Dominion The Root of the Problem | GA Dominion of Foerost

[Spirit of Hope]

"If Bastion falls, what then for your ships and soldiers? It is the well being of the citizens of the Galaxy that concern me, Imperator. I stand with you in believing that the Sith Empire is a villain that must be stopped. But, when the dust settles, what will you be?"
​

- Chancellor Emmen Tagge​

Foerost, a storied planet with a long history and ancient tales has seen better days. Following the One Sith’s occupation of the Core Worlds, many saw death and despair unlike anything before. An empire led by the devilish Sith, those unlucky enough to fall under their watchful gaze, found hope waning and a future no longer guaranteed. For many, the One Sith’s appearance brought only doom. To others, an awakening of ideas and principles that clashed with the longstanding beliefs of the Core worlds. The people of Foerost were no different. It’s people enslaved to the unbending will of tyranny, forced to work tirelessly within the Shipyards orbiting the planet. These slaves built thousands of ships between then and the One Sith’s fall at the hands of the Sith Empire, who soon ripped through the world for resources, not unlike their predecessors.

With Foerost now free from the clutches of darkness and imperialism, the Galactic Alliance finds itself at a crossroads. Having invested significant funding behind the restructuring of Metellos, the support of the New Jedi Order, and continued attacks against the Sith Empire, many within the Senate question whether or not further expansion is possible. Deciding on a sweep of Foerost due to the planet’s claim to the second greatest shipyard in the galaxy, a successful vote within the Senate has brought Foerost into the fold and officialized it as a member-planet. While the world sees potential for gain, the Galactic Alliance must first secure their investments and ensure the gamble is worth it.

Back on Coruscant, the Senate debates the expansion of the Galactic Alliance Defense Force. One decisive victory sees the New Imperial Order much closer to breaking Bastion and tearing down the Sith-Imperial regime, but the matters of war aren’t that simple. The forces dedicated to their allies in the Outer Rim run low following the surprise attack on Muunilinst. Senator Shute Gunray of the Corportalist Party has introduced a bill meant to expand the Defense Force’s Fleet with the acquisition of Foerost...

​

Objective I - Make Ship Happen
Foeost // Orbiting the Planet // Foerost Shipyards

Soon after the Grayson Imperiums withdrawal from Foerost, the planetary engineers saw a boom of individual growth and empowerment. Unfortunately, this growth did not last. Lacking proper affiliation or contracts of their own, the independently-owned businesses lacked a proper means of financing themselves. After a year of independent operation and missed contracts, many on the planet have begun to entertain external offers from some less than friendly forces in the galaxy. With further involvement in the War of Dissidence drawing near, it is paramount the Alliance secures these contracts.

Sent in on behalf of the Alliance, corporate representatives led by REC and Technoid Manufactorum personnel are tasked with the inspection of Foerost’s shipyards. While the Core’s second-largest shipyard is a promising investment, given its storied history as the largest and most valued up until Kuat’s own expansion, many question whether or not such an investment will bear fruit. Join our corporate overlords out in the field, throw on those hard hats, and put your nose to the grindstone in hopes of establishing contracts with the planet’s engineers for the benefit of the Alliance!

Can the corporate representatives of The Alliance strike and sign a deal to leverage the shipyard’s capabilities?

​

Objective II - Beneath the Sadow of Doom
Foerost // Outside of Hajibar // Downed Star Destroyer

Before the Galactic Alliance’s arrival, reports of a recently unearthed ship reached SIA operatives located on Foerost. Further inspection revealed the ship’s origin dating back far before the Gulag Plague. Forward operatives found evidence of Sith magic permeating the ship, alongside ancient Dark Side Sithspawn known as Rakghouls. Ordered to investigate further, a small squadron of Alliance agents entered the downed star destroyer. Days passed with several planned check-ins missed by the unit before contact was finally made outside the vessel. Many of the operatives were missing in action, while the only one to return spoke of a powerful artifact akin to, but vastly different from the Jedi Holocron. This artifact appeared blood-red in color and pyramid-like in shape. Hearing word of this, Admiral Cassius Callaesar requested the aid of both the Galactic Alliance Defense Force and the New Jedi Order.

Together, Alliance Forces will infiltrate the star destroyer, eradicate any remaining Rakghouls, and secure the Sith Holocron. Those who can be spared shall break away from the main group and search for our missing operatives. What little information we’ve gleaned from our sole survivor also mentioned ancient texts they did not recognize lining the corridors of this lost ship, alongside a strange series of whispers that seemed to follow them. If the Dark Side’s presence is as strong as they claim, keep close to your Jedi and do not give in to your darkest thoughts.

May the Force be with you!

​

Objective III - Shute Ourselves in the Foot
Coruscant // Galactic City
Senate Chamber // Grand Convocation Chamber

Already, the Corportalists seek to gain from the acquisition of Foerost. Some find the idea of expanding the Galactic Alliance Defense Force a necessity given the ever chaotic state of the galaxy. Others abhor the idea, believing in the values of democracy and speech over showings of strength through arms. Nonetheless, Senator Gunray has introduced a bill meant to not only expand the military might of the Alliance, securing contracts with corporations such as the Technoid Manufactorum and REC but also for a more aggressive push for control of the Foerost’s Shipyards themselves.

While the Senate agreed to join the war against the Sith Empire, this is the first instance a push for more has taken place. After dedicating so much time to building up the central government and reinvigorating life within the Core, some believe it is time to see change elsewhere, primarily in the military. What does that growth look like to you? Should the Galactic Alliance expand beyond a minimalist defense force meant to protect their borders? Would the introduction of a more powerful military to aid in expansion benefit the galactic power? This proposition brings to mind differences in philosophies, one that could very much tear the Senate apart.

Objective IV - I Wood Not Ask You Here for Nothing

Perhaps exploring forgotten ships, reviewing the shipyards, and discussing policies within the Senate doesn’t interest you. Well, that’s okay! Foerost has seen influences from the likes of Naga Sadow, Darth Revan, Darth Malak, neighboring planets such as Kaikielius, the Techno Union, and the Republic. There are plenty of adventures to be had whether on your own or side by side with another brave soul. Stick around, tell a tale or two, and help secure another planet for the Galactic Alliance!

 

[Placeholder 0128]

Objective II
Near the Star Destroyer's engines

There was little room for politics in the realms of the damned.

The errant's ties to the Galactic Alliance were loose at best. There had been opportunities for reconciliation, and he'd rather emphatically shut them down. His loyalty was to the Ashla and the people alone, not a senate, and certainly not a chancellor. He would be no one's dog, not again.

But Foerost had need of him. Word of what was going on within the Star Destroyer had reached him through sympathetic contacts still entrenched within the military structure, though most of the details had been lost to him. All he knew was that there was supposedly an object that sounded like a holocron hidden within the depths of the ruined vessel, and with that knowledge came the terrible truth of what power it might hold.

Such a tool could not be allowed to fall into the wrong hands, and truth be told, some part of the man still had an affinity for those he had once called brothers and sisters. Better he deal with the threat before more of them perished to its madness. For his part, he relished the challenge. He suspected there would be much opportunity to test his new blade.

A plate-bound hand drifted over its hilt as he marched through the indentation in the earth the vessel had caused in its fall. It brought him some comfort: the weapon would be his sole companion in the darkness.

Scuttering from within the destroyer drew him to a halt as he came upon the remains of its massive engines. The errant's eyes drifted shut as he felt the presence of life shifting and squirming about within the confines of the metal sarcophagus. He sensed little intelligence as his mind touched that of those within. Where once there had been ambitions, dreams, hope, now there was only an all-consuming hunger. That hunger clawed at him, begged both for his flesh, and for him to partake in its feast.

The errant ripped himself from the beast's mind just as his mouth began to water. "Degenerate," he scowled beneath his helm. This had the potential to be far worse than he'd expected.

Bogan's Lament roared to life as he impaled the blade into the side of the vessel, slowly carving his own entrance into the durasteel tomb.

 

[Theo Vereen]

Objective III - Shute Ourselves in the Foot
Coruscant // Galactic City
Senate Chamber // Grand Convocation Chamber

He read through the bill that Senator Gunray has introduced a bill meant to not only expand the military might of the Alliance, securing contracts with corporations such as the Technoid Manufactorum and REC but also for a more aggressive push for control of the Foerost’s Shipyards themselves.

One had to be very careful when it came to military might, and business deals. This as history had shown them could be positive and negative. The Core worlds rich in many things, weak in others and yet it seemed much of the galaxy took its cues from whatever happen here. He understood the need for military but that could mean asking everyone to contribute military, personnel and ships. There were some worlds that did not focus on such trade.

Delaya, Alderaan's sister world held such focus while Alderaan remained the jewel with the rich deposits of ore that kept many of the noble houses afloat.

He did not need much experience to know what his homeworld had, needed or supported.

Many of the Senators were already beginning to weigh in their opinions. Support from many of the major worlds, indecison from the others they like him seemed to be waiting. But why.

Theo stood up, "I would like to ask the Senator to expand on the idea of military might if the Senator would be so kind."

Shute Gunray

 

[Ryv]

// Paragon //
// Foerost // Outside of Hajibar // Entering the Star Destroyer //
// Ascertain What is Causing the Dark Side Presence //
// P Placeholder 0128 // Open //

Another day, another problem to solve. The days began to blend together as issue after issue presented itself, only seeming to slow in time for a customary celebration here or there. Yeah, it felt nice to sit down and relax for an evening, have a few drinks, link up with some friends. But in the face of the ever-present threats to the galaxy waiting for the just to falter? Ryv lost sight of everything else. He'd begun to trust others, relying on them to help guide the New Jedi Order in ways he just couldn't do on his own. Maynard had a mind for the military, Loske, an understanding of the skies. Allyson worked in tandem with the SIA and growing organization of Jedi Shadows as if she didn't belong anywhere else. They all provided something to their Order, simultaneously taking a weight off of his back, helping to shoulder the burdens of leadership. Still, Ryv felt so frustrated when the truth of the galaxy once again snuck up on him, rearing its ugly head. The Sith Empire, the Bryn'adul, the Confederacy of Independent Systems, the Zweihander Union, the Eternal Empire, and the Agents of Chaos, alongside potentially hundreds, if not thousands more small-scale organizations had nothing but the worst planned for the galaxy. A stand was taken, the Galactic Alliance and New Imperial Order on the rise to clash against these storybook villains, yet, Ryv knew it wasn't enough.

Fortunately, things were on the up and up. It helped Ryv contend with those stressful feelings that never seemed to go away, making his days a little bit easier. Coupling that with the growth of the New Jedi Order, the Kiffar found more reasons to keep up the fight. No longer did he rely on just a sense of what's right and an unbreakable will to push towards such a thing. Now, the Jedi knew others believed in his cause. He knew they'd take up arms to do the right thing, even at the risk of losing their lives or loved ones. While the weight of leadership hung heavily upon the young Jedi Knight, it couldn't be helped. If he were to waver at the wrong time, it could very well mean the end of more than just himself, or his friends. That spark of hope ignited within the galaxy, meant to bring about the end of darkness and encase the stars in warmth once again, could see a similar fate. And no matter what happened, Ryv Karis knew such an outcome couldn't come to be. Even if it meant wrestling with his greatest demons or sacrificing those he loved most, that inkling of hope must persevere.

Regardless of purpose or silent misgivings, Ryv's mind soon wandered back to the task at hand. The New Jedi Order's goal on Foerost had everything to do with the recently unearthed star destroyer. Reports of the Dark Side, rakghouls, ancient Sith scrawlings, and an unknown power brought with it many risks. Most of those risk beyond the mortal man. Given the Galactic Alliance's support of the Order, the Sword of the Jedi couldn't refuse aid to their newfound allies, especially in the face of powers he swore to defeat. So, he called on those willing to serve and wound up on the planet of Foerost. Now, those who joined the Kiffar fell in line beside the other operatives sent forth by the Alliance, working in tandem in hopes of overcoming this insidious threat. Such matters led the Jedi Knight within the star destroyer, guiding him deeper into the desolate corridors of an age long past. The shadows seemed thick and murky, coalescing just at the corners of his vision, beckoning him deeper. Ryv reached down at his belt, taking hold of the Blade of Ruusan tight in one hand. Immediately, the weapons calming touch cascaded over him, washing away any misgivings or fears caused by the familiar chill of the Dark Side.

Turning a corner, Ryv activated the powerful weapon, the darkness beat back by the lightsaber's cyan glow. He took the heavy hilt in both hands, treating it similarly to a torch as he pressed further into the ship. Echoes of distant passage, the scraping of metal, and some feral monstrosity reached him, though the Jedi Knight pressed onward. Another forsaken corridor led him past abandoned rooms, ruined by the passage of time. Ryv felt aimless once more, wandering without purpose or meaning, lost in a sea of inane whisperings and ceaseless pitch. Unsure of what to do, the Kiffar pressed onward, reliant on the weapon in hand and Ashla's sight to nudge him in the right direction. As if on queue, another presence caught the Jedi's attention. Though unsure of the distance, Ryv could feel a familiar being, one enwrapped in the Light of Ashla as he pushed into the clutches of the dark. Shifting directions, he marched towards the errant master, intent on becoming the second companion to join him in the shadow of doom.

 

[Placeholder 0128]

Objective II
Engine-Section of the Star Destroyer
Ryv


He felt the presence. It was a brief, fleeting thing, like a shadow caught in the corner of one's eye: subtle, yet just enough for him to notice. The errant felt the familiar aura of his ancestral weapon, and in turn understood that his foremost student was nearby. Uncertain as to feel about that, the warrior sought to cast such thoughts aside. He had come here to perform a service, not to reminisce.

The boy would come to him if he needed to. As things were, Cedric Grayson was keen on his own.

Metal wept in crimson lines as his newly forged blade cut easily through the Star Destroyer's carapace. The man-sized hole he'd carved for himself fell away as the metal gave, and the scent of death swarmed out to meet him. It was sickly sweet, and at the same time bitter. The smell of fresh blood intermingling with that of corpses that had lingered far too long. Rot and life, forged in an unholy union. Were he not so used to it, it would have made him recoil.

A scream ushered out from the darkness. It was wet and throaty, like a dog wailing as its owner abused it. Despite himself, the hairs on his forearms stood up in a remarkably primal reaction. For all his training, and all the blood he had spilled in the Ashla's name, his ape-brain perceived predators, and he was the prey. The apex predator became the hunted, and the disruption of that natural order sent a tingle down his spine.

Despite his mortal worries, Cedric pressed on, cerulean blade roaring as if to match the screams of the damned within.

The eerie blue light of his blade illuminated the room. It was a standard corridor, though much of it had given way to dysfunction and mold. The sickly sweet smell was stronger than ever as his boots echoed against the durasteel floorboards.

Then came the second scream. What followed was a flickering of movement, a flash of claws, a glint of teeth reflected in the light. Cedric wasted little time in negotiating with the hellspawn, and they treated him similarly.

Two of the Rakghouls lunged with unintelligible curses upon their spit-stained lips. Cedric responded to their call with one of his own, "Come then!" He bellowed, his cerulean blade cleaving one of the beasts in two with a simple side-swing. The second was averted with a quick turn of the heel, the beast's claws missing his skull by mere inches. It whirled about immediately and lunged, the blood-calls of its kindred thundering in Cedric's ears as he marched forward.

The warrior ducked beneath the blow, his blade held high. The beast could only scream as its body was rent apart from mouth to pelvis, steaming ichor flowing from its mortal wounds as it crashed into the bulkhead, twitching with the last remnants of life.

Then came the third. It clashed along Cedric's legs, its claws digging into the phrik plating as it studded to a halt in front of him, springing up on its muscular back legs to tear out his throat with a maw of flashing teeth. Cedric met the strike with a full force headbutt, the crunch of bone and cartilage making him cringe as the monster fell back, howling and whimpering at it pawed at its shattered skull.

A boot was raised, and fell upon the beast's neck with a crunch, rendering it lifeless.

"Ashla have mercy on your soul," the errant murmured as he readied his blade, holding it aloft over his head with two-hands as nearly a dozen of the creatures closed on him.

He would rip and tear until it was done.

 

[Barr Vexos]

Objective Two

Location : Near The Down Star Destroyer

Equipment: REC-LA/02 Combat Armour HG-54 "The Vora" Verpine Hand Cannon REC-DC/01 "Thunderwasp" Particle Blaster Rifle C-11 "Nastirci" Combat Knife B-11 Greitis-class Combat Boots

Allies: GA

Barr Vexos walked in a straight line order alongside the other Infantry units in a straight line as the squad he was assigned too headed toward the Down Star Destroyer. He was bored as usual when it came to walking toward a battlefield or objective in an army like these. He yawned in response to the boredom but deep inside, he knew full well without any doubt that this mission was not to be taken lightly. It is just that HE did not take walking like the way he was going now lightly. Barr thought to himself that he knew he was not the only one like this as other troops in the squad were not liking trekking through this area. However, the other troops' reasoning was different from Barr. Some of them ranged from paranoid at what could happen to anxious for various reasons.

Now seeing the Star Destroyer in his slight, Barr took a glance at the thing and whistles in amazement. “Yup, thing has seen better days…” He said to himself

“Troops!!!” The Sergeant Major who was commanding the squad Barr was in said, causing the other troops including Barr to pay attention. “You all know what needs to be done!! Some of you may not make it out alive, but your duty to the GA will not be in vain!!”

Barr didn’t want to admit it, but the words of the sergeant major did get to him a bit considering what he and the other troops are going up against. Rakghouls, he has seen one of those beasts before. His father showed him one in action through a holocube, taking out a couple of other animals to Barr displeasure. He didn’t want to finish watching the cube but his “insisted” that Barr looked in case he had to deal with one of them one day. “Damn it, Valen,” He said shaking his head in hopes of forgetting the memory “Had to show me a Rakghoul in action when I was younger.” He mumbled to himself in frustration. “ God forbid the nightmares I was getting….” Other words could be heard as he saw a squad go inside the Destroyer. Making sure that the entrance was clear to go in.

 

[Ayra Lowe]

// Agent Keppora //
// Foerost // Objective II // Beneath the Shadow of Doom //
// OPEN //
// "Viperwasp" Rifle // Nastirci Combat Knife // "Feverwasp" Blaster-Pistol //

---

---

Close quarters was never something that Rafe particularly enjoyed participating in, especially against Sithspawn rakghouls like this starfight was filled to the brim with. But orders were orders and if Rafe had to deep dive into a ruined star destroyer then so be it, but he didn't have to be happy.

One final check of his rifle and the clips rounding his belt, efficient hands making sure that his twin blaster-pistols rested in the holsters on his side. He had already made the checks near a half-dozen times, but the Coruscanti enjoyed reassuring himself as often as he could. Rafe had made it a habit to not be caught off guard, and this was just an aspect of such natural thinking.

A gunship would make his entrance through the bridge smooth as bantha's milk, a few companions preparing themselves atop the hull of the ship as they prepared to dive down into the ship. Rafe held a pen and paper, writing down some final journal notes to look back on later as the techie in the group hooked up the rappelling lines for them to drop through the ruined viewports on the bridge. Not exactly the most creative place for a Sith Holocron to be located, but it was an easy entry point and who knows.

Maybe they'd get lucky today.

"Check, ready to go!"

The notepad would quickly find it's way into the pack on Rafe's boot, a quick tug on the side of it to ensure it's steadiness. The Shadow took a hook offered by the commanding officer as he looped it around the clip on his belt, a tug to ensure that he wouldn't be falling to an untimely death today. Together with a handful of other shadows and agents, Rafe lowered himself in front of the viewport, the only rakghouls that could be seen hiding far in the back away from the light. A quick few shots took care of the pests easily enough.

"Targets engaged and eliminated. Continuing with insertion."

Making their way in quickly, it was easy to understand that the Sith Holocron wasn't located here. The strength of the dark side hadn't changed much from his flight in, and there was no eerie red glow to be seen. Kind of a let down for the Coruscanti. Seeing a Sith holocron was a rare treat when one worked for the Galactic Alliance, typically the only chances someone like him would get were in the war. And he didn't exactly have time to play search and find during that.

"Continuing to move down... Checks on every room."

 

[Julius Loghain]

Spoiler: I AM THE SENATE

Emmen Tagge
Maou
Sssar Taszzn
Shute Gunray
Raona Cadera
Corala Gethsverg
Adhira Chandra
Fable Solborne
Elayne Daklana
Westenra Mina
Ordon Trozky
Gat Tambor
Ido Bastra
Vonar Ardinn
Max Devern

OBJ III
HOLOPROJECTION TO THE SENATE
OFFICE OF THE LORD REGENT, KUAT

He would fully support Senator Shute Gunray 's bill. There was zero doubt about that. Increased military spending meant jobs on Kuat meant a faster recovering economy. A lifeline out of the SWAMP.

Julius remained seated on his chair with hands clasped as he awaited the session to begin. He had muted his reports completely. The Lord-Regent's focus was solely on the Senate. Accepting this bill was instrumental in solidifying his rule and boosting his popularity among the Kuati people.

This bill would pass.

This bill had to pass.

And Julius had all the faith in Gunray's sway.

 

[Dak]

Although now only a loose affiliate of the Galactic Alliance, the droid had managed to hold on to a few of his contacts in the Strategic Intelligence Agency from his days spent assisting the Operations Bureau. These days, Dak had little interest in the happenings of the the Core Region. He respected the new government and, when he felt he was needed, made sure to be available to assist. But as the new federation grew in power, the calls for the ancestral guardian turned errant mercenary became few and far between.

That is, until news that Cedric Grayson had been spotted reached him.

Much had changed for Dak in the last year. He had returned to the Core Worlds with the hope of returning to his master's side, only to find the Essonian's mind on the verge of madness. In his absence, an obsession with the Light had gripped the proclaimed Lord-Imperator.

"Well, for the past two decades I've been working on restoring the power of my House. I can do the greatest good for the people of the galaxy from the highest position of power. As Imperator of Coruscant, I can start making the changes required to hold off the rising tide of the Sith," Cedric explained. "It's been a difficult battle getting everything underway. More death than I would have liked, but it is done."

“Through power you gain victory,” Dak speaks softly, dwelling on the expression. “Be careful, Master. I remember those words clearly from my earliest days.”

There was a grim irony to them that he hoped had not been intentional.

Their exchange that night in the lower sanctums of the Imperial Palace -- the night Dak had returned and Coruscant was liberated from the Imperial Remnant -- felt more relevant than ever upon reflection. Dak found himself thinking about it more and more lately, after everything that had happened. He'd been uncertain about it at the time, yet refused to see it as the warning he should have. He'd failed his master that day.

Cedric had discovered power; he'd succumbed to his passion. The Jedi Master preached unity and enlightenment with his lightsaber in-hand. As he slipped further and further down the rabbit hole, he'd begun to see enemies in every shadow. Dak watched as he shut himself off from the world, until he'd finally left behind all those who'd once believed in him.

Dak had done his best to remain loyal, but his faith had shattered that final day in the hospital -- it was the last time Dak had seen him.

"Cedric, man, I can't tell if you're arrogant, selfish, or disillusioned," Ryv cut in after Dak finished speaking. "Dak's right. We're helping people now. Not separated from the rest of the galaxy, but working side by side. You can't just bow out of here because you aren't on the throne anymore. We shouldn't rule, that isn't the place of the Jedi. We fight bad guys, we inspire hope, and we never give up. We can't hold ourselves back with government titles, because all they do is slow us down," his tone carried with it a weight unfamiliar to his former master, but to Loske and Dak, they would recognize the resolve behind the young Jedi Knight. A product of each hardship he overcame in his continued quest for the light.

The Battle of Vuultin changed everything. When Cedric finally awoke from his coma, Dak knew he was not the same man as before. Standing beside Ryv and Loske Treicolt , the droid was barely able to recognize the scarred man laying in the bed as he spoke. He was no longer the hero that he was supposed to be, or at least the one Dak had hoped he would be.

Coincidentally, Dak had fallen mostly off the grid around the same time that Cedric took the Barash. Questions of his purpose consumed him in the absence of the duty he'd been sworn to for centuries. He'd walked the ashen fields and obsidian mountains of Sunspot aimlessly for months, pondering the nature of his own existence while slowly learning more of the proto-code within him.

It was time to leave now.

Foerost // Outside of Hajibar // Downed Star Destroyer
Obj. IV - Confront Cedric Grayson
P Placeholder 0128 | Ryv
​

The shouting and sounds of battle had been easy enough to follow, while the droid's artificial nature had done well to mask his own presence from both the Jedi Master and the rak'ghoul fiends that littered the wreckage. With careful maneuvering, Dak pushed through the warped interior in careful pursuit of the vagabond he'd once loyally served.

"Not exactly where I expected I'd find you," the droid's modulated voice bounces from the metallic surfaces of the narrow corridor; the very same words he had first uttered in the Imperial Palace when he'd returned. A purposeful parallel.

"You've certainly been busy."

 

[Han Vane]

Location // Downed Star Destoyer //
Objective // II //
Focus // P Placeholder 0128 Ryv Dak //

Savri hadn't felt the embrace of the sun in years. Three to be exact. No, instead he imposed himself in isolation and before that he was imprisoned by the greedy corporations which backed the Protectorate. He hadn't anticipated so much to have changed since he last visited the Core.

While the Grayson Imperium endured, he left the House of Lords, not on some elaborate vacation or because of political differences with the rest of colleagues. Instead, he attempted to undo what the Sith Lords and Ladies had done to Xa Fel during the reign of Ari Zanerath.

He failed. But he found purpose. Purpose as a Jedi Master...once again. So here he was. Seeking out the man who first approached him on Xa Fel. P Placeholder 0128 Grayson himself.

"Dak?" He was not expecting to see the droid, however.

 

[Allyson Locke]

//: Objective II //:
//: H o l o c r o n //:
//: Downed Star Destroyer //:
//: Shadow //:
Open to any & all interaction

You have nothing to fear in the dark...​

"Fink!" Allyson cursed under her breath in Old Corellian. She knew padawans were running around, and the last thing she wanted them to hear was her cursing. Looking at her finger, she noticed a few blood droplets starting to form. Placing the finger in her mouth, Allyson sucked, trying to stop the bleeding before it attracted one of the rakghouls. She had done well with avoiding them as she crawled through the crevices of the down star destroyer. If possible, the Shadow had planned on bringing some life to the ship, it still had its backup sources from what she could gather. Through the Force, the delicate hum of the electromagnetic waves sang to her in the comforting white noise she had grown accustomed to.​

Closing her eyes, she could hear the energy that swirled around the downed ship. The stories that it held of its crew, its journey, and finally its fall. Hanging upside down in the long hallway, Allyson allowed the ship to speak to her and tell her everything it could. In a way, this was where she felt at home. Machines, ships, and droids had a story, and Allyson could hear them - she could hear their souls. The living Force was different to her; while she could hear the lives around her of the organics, she belonged with machines in her heart.​

The silence that was around her let the Corellian's mind slip into the past, remembering what it was like to just work on a freighter. Her job was to maintain the engine, the heart of the ship, as they flew through the galaxy. The worst that could happen was that the ship needed a new part, and they were stuck in port for a few days, but even that she wished she could return to it.​

"Ey kid, wake up, you're daydreaming again." The voice of an older man spoke to her, and she knew the voice - she could pick his voice out. A smile crossed her face, "Hey there, Old Man" Allyson spoke to no one in particular - her voice low knowing that it was just her heart and the Force talking to her. She had gotten used to hearing the old man's voice when she needed it. It seems now was one of those times. "You shouldn't daydream in a place like this - dangerous stuff out there, you know. Not ready to have you join me just yet - you have to finish this job first." Ember was right, with the Rakghouls about daydreaming was the worst thing she could do.​

Nodding, her eyes opened as she looked at the panel she had open still. The wires exposed, and one that was particularly sharp, stared back at her. Her finger seemed to have stopped bleeding, and she dried off the tip with her shirt. Lithe fingers worked through the wiring, moving quickly and expertly braiding and unraveling each strand. With each wire, she gathered them and used a wire stripper to expose the conduction metals under the flexible duraplast. She held the tool in her mouth as she twisted each of the metallic ends to fit in a new tip. Once the covering was placed on the tip, she sealed it with the other end of the wire strippers.​

Repeating the steps, Allyson soon had each of the wires rethreaded and ready to be reattached to the control panel. "Atta girl," his voice echoed in her mind again. As much as she enjoyed hearing Ember's voice, she wondered why. The man was strong in the Force, and it wouldn't surprise her if he figured out how to be a ghost. He didn't seem like the type to reach out even to her. She was just some kid he took care of because she ran away from home. "What are you doing here old man, don't you have someone else to pester?" It was like deja vu, working on a ship panel, with him harassing her as she worked. Trying to find a way to irritate and break the Corellian's concentration. His laughter filled her ears as she brought the panel back to life, but it soon died out again. Sighing softly, the woman knew what she needed to do. Despite how much she disliked connecting to a ship through the Force, it was the only way she was going to get any juice out of the panel.​

"Don't do it, kid, it's not worth it." His voice, trying to be the one of reason. Allyson shook her head. "I have work to do Ember, you should go rest - it's been a long day." She could almost picture his messy grey mop of hair nodding in agreement. His presence was soon gone, and she relaxed a bit. Something was making him restless, but she didn't have time to look into it just yet. She wondered if it was her selfishness to see him that made her keep his spirit lingering. Allyson shook her head, "It's just a daydream - he's fine." Allyson placed her hand on the panel and felt her presence begin to meld with the ship. The humming of life echoed in her mind as she found a rhythm with the ship finding its heartbeat and giving it life. "Come on, just a little spark, just need to get into your security feeds."​

It didn't take her long, she had supplied enough life through the Force to jumpstart the emergency reactor to allow her access to the security feeds. Pulling her hand away, there was a joy written all over her face. Nothing terrible had happened despite the swirling essence of the dark side. Everything was okay, and she was downloading the security map of the ship. Once it was finished, Allyson unraveled herself from the small vent and dropped down into the abandoned hallway. She made quick work of her clothing that had twisted in different ways around her slender frame, legs shaking out the bunching of her pants as she wiggled to adjust everything. With everything back in its place, she removed her lightsaber and ignited the azure blade, illuminating the dimly lit corridor. She walked now with a map shining in the HUD of her contact lens.​

It shouldn't take her too long to find the Holocron and complete her mission. Ember's voice came back, this time she felt something different about it. The warmth that came with his visits gone, leaving her with the dread.​

"Oh, kid - you shouldn't have done that…" ​

As soon as he spoke, the lights went completely out - leaving Allyson in pitch-black darkness, even the light of her saber couldn't protect her from what was coming her way. The light only shined upon her face, giving her some sort of comfort, but nothing appeared when she tried to look farther than her hand. Shutting the blade off, she decided to listen, mostly for the sound of the scuttling of the rakghouls. The Corellian dared not to speak, not knowing what was down the corridor. She had the Force and her saber, but the hum of the ship buzzed almost deafeningly violent. "You shouldn't have done that" One voice echoed in the back of her mind. "You shouldn't have done that" Another laughed with joy at her actions. "You should have just let things be." A third voice even more sinister than the others.​

"Who's there?" She questioned, doing her best to remain unphased, but the darkness that surrounded her. Allyson found the fear she tried to hide creeping up. She had always feared the dark, remembering the torment she had experienced with it; the only light she would see in the dark depths of the Sith prison were the orbs of her tormentor as he returned to continue his work. Exhaling deeply, Allyson did her best to calm herself. He wasn't here, no one was here to hurt her. Her heart raced as she waited for an answer, the darkness felt as if it was closing in on her. Quickly raising her saber, she ignited the blade again, but instead of seeing the pitch black that had consumed her form, the light revealed the gaunt face of her dead father.​

"Papa's home."

Allyson screamed.​

 

[Ryv]

// Paragon //
// Foerost // Outside of Hajibar // Entering the Star Destroyer //
// Locate Cedric Grayson //
// P Placeholder 0128 // Dak // Han Vane // Open //

For all Ryv's training and experience, he could not match his mentor's precision or pace on the battlefield. The Kiffar wasn't a slouch in any sense of the word, but Cedric Grayson came from a line of noble warriors. Those who've fought in the name of the light for generations. He'd fought in the last war, while Ryv fled away from it all, unable to face the battle that stole his father away. Years worth of experience lent speed, power, accuracy, and determination to the Jedi Master. By the time Cedric cut through the third of his foes, Ryv narrowly managed to drive the Blade of Ruusan into his enemy's chest. The rakghoul screeched out in pain, thrashing about like a rabbit beast, only to tear the weapon further through its own convulsing body. It fell forward, momentarily pinning the Jedi Knight against the corridor wall. He pushed against the grounded beast and shoved off with a shoulder, dragging himself free of the now innate monstrosity.

"Oh boy," Ryv wiped a glob of saliva and grim from his cheek, fighting back his gag reflex at the corpse's putrid smell. "I didn't realize these guys were that serious. Can only hope everyone stuck together," he looked back the direction he came, piles of rubble and collapsed ship lined the hall. The march through the forgotten corridor took far longer than the Jedi Knight could've hoped. How much distance had Cedric managed to put between them during Ryv's brief scuffle? Before the kiffar could put thought behind the question, another one of the malformed beasts clawed up and over an upended blast door. "I guess I could've hoped there weren't anymore you monsters, huh?" the Jedi dropped a shoulder as the rakghouls jagged claws scraped against the durasteel surface beneath it. Throwing itself towards Ryv, it lashed out with its two front claws, hoping to tear across his upper body. Instead, the Jedi low and forced his saber in an arching slash, slicing the beast in twain as it soared overhead.

Two heavy thuds echoed behind Ryv, bouncing off the close-quarter corridors fitted through the former star destroyer. He looked over his shoulder, eyeing the second unmoving for, shivering in response as couldn't begin to imagine such a fate. Facing forward instead, Ryv got to his feet once more and pressed onward. His thumb prodded the relic in his hand, welcome the much-needed sense of calm and control in the malignant ship. With the returned state of serenity, the Jedi Knight closed his eyes and sought out the familiar presence deeper in the crash. To Ryv's surprise, Cedric hadn't made much progress, as two other beings of unknown origin came upon him. Ryv narrowed his eyes and picked up the pace, jogging through the corridors with the lightsaber held over his head.

Another beast leaped out at Ryv as he rounded a corner, it's clawed hand catching on his leg as he tried to move away. The rakghoul pulled hard, yanking his footing from beneath him, dropping the Jedi onto his back. Ryv grunted and raised his arms, his hands intercepting the diving bite of the Sithspawn. He pushed hard against the creature's head, buying himself enough time to reactivate the Blade of Ruusan, its cyan blade exploding from the creature's misshapen back. Rolling it off of his leg, Ryv crawled up onto his feet once more, groaning out in a mixture of pain and exhaustion.

"This sucks," Ryv muttered, turning a corner to see a trio of silhouettes deeper in the crashed ship. He fell into a jog once more, hurrying towards the group.

 

[Aldric]

​

Foerost
Study the ancient Star Destroyer, Objective II
Big spook vibes
Actors: GA Survivor, Open

R O M

Heavy, rasping breaths echoed through the pitch-black corridors of the decrepit Star Destroyer. Footfalls, arrhythmic in their pursuit, clawed against its metal plates with mounting vigour. They were closing in, and fast.

Stinging pain shot up the length of his legs with every impact. He was panting hard. Each breath was a laborious effort, seizing stale and bitter air through the respirator's machinery. Without the mask, his Ubese lungs would have long drowned in Foerost's atmosphere; they burned already from the abundance of oxygen, even with the filters in place. The slaps of sandals against durasteel floors had become constant companions to his heavy breathing.

But he wasn't fast enough to outrun the dark. The ravenous abyss threatened to crawl up his spine as it chewed through more and more of the corridor behind him. He allowed himself a glance towards the thundering of claws shadowing his every step, only to lose his balance in the sprint and keel over. Panic overcame him, even as the pain of a broken limb coursed up his arm. A new wave of adrenaline hit and Aldric quickly scrambled to his feet again, clutching his arm tightly to his chest with the other. His breaths were becoming more erratic.

Death brushed against the tail of his robes. Then, something wrapped around his face, and he had to keep himself from voicing a whimper. Whatever had gotten him pulled him with great force, into a crevice in the corridor's walls. With speed, it placed two long claws against his throat. The keratinous edges pushed slightly into his skin, just shy of rupturing it. Just as quickly he was stripped of his mask, deftly detached from his face and replaced by long, cold fingers that held his mouth shut tightly. He couldn't stop himself from drawing in oxygen. It filled his lungs and began to burn immediately. He let out a whimper and the digits tightened around his face and throat.

"Ssshhhh," came the hissing of his captor's voice. He felt the rumble of its chest against his back but was unable to turn to see it.

Abruptly, his attention was drawn away by thunder rolling down the corridor. Dozens of claws scraped against durasteel leaving their long gashes in the metal. It howled under the stress of their hunt; decrepit and aged, the creaking rang in a sonorous chorus that worked its crescendo in tandem with the beasts' advance. The apex of their savage efforts came as the Rak'ghouls passed the crevice. The corridor lacked any light to see them, but Aldric swore he could see the glint of their jaws, running with ravenous intent, as they stormed by. The burning of his lungs faded into the background for those moments.

His captor waited until everything was quiet again before releasing him from the grip of its vice-like digits. With much the same ease it had used to strip him of the respirator, his captor placed it back over his mouth and nose. Only when he expelled the burning sensation from his lungs did he realize how long he had held that unfiltered air down. The next few breaths were quick and desperate, choking the fire with redundant constituents in the air until he felt some semblance of normalcy return.

"Th-thanks." he wheezed. Though his captor had been rather direct, he felt no murderous intent from them, at least not the same as the Rak'ghoul.

"You're wel-come, Je-diii," his captor, revealing himself as a distinctly nasally voiced trandoshan man, replied.

"We should, uh, we should get out of here," Aldric said, though his vocal cords produced little more than a whisper.

"Agreed."

They were quiet as mice when they dared to crawl from their hiding spot.

 

[Zaavik Perl]

// Dystopia //
// Shadow //
// Foerost / Depths of the Star Destroyer / Search for missing operatives //
// Focus / None / Open //
// Possibly Nearby / Aldric / Allyson Locke //

​

The groans of rakghouls and settling durasteel created a sinister ambiance that reverberated across the various metallic interiors of the Star Destroyer. Everything about this old spacefaring monolith was unsettling. Rakghouls and missing operatives aside, the very atmosphere within somehow managed to be menacing. The dark emanated from every crease and corner, creating a thick unease that lingered in the air, constricting the Zeltron's chest. The claustrophobic feeling as he slowly crawled through another aperture and through maintenance and ventilation tunnels only made things worse.

All of the negative and frightening thoughts were shoved to the back of his consciousness. He couldn't let the influence of this place get to him, especially not now. Job to do or not, he was rather deep within the ship, and in a ventilation tunnel no less. This would be the absolute worst place to lose his cool. Crawling low on his stomach he remained as quiet as possible. Occasionally having to rip and pull at stray wires and grates that blocked his path made non-detection very difficult. Having made it this far was either a true testament to his ability or total dumb luck.

Crawling over a large vent cover revealed a rather grisly sight. A dead operative, or at least, half of one. The gross squelching and smacking of hungry rakghouls gorging themselves on what remained made Zaavik cringe. Reaching to his belt in the tight space of the tunnel, he retrieved the lightsaber hilt that was firmly attached. He slowly lowered his arm, hilt in hand, through the gap in the grates.

With a small whistle, he caught the attention of both creatures. They both shot upright, looking up towards the vent grate with animalistic malice. Zaavik's thumb hit the switch, sending viridescent blades of hot death extending from both ends with a sharp sizzle. He jerked his wrist sideways, sending the blades hissing free of the creatures. He flipped the switch again, retracting the plasma and bringing it back through the grate.

He remained quietly on his stomach, looking through the gate for a few moments. He wanted to be sure he hadn't alerted any more. With some time passed, he removed the grate and slowly lowered himself out of the vents and onto the floor of the bloody corridor. He winced as he looked down at the pair of legs and the half-decapitated rakghouls. "Poor bastards," he remarked to himself quietly. Not exactly the most respectful thing to say over the already mutilated corpse of an unfortunate victim, but anything to cope with the grisly sight.

Taking a knee beside the remains of the operative he couldn't help but hesitate. Slowly, after the hesitation ended, he reached his hand out and placed it on the operative's knee. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, focusing on what little remained of the operative's presence. Hazy images, frantic feelings, primal horror, it was a lot to handle all at once. His teeth gritted together as he attempted to steel his focus. Four men fleeing and shooting, heading south down the hallway in horror was the fuzzy image he was looking for. He quickly pulled his hand away and freed himself from being objected to such a recollection.

Looking down the corridor in the direction brought forth by the vision yielded the spotting of another corpse. That sign didn't bode well for the rest of the men in the vision, but it was the only lead he had to find survivors. With a small hop, Zaavik grabbed the side of the vent access again, intent to make his way in that direction while minimizing his chance of being detected. Before he could pull himself up, a scream pierced the foreboding ambiance of the ship. He stopped and looked the opposite direction down the corridor.

Was that Allyson Locke screaming? He couldn't really sense that anyone was in immediate danger, but then again, he'd forced most negative feelings deep down to stay focused. He looked back and forth between both paths. He debated pressing on or circling back. If it wasn't Allyson, it could have been an operative perhaps? Fuck it, he thought, and dropped down and headed towards the scream.

Several steps later, his foot met a loose flooring panel. The sense of danger that shot through his consciousness was far too late. The panel crumbled and dislodged from its place with a snap. "Ah, fuck!" Zaavik shouted, plummeting downwards through several dilapidated deck levels, devoid of any flooring. A loud grunt coincided with the thud of his body smacking into a large piece of sloped durasteel. He began to tumble and roll down the slope with loud dings and thuds. He freed the lightsaber from his belt coupling and shot one emerald blade-free from the bottom emitter. In a downwards motion he sunk it into the ramp's surface. A screeching hiss sounded through the area as he carved a large, cauterized slice into the side before slowly coming to a stop.

A sigh of relief escaped him as the finally came to a stop, hanging just before the end of the large piece of metal. A harmony of clicking growls from beneath him cut his relief short. He craned his neck around and looked down to find a large group of rakghouls looking up at him. "Uhhhhh-" Zaavik chuckled in nervous terror. "H-Hey fellas." The biggest of the creatures responded with a horrifying screech, sending all of them scrambling for the walls.

With their long claws and surprisingly agile limbs, they began to crawl up towards him. Zaavik exclaimed with a hushed bellow of horrified confusion. He brought his feet up against the ramp and pushed off with all strength he could possibly muster. With the aid of the force, he flew backward, freeing the saber, and grabbed the railing of a scaffold. He pulled himself up quickly and ran down the first clear path he saw.

This blows.

​

 

[Maou]

Objective III - Shute Ourselves in the Foot
Coruscant // Galactic City
Senate Chamber // Grand Convocation Chamber
Corala Gethsverg Fable Solborne Elayne Daklana Westenra Mina Ordon Trozky Faith Organa Keldar Saarkis Max Devern Ido Bastra Taega Vrav'lan


Kaito Kiyoshi, Senator of Corellia, was a mess. A collection of tubes and fluid canisters hovered on a small gurney pushed by Atrisian service droids. In fact the Senator seemed to have replaced most of his living, breathing delegation with the droids as they tended to the beaten and battered Senator. Kiyoshi himself floated in a power chair. His hood cast a dark shadow over the white mask he wore to hide his burned and still recovering face and head. Standing beside him was one of Corellia's deadly Haclyon Commandos and rather than Alliance Senate guards at the door to his pod's chamber were the black-clad Corellian Darksabers. These were the only living members of the Senator's group. Some called him paranoid. In fact, most did. The assassin was dead, killed by a Jedi, but could one ever be sure there weren't more?

Today was the first time in several weeks that he'd even been on the planet of Coruscant, the Diktat replacing him in his absence. All of that time, he'd spent with the finest doctors money could buy. Some of the damage they said could be fixed...But much of the damage from the Sith Lightning was...Permanent. They said it had something to do with his own midichlorian count and the strange way the Force and their mysterious powers interacted with those who could touch it. While there were no rules against Force Sensetives being on the Senate and his own medical records, including his count, were on public Senate record, because he didn't wear it on his sleeve few had known about his untrained connection to the Force and so it had come as a surprise to many just as Lanik's betrayal had been. The battle of Lanik, his padawan, and Kiyoshi' security droids had destroyed the video surveillance and reports were already coming in that Lanik had tampered with other security measures to ensure his visit was a secret. Kaito knew that once the heroic Padawan that had staved off the attack, nearly giving her life, awoke that the truth would come to light and the Jedi Lanik would be properly expunged from the Jedi Order. As it stood now though, Jedi sympathizers, as well as the Order itself, were pushing for the release of the Knight's body for a Jedi burial...But until the investigation was finished it was under strict surveillance. All of this...

Was exactly as Kaito had orchestrated to cover his own tracks. He loathed to think about that night. The one night since he'd fled that cesspool world of Terminus that he'd been caught by surprise. Even Agrippa the Hutt had been something he'd calculated for. It made his blood boil that the filthy Jedi had come to find out who he was, and not even because he was looking for a Sith, but because the man he'd hired so long ago had managed to slip up. Luckily Lanik had done half the work of cleaning up his loose ends for him on his little vendetta by killing those who had failed him. But now as he was in this weakened state he had to continue to fulfill his role. The pain from the wounds inflicted on him surged through his torso and he tapped the arm of his chair frantically before one of the droids depressed a button, sending some of the kolkta fluid into his body, soothing him. He would have to be sedated for most of this session...But when he felt his voice was needed he would speak.

Corellia had long since decided on what their path here would be. The outrage that the new Special Committee on Force Affairs hadn't taken a stronger stance against the Jedi Order in light of the assassination attempt on Kaito was palpable in the halls of the Diktat's office and the Corellian Council. In his absence, the Diktat had even rescinded Corellia's support of funding the Jedi Order. Though the vote ultimately still weighed overwhelmingly in favor, the gesture still made its waves. The Jedi Order as it stood was no friend of Corellia, at least until they addressed the issue of "Rogue Jedi" as their spokesperson called him, and expunged the Jedi Lanik posthumously from the Order. The push for further militarization meant that there would be less of a need for Jedi on the front lines which ultimately, in some Corellian minds, meant that they were less of a wild-card liability. If one of the brightest stars of this New Jedi Order could go rogue what was stopping other more prominent Jedi? What about less prominent Jedi? The danger was even greater when fighting the Sith. Kaito had already cast his vote, but a few swing systems still needed convincing...He was here to do that.

 

[Keldar Saarkis]

Objective III - Shute Ourselves in the Foot
Coruscant // Galactic City
Senate Chamber // Grand Convocation Chamber
Tags //
Corala Gethsverg Fable Solborne Elayne Daklana Westenra Mina Ordon Trozky Faith Organa Max Devern Ido Bastra Taega Vrav'lan Maou

Kael once again entered the Grand Convocation Chamber of the Senate. The Zabrak stood tall, swathed in a maroon-and-tan robe. Beside him in his pod was a strange assortment. A senatorial aide, who appeared to be a young female of Mirialan ancestry. Beside her was a masked, robed invidual that indicated some sort of religious being from the Disciples of the Whills. Kael looked over the room, curious of how many of his fellows would actually show up, or had the nerve to appear via holo.

He took notice of the presence of Senator Kiyoshi of Corellia. Or, rather, the shambles that was once Senator Kiyoshi. Ever since the attempt on Kaito's life, Kael noticed the deterioration of his senatorial peer. In a way, it disturbed him to an extent. Additionally, the extra security that surrounded the broken man was concerning. Senator Sazen was aware of his Corellian counterpart's force sensitivity. Kael could not help but ponder what this path would turn into. Was he seeing the birth of another Vader? He prayed to the Force it was not the case.

He idly stood by as he awaited the rest of his comrades to make their presence known, and for the Chancellor begin the opening remarks of this session. He pulled up the holodocument with the proposal by Senator Guneray, meditating on the points it brought up and on the concerns he wished to express.

 

[Placeholder 0128]

Objective II
Engine-Section of the Star Destroyer
Ryv , Dak , Han Vane


The presence of others was not registered. At least not at first.

The rest of the pack had seen fit to overwhelm him with sheer numbers. There wasn't much by way of tactics behind it - Rakghouls weren't known for their planning skills - but even the most basic mass assault could be effective with the right amount of bodies. Cedric wasted little time in marching forward to meet the beasts at his front. Their feral senses did little to dissuade them from bodily harm, and it seemed the lethality of his weapon hadn't registered after seeing their compatriots rendered as little more than dissected meat at its edge.

The screams of the beasts were drowned out one by one as they charged him from the front. Cold sweat stung at his eyes as he allowed them to drift shut, focusing onto the shifting of their spirits within the empyrean. The sight-beyond-sight was far more effective than mortal eyes, and the first beast learned of such as its skull was removed from its torso with an economical swipe of the blade. The second crashed into Cedric before the first's body hit the floor. It dug its claws into his plate, screaming in his ears as it clung to him. The Jedi Master bit back a curse as he doused and reignited his blade through the monster's heart, and whirled about to grab a third mid-leap with tendrils of telekinetic energy as the second fell. A mild expression of thought was all that was required to send it hurtling into its fourth compatriot. The fifth seemed to gather some of its wits about it: it whimpered as it eyed its fallen comrades, and scampered off into the darkness.

There had been more of them. Cedric whipped about in every direction, confused as he tried to determine where they may have gone. The sound of a lightsaber's hiss down the corridor told him well enough.

His own weapon sputtered with barely contained energy as he allowed himself a moment to relax. That brief peace was broken the moment he embraced it as a familiar, tinny voice rung out from one of the corridors. Caught off guard, Cedric turned to face it, his robes having since been soaked in the deep crimson and violet of Rakghoul blood.

"Idleness breeds complacency," came the reply. "I thought you would be off learning more of the galaxy," he added, inclining his head slightly toward the droid in a show of good faith. He'd not seen Dak in many months. It had seemed wrong to ask the droid if he wished to accompany him on the Barash, given Dak's newfound sense of autonomy. For the first time since knowing him, Cedric had no idea what Dak did these days.

Then came another voice, and again he whirled. The crusader eyed Han Vane through the tinted glass of his helm's visor. His body language was well hidden beneath his sheathe of plate and cloth, and Cedric only seemed to acknowledge him with that same, slight tilt of the head. "And you brought friends," the errant muttered as he looked back to Dak .

"You've come for the holocron then." He concluded, more to himself than anyone else. It made sense for the alliance to send some of its best. Still, he'd not intended on any reunions today.

It didn't change anything. There was still work to be done.

"It must be destroyed before it can corrupt any others." He spoke with a certainty that brooked no argument as Ryv came down from one of the adjacent corridors. The boy's arrival did not halt his words. He would understand the need for brevity in a situation like this. Cedric had been keen to teach him the importance of leaving emotion out of the workplace. "Along with every one of the beasts. This entire ship must be purged."

 

[Dak]

Foerost // Outside of Hajibar // Downed Star Destroyer
Obj. IV - Confront Cedric Grayson
P Placeholder 0128 | Ryv | Han Vane
​

"I know the galaxy," the droid answers as he drops from a ledge with a heavy clang. He lowers the viperwasp in his grip to point away from the rogue Master, but keeps his distance, "it offers me little these days. Instead, I seek answers to questions within."

The dull crimson glow of Dak's receptors shift in unison with Cedric's own gaze to Savri, but the old droid shows no overt reaction to his arrival, "I came alone. But there are others."

Taking cautious a step forward toward Cedric, Dak still refuses to draw his weapon.

"I have not come for the holocron," he stops a few meters away, standing in the center of the hall to block the Jedi Master's advance, "I have come for you, Cedric. I have come to offer one last plea with the hope that you will remember who you are before you're too far gone. I know that the real you is still in there somewhere."

Dak knew he'd stand no chance against Cedric if the errant Master could not be brought back from the shadowed path he now walked. The Jedi's passion had clouded his mind. The droid had watched idly as he fell to his passions and preached the necessity of strength to attain power; all in the name of victory over his enemies.

Cedric had lost everything -- his people, his planet and his closest family & companions. Dak had no stake in the struggle of Light & Dark, so he wouldn't fault the Essonian for wavering in the face of such crippling losses. If the droid owed anything else to House Grayson in his service, it would be this last attempt.

Whatever the reality of the situation might be, Dak hoped that Cedric Grayson, the one he'd known and trusted, would be ashamed of the zealot standing before him, claiming his name.

"Look at who you're fighting, Cedric. Is this really the future you had in mind?" Dak's grip tightens on his rifle as his targeting matrices start to overclock, running thousands of predictive algorithms in parallel, "It doesn't have to be this way. There's still hope."

 

[Westenra Mina]

Objective: III (Observe proceedings, negotiate relief efforts)

Current Form: Public (See Bio)

It had been a late night. Westenra had been hunting criminals in The Underworks, non-lethally consuming their psychic energy and interrupting their operations across that area. When dawn started to approach, she was on a rooftop feeding on this Twi'Lek Assassin that had been preparing to target Keldar Saarkis , while her familiar, a former racer named Cern waited leaning against the black limousine airspeeder watching her in her stealth form, a bronze skinned athletic woman in a yellow combat leotard and boots cradle the victim as her fangs stayed in his neck.

He checked his wristwatch, yawning as she stopped, licking the blood off her lips, her flesh having stopped rippling as she treated his fang wounds with bacta, so they couldn't tell why he was out cold and wouldn't remember the last six hours.

"Cern, drop this one off at the drop point Alliance Intel designated after you take me to the Senate." She instructed softly as she got in the back, triggering the transformation process.

Oddly, despite the guise she was switching to being the only one where she could actually call herself Westenra, it was rare for her to actually use it. She simply enjoyed an active life more despite being made to basically be the perfect chief financial officer. She liked helping in more direct ways. But today was different. Today her financial programming finally could actually help people.

She triggered the transformation process in the limo, flesh bulging and wriggling as it lost pigmentation and the figure lost definition.

A number of relief and first aid organizations wanted to help the slaves subjected to toiling at the shipyards on Foerost, but doing so easily would mean more with an expanded military presence on the planet itself. Westenra didn't like it, but there were still sympathizers to the Sith on any world liberated from them, and they could and would disrupt operations if given half a chance.

For this reason, Westenra was all for expanding the military on the planet. The next time the Sith came knocking they'd find thousands of well trained soldiers pointing rifles at them...Westenra had been channeling her personal profits (which numbered in the millions) from various companies she had bought over the weeks prior, into more and more lobbying for increased military presence on Foerust, and she was starting to get the notice of The Alliance Military with her efforts--she had already been invited discretely to multiple Alliance fundraisers.

Of course, it had gotten her detractors, but she didn't know that yet.

She was due to meet with a representative of a number of the worst hit slaving victims at the shipyards, people who risked their lives helping The Alliance Military from behind enemy lines feeding vital intel. Their world needed the kind of protection the military provided to prevent atrocities like that. They would be having green tea.

As the Limo landed at a designated drop point, another woman stepped out entirely, curvy and voluptuous with bright red, long hair and Atrisian features with skin near impossibly fair, clad in a tight red gown with heels. Bright pink eyes blinked in amazement. She had never gone anywhere near the Senate District due to all the cameras. Made for bad hunting.

Westenra did her best to shake the suspicion she was just a well meaning parasite as she entered, enduring scan after scan, none detecting her artificial nature, but turning heads where she walked, and drawing the attention of a particular purple Zabrak man in black armor, who began following her as she was led to private meeting chambers. He was put in a seperate suite, having murdered the staff member of a minor beuracrat due today and assumed his identity. He'd paid top credit for expertly faked credentials and the best surgeons to change his appearance.

In the washroom of the suite, he took out a lighter, a small datapad stylus, and a cylinder shaped comlink.

Slowly he extended the lighter shaft, unscrewed the bottom and top of the stylus, revealing the barrel attachments, which clicked into place within a hidden port in the top of the lighter, unscrewed the top and bottom of his comlink to reveal it was actually a pistol scope.

He then removed a lapel pin on his collar, setting the pin into a a tiny magnetic port to serve as the trigger.

The man pulled out a golden cigarette case, flipping it open and pulling out a single cigarette, which he put between his lips as he pocketed that wicked-awesome hold out disruptor he had smuggled into the building and walked out into the passageway connecting their suites. He needed proper clearance to get in her room, but he did not have it. He instead improvised.

He approached a lone Safety Technician on his way to see to some errant security field.

"Excuse me?" he called out in a pleasant Coruscant accent, blinking green eyes at him. "There's a problem with my lighting. All the fixtures have blown.

The tech, a Rodian scratched his head in confusion, automatically epic-failing as a Safety Tech by not pointing out there was no smoking in the Senate Building.

"Huh? I just inspected the room you came out of this morning."

"It scorched the drapes." The Zabrak man said with fake irritation. "The Ozone Smell is overwhelming. I have to report this."

"Ahhh, that's the last thing I need!" The Tech complained. "Alright, lets see what's happening..."

The Zabrak nodded, keeping a frown on his face as he led him in. The Tech was startled by fully functional lights.

"What the...hey what is this?!" The Tech exclaimed, wheeling around.

The Zabrak aimed the cigarette between his lips, bit down on something and a spray of sleeping toxin he had been immunized against sprayed out, a cocktail of various tranquilizers, amnestic drugs, and muscle relaxants. The Tech was out instantly, crumpling to the ground.

(Snake Eater Theme plays for a few seconds.)

The Zabrak rapidly undressed the Tech, putting on his greasy jumpsuit and took his keycard.

(Zelda Acquisition Theme Plays)

(The Zabrak got The Little Silver Keycard!)

Smirking, he exited out dressed as a tech, his pistol hidden in the toolbox the tech had been carrying as he headed to Westenra's room...

 

[Barr Vexos]

Objective Two- Missing Operatives.

Location : Near The Down Star Destroyer

Equipment: REC-LA/02 Combat Armour HG-54 "The Vora" Verpine Hand Cannon REC-DC/01 "Thunderwasp" Particle Blaster Rifle C-11 "Nastirci" Combat Knife B-11 Greitis-class Combat Boots

Allies: GA

The squad that Barr was in began to make its way into the Star Destroyer after the entrance was deemed clear by the scout squad. Given the orders to move into the area and meet up with the scouting squad, the sounds of soldier’s footsteps caused by the squad being the only sound can be heard, the dark hallways that needed to be lit up with the use of flashlights from the weapons of each soldier, and the knowledge of what was in the ship and what happened beforehand, have caused an atmosphere of fear and tension that one cannot truly understand until they been in positions like the ones that Barr and his comrades are at.

Barr took deep breaths, making sure they are silent to make sure that his comrades did not hear them. He did not want to show any signs of fear or worry that could spread to the other soldiers. If one person felt afraid then the rest will. That was something his father taught him. Even though the area was already cleared by the scouts, it did not mean that the area was safe and Barr knew that. For all he knew, the area could be harboring Rakghouls that hid from the scouting area and were just waiting for the right time for an ambush.

Fortunately, the squad did not see any Rakghouls on the way to rendezvousing with the scout squad. However, every squad in the area was given different orders before they touched ground onto the planet to spilt up and search for the missing operatives and rescue them if possible. Barr groaned in annoyance, knowing full well that he was about to be in a dog fight with things that are going to give him nightmares for a few nights.