst something else rested on his mind. It was a plague, something that never seemed to escape him, no matter how he came to terms with it all. It was always present, always etching at the corners of his mind until it took full focus. The addition of this 'new' bounty hunter appeared to be the only thing preventing it from taking full control. At this point he was hoping for something to fight, for then it would wash away and his 'barbaric' nature, as it was called by so many others, would take over.

[member="Desmond C'artyom"] | [member="Athena"] | [member="Nadia Vytuia"] | [member="Varik Ice"]

 

[Tendra Daklan]

Location: Orbit above Rothana

Moments earlier, a bulk of the fleet had departed to investigate reports that had recently come in. A patrol squad encountered something dangerous, something that shook Inquisitor Garonnin to his very core. Within one of the many Stardestroyers left behind to reinforce the occupation, Thetan was deep in meditation, his mind focused on his allies, and their immediate destination. Everyone knew that something had happened, and that something was out there, yet the old man could not feel anything.

His foresight through the force waned, failing him as he attempted to reach out into the cold depths of space. He had tried for hours, with no success. Departing from the meditation chamber, the robed Inquisitor made his way to the bridge of the cruiser he was stationed upon, his mere presence enough to make the crew double their efforts. That is what he had wanted, for his ship would be ready for whatever storm may come. At least, he believed it would be.

 

[Varik Ice]

Varik Ice​

Equipment: Lightsaber - Inquisitor Robes​

Location: Mysterious Ship​

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Varik sensed an awful lot of tension in the air, that much was obvious. His eyes tracked over to the red woman and her assassin droid, taking note; she had some presence in the force, and he could tell she wasn't one of them. He hadn't been briefed, but she didn't look like any mercenary either. No mercenary...dressed like that. He simply gave her a passing nod, more one of greeting than anything. He wouldn't expect her to explain herself; wasn't much point anyway, if she was here, then she was capable of handling herself. The palpable tension was probably even noticeable to those without the use of the force now, as he stepped outside after Desmond.

Varik placed a hand on the Chiss' shoulder, just for a moment - it wasn't one of lecture, just a reminder to stay focused on the task. He could tell there was irritation; between he and the bounty hunters, and for Fett and the other, between the two of them as well. He could only hope that they wouldn't do anything stupid, anything to compromise what was going on for the sake of pay or competition. So far, Fett had been a consummate professional; he hadn't seen anything yet of the Gank. He'd heard of one who had worked for the Empire previously, but seen nothing himself. Perhaps he would today.

As he moved his hand off Desmond and stepped forward, Varik finally understood what he'd read about. His eyes scanned the fleshy, writhing mass on the inside of the ship and he knew - this was the Vong, the one he'd only heard about until now. He understood the disgust many saw it with; it seemed to be living, more alive than most things, but in the force, it was far from it. He couldn't feel a thing from this vessel and its pulsating masses, and he had no doubt the force held little power against it. That suited him fine; he was always better at affecting himself with the force rather than others. These strange points still plagued him, seeing them flicker and appear for moments at a time over everyone he looked at. There were more in the ancient droid, as he looked back towards it. Why? Its age? Places where it had been damaged, or taken apart?

That didn't matter now. He glanced back towards the Sith. "Your droid should stick with you. He'll be useful in here." Keeping close to Desmond and still standing in a stiff posture, he spoke quietly. "We can move as one, but there is also the potential for three teams of two, or two teams of three. I don't recommend keeping the bounty hunters together." He understood now, as he said it, glancing between the bounty hunters again. They were a crack. Some kind of fault, like in an ice floor. Something that could shatter open....something else. He couldn't see what he wanted to see, even as he concentrated on it.

[member="Desmond C'artyom"] | [member="Koda Fett"] | [member="Athena"] | [member="Nadia Vytuia"]

 

[Desmond C'artyom]

Desmond felt a hand grasp his shoulder and knew from the chill that arched across his back who it was. Not a stern warning, but a friendly reminder. Desmond let out a long breath he hadn't realized he had been holding and nodded in thanks to Varik. Inferno One was already milling about the place, scanning strange meaty objects, prodding bulbous bags of flesh with rifles. It truly was a repulsive ship.

The only thing more repulsive at the moment was the air of smugness that literally wafted off of the bounty hunters. Desmond’s hand curled into a fist as he spied Koda. Ever since he had come along Desmond’s own fame had waned. The Imperial war hero and Baron was slowly being removed from the spotlight and in his place a lowly bounty hunter was taking hold. It irked Desmond to no end. Varik was right though, he couldn't let the clone get to him. Fett clones after all were a dime a dozen. Nothing special.

Desmond heard Varik’s suggestion and nodded. The Chiss’s fiery red gaze swept over the rest of the motley crew as he sized them up. Deciding who would make an appropriate pair and who would be best suited for what. Desmond reached into his utility belt and withdrew some data spikes. He walked towards [member="DT-2417"] and handed him the devices “Your squad will assist Koda Fett in finding the Bridge, from there you will attempt to shut down the ship,” Desmond offered DT-2417 A solemn salute then stalked off.

He addressed Varik and the scantily clad pureblood now. “You two find whatever the hell passes for the engine room in this thing and destroy it,” Desmond would’ve liked to have gone with the pureblood himself, but Varik’s touch still lingered on his mind and he knew that lustful desires were no reason to throw a mission. Desmond sighed a little as he saw the behind on the Sith woman. “By god what a fat arse,” He whispered longingly to himself. Shaking himself out of his erotic stupor, Desmond addressed everyone. “Alright, move out!”

Desmond made a twirling motion in the air with his index and middle fingers and Inferno one rallied on him. He and squad approached the remaining bounty hunter “You’re with me,” He said simply and began to make his way towards his own objective. The reactor.

[member="Varik Ice"] / [member="Koda Fett"] / [member="Athena"] / [member="Nadia Vytuia"]

 

[Vestille Thumahra]

Rothana
851 ABY
DT-2417
Call-sign Pestilence Actual
Post Three
Objective: Assist Koda Fett with locating the bridge.

---

---

The ride had been short and without incident, the stealth ship having landed within the hangar of the fleshy surfaced vessel that the infiltration crews had stepped foot within. Decay, gore, organic matter, all things that Pestilence had no objection with it being so open and present in the area around them. It was no mistake that it was a Vong vessel, no mistake about it, only something so monstrous and nightmarish could have come from one origin and one origin only. DT-2417, as well as the rest of Pestilence, had only read about the Vong in snippet of history books and even then most of their knowledge came from Imperial databases regarding how to handle certain threats across the galaxy. Fortunately, as per any ship boarding, Pestilence took a rather unique, if unorthodox approach to these matters, utilizing weapons that would leave a decisive impact upon the crew and security detail of the ship that they were boarding.

Across the 12 Death Troopers that stood behind DT-2417, split into 6 man squads each, the standard issue was replaced with the form of Disruptors and Flamethrowers. As proven in simulations that DT-2417 constantly had his men run, utilizing the anti-organic weapons hand-in-hand would spread confusion and inflict terror among the crews as their people burned and turned to ash, those armed with their standard blasters as is were there to act as fire support and mop up the pieces. With such an organic enemy where armor was mostly organic matter the weapons that Pestilence had carried would only have double the desired effect against anything in their path. Outside of their galaxy or not, wonder of encountering something from beyond the edges of the Galaxy phased the Death Troopers none; they were an enemy, a scourge to burn away and crush in the name of the Empire. If nothing else, the enemy had fired the first shot.

Standing in the hangar whilst the Chiss Agent delivered his orders, DT-2417 simply nodded his head and looked towards the Bounty Hunter known as Koda Fett. Having heard of the Bounty Hunter and even worked with him on one operation or another, they were acquainted despite not saying a single word to each other. Regardless, the Death Troopers emitted several garbled transmissions to each other and formed up into a formation consisting of the first rank of flamethrower-equipped and standard blaster equipped Death Troopers and the rear taken up by the longer range disruptors. Whatever the case, adaptability would be key, having never encountered the Vong first-hand, no doubt there would need to be rearranging and constant adjustment to account for the unknown enemy that they were about to push their way through and locate the bridge. Equipped with data spikes thanks to the Agent, Pestilence knew their objective and would give it their all to see it through, even their lives.

But who would want to die in a place like this?

[member="Koda Fett"] | [member="Desmond C'artyom"] | [member="Athena"] | [member="Nadia Vytuia"] | [member="Varik Ice"]

 

[Kirk Skobra]

Kirk Skobra​

​

Location: Personal YZ-775 medium transport​

---

“Skobra – we’ve another assignment for you.”, briskly spoke an Imperial Intelligence Officer through the intercom of the pilot’s terminal aboard the spacecraft.

“My favorite words.”, spoke Skobra, as he sat there at his pilot’s interface, idly smoking a hefty cigar that was twisted in between his fingers.

“We’ve been trying to reach you for hours—”

“I was smoking; I like my quiet hour.”, interrupted Kirk.

The officer audibly sighed through the intercom system before returning to speaking, “Imperial Naval Scans have picked up a large unidentified spacecraft in the Rothana System.”, informed the officer, “As it stands, Imperial Intelligence has sent a team inside to investigate.”, said officer, as he abruptly finished speaking for a moment.

“And, what do you need me for?”, inquired Kirk.

“We need you to infiltrate the premise, and to then locate the electronic warfare suite.”, said the Officer before pausing for a moment, as if to catch his breath, “Once you’ve done so, we need you to utilize those suites, and recover any and all data involving both the automated and unautomated on-ship operations and communications.”, retorted the officer.

Oddly specific, Kirk thought to himself.

“Consider it done.”, replied Kirk, “Notify the other agents that I’m operating in the area. Skobra, out.”, Kirk switched channels for a moment before hitting to Hyperspace in the YZ-775 Medium Transport he was piloting, speaking into the intercom; "All Deshra External units. Prep for boarding action, T-minus ten minutes. Check your PDAs for formal briefing."

 

[Graf's Archive Account]

The young woman had listened intently to the Imperials as they spoke, noting the sudden atmosphere of hostility when another person, a Gank, arrived to join their party. Thus far she discovered that the Mandalorian and the Gank were bounty hunters employed by the Empire to assist; through deductive reasoning, the lanky Chiss was apparently either intelligence or special forces, commonplace for someone of his species.

What troubled her the most was the Force that she sensed from the stubble-faced Human with surprisingly good cheekbones. Neither good nor bad, neither Jedi nor Sith; at any rate, he reminded her of the Knights of Ren that she had read about in her studies, but there was something different that threw her off. She resigned herself to the fact that she would be able to observe him well enough, as the Chiss had paired them together for this mission.

As she was walking off to meet with him, the hairs on the back of her neck raised, causing her to look back. She caught the Chiss staring at her with a glint of longing in his eyes, although his eyes were quite lower than she wished for them to be. "Damn these Imperials and their prisoner attire." Nadia voiced quietly to HK-47, a barely noticeable tinge of pink afflicting her cheeks "We've only just arrived and this Chiss is already gawking at my derriere."

The ancient assassin droid looked at her through his gold photoreceptors, his vocabulator crackling to life. "Assurance: Do not fret, Master." He began, nodding his head slightly "At the first sign of attempted relations, I will blast the concupiscent meatbag into nihility." While this did make her smile at the droid, she wondered how much it would affect her chances of freedom if HK killed the obviously-in-charge Chiss. Still, it didn't hurt to be appreciated by someone for her looks.

Her lightsaber swung precariously from the belt she had 'acquired', stolen in actuality, from the Imperial quartermaster as stopped in front of [member="Varik Ice"], the man almost a head taller than her who had told her to keep her droid with her. Whipping her hair out of her face, she crossed her arms when it seemed he had spaced out, staring at the floor. "Let's just get this over with, shall we?" She queried him, trying to catch his eye "Lord...?"

[member="Desmond C'artyom"] | [member="Koda Fett"] | [member="DT-2417"] | [member="Athena"] | [member="Kirk Skobra"]​

 

[Varik Ice]

Varik Ice​

Equipment: Lightsaber - Inquisitor Robes​

Location: Mysterious Ship​

​

​

Sometimes, Varik wished his talents in the force were in other areas. His ears pricked up as he heard whispering, first from C'artyom, and then something coming from the prisoner. Aliens were so odd. He would never understand then. Varik had to hold back from an audible sigh as he considered their route now. If this was a Vong ship, then it would not have an engine in the typical way, most likely; and it may prove difficult to destroy.

It was as he considered this that the red woman was trying to catch his eye, or get his attention. The cold blue orbs gazed back at her for a moment, before he looked back at where he thought they should go. "Varik is fine." Something bothered him about being referred to as Lord, it was...he couldn't remember now. It was something he blocked off, repressed. Whatever it was, he was averse to the title as a result. He began making his way towards an exit from the hangar, glancing over at the prisoner again.

"If this ship is what I think it is, then it won't have typical engines. Has to accelerate somehow, though...most likely at the aft." If it even counted as an aft anymore. Oer perhaps the term was stern. He was still wrapping his head around it. In vain, he wanted to see if he could find more of those faults, the cracks or shatters that he'd seen before. If he saw any of that in the ship; would it be useful? Most likely not, but he could give it a try. As he opened the door and looked into the dark room ahead, with more pulsating masses, he spoke in a flat tone. "You can use the force. Where did you learn that?" Even in this place, the cold temperature followed him everywhere, and his question only seemed to drop it further.

[member="Nadia Vytuia"] | [member="Desmond C'artyom"] | [member="DT-2417"] | [member="Koda Fett"] | [member="Athena"]