There and Back Again: The Raid of Demonsgate (First Order and Order of the Black Rose)

[Evangeline Ovmar]

It had taken months of travel and boredom, but as the lines of hyperspace reverted to the pinpricks of light denoting stars, Captain Evangeline Ovmar breathed a quiet sigh of relief. The voyage here was over. Now came the hard part and, if they succeeded, the long road home.

"Realspace reversion complete, systems powering up."
"All ships reporting in to Flag, everyone is present."
"Comm traffic spiking on the planet, Captain. Seems they're waking up."


The comm officer shifted in his seat and caught Ovmar's eye. He gestured at the control panels before him and shrugged.

"Looks like someone on the planet is trying to signal us. Shall I open up comm frequency?"

"Negative, ignore planetside communications," came her reply. She checked one of the holodisplays in front of her, fingers rapping thoughtfully on the arm of her chair. "Launch all fighters and drop ships, follow the battle plans and head for the objectives. Bring the ship down to high orbit with the rest of the armada, but keep the engines primed in case we need to maneuver."

The destroyer she captained wasn't one of the new manufactures, but an old design. One that still held its many squadrons of TIEs and various other small craft. It was a general purpose ship, not one of any real doctrine enforced or adopted by the Order's navy. Hopefully, all that would change soon enough, possibly even by the time they returned home. If they returned home. This raid was a gamble, but a necessary one.

"Open up comms to Flag. Alert them of our position and maneuvers, please."

"Aye, aye, comming Flag."

Spoiler

[member="Aram Kalast"]
[member="Sanya Val Lerium"]

 

[Matreya]

Location: Nearing the Planet
Gear: In Bio

Like the previousely mentioned trip, Damien flew long and hard, risking damage to his ship on every turn. Yet it would be for a good reason - well two technically: he needed information on the First Order, as he always wished to stay updated on galactic affairs, and secondly he wished to manage some more Phrik. After the vagabonds stole his containers, he needed to reacquire the rare mineral. It wasn't like Durasteel was a money maker!

Flipping a switch, he allowed autopilot to engage as he walked towards the rear of the Freighter. His men, each comprised of a different skill set and species, stood at the ready, rocking slightly with the movement of the ship. Nodding to Vain, he called, "How's the tail?"

\\Ready for blood!\\ Came the mental reply from his ally, the Andolith Vainaro-Gesh-Messaia, whose tail switched and flicked in excitement.

Glancing to his left he narrowly managed to catch the last shimmer of shifting from his Polydroxol ally, Norsistea. Usually a hulking menace, he had shifted his form until he was roughly 5 and a half feet tall, with a less than bulky build, "Nors, I like the change, but you better suit up. We're almost there."

Looking around at the rest of his crew, Balathis the Umbaran, Yursiri the ancient Tera Vampir, and the petite Samantha, he nodded, "Alright everyone. Let's do this." Reaching into his locker, he drew out Tantibus, which he strapped readily to his back, then Ayden Cater's blade to his right hip. Lastly he drew over his head the Talisman of Concentration that held the form of an amulet, next the one that was in the style of a gaudy ring.

Sensing something approach, he glanced over his shoulder at the mass of Spirits that had returned from scouting the space ahead of them. Each began to retell the sights they had seen, which all boiled down to the battle that would ensue.

Instantly, Damien placed a hand on the hilt of Lymmahtun, and began siphoning energy from the Force at a devastating rate. He would be at absolute full capacity when he landed.

Of course, he was also covered in his Beskar'gam, Cater Coat, Warden Cloak, and Gun Belt - which was obviously stocked with plenty of assorted grenades, and a trio of Betty Blasters with excess ammunition.

 

[Jorus Merrill]

The Underground having seeded every route to Demonsgate with monitors, informers, and comm relays - eighteen months of hell - Jorus continued keeping an eye on the expedition's progress.

 

[Sanya Val Lerium]

Allies -
[member="Harley"] Ξ [member="Særa Ayña Savan"] Ξ @Order of the Black Rose

Enemy -
[member="Evangeline Ovmar"] Ξ @First order

Hot, sticky and the rest of it the world was only really useful for a hand full of things. Its rough terrain provided good zone to test all manners of vehicles, weapons even low ground flight training exercises. Due to high aing-tii activity recently a small fleet of frigate's (5) remained in low orbit of the world keeping constant scanning in a consistent pattern just in case. Accompanying the fleet are three squadrons of blade wings the other two squadrons remained close to the testing zone at a mining facility. The facility it's self was currently been used as a base of operations while the training and tests went on. "Arachnid-At one, two and three fire on my mark." The mass driver cannon's powered up for their shot and the targets where a few old repulsor crates that had been tweeked to levitate higher than normal. "FIRE!" She said loudly into the com. Three lines of blue energy left the barrels hurdling towards the crates. Two small explosions could be seen while the third remained to trail off into the distance. Not long after the whipping sound of the explosion reached them.

"Lady Val Lerium come in?" The voice said down the com's. "Whats up Kirah." Sanya said in reply. "We are picking up unidentified vessels in the vicinity. They have refused our hails and are launching ships en route to the facilities." The womans voice was one that was expecting the worse outcome not only that but she could feel it to. someone was here to do harm to civilians and be petty criminal's. Although who ever it was seemed to be more organized already. "Launch the b-wings and the vasparum's to deal with as many on the way down. Mark the shuttles as primary targets for now. If them make it below one thousands five hundred move targets. The b-wings down here will deal with the remaining. I need you to engage the ship they are coming from. How many strays pods have we available?" War and crime always the same stuff don't underestimate the opponent know what you have at hand and plan what you can do. "We have four the city ship is only outfitters with normal escape pods." It wasn't many to work with but hopefully be enough to infiltrate the lead ship of these people. "Target it's lead ship and get it under our control."

Equipment -

Spoiler

Sanya's mask
Examplar-class personal energy shield
Inqusition Horizon S1 Data pad
Royal circlet
Arm braces

Sasori toolkit - rangers sheath
Sabers

SPEEDER: VOI speeder

Npc -

Spoiler

Udarnik Frigate (5)
Strays assault boarding pods (4)(20 sisterhood troopers per pod)
Vesparum Interceptor (8)
Blade wing (12) (6 with frigates 6 on ground)
Arachnid-AT (3)

 

[Kenrath]

Location: Captain Ovmar's Destroyer
Allies: [member="Evangeline Ovmar"] @First Order
Enemies: [member="Sanya Val Lerium"] @Black Rose


Cole sat in one of the Drop ships feared up as they exited Hyper into real space. Since the fall of the Empire Cole had been doing some freelancing when he was not back on Eshan with his fellow Echani working on the fallout from the Republic's decline. This particular operation was based on acquiring some Phrik which could be useful in future endeavors. In stark contrast to the FO Storm Troopers Cole wore Echani Light Armor underneath heavy clothing with a hood and Cloth mask that covered his head and face. On his back was an Echani Vibroblade in a Sheath. The only Imperial weapon he carried these days was a Blaster pistol in a hip holster.

He turned to the Trooper beside him giving the man a nod.

"What's our ETA to the LZ?"

As he asked he double checked the functionality of the Blaster to ensure it worked when he needed it to. Cole was more of a swordsman but he had picked up some blaster training during his time in the Empire.

 

[Krayn]

Location: Bridge of the Resurgance-Class Star Destroyer Immolator
Allies:[member="Cole Dagos"][member="Evangeline Ovmar"]
Enemies:The Black Rose

When the First Order had last moved to Demonsgate it had been a single cruiser that had undertaken the journey, a simple craft with a minimal crew, little worry if it had been lost. Now however on their return the Supreme Leader’s forces hailed a far more formidable threat. The Resurgent-Class Star Destroyer known as the Immolator was one of these threats and now all three thousand metres of the ship was slowly making its way forward towards the ashen black planet that had been designated as their target, the great wedge shape cutting through the space around it like a knife through soft butter.

Admiral Deesat stood at the viewport of the main bridge to the Immolator. Once a Commander of an Imperial Remnant craft that had defected to the cause of the First Order shortly after the Supreme Leader’s declaration on Eriadu, Deesat had roared his way through the ranks of the First Order for his guile and ability to follow orders no matter the outcome. Yet even he was starting to feel the pull of unease about this raid. It wasn’t the rumoured covern of witches that was said to hold the planet under their govern, nor was it the impeding death that could follow from one small miscalculation of steering the behemoth of a ship. No, it was the masked and robed being who stood to the side of him that put him on edge. The Knight of Ren, an agent of the Supreme Leader’s secretive cult was supposedly here as a means to an end, a twisted message of dominance over those who did not believe the power of their brotherhood or in extension the First Order. Or at least that was Deesat’s personal opinion, to the men the presence of the Knight had caused an increase in moral, most were indoctrinated enough to actually believe his very presence would increase their chances of survival. Fools, but fools followed without question and to the First Order obedience was paramount of their men and women.

“Captain?” Deesat’s voice was clear over the hum of the Star Destroyer and the clattering of plastoid boots connecting with highly polished floors followed his question.
“Yes Admiral.” The modulated voice of the Stormtrooper that had approached said as she fell into an at ease position next to the Admiral.
“Have the deployment alarms initiated.” Deesat said turning to the Stormtrooper. “I want everything we have ready to move the second we reach launch range.”
“Yes sir.” The Stormtrooper saluted, turned on her heel and began to march towards the end of the bridges walkway.
“We will be ready to launch momentarily Ren.” Deesat turned his attention to the hooded being that was still watching the evolving scene outside of the viewport. “You can inform to your citadel our imminent success.”
The cold mask turned to enquire of the Admiral’s comment. Cold and dark eyes staring at Deesat with a stillness that created the most inwards feeling of being judged. The First Order officer, like many before him felt the breath catch in his chest through sheer nerves a pause that was only broken when at last the Knight did speak through his modulator that turned his tone dark, deep and chilling.
“You are so certain of victory Admiral.” The mask’s glare returned to the stars. “I see no proof of our victory.”
“With all due respect Ren.” Deesat had to catch his anger, a pointless act if the rumours that these Knights could feel your emotions held any truth. “The petty forces that oppose us will be no match for what the First Order will deploy. We are the true power in the galaxy.”
“True power?” The Ren spoke and Deesat felt that familiar feeling of dread in his gut, the mask having returned to stare at him and him alone. “Do not underestimate a coven of witches Admiral.” The choking feeling did not fade, it only increased. It was as if someone was squeezing tightly on his wind-pipe, even the fingers that reached to his neck could not grasp the invisible fear. “It will be your undoing.” Deesat fell to his knees and only when he knew that he was about to die did the air return to his lungs. Deep harsh breaths filtering around the bridge like a siren. “I find your lack of faith disturbing Admiral.” The Ren turned and began to move away down the ramp of the bridge towards the same bulkhead that the Captain had passed through before leaving Deesat alone to deal with his sudden reinitiation of faith.

 

[Evangeline Ovmar]

Location: Retribution class Light Star Destroyer Dominance
Allies: [member="Belis Ren"] [member="Cole Dagos"]
Enemies: [member="Sanya Val Lerium"]

"Multiple contacts, looks like a squadron of frigates and some fighter squadrons."
"I'm registering at least five ships visible, all frigate class."

Ovmar grunted once in acknowledgement and stood from the command chair. She stepped forward and stood at the front of the command deck, her hands braced on the edge of the holoprojector before her. Her ship and the small raiding fleet's positions were clearly outlined and the new contacts were picked out one by one in red as they were added to the display.

"Assign all combat squadrons from the Dominance to cover the transports. They'll figure we're either the precursor of an invasion fleet or a heavy raid fleet and try to keep our ground troops out of the fight. Bring all weapons to bear on the lead frigate, but hold fire and wait for my order. Bring shields to full and keep pace with the fleet."

She looked the holodisplay over once more and frowned. She knew the intel reports stated that the Black Rose military had become lax of late, but she highly doubted they had left a world this lightly defended, even one such as Demonsgate. She fully expected a surprise at some point, but the question was when it would appear. Ovmar shot a look to her comm officer, her frown remaining.

"Comm Flag and let them know we're fully ready for combat. Also, express the concern for a possible ambush. Not that I think they'd have any warning of us coming, but a hasty surprise isn't unusual in this situation."

 

[OK-3103]

His first assignment since joining the White Wolves.

They moved from the base to a transport and from the transport to orbit, travelling with another half dozen of the rookie squads, all of them in their armour and with their rifles. The rifles were new, no longer the training version but the real thing, loaded with live ammunition and fully charged for battle. His first look up close at a Destroyer, majestic and ominous at once, was through the hull windows as it came into view – almost impossibly small at first, then growing to become almost impossibly large as their shuttle sped toward it.

"This is for real," he said, primarily to himself, and he was aware there was awe in his voice, as if he'd never expected to make it this far.

"Did the captain say where we're going?" another trooper asked. "What we're doing?"

"No," OK-3103 replied.

"Of course not," another said. "They’re not going to tell stormtroopers the Supreme Leader's plans. They’re not asking for our opinion. They’ve got a job they want doing and they’re counting on us to do it."

They docked in the primary bay and disembarked in tight formation, marching as they had been taught. Ranks of TIE fighters hung on their moorings overhead, gleaming in the docking bay light, and OK-3103 had to work hard not to stare at them, the real things up close. He knew, intuitively, that there was no appreciable difference between the fighters hanging above him and the ones he'd seen fly overhead so many times in simulations, and yet this was strangely, sharply different. Their power was palpable, even ominous, as they waited above like a flock of sleeping, savage mynocks.

 

[OK-3103]

The deck officer, an older man in a perfectly tailored, immaculate uniform, was waiting for them. He separated them by cadre and gave them directions to their billets, and OK-3103 found that he and the rest of the team had been assigned to barracks almost identical to those they'd left behind on the surface. The difference was that the ones aboard the ship were occupied by ‘real’ stormtroopers – men who ignored them entirely as they located their bunks and stowed their gear. They'd hardly had a moment to remove their helmets and settle themselves when they heard the order coming over the ship's PA system: all hands prepare for hyperspace. And it wasn't a minute after that when Ok-3103 felt the ship shudder slightly and they were off and travelling faster than light.

The briefing room, like every other section of the base where he’d been trained, was featureless to the point of sterile. That wasn't to say colourless, however. Amid the wide variety of industrial greys, there was always black and, of course, red (though that was reserved primarily for First Order insignia).

He didn't know much about life outside of his training, had little in the way of memories of a time before, in fact. What he knew was what he had been taught, and what he had been taught was simple: the First Order stood against the deprivations of the Alliance and the Republic. The First Order was here to bring law to a lawless galaxy. What little he had seen of the galaxy had been filtered through his training, through the eyes of the First Order, but there was no need or even reason to doubt its truth.

Still, he wanted to see it with his own eyes. He wanted to know what was out there. Like all the others of his cadre, he was waiting for that day when they would first be deployed, when they would take their skills and their training and finally get to apply them in the service of the First Order, at the command of the Supreme Leader. He was waiting for his chance to defend the people of the galaxy against all those who would threaten it.

 

[OK-3103]

He sat in the briefing room, all the troopers still in their armour but now with their helmets off, waiting for the CO to arrive.

The doors slid open with a hiss, and OK-3103 got to his feet immediately, in unison with the others, all of them fixing their eyes straight ahead and coming to attention. The officer moved into the room with the same authority and purpose, the same flawless precision, with which First Order officers seemed to do everything.

There was no preamble. There never was. The Captain faced them, surveyed them, and then said, “Adequate.”

3103 had learned that “adequate” was the closest they would ever get to saying they were good.

“OK-3238, you waste ammunition,” the captain continued. “Telemetry indicates your hit ratio of less than five to one. You are assigned to the range once the mission is concluded. I expect an immediate and marked improvement.”

“Yes, Captain.”

The helmet shifted almost imperceptibly to the left. It was another thing that 3103 had noticed about this Captain; you never knew exactly who or what he was looking at. He thought it was 2886, but he spoke to 3009, instead.

“OK-3009, biosensors noted your heart rate is typically eight percent above acceptable range, with an additional twenty-second delay in reverting from strong exertion to resting pulse. Your weight is up two percent, without corresponding gain in muscle mass. Your meals are being modified, and you will begin additional physical training once the mission is complete.”

“Yes, Captain.”

The Captain didn’t move, not even the slightest shift in the angle of his helmet, yet 3103 was absolutely positive he was now looking at 86. He didn’t speak. The silence stretched, and as it went on it changed, and 3103 could see 86 growing more and more nervous, fighting the urge to say something. Still the silence grew, and then 3103 could feel it, too, found himself silently urging 86 to stay silent, to wait it out, somehow knowing that if 86 should speak it would be a mistake and that another mistake was exactly what the Captain.

At last he said, “OK-3103, your targeting is exemplary. According to the most recent simulation, you fired your weapon only thirty-six times, scoring kills with thirty-five of those. You deployed one explosive, which resulted in the achieving of the objective and another six enemies killed.”

Now they could all see the Captain’s head move as he looked them over in turn.

“All of you should take your example from OK-3103,” the Captain said. “You are dismissed.”

3103 suppressed an audible groan. He’d already been marked as a loner, now he was going to have to deal with being the captain’s pet.

 

[Kenrath]

Location: Dropship descending to planet surface
Allies: [member="Evangeline Ovmar"] [member="Belis Ren"] @First Order
Enemies: [member="Sanya Val Lerium"] @Black Rose


Cole braced as the ship began evasive maneuvers from the ships on intercept. He smiled softly shaking his head looking around at the others around him. The only soldier on the trip with an exposed face. He looked at them with a smile and a nod.

"Looks like we are expecting company boys." "Time you earned that reputation."

He winked at the Trooper next to him giving him a pat on the shoulder.

"You watch my back and I watch yours." "Tomorrow drinks are on me deal?"

Cole held up a fist bumping the Troopers armored glove. Cole new a steady hand and calm nerves were best at times like these.