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Location: Deep Space
Hanger Bay of 'Termagant' Imperious MK II Star Defender
His hands slowly closed upon the control stick. It was strange, he thought, gazing around the cockpit of the TIE- Locust. Once upon a time, a dozen lives ago, this had been his world. He carefully, almost reverently, let his fingers curl around the control stick. A deep breath swelled his lungs and then released quietly and slowly, dispelling the worms in his stomach and the apprehension in his breast. It was game time.
His hands flew over the start up procedure for the Locust, it didn't require more than a cursory thought to cycle the ship into a state of quiet anticipation. The ship quietly rumbled beneath him, the vibrations coursing up his spine via the pilots seat. It cried out power, death and speed. It wanted him to know that, as they flew together, it wanted blood.
“Ramrod squadron, sound off.” the crackle of coms brought him back to the now and Sal listened to his wing-mates sound off.
“Ramrod-8, sounding off.”
"We're on escort, no heroics." the wing lead said. "When we get out there you stick to your wingman like sperm on a rag and dont let the support ships out of your sight. We clear"
"We're clear lead. "Sal responded with a shake of his head. Back in his day the mission was the mission, it didnt take a rousing speech to remind them of that.
One after another, as they passed they shed their arms. It was a good sign, at least, for the moment that they deigned to acquiesce. Hopefully it would not come to violence.
Though, the emotions of men were hot and often hearts set fists ablaze.
First the Obsidian Lord, who was a diplomat for the Confederacy today, and then the military man, Luca Donskoi
set aside their tools of war. Then came someone with a bit more to say than the others. He used her words as an invitation to speak to the entire congregation.
"I take your weapons not on behalf of either side of this delegation," he replied at first to Visanj T'shkali
as she spoke, "but in the name of Justice, that no matter which side walks out of these talks in control of the Siskeen system, its people do not suffer."
Her words, lighthearted but filled with quiet rage at the depravity that had taken place in the streets of Ryloth, were met with a sad smile. The news came as bitter to he as it did any of the Confederates or their ilk. It did not sit well with him that the Agents of Chaos had conveniently omitted anything about assassinations or the murder of innocent people.
He remembered his words to Scherezade deWinter
, and his Ruby gaze flickered quietly to Annasari
, who had been the one to assure him that their intent was peaceful. If he had been deceived, they would hear from him on that matter later.
The King placed the weapon aside delicately as he replied to her. "Today, I am ally only to Justice, and will see it carried through. And so, I will tell all of you this. You have been given the opportunity to show good faith. Now that you have done so, I will not intervene or speak until you have concluded, unless you break that faith."
He looked between each of them in turn.
"Should that occur, I do not care who starts it. I will finish it."
Enlil stepped back to stand outside the door, and the others would be allowed through. Due to the situation at Ryloth, and the uneasiness of everyone in the room, bodyguards were allowed to pass without their weapons.
"May you all find an answer that serves the people best," he ended succinctly.
Draconis was running like mad across the city, directing traffic and soldiers who were guiding various civilians to shelters when he got the news. They were properly evacuating the city. While this was probably a better idea, there was one problem, most of the major units on planet's surface were still scrambling to get themselves organized and were at best getting most of the people into shelters already. Draconis knew a way to fix this but he had to move fast. He opened his commlink as he spoke.
"Major this is Draconis!"
"Aye sir?"
"Get the heavies down here! We're going to start lifting civilians off planet, this place is too dangerous!"
"Behemoth, and Anvil Squadrons are on their way, what's the time table?"
"They all needed to be off planet five minutes ago!"
"Roger that sir!"
Draconis meanwhile saw a squad of troopers running through the crowd, scrambling to direct people to shelters. Draconis flagged them down immediately and began issuing orders.
"Men! We must direct all civilian traffic to a safe LZ for transport out of the city! It's no longer safe here. Direct all units you can contact to redirect all available forces to this LZ!" He gave them the coordinates and ran off to find more of the troopers.
As he ran through the streets, telling all who would listen, he came across several soldiers in their combat armor but without weapons. Draconis immediately addressed them.
"MEN! Where are you weapons? Where is your unit!?"
"Sir!" They immediately snapped to attention and saluted, Draconis rendering a quick return as he stood before them "Sir, we're with the 504th Support Battalion, Delta Company!"
"The Artillery?!?"
"Yes sir! We're looking for the rest of our unit! We need to-"
"You need to get to your artillery now! Find them, report directly to me! This is now the most important thing for you and any other soldiers you find!"
Draconis immediately came to realize that one of their biggest ground based defenses, his Odin Artillery units would be pivotal in driving the enemy forces when, not if, they got through the defensive line. Especially their ability to shoot back at targets in space giving the ground forces mobile retaliatory options to any other would be terrorists trying to turn the planet into glass. Draconis sighed again, terrorists. All of these people and their vaunted lies. Their willingness to straight up arrive here under such pretenses as a peaceful resolution to this with thinly veiled threats, which they straight up abandoned in nearly record time. And now they were barreling down on the planet like hawks on a cornered prey. He'd seen their kind before and last time he'd barely survived. Draconis was carrying out orders right now from Luna Terrik
right now, seeing that they needed to get these people off planet. And with the battle about of commence in orbit, Draconis couldn't help but feel helpless. And then he heard comms over high command about an unidentified substance being released in atmosphere. An unidentified substance in air? Were they now gassing them? Some other type of chemical warfare? How much further could the AoC possibly take this and still consider themselves 'innocent'? With a growl he looked skyward. These people couldn't be allowed to win. He pulled up his commlink and set it to wide band for the SLDF.
"All SLDF units, if you are a part of the support battalion I need you at the main barracks at this location," He transmitted coordinates to a CDF garage that hadn't been hit and was close to an exit of the bio dome. He then swapped channels and spoke directly to Luna Terrik
.
"Commander, I am gathering my support battalions at this point," he sent the coordinates to the garage to Luna "The artillery crews are in there, our vehicles are offsite, and I'll be sending my armor battalion out next, we need to be prepared for the enemy to begin the offense, if they've landed they may begin their main attack soon. Our forces will move to engage their main body, and buy your men more time,"
Draconis immediately went to comms with all major commands in the SLDF and began to coordinate his men. They needed to be getting organized now, and getting prepared for the inevitable. The AoC wasn't here for any peaceful or noble intentions. They wanted war, death, and chaos as their name implied. They didn't care who was suffering so long as people were. The actions that had happened up to this point proved that. AoC wanted a war. And if they wanted a war, Draconis would give them a proper one. And he'd annihilate them and theirs for threatening the lives and sanctity of so many with this, and all of the innocent blood they spilled.
When he heard her voice, a small shiver traveled up Rylan's spine, "Alora. Yes, I did." he nodded as she finally came to her stop. Listening to her for the moment, and seeing her hand twitch, he reached down to grab it, giving it a reassuring squeeze as he pressed his forehead against her's lightly, just to remind her things would be okay, when she talked about the beheading and saving the people, he smiled with a slight nod before kissing her forehead.
"We won't let the people of Ryloth suffer at the hands of cowards and murderers, I promise you that." his voice was stern, and Alora could probably tell he was reliving some memory by the look in his eyes before they started to move towards one of the garden exits, trying to wave people through towards an exit as he moved. Looking back at Alora, he finally went for his commlink, opening an encrypted channel "This is Lord Kordel, head of the Arcanthus school, does anyone have any blasted idea what's going on here?" clear frustration could be heard in his voice, while it still held an icy tone, something was very amiss, and from where he and his beloved stood, they had a lack of any true answers to what was going on outside of vague threats and beheadings.
Something about all of this sent a feeling of eerie chill down his spine, and he feared the worse was only yet to come, the force was screaming at him, something dangerous was about to happen, something cataclysmic by the way the force was screaming.
"Huh?" Astro shook his head several moments after the explosion, looking around in complete confusion.
His photoreceptors blinked and flickered, causing the droid to smack himself on the head till they clicked on, then looked at his commanding unit as she reported the incident, going for his blaster, the droid wandered over to his sister-in-command droid. "Roger, roger" he responded to the command about not screwing things up. With the order to enter the tunnel, the B1 took the point and moved in, making a weird "gulp" noise as he moved into the smoking hole.
The large, slowly rotating hologram of a starfighter threw a blue light over the viewers gathered around it. In a corner of the main hangar stood Horizon Squadron with their leader; colonel Foster, holding a briefing on the new RMS-SC01 Starbird. They all had passed the tests and were each recently licensed to fly it. This was just continious in-service training, a short briefing as Horizon' served as the shifts QRF, quick reaction force. Hence, they were all geared up in their olive green flightsuits and were ready to deploy in a moments notice, if the word would come.
And it came.
The hologram of the fighter stuttered, and were replaced with the appearance of a bridge officer whos demeanor, though calm and collected, spoke of urgency in his message.
''Colonel Foster? The fleet has recieved message of a possible attack on Ryloth. In a short moment, we are making the hyperjump and are to deploy there in case the situation develops to a state of war. Horizon Squadron is to prepare for space battle, and assume high alert ready to deploy when given the orders. Transfering further briefing to starfighters and your personal datapads. Confederacy first, colonel. Bridge, out.''
Kathryn gave a crisp nod before the hologram disappeared and the attention of the members fell upon her. The information were transfered as the officer had mentioned and the fleet made its jump to lightspeed, destination: Ryloth.
''Alright, then! Guess this'll be the perfect time to test the Starbird's abilities!'' she begun in high spirit, knowing the effects of what a leader signaling fear and concern could mean to a group. Also, it was still unclear which way the situation were going. Wether they would face war today, or not.
''Roble Manufacturing has given us some piece of equippment, but it'll not do the work for you. You all need to stay focused and do your best to fully utilize its potential, but then again I know that you'll do...'' she continued and during a short pause offered each one of them a glance of faith. ''I don't want anyone being left alone out there. Stick to your wingman and keep eachothers back. Let's mount up, Horizon'! Confederacy First!''
''Confederacy First!''
As the fleet arrived the Ryloth system, the twelve Starbirds lined up after the other and left the hangar close one by one. They had been given orders to stay close to the Sapphiric Scorn, but already being airborné gave the fleet command a tool available for immediate use. Now, all there was to do was to wait. The occasional radio chatter, the engines humming through the cold space and her own breathing through the oxygen mask was the only sounds that kept the colonel and the others company, for now.
Location: Color Burst Shooting Game [Festival] - Ryloth Standing Near To:Eira Talon | Darth Empyrean
| Asaraa Vaashe
| Kat Decoria Ally: CIS Enemy: AoC + Insane Extremists Quote:"Needless, senseless death, and extremism have no place here."
Chocolate roses and carnival games. What had meant so much—Now?
Meant nothing at all.
The image of the acclaimed Twi’lek author falling victim to the murderous whims of terrorists and anarchists would not fade. Not from her mind. Not from the hearts of the people that franticly started trying to follow her orders. She could feel their pain, moreover, the horror. Abject, pure, fear. They were terrified of the voices from the skies that promised freedom, and yet, destabilized all that had been achieved. The reaction that flowed through the ether, in truth, what was separated them from the animals. This is what separated the Confederacy from the Agents of Chaos.
They held the ability to mourn those they had never met.
Everything changed so quickly. Seconds. Silvery eyes that had watched her sister play a game at a festival with easy interest had grown hard. The doting sibling that stood stalwart, nearby, protective, and silently supportive became that which would rain hellfire down on their enemies. The phantom feeling of Maliphant standing behind her had yet to dissipate. He indulged her, often, as evidenced by the whisper that touched her ear. The staccato pair bled into something new. They changed in such a startling fashion that it was as if day had suddenly become night. As she became stone, he became steel.
His hand falling away from her own was for the best. Her hand clenched on itself. It left clear bloody crescent moons in her palm. Expressionless eyes remained dark while she took in all of the condescendingly ignorant speeches. All the grandstanding, words, that were filled with little more than speculation and rhetoric. It seemed as if it was designed, specifically, to goad the Confederacy into war.
“What are they really doing here?”, she spoke coldly, mostly, to the Sith Lord at her side. She didn’t believe that a group of anarchist sociopaths had come to promote liberty in a set of Independent Systems. A party ship full of booze? A televised killing? Excuses? Taunting? An aura (Kyrinov
) of fear that prompted fear and panic? What were they playing at? Why were the placing people in the forefront of this sudden invasion that would draw the highest reaction from Confederate personnel? People they wouldn’t necessarily want to fire on? “This can’t be it. It is too convenient. Smokescreen?”
The sheer mass of paltry excuses and showboating was confounding. Maliphant would see where her thoughts were going, slowly, dissecting the situation before them. His words pressed deep into her bones and her gaze flowed upward toward the chiseled features she knew so swell. Briefly, she felt a pang unbidden. His offer sounded sweeter than she wanted to admit.
It was a loaded question. Whom did she condemn? Who deserved to die for this?
<< All of them. >>
All who were responsible. All who had a hand in this, invisible, or otherwise. To kill vermin, to eradicate them, required sterilization of the nest. Whether or not the AoC orchestrated the killing on the Holo-Net mattered little. They paved the way for it to happen, or, aided and abetted. Their hands were just as bloody as the Twi’lek that beheaded one of his own. They didn’t open a door to freedom. They ushered in a reign of terror and placed power in the hands of certifiable fanatics.
Darth Metus
responded, but, it was the words of the Elder Twi’lek among him that left a bitter reminder in the hearts that heard it. It twisted the stomach, burned the ears, and Srina couldn’t help it when her teeth ground together. The decisive “NO” that the Vicelord issued was more than deserving. It caused strength to coil at the base of her spine. She could feel the call, the fight, the endless waltz that would either preserve the lives of those on Ryloth or destroy them.
War. This—Was war.
Thank the Bright One that someone cut the feed.
The young fighter with rose-toned hair (Asaraa Vaashe
) began to pull on the Force and Srina reared back from the Light that she exuded. It wasn’t alone. She could feel the essence of Vytal Noctura
floating up among the crowd and with both aspects of the Force as work, strengthening, and renewing, it chased the aura of Fear back. Pushing back the tide. Slowly, she could see the Twi’lek settle and start thinking a little more rationally. They were afraid, unsettled, but they were strong. They would push through.
“Thank you, Asaraa.”
It didn’t help her, but, her actions would make evacuation easier if panic wasn’t sweeping through the masses unchecked. Srina turned her cruel gaze to Eira Talon and piercing eyes swept over her. The words that her younger Echani spoke rang louder than some of the noise that carried through the comms. She would not leave? “I had not intended to request that you do.”, Srina replied, slowly, pulling something from her wrist.
“I need your help.”
The Scarlet Vow was one of the first gifts that her Master had given her. It had saved her life on more than one occasion. She wrapped the black and red bangle around Eira’s wrist and gave the silent command for it to activate. From nothing, from the mists of smoke, poured metal and shades of bloody crimson. It shifted. Becoming slightly smaller to fit Eira. “We need to ensure that the Twi’lek get off the streets. There are emergency bunkers beneath the bio-domes. It’s the first line of defense. If it can—”
Srina paused. Two new reports. One, they were potentially being targeted by an enemy ship for orbital bombardment. There was a sense of familiarity in this but it was quickly lost be the reality of the situation. Two. An explosion to a Confederate Defense building. Her head shook. This was turning into a full-scale assault. “If the bunkers can withstand the heat storms it might be our best shot. There’s no time to run. If they’re targeting this dome we won’t get far enough, fast enough.”
As strong as Srina was, even, with Maliphant at her side—An orbital bombardment was far beyond her.
Contrary to what her little sister believed.
“Two hours, Eira. It will last only that long. You must be safe before it fades.”
Srina would have given Eira her lightsaber, however, she knew not how to ignite it. Kat Decoria
had also arrived and the Exarch nodded her head to the young woman. “Asaraa and Ms. Decoria…Do you have an extra weapon that Eira may utilize for the time being?”
The Confederate channels were teeming, mixing, with local frequencies while organization began to fall into place. It eased part of her concerns. Part, not all. She proceeded to put in a call to several different parties. Amelia von Sorenn
was one. A singular word that the woman would well understand. <<Hurry.>>
Another call was made to Visanj T'shkali
and Corius Harckon. If Srina recalled correctly, there were ships that could help the people of Ryloth escape this mess in relative safety. Luna Terrik
was handling much of the organizational aspects, but, Srina would help where she could. The more they cleared the more crowded areas the better. There was only so much time. “Things are turning critical on Ryloth. I believe we had ships stationed nearby. The units from the Corps of Discovery would be ideal…The JXS-31 Star Explorers? Please respond and confirm.”
She switched the frequency while something small and yellow caught her eye. It was racing toward her at what no doubt must have been break-neck speed. How…? “Exarch Locke. I’ve already contacted our compatriots for the ships we had in the area, but, we may need more. Can you redirect some of the Pridwen? We will…Require the hospital services.”
Srina bent down and picked up Duckie Talon
with one hand. She glared darkly at it, more than annoyed, before letting the little creature find a spot on her shoulder. It would nest in her hair in a way that made her want to defeather and cook it, but, at least it wouldn’t fall off.
How the kark did this little thing always find its way to the middle of war zones? Across planets? Systems? Srina had not a singular clue, but, she didn’t have time to dwell. Instead, she began to help direct the foot paths of Twi’lek peoples through the area. She reiterated that they needed to relocate to the emergency bunkers beneath the domes and seal all of the doors.
Silver eyes turned upward while something burned in the atmosphere and objects seemed be falling down to the planet like falling stars.
The pieces were moving. One square to the next. Soon, checkmate.
The woman barely had time to fully compose herself after witnessing such an atrocity broadcast across the Holonet when a message was displayed on the same screen. It was a single word from the Exarch Srina Talon
that flashed across the screen.
Without a word or jitter of hesitation she was already making her way out of the spacious office towards the bridge of the vessel. Ryloth was under attack and it was time for the fleet to join the festivities that the world would have otherwise been enjoying had a group of Terrorists not just broadcast their slaughter for a Twi'lek whose crime was apparently writing a book. Heavy boots fell upon the deck as she stepped forward, the crew already in their stride as they prepared the lumbering vessel to jump towards the planet; a fleet gathering around the massive vessel that loomed over Geonosis.
"Ma'am, we've got a confirmed report that a vessel is preparing to bombard a Domed City that the festivities were being held at. A frigate has apparently begun to engage the vessel; though it would appear that the bombardment is going to begin shortly."
"Call up a reserve fleet, have them, anchor, at the junction of the Corellian Run and the Mara Corridor, near the Ryloth System. Make sure that it includes Medical Frigates, we'll call them in once we've got a clear shot for them to get to the planet to render aid. Until then, they'll hold their position - If they don't hear from us, their standing order will be to fall back to Geonosis and protect the Capital."
When the fleet was fully gathered, it was time to prepare for the jump. The command slipped between the vessels and the woman stood silently as the stars began to elongate and the darkness of space slipped into a brilliant blue. Each vessel in turn lurched forward, slipping into Hyperspace as they rushed towards Ryloth and the enemy that had gathered there. In due time the fleet dropped back to realspace, the stars righting themselves and the blackness of the void returning as they reverted back; dropping behind the enemy vessel that was poised to fire upon the world below.
"All vessels target the rear of the enemy ship. When they begin their bombardment, all vessels will concentrate fire on their engines - we will not fire until it does. If they want a war, they will be the ones that get to begin the war."
The message was sent out as quickly as possible, though with their communications beginning to falter and static taking over, she growled slightly.
"Start cycling through the frequencies and get ahead of those jammers. We also need to make contact with our ground-side elements and establish contact with other Confederacy Fleet elements. The moment you can get Grand Marshal Luna Terrik
, let me know."
John glanced over at Voph, the newly minted Lord Commander and his best friend, nodding at the man. He trusted Voph like he trusted few other individuals, and knew that the man could handle the security negotiations and decisions in his own right. Knew that he more than anyone would be aware of any threats that might arise and be in a position to handle them. The Exarch’s fingers reached for his coat, unbuttoning the jacket and pulling it open for a moment before he closed it, inclining his head at Visanj.
“I'd be happy to surrender my weapon to you like my colleague here, however, I came here to negotiate, not to fight Viceroy Dib, I didn’t feel that it was necessary to bring a weapon based on your assurances.”
The Exarch, took a moment before turning head, dark eyes settling on the face of Gabriel Volture, holding the man in his gaze for a moment before speaking. The man’s voice was quiet, cold, not bereft of emotion but rather touched with a note of restrained anger, of deep sadness.
“Really, that’s interesting. You claim that your associates did not come seeking war with the Confederacy, they came seeking only peace? Then why not arrange a meeting like this on Ryloth? Why not come to us and tell us that? You only need to look to our honourable host here to see that’s all it would take. He said he wanted to talk, and we came. We came without armies, without fleets or force. We came to talk, to listen. Your…friends on the other hand, they brought a fleet, they brought threats. Let’s see.”
The Exarch’s eyes shone a bright turquoise for a moment as he pulled a commlink from his pocket. The Exarch’s authority was sufficient to connect to the Confederacy systems in Ryloth, to pull the recording he needed as the voice of Madelena Antares began to play from the device.
“This fleet is spearheaded by a party ship, full of booze and entertainment. Leave Ryloth alone, bring down any Knights Obsidian or other military structure you have on it and leave, and we will come down for a party like you have never seen before, right on the border of the Brightlands and the Nightlands.
Deny us… And we will come. En force.”
In the wake of the warning the Exarch let the silence stretch for a breath before he spoke again.
“You didn’t come for war? You came seeking a peaceful solution? I think, sir, that your definition of peace might be markedly different from mine. I don’t know about you but coming in with a fleet and saying I have a fleet and if you don’t give me what I want then I’ll attack isn’t what I’d call peaceful. In fact, I’d say it’s very much in the vein of a conqueror, of an empire forcing it’s will on others no matter what they might want. I think the Agents of Chaos have more than shown their colour, their intentions.”
“You might have come with the best of intentions, however your colleagues came to Ryloth with one intention, and one intention only. The expulsion of all Confederacy forces, by one means or another. There was no attempt to ask the Confederacyy to stop and listen, the only one who asked us to listen is Viceroy Dib and well here we are.”
The dark-haired cyborg gestured at the Viceroy of Siskeen, nodding his head respectfully.
“When asked to meet peacefully, to discuss our issues, how can we do anything but respond in kind? I truly hope that any issues that Viceroy Dib might have can be brought to light and addressed today. However,”
The man’s voice hardened as he turned to face the group sitting across the table from them, his eyes hard.
“Come to our worlds at the head of a fleet, come demanding we abandon those who put their trust in us. Who look to us for protection and support and how could we give in? Our first thought is, has to be, what’s best for our citizens. Abandoning them to the whims of those who feel that bringing death and destruction to an innocent word is just and right?”
“So, no. I don’t believe that beheading went against the Agents of Chaos agenda for today. They came to bring war and death to a planet full of innocents. They came seeking the death of innocents, why else would they bring the a fleet. Why else would their first communication with us have ben a threat. Not a conversation, not to tell us that these are the problems. The Agents of Chaos came to say ‘We know what’s best, if you don’t agree to do what we want then we’ll bring death and destruction instead of talking’.”
The man’s eyes settled directly on Gabriel’s, holding his gaze.
“Those are true colours of those you call colleagues if we’re going to talk, if we’re going to engage in talks then it’s best to be honest about who we’re dealing with. An author of galactic renown is brutally tortured and killed barely a minute after you arrive. They knew you were coming down to the minute, that takes planning, or someone coordinating with them. Those are your bedfellows, that is what the galaxy will judge you on.”
The man fell silent, gesturing at the screen.
What other words were needed? Certainly none for the Agents of Chaos, those who tried to hide the truth of their actions and associations behind silvery words.
The exarch saw a notification pop up in his vision, a request from Srina Talon concerning Ryloth and requesting support be assigned there. While the Exarch hadn't spent much time interacting with his fellow Exarch he knew that if she was asking for something, if she had requested ships that it wouldn't be for nothing. The situation had to be significant;y worse than he'd imagined, it didn't take him more than a millisecond to send an acknowledgement and forward the command. To reassign his entire fleet of Pridwen Cruisers to converge on Ryloth, under the Exarch's command. It wasn't much, but it was all he could do for now.
His next words were for the Viceroy, the man who had summoned them all here. The man who truly wanted what was best for his people.
“No system, no planet can be asked to hold to a community they no longer wish to. If it is your wish to be able to stretch your wings and reach out to others, we are the Confedeacy of Independent systems, independent. We don’t interfere with the running of an individual planet, but if you and your people truly believe that you wish to leave our community then we will respect your wish. I hope we can answer and concerns or issues you have today and convince you that your path is with us, but in the end, you and your people are the only arbiters of your destiny.”
A small smile as the cyborg leaned back in his chair, gesturing towards the door to the city outside.
“You have a wonderful planet here and have always been a trusted member of the Confederacy, but if your journey with us is done, then I’d rather we part as friends.”
The beckoning was obvious, urging her to move forward to the only other Lupine present. Her scent was radiant, standing above all other scents. They were one and the same in more ways than even Alwine Daye
would understand today or any other day. Larentia's true purpose and origin needed to remain hidden, she had ensured of this with every day present in the past. Yet, her amulet permitted her a presence among those like her, who would be quick to identify her true origins given the chance; and so, she walked over to her, moving closer to the other woman to stand closer to her; closer to her own.
Blue gaze switched to Enlil
as he sought to confiscate their weapons, as these were a peace delegation. There would, he claimed, be no need of them. She didn't think kindly to the idea of giving hers up. Larentia had seen her own death through her eyes though a distant future it had felt more real than any politics set before her. None of these men or women had caused it, yet, the idea of parting a weapon given to her was hardly eve her choice, her blue gaze studying him for a second as she waited for others to do so.
"We are rulers of these lands, child. If we do not lead them by example, they will never learn. They will never step into the light. Her mother's voice echoed through her mind then, a spark shining through her eyes as she remembered something that seemed so ancient now. As the words filled her mind, her fingers slipped to the hoster of the weapon, no hesitation and no thought to occupy her mind; almost on autopilot as she removed the magnificent weapon up from its hold. It was unnatural for a warrior to surrender her weapon, to a stranger of all. The man was meant to be the neutral party, ensured to preserve peace among the present parties.
Already, Alwine had given her but Larentia didn't notice the other wolf's only slow motions amidst her own, handing away the only weapon she held on her. A wolf heald an entirely different weapon by birth, the sword was not all that protected her and she was much more than that. She was Witch, she was a child of the demon. Her sword was not all she held to protect her. So, she did, give in a way, eyes focused on as it furthered from her, letting it move further and further away from the warrior.
Hopefully, these negotiations would be as peaceful as they'd hoped.
Another among the present, Visanj T'shkali
spoke, her attention turning to her as she called herself a Dagatan. She claimed it was not in her culture's nature to surrender their weapons but she did for the home of this meeting. A warrior's heart, Larentia had thought to herself simply, understanding the sentiment all too well. It was possibly one of the hardest things one could do in their nature, surrender their own weapon yet each and every one of them did so, in hope.
The Lupine turned her attention to Derek Dib
as he began his speech, addressing the present ones, biding them welcome before he'd continued. Diplomacy and politics. She'd trained for these things for a leader required to have them yet they served her for not in the past, her position of Warrior of Ulf was far more important in the here, and now. He spoke of the Confederacy, giving it a chance to do something important for the galaxy. Empires did not release their hold over owned territory, in Larentia's experience. Even Kings abdicated would fight for what was not theirs anymore, in her experience. Even the bloodthirsty of all would place the crown on their heads when it no longer belonged to them because power was addicting. He would deny even the one worthy of it, the one who had earned her right, in his own greed. Nothing in that description reminded her of her Metus she had been told of, the Metus she had witnessed during her brief stay within the Confederacy yet things seemed to have changed still. The day the Confederacy closed its borders, denied itself further spread of its lines; the day they had decreed Confederacy First Larentia had witnessed the second step towards the future she was fighting against. The Nightmother didn't know, she couldn't have when she had come from an entirely different future. In her own history, Katrine spoke of a Confederacy within which both Ket and Curupira served. The history Larentia remembered was beginning to unfold in these days.
And she could not warn them, to stop them. She would be called mad and rejected for her prophecies.
No, her war on the past was to be fought in the shadows.
Derek called them witnesses to this act, offering them still one last chance as he lay a threat or promise, she couldn't tell; not knowing the man all too well. One spoke of a man willing to do anything for his people, even the impossible; the other, a strong warrior confidant in his abilities. Which one was Derek Dib, Larentia wondered them, her blue gaze shifting back to the representatives to the Confederacy, to see what they would do?
Instead of the delegates' reaction, she heard a soft quiet voice call out to the Viceroy, the Lupine's attention turning to a woman who moved as if she was hovering just above the ground, rushing to him. Was she of Siskeen? She was definitely one of theirs. Confederacy? Larentia didn't know. Her fingers had tapped against the empty space on impulse, eager to raise her weapon in anticipation. After all Larentia has gone through, her ability to trust even blood had been smudged, destroyed. Even a hug could be a prelude to death, one simply had to be too naive not to see it. A hug wasn't what had ended her life in the vision, it was family.
She was weaponless, the hug had proceeded, the woman had spoken. She seemed fragile and timid to her, even in the soft tone of voice she had spoken. She almost seemed unreal.
Another voice boomed through the room in response to Derek Dib's words. Her attention turned to the armored man, Kyyrk
, this one seemed to have much to say but more so than that, there seemed to be much power surrounding him, Larentia took notice as he informed them of Ryloth falling under attack. She worried about the safety of Katrine. She was on Siskeen because Doashim had sent her here, and with Katrine's blessing, she was here now with Alwine and other Agents. She still served the future Queen, assured the protection of women who didn't need it. Such was her path, to remain close to the future. If she was heartless, she would say it no longer matter. It wasn't Katrine that required protection, the little one existed. She was not though, not in the slightest. She loved, she cared, she urged to protect. Even now, unbeknownst to the other Lupine, she urged to keep her safe as well.
Larentia first took notice of Gabriel Volturi
placing his hand on Alwine's shoulder as he'd stood, drawing her attention from the masked creature of the opposite side. He was right, they were not here for war but they were ready for it, the warrior thought as he spoke. His words rang true in the presence of their desires and feelings yet the child knew something they didn't, looming over her like a cloud about to rain. Logic would have them see this as well. An Empire never released its occupied lands.
Speeches exchanged and once more it was Derek's turn to speak, breaking the angelic embrace he had received. He seemed visible... calmer moving forward from that, addressing others. They were all guests in his house, the Lupine heard, giving the smallest of nods to this statement. More to herself than even him but her acknowledgment of his words were given. Larentia would, like not Agent, she was sure, would break the peaceful negotiations. If the first blood was drawn, it would not be any of them that would cause it. In this regard, it was the actions of the Confederacy that would decide this meeting, complete this negotiation one way or another. The Viceroy of Siskeen noted Confederacy First, applauded it before he continued. How little do they see in the distance, the Lupine thought to herself then. Let not your thoughts betray you, child, Doashim offered, gently booming voice of a monster in her mind. The demon was right. Her thoughts should have never betrayed her.
Among the opposite side, the Exarch began to nitpick through the statements as they arrived, insisting blame upon the Agents of Chaos. He didn't believe they were here for peace, drawing a recording by Madalena of the party ship. He failed to see a simple truth. They offered peace, they were ready for the Confederacy to refuse them. A true leader worthy of justice did not strike first but readied their armies. That was the General she had been elected to be on Figaro Favoura VII when she had been of age. Raise hell on when hell is placed before you. Raise your sword when a sword is raised on the opposite side. Her Kingdom sought to defend their peace, they did not conquer, they did usurp beyond what they held for centuries, what was theirs. Did the leader of Siskeen not ask for the very same for his planet? It was what she had heard. He sought to liberate himself, to bring peace to his world without the influence of outside Masters; because in the end, that was what the Confederacy had become; Masters from the skies.
However, in all his words, he did offer a bright outcome. To today. Could they truly part as friends?
Added the last paragraph to acknowledge the post by John Locke. Sorry for missing it before
Twi’leks. Honeycomb found that he was quickly developing a fascination for them, especially the females. While his photoreceptors had taken in their shapely figures, he could not help but focus on the tails which came out of their heads. Brain tails they were called by some gave him an overwhelming urge to just reach out and grab them similar to the way a toddler grabs the tail of a domesticated feline. The eccentric B1 wondered if the tails had a mind of their own and did what they wanted. Maybe he would have the chance to find out, or perhaps he would short circuit due to the sheer volume of the exoctic beautiful aliens in his view.
KABOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!
The garage his unit was standing next to exploded, the familiar nasal tone of his friend Jellybean started giving orders, pointing out she had once again been promoted. Raising a three pronged hand to count brought about the realization the highest honeycomb could count was in fact, three.
Ash and debris fell from the sky like a freezing rain mixed with early snow. The females Honey had been admiring just seconds before were running, frantic, as the others came in to help them find their way to underground bunkers. It seemed as though their patrol had ended, and a battle was beginning.
Astro gulped as he followed the order to enter the tunnel. This B1 was new to their group and an unknown quantity to Honeycomb. He hoped the unit did not prove to be a liability, like shutting down randomly while taking point leading into a dark, scary, tunnel.
Many holofilms had scenes like this. Fog or smoke rising from a black, ominous, and foreboding opening in the ground. The fleshbags would walk in, and many would not come out, or something sinister would be waiting for them. Honeycomb fully anticipated something to jump out and grab them, a beast of enormous proportions. With metallic sigh, the unit steeled himself for what was to come.
There was squeak, a tiny rodent, but it still made Honeycomb feel as though it would jump halfway into the ceiling. How had the rat survived such an explosion. No wonder they called pets. They simply did not want to die.
Raising its blaster into the ready Honeycomb inched foreward.
“They had better double my time allotment in the oil bath after this…”
Nadia and Nala all look at Raven and the woman simply waved them off, her bodyguards could wait outside. If need be, she could simply call upon them, but for now with all of these cameras present, she highly doubted that a move that was of the aggressive nature would be made. While the bodyguards left to wait outside the room, Raven’s gaze returned to watch the scene of violence before her eyes. Her right hand rose so then her elbow could rest upon the arm rest, there her palm faced towards the roof and she simply rested her chin upon it. Again, her face was simply a look of boredom, one that didn’t signify that anything was happening within the woman.
The Agents of Chaos had made their first move on Ryloth by beheading a citizen, why wasn’t she surprised. If they tried to say that it wasn’t an AoC member then what does chaos stand for if not for displays like the beheading? An agent committed an act of chaos. Their name really does suit them, she mused to herself but she honestly didn’t understand where Derek was coming from and why he would even bother with the AoC. Their name spoke for their agenda. They were agents that just wanted to cause chaos. Chaos couldn’t be controlled and under no circumstances was anyone to trust or show their backs to chaos; for it might spew out a hidden blade from the dark, intended for that exposed back.
However, her facial expression did not change when the images were projected upon the table before them and the issue was soon rectified between Derek Dibs and Voph. As Derek received friendly hugs from a CIS member, her gaze shifted from one person to the next in quiet contemplation as she listened to the debate now currently underway. Most of it was still in regards to the Agents of Chaos and their presence within the room. Her gaze lingered upon Alwine and the other one that stood behind her, questioning the girl’s presence; if she wasn’t here to put forth anything that contributed to the conversation at hand, then why was she? Indeed, what was happening on Ryloth was nothing to sweep under the table and as she looked to Gabriel, she wondered briefly about why he didn’t do his research before attending the meeting mixed amongst those of the AoC.
Finally her gaze returned to John and then to Derek. ”Viceroy Dibs. Lets disregard for the moment, the fact that Ryloth may very well be on fire right now due to certain Agents of Chaos and focus on Siskeen. You do realise that the Confederacy First Mandate and Executive Order, is mostly, from my understanding, temporary. It is only to focus on our own people, within our borders that are suffering from the fact that we did focus very heavily on humanitarian services. The whole purpose of this meeting is to make sure that we as a collective, are helping our people which includes yourself and Siskeen, for now. Bearing in mind that we are only here to help, I am curious as to what you intend on doing if you leave the Confederacy. Will you seek protection from the AoC? Or will you leave yourself open to potential enemies.”
Raven paused as chocolate eyes appraised Viceroy Dibs, ”For now, we can protect you and your people, but ultimately, it is up to you. I doubt Vicelord Metus would want to stop helping those outside of our borders on a forever basis, but after what happened, you cannot blame the fact that we wish nothing more than to rectify grievances within our borders and to be able to continue providing support for you and others in the future within our airspace.”
Equipment: 1x Decoria Class Lightweight Assault rifle, Saberpike, Durasteel armour
Allies: CIS folks
Enemies: AoC folks
Objective: Things went south fast, protect people!
Tags: Effie
While Kat was getting some interest and she realised that there was a chance to perhaps move the company into CIS and grow the company here instead of trying to work in SJO space. While her family lived on Eshan and were happy there, Kat wanted to travel and work on her company. Even though she was a Jedi, it was something that had been inconsistent in terms of her training. With ambitions on having a tech company as large as Locke & Key would be great but even just something that was getting more attention would be ideal for her. Stretching, Kat noticed that there was a holovid going on, it was Agents of Chaos stating that the CIS needed to leave. Alarms were going off, Kat ensured that everyone close to her were not panicking too hard. She was hoping to offer them some peace during all this. Rabid panic would only cause more issues and hurt.
Gripping one of her rifles, she offered some CIS forces the ones that she had brought with her to the stall. Holding the gun in her arms, Kat looked around to figure out where she should be. Best place would be somewhere to help CIS out but she could understand that things were likely handled by more capable CIS forces. However, she could sense problems brewing in the air. Kat was looking around, sure that Asaraa would be fine, as well as Srina, the pair were more capable than Kat thought she ever could be.
That was the word which seemed to rule Deagon this moment.
With reluctance he surrendered his lightsaber at the door. Feeling naked without the only weapon he ever dared to carry.
Reluctance tugged at Seraphina Corvinus
when she left his touch, her hand slipping from his to take in the room and greet their friend. Both had just witnessed a heinous murder, an act which made every bit of the protective side of Daegon rise beyond its normal temperature. It was not only with reluctance he let her slender hand be removed from his, it was with a sense of protest. The Angel of Thyferra would feel the brief disappointment from the Demon, only to be replaced with a measure of pride for her boldness.
Derek Dib
was indeed a friend, a close one. This relationship being public would only help their position and explain why a Bacta Mogul turned politician was even present at such a meeting. He did not know what the Exarch or Minister of Influence had planned for the day. All he knew was that if it came to it, they would see Siskeen secede.
Eyes fell to Gabriel, the man was certainly forward in his opinion. He filled the room with his presence, a skill, an aura Daegon slowly began to press against with his presence.
Words. Dib was a master with them, but so was Daegon. Gabriel tried to be, but clearly demonstrated his ignorance on the subject that was the Confederacy of Independent Systems. John Locke
spoke, his words adding to what Kyyrk
had spoken. Perhaps he could add to them, or perhaps he could follow his wife’s example and speak to his friend as a friend.
“We must not condemn a whole body for the actions of a single being? My dear friend does the word complicit no longer hold any meaning to you?”
Daegon ignored everyone else in the room, save for the Angel who would soon return to his side. She would know this side of the Demon well, he would need to be tempered, and if he could not temper himself she would what steadied him. She always steadied him.
“Their actions opened the door,” he motioned to the delegation from the Agents of Chaos. “Twi’lek blood is on their hands by simple association. If that is not good enough then look to Kuat. Look to Alderaan. You would be guests are not here with pure and altruistic motives.”
His hand gripped the back of the chair he was meant to sit in, but Deagon would not for now. The tone of his voice did not betray the contempt he had for the duplicitous nature of those who claim they had come in peace only to use the meeting as means to distract from their true intentions.
Murder.
Terrorism.
Chaos.
Destruction.
They did not care for peace. Theirs was a selfish mission, one of revenge, one of punishment.
The Viceroy from Felecat also spoke. Daegon nodded in agreement as some of her sentiments were exspressed. Raven Thystle
made a good point, should they not attempt to rectify any grievances first. Still if this was the path he was set on, Deagon knew his friend. He would not be dissuaded with mere words. He would need a show of good faith as well. That was beyond the Viceroyalty and rest in the hands of the Exarch and Faye Malvern
the Minister of Influence. Were they prepared to offer it? Exarch Locke had already indicated they were.
Deagon chose his next words carefully, but made his point to his friend the Viceroy of Siskeen nonetheless.
“Besides their presence is not needed to negotiate a peaceable secession if that is indeed what you wish. In fact, they have nothing to add to the conversation.”
With a nod to his friend, Daegon pulled out the chair for his wife, and promptly took his seat as well.
Location: Ryloth Objective:Spoils of War Allies: AoC + aiding civilians Enemies: CIS + anyone in her way Tags:Scherezade deWinter
+ ANYONE wanting to scavenge/resistance to scavenging Post: 1
Stowaway.
An unusual candidate for her ramblings, but...at least this one had the decency not to talk back. The armored bird just blinked it's beady eyes in awareness. "Ayyy'noo wot ets liek to be inna cage," she went on, one hand theatrically moving and then going back to sharpening a blade, "...saf'rr sooometimes." Luna's gaze mirrored their metal surroundings-- a silver gray gleam-- amongst a mop of bright blue braids sewn tightly against her scalp.
Before long, the whetstone was replaced with a flask and the smell of aged whiskey wafted up her nose. Vega grunted her approval and offered it to her compadre. It seemed to give a nod in thanks, but otherwise refused the offer. "Suit ye'self, Saava." Saava mine arse. It was a strange, albeit aloof name, but the feathered beast had earned it. Oddly enough, it answered to it and so it was.
Luna lowered her hands and nodded to the creature. "Day or niiight... watch is et?" Saava squawked once. She took a swig the way a pirate would and emptied half the contents into the pit of her stomach. A refreshing mmm then, ahhh quickly followed.
"Musta be nur'leh thar," with that affirmation, the woman took inventory of the weapons on her person, made sure the bird's armor was secured. "Ya hav'ta be faaast, get us ta tha city." In answer, Saava bristled her feathers and swing her head back and forth.
The descent came faster than she'd of liked and the pirate braced the innards of the ship. "Fething heeelll!" Take me back to the stars. Too late, it was GO time.
"Tryno'ta crap on me, Queen of the Churi," Vega made a face, recollecting and slipping atop the DOOM armored back of her friend. Then, they were off, Saava steering away from the horde of war birds let loose.
Objective: Protect the spooky Nerium
Location: Aboard the Ricardo
Allies: Nerium
| Herah | Kyrinov
| Zaldros Sabolte
| + AoC friendlies
Enemies: The wonderful CIS meanies
Morgan silently followed the others, inspecting the group that had formed. She had absolutely no doubt that every single one of them was extremely capable, otherwise they hadn't been here. Still, all of them were quite... unusual. They definitely weren't anything Morgan was particularly used to anyway.
She watched Nerium
a little more intensely as she wondered whether the woman's eccentric nature would be something beneficial or rather something disruptive. The woman was interesting, that much was for sure. Still, Morgan kept her distance from her. Couldn't be too sure.
She stopped in front of the pod for a moment, taking a deep breath as she fiddled with her hair. "It's just another ship," she whispered to herself, "no need to be alarmed, it's totally going to be fine. It's safe. Totally is. No problem at all. Not here." She took a few more deep breaths as she stood there, but she knew she couldn't refuse to enter the pod forever. When everybody else had entered, she hastily got aboard and took a seat. She wasn't going to be left behind either.
"It's totally fine", she whispered again in a fake cheerful tone. It was almost funny to her how she was more afraid of the trip than the actual war itself. Almost.
LOCATION: Above Ryloth aboard Lucrehulk-class battleship " The Barn" ENDING LOCATION: Outside Dome City, brightlands. OBJECTIVE: Engage CIS Droid force UNIT: Winged Hussars (6000) WEARING: Beskar'gam | Jetpack WIELDING: Power Lance | RSKF-44 Heavy Blaster Pistol | EE-3 Carbine Rifle | Crushgaunts | Mandalorian Vambraces | Hussar Saber (Beskar) ALLIES: Agents of Chaos, The Siskeen Coalition, Twi'lek Freedom Fighters ENEMIES: The Confederacy of Independent Systems TAGS: Allya Vi'Dreya
Strider was going over the orbital scan with great interest in the military build up at Dome City, while standing in his horse's stall. "This is where we will engage" He marked on his portable holopad. "And this here will be our LZ" A few klicks west was now being designated for their landing zone. The black destrier thought Strider was talking to him and nuzzled the armored warrior, looking for more attention. The old man looked up from the pad and gave his mount the attention he was looking for, with the sad thought that this could be it's last.
"Prepare for Drop!" Strider ordered, giving the command to his Hussar's to activate the stasis fields in their stalls to protect the horses in the orbital drop. He himself activated his own and then flipped down a chair taking position upon it. He strapped himself in and once secured he open comms to the bridge crew "We are ready!"
"Nap'Kalyr!" Riding Master was the technical position and rank that Garon held in the Hussars. "Initiating sphere operation and orbital drop"
Loud mechanical clanks and booms echoed through out the ship as the sphere's clamps disengaged, freeing itself from the rest of the ship. The downwards thrusters ignited and even with the inertial dampeners and the sphere's own gravity, the G-froces could still be felt. Strider held his straps and watch his horse nervously twitch its ears as it was locked in stasis.
"Strider!" The bridge captain privately open comms " I don't know what to make of this, our AoE is being flagged for orbital bombardment"
"Must be false, we have direct orders not to endanger civilians" Strider replied back, his voice disgruntled "What ship is initiating the bombardment?"
"The Golden Lance" The captain informed, with a edge of dread in his voice knowing full well who was in command.
There was a few explicit curses and choice words the old mandalorian had uttered in description of the man in question's character. "We continue and pray to manda that in the next few moments KKaine Australis
forms some brain activity"
With that the Sphere continued in its orbital drop, an army of hussars with in and one man aboard praying to what ever gods that he was not about to witness another critical incident that will have no doubt consequences for the mando'ade. They had suffered plenty of consequences thus far, with Kaine's involvement to garnish the blame. The old man sighed and just held on tight as the Ship fell. He had a job to do and that was all he needed to focus on. Consequences and fallout will have to handled later on.
The CIS and Ryloth had planetary defenses, the sphere was getting hammered with the anti air batteries as it made planet fall. Made for a rough and rocky ride, nerve racking for those that had not partaken in orbital drops. Especially in a huge round falling target they were in. "Remember you training!" Strider barked over the comms, loud enough to overcome the sounds of impact and explosions would not drown him out. Customary he would of finished it off with a promise of survival, but the old man been in far to many battles and had broken that promise more times than he wished to count. He could not bring himself to lie again. "We hit ground i want us clear of this ship and in battle lines as fast as possible!"
With a large thud and stressed thrusters that kicked up a huge wave of dust, the sphere had made landing. It had seen better days with many scorch marks and obvious hull damage with smoke billowing out. But they made it and now the real show began. Without saying a word the horse's stasis field were deactivated and riders were quick to gain control of their mounts. The oversized loading doors opened with the large ramp jutting out and downwards. The sound of hooves on durasteel would begin to drum out form the sphere as the Hussars rushed out from the sphere and began forming up in their designated battle lines. Strider and his command retinue moved through the masses of horse and warriors, placing themselves up front and dead center. This was a maneuver they had drilled over and over and did not take long for the Hussars to get themselves organized into rows facing towards the enemy.
Strider's feathered wings, the hussar's trademark symbol, extended from their collapsed position. As if it was a signal, the rest of the Hussar's wings extended almost in unison. This was a sight to be had as six thousand riders and their mounts began to advance forward. Lances raised and they slowly trotted towards the designated enemy. Intel reports made their target out to be a formation of droids of mixed models and support platforms. In experienced Commanders would gladly under estimate droids. Strider would not. He knew all to well how efficient an enemy that could not be intimidated or demoralized could be. And that is exactly what they were facing, an army that will not break or be routed once his lancers smashed into them. If they were regular flesh and blood warriors, the sight of a hussars would of played hard on their moral and the moment their lances ripped through them, most of scatter. A battledroid will not, they hold no true instincts to preserve their life or their fellow comrade. With that, Strider knew the Hussar's first battle was going to be hard fought.
The Hussars will keep at a evenly paced trot, four meters between riders, power lances high, distinct banners and wings flapping in the wind. The ground rumbled with the impact of hooves. This was to be the first cavalry charge of horses in the last thousand years of recorded history. History was in the making and Strider was at the forefront of it all. Was not his first battle charge nor was it his first cavalry charge. He lead the legendary charge of the basilisks sallying out of the besieged Sundari Domed City during the Mando civil war.
Soon the enemy will be bringing their weapons to bear. Their artillery pieces and marksmen.
Alwine did make a motion to move or speak immediately. During her years on Stewjon, she had been trained - harshly - to be present, but to be unseen. To be in the room, but to remain silent. She had resented the need to do that so often, especially when the Lords of Stewjon abused it to put her in situations most uncomfortable. Just to know you are here, they would say, as she stood in the corner, her nose pressed against the wall. Not seeing. Only hearing. Only knowing. The upper caste of the Confederacy… Had never shown themselves as anything different, though she would give them credit for being better at deceit about the entire situation.
And they had been silent for long enough. How many conversations had Alwine had with friends, while she served this machine? How many times had she witnessed their lies directly, but had said not a single word out loud? Nationalism and patriotism were considered mandatory among these banners, and they never had taken any criticism well. Every attempt made that Alwine had ever witnessed, either personally or by reading protocols, had always been met with a wall. This was an organisation that had been allowed to grow fat on meat of the galaxy without even once realizing that they ever might be making a mistake. It was time to end their reign.
Brown eyes moved around the room again, but only briefly, taking note of the presence of the media. She already knew, that there would be many words spoken soon enough. Viceroy Dib had already spoken some, had shown images, and just as she had expected - the Confederacy had decided that the brutal murder of the Twi'lek had been the Agents of Chaos' doing. How predictable.
It was only when everyone was done, only when she had a moment to squeeze herself into it, did Alwine at last rise. Her movement was slow, though it was not deliberate on her part. Her muscles screamed, but she paid them no need, moving until she was at last up right, leaning heavily on her cane. Her hand did not rest against it but gripped it, and still she stood to her full five feet, every inch of her filled with pride. She would not bow her head to these people. She would not be their pawn. Not now. Not ever. And the damage left on her body by the actions of the true slavers, the Sith Empire, who just happened to be wonderfully friendly with the Confederacy that lied about being against it, would not stop her either.
Gabriel spoke, noting that what had happened on Ryloth did not serve the Agents. And he was right. Yet though the man spoke eloquently, she already knew his words would fall on deaf ears, just as hers would. But why were they here, if not to fight with every syllable available to them. Especially with all those cameras turned to them.
"You will be very careful with your accusations," she said to Daegon Corvinus
, "we have liberated Kuat and Alderaan, but the damage the two planets sustained that day was not done by us. We had less than a handful of people present at all, and no troops or faceless fighters. The Queen of Alderaan herself later thanked us for helping clear some of that mess. Because that is what we do. We have faced worse odds, we have tackled bigger monsters, and we have laughed in the face of better constructed lies than what you have just presented. The mere fact you need to lie about such matters shows how afraid the big mighty Confederacy is. And our presence here is needed as much as that of you, whoever you are, and the female by your side."
Looking to Izwi Kutaurira
, she gave the young man an encouraging nod. He was Kuati himself. She had noticed him enter just earlier, but not she acknowledged him publicly. It was time for the Confederate lies to stop.
Smiling, Alwine adjusted her grip on her cane. Her knuckles had already gone white with the iron strength she applied to simply remain upright, but it did not matter. There were more important things right now than to experience the pain that the Confederacy's best friend, the Sith Empire, had left on her body. "There are enough of you gathered here that know how to use the Force," she resumed, opening herself up to the Force itself, "So hear my words and taste my truth - the murder of the Twi'lek was not the doing of the Agents of Chaos. All evidence you have to accuse us with is circumstantial at best. Your leaders are cowards who by Viceroy's Dibs own admission knew Agents of Chaos were coming today and did nothing to try to prevent it. Taste my words through the Force, and see if you can find any lies."
And that would be enough. None of them would be able to detect a lie, for there was no lie. Earlier, there had been a touch of surprise, as Derek Dib said he tipped the Confederacy off. With him, Alwine would have words later, after the meeting was done and people had gone home. That is, assuming it would actually end on a note of a word and not on a note of a blade.
But no, that it would be enough. Not really. Alwine had served with the Confederacy for long enough to know that to many of its leaders, a mere suspicion translated into an absolute fact, and everyone else had to follow suit. That was how the mess of Kuat had begun when the Confederacy came knocking a year or two before, had it not? For all their fancy words about showing colors, their own was corrupted, down to the very core. Had it always been? Alwine was uncertain. But she had begun to notice so, from a very early point after joining. To her, and to many others, leaving the Southern Systems had been one of the greatest decisions in their lives.
"Yes, you have failed," she said to Kyyrk
, echoing his own words, "Not just with Siskeen, but with many systems. And while I could speak of these systems endlessly, we are not here for them today," she lofted an eyebrow at John Locke
, "So mind you, we have derailed more than enough. We are here to discuss Siskeen, and not Ryloth, and not any other excuse you attempt to use while boasting such extreme ignorance. I expect better from an Exarch and the people that join him."
Alwine's jaw tensed as she allowed herself to sit down. While she spoke, the shaking of her hand on her crane had become so bad that she knew there would not be a way to hide it anymore, there would not be a way to pretend it was not happening. And since concealing it was not an option, she would sit back down again. Still her back remained strong. As small as she was, so did her place in the Force radiate. A tiny body, expanding a hard to miss presence. Never again would she be intimidated by these people.
She inhaled, taking in the scent, not of herself or those who sat immediately next to her, but of Larentia
. A Lupine would always scent a Lupine, and though Alwine knew she was far from being alone in the chamber, it was her scent that gave her now a sense of stability that she hadn't realized she required. Some of her physical pain eased, though she knew it would be moments at best before it returned.
"When peace is offered, you would do well to listen for once," she gave a final warning to those wielding the Confederate banners. Turning to Raven Thystle
, she answered the woman's questions directly - "You protect nothing and no one," she said, "While you play in your sandbox like children, the threat of the Brynadul looms ever close. Remind me and the cameras just what you have done against them? Nothing, that is what. You've closed the borders, yet allow them to grow closer every day. And when they come, and I assure you that unless something is done, they will come, you will happily sacrifice Siskeen and any other border systems against them. After all, the Echani population here is quite small, as I understand it. Now release Siskeen from your grip, and let us all go home and celebrate."
Waving her hand, she motioned that she was, for at least the next few seconds, done. Without waiting for the next person to speak, she at last let herself lean back in her chair, eyes closing for but a moment, barely longer than a blink, before she opened them and looked at them all again. They could not make her look away even if they tried.
Location: Captital City Objective: Detonate explosives Persona: Aali
Aali, a Ryloth native moved with the other civilians as the evacuation had been called, their people being forced towards buildings and leading to basements. She had joined the freedom fighters mere months prior, when her eyes had only just been opened to the sins of the Confederacy. When the wool had been pulled from over her eyes. The Confederacy didn’t truly care about the Twi’leks. They cared about power, might, their heads only truly cared for what lined their pockets or could benefit them. The propaganda that was toted as gospel nothing but lies perpetuated by those who knew not of true twi’lek history. If this was what had come to the world after only a few years, what about a decade down the line? A century? Would the twi’leki people lose what was important to them?
Questions plagued the woman’s mind as she mixed herself in with a crowd of humans trying to escape, ensuring that none of her kin were there. But suddenly it came from nowhere, a manifestation that bolstered her resolve. One of the witches that had violated their planet had deemed it necessary to use their eldritch powers to potentially inspire people. Yet they had solidified Aali’s as well. The questions of giving her life gone.
Reaching to her vest the lethan twi’lek screamed out to the Confederacy guards and colonizers that surrounded her. “Toe a jemae Rd'ok” <For a free Ryloth> Pressing the trigger built into the vest, the thermal imploders that lined it activated and detonated in a magnificent display of gore, and flames. Over two dozen people including Confederacy forces and humans brought to the planet wiped out in the blink of an eye. The ground destroyed leaving a deep burrow in the ground. Scorch marks painted the ground, the scent of pork filled the air from freshly roasted corpses.
This was what the Confederacy had forgotten, no matter how many books they wrote, the propaganda they poured an entire populace would never accept them. You can’t control an entire people. They were on their world, a world filled with twi’leks. One wouldn’t know who the true freedom fighters were or weren’t.
From the whole created growls could be heard, large talons reaching out of the hole to seize the edges. From the depths an almost pincer like head rose up as a lylek pulled itself free, upon its back rode a twi’lek. Behind it more began to pour out of the hole, upon each another twi’lek. All brave souls willing to fight for their home.
Aali, a Lethan twi'lek activated her bomb vest in a crowd of Confederacy soldiers and humans leaving a massive crater in the ground. From the crater Lylek's and their riders are emerging to attack the city.
---------------
Location: Empty Barrens Objectives: Ensure the death of Adron Malvern Persona: Shuulk
Standing at one of the uppermost portions of the mountain Shuulk looked out across the lands with his viewfinders, a slight smirk tugging at the edge of the twi’lek’s lips as a cloud of dust signaled the approach of others. The smoke too much for it to be his own people who’d turned to beast riding as of late, no they were speeders. The droids were of no concern. What was however was the figure they accompanied. Mouth twisting from a faint smirk to a full-blown smile Shuulk spotted the Exarch Adron Malvern
. Not only would the freedom fighters deal a blow to the Confederacy at Ryloth, but they’d remove one of their heads. The orange skinned twi’lek could’ve only dreamed about such an opportunity.
Stepping away from the ledge and passing the binoculars to his second in command, Shuulk marched past. “Sir what should we do?! Should we signal for the retreat?” Came the voice of Shuulk’s second. A violet skinned twi’lek by the name of Naarah.
“No! Naarah, don’t you see? This is our chance! We could deal a blow to the Confederacy the likes of which they’ll never recover from! Right here, right now! This is our day! Our time!”
“Sir without you what are we to do? We need leaders, we’ve lost contact with Jonn’s we can’t lose you too.”
Turning to the other twi’lek, Shuulk looked into Naarah’s eyes. A hand rising to sit upon his lover’s cheek. “I am not the face of this fight, no one twi’lek is the face of this fight. We all stand together, we all fight together. Our ancestors will smile upon us. Whether we face death or not we must forever march forward.”
Leaning in Shuulk took the lips of the other twi’lek in a short kiss of passion. One that could potentially be the last they ever share. “Go, give the signal to release theenergy spiders first. We’ll see how our guests deal with them. For everyone else signal them to join me in the armory, we must prepare ourselves for the coming battle.”
Shuulk spoke with his second command and set loose energy spiders in portions of the barrens to slow down Adron Malvern
and his forces while he and his soldiers move to equip themselves.
Beric had smiled at his apprentice's exclamation of surprise, surprised himself that he had not displayed his powers at manipulating the elements in front of her. It had been an ability that he had extensively developed and trained, one that was almost necessary for his role as protector of a planet as harsh as Vandor. But nevertheless, he did not try to quench the curiosity that filled Millu. "In time," he replied, smiling, "You will learn to control the environment yourself. It is a most useful ability," he said with a wink as the pair continued to walk through the parade.
Several minutes later, and they were in a completely different scenario. The atmosphere of euphoria had been extinguished and replaced by one of fear as terrorism had descended on the celebration. Then, the full-fledged assault had begun. Evacuation and a mandatory shelter-in-place order had gone out. And in the midst of it all stood the Lord of Frosthall and his apprentice.
Beric turned to Millu, the expression on his face grave. "Millu. . . I was hoping to save this for a better time, but now would probably be more appropriate." He reached into the inner folds of his cloak, procuring a long cylindrical object wrapped in a fine cloth, Carefully he uncovered the object, pulling back the cloth to reveal a lightsaber.
"This was the lightsaber of Vaela Layne, my great-aunt. It served her well, and it will serve again in your hands," Beric said, motioning for Millu to take the lightsaber. He nodded approvingly as she grabbed the blade, but then something made his smile fade just as rapidly. A tremor in the force. Something was wrong. Something dark was approaching the city. Tucking the cloth away, he put a hand on Millu's shoulder and looked directly into her eyes.
"Millu. . . I can't explain, but there is something I must face. Alone. Stay here, and help in the defense of the city, and no matter what: trust in the force." With that, Beric was gone, his fur cloak fanning out behind him as he stalked off towards the city gates.
---
He was unchallenged by the Twi'lek guards as he walked out of the city, and the moment he left the bio-dome the bright sun of Ryloth assailed him. Even when setting, its brilliance outshone anything that Beric had experienced -- in the twilight of Ryloth, its heat was still almost too much to bear. Instinctively, Beric created a bubble of cooler air around him, reflecting the sunlight to cool his body temperature. As he continued to walk he thought about shedding his fur cloak, and eventually dropped it on the ground, his armor and tunic underneath shining under Ryloth's bright sun.
He made his way through the outlands, walking along the ridge of a plateau that rose up around the surrounding lands, until he came to the edge, staring down at the surrounding valley. In the distance, he could see a forest where the dark premonition of the force spoke to him. But he could also see a plain on the opposite side, dust kicking from a group of rapidly moving. . . things. Squinting closer, he realized they were soldiers, mounted on some type of beast.
And they definitely weren't there to help the Confederacy.
"This is Beric Layne, Knight Obsidian. There is a group of mounted warriors charging the city. If there is anyone out there that has some heavy weapons or a convenient battalion of soldiers, now is your time," he said, tapping into the open frequency for the Confederacy to get his message across. Beric may be a competent fighter, but he knew that he did not have the skill to face down an entire legion of armed, mounted men.
And besides, the force was calling him to the forest. He could feel it, the presence growing stronger, the likes of which he hadn't experienced since his voyage into the Sith Empire. It was the Force calling out to him, telling him where it needed him to be. And if Beric had learned anything since last time, it was that the Force was to be heeded.
He began to walk through the jungle, the sun fading behind the dense foliage. As he continued along his path, the distant sounds of blasterfire began to make themselves apparent. There was obviously some sort of battle going on, and Beric began to pick up his pace, his lightsaber now in his hand. Trees and trunks flashed paced as he raced through the forest, the sounds of fighting now oddly quiet until he reached a clearing.
And then he saw why the Force had brought him there.
What remained of a company of Twi'lek defenders was strewn out across a network of trenches and embankments save for two; a beaten up, defenseless, and nearly dead Twi'lek commander, and the warrior who held him -- bronze skin shining in oil, as bright as Ryloth's sun. And Beric heard the warriors words: "You will deliver my message."
"No need to," Beric called across the clearing. "I'm right here." the ice blue glow of his ignited lightsaber contrasted strongly with that of the golden warrior, but Berric stood his ground all the same. The Force had led him to this warrior, and he would now do his part in protecting Ryloth. To protect their people.
It was his memory of the smiling Twi'lek child who he had given the snowball that flashed through his mind as he raised his blade in a challenge. It was not only her life that he fought for, but for countless others as well. He would stand his ground here and fight. Not for glory, not for gain. But to protect those who couldn't defend themselves.
