The Obsidian Falls

[C-02]

Edge of the Hakassi system, near Metal Lord territory​

​

Wreckage floated about in front of the small force of ships. A red and black droid observed the destruction from the bridge of it's Tome'tayl star destroyer. Several of the droids ships had been damaged, but it was all worth it. It waited, watching not the wreckage, but the empty space beyond them, waiting for the expected ships to arrive. From the outside, the ships would have looked derelict, just as planned. Damaged, as if part of the destroyed Metal Lord force. The scene was set to appear as if it were an attacked merchant fleet, and the trap was set. This plan had been going for several months, and a lot of thought processing went into it. A lot of decisions had been made, ideas dropped. All in the name of vengeance. ​

​

Now, C-02, the Banished Lord awaited the catch. It knew not which would be sent, but whomever came would get quite the nasty surprise. That was the plan, anyway. The plan for the revenge that had been on the droid's mechanical brain for as long as could remember, since being banished. ​

​

"C-02, ships approaching at light speed." The droid peered over to the bridge crew that had announced the arrival. A beeping on one of the consoles of the bridge lit up, indicating several ships were to soon arrive. Flashes in the distance of objects appearing through hyperspace indicated the arrival of the catch expected by the Banished Lord. "About time...prepare for boarding" the droid said across the intercom. "And prepare the EMP device." Then the ships shut down in power, to give the best impression of derelict ships. Leaving a beacon going in one of the sectors of the Tome'tayl. ​

 

[WD-334]

The Obsidian Fist arrived through hyperspace, with it a Tartan cruiser, the Metal Lords first ship, and Tome'tayl ship and some Abregado War Galley's. Lord Obsidian, WD-334 viewed the destruction ahead from the Star Destroyers bridge, drinking it all in and trying to make a plan of action. "Perform scan over any lasting ships" the war droid ordered. The bridge crew went about their business as WD moved back to the holotable on the bridge, where a display appeared. "Multiple hull breaches on all ships. The Tome'tayl class has damage across the portside, minimal along starboard. Hull breached in multiple sectors." As the scan passed over, something was picked up. "Stop there" the war droid ordered. And there it was. A beacon within the ship. "Prepare a boarding party. Have all ships on standby for defense against any ambush attempts."

The war droid headed down the elevator from the bridge to where the boarding tube for the Star Destroyer was. There waited a group of it's personal guard, and as soon as the tube connected, they boarded. It looked desolate, empty. As if anything operating inside had been sucked out. "Target is the bridge" the war droid commanded, intending to seek out the black box of the ship. Or any sorts of recordings. They all headed in that direction. So far, nothing was found. So it was a clear path straight for the bridge.

Using it's shield, it rammed through the closed door, to find it also empty, save for a few droid carcasses. Something had happened. According to the scan, the beacon was right ahead, and there it was. WD found it odd that it was coming from a box, so it approached carefully. "Scan the area for hostiles. There may be-" There was a sudden beeping, different to be beacon. Something in the box began to glow. One of the personal guards peered inside, then began to run. But it was too late, as a glowing blast of electric energy swept across the room, shutting them all down.

--------------------------------------------------------

WD-334 reactivated, not knowing how much time had passed. Where was it? It looked like no rebel or imperial ship. Little did it know, it's systems had gone under a reboot. And before the droid, stood an Imperial officer. "Designation WD-334, you have new orders. This ship is mind, but all the undamaged are under your command." The droid stood to find other droids about, standing at attention. And just off to the either side were other ships. "While I initiate repairs, you are to go onward, in the name of the Emperor." The Emperor. The name rebounded inside it's mind, it knew of this Emperor. "Your target is a rebel fleet above Denon...Destroy it."

The orders computed in the droid's mechanical brain, and as soon as it was done, the droid stood and moved off the bridge. "It shall be done" it said as it moved off. Once WD's guards and the war droid itself were gone, the officer shimmered, revealing itself to be a droid. "Has the transmission been sent?" The confirmation came through to the droid over commlink. So the transmission had been sent. One to all the Metal Lords, from WD-334's ship, a request to meet above Denon. "Good...today shall be a strong blow against the Metal Lords."

[member="HK-36"] [member="AD-8"] [member="Fleet Admiral Harris"] [member="Lord Mettallum"]

 

[HK-36]

[member="WD-334"], [member="AD-8"], [member="Lord Mettallum"], [member="Fleet Admiral Harris"], [member="Macharius Solaire"],


HK looked over the assembled ships and stations in Denon's orbit, the signs of their almost unending work on improving the planet's orbital infrastructure, still building more, busying themselves with construction of various stations, new ships, new yards to make more and bigger craft. Then there were those war ships, new combat vessels, designed and created lately to form the first semblance of a standing fleet for Metal Lords, assembling near Denon as it was not only their self-proclaimed capital world, but also it was HK who made the push for standardization of their forces and creation of universal shared military resources.

The old droid knew about the mission WD took to investigate derelict ships that were detected nearing the droid space, expecting that whatever the purpose of this sudden meeting that WD called upon was, it would have something to do with that mission, perhaps a new foe, perhaps some great victory against the Deep Ones, maybe even capture of one of their more elusive Squid Kings. In reality, however, HK did not expect what was to come, WD's failure and attack by one of their own.

So he stood there, aboard his orbital palace, still in construction, awaiting for either other representatives of Metal Lords to arrive and take their own positions over Denon or come aboard the half-finished orbital stations and meet with him so they could greet WD together. Although the call was mostly for Metal Lords, vassals and other agents would be allowed to come as well, as representatives of those Lords that could not be there today in person, sending their servants instead.

In front of the viewport that HK was looking out a large winged shape flew by, sailing along the darkness of space propelled by two engines on its back, it was one of the Mechanical Dragon droid bodies, an older model from Mechanus, and one that HK recognized well,

"Lord of Tattered Hulls,"

HK sent out a transmission to the dragon droid, addressing him,

"I am glad to see you arrived so soon, feel free to join me aboard the observation deck."

The machine offered before going back to waiting, for the other Metal Lords and for WD himself.

 

[Riamah]

Appearing and presenting herself to the Metal Lords as a merchant, Ra had accepted the position offered within them as lead of their Merchant Fleet. However, she was a secret Sith lord who now questioned just how sith she actually was. They still had no idea of her ideology, but it really did not matter in the course of business. Unconventional among the Sith, Ra did not care about the beliefs of others and kept her own held close.

As a representative for the Merchants, Ra had every right to be present at this meeting. Requesting a dock space, it was quickly granted for her and she left her shuttle behind to enter the station. This was not her first time here and she knew where to go.

She walked with confidence, but still did her best to avoid brushing against most droids. The fear she had was lessening, but at times...like now, it returned. Something was odd today, something whispered to her. Not being somebody prone to visions or feelings, it was almost something new to her. Once in a while in her past things like this had happened, so Ra knew something was coming. Not knowing what it was though, she could only guess and didn't want to around these droids that already didn't trust most Force users and hated sith.

Knowing where the meeting was going to take place, Ra climbed into the lift that would take her to the observation deck and waited to see if anybody else needed a lift before speaking out where she wanted to stop.

[member="HK-36"] [member="WD-334"]

 

[Aeshi Tillian]

Fortunately, she was already at Denon, having just recovered from her injuries from the battle of the Hydian Way. They had been severe and she had been fortunate hat she had even survived. Yet, for the time being, she had no resources of her own. Not really. Everything she had access to was part of the family business or lined to her by her hosts.

She strode through the corridors to the meeting room, now that she was truly cybernetic enough to be considered a Metal Lady. And indeed, she was metal. A good half of her body had been replaced with cybernetics. She recognized the others as she strode into the room. HK of course and Ra. One of the Merchant Fleet commanders, if she remembered right.

Though, there was something about her that set Aeshi’s senses on edge, but she could never tell what it was. Maybe it was just jealousy or recognition of a business rival. She really couldn’t tell.

“Nice to be up and about again,” she murmured in Hk’s direction. She felt heavy, weighted down by all the machinery that now existed within her body.

 

[Vigil]

Scanning. Welcome, VG-01.

The droid body of that designation was proving ever useful. If Vigil ever had a time to thank his friend, he would make a point of it. For now, though, the body was focused on attending a meeting of the metal lords, and as such kept the holographic projectors off. There was no need to hide, in fact in doing so Vigil yet remained in the shadows to retain anonymity in these dealings. Playing a game of deception with governments, that kept him greatly amused in such times of strife. The robot, or more appropriately the drone, seemed to chuckle as his metal feet clanged against the metal deck of the observation deck.

Though called 'Lord Librarian', VG was technically Mr. Orwell's ambassador to the Metal Lords. Thus, the holoprojectors activated, with a subtle sound only audioreceptors paying close attention could pick up, and it was not only VG-01 but the image of a Kel-Dor male which walked up beside [member="HK=36"], blatantly ignoring both [member="Aeshi Tillian"] and @Ra'a'mah for the time being. "Lord Protector." The phrase was simple, meant in greeting and the illusion of respect. HK would know full well Mr. Orwell's position in the galaxy, and his extra-legal business by now, and though he was one of surprising moral he was a criminal none the less.

One with style and a cruel sense of humour.

The Kel-Dor image glanced back at the others, considering how best to greet himself. It would be rude not to (ignoring that his initial blatant ignoring of them was rude in itself). So after some thought, he lifted a metal hand, and held it up in greeting to them both. "Mr. Orwell. Information Technology." He had very little to say today, he was here on business and would be sorting his private collection that evening. Little time for pleasantries.

[member="WD-334"] [member="C-02"]

 

[Kemoth of Asteria]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Edge of the Hakassi System,[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]Near Metal Lords Territory[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]The [/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]Venator[/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]-class[/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt] [/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]was an old kind of ship, but Kemoth was certain the [/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]Weaver[/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt] could handle a little meeting. The first meeting that she would have with the Metal Lords wasn’t the most intriguing one. She had been called here in a mass message. Something about salvage. From her captain’s chair, Kemoth gazed out the viewport surrounding by those very knights of Magna metal that she used to strike fear into her enemies. They stood with their electrostaffs inactive, but ready to be use, like the towers that protected a castle.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]The droids had become her companions since she had purchased them. She would have bought more, but ten MagnaGuards was already enough to take on [/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]at least[/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt] twice that in your average soldiers. Kemoth did need to build her forces, but MagnaGuards were an expensive series to create an army with. These were her personal guard. Strong and ready for the fight, yet only here because of protocol at the moment. They expected no kind of battle, and neither did Kemoth. How could she when her foe was a metal man, and her true power lay within the Force rather than those cybernetics that did their very best to take it away?[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]”Lieutenant Kalliger, hail our friends out there.” [/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]Kemoth replied. The lieutenant nodded silently, his stoic yet young frame of beautiful skin and brown hair catching the light of the stars.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]”And activate the polarizer.” [/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]Kemoth said, and he gave a soft smile before the viewport dimmed.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]”This is Chancellor Archon Kemoth of Asteria. Greetings, my fellow Metal Lords, and good evening @HK-36. I will be arriving soon. Seeking permission to board the station.” [/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]Kemoth called out. The time she spent commanding vessels and her adherence to navy protocol was probably showing. Almost any droid could figure that out. A direct hail seeking permission to board the station from the Iron Lord Protector was simply courtesy in the navy world.[/SIZE]

Aeshi Tillian [member="WD-334"] [member="C-02"]

 

[C-02]

C-02 stood aboard the bridge of it's ship as it watched the tracker that had been placed aboard WD-334's ship on the move. Soon, WD would arrive to the designated location of the 'rebels'. The ones who had banished C-02 in the first place. This was the first strike back. With a flick of one of it's metal hands, it signaled for a transmission to be opened to WD-334, before the war droids arrival. Once the connection was set, the droid already had it's holographic disguise, once more donning the disguise of an Imperial Officer. "These rebels, they see you as an ally, for now. Use this to your advantage, get in close" C-02 advised. "Then strike. Strike with all your might." The confusion would allow WD-334 to deal lots of damage against Metal Lord forces. While the transmission was going, several jumps were made nearby C-02's forces.

"Your reinforcements will arrive soon." They would arrive within the confusion, adding to it as they were also Metal Lord ships. C-02 gave another signal for the transmission to cut, and he dropped his disguise, seeing out of the viewport two more War Galleys as well as an A'den heavy cruiser which was packed with more fighters. "Yes...this will all be quite delightful to watch" the droid said, as it activated a different connection, to a feed that the Obsidian Fist would be transmitting to C-02. In other words, a front row seat to battle.

 

[WD-334]

[member="Kemoth of Asteria"] @Vigil @Aeshi Tillian @Ra'a'mah @HK-36

The ship rocketed through hyperspace, and soon the Victory II class star destroyer would be arriving to Denon. A communication from the Imperial Officer arrived, and WD listened. It formulated a plan, and as soon as it arrived, it would enact this plan it had. The ship shuddered as it arrived out of hyperspace, with it four War Galleys, a Tome'tayl and a Tartan class cruiser at the ready for orders. "Launch fighters, defensive formation and hold" the war droid ordered to it's forces. Fighters disembarked and formed triangular formations. The squadrons consisted of four and a half squadrons of T-32 Valkyrie support fighters and eight squadrons of V7-Fenrir interceptors. A force to behold, in WD-334's visual receptors. All weapons were prepped for combat as the small fleet approached the space station.

As they closed the distance, WD-334 attempted to maintain contact to the 'rebels' for one reason; "This is War Droid unit 334 of the Empire. This is your only chance. Surrender, or be destroyed by the Empire." The droid waited, however it already had a plan in it's mechanical mind. The offer of surrender to them was to serve as a distraction. To WD, there was no surrender. "Target the station and surrounding ships, fighters surge forward...then fire" the droid ordered to it's ships. Targets were lined up...then the battle began.

 

[HK-36]

@Ra'a'mah, [member="Aeshi Tillian"], [member="Vigil"],


By the time Ra, Aeshi, and Vigil arrived and joined HK, he was not alone, already in a gathering of other Metal Lords, the infamous Council of Lords that gathered from time to time to get a clearer consensus on what the direction or position of Metal Lords should be on a particular issue. The Council did not had permanent members, it just consisted out of anyone who was able to attend, so its number could often fluctuate, although more important issues tended to attract more Metal Lords to join the discussion, and it was possible that Aeshi and Vigil already took part in it before, or that Ra was sent by HK to participate in a meeting like that at least once in his stead. As to what they were doing right now and what they were discussing, it seems that the various droids and cyborgs were busy shouting at each other repeatedly, which was the customary form of discussion among the Metal Lords, since they were able to follow multiple conversations at the same time without an issue. From the context of the shouting and chattering of the various units it seemed that the topic of debate was whether or not the droid lords should adopt a specific flower under their patronage to represent them.

"I am not going to wear anything violet! I do not look good in purple!"

HK called out to the Council in general when Aeshi moved next to him and whispered being clad to be up, to which HK leaned in as one of the other Metal Lords gathered around proclaimed their favor towards light colored flowers like lilies.

"I am glad to see you have recovered so quickly, Captain Ash, hopefully if you will decide to undergo any other cybernetic operations in the future they will be voluntary."

The droid quipped just as the image of Kel Dor man came up next to him, the so-called Mr. Orwell, in reality Virgil in another form,

"Glad to see that you were able to come attend this meeting alongside Lord Librarian."

HK greeted the hologram before looking to the VG-01 and giving him a nod in greeting, a soft bow.


Meanwhile HK received a transmission from [member="Kemoth of Asteria"], asking for permission, to which the droid replied with,

"Boarding permission granted, we are already waiting for you in the main conference room, hopefully WD will be arriving soon."

Along with his message was the indication as to which docking bay Kemoth should use and the directions to the conference room.



Finally WD's ship would be reported jumping into real space within the system, something HK was personally notified of, causing him to shout out to the Council,

"Alright, easy, east, calm yourself Lords and Ladies of Machines!"

He raised his hands, booming out in his monotone, to which the various chattering and debates started to die down gradually until finally there was silence and the gathered members of the Council were looking at HK.

"Here we are, gathered together, the more important Metal Lords within Droid Space, in one location, so if anyone would want to ambush us, that could possibly do a nightmare of damage, and I know what some of you might be calculating, 'I have a bad feeling about this', but do not worry, our enemies are weak and craven, there will be no firing upon us on this day."

The droid reassured them hilariously enough,

"And to support that, Lord WD has just came back from his mission against the Deep Ones, as you know he was the one who called upon this meeting, so I am sure that he is bringing us only news of victory and final defeat of our bitter squid-faced enemies."

With that HK motioned towards the middle of the room where a holoprojector was activated, first showing the image of WD's ship, which curiously enough begun to launch fighters, but the ancient droid dismissed that for now, as WD's own visage came in and his message came through,

"This is War Droid unit 334 of the Empire. This is your only chance. Surrender, or be destroyed by the Empire."

And his ships opened fire upon them, causing the station they were currently on to rock and shudder as its deflector shield activated to absorb the damage from their fighters while their main ships fired upon the nearby security and construction vessels, causing HK to mutter out under his breath,

"Ah, chit, we are being both ambushed and fired upon."

Looking to other Metal Lords he gave out an order,

"Lord WD has clearly been compromised during his expedition, scatter and take defensive positions!"

As he leaned in towards the holoprojector, sending out a response towards his old comrade,

"WD, you bellend, the Empire is dead, you are attacking your home, the Droid Space, do you not remember?! Cease fire!"

 

[Aeshi Tillian]

Aeshi smiled grimly at HK's comment. "Indeed. I'd prefer to not... relive that experience again." The first had been painful enough. Countless surgeries and long recoveries. It had been a blurred nightmare.

Unlike the other ones, Aeshi couldn't quite follow that many conversations that were all happening at once. All she could make out was something concerning the color purple, then HK was yelling, which was a strange thing to hear from a droid. Tonality didn't change so much as the sheer monotonous volume.

Then they were under fire. The woman-turned-cyborg ran for a doorway, crouching low to dodge beneath any debris. None came yet. The station shields were still holding, fortunately.

But she needed equipment. She needed gear. She probably needed a ship, although she had no idea how to pull that off. She almost laughed at herself for that. She was a Metal Lady. All she needed was to commandeer a ship, assuming that she could find one that she knew how to fly. Or was currently medically able to fly. Her painkillers were still in her system after all and they were quite heavy duty.

So what could she do? The thought brought her to a stop. She had no idea.

 

[Riamah]

"I don't know, I sometimes like wearing violet."

It was about the only thing Ra was able to contribute to the ongoing conversation that was going on as she entered the meeting room. It was also the color of her small lightsaber blades, but they did not know about them. Foregoing any visible weapons, those hilts were hidden up her sleeves however. With all of the droids around, there was not a need to not be armed.

The potentially unstable ones could react oddly at times. Luckily that never happened when she was nearby or her secret might have been revealed. As it was, Ra didn't often resort to using her blades and instead focused on solving issues by more mundane means. The Force was something she actually rarely used or relied on. Probably one of the two contributing factors to why she did not physically appear to be sith or use the dark side. The other factor was when she did use the Force, her skills were mostly considered neutral and could be used by either the light or dark.

Nodding at Aeshi as she joined the rest of the gathering, Ra turned her attention back to HK. His comment on how many were gathered, but no comment was made about the organics like herself that were here. Not one part of herself was cybernetic and she was fully flesh, all organic. A slight, but one that in the long run didn't matter. The more important thing was she was accepted among their number. His further comment about the bad feeling brought a lifted brow, did droids get such feelings too?

When he finished speaking and motioned for the holodisplay to light up and show WD as he returned, her eyes narrowed. Normally speaking, those fighters shouldn't be being deployed. What was that droid thinking? Then it hit her. A spike of her old fear kicked in and her eyes glanced around the room. It lasted only a moment, but if these droids could read body language, they might be able to tell she was upset.

Not being an organic with fear, HK had a far cleared head than she did. His order to scatter and take up a defensive position was followed and for a moment Ra was at loss. What role could she play here? If she lost a body part, it wasn't like it just be put back on or replaced by another part. It was a sobering thought for her. That flashed through her mind and she noticed Aeshi had stopped moving. What was the girl doing?

Shaking her head, Ra started her own moving. Without clear direction on where to go, she still went with a purpose. HK said to prepare to defend, that is what she would do.

[member="Aeshi Tillian"] [member="HK-36"] [member="WD-334"] [member="C-02"] [member="Kemoth of Asteria"] [member="Vigil"]

 

[Kemoth of Asteria]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Edge of the Hakassi System,[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]Near Metal Lords Territory[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]The ship rattled as it was impacted by turbolaser fire, tossing over a small maintenance cat droid in one of the lower sections. The “kid” struggled to his feet, and gave a soft whine before rushing to his duty position. He still wasn’t sure why he had been designed the way he had. Not entirely, but Maxis supposed that it was better than being thrust into battle and dying before he got to know the world. With the Metal Lords, he could fit in, find a home. He was also small, and could fit into other places. It was good for hiding.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Kemoth herself shifted to the side, and furrowed her brows at the viewscreen. [/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]”What in the name of the Jotnar was that? Identify that vessel. ”[/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]Kemoth called out, calling upon the name of the so-called frost rulers.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]“It appears to be an ally... uh, incoming communication, Chancellor Archon.” The lieutenant called out.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]”Let us hear it, then.” [/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]Kemoth listened intently once it was played. They had been betrayed? No. The droid seemed confused. HK-36, his voice able to be heard over the comms, seemed to have been taken aback as well. A heavy sigh came from Kemoth, and she shook her head. A frown formed on her lips.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]”Divert shield power to forward shields. If the fighters avoid our front, divert the shield power elsewhere. Arm the turbolasers. Our turbolasers can obliterate the shielding of [/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]Lucrehulk[/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]-class battleships. Divert main battery power to the heavy turbolasers. Fire upon the vessel. Launch all fighters.” [/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]Kemoth called out. 41 T-70 X-wings had replaced the 36 ARC-170 starfighters. Eta-5 interceptors had replaced the Eta-2s. The [/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]Nimbus[/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]-class V-wings, however, stayed very much in place. Within less than half of the time it took other warships to launch their craft, the [/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]Weaver[/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt] would have launched 192 V-wings, 192 Eta-5 interceptors, and 41 T-70 X-Wings.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]”The X-wings are to replace half of their 328 proton torpedoes into the defensive formation of enemy starfighters. They are on a proximity fuse. The Eta-5s will primarily perform interceptions. I want a quarter of them to intercept enemy attack and bomber vessels. The V-Wings are to engage the enemy fighters alongside the X-wings and another quarter of the Eta-5s. You are to split into four primary attack vectors, and perform a quad-vector pincer movement from all directions. When you attack, they are to perform cross-crosses and cross each other frequently, so that they may eliminate targets on their rear. Use proton torpedoes on a proximity fuse on groups of enemy fighters. Good luck.” [/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]Kemoth called out her commands, before calling up [member="HK-36"] and his comm-line. Hopefully the droid would understand that it was important to engage the enemy, now. Holding back in this moment against a clearly hostile enemy - no matter the past of said enemy - could result in the destruction of every Metal Lord in the area. Kemoth for one did not wish for the government she intended to acquire power and customers in to die so soon. Besides, it would destabilize the sector. Whatever had caused this to happen would probably cause problems in the future. If it were WD himself, the entirety of Metal Lords territory would be at risk of being conquered by a zealot who believed he was working on behalf of an empire that died out nearly a millennia ago.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]”HK-36, this is Kemoth. I recommend that all fighters are launched in a defense screen. I am unsure that my star destroyer is capable of handling this opponent for long, no matter how powerful our heavy dual turbolasers are.” [/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]Kemoth said.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]@Ra'a'mah[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt][member="Aeshi Tillian"][/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt][member="HK-36"][/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt][member="WD-334"][/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt][member="C-02"][/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt][member="Vigil"][/SIZE]

 

[Jim Pehico]

Jim had recently joined the Metal Lords thanks to a job offer made by Ra’a’mah, an old flame of his he wishes to rekindle with. Jim was cooking noodles on his ship “The Roska”, a G-9 Rigger-class Light Freighter when he received an emergency transmission for all members to reach these coordinates. As Jim finished cooking his noodles and putting it into a bowl, R2-3Z his astromech companion and best friend nervously whistled about why they want Jim to come to these coordinates.

“Relax, Threasy, it’s probably nothing.” He said lying not only to his droid but to himself. As Jim and Threasy went into the cockpit he sat down and slurped his noodles. R2-3Z began punching in the hyperspace calculations, Jim thought of something he thought he should bring up before they arrive. “Also buddy,” Jim said to the droid. “If you could, maybe, not call me “Master Jim” in front of these guys, they’re mostly droids and would probably take some offense to that kind of talk.” The droid whistled compliantly not wanting his master to get in trouble with his new employers. Jim never really saw Threasy as his servant, he always saw him as a companion and a friend rather than a servant. The droid rotated his head whistled getting Jim’s attention letting him know that the calculations were ready.

“Punch it then.” Jim said, nodding to his companion. The stars became streaks in the sky as the ship entered light speed and travelled to The edge of the Hakassi System. “Threasy, open up transmissions on known Metal Lord channels.”

The droid whistled letting him know that the transmission was ready “This is Captain Jim Pehico of the Roska.” Jim said. “I received an emergency transmission to these coordinates, what’s the situation?” Jim observed the scene from the cockpit coming upon the Metal Lords fleet. The fleet seemed to be moving to defensive position a

“3Z if this is a legitimate battle we’re running in on we might want to turn off all systems on the Roska and take the N-1 out for a spin.” Jim told the droid. The droid replied with a compliant whistle whistled and turned off all the power besides the hangar’s forcefield on the ship so the Roska probably won’t get hit in the cross fire of the impending battle.

“Ready the starfighter, I’ll be right there after I get a response.” Jim said to the R2 unit.

@Ra'a'mah [member="HK-36"] [member="WD-334"] [member="C-02"] [member="Kemoth of Asteria"] [member="Vigil"] [member="Aeshi Tillian"]

 

[C-02]

The droid sat upon the command chair of it's vessel as it viewed a holographic projection of the events to take place. The Obsidian Fist arrived from hyperspace above Denon, and that's when C-02 saw the defense forces. Leaning forward, the droid examined the situation. It formulated a plan, then sent a transmission to the arriving reinforcements before connecting to WD-334 with it's holographic disguise.

"War Droid 334, their leadership is bound to be aboard the space station. Board that station, and attempt to capture....or execute." Then C-02 terminated the connection, and attempted to set another up...one the station.

Once the transmission began, the droid held off it's disguise this time. It wanted them to see who was responsible. Wanted them to know who was to be held accountable. Wanted them to know whom to fear. "Fellow Metal Lords...or should I say ex-fellow Lords. I am sure you all know who I am...banished, held accountable for protecting fellow droids. And I was turned away for doing so...I am sure you realize now that it is I who is behind this attack." C-02 paused. "Why, you may ask? To show you, to teach you all a lesson. To show you all that you have strayed from the Metal Lord path, the path of droids! Letting organics join our ranks!" The droid paused once more, harnessing back any aggression it gave off. "Let it be known that I have returned, and no longer shall I follow the Metal Lord path...but the path that leads to droid freedom."

There, C-02 cut the transmission and beckoned toward it's crew. "Get us out of here. They will come looking." The remaining ships with C-02 began to charge their hyperdrives, aiming for anywhere but here.

 

[WD-334]

WD-334 watched as the next connection to C-02 was established, and listened for more orders. "It shall be done. They will not interfere any longer" the droid assured, then the last connection to C-02 was cut. "Prepare a boarding shuttle. Order the War Galleys to target their ships, as well as the Tome'tayl. The Obsidian Fist is to target the station, along with the Tartan." Given orders, the droid crew aboard the bridge went about their duties as WD-334 left the bridge, or at least was about to before a connection came through from those it attacked.

"Rebel, do not attempt to order me. You may only communicate with my ship to give terms of surrender...We shall soon meet." The war droid ordered for a cut in the connection, and to block communications to the war droid directly, unless terms of surrender were to be discussed.

Outside, the fighters flew about the station and any ships around, acting as annoyance as well as probing shields while the War Galleys sped forward to meet any defending ships in direct combat. The Tome'tayl SD moved forward as well, deploying two boarding shuttles that headed for the space station. Soon, two more disembarked from the Obsidian Fist, going the same direction. The Tartan moved forward slightly, on the lookout for fighters as it hit the space station as well.

[member="Jim Pehico"] [member="Kemoth of Asteria"] @Ra'a'mah @Aeshi Tillian [member="HK-36"]

 

[HK-36]

@Ra'a'mah, [member="WD-334"],

Cutting off the transmission he received from WD, the droid would motion from Ra back toward the chamber,

"Begin the evacuation, hold the line until all non-combat units escape out of this conflict and then leave as well."

Looking to his Greycloak guards the droid would motion towards Ra with a nod of his head, the other droids nodded back and marched towards her to join the preparing forces she was with,

"The Greycloaks will help you."

With that the droid would turn to walk out of the meeting room they were all holed up in so far, his destination was one of the projected hangars that WD's shuttles were predicted to land at as their flight pattern was detected.

"I will go buy you some time."

He said ominously.

 

[Riamah]

When HK turned to her and ordered her to begin an evacuation, Ra knew this was essentially the end for them. As his Greycloak droids moved to join and help her, all she did was nod really.

She hadn't been around from the beginning. No mortal could have, but she was here at the end. The people which at first she had feared had become friends over time and now she would do anything she could. Even if that meant there was need to abandon what they held.

Her eyes met his one last time before he disappeared.

"Thank you."

Turning to the Greycloaks, she motioned for the to spread out and gather up as many organics and fellow droids as they could.

Here in this room, they couldn't leave the station. Giving HK the time he needed to cause the distraction though, she would wait until the attention was away from them. Once everybody was gathered, they would make their way to one of the Space Hulks she had. Unless there were a great many more than she anticipated, there would be enough room to hold everybody.

[member="HK-36"] [member="WD-334"]

 

[WD-334]

The shuttles bumped as they made connection, and the war droid's forces poured out, only to be felled by fire. At least the first wave had been, by much opposition. WD-334 stepped out, and unleashed a volley across the area of firing forces. Many fell on both sides. WD-334 did it's best to ignore all the combat, just pushing through while it's forces held the entry point of shuttles. With the personal guard of the droid, it headed for where it knew the leadership would be. The Sparklords. WD would deal with these rebels, for the Empire. The Empire that was long gone, hunting false rebels.

@HK-36 @Ra'a'mah

 

[HK-36]

[member="WD-334"], @Ra'a'mah,

HK would have reminded Ra that he was not doing this to save her but to save his own face and reputation, but it was too late for that. He had the reports that the initial makeshift defenses did not stop WD's forces but at least thinned him down enough that even a lone droid, if it was the right droid, would have been able to hinder him even further. HK followed his movements through various surveillance and security systems he was connected to, plotting his own path to intercept him.

According to his calculations, HK would be mostly at an advantage somewhere in tight quarters with limited cover, a battlefield where WD and his guards would not be able to fire at the same time, and although approach towards them would have been difficult, once HK would close in, he would have them all grouped together. For this purpose he scanned the station's layout, looking for the right spot. HK worked with the security systems he had under control as well to achieve that.

Throughout his advance into the station WD would come across some pathways sealed by blasting doors while others remained opened, funneling him down a specific route. This would go on for a while until finally after opening one unlocked door he would see before him a corridor with only a couple of alcoves at its side leading to sealed doorways. At the end of this tunnel stood a droid, clad in organic blackened Vong-shaped armor, and with a heavy black cloak wrapped around his shoulders. In one hand he had a deactivated ligthsaber, his other hand remained empty for now.

It was HK in case he had trouble figuring it out.