The Red Curtain [First Order Dominion of Quintas]

[Asharad Graush]

Objective: Quantum Leap.
Post Eight.
[member="Valessia Brentioch"], [member="Natasi Fortan"], [member="Marzena Choi"]

A'sharad didn't pay attention [member="Ludolf Vaas"] as he carried him beyond making sure he did further injure him by slamming him into a wall. No, instead, he followed the directions that he was given and then soon enough they were being loaded onto a medical ship.

A'sharad had heard that Vaas hadn't been the only one who had been injured, others had been killed by the explosion, Imperial marines, no less. Had it even been worth the time to bring an entire new Regiment to the station? He hadn't thought so, and now they had evacuated. He'd keep his qualms about the whole concept of Black Holes and experiences to themselves. This experience was enough to tell the sane man that this event should never have happened.

Throughout the whole journey however, the High Colonel waited patiently close to the Field Marshal on the Blackwell Medical Ship. He wasn't in the room, but he remained outside. His eyes were closed, he didn't move, as if he was sleeping standing up. He replayed the entire scenario in his mind however. The door had slipped past his guard in the Force for it didn't threaten him. He'd take it into account in the future. Still, even though many in the Army knew he was Sith, he was no Sith Lord, and he was still learning his limits.

They were on their way to Keskin, or rather, Bespin, to the nearest medical facility.

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

FIV Londinium

A heavy security presence was now aboard the Blackwell-class medical transport. A team of surgeons rushed [member="Ludolf Vaas"] into surgery, Major Leonra Eldrel was aboard the Londinium as Head Nurse. She simply pointed for Graush to scrub up if he wanted inside the surgical room. It was fortunate for Vaas that the Blackwell and her sister the Steadfast were top of the line for their class. Keskin even at their speed was still off, and the Londinium's team was now tasked with keeping the Field Marshall alive. It's all he'd have to do, is stay alive... It would be enough. It was a test for the medical team aboard the vessel, as he became a priority, for there weren't many else within the vicinity who survived.

Lieutenant Friehaas was pronounced dead aboard one of the Steadfasts, as were several other marines who had been tasked with security. Private Lydia Raleigh, Private Ethan Varren, Corporal Lee Dancause, Corporal Tanor Quinn and Sgt. Viktoria Alashan. They had run in behind the High Colonel getting scientists out, the malfunctioning bulkhead that hit Vaas in the head. Served as a death trap for those behind it. Commander Aermoira Cyone and Doctor Theodore West were also injured and were being seen to elsewhere on the Londinium, in critical but stable condition.

There were more questions than answers right now, so many more questions. And unfortunately, they would all have to wait for answers.

[member="Asharad Graush"] | [member="Natasi Fortan"] | [member="Marzena Choi"]​

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Post: 3
[member="Natasi Fortan"], [member="Ludolf Vaas"], [member="Valessia Brentioch"], [member="Asharad Graush"]

Marzena kicked off her heels on the way into her bedroom, her feet already aching. It was time to get to work, and she was thankful for the distraction. With Bonnie standing at her side, an open garment bag ready and waiting in her hands, Marzena slid the closet door open. The two women stood in silence, looking at the colorful array of gowns before them. Most of Marzena’s wardrobe waited for her back home, some folded neatly in her dresser, and the rest quickly overtaking the Field Marshal’s side of the closet. The pieces left here on Bespin were special, they were things that she had only worn once, and would likely never wear again.

Her fingers slide over the soft tulle of the Contessa gown that she’d worn to the San Guinem Textum show. It almost seemed sad to pack this one away for good, but she reluctantly handed delicate gown to Bonnie. The next item was already stowed away in plastic, the remains of the stage costume that she had worn on Lanteeb, she wasn’t even sure why she still had it. Marzena stared down at the outfit, hands beginning to shake. All of these garments held memories for her.

Time seemed to pass slowly, but Marzena had made sure to keep herself occupied. Her nervous energy moving through the room as she paced about, but Bonnie was there to be the calm reminder of what needed to be done. When her closet was nearly empty, Marzena stopped suddenly; a silent shiver ran down her spine. Her hand reached behind, gently rubbing the small of her back, trying to ease the feeling away... but it didn’t work.

“Are you okay, Ms. Choi?”

Marzena offered a very slight nod, her head barely moving to acknowledge her assistant. It was then that she noticed a few dark garments hanging at the end of her closet, the last to be packed away. She pulled out the last hanger to find that these clothes did not belong to her, they were neatly pressed uniforms. A faint smile found her lips as she touched the First Order symbol on the left shoulder. She carefully took the clothing off the hanger, and hugged them close to her chest. Marzena bowed her head, breathing in the scent left behind.

Her comlink was ringing now, the sound muffled, trapped inside her bag.

Bonnie perked up instantly and wandered back out into the living room. She returned a moment later with the comlink and held it out for Marzena. They exchanged worried glances, and Marzena swallowed hard, her hand hovered over the device. There was nothing to be scared of, right? It was just a call... it could have been anyone.

Marzena finally answered, her voice came through on the other end.

“This is Marzena,” She said simply, trying to make her voice sound as pleasant as she could manage.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi found that with something to concentrate on, someone to focus on, the hysteria that had been threatening to overwhelm her was losing its grip on her. When [member="Marzena Choi"] answered, Natasi sighed silently in relief. "Marzena -- it's Natasi. Um -- Natasi Fortan. I..." Her voice trailed off and she rubbed the back of her neck. What was there to say? She found the answer on the bulletin in her hand. It was eyes only -- she couldn't speak of it over the channel anyway. She tried to steady her voice. "I'm so sorry to call unannounced," Natasi said, suddenly as prim and Galidraani as she'd ever been. "Are you at home? I'm -- I need to speak to you in person. I'm afraid I can't say why over this channel, but it is extremely urgent."

She paused as there was a knock at the door. "I'm so sorry, can you hold, please?" She answered the door and took another bulletin from Sioux, who stood at the door, clearly fighting against tears. For a moment she was worried that [member="Ludolf Vaas"] had taken a turn -- had died -- but then she remembered that Sioux hated Vaas with a fiery passion, and felt relief. She glanced at the bulletin.

​

INCIDENT ALERT - EYES ONLY - GRAND MOFF FORTAN​

FIV PREVAIL ISSUED DISTRESS SIGNAL APPROX. 10 MINUTES AGO​

FIV PREVAIL TRANSPONDER OFFLINE - RESPONSE TEAM INBOUND​

SUPREME COMMANDER KALAST UNRESPONSIVE​

FOSB TO INVESTIGATE - POSSIBLE LINK TO QUINTAS INCIDENT​

NEBULA TO CONFERENCE FATHER EARLIEST​

​

Natasi put a hand to her mouth and stifled a curse before she muttered, "Defense condition two. Put all fleets on alert. Bring all non-essential patrol fleets back to Dosuun -- now. Schedule the next ten minutes the Supreme Leader has." Sioux nodded and hurried back to the command center. This just became a whole other ball of wax.

"Marzena, I'm so sorry," Natasi said once she resumed the line. "Things are -- we're having a complicated day here. I need to see you immediately, and I need you to come to me, and I need it to happen as soon as is practicable. Please." She tried to pour all the sincerity she felt into the channel. "I can send my personal transport, the Frontrunner to meet you anywhere. We're currently at Bespin, but the Frontrunner can pick you up wherever you are."

[member="Valessia Brentioch"] | [member="Asharad Graush"] | [member="Nils Brenner"] | [member="Delilah Beckett"]

 

[Sara Lee Jones]

Post 4?/?

She had been eating a very nice meal to be honest, she could definitely spoil herself here with these meals and drinks, while she was eating she felt a rumble in the ship and dropped her fork and stood immediately, the evacuation order was given and Sara wasted no time as she bolted off grabbing a helmet before she did and slapping it on before jumping into her tie and hitting the acceleration and flew out

When she was put she huffed and hopped onto fighter comms " can anyone explain what the feth just happened? " She said and would wait for further orders as she started doing a patrold run around the station and evacuating ships

[member="Nils Brenner"], [member="Delilah Beckett"], and [member="Ishana Pavanos"]

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Post: 4
Location: Bespin ---> Concordia
[member="Ludolf Vaas"], [member="Valessia Brentioch"], [member="Asharad Graush"]

Marzena had certainly not been expecting to hear the voice of [member="Natasi Fortan"] coming over her comlink. Her fingers closed around the fabric of Ludolf’s uniform, she heard the Grand Moff’s voice softly trailing off. She covered the receiver for a moment as she cleared her throat, trying hard to find the words to respond. “Hello, Natasi...” Marzena started, “Oh...it’s quite alright.” She gently lowered the uniform to her lap, her hand resting over the top. The echo of her heartbeat pounded in her head, something was wrong. It was the only conclusion she could draw, the Grand Moff was not simply calling to catch up.

Her eyes grew wide – extremely urgent – suddenly her mouth was dry as a bone and she could not will herself to speak. Just when her lips finally parted, she heard the Moff’s voice again, this time placing her on hold. The silence on the other end of the line was torture. Just wait, it will be okay.

Marzena jolted slightly when Natasi spoke again, her head nodding quickly at the instructions.

“I-I’m on Bespin.” She spoke breathlessly, “I can meet the Frontrunner here in Cloud City. I will leave now. Thank you... see you soon.”

As soon as the call ended, Marzena stood up quickly and began to gather her things in a rush. Bonnie was speaking to her, but her voice sounded so far away, it was just background noise. She ignored the tears now streaming down her cheeks, shoved her dark sunglasses over her eyes, and stepped into her shoes.

A moment later she was bustling out the door, Bonnie followed along behind her... silent and confused.

*****​

The Frontrunner had been waiting for her at the space port, and Marzena boarded quickly, leaving Bonnie behind on Bespin. Though her nerves felt stretched to their breaking point, she forced herself to draw deep breaths. Thankfully, the trip to rendezvous with the Concordia had been blissfully short.

“This way, Ms. Choi...” She felt a hand on her shoulder, gently urging her to stand and follow.

 

[Darth Veles]

Location: Asteroid base
Objective: 3
Same objective: [member="CT-47B"], [member="Jude Falkrowe"]

Veles cautiously crept through the base, currently meeting several abandoned rooms in a row as their defenders have all fled in retreat, undoubtedly planning an ambush to put an end to the seemingly unstoppable Sith. Only the hum of machinery and computers made him company, their flickering screens a proof the work must have been abandoned in a hurry. Ready to be jumped at any second, the amphibious Sith kept a tight grip on his silver weapon handle, his pace coming to a crawl after moving through another suspiciously emptied door. Greeted only by sterile, cold air endlessly circulating through the area, the Sith shivered and froze completely. It wasn’t the temperature that had caused him to do so – something was off in the faint scent of that place, picked up by the cyborg’s enhanced sense of smell. A similar stench bringing back memories concerning the loss of his mastery over the Force.

Obedient to the brain’s direct order, his chest stopped moving in the usual steady rhythm and legs started to diligently work on escaping the area. Too late though – the lights went out without a warning, the poisonous gas relentlessly flooded the room and the door behind him played a cruel joke on the Sith when it locked. No time to cut through the reinforced durasteel in time. Dying out like a snuffed candle, the blood red lightsaber blade ceased to exist, no longer a beacon for the enemy to focus their fire on. Only the way forward remained, facing the danger head-on – but not without another cloak of shadows to hide him in the pitch-black night reigning over the chamber of death. Fortunately enough, the prosthetic eye provided enough help to let the Sith see and orient himself. And the Force, of course. For as long as he denied his lungs the pleasure of drawing in fresh oxygen, he’d stay capable to wield the Force.

He had almost bumped into a strike team sent to push back the First Order’s forces and suppress the suspected knights of Ren – rounding the corner, the Mon Cal’s mind alerted him to several presences moving in the opposite direction. Soon enough, he heard the approaching thud of boots, then a sudden stop. Two clicks, followed by the sound produced by round objects rolling over the ground. He recognized the small objects headed his way – grenades. In a split-second decision, Veles had claimed the explosives through the Force before they hit the ground and sent both tumbling right back to their rightful owners. They had expected to find disoriented, surprised Force users trying to carve their way through the door and without the Force on their side.

They got Darth Veles instead – and the loud boom announcing their plan’s failure served as a signal for the Mon Cal to strike.

 

[Sentiri]

Location: Avalonia, Dosuun. The office of Interim Director Sabosen'tir'inrokini
Time: 14:13 Avalonia Standard Time
Objectives: Media Control. Investigate.
Post: 01/20

The space still held such... disdain. The Chiss woman slowly walked and looked around at the office as if it were an exhibit being judged. And her praise was not high. The slight scowl on her face and her feelings of contempt did not arise due to the interior decoration, however. Sentiri was out of place. This office wasn't hers. As long as the word "Interim" sullied the text before "Director" it would not be hers. That foul word accompaniment would remain a constant reminder to Sentiri that her advancement was far from complete.

Sentiri had replaced every indication of rank in the office suite. All name tags and displays of her title were clearly labeled as "Deputy Director." Otherwise, the room remained decorated as the previous Director had left it, including personal items. She hadn't sat in any of the furniture since being spoon fed the job. Her data suite remained where she had constructed the mass of servers, mainframes, wires, and displays; which was adjacent to the Security Bureau Headquarters' office of the Deputy Director of Intelligence. And that hub of computers was where Sentiri could typically be found.

The only responsibility for which Sentiri felt obligated to use the Director's office were the moments when she needed to formally meet with someone. Still, she would remain standing, hands clasped behind her back, and posture as rigid as ever.

This was one of those times.

"Ma'am?"

Sentiri turned her head to look over her shoulder at her personal secretary. The Chiss woman wasn't sure why she had one. Someone had insisted that it came with the Director's job. Sentiri was perfectly capable of keeping tabs on her own correspondences without the help of some aid. But at least the secretary was capable of reducing her social interactions when she wasn't in the mood for them.

"He's here."

"Show him in."

Moments later, a meek looking man with obvious back problems and a lack of vitamin E walked through the door. His appearance wasn't impressive, but he wasn't to be underestimated. Yuren Bohl was a high level programmer and one of the lead Special Agents in the Media department. Sentiri didn't wait for him to say anything before she began.

"Initiate Protocol six-dash-zero-four. All media outlets are to remain under Security Bureau control until further notice. Continue broadcasting as if nothing has changed. All reports coming from Quintas or Keskin should be filtered. Status in both places remain nominal."

Sentiri turned fully away from the stained-wood bookshelf she was facing. Her arm stretched out and in the palm of her hand was a datachip. Yuren studied it for a brief moment before grabbing it. "What's-" was all he managed to say before Sentiri interrupted him once more.

"For your eyes only. Clear?" A nod was Yuren's only response. "Good. Dismissed." Some departments might fear information leaks. But not Sentiri. She knew every member that worked in every office of the Bureau. She trusted them all implicitly. Their faith in the First Order and, more importantly, to their own advancement, saw to their sealed lips. They handled sensitive topics such as this on a regular basis. Though the news of Field Marshall Vaas' injury was of more concern than usual. Which was why only one of her agents was being trusted with the task.

After Agent Bohl left the office, she took one last disdainful look around the office before turning and leaving. With a brief nod of acknowledgement to the secretary, Sentiri left to return to her real office.

Locking the door from entry behind her, she set herself down in her personal, form-fitting liqui-cushion and got to work. First things first: the Bureau's lead checked the manifest of all Agents assigned to Kleve. [member="Jude Falkrowe"]. [member="Val Kordova"]. Her hands shifted to an adjacent holokey-input. Quickly setting up a secure channel, she sent a brief notice via subspace transmission and left the channel open.

Report. Now. -S

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Pierce was standing alone in the main hangar of the Concordia, watching the docking procedures of the Frontrunner. Ms. Choi's journey, however short, would have been extremely comfortable, but Pierce could gather from the tone of Natasi's voice when instructing her crew to retrieve [member="Marzena Choi"] that the woman was likely too worried to enjoy the luxury of the Grand Moff's personal transport. A Navy steward approached with Marzena. "Thank you, I'll take it from here," Pierce told the steward, who nodded and snapped a salute before returning to the Frontrunner.

"Ms. Choi, good evening," said the Captain as he took his cap off, revealing slicked-back black hair. "Captain Pierce Fortan at your service, ma'am. If you'll excuse the formality -- you do not have clearance to roam aboard this vessel, so the Grand Moff has asked me to escort you while you are aboard. If you need anything at all, please don't hesitate to ask, and I will either escort you or fetch whatever you may need. The Grand Moff asked that I take you to her office as soon a you arrive. If you'll please come with me -- it's not far."

Pierce led the way through the halls of the Concordia, to the turbolift bank. It was eerily quiet -- as quiet as Pierce had ever seen it. Something was happening. Something big. He touched the appropriate key. "I beg your pardon, ma'am, and I'm sure you get this all the time, but I'm a big fan." The door chimed and opened to another almost silent hall. As they walked the short distance to the Grand Moff's office, Pierce spotted a door on the left open, and two men whispering in a quiet but rushed conversation, one jabbing his hand at the papers the other was carrying, as they crossed the hall and disappeared into a doorway on the right. An almost identical scene played out in reverse just before they came to the door to Natasi's office.

Luckily, Sioux was not sitting in her usual spot outside the office of [member="Natasi Fortan"], so Pierce simply led Marzena to the door to the inner office, knocked twice and them palmed the door open. "Natasi -- that is, Grand Moff -- I have Ms. Choi for you." He waved Marzena forward and murmured, "I'll be just outside if you need anything."

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Post 4

Natasi was standing at her desk on the far side of the room, facing away from the door, her slender frame illuminated from the front by the pair of lamps that flanked her workstation. Even from this angle, her exhaustion was clear; her head bowed, her shoulders lopsided as she braced herself up with her hands flat against the desk. She might have been reading a bulletin, or viewing an intelligence report, or crying. But in truth she was praying fervently -- for [member="Ludolf Vaas"], for [member="Aram Kalast"], for the First Order, and for herself. The fingers on her left hand clutched at the Cosmic Balance pendant she had been wearing, and she was in the middle of reciting the prayers when the door slid open and Pierce announced that [member="Marzena Choi"] had arrived.

Natasi half-turned her head, then turned away from the desk. "Thank you, Pierce," she said as she approached the door. She looked at Marzena and cocked her head to the side, gesturing for her to enter. "Come in, please. I'm sorry to have disturbed you, but..." She paused and closed the door, engaging the privacy locks. "Please, come and sit down." She gestured to the sofa. "Would you care for anything -- water or coffee or tea or anything?" Could Natasi be blamed for wanting to delay this moment? She was, perhaps, the second-worst person in the galaxy to deliver this news to Marzena, after Sioux Chambers. But Natasi was the only one with the clearance to reveal it, and she wanted to do it as gently as possible.

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Post: 5

Small steps brought Marzena into the main hangar of the Concordia, walking alongside the steward. Beneath her dark glasses, her eyes were focused on the floor, watching as the toes of her heels as she continued. She clutched her bag to her chest, she felt needy, and it helped to have something to hold onto. Her eyes flickered up as a tall man addressed her; Marzena offered a nod and forced a smile.

“Good evening, Captain Fortan.” She said in blank voice, a tone that lacked her usual charisma.

Marzena took in the Captain’s appearance, clean-cut, hair slicked back, charming. Somewhere in the back of her mind there was curiosity, surely he must bear some relation to the Grand Moff. However, this was no time to go questioning the branches of the Fortan family tree. She lifted her glasses for a brief moment, quickly dabbing at her eyes and cheeks. “I understand – thank you, Captain.”

She walked at the side of [member="Pierce Fortan III"], trying desperately to hold herself together. Under different circumstances, she would have taken in the impressive sight of the Concordia. The quiet halls were unsettling, but having the Captain’s company was reassuring. Marzena turned as he broke the silence, surprised to hear that he was a fan. “That’s very kind of you to say.” She smiled; the words had warmed her, even if for just a short moment.

Marzena nodded to Pierce as he opened the door to the Grand Moff’s office, she remained rooted to the spot. The pop star had no problem performing for thousands; she had never struggled with stage fright. But now, she was scared. Her heels finally came forward, bringing Marzena inside the office, where the doors were shut and locked behind her. She removed her glasses, tucked them back into her bag, and lowered herself onto the sofa. Marzena looked steadily at [member="Natasi Fortan"].

“No, thank you... I’m fine.” She said, keeping her hands busy by straightening out her skirt.

She let her head bow forward slightly, her eyes dropping down to her lap. This meeting had to be about [member="Ludolf Vaas"], there were just no other reasons that came to mind. Silently, she prepared herself for the worst... to hear that her fears had come true. Had he been taken from her before they could start their next chapter? Would their child come into the world without a father? Marzena was moments away from crumbling to pieces, but she clasped her hands together and spoke up.

“It’s Ludolf, isn’t it?” She looked up again, “Is he...”

She couldn't bring herself to say the word.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Post 5

Natasi sat on the coffee table directly in front of Marzena, so close that the women were almost knee-to-knee. "It is about Lu--about Field Marshal Vaas," she quickly amended herself, looking at [member="Marzena Choi"] with wide brown eyes. She hesitated. "Marzena," she began after a moment. "Marzena, I'm sorry to tell you that there was an accident at a classified military installation where the Field Marshall was on assignment. There were casualties. Our latest reports indicate that Field Marshal Vaas was seriously injured -- critically, even -- but that there are strong indicators that he will survive." She paused and reaches across the coffee table to pick up the small carton of tissues, taking one for herself before offering the box to Marzena. "The latest is that he has been placed into a medical coma in order to address a very serious head injury." Natasi wasn't even trying to contain her discomfort now; tears were streaming freely down her cheeks faster than she could mop them with her tissue.

Still, there was more to discuss. "You are, of course, the Field Marshal's emergency contact, however, the highly classified nature of his visit and the highly classified nature of the facility itself takes precedent over that status, and as far as the military apparatus is concerned you have no right to know. As far as anyone else is aware, nothing has gone amiss and the Field Marshal is fine. I cannot stress enough the importance of keeping this very clandestine." She hesitated and placed her hand on Marzena's knee. "But provided you can agree to keep everything under wraps, I will arrange to get you into the medical facility to see him when I go."

Natasi dabbed at her eyes with the wadded-up tissue, then looked down. It was only then that she saw the glint of a stone reflecting the light off her left hand, but even this was entirely insignificant when it came to the events of this evening across First Order space. She heaved a sigh and stood up abruptly, turning back to her desk and picking up her Balance pendant. "We can go to lightspeed within two minutes."

 

[Zef Halo]

Pirate base.
Maintenance Corridors

Jude proceeded forward through the empty maintenance corridors, the pistol in his hand in a center axis relock. The agent's senses wide open for any threat that was to be eliminated while looking for all sorts of clues that may give out more information on the base. Judging by the rather new materials that held the base, it did not seem old at all. It must've been something recent. Was it more recent than the station that the First Order was currently constructing. Why had it attacked the cargo ship ? Unlisted cargo? That was a first. Something was going on that he had to find out.

Abruptly, Jude's wrist datapad vibrated. What the? It had been on silent mode. That meant only one thing. An urgent message from FOSB Command. Only such messages overrode anything set on the datapad. It startled him because he knew well that this meant it was something, really, really serious.

Report, now. -S

Before he could respond in any way, a blaster rang through the air and his breastplate took the bulk of it. The impact and his instincts made him deadweight and role around. As if on autopilot, he tapped into the Force and fear took hold of the assailant. The man dropped his weapon down and Jude realized how much power he had hurled at the man's mind like a whole truck loaded with bricks had just unloaded them upon him. It was gruesome as it broke him, the man fell on his knees and dropped his pistol. Jude dashed at the man and took his pistol before removing his grip from the man's mind.

"Run, fool, save yourself." Jude told him and tossed him away, he knew that this young maintenance boy would know nothing more. He had read his mind. There was no need of needless murder.

<< What the kark is going on, I am in the middle of an important operation. >> He snapped back at the hyper wave transmitting comlink on his wrist datapad.


[member="Sentiri"] [member="Darth Veles"] [member="CT-47B"]

 

[Leilani Paaie]

Location: Cloud City
Post 1

She was a leggy zeltron a bit of throw back with her jet black hair with hints of purple and blue running through it. When her gaze settled on someone she gave this little smile and a slow wink then begin to saunter towards them.

Sometimes they got up and ran away, sometimes they couldn't help but sit right where they were. She had been off the scene for sometime trying to get her bearings on life and what she wanted of it.

Zeltrons were made, designed by nature for the finer things in life, rich foods, competition, athletics, and yes the physical pleasure after all the pheromones just cascaded off them enticing men and women to come closer.

Then they could also reflect back their emotions, and they always made them feel good. Zeltrons were made to be indulgent. Leilani was no different except for a few things, she did not wear the bright neon colors that many of her fellow zeltrons loved.

Leilani liked the feel of silk on her skin, of soft furs, and the sparkle of jewels. She had a string of naboo pearls given to her by an admirer. He had been very good, educated, a wealth of information, and he needed no direction when the lights went out.

But that was a time ago and Armand was gone. Leilani was ready to come out and be the woman she had been before the men entered her life. She needed credits, and safety.
So, she'd work on redesigning her father's business, and then throw her lot in with the First Order. Maybe there was a contract out there with her name on it.

She walked from the Baudo that had been graciously lent to her, onto Cloud City.

There was a buzz of activity, she'd have to look about and see what she could find out. Whispers would be all around, she only had to find someone to whisper them to her.

 

[Darth Veles]

It did not help Veles had caught their ranks in their weakest moment, injured and riddled with chaos. While a formidable assault team, the powerful blaster rifles fared no better than toy guns in close combat against two lightning-fast lightsabers flicking left and right, up and down. All colourful blaster bolts to leave the barrels were a by-product of panic and desperation rather than aim – and it showed, as soon all carbines stopped barking and fell silent, just like their wielders. Not all have perished in this dark room though; the last surviving member stared at two searing stubs that used to hold hands. Shock and disbelief had numbed the pain running course through his body, eyes blankly staring at his fellow commando getting eliminated one by one in crimson flashes of deadly light and brutal efficiency.

When the red beams stopped singing through the air and the Mon Cal turned around, amber gaze cutting through the darkness right at the survivor, the pirate reached for his sidearm, extending the stub and completely denying the fact the task was futile. Veles extinguished one weapon, placed it back on his belt and studied the crippled man’s motion before his free hand went for the pirate’s gun, removing it from the holster and discarding it on the floor like a piece of old junk, although he did notice it to be a weapon usually wielded by professionals. Odd. This entire group seemed to be all too well equipped and organized for a bunch of bandits. Very, very odd. Mere loot plundered by the pirates, or did it signify a more sinister plot happening right on the First Order’s doorstep?

Finally hit by the nightmarish reality, the disarmed pirate let out a cry and stumbled backwards. Unable to find balance, he hit the ground and remained lying, a pathetic sack of meat waiting for slaughter. His sobs offered no help, but it was all he could do. Two strides brought the Mon Cal right to the fallen man, free hand reached for his helmet and took it off, revealing a scared, pale face of a young man, illuminated by red light. Dropping the protective headgear with a clank coming from the panels beneath them, the amphibious Sith spoke up, doing so with haste as the gas remained a danger.

“Look into my eyes and tell me – what lies beyond this door?” inquired the Sith Lord in thickly accented and smooth voice, locking his gaze with the man, “Does more treachery await?”

“I- I… don’t know…!” whined the human, tearing up as the wave of painful agony finally hit him in its full strength.

“Then you’re of no use to me.” Veles declared and raised his weapon above the cowering fool, ready to make the pirate’s fears a reality.

“Wait!”

Lowering his weapon hand, the assassin listened.

“A second group! Uugh….! Holed up….at the end of the, aah….next corridor! Heavy we-weapons. Explosives. More gas.”

Deeming him no threat, the Mon Cal left the man to be picked by the First Order’s forces soon to follow in his wake.


[member="Jude Falkrowe"] [member="CT-47B"] [member="Sentiri"]

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Post: 6

He was still alive.

The realization offered a tiny drop of relief, but it didn’t make the news of the Field Marshal’s accident any less upsetting. Marzena pressed her hand against her mouth, trapping any sound that threatened to escape. But there was nothing that could be done to stop the tears. Her shoulders began to shake, and she struggled to take a breath for a moment, until she could finally pull in a gasp of air. Marzena saw the Moff’s pale hand offering a carton of tissues, and she plucked a few with shaking fingers. Dark eyes locked on the blurred image of [member="Natasi Fortan"], trying to dry her own tears.

The thought of [member="Ludolf Vaas"] in a coma made her heart ache; she needed to be at his side.

Marzena wiped her eyes and blinked a few times to bring the Grand Moff back into focus. She listened quietly as Natasi described the sensitive nature of the situation, and placed her hand over her heart, almost like she was about to take a pledge. “I understand,” She said, glancing down to see that Natasi’s hand was on her knee. It was a small but comforting gesture, and Marzena appreciated it more than she could ever say. Her eyes immediately snapped back to meet Natasi’s as the offer was made, her gaze wide and hopeful.

“Of course,” Marzena nodded firmly, “You will have my full cooperation.”

She would truly have given anything to see him; silence was a small price to pay.

Marzena reached out to take Natasi’s hand, but her grasp had come too late. Her empty palm fell back to her lap, and she gazed at the Grand Moff from across the room. No doubt, Natasi was struggling too.

“Natasi,” She said softly, “Thank you...”

It was all she could think to say for the moment, only hoping that her voice could help convey the deep sense of gratitude she felt towards the Grand Moff. Marzena closed her eyes, folded her hands in her lap and began to pray.

Please, please... don’t let him die.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Post 6
Allies: [member="Ludolf Vaas"] I guess


She crossed around to the front of her desk, leaning over her comlink, and depressed a key connecting her to the bridge. "It's Fortan. Lightspeed, as soon as possible." The affirmative response from the bridge crew came through, and for several minutes the Grand Moff remained in this position for several long moments, hanging her head over her desk for several long moments. When Marzena thanked her, Natasi's shoulders tensed and she shook her head, her bobbed hair swinging against her chin, her cheeks shining in the dim light where tears had traced tracks down her face.

"It's nothing," she said simply. Natasi inclined her head, stretching her neck until she was looking at the ceiling. She repeated: "It's ... nothing."

It felt harsh to brush Marzena off, but Natasi had places to be -- like an audience with the Supreme Leader in two minutes -- so there was no avoiding it. "Ms. Choi, I'm sorry to give you that news and then hurry you along, but -- " She hesitated; actually, given their history, perhaps Marzena would rather not be around Natasi at the moment. She folded her arms around her midsection and went on. " -- but I'm afraid I have some urgent matters to attend to. I've asked my cousin, Captain Pierce, to escort you while aboard the Concordia and the stewards have made one of the stateroom suites available for your use."

She hesitated as she approached [member="Marzena Choi"]. "You can stay here, if you like, but the voyage will take some time, so I thought you'd be more comfortable..." Natasi waved vaguely, as if gesturing to the stateroom suite nearby, then glanced at her wrist to check her watch. "I'm so sorry, the Supreme Leader has asked me to brief him on the situation, so I need to go and do that. Captain Pierce is right outside the door whenever you need anything or when you'd like to go and rest."

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Post: 7

Marzena had never been much of a religious person; she hardly knew where to direct her prayers. Just maybe, there was someone or something out there listening. For the moment, it was something to hold on to, a wish that her thoughts would somehow protect [member="Ludolf Vaas"]. Her eyes snapped open again when [member="Natasi Fortan"] spoke. Marzena dabbed at her face with the tissues again, nodding to the Grand Moff, trying to compose herself as quickly as she could manage.

“It’s okay,” Marzena said, placing her glasses back on to hide her tired eyes. “I-I will go with Captain Fortan.” She sniffled, and grabbed a few more tissues for the road. “Thank you, Grand Moff.”

Marzena gazed at Natasi over her shoulder for a moment on her way to the door, and she emerged to find that Piece was waiting patiently outside. She must have looked like such a hot mess, a woman struggling to hold herself together. Marzena asked to be taken to the suite that had been prepared for her, and followed along behind Captain Fortan as he led the way. Once they arrived, she left him outside the door again, and retreated into solitude.

She collapsed onto the sofa and curled up on her side, her arms wrapped around her middle. There in the quiet, Marzena felt the tiniest of movements within. It was only the second time she had ever felt the baby move, but it had come just when she needed it most. It was a reminder that she was not alone. And though the tears kept falling, she squeezed her eyes shut, silently promising to be strong.

The dark clouds were here, and it was time to weather the storm.

 

[Sentiri]

Location: Avalonia, Dosuun. The computer laboratory of the Deputy Director.
Objective: Find out what is going on. Reallocate resources.
Post: 02/20

Sentiri's brow furrowed at the crass demand of her subordinate. A few keystrokes and her typescript messages became voice messages. <<Your job should be to tell me what is going on. Not the other way around>> A few more keystrokes and encrypted file was sent along with her message.

Incident Alert - Eyes Only - Special Agent [member="Jude Falkrowe"]​

FIRS Kleve Incident Report - Explosion: Noncatastrophic - Numerous casualties and injuries.​

Orders - Investigate Kleve. Confirm or deny malicious intent. Report findings immediately.​

​

Attached with Jude's orders were preliminary incident reports coming from Kleve. Without being connected to the research facility herself, there was little Sentiri could do on her own. Kleve was intended to be a secret, only the highest level clearance would be able to access any reports. While Sentiri was well above that clearance, she had yet to have the opportunity to install the proper coded surveillance devices. Now she was considering perform those duties personally.

In the end, this very scenario was why she had agents: to go where her computers could not reach. Try as she might, the Chiss woman could not accomplish everything on her own.

A similar message was sent to [member="Val Kordova"], the other agent assigned to the station's preliminary testing. She sent a few subspace transmissions to the FOSB agents stationed aboard the Prevail but did not expect a response. A few more sets of orders were sent to agents in order to investigate the last known location of the Supreme Commander's vessel as well as its flight path. After compiling the list, she discovered that the ship had spent some time in the Anoat sector near Bespin. Sentiri browsed her catalog of agents once more and found another name.

Incoming Orders - Eyes Only - Agent [member="Leilani Paaie"]​

Investigate any local interactions with the crew of FIV Prevail aboard Cloud City.​

Follow any leads, including off world.​

Confirm or deny malicious intent.​

Report findings immediately. Make no further action.​

Several other similar messages traveled to other agents, each with varying amounts of detail, but none mentioning the demise of the Supreme Commander or the injury to the Field Marshall. Finally, there was one more coded message before she could be left to scour the holos on her own.

Incoming Alert - Interim Director Sentiri to FIV Londonium - Attn: Major Leona Eldrel​

When possible. Please forward all injury reports and autopsies directly to my office. Include high priority.​

Forensics will need to examine case by case for potential malicious intent.​

Destroy all files immediately after transmission.​

Use coded channel Four-Trill-Two-Krill-One.​

Regards. And good luck.​

​

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]​

 

[knight_of_fire98]

Location: Third Asteroid Belt
Objective: (3) Mysterious Distress Signal
Post: 4
Involving: [member="Darth Veles"] , @Carlyle Rausgeber , [member="Jude Falkrowe"] First Order Starfighters, Boarding Parties.

The pirate fleet burned, Carlyle's unholy barrage of turbolaser fire having completely decimated the stations once formidable stationary defenses as TIE fighters cut through Blade wings like a red lightsaber through a soft knife, leaving scrap metal and the burned remains to be sent flying in random directions, the sheer speed of their flight being the only force preventing their broken bodies from being swallowed by the ever hungry Black hole which they all orbited, and all light was absorbed. The small freighters spun weakly through space, not completely destroyed like the fighters before them, but punctured by missiles and hot laser fire. Their contents leaking out through the breaches as the sheer pull of the void tore the gas the crews breathed and the durasteel around each hole in the hull away from the ships as bodies half dressed in suits that could've saved them from the exposure drifted mere meters away from their helmets as they floated helplessly in different directions as the oxygen was sucked from their bodies as their emptying lungs collapsed. A TIE fighter being chased by one of the last surviving freighters flips up, suddenly. Having been spinning to evade every deadly laser fired towards it the freighter never expected the maneuver, while the TIE pilot's BB-10 twisted the secondary turret and blasted across the ships small bridge, shattering through the glass and dusting the copilot as the TIE ducked back down and its thin, bladelike right wing cut the filthy Weequay pilot in half as he tried and failed to swim from its path.

On the station, CT-47B and the other Stormtroopers carefully edged through the hallway with their blasters and sonic rifles at the ready as they followed Veles' bloody path through the Sith massacre. Finishing off those delimbed individuals the dark side user left behind. Eventually they came across the shivering survivor. Who in shock had collapsed among the corpses of his companions. One of the Stormies went to cuff him, but found no hands for the cuffs to rest over. With no way of securing the captive, one of the second squad members shot him in the head where he lay before they moved up behind Veles and prepared to breach the next room.

(Scene change)

Jude had found what he needed, the computer was left unprotected. Its currently signed in user -a Marya Urell- having long ran off defend the station and been swiftly vivisected by Veles.
Searching through he'd find surprisingly detailed logs of the pirates cargo, organised as efficiently as any manifesto belonging to a First Order base, ship or garrison.

There were records of what they had brought in, FD-11 blasters, X-11E sonic rifles, pistols, Stormtrooper Armour by the crate load. How much was damaged and therefore unsellable, which ship they'd come from and what had been packaged for resale. With the equipment came medical supplies, rations and...A single previously unfamiliar artillery walker prototype? Listed as being destroyed during capture, though there were several references to AT-ST's that and a single mention of a walker that had not been destroyed, but instead lay somewhere in the station ready for reclamation by the Order. Comparing the captured ships mentioned to official First Order records would reveal who was captaining the escorting vessel as a Captain Moxxar Sinhali. Who despite fantastic scores on his academy exams, and having been peaked as an officer with the potential to have become an admiral. Had been plagued with constant failure and losses in the field before finally going missing with Freighter 751.

Searching Sinhali in the computer would allowed Jude to discover Sinhali had been brought aboard, with most of the crew of his personal vessel having been slaughtered mid-mutiny against the Captain by Pirate forces before its contents were looted and the ship was scuttled into a nearby sun. Why they assisted the captain was not clear, but Jude could easily make his own conclusions.

(Back to Veles)

Fire came from inside the secured room, slow, methodical. A cry declaring someone a traitor being the only break as Veles, CT-47B, and the Stormtroopers listened to the sound of an execution in progress as bodies hit the polished floor one after the other, some slumping first against their repeating blasters and others simply collapsing where they stood. A moment later the doors opened, and a cologne wearing officer in the garb of a First Order captain would stand between the sizzling corpses, all but two of which had been clearly shot in the back of their skulls when they had been preparing for Veles' arrival. His hands would be crossed behind his back, the barrel of the hold out pistol he had used peeking out from behind his back, still glowing hot. He would not be unfit, but he did not carry the appearance one would expect of an unransomed prisoner who'd been missing for almost a year. He stood straight, proud. His skin showing a healthy hint of tan, as if he had spent a few months on luxurious planet-side shore leave and not the prison cells of the asteroid station they found themselves on.

​He smiled. Knowing that he was the smartest man in the room (even including the 7 dead ones), before speaking in a voice born of money and merit given and not earned, his tone that of one saturated with tremendous ego and prejudice for the Mon Calmari as he attempted to take control of the precarious situaion. "Good evening. I am Captain Moxxar Sinhali. I was planning to ask why my rescue party was arriving a year late, but I see now that it had a fish at its head. Were you looking for me in my aquarium? Or was it a pond?"