The Zarnathean Civil War: An Outer Rim Standoff

[Art Vanderlay]

Name: Art Vanderlay
Position: Lambada-class shuttle over Nar'tan
Objective: Meet with Minister Tu'la, and organize forces.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huwmthKRx5I

Like many armies before it, the First Order had a sound to it. Primitive tribes used the sound of drums to rally their forces, the Ewoks of Endor had their horns and the Mandolorians had their chants. For the First Order, the rallying sound of their war machine was the piercing screech of the TIE fighter. Nar'tans evening sky seemed to be filled with them, howling across the city scape.

The fighters cast long shadows as they flew under the setting sun. For the keen eyed observer through the throngs of fighters, one could make out the distinctly oblique shape of a munficient-class frigate over head, deploying dozens of Atmospheric Assault Landers began to deliver stormtroopers to Nar'tan's University Green, and the Senate Complex. One antiquity that could be easily made out by its intimidating fins, was the lambada-class shuttle seen departing towards the university grounds.

The shuttle made its descent to the terraced Chancellors Gardens, which over looked the green which was now populated by stormtroopers deploying themselves from their landers. The shuttle landed seamlessly at the edge of the garden, already stationed in a phalanx was a three deep row of Nar'iin warriors, attired in jungle green camoflage colored armor, derived from scraps of the Galactic Civil War, and the Clone Wars. In the center of the phalanx stood a Nar'iin, with all four arms behind his back, standing tall and attired with the golden tunic, denoting his rank as a senior minister.
From the hiss of decompression, the First Order sent its man, a short, bespeckled balding man wearing a black suit. "Minister Tu'la!" The man called out, walking down the ramp, flanked by two stormtroopers. In his pudgy, left hand he carried a black, steel breifcase,and with his other, he waved the man down. The Qu'un bowed on the ground, and the soldiers did the same. A laugh came from the man, as he stood over the bowing Minister. "Please, no need to stand on ceremony." the visitor said. The Minister stood, and immediately towering over a man who barely met six foot. The shorter of the two extended his hand.

"It is our pleasure. We are honored by your assistance, and for gracing us with your presence." The Qu'un Minister said, extending his upper right mandible to shake the humans hand.

"Our reason for being here is hardly an honor." The bespeckled man said, "I am Commissioner Art Vanderlay of the First Order Colonial Bureau." The man said, walking towards the grand, ornate universtiy building, from behind him the stormtroopers slowly followed, keeping at least twelve paces behind the duo.

"Commissioner Vanderlay, I assure you," The Minister began, "Our soldiers pursued all possible avenues. We didn't anticipa-"

"What happened, is you beame arrogant Minister," Vanderlay said sharply, "I've read the breifs, I've watched the reports, and you became complacent."

"Arrogant?" The minister seemed a little offended, "What do you mean by arroagnt?"

"You simply held a belief that any military offensive on your capitol would be easily repelled. The lack of troops guarding your military assets, and major locations is telling of that." The commissioner said, "But I'm sure the death of your generals was enough of a lesson for your history books."

The minister went silent, and opened the glass double door to the university, "We have vacated the barracks for your use." he said, "They're in the eastern portion of the city, we've-"

"Barracks? You mean the same place that was attacked? No thank you." Vanderlay asked with a cold chuckle, looking around the halls of the university. There were massive white marble pillars suspending a gold ornate trim. Vanderlay looked at the columns, and looked out of the massive glass windows at the rest of the univeristy grounds. There were large gardens, and high terraced buildings, built in the style of Naboo archetecture, with large stone gate. "What about here?"

"Here? The university?" The minister asked, standing behind the shorter man.

"Yes, here. It seems to be better defendable." Art assessed.

"What about the students? What about the teachers? We can't-" The minsiter fretted.

"Students? Teachers? Minister, how can you protest so much about this when you can't keep your own city safe? We're calling the shots here, and we'll be the ones choosing where our headquarters are. And I think our university is a prime place."

"You ca-"

"No if's or buts Minister," Art turned to the stormtroopers behind them, "Return to my shuttle Rexus, we'll make this our command post."

"Will do sir." The stormtrooper said, turning a one eighty, and walking to the shuttle.

"And so, begins your saving grace." Art smirked looking out at another wave of landers arriving.

​

Spoiler

[h='']Operation Saving Grace[/h]

Spoiler

​

The First Order has begun it's occupation of Zarnathea, and will not stop till the threat of Vax insurrection has been eliminated. The First Orders codename for this is Operation Saving Grace. It is made up of three different objectives.​

​

Objective 1. Directive Hold Fort: First Order forces have made Nar'tan their base of operations in the wake of recent riots and raids. However, there are suspicions of Free Vax sympathizers and cells operating in the city. We must investigate any leads, and destroy the enemy.​

​

Objective 2. Naval Command Delta Four: The Free Vax have recieved material support and weapons via smugglers who have used the fact the Zarnathean's small navy to their advantage. For our effots to be successful, we have to stem the flow of weapons and mercenaries with a blockade.​

​

Objective 3. Action Jungle Storm: The enemy has used the jungles to their advantage. To destroy the enemy, we must destroy their base of operations, and journey into the jungles to attack them. Using superior air support capabilities, we can destroy the Vax's bases of operations, one by one.​

​

​

Spoiler

So yeah, if you want to join us, just shoot us a PM detailing what you wanna do, and where you're gonna fit in here.

 

[Davin Jusik]

Objective Three
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntLsElbW9Xo

A black gloved hand pulled a cigarette from a pack that lay beneath a strap on his ballistic helmet and lit it with a slight motion. His hand was steady but his mind was running faster than he could keep up with it. The Agent's shoulder burned as it so often did when he found himself in emotional distress. Today was the anniversary of the day the entire galaxy had switched colors for an aspiring young composer, the day when a baton had been replaced by a rifle. After the death of his wife and the burning of his home at the hands of the Republic, hate had consumed his being for almost half a decade. It took years to calm down enough to function correctly in polite society, and even then the struggle remained. Behind his typical calm demeanor lay a maelstrom of anger and self loathing.

The left hand trembled slightly.

Amin cursed and steadied himself against the side of the open sided gunships that had delivered himself and the plethora of military personnel who buzzed about the large field they'd chosen as a staging area for their upcoming operation. FOSB Command had charged him with gathering intelligence on potential GA influence with the operation and acting as a liaison of sorts, being someone who had ripped and ran through the jungle on more than one occasion. His eyes scanned the camouflaged troopers that were setting up a perimeter, offloading equipment, and doing various soldierly duties. How many of them had seen an actual war? Not the brushfire conflicts they'd been through, but a conflict where planets died, and whole regiments were lost in a matter of hours. Amin's skin crawled at the thought. They had no idea about the storm these issues with their neighbors could really cause, as he doubted command really did. The folk that would die in mass were rarely the sons and daughters of the folk making the decisions that resulted in millions of casualties. Pigs the lot of them, on both sides.

He spit and took another drag and slung his rifle just underneath the vest that covered his torso before trekking off towards the platoon that he was to follow into the wretched pit.
[member="Rolf Amsel"]

 

[Visser Chernykh]

[member="Rick Müller"] | [member="Rolf Amsel"]
Objective III

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89h-X-tZa_w

Mael Ren waited back with the platoon. He'd been a stormtrooper once and so he felt almost at ease. They'd eyed him in the way soldiers do on the transport. He truly understood and tolerated it without malice.

Skjold Alexeyev might've been one of them had circumstances been otherwise. Thus he was especially tolerant. Their pre-combat rituals went on without interruption. He took in the banter without actually listening.

They were tense without being overly so. Rough jokes were interspersed with low instructions from squad leaders. They hardly needed too with the veterans here. But rituals had to be observed.

He knew the feeling well from his past life. Fear and excitement with anticipation and dread. Some of them wouldn't be coming out alive this day. They accepted it without complaint.

Yours is not to ask why, yours is to do and die.

So went an the refrain of the infantry soldier. Poets had commented on the fatalism of the infantryman. They accepted quickly because things changed as fast. Thus he was regarded as just another First Order official.

 

[RIP Carlyle Rausgeber]

Name: Carlyle Rausgeber
Position: Resurgent-class star destroyer Vindicator
Objective: Secure Zarnathean air space.

"Captain," the radar technician called from the crewpit, "Sir, the fleet is in position, we are in defensive position Bravo Four."

"Excellent ensign," Carlyle complimented, looking down at the man, "How long till our TIE squadrons return?"

The TIE Operations Officer glanced up at the captain, "A few more hours. Apparently some 'crat from the Colonial Office wanted to make some kind of point with them."

Carlyle sighed. If it were up to him, the TIE's would be in reserve, and used as a sparing deterrent to support allied troops on the ground. "Keep me posted on that situation please, I don't want anything happening to them."

"Aye aye sir." The Ops Officer nodded, returning to his console.

"How about our ground comms? Are they online?" Carlyle asked.
"We have access to all Nar'iin military frequencies sir," The communications technician said, "As well as several FOSB strike forces beginning to operate."

"Already?" Carlyle asked, "They're really getting things done early then, aren't they?" He asked with a chuckle, "Are we in range of any of them? Would we be the ones to provide orbital bombardment?"

"For three of the strike forces, yes." The technician said.

"Good, good, keep our guns handy, we don't know when they'll need them." Carlyle said.

 

[Progflaw99]

https://youtu.be/CvwQmxLaknc?list=PLqYXv_L7NiEyYnfZhVHR7ixOTANxjes89​

​

Location: Zarnathea, Atmos
Objective: 3. Jungle Storm

The small squad of troopers had hung onto any handholds they could get in the crowded gunship, Rolf among them. He'd been put in charge of second squad this time around. It felt good, feeling like command trusted you with something more than just the rank and file of day to day trudgery. They'd been equipped with some generic camouflaged trooper armor, it wasn't the standard white as most First Order troopers wore. He didn't mind much, but truthfully the armor was uncomfortable in the heat. They'd touched down almost an hour ago, their first task to set up razor wire and a few defensive positions using sandbags and lumber that had been offloaded by a few of the shuttles. It was grunt work but hey, they were grunts, what did he expect?

Presently, Rolf was helping the rest of his squad lift a large beam they were putting in position for an outward facing mounted blaster position. So far they'd been unmolested in setting up the small forward operating base, some of the troopers in other groups had even removed their helmets as they worked. Not his. Rolf had been taught well and took it as a personal point of pride to always be prepared, even if that meant being uncomfortable. That wasn't to say he was a stickler for rules. If the situation dictated something 'out of regulation' he wasn't naive enough to ignore practicality. As they hefted the beam into place the troopers stood for a moment, observing their work. Seeing that it was satisfactory, Rolf waved them off to go help finish setting up the billeting zone.

He watched as they disappeared around the corner of a recently erected mess tent, the tables and bench seat being hauled in by third squad. First squad had been tapped for a short recon patrol shortly after arriving. He was a little bit disappointed but he knew there would be plenty of time for that later, he had plenty of things to do now and no less important. Billeting was up, Mess was up. They'd at least managed to get razor wire around the small FOB they'd setup but there was plenty of work to be done while the sun was still up. Thankfully command had planned on that and as if the answer to an unspoken prayer four more gunships flew overhead, their overloaded skids chocked with more troopers. Rolf smiled beneath his helmet. They'd need every trooper on deck.

Zarnathea was a beautiful planet, provided you weren't in the depths of the jungle. Unfortunately, that's exactly where Rolf found himself and his fellow troopers. They hadn't been given more than a brief introduction to where they were being deployed and why but that was pretty par for the course. Most information, especially within the First Order was given only on a 'need to know' basis; the fact was, the line troopers didn't need to know why, just what. Jungle combat was dirty, wet, and usually disorienting. At least that's what the textbooks had said during his studies of history, he couldn't imagine they were wrong. Another thing were the bugs. It was one of the little benefits of wearing a helmet in this heat, the bugs couldn't get you if you kept your suit sealed.

Looking over towards the main entrance was, little more than a break in the razor wire, he saw a large metal transport container being shifted by a small utility shuttle. It was hanging by cables and swinging back and forth, the pilot must be new. He watched it carefully, somewhat interested in if they would be able to get it positioned correctly before the pilot crashed himself. Fortunately for everyone it only took another half minute before the container was settled firmly on the ground. That would be the quartermaster's storage. Extra weapons, explosives, ammunition. He noted where it was in the small camp, his eyes catching an imposing figure milling about. A Togruta? Here? His eyes drifted to the lightsaber at her belt. A silent sigh of recognition dawned on him. A Knight of Ren? He grit his teeth beneath his helmet. If he was lucky, she was here to monitor the camp, not join them in day to day operations, but what did he know; Rolf was just a soldier, he had no idea that [member="Saki Lin"] had been attached to his platoon.

His eyes drifted once more across the camp observing the progress. They'd come a long way in just a few hours but nowhere near where he'd hope they'd be, though with the new influx of troops they may yet finish and have a relatively defensible point before nightfall. He adjusted the blaster rifle at his shoulder, the strap had shifted from its usual location and begun feeling uncomfortable. As he looked back up, he saw another man, this one looked significantly less like a trooper. He still carried a rifle and wore protective gear, but he had a different air about him. It looked like he was headed in Rolf's direction.

[member="Rick Müller"]​

 

[Saki lin]

You know about the need to know basis?

Well saki was also under that she was sent here in the jungle assigned to..second squad...she didn't even know the leader of the squad let alone why she had been attached to it...however she would not fight back orders and only listened to them

So here she was adorned in jungle like colors that including her horns if anything she looked like if she was to go out and stand still just a piece of jungle.

She gave a huff as she was ignored again...this continued for a minute till she was pointed in the right direction towards where the leader was, she gave a slight bow as she turned and started his way, the way she moved said she was sorta uptight like most soldiers would have

As she made her way to him she passed a man carrying ordinance, the man tripped a little nearly dropping the big however saki quickly reacted and stopped the box and the man from falling setting the box down and then started back towards the man she was directed to. When she arrived she gave a small smile and bow

I was told your second squad leader neophyte lin at your service sir I have been attached to your squad"little did she know he didn't know that

Post 1
Obj-3
Location Zarnathea, Atmos
[member="Rolf Amsel"]

 

[Atin Vendet]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJV3YgScVqo
Objective III
Zero Hour
Aboard First Order Gunship Acklay Five-Three-Niner
Assigned Callsign for Operation: Oxide Actual

The miniature recon droid clung to his shoulder, as the thick jungle air blew past the open doors of the craft. Atin's helmet was off, as the wind blew through his unkept black hair. He inhaled deeply, enjoying the air of a new playground, with new sights to see, before sliding the toothy visor'd vissage over himself. A magnetic seal held the helmet in place, as the man, not a day over 26, plugged a wire from his Mandalorian Westar 35 rifle into the back of his helmet.

"Smell that, Deezee?", he asks the droid perched on his shoulder. "That's the smell of opportunity."

The droid chirped in reply. [I - Am - Incapable - Of -Smell]

"Figure of speech, Deezee.", Atin replies.

He sits on the edge of the craft, dangling his legs off the side, and shifts the rifle to his shoulder. The droid's eye zoomed in, glowing red, as Deezee began to tag mammilian targets within a certain heat range with blue or red markers on his HUD. The man takes careful aim on his smartlink scoped weapon, and a flash of yellow spits from the barrel. A splash of heat appears on his HUD, from whatever target he'd chosen at random, be it civilian or some animal deep in the woods.

"Neat. Everything checks out."

The First Order stormtroopers were likely neither impressed, nor concerned with anything other than a random merc had hitched a ride with them. When the Engines finally screamed in descent, and the craft roamed over the first order camp, He ditched out early. The man descended with the Jetpack repulsar attachment slowly to the ground, boots slogging wet into a bit of mud. The man wasn't about to go through the checkpoint and all that permit nonsense, as he flipped on his 'Hired Personnel' FOF tag.

The Mandalorian Mercenary rested the rifle, lazily, on his shoulder, as he made his way to report to his handlers for this op, as assigned by command. Machinery, equipment, and soldiers rushed from one place to another, setting things up. Atin Vendet made his way over to @Rick Müller , giving a tip of his helmet with two fingers. He waited patiently for the man to be free, bringing up his contract with the first order on his data pad. Once free, he'd offer it.

"Put me where you need me."

[[member="Rolf Amsel"] | [member="Saki lin"] | [member="Rick Müller"] | [member="Skjold Alexeyev"] ]

 

[Davin Jusik]

Objective 3
Allies: [member="Skjold Alexeyev"] [member="Rolf Amsel"] [member="Saki lin"] [member="Atin Vendet"]

A calm wind found it's way across the field as Amin approached the Platoon who'd be assigned to escort him into the rough heart of the savage land surrounding them. He passed by row after row of troopers digging trenches, fox holes, and constructing various other quick structures typical of FOBs. This point would serve as a resting area, supply, and evac center for the entirety of the troops assigned to it until operations in the region had ceased. Rick made eye contact with a few of the soldiers as he passed them, their young shaven faces reminding him of a time when he still cared for trivialities such as uniform regulations and whole hearted devotion to the Cause. They eyed him with a reserved mix of respect and fear. He carried no saber, didn't wear a regulation uniform, had stubble, and walked with an air that spoke of something mostly unbeknownst to the overwhelming majority of them. Most had heard rumors of shadowy agents being attached to units, with said agents often being of widely varying character. The stories often rung a bit too close to home for his liking. Missions handed down by the FOSB often required the sacrifice of members of the armed services when paired together.

To the common soldier Amin was like a bad luck charm.

At least his rage had briefly subsided. The man was a professional if nothing else. The job cleared his mind.

He entered the Company CO's tent and had a brief chat with the Captain before being directed to Second Platoon's Lt. Miller, which happened to be next to where Rolf was building along with the rest of the enlisted.

"Lt. Miller." Amin said in a neutral tone as he approached the trooper with an Officer's stripe along the sides of his armor. The younger trooper turned, a bit confused, and was about to ask who he was before the Agent stuck out his hand. "Muller. I'll be tagging along with you and your folk when you make your rounds tomorrow." The Officer met the handshake, though the apprehension was evident in his grip.

"Welcome to Second Platoon Mr. Muller." Miller replied, in a quick officious manner.

"Good to meet you Lieutenant, let's talk shop." Amin said as he pulled a map from one of his vests utility pockets. "Leaving out at dawn, we'll need to hit this village by say 0550. Search and Destroy. Command wants constant updates and they want you to delegate a squad to follow me around while I do what I need to, depending on what we find there will depend on what we do from there. Liable to be a very long karking day tomorrow."

The Lieutenant nodded as Amin pointed out where they'd be in relation to the rest of the Company and a bit more of the bigger picture of things before reassuring Miller that that he wasn't there to bogart his command and that he still had defacto command of the Platoon minus the squad he was actually bogarting

"SERGEANT AMSEL." The Lt called out in the general direction of the working troopers.

A man in the armor of a Mandalorian and with matching gear approached him. He moved to the side and examined the contract [member="Atin Vendet"] showed him before giving a nod and speaking to to the mercenary. "You'll be on me tomorrow morning. Platoon's headed out at first light, rally point is outside camp mess." He said as he pointed out a structure that was still being built as they spoke. "Any questions you have you can meet me when I'm done here by the CP."

 

[Rexus Wenck]

Name: Rexus Wenck
Position: Nar'Tan City University
Objective: Securing a perimeter for headquarters.

"Easy now lads!" The lieutenant barked at the two Nar'iin soldiers pulling up a comms antennae in one of the courtyards which dotted the university grounds. "Easy there now. This isn't some kind of race here." When the antennae reached its point, three more soldiers began to anchor it to the ground with pegs, "Good, good." The stormtrooper called at them.

From one of the sandstone stormtroopers, a sergeant waved the lieutenant down. "Lieutenant Wenck, I have a status report. Commissioner Vanderlay wants you up in the library annex."

Wenck walked to the far shorter stormtrooper, ducking down under the ornate arch. "So sergeant, whats the deal?"

"Guard towers at the edge of the sports field have been put up," The sergeant said "Our pillboxes have been put up at the main enterance, and our AA batteries are prepped and ready."

Rexus gripped the sergeants shoulder pad with a forceful hand, and patted it up and down. "Good job there. Go and prep our next guard unit." The lieutenant ordered. The sergeant saluted and Rexus brushed past him, walking through the university to the library annex. Squads of stormtroopers and their Nar'iin allies walked through the halls of the university, carrying crates of ammunition, rations or shifting around furniture. When Rexus reached the library annex, it had totally changed. All the shelves and holobooks had been pushed against the walls, and replaced with rows upon rows of tables with consoles and technicians. All the terminals faced the massive stained glass window.

Above it all, Art Vanderlay leaned against the upper tiered balcony, watching as the naval, army and FOSB technicians went to work. "Lieutenant Rexus, up here please." He commanded over the hubub. Rexus nodded, and walked up the spiral, wooden stair case, saluting when he got there.

"Rexus, how prepared are we in terms of defenses?" The Commissioner asked.

"Our forces are primed, we have three guard towers prepared and our armored pillboxes are in place. AA batteries and light artillery emplacements have been prepped on the green." Rexus said, easing himself, "We've just brought the comms array online on the grand courtyard. The dorms are still being emptied."

"Good, good." Art said, casually strolling towards the trooper, "We have a bit of an update. FOSB forces, and stormtroopers are implace for an assault on several smaller villages a few kilometers east of here. But should worst come to worst, I want you to lead reinforcements out there." Vanderlay said, "We have no idea what awaits us out there, but if its the worst case scenario, I need someone I trust out there trying to cover their retreat."

"Understood sir." Rexus said, "Is there anything else I could do for you?"

"Coffee, get me a nice hot coffee." The bureaucrat smirled.

"Will do sir."

 

[Akhilleus]

Objective: 3
Location: Jungle -> Forward Vax Camp
Gear: See Sig
Enemies: [member="Rick Müller"] [member="Atin Vendet"] [member="Saki lin"] [member="Rolf Amsel"] [member="Skjold Alexeyev"]
Troop Count:
· Strike Squad: Fourty Vax
· Forward Camp occupants: Fifty Vax

Standing in the jungles of Zarnathean, Akhilleus wondered what he had just gotten himself into by volunteering to help the Vax. He had heard about the First Order coming to attack the planet and finally end the civil war that had embroiled it for so many years. One hearing that would’ve possibly thought from the beginning that the Vax were in the right for wanting freedom but the way they conducted themselves… To say it was intolerable would’ve been an understatement. They were of course a hostile species and were a reptilian race so Akhilleus wasn’t surprised by that part. For the first three days they had declined the help of the Hellyni. On the fourth day when the dark jedi decided to leave them to their fate was the same day when they pleaded for him to stay. So he had and now he lay crouched in the jungle a team of forty Vax spread out in a lose formation. It was foolish to think that these beings would wait for the morning to come before attacking. The Vax held warrior beliefs like the Hellyni and with the benefits reptilian species had with night vision they had the temporary advantage.

The number of reinforcements milling about the First Order camp was enough to give Akhilleus question to the operation. No if they attacked now they’d be mowed down it would be pointless besides drawing unwanted attention. Holding up an armored fist Akhilleus extended his index finger circling it signaling for them to all retreat deeper into the protection the forest offered. The wildlife would already be shielding their presence and the Vax had gone through the precautions of hiding their scent by rolling around in grass, mud, some even using the feces of the local wildlife. It was the way of the warriors; one was willing to do whatever possible to save their people.

Returning back from whence they came the darkness of the jungle swallowing them Akhilleus signaled for the Vax to begin laying mines. Not thermal mines like many would expect, no those were to easily trackable. These mines were fully mechanical and ran off no electronics. Buried beneath foliage, dirt and mud they’d be undetectable to common scanners. Reverting to the past was needed in some instances. Placing Thermal detonators at the base of a few wide trees and linking them to his datapad for remote activation Akhilleus and his squad moved half a klick back to their forward camp. It had been set up specifically to cut off a straight line to the village. Similar camps were on the east and west sides as well, Each manned by fifty Vax. Turret Emplacements were set upon the edges of each camp and the Vax were equipped with slugthrowers. Dangerous to use something like a blaster in the jungle too short of a lifespan.

Sitting down on a log and watching the Vax conversate amongst themselves Akhilleus smiled behind the visor of his armor. The anticipation for battle was strong in him. He couldn’t wait for it to come, Goosebumps crawled up and down his skin just thinking about the fight to come. The blood that would be shed, The feeling of it on his skin. No this isn’t you! He told himself shaking away the negative thoughts. No it was the talisman that sat upon his right arm, the talisman of Exar Kun.

 

[Visser Chernykh]

Objective III
A: [member="Rick Müller"] | [member="Atin Vendet"] | [member="Saki lin"] | [member="Rolf Amsel"]
E: [member="Akhilleus"]

Mael Ren watched the arrival of the FSOB man. It was obvious what he was thought officially know one knew. No one except the officers. Except one good sergeant was said to be worth ten 2nd Lieutenants.

So it was a poorly kept secret. The troopers speculated among themselves. The arrival of the FSOB indicated it was going to get messy. Add in the Knight of Ren and it could be dangerous for your health.

He emerged from the command tent a while later. The FSOB man approached the platoon C.O. and began speaking to him. If Mael had been meant to know he'd have been briefed. So he walked to the perimeter of the camp and scanned the trees.

Something was happening just past visual range. The disciple couldn't say what or who with certainty. Probably the Vax milling about to get a look. But that answer didn't satisfy him.

Mael Ren studied the trees for a long time. Finally he turned and walked back into the camp. Troopers pointed him to the FSOB agent when he asked. He stood out like a sore thumb.

He approached the scruffy-looking man and planted himself a meter away. The man showed no reaction whatsoever. He clearly was no green operative. The human had seen his share of bad things.

"Something's happening in the trees," he began in his vocabulator-altered voice "I don't know what, but I sense a disturbance."

 

[Progflaw99]

Rolf turned slightly, his gaze lingering out past the wire for a few seconds before gripping his blaster and spinning towards the voice. It sounded like their lieutenant. He thanked the gods that his face was hidden behind his helmet, the face he made upon confirming that it was his lieutenant was less than gracious. Picking up into a jog, he arrived moments later. He'd seen the other man a ways off but now that he was close, he had a pretty good idea what was about to happen. At first he'd thought it was a holo-journalist, they'd had one of those following them around months earlier on one of their campaigns; in Rolf's opinion, all they ever did was get in the way. But... that's not what this man was. His non-regulation gear and relaxed stance suggested he was familiar with the area. A guide? He would likely find out shortly.

On his way towards the two man standing in the distance, he was stopped by the Togruta as she introduced herself. He eyed her carefully from behind the mask of his helmet, biting his cheek. Knights of Ren were... strange creatures. They didn't seem to be nearly as human-centric as the other arms of the First Order, focusing less on the species and more on their ability to harness the Force... though humans did seem to rise through the ranks faster, but that was an untested anecdote, one Rolf didn't particularly care to validate or disprove. He looked at the woman before him. He thought to put up protest at first, but grudgingly, he decided that was likely a bad idea. He nodded as the woman informed him that she had been assigned to second squad. As an NCO, he knew where her tent had been set up, and he pointed towards it.

"Sergeant Amsel, second squad. Your tent is the one on the end there, square. I'd get settled in if I were you. Alternatively, Lieutenant Miller is the platoon commander, he's this way."

With little more than that and a nod, he continued his short jog over to where the Lieutenant and another man stood.

It took everything he had not to openly salute the Lieutenant as a statement: "Feth you!". Lieutenant Miller had been their Platoon Commander for several months now, and it had taken less than a quarter of that time for Rolf and the rest of his squadmates to cast judgement on the man. He was terribly inept in combat training scenarios, perhaps he knew someone or was the son of some politician, Rolf couldn't figure out any other reason the man would have been given command of a squad, much less an entire infantry platoon. Biting his tongue and keeping his hand on his blaster's grip, he reported in.

"You called sir?"

He hoped this would be quick, he was ready to get back to his men and their labors. Any time spent idling with the Lieutenant was likely to devolve into another monologue about Officer Candidate School. As he stood there, another man approached, setting himself down near the non-trooper. Rumor was the first man was FOSB, but rumors in the infantry were notorious for being wrong. On one of their deployments to some backwater world Rolf couldn't remember the name of, there had even been rumors that Jalara Litirii, a pop culture icon, had died. He smirked at the memory. The second man appeared to be another Knight of Ren... at least that was what Rolf thought. Beyond them, he saw another man. He looked like hired help, lacking the armor of the First Order. A mercenary? Looks like everyone had shown up for this party.

[member="Skjold Alexeyev"] | [member="Rick Müller"] | [member="Saki lin"] | [member="Atin Vendet"]​

 

[Krenis Skirata]

Objective 1- Opposition
Allies: No PCs
Enemies: [member="Rexus Wenck"] @Art Vanderlay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4dopv9TrvI

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

Imperial occupation. Sure, they called themselves the First Order, but it was the same. They took from the imagery and the power. Stormtroopers in white armor, a design they stole from him and his brothers enturies ago. To any clone, any iteration of the Galactic Empire was a mockery, a betrayal that ran as deep as their shared DNA. And for that, no clone should ever forgive them. But Krenis more than just a clone. He was a Mandalorian.

Slave labor. Oppressive bureaucrats with the might of the Imperial Army. Citizens in chains to the point of a collapsed society. Exploitation of natural resources. That burned within him, a fire inside his chest, driving him on. No Mandalorian who knew their history should ever forget that, and certainly never forgive. But eight and a half centuries cooled many memories. Not Krenis' though. No, he remembered, for he had been there, and he had fought against the Galactic Empire with the Protectors. The situation had been the same then.

He looked through the blinds of the safe-house the Free Vax had gotten him. The streets were quiet for now, in these opening hours of the occupation. Everyone stood on eggshells. The balance of power was uneven. He remembered this. Nobody quite knew how far the occupation force would take things, and nobody wished to push them over the edge. Even the aliens, like Krenis, whether they be other rebels or civilians, were in the same position, but even more awkward, for they belong to neither party. But he was here to fight a war and strike a blow for revenge in the name of the Mando'ade.

​

Kom'rk tsad droten troch nyn ures adenn.​

Dha Werda Verda a'den tratu,​

Manda'yaim kandosii adu.​

Duum motir ca'tra nau tracinya.​

Gra'tua cuun hett su dralshy'a.​

​

He chanted the ancient words to himself, steeling himself for what was to come. To resist an occupying force wasn't a battle. No, it was a war that spanned for years of quiet and then erupting into violence. And with the rest of the clans fighting in the Crusades, he would be alone here, unless others had come to join the call, be it for money or honor. It woudn't surprise him if others had joined the other side, but if they had, and he met, they were in for a history lesson.

The gauntlet of Mandalore strikes without mercy ​

We are the rage of the Warriors of Shadow ​

The first Noble Sons of Mandalore ​

Let all those who stand before us light the night sky in flame. ​

Our vengeance burns brighter still. ​

​

Krenis stood and faced the window. War had come, but before a war could be fought, the landscape needed to be known. Reconnaissance. He turned to a nearby table and activated the datapad there, scrolling through the public channels. Intel was scarce. He'd have to do this the old fashioned way through some field observation. No weapons or armor at this point. Just civilian clothes and some make-up. He stared at himself in a mirror, or this other version of himself.

A slightly flabby human, with a rather non-attractive face. Most of that came from hiding the scar across his face, and changing his structure to look less like Fett. This was accentuated by some rather elaborate robes indicating him to be a rather wealthy off-world slaver. With disguise in place, and legitimate papers identifying him, Krenis strode out of the building.

He didn't look back, or even appear to look around as he made his way around the city. No, he was tracking the influx of military starships towards the other side of the city. TIE fighters, by the sound of them, and lurking above them in the atmosphere, some sort of larger warship. Sub-capital, he guessed. Perhaps a frigate. Large enough to serve as a troop transport.

But that was enough sky-watching for now. Walking an ambling, yet purposeful route, Krenis found his way towards the hub of activity. The university, a grand and elaborate campus. Of course they would take that as their command-post. He stood a few blocks down a street, arms-crossed, and tapping his feet. He needed to speak to someone. Create his persona and establish himself as a supporter. He strode towards the campus, robes trailing along behind.

Guard towers, newly erected by the looks of it, stood above the campus, while the front entrance was well secured with pill-boxes, and a comm-tower peaked over some roofs.

Two stormtroopers stepped forward, blasters raised. Krenis stopped and raised his arms.

"I wish to speak to someone of... importance," Krenis called out, holding out the documents. "My interests have taken a hit lately with... recent instability. Is there an officer around?"

 

[Saki lin]

She gave a kind smile...isn't that odd for a ren? However she was quite odd she had a cool exterior yet inside was a burning fireplace that never stayed unlit merely contained till she was mad or in the field of combat where she let it out to burn her enemies

Sergeant amsel pleasure to be under your command" she said as she looked to him" if you don't mind I'll follow you I'd like to meet the platoon leader "she said as she followed him moving a bit slower behind him she had already sit up in her tent though wasn't much mainly a few weapons she had and different clothing

She stopped as they met the lieutenant and out her arms behind her back, she was here to assist where need be...and with her there they more then likely had the advantage given she could do a bit more then them yet she would not think of herself more for the moment she was merely a equal

She stopped now and would wait for orders

Little did she know she was in a jungle where hell was gonna come alive in something she's probably not seen...



Post 2
[member="Rolf Amsel"] [member="Skjold Alexeyev"] [member="Akhilleus"] [member="Rick Müller"] [member="Atin Vendet"]

 

[Aithne Charr]

Objective: 3

Allied Side: Free Vax
People of Reference: [member="Skjold Alexeyev"] [member="Akhilleus"] [member="Atin Vendet"] [member="Rick Müller"] [member="Saki lin"]

Equipment: Light Fiber Armor, Full Body Environment Body Glove, Enigma Class Gas Mask (To hide who i am)
Armament: Sapphire Blue Lightsabers, Fifteen vibro Daggers, Four Napalm Grenades, Side Arm, Battle Rifle. A Gardener's Heart Crystal.

Troops: Two Squads of Shadow Legionnaires


Solan smiled as he leaned back in a tree, staring down at the jungle floor below with his hands drawing a vine up and around his arm. It was a simple matter these last few weeks, having flown to the planet on a small blockade runner in order to check out the situation. Sure he had picked a rather strange time to do some work but he had heard through his intelligence officers... well and the galactic media of what was going on in the region. Here was the problem he had though, and that was that he had very little information on the First Order, but he had known enough to reason that these little rebels would be well worth the effort of helping.

In truth, the tactics that needed to be used were very cloak and dagger. These Vax would not be able to ever win a standard combat with the First Order and as such he and the group he operated with, who only knew him as Void, would commit acts of hit and run combat. Striking from tunnel systems, caves, and using the forest to their advantage. It was like using the very environment to tear apart the enemy and it worked much better than full battles. There was always a chance for a galactic power to intervene of course, that was something that could happen, but until then these people were stuck with such cowardly tactics.

Not that Solan was complaining.

For him and the two squads of soldiers he had brought to the planet, this worked far better than worrying about taking out enemy fortresses. Even now they were waiting in silence on a jungle path, watching and waiting as Solan had surrendered his eyes to the force so that he could find the troopers who would be caught in yet another ambush. Would these be more grunts or would they start to up the difficulty on the entire affair he wondered...

 

[Atin Vendet]

Name: Atin Vendet
Position: Near [member="Rolf Amsel"] | [member="Skjold Alexeyev"] | [member="Rick Müller"] | [member="Saki lin"]
Enemies: [member="Solan Charr"] | [member="Akhilleus"]

The Mandalorian simply nodded. "I'll be there.", he replies to Agent Müller. He had further questions, but others were vying for the man's attention. In all likelihood, it was all common knowledge he could find out from others around camp. The togrutta stole away his attention with her periodic smile, although a sinking feeling in his gut gave the impression to not attempt to get overly close to her. Perhaps she was one of those 'Knights or Ren' sorts. She certainly lacked the usual formal military attire.

When a cloaked figure approached, no doubt one of the feared and fabled force users within the first Order, Atin took the time to observe the man, who wasted little time in producing the obscure force assisted knowledge that befit a man of his stature. The mercenary turned off his outbound audio, and stepped a few feet away from the group. The Mandalorian issued a small prompt to Deezee to fly overhead, perform a few sweeps, and see if he could link tag some targets via thermals to his Heads up Display. If anything was found, he'd report it.

The approach of a third sergeant, ensured that conversation could be maintained well in his absence, and he was free to catch small tidbits of information pertaining to his stay here. The platoon commander's name was Lieutenant Miller, the agent was Mr Muller, and the sergeant who approached was addressed by the name 'Amsel'. Time and conversation had yet to reveal the names of the two force users directly to him, or he'd missed it.

As Deezee departed to do as probe droids do, he returned to the circle, and slung his smartlinked westar 35 rifle under his shoulder. When opportunity came, or a break in more important conversation, he figured he'd take the time to introduce himself.

"Atin Vendet, Clan Vendet. I'm a scouter and a shooter. I've got my droid checking out those trees you were on about.", he says, addressing the group, followed by a more direct look to Skjold. "Pleasure to meet you all. Gonna be a fun camping trip and game hunt"

 

[Davin Jusik]

Objective 3

Allies: [member="Atin Vendet"] [member="Rolf Amsel"] [member="Saki lin"] [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"]

Enemies: [member="Solan Charr"] [member="Akhilleus"]

Miller spoke quickly when [member="Rolf Amsel"] arrived "Sergeant, your squad will be escorting Mr. Muller when we hit the villages tomorrow. Treat his word as my own, now if you'll excuse me gentlemen I need to get back to the CP." With that the officer turned heel and waltzed his way back to where Amin had found him earlier.


"Good to meet you Sergeant." Amin said with a nod and firm handshake before himself being distracted again by a Knight of Ren, who claimed to feel some disturbance or another in the force along the northern tree line. Probably a rebel scouting party. Maybe an assault group if the enemy lacked any inkling of strategic thought, though he wouldn't write it off, he'd seen more deluded moves before.

"Well let's light it up. We've got the firepower, no need to actually risk any of our folk if we don't need to, and if you're wrong, no harm no foul, eh?" Amin said to the Knight of Ren as he opened a pouch on his utility pouch and pulled out a communicator that linked up and away to the Naval Forces above. "They taught you how to call in a fire mission a that academy of your's yeah?" He said with a lighthearted grin at his teasing. While Amin was suspicious of forcies he'd learned to lean towards caution when they claimed that something was wrong, as it frequently was as they claimed. Better to burn some acres of forest needlessly than have their throats cut in the middle of the night. He called in a fire mission to strafe the treeline.

"Let us know what your eyes see. If anyone's out there they won't stay still once the rain comes." He said to @Akin Vendet before taking a long drag off his cigarette and turning back to the Sergeant.

"I'd like to meet your men now." Amin said rather cheerfully to Rolf. A display of firepower like the one to come always brought happy feelings to anyone who'd ever served in the infantry. Meant they didn't have to walk anywhere or potentially take a bolt to the dome. He nodded towards [member="Saki lin"] as she followed the pair. The nod spoke of the time she'd saved him from death during a shuttle accident, though it wouldn't be proper to speak of such things in present company. It wouldn't do either of them any good to be associated.

 

[Rexus Wenck]

Name: Rexus Wenck
Objective: 1: Securing the First Order's presence.
Location: Main Gate Of Nar'Tan State University.

"Hey, hold it right there sir." One of the stormtroopers called to the Mandalorian, "Now look, how about I see your documents?" he asked, before glancing down at them.

The other stormtrooper playfully raised his rifle at the man, "What? We not important enough for you?" He teased with a chuckle.

"Cut the poodoo Willard." The other stormtrooper derisively snarled while reading through the papers.

Rexus watched this all from the main gate. He leaned against the concrete hull of one of the armored pill boxes, eyeing the stranger. He was sans helmet, and taking drags from his cigarette. One of the stormtroopers waved at him over. Rexus dropped the cigarette, and extinguished it with his boot. Putting his helmet under his arm, he walked over to the trio, "Who do we have here?" The lieutenant asked.

"One Krenis Sikatra." One of the stormtroopers said, "He's got documents, says he's an independent slaver." The stormtrooper passed the documents to the officer, who glanced over them, and eyed the civilian evenly.

"Sorry sir, there's nothing I can do. I'm not one in the business of slaves. But I can assure you, once we stayed making some gains here, there'll be a surplus of them." Rexus said with a cruel smirk, "Nonetheless," he passed the documents back to the well dressed civilian, "If you see anything suspicous, or have any concerns, please contact the Zarnathean authorities. Or use frequency four two seven, and we'll send a squad to your residence, alright?" he asked, "If our business is done here Mister Sikartra, I wish you a safe journey home."


[member="Krenis Skirata"]

 

[Krenis Skirata]

[member="Rexus Wenck"]
Objective 1- Destabilize First Order presence
Location: Main Gates of the University
-------------------------------

Krenis stood and waited, rubbing his hands together as the two soldiers examined his papers, licking his lips on occasion to add to the persona. When joking about how they weren't good enough, he merely frowned over his nose at them. A wealthy aristocrat was all he wanted to be, one that fit somewhat into the accepted social structure of the First Order. From what he understood, they had definitive and fairly rigid social structures, with social rank being capable of placing one in leadership, much like the old Galactic Empire. Favor trumped merit, as it seemed. But that was all just hypotheses.

He gave a slight bow of greeting as the lieutenant approached, clasping his hands in front of him.

"Ah, thank you kindly, sir," He turned to look over his shoulder at the streets. All clear, so he leaned forward to the soldiers to speak in a whisper. "And you can handle the riots, too, I hope? These last ones..." His voice stopped with a slight shiver. "Horrible business." He straightened, and gave another slight bow, this time of farewell. "Frequency four two seven, thank you, officer. If things go as bad as before, I shall call." He gave another shiver. "My thanks to you and your duty. Hopefully you can make this world rather more civil than it has been in the past."

He started walking away, back into the the rest of the city, seemingly satisfied, but his mind was racing. They were relaxed and confident, not on edge as of yet. That was a good sign. A relaxed occupation force was unlikely to start taking drastically violent actions immediately or shoot civilians on sight. It made his job easier, but only at first, and he couldn't do anything to change their attitudes to raise their guard. After he struck, then yes, he could take some psychological actions, but nothing until the first blow had been struck.

The sky began to shade itself purple as night fell, with the sun setting beyond the horizon. Darkness was coming and with the night came the shadow warriors. Krenis smiled. It was a smile as cold and emotionless as a stormtrooper's armor. Now was not the time to let them feel comfortable. Resistance movements were about making occupation more expensive than what the planet was worth. That had to start now before they were entrenched and comfortable.

He paused at the intersection of his street, letting the traffic part before he turned down it towards his safe-house, double checking again at the entrance before hurrying in, sealing the door behind him. It was time to prepare for war.

 

[Viktor DuSang]

Objective 1: Securing First Order Presence
Allies: [member="Rexus Wenck"]
Enemies: [member="Krenis Skirata"] (Not revealed)
Location: Main Gate of the Nar'Tan State University

The young noble walked through the grounds of Nar'Tan State University, his memories wandering to his time spent at the University of Coruscant. Of course, his duties within the Hall of Lords and now within the Order of Ren took precedence over his continued education. But there might be time in the future for him to attend University later. He rather enjoyed his brief college tenure back home.

He wore a long sleeved, black, button-up shirt, black pants, and black combat boots. He ran a hand through black hair as yellow eyes landed on a group of stormtroopers. "Pardon me, gentlemen, where can I find your commanding officer?" One of the stormtroopers stepped forward, rifle in hand. "And you would be...?" Viktor reached into his back pocket, showing his credentials. "Ah. Right this way, sir."

The trooper lead Viktor to a rather gruff looking man. The kind of man who thrived in the military. Viktor approached him, waiting for a free moment. "Lieutenant Wenck? I'm Viktor DuSang of the Order of Ren." An olive hand outstretched in greeting, the holster for his lightdagger tightening around his forearm. "What can I do to assist you and your soldiers?"