Dominion Through the Vines | Dominion of Ajara + Aris [Diarchy]

[Damos Vakaro]

Through the Vines

The Diarchy must close the frontier as the Galactic Alliance and the NJO expand their border. The Ajara system lies off the edge of the Bright Jewel System in the Ghost Nebula. If the Diarchy can seize the system, it can be used as a staging area against the GA.

Objective I: Mind the Gas!

The Chancellorite has analyzed the gas giant of Ajara and discovered rich deposits of hydrogen and helium. With approval from the Diarchs, they are constructing refineries within the planet's atmosphere, which has been going smoothly until a few days ago. Sites have been reduced to rubble, and no life signs are detected among the remains. The atmosphere is dense with layers of clouds, making the threat near invisible with the naked eye. Coordinate with personnel deployed to the planet's atmosphere and eliminate the threat that's impeding our progress.

Objective II: Welcome to the Jungle

The moon of Ajan Kloss orbits the gas giant. Imperial remnants still fester in outposts on desolate worlds, and Ajan Kloss is no different. The flora and fauna of the planet are the reasons why the planet remains uninhabited, bar a lone Imperial outpost buried in the planet's vegetation. Efforts have been made to establish contact with the outpost, but they haven't been responding to Diarchy transmissions. Intelligence from the Network indicates that isolation from the rest of the galaxy has "perturbed" the local garrison. While this outpost could be ignored, it contains star charts that can help us navigate the Ghost Nebula. Launch an assault on the outpost, eliminate all hostiles, and acquire those star charts.

Objective 3: BYOO

Whether in the atmosphere of Ajara, or on the surface of Ajan Kloss, this system has many mysteries that are yet to be uncovered. Do what must be done to claim this system for the Diarchy.

​

 

[Merion Oreno]

Objective I: Mind the Gas!

The Chancellorite has analyzed the gas giant of Ajara and discovered rich deposits of hydrogen and helium. With approval from the Diarchs, they are constructing refineries within the planet's atmosphere, which has been going smoothly until a few days ago. Sites have been reduced to rubble, and no life signs are detected among the remains. The atmosphere is dense with layers of clouds, making the threat near invisible with the naked eye. Coordinate with personnel deployed to the planet's atmosphere and eliminate the threat that's impeding our progress.

Squarely at the intersection of the Chancellorate of Commerce with navigating around recent disaster, one found Merion Oreno at the helm of a Diarchy long-range transport. The ship was comfortable to hook, ornate and gently hooked and relatively aerodynamic. He'd been checking in with local comm channels as he steered down into the clouds. Now he was ready to update those aboard this ship.

"We're about to come into visual range of the remains. Their repulsor systems have less than an hour of life left, enough to look for clues, take scans, grab a vision or two, or draw out any enemies left in the area. I'll be standing by with tractor beams if anyone falls off."

The clouds parted, revealing a floating refinery, ruined but still aloft above the gas giant's vast red-purple cloudscape. Beldons or something like them, vast and harmless and lightweight, drifted off by the horizon.

 

[Diarch Reign]

Objective II
​

Location: Ajan Kloss | Diarchy LZ
Tags: @Open

---

The Diarch had no love for forests like this. He preferred the majestic Borreal Forests and crisp mountain air. Not humidity and tropical heat. But no matter, he was here for purpose, attempts at communications with an imperial hold out had been unsuccessful. And the Diarch had taken assurances to find out that these remnants did not belong to Karl Von Strauss and his confederation. That, as such made them enemies of the state. Remnants of fallen orders.

Reign had arrived ahead of the advance force, landing his Upsilon Command Shuttle in a clearing to designate a Diarchy landing zone. He wanted to get the lay of the land before his people got here.

Taking his macrobinoculars out he surveyed the terrain. Wet, Green, and teeming with life. Yet beyond, stone and durasteel. Man made machination.

“There you are”

 

[Maldor Sancetti]

Diplomatic Cruiser 'Rising Glory'
Objective I
______________________________________________________​

There was no rest for the wicked, and Maldor had most definitely spent a wickedly good time on his Honeymoon. Unfortunately, Diarchal affairs waited for no man (or woman, for that matter.) Problems on the frontier demanded his attention. The Chancellorate had been placed in charge of managing affairs on Ajara, and now those affairs had become endangered by... something.

The Rising Glory jumped out of hyperspace and nearly directly into orbit. It was a battlecruiser without weapons, an open palm to offer an alternative to the closed fist of direct military engagement. She had luxury accommodations, meeting rooms, facilities to meet any negotiating need...

...but she also had enough embarked craft aboard to take over a small colony world single-handedly.

The open hand could always become a fist, if needed.

Yol Kan's customized GAT-120 Skipray Blastboat II 'Meyoken'

​

Maldor boarded a Blast-Boat, piloted by the Captain of the Sancetti Royal Guard. It was important to have a pilot you could trust. Yol Kan had experience in nebulae, storms, and other gaseous phenomena. A gas giant was right in his wheelhouse.

Out they launched from Hangar Bay Two. Down they went into the thick clouds of Ajara, the blast-boat's military sensors sifting the gas for signs of trouble.

"This is High Chancellor Sancetti to Diarchal forces. I am descending in a Blastboat to investigate the problems within the planetary atmosphere. Mr. Oreno, we're coming up on your six."

Best to announce oneself and not be fired upon.


Merion Oreno

 

[Merion Oreno]

"This is High Chancellor Sancetti to Diarchal forces. I am descending in a Blastboat to investigate the problems within the planetary atmosphere. Mr. Oreno, we're coming up on your six."

Sancetti himself, right there. How about that.

"Acknowledged, sir," he said, trying to sound professional. "I'm scanning the site and deploying scouts. You'll see five new sensor contacts."

Merion pulled the long-range shuttle into position above the floating ruin. A quintet of probe droids bobbed out of his holds, and a ramp descended to allow Diarchy personnel to investigate on foot.

That done, Merion got a small amount of breathing room for the first time since his ship left Yaga Minor. He took his hands off the controls and tried to centre himself with box breathing. He aimed for receptiveness to instinct. Whatever had done this might still be around.

 

[Damos Vakaro]

Objective 1: Mind the Gas

Tags: Merion Oreno Maldor Sancetti

​

It was unwise for a councilor to be up close with an unidentified threat but Damos was the type who liked to get his hands dirty. Plus, with most of those men and material at the refineries coming from Logistics, he wasn't going to sit this one down while something was out there eating away at what Damos was trying to achieve. He wasn't a pilot himself, so he was on a patrol frigate. It was nimble enough to navigate and was designed for missions such as this anyway.

"We're coming on the site now, Councilor." One of the helmsman said.

Damos said nothing as he looked out the bow viewport as the atmospheric clouds parted and debris was revealed. "Scan for bio-signatures." Damos ordered as the crew on the bridge pushed buttons.

"None by the site, sir. Although we have allied signatures on approach." One of the crewman said.

"Hail them. Let them know we're here for the search."

"Comm channel is open sir."

"This is Councilor Vakaro to all Diarchy vessels. Here to initiate the search." Damos then switched off comms and started directing his crew. "Take us closer to the wreckage and scan for any signs of what destroyed the refinery."

"Roger that, taking her in." Said the helmsman. The patrol ship then went in at cruising speed before the ship switched on its searchlight, looking for anything that can show that destroyed the refinery. As the ship crept through the wreckage, they saw no signs of blaster damage or plasma. In fact, there was seemingly no kinetic damage.

Damos went back on comms to contact his allies in the near vicinity. "This is Councilor Vakaro. We've scanned the debris for any signs of ship combat but we haven't found any signs of blast markings. Guess that narrows down our culprits."

 

[Diarch Rellik]

OBJECTIVE ONE​

Under Maintenance lol

Tags: OPEN TO ALL

 

[Zara Saga]

Zara trailed behind Reign, her boots sinking slightly into the soft, spongey underbrush of Ajan Kloss. She didn't complain, yet, but the way she flicked at a clinging vine with a sharp, annoyed gesture suggested she was getting close. Her blonde hair was tied back in a tight braid, but a few strands clung stubbornly to her temple in the dense, sticky air.

She watched Reign with a mixture of curiosity and judgment. He looked like he belonged here about as much as a throne room belonged in a swamp. Regal, grim, and utterly misplaced. Which, naturally, made her smirk.

Zara adjusted her lightsabers on her hip and let her voice drift through the humidity, casual but calculated. "You know," she said, stepping around a root like it personally offended her, "if these Imperials are as unhinged as Intel says, I hope you're not planning one of your 'walk in and ask nicely' routines. No offense, my Diarch, but charm might not cut it with jungle psychos."

She came to a stop beside him, looking out over the terrain with narrowed eyes. A flash of durasteel among the vines caught her gaze.

"There's your little haunted house. I hope whatever's in there is worth it. And if it's not, I'm taking that shuttle and going back to civilization. I don't sweat for lost causes."

Her tone was teasing, but the look she gave him was sharp, calculating. Testing. Like she always did. Loyal, yes, but not blindly.

Diarch Reign​

 

[Lyssara Thrynn]

Objectif One

Ah, apparently it's time for battle. Time to help an old friend someone I owed an account to, in fact but for now, we stand as allies and friends. Or at least I hope so. Either way, a black smoke begins to swirl and coalesce, the ship drops out of hyperspace, its cloaking fields deactivating to reveal the massive aura of the Ragnarok. It's about time to deploy this one. I stand on the bridge with my hands behind my back, gaze fixed on the planet. My mere presence here is impossible to ignore it's a Ragnarok-class warship. It's time to show this guy what science can do. Ryu Jung

Hovering above the planet and the other vessels already in the sector, I align parallel to the world that is our target today. Every radar must be going haywire at the sight of the Ragnarok approaching. Its turrets primed, shields humming, and one or two secret tricks up its sleeve to tip the scales. I'm glad to finally bring it out.

[Warning: Ragnarok-class signature detected.]

That's probably what every scanner is screaming right now. But the ship is flying under the Diarchy's banner my banner and my plan is to take part in the assault. Its hull painted in black and gold, making a grand, worthy entrance to the battlefield.

Once the Ragnarok is in position, I leave command to Nyva Shei and make my way to my personal craft, the Solar Spectrum, to head into the gas clouds of Ajara myself. I open a comlink and establish an open channel to Diarch Rellik, my Master.

"Greetings, Master. I'm in position and preparing to enter the fight aboard the Solar Spectrum, nyva have the ragnarok in back too. Awaiting your orders." Diarch Rellik

With my message transmitted, my scanners pick up other vessels those belonging to House Sancetti. I decide to close in with the Solar Spectrum, my communications still open. Today, I've come to lend a hand in the fight. I join a second comlink for Maldor Sancetti

"Hi, lyssara thrynn is here, dont worry, ragnarok isnt your enemy, is an ship of the diarchy, i join you for this battle if you accept me on this squadron! I will help you with objective one."

 

[Merion Oreno]

"This is Councilor Vakaro. We've scanned the debris for any signs of ship combat but we haven't found any signs of blast markings. Guess that narrows down our culprits."

From Merion's shuttle, hovering around the wreckage with its probe droids—

"Acknowledged, Councillor. This is Oreno with Commerce. Our scans show the same — no signatures of standard energy weapons or kinetic weapons. But something turned these platforms to rubble.

"There are any number of possibilities that the data doesn't rule out. Gas explosions; collisions with ships, maybe ram-ships, or large life forms more massive than the beldons over there; concussion charges; weaponized tractor beams; Jedi; severe localized weather; sabotage from inside the refineries. Probably more, but that's what's not impossible so far."

Maldor Sancetti Diarch Rellik Zara Saga

 

[Maldor Sancetti]

Objective 1
______________________​

The Blastboat set down on the platform, using its engines to support most of its weight.

The side-door of the Blastboat opened, and Maldor Mecetti stepped out, a breathing mask on his face to protect him from the native atmosphere of this world. The mask was equipped with a com unit, enabling him to speak to the other Diarchy personnel on site.

His pilot, Yol Kan, remained on the Blastboat for quick extraction if needed.

"You are welcome, Lady Thrynn. I am going out on foot. I suspect we will not discover much by flitting around this thing." he said.

If he'd had more warning about the situation, he'd have hired DDSI. This was practically their reason for existence: Investigating mysteries. Usually scientific mysteries, which this might still prove to be. Merion was right. Natural forces, animals, and strange phenomenon could be as destructive to the great machines of the Diarchy as enemy action.

He stepped onto the largely ruined platform of the floating structure, looking around for some clues about what had happened here.



Diarch Rellik Zara Saga Merion Oreno Lyssara Thrynn

 

[Diarch Rellik]

OBJECTIVE ONE​

The stars warped then snap!

From the cold tunnel of hyperspace, the spearhead of the Diarch's fleet emerged. Rellik had arrived with a defensive fleet ready to engage anything from an enemy flotilla to exotic space fauna or wyrms. At its center, loomed the DSD-Vault. Around her, the fleet deployed, Six Angler-class Patrol Corvettes, sweeping ahead in crescent formation, a balanced front. Four Forray-class Corvettes, with strong defenses that could enter atmosphere with the Diarch. Two Halberd I-class Corvettes, heavy-hulled and shielded, holding the rear as a defensive force in case of a trap.

Aboard the Vaults command bridge he received the communication from Lyssara.

"Hello dear, it has been to long since we did some dangerous science together. I will be boarding a shuttle as well. Lets meet at the border of the atmosphere and enter together."

With that he left to the hanger bay. The Vaults three other pilots in tow.

Standing at the foot of his vessel for this mission he admired the work of Tertius C. Nargath The man had done it again. The Khopek-class Starfighters was equipped with the a ECSS-01r: Environmental Condition Stabiliser System that the Diarch was planning on using to keep him safe and stable within the gas giant. The Diarchy was full of many inspirational figures. It was an honor to be working among them.

Launching from the hangar bay he made his way down to link up with Lyssara Thrynn - their master/apprentice relationship was founded on the love of science and exploration of all things. It would be good to do it again.

Lyssara Thrynn Maldor Sancetti Merion Oreno Damos Vakaro

 

[Ryu Jung]

Objective II: Welcome to the Jungle

Diarch Reign Zara Saga

It was more humid than Ryu was comfortable with. Sweat was dripping down his face as he rummaged through the foliage. He was tasked with eliminating the sentries outside the outpost so the Diarchy could get in close enough to the outpost without being surrounded by any forces the remnants had in reserve on the perimeter. Using the force, he guided himself to the presence of the remnant who were surveyed to be near this location. A clearing was ahead and he was ready to pounce like a nexu as he leaped from the foilage and ignited his lightsaber. But as he took his stance, he didn't see anyone around.

"Is my training failing me?" Ryu said to himself. He rotated and looked around to see if he could detect any hostiles through the force. He could sense enemy presence, he just couldn't see it.

Just as he was about to let his guard down, he turned around and blocked a sniper bolt as it was about strike him from behind. The bolt made an impact as he deflected it and the bolt flew back in the direction it came, Ryu could hear a scream through a trooper helmet and suddenly the crunch of armor as he crashed to the floor. Ryu rushed over to his felled enemy. A scout trooper dawned his armor with vegetation and dirt. It fooled Ryu well enough.

He didn't have enough time to think as he heard ruffling in the bushes and a squad of stormtroopers dawned in the same jungle camo sprung out of hiding and had their blasters aimed at Ryu. Blaster bolts flew at him as he swung his lightsaber to deflect each bolt. As much as they tried, Ryu would not let them get the better of him. They scratched his armor but couldn't injure him. He then went on the offensive and leapt at one of the stormtroopers, cutting him down and deflected a blaster bolt back at another one. Only three left.

Lucky for him, one of the troopers lunged at him from the side with a vibro knife. Ryu was able to dodge thanks to guidance from the force. Ryu didn't hesitate to cut the trooper's arm off and then swipe his saber across his chest, killing him.

The last two troopers were before him, Ryu held them up with the force and choked the life out of them. Their necks snapping when Ryu lost his patience.

Suddenly he felt his wrist comm ring as he had a transmission coming through. "Commander Jung. This is primary assault team. Diarch Reign has arrived and is about to lead the assault on the outpost. Requesting you report back immediately."

"Acknowledged, I'm on my way back."

Ryu was able to make it back with no worries and he approached his master and Zara Saga when he bowed to pay his respects.

"I have arrived master, I hope I can be of service to you as we crush these savages underfoot."

​

 

[Damos Vakaro]

Objective 1: Mind the Gas

Tags: Merion Oreno Maldor Sancetti Diarch Rellik Lyssara Thrynn

"There are any number of possibilities that the data doesn't rule out. Gas explosions; collisions with ships, maybe ram-ships, or large life forms more massive than the beldons over there; concussion charges; weaponized tractor beams; Jedi; severe localized weather; sabotage from inside the refineries. Probably more, but that's what's not impossible so far."

"Indeed, we can sit here theorizing what became of our refinery Mr. Moreno, although the quicker we can get results, the closer we'll figure out what killed our own." Damos then got off communications to direct his ship's crew. "Take us to the beldons." He ordered his crew, who acknowledged his order as the frigate made a brisk pace towards the beldons who were traversing through the planet's atmosphere. Beldons weren't known to be hostile, although this wasn't Bespin. Maybe they were different on Ajara.

But then again, such suspense was unnecessary. As the frigate got closer to the swarm, it was almost as if they were invisible. Damos looked over at the sensors and saw that the beldons were the only ones on scan.

"Sir, I'm picking up something on scans." Said one of the crewman.

"A beldon?" Damos asked.

"No sir, much larger signature. It's front of us, behind the heard."

Damos looked up and just for a moment, he could see a dark streak of something moving in the dense clouds as he saw through a gap in the beldon swarm. "Can someone get a read on that thing and tell me what that thing is?"

"Scans lost it sir. It's out of range."

Damos looked at the crew running the sensors before he looked out at the viewport. Only beldrons. "Turn us around and head back to our allies."

Damos then went on comms to communicate with the rest of his allies. "This is Councilor Vakaro to all Diarchy forces in the area. We've detected an unknown signature past the beldon swarm. Stay alert. We're rendezvousing now."

 

[Tertius C. Nargath]

obj 1: Get me some gas
TAG: Maldor Sancetti | Diarch Rellik | Damos Vakaro

A single Szayel-class cruiser would jump out of hyperspace, its engines still reeling from the bumpy ride, while the crew on board scurried around the bridge, the engine bays and the central engineering deck to make sure no systems were damaged in what could have been considered a rough ride, courtesy of the abysmal hyperlanes the galaxy was still dealing with in the aftermath of the sundering dawn.

From within his captain's chair aboard the bridge of the N&Z Julius, The Marquis of Valkan awaited the reports of the officers on the bridge. His eyes were slightly dulled, not because he didn't have any interest in the reason for their arrival, but because he had been painstakingly trying to understand why he had been so keen on getting to this place. Sure, large deposits of helium and hydrogen were quite useful as accelerators in a lot of the metalworking and mining the N&Z did, but margins when it came to profits were quite minimal at best.

Centurion Livicus, the one who as it were had the full military command aboard the ship with the Marquis' blessing, made a short bow, as he removed his segmented helmet and gave a snide smile towards Tertius. "Milord, I believe that is the DSD Vault, should we hail her or..."

"Oh, that is Rellik's flagship... why does he still refuse to use a Dictator though?... yes, yes, try and patch us through," Tapping with his fingers on the armrest of the captain's chair, the man suddenly stood up and walked over to the forward center of the bridge, looking at the holographic display of the surrounding space, with a lot of pings signifying the vessels present within their vicinity. "I am curious what they want me to do though, did they not bring enough manpower or skilled folk with them, this is a sizeable small fleet after all."

"It appears the Diarch has already left the Vault, Milord," The Centurion nodded calmly when noticing the somewhat disapproving expression from Tertius. "Perhaps we could ask them to relay our communication...though there is concern that the atmosphere of Ajara might pose a problem."

"We could try and close in on the atmosphere with the Julius without actually entering it, retaining a stable orbit..." The marquis let out a sigh when looking out of the viewports of the bridge. "Prepare the Legiones' , if we can't get a proper signal through this murky atmosphere, we might as well take the plunge ourselves."

 

[Lyssara Thrynn]

Objective one

I take note of his intentions; he accepts me into the squadron, which isn't such a bad thing. He's right in saying that staying aboard the ships won't help the ongoing investigation on-site. Our reinforcements are also deploying everywhere, so I feel fairly confident about joining Maldor Sancetti's squadron and landing next to them on the platform. I activate my comlink.

"Received loud and clear, you're absolutely right."

Having said that, I exit my own ship, lightsaber at my belt, heading toward the last known position of my allies. I walk with my hands in my pockets, wearing that proud and arrogant look I've mastered. I wonder if I'll run into Ryu around here. Speaking of him... I wonder how he's doing. Last time I saw him was at the Diarchy's private party, and he wasn't exactly thrilled to see me.

Eager to contribute to Objective One, I finally reach Sancetti 's unit.

"Commander Maldor Sancetti , I'm at your command. Tell me what needs to be done, and I'll help you accomplish it."

I speak to him with the respect he's due, despite the circumstances. Since they've likely already established a strategy, I'll join the existing formation might as well make the most of it.

 

[Maldor Sancetti]

Objective I
_______________________​

Maldor knelt on the ruined platform- kept aloft by the remnants of working machinery that had survived whatever smashed the gas-mining facility here.

He spoke, his voice carried through his gas mask's microphone to his allies.

"Lady Thrynn," he said, remembering a recent report from Velda suggesting that this young woman had consented to open a holocron for him. He had acquired the Sith device with Her , and had begun to take lessons from it. Then, the Holocron's guardian had evidently determined that Maldor was unsuitable. The pyramidoid had closed itself to him, deeming him insufficiently devoted to Sith teachings. Since then, the device had been shut.

Now, he might regain access to its teachings thanks to Lyssara... and a hefty payout in credits. Part of his mind turned to thoughts of the hidden knowledge that would soon be at his fingertips. Then he shook his head, focusing on the matter at hand.

"You are most welcome here. This ruined platform may contain evidence of what destroyed it. Fingerprints of Force. Join me, and extend your feelings. Perhaps we shall peel back the mystery together."

He closed his eyes again, extending his own sense of the Force, hoping that it might whisper to him about what had happened here.

As he focused, Councilor Vakaro's warning of nearby dangers sounded in his comms.


Lyssara Thrynn Tertius C. Nargath Damos Vakaro Diarch Rellik Merion Oreno

 

[Lyssara Thrynn]

For now, I have no idea that he's the one behind Velda's request. I simply sit down next to him when he tells me to join him, which I do. He's wearing a gas mask, so I put one on too, just in case I don't want to breathe in any gases if they're toxic. I have to be careful about my health as well.

The ruined platform hides many secrets, and he's determined to uncover them. I still don't know that he's the guy who once promised me a holocron. I was there at their wedding, right at the front, attending the celebration.

"All right, I'll do as you say. Tell me what you need me to do, and I'll help you. Oh, and congratulations again on your marriage may you both be happy."

After the usual congratulations, I sit down with him and reach out to the Force myself, my connection to it much stronger. I focus more deeply and meditate as well. I'm sitting on my knees, hands resting on my thighs, and I don't rush.

I do as Rellik taught me, following his guidance and treating the Force as it should be treated with calm and observation, which is actually quite at odds with my usual temperament. I also don't know that this holocron comes from Her . I still have a score to settle with her, even though she helped me; I haven't forgotten how she threatened my master, and how she used me to achieve her goals.

Since he's one of us, though, maybe I'll have to make a commercial gesture I'll see depending on the nature of the holocron. After all, he has to think about his family, his friends, and building his clan. If I siphon off all the funds, he might have a hard time getting started. I'm willing to make an exception this time. Not for Her, but for the Sancetti family. In fact, i have no gift for the party, well that's can be this.

"So, what mystery are we going to uncover today?"

Maldor Sancetti

 

[Diarch Reign]

Objective II
​

Location: Ajan Kloss
Tags: Zara Saga Ryu Jung

---

As the Archon approached, Reign gave a slight nod to her, for all the trouble she caused him, he cared greatly for the woman. The relationship she had with his daughters and wife was a part of it he was sure. But it was her zeal, her devotion to their cause that told the Diarch that she was the right choice in Archon.

"Not today Zara, there is no diplomacy here. These poor bastards do not realize the danger they are in. Stick close, maybe you'll learn something today"

He said the last part with a smile on his face, Reign knew she'd been looking for a reason to cut lose, and he was unsure she'd ever actually seen him unleashed in battle. Sure, they'd been on the same battlefields, same planets, but almost never in the same direct engagements.

"Enemy outpost 1.2 klicks from LZ. Ryu, I'll be leading the assault directly, rendezvous on my beacon as soon as you are done with the scouts."

He hadn't brought the Myrmidons, not this time. The Diarch had faith that those with him would be more than sufficient to clear the outpost of these remnants. And as he set off in the direction of the fortress, he did so with the leisurely stroll of someone walking through the park.

Turning back to Zara he joked

"I'm more concerned about these damned mosquitos than I am about any imperials remaining here. Just don't let me die or Nocturne will be cross with you"

 

[Diarch Rellik]

The comm static returned as a low hiss and then cleared.

"This is Councilor Vakaro to all Diarchy forces in the area. We've detected an unknown signature past the beldon swarm. Stay alert. We're rendezvousing now."

Rellik's grip on the throttle tightened slightly. Being a great pilot was not something he was known for and his intuition led him to believe they were now being gauged by a hunter. Something stalking, wondering if it could destroy what was before it now.

"Acknowledged," he replied calmly. "Do what you think is best but keep us informed. I will relay to the Vault that you have command to lead in any military action that is needed if you feel we are in danger."

With his commands out he banked hard through the mist, diving through a cluster of dislodged scaffold plating that had once braced one of the outer refinery platforms. Below him, faint lights shimmered.

Vault Crew: "Mi' lord, Tertius Nargath has arrived in orbit and wishes to be linked to your comms.

"Patch him through."

His fighter adjusted trajectory again, slowing now. What remained of the platform drifted in slow, uncertain rotation. Shattered antenna arrays floated free from their mounts, spinning uselessly. The emergency lights blinked amber through the fog.

"Lyssara. Mecetti. I'm holding a perimeter around your position. The structural collapse doesn't match standard sabotage or bombardment patterns. Be ready and think fast if the word comes through to get to your ships."

The Diarch would stay in his ship. Gliding around the rubble looking for signs of the attack. Being a middle ground for the people out in suits and those above the gas giant's atmosphere.

Lyssara Thrynn Maldor Sancetti Tertius C. Nargath Damos Vakaro