Public Woe to the Vanquished (Slave Raid of Hapes)

[Vulpesen]

OBJ: Come to Hapes' Aid.
Loadout: Battlefield
Enemies: Sith invaders
Allies: Hapes and other friendly forces
Tags: Open

Hapes. A beautiful planet filled with beautiful people. And yet, its verdant fields and glistening cities had seen enough fire to last a life time. Not as much as Coruscant who's fires still burned after its recent sacking, but certainly enough to make the Valde feel sorry for its people. But now, here he was again, standing aboard a ship filled with men all sharing the same purpose. To protect the freedom and sovereignty of a planet under attack by the tyranny of the sith. "Hapes has not always been a beacon of freedom. But they have learned. They have stood by the Galactic Alliance and its tenets. Whats more, they are allies with every planet within the Alliance. Its time we show them what that means. They are not alone. They will not stand alone. And they will not fall because we will be there to aid them. Load up and get ready for battle. Today, Cyclone Regiment brings the storm to the sith. We will be more than a passing shower. We will wipe them away like leaves to a gale wind."

Vulpesen turned to the viewport, his tail lashing behind him as Hapes came into view, replacing the blue whirl of hyperspace. As soon as the first drop ships had fallen, the call had gone out and the GADF had sent its men to the front lines. Among those that had escaped the core conflict at Coruscant, Cyclone regiment had perhaps escaped the most unscathed. And now they had something to prove, a need to use this chance at showing the Sith that they were far from ready to lay down.

 

[Alexandra Feanor]

Hapan Royal Palace
Shadowing the Queen and Palace Grounds

Equipment:
Sabers
Spear
Robes​

---

Alexandra in comparison to Vulpesen was not on the Battlefield, not this time at the least. Alexandra instead the unfortunate timing of scheduling a meeting with some of the Hapan Government to start showing some face in preparation for the future. It was a way for her to get to know some of those in the neighboring system not far from Veradune, a way to earn some allies down the road should things work out and she is able to move into a senatorial position.

Which leaves her to this moment now, looking at the sight of burning wreckage starting to appear in the city. She was sure there would be more, certain that this was not going to end here and that she could already feel the pull of those that found themselves steeped in the dark. It was annoying as this was suppose to be a relatively calm and simple task that had been completely upended in a matter of moments.

She really disliked these kinds of situations.

With all that said she raised her hand, using the force to bundle up her hair so that she could tie it off behind her. If she was going to get into a fight today, she atleast would make it harder for herself to get harmed. The robes she wore would do a number to protect her but they were not perfect and she had only been wearing them out of habit. She still needed to get new clothing fitting of what she was about to take up as a role. Still, it seemed her old habits were only helping her this time with her breathing in and rolling her neck.

There was a few familiar individuals she could sense. Scherezade deWinter she had met once, but it was a long time ago and she barely remembered the feeling. But it was there, and she was curious who it belonged to. Then there was Vulpesen who seems to have arrived far above and was heading down to the surface, a feeling she knew far better.

But then, there was one other one she could feel. Someone she thought was dead or long gone, though they were closer to that Keshiri King out in the middle of nowhere.

It felt interesting to sense Darth Metus again, curious if he was the one leading this ridiculous little excursion... if he was, he chose a terrible target considering how far from home the Sith Order was.

But, other than that the rest were all vague, individuals she neither recognized or cared to. But she would start walking, moving through the halls and heading in the direction of the Queen's Presence. Who knows, she might run into something interesting. Or, she might get to atleast punch something considering her right arm was still pissing her off.

Time would tell.

( Aurellia Ben Khal Tagging you two since Alex is in the Palace and Shadowing the Queen)

 

[Aurellia]

POV: Rod'rik, member of the Palace Guard
Mercy | Ben Khal | Jogon | Alexandra Feanor

From the guard quarters, those immediately available fell out, blue cloaks billowing behind as they broke into a steady jog. Would this madness end, he wondered? It had only been just a few weeks since the Diarchy raid. The Jedi had come in their defense, cleaning up a mess of their own making - but he could sense a precipice. Their entry to the Galactic Alliance had seemed such a hopeful time. Equality was in reach. Just as quick that light had been cast down again as the core was thrown into chaos. Their oaths became a hinderance rather than an asset.

Turning a corner, the captain felled the grand staircase in pairs of two. Urgency was a neccesity. Lady Revali had chosen him especially for the task - and he knew of the dark machnications transpiring in the court. The Queen Mother faced threat from more than external empires. Vigilance was key. As they body of men turned the corridor leading into the throne room, they came face to face with their ruler, already in flight.

"Your Majesty." A hurried bow was offered, still observing formality. "I've been sent to assist with your evacuation."

Rod'rik moved to fall in line.

 

[Jogon]

POV: Jogon, Helpful Mechanic
Mercy Koda Fett Aurellia Ben Khal

The Queen Mother and her steadily-growing entourage of defenders could proceed without incident to the hidden passage. The long, winding tunnel took them underneath the palace, where it would normally spit them out into some manner of safe room or secret hangar. But at the terminus of the hallway, the triple reinforced, magnetized duranium blast doors were already shut. ​

​

This was obviously against protocol. Those are not supposed to be closed until the Queen Mother is on the other side. So something must have happened.​

​

The control panel responsible for the blast doors appeared to have been punched and subsequently ruined. Whoever had done that must have been large and strong, indeed. Fortunately, the damage was already being attended to by a large and strong dashade in a mechanic's jumpsuit. There was even a toolbox next to him.​

​

Jogon rose as everyone came stamping down the hallway and turned to face them. "Sorry. This one's out of order."​

​

He folded his arms across his chest and sized up the lot of them. The dashade noted with visible smugness that he was well over a head taller than anyone present.​

​

"Any of you prima donnas got a hydrospanner?"​

 

[Mercy]

Objective: Restore the true monarchy and bring hope to the people
Tag: Jogon | Koda Fett | Aurellia | Ben Khal

Mercy had almost no points in the external mysteries of the Force, so her presence was entirely tied up inside of her. Wrapped into her hide, immersed in her meat, solidifying her fully. You wouldn't even know she was next to you until you bumped into her, or rather she bumped into you.

Speaking of.

The Sith turned the corner and suddenly was face-to-face with Koda Fett, who seemed to have just taken out a number of soldiers. So that's where the guards had gone!

"Bucket-head." Mercy said with a curt nod while looking past him to the hallway she needed. Jogon was busy locking down the corridor, he might have already trapped the Queen in place. "Doubt you are here for the scenery. What bounty are you after?" Short and to the point. Usually she might have joked around a bit, but time was of the essence.

In the distance an explosion could be heard.

As far as Mercy knew there was no outstanding bounty on the head of the Queen-Mother. Otherwise this would have gotten a touch more complicated.

Then a blink.

"Wait, wasn't there a fething bounty on her crown? Really, you are here for jewelry?" That was hilarious as she laughed. "Pretty sure her room is in the clear, maybe a few soldiers, but they are doing an evacuation. Should have a straight line there. Good luck." She could be wrong and if so, they'd probably exchange more than just a few funny words.

Otherwise Mercy would pass him and finally saw the throne room doors come into view.

They'd probably no longer be there, but if Jogon had done his job well that didn't matter. They wouldn't be getting out.

 

[Hala Adris]

​

Kyric Corr
The loss of master Syndric had sent Hala into a spiral of anxiety and self-doubt. It wasn't her fault; he'd been killed in a skirmish with unknown armed elements, likely the black sun, the report said. But still, she could've been there, but she wasn't.

And he was gone.

Whenever someone had left her life, she was reminded of a quote she had read in one of her holoweb studies of Mirialan philosophy, the question of where one went when they departed their life, summed up aptly by a mystic from the old days.

They walked into the pages of time.

That brought her some measure of comfort, however little it might've been. The other Padawan present spoke little but spoke a lot with actions; she offered him a shy smile and a wave, but kept to herself when she wasn't reciprocated. The pair walked off the ramp to greet their new master, which was cut short by the arrival of hostiles crashing from above.

"Chit."- Kyric

"Corr, stop them from gettin' in the palace. Hala, with me."- Kyric

She nodded quickly, gritting her teeth as she ran after him and ignited her lightsaber, which shone brilliantly blue as she moved to support a master she barely even knew. Hala shook off the creeping dread, and pushed to intercept an incoming attacker rushing Kyric from behind, swinging her lightsaber in a downward arc, cleaving the mans head in two before defensively force pushing back two more.

Remember your training.

"I got your back master."

 

[Hasuras Na-Gerra]

He craned his neck and looked into the sky. Fleets collided with each other, exchanging immense volumes of fire. The Vahlan corsairs began to pivot in a counter-orbit to the new fleets, circuiting the planet. When next they crossed over the city, it would be to pick up the surviving shuttlecraft.

Gerra's eyes narrowed on the conflagration in the heavens and he rumbled to another group of subordinates who had come sprinting up after the last few were disintegrated, "Deploy the Crimson Aces," then, with a last look at the strange interloper - Darth Metus - he stepped into the tear in reality.

Tyrant 1

* * *

Otherwise Mercy would pass him and finally saw the throne room doors come into view.

Just before the throne room doors, in front of Koda Fett and Mercy , the air began to shimmer and contort.

 

[Tyrant 1]

OST: Blockade

CRIMSON ACES DEPLOYMENT

FULL HOUSE


SQUADRONS AND SHIPS​

Tyrant Squadron 100%

1. Tyrant 1 "Emperor"​
2. Tyrant 2 "Nemo"​
3. Tyrant 3 "Ronin"​
4. Tyrant 4 "Cypher"​
5. Tyrant 5 "Wiseman"​
6. Tyrant 6 "Consul"​

Lancer Squadron 100%
1-6

Talisman Squadron 100%
1-6

Vagrant Squadron 100%
1-6

Tempest Squadron (Bombers) 100%
1-4

Nomad Squadron (Bombers) 100%
1-4

AWACS Support:

• Viscount
• Marchion
• Bandog

MARINES / GROUND FORCES​

Trailblazer (Marines) 100%
2 Platoons | 5 Squads

Outrider (Armored Infantry) 100%
3 Groups | 3 Squadrons each + infantry support

Vagabond (Special Operations) 100%
4 Squads

Albatross Group (Transports) 100%
Various

Crimson Aces Mercenary Company briefing
Undisclosed location outside Hapes Cluster
Prior to Hapes engagement...

Crimson Command
« Is everyone here? »

Indistinct chatter: "All seats are filled!"; "Haven't seen this many pilots since..."; "Wow, full house, huh?"

Crimson Command
« Good. Settle down...settle down, I said! »

Chatter dies down, room quiets.

Crimson Command
« All allied personnel not currently engaged have been assembled today for a special operation. We just had a massive contract come in. »
« A Warlord going by Hasuras Na-Gerra has hired us as a support element for an attack on the Inner Rim world of Hapes. »

Wiseman
« Hapes? We're sticking around for a vacation, right?! »

Crimson Command
« Cut it, Wiseman. This is a big one, and the payout's huge so listen close. »
« Our mission is to rid the Warlord of aerial resistance and carve a path for our ground forces to support friendly elements in taking out key Hapan positions. »
« As some of you may be aware--I know astrography isn't your strong suit--the Hapes Cluster is located in Alliance space. »
« What that means is: we're not facing some disorganized pirates. We'll be facing heavy resistance. Our enemy will be well equipped and disciplined. »
« This will not be a stroll through the park, Crimson. Stay sharp. »
« Now, as for deployment details... »​

---

Crimson Aces Mercenary Company FULL DEPLOYMENT
Inner Rim, Hapes Cluster, Hapes
Some time into the engagement...

"Deploy the Crimson Aces,"

AWACS Marchion
« We just got the signal. »
« Engage hyperspace, then fall in behind Tyrant. »
​

The formation of fighters, bombers, and transport ships dropped out of hyperspace with near perfect synchronisation. Their arrival, just outside Hapes' gravity well, put them in position outside the ongoing fleet engagement.

Fighter squadrons pulled ahead in lopsided arrowhead formations. Bombers trailed behind them, giving the fighter screen time to clear a path for them. All other elements remained beyond the reach of weapons fire for the moment, rallying behind the warlord's ships.

Tyrant squadron took the lead as the first flight to engage, but Lancer, Talisman, and Vagrant squadrons kept on their tail.

AWACS Marchion
« Show them why they should fear skies of crimson. »

Nemo
« You heard the man. Time to earn our keep, Tyrant. Show them how it's done! »​

Relevant Tags:
Tyrant 4 Zoro Igala @FRIENDLY ATTACKING FORCES @HAPES-ALIGNED FORCES IN SPACE

​

Tyrant Squadron 100%

1. Tyrant 1 "Emperor"
2. Tyrant 2 "Nemo"
3. Tyrant 3 "Ronin"
4. Tyrant 4 "Cypher"
5. Tyrant 5 "Wiseman"
6. Tyrant 6 "Consul"

 

[Rostam Khavarzai]

ALLIES: SITH FORCES
ENEMIES: HAPANS | JEDI

​

The dropship did not bear markings. It hummed low and slow across the cloud-veiled surface of Hapes like a vulture in mourning. Rain streaked across the hull, tracing centuries of soot and storm. It made no broadcast, filed no clearance. In a world governed by dynastic protocol and glittering illusions, it was a ghost. In most circumstances, he would have been shot down by now, but the chaos of the slave raid had drawn the attention of Hapan Forces to more pressing concerns.

The dropship did not arrive through any registered corridor. No transponder, no beacons. It slid silently beneath the sensor nets on a trajectory that local underworld intelligence had carefully gathered over the past several years. Rostam piloted the ship to the eastern ridgeline, where the lesser noble estates gave way to old forests and older estates. The ship touched down on a forgotten landing zone, swallowed by ivy and brush.

Rostam did not knock; a ghost never did.

The dropship opened with a hiss, and out strode the Night Wind Assassin. He wore no clear markings, no silly armor suits. No, he was clad in a black forty-two regular long coat, which carefully hid the blades he brought with him. The foliage grew thick, but there was an ancient path carved away by time, between courtyards and old marbled stone, a path made for secret and discreet meetings between nobles and those who did not want to be seen. The palace had been destroyed many times, yet it was rebuilt just as many times. This provided a unique opportunity, as there were many forgotten routes and catacombs he could take to reach his destination.

He followed the path.

he path led to a quiet courtyard, carved in half by a reflecting pool. Old stone lions stood watch at its corners, eyes worn smooth by centuries of rain. The air smelled of crushed flowers and moss. Two soldiers walked by casually, obviously a reserve force not called up to face the raid. Hapans two were also known for building palaces like fortresses, but they were not for their ruthless, cutthroat politics. Likewise, proxy castles were also built to distract would-be enemies from the true location of their occupants.

He crossed the courtyard, boots silent on the wet stone. At the far end, a low door waited beneath an arch of white marble. Hapes had a bloody past, and he would add to its history.

 

[Skorvek]

Hapan Royal Palace
Shadowing the Queen and Palace Grounds

Equipment:
Sabers
Spear
Robes​

---

Alexandra in comparison to Vulpesen was not on the Battlefield, not this time at the least. Alexandra instead the unfortunate timing of scheduling a meeting with some of the Hapan Government to start showing some face in preparation for the future. It was a way for her to get to know some of those in the neighboring system not far from Veradune, a way to earn some allies down the road should things work out and she is able to move into a senatorial position.

Which leaves her to this moment now, looking at the sight of burning wreckage starting to appear in the city. She was sure there would be more, certain that this was not going to end here and that she could already feel the pull of those that found themselves steeped in the dark. It was annoying as this was suppose to be a relatively calm and simple task that had been completely upended in a matter of moments.

She really disliked these kinds of situations.

With all that said she raised her hand, using the force to bundle up her hair so that she could tie it off behind her. If she was going to get into a fight today, she atleast would make it harder for herself to get harmed. The robes she wore would do a number to protect her but they were not perfect and she had only been wearing them out of habit. She still needed to get new clothing fitting of what she was about to take up as a role. Still, it seemed her old habits were only helping her this time with her breathing in and rolling her neck.

There was a few familiar individuals she could sense. Scherezade deWinter she had met once, but it was a long time ago and she barely remembered the feeling. But it was there, and she was curious who it belonged to. Then there was Vulpesen who seems to have arrived far above and was heading down to the surface, a feeling she knew far better.

But then, there was one other one she could feel. Someone she thought was dead or long gone, though they were closer to that Keshiri King out in the middle of nowhere.

It felt interesting to sense Darth Metus again, curious if he was the one leading this ridiculous little excursion... if he was, he chose a terrible target considering how far from home the Sith Order was.

But, other than that the rest were all vague, individuals she neither recognized or cared to. But she would start walking, moving through the halls and heading in the direction of the Queen's Presence. Who knows, she might run into something interesting. Or, she might get to atleast punch something considering her right arm was still pissing her off.

Time would tell.

( Aurellia Ben Khal Tagging you two since Alex is in the Palace and Shadowing the Queen)

Mentions: Aurellia Ben Khal , Alexandra Feanor

The moment the carnage started Skorvek was armed and ready to begin handling the issue but he kept with Alexandra as he insisted on never leaving his sight since her current role with Adara Raxis was made clear too him but for now they had other matters to attend to, they where heading to the throne room chamber and he could sense others there already as is and combat was a high probability, he even sensed two presences he hasnt felt for along time but to him they are minor mental inquiries as to why Darth Metus and Scherezade deWinter are here or if they had a hand in whats happening here right now his only care was keeping Alexandra alive while they deal with the invaders as he had his spear and weapons at the ready and his armors full systems are active and ready for use at a moments notice.

There are a considerable amount of unknowns in the throne before us I would suggest being ready for a conflict and stay near me Feanor.

 

[Alexandra Feanor]

Hapan Royal Palace
Shadowing the Queen and Palace Grounds

Allies: Darth Metus (?) Skorvek Ben Khal (As the queen) Aurellia (as the Guard)
Enemies: Rostam Khavarzai Mercy Hasuras Na-Gerra Jogon

Equipment:
Sabers
Spear
Robes​

---

Skorvek wasn't wrong, the amount of unknowns was starting to become a problem. Something that made her worry things had already spiraled out of control. She could start running through the halls, tearing through any of these mercenaries or Sith troopers that thought to claim the Throne but... she had other ideas. And it would be better for someone like Skorvek who still had both their limbs for such a task. Which is why she would give him a smile, the look already one telling him that this was not going to go the way he might have thought considering she was already making plans.

"If you wouldn't mind, the Throne Room is up ahead, not far. Go entertain the people there, and try to have some fun. I have this feeling that things are already going wrong... call it intuition." In truth, it was the fact that Jogon stuck out in the force, a being that was far too easy to sense for Alexandra who had been so used to the feeling of those who drowned themselves in the Dark.

And the worst part, she couldn't even fight with her right arm today. This one already felt like he would be a fun challenge and it was even more of a challenge given that fact. Which left her with one option, and she was hoping she would get to have more fun before resorting to it.

"Go on, ill signal you when things are clear. Try not to tear things up too bad and wait for a certain fox tailed fool to arrive if you can." She would smile to Skorvek, knowing the man wouldn't do anything too drastic before reaching down and grabbing a Comm-link. Already her voice was sounding worse from the corruption running rampant through her body, but she needed to get out the next part.

" Vulpesen , If you can hear this, then you are who I sensed. There is multiple dark entities at the Palace. Make your way here ASAP. Aim for the Throne Room." She would end it there, starting to cough and wince from the pain. It didn't feel good but she had to put up with it as she stood up straight. While Skorvek would be left to use the door, Alexandra would choose another more direct method.

She walked through the halls, following the sense of darkness that had seemed to be separated from the others, keeping track as well of the feelings flowing through the force. Fear, worry, desperation, things that would help her to pinpoint what she was looking for, and when she did she stopped. Just above where she felt it and with a breath in, her body dropped.

In seconds her form melded through the floor of the hall, the use of Phase allowing her to pass through physical objects with ease and choosing to allow such bring her down through solid metal and stone. She would fall only for a few seconds, but to both the Queen's ( Ben Khal )and Jogon 's surprise, the redhaired woman in silvery-white robes would seem to just drop down from the ceiling and right between the two of them.

It was as she landed, allowing her body to once more become tangible that she would look around her, first to the Queen and her entourage then to Jogon who stood there as well, only then giving the both of them a smile.

"Excuse me, I had a scheduled meeting with her Majesty, could you please wait your turn?"

 

[Tyrant 4]

Revvin' up your engine, listen to her howlin' roar

T Y R A N T 4 - CALLSIGN: "Cypher"​

Nemo
« You heard the man. Time to earn our keep, Tyrant. Show them how it's done! »

Cypher engaged the thrusters of her heavily modified, prototype advanced B-wing and fell into formation behind her wingman for this mission, Tyrant 1.

She pulled a lever and felt the whir of motors raising the B-wing's wings. The cockpit rotated around as she came up vertically.

<<Locking S-Foils.>>
​

Cypher eased in behind the lead Z-95.

<<On your six, Tyrant 1.>>

Wiseman
<<That's a lot of cruisers.>>

Consul
<<Where'd they all come from?>>

Ronin
<< No heroics.>>
​

The young Pantoran pilot had no intentions of heroics for this sortie. She understood what Ronin meant. Get in, get out. Get the job done.

AWACS Marchion
<<Multiple squadrons of bandits ahead. Continue to intercept.>>

Nemo
<<There they are.>>

AWACS Marchion
<<Engage, Tyrant 1.>>
​

Suddenly, the void of space became a blur of howling starfighters and flashes of death in bursts of green and red as laser cannons chattered and Tyrant Squadron ripped into the Wild Space fighter craft.


Relevant Tags:

Tyrant 1 Zoro Igala @FRIENDLY ATTACKING FORCES @HAPES-ALIGNED FORCES IN SPACE

Tyrant Squadron 100%

1. Tyrant 1 "Emperor"
2. Tyrant 2 "Nemo"
3. Tyrant 3 "Ronin"
4. Tyrant 4 "Cypher"
5. Tyrant 5 "Wiseman"
6. Tyrant 6 "Consul"

 

[Koda Fett]

OBJECTIVE: Steal the Hapan Crown
OTHERS: Mercy - Jogon - Hasuras Na-Gerra

The reason or motives behind the Sith cultist's onslaught on Hapes was hardly his concern. Such was the case with most, if not all conflicts. It made for a suitable distraction, however, and without it, would have made this job nigh impossible. He could extend his appreciation to Raz and the Black Sun's information network for the heads up later - ever since receiving a Black Crown, it gave him a more favourable head start than the other hunters.

Still, it seemed that as large as the galaxy truly was, you always ran into a familiar face somewhere.

"Mercy," his helmeted head dipped, faintly, in a similarly expressed nod. Off the cusp of a firefight, a scathing nickname to match just had not come to him in time. Still, Fett had not yet broken his stride. He went to pass her, the visored gaze glued to her with a tension in the air. Had she been intending to stake her claim on the same bounty? His blaster-wielding hand twitched, ready to snap-lock the barrel and blast a searing hole in that regenerating flesh of hers.

Taking her down, if nothing else, was going to be a pain. He had no doubts it could be done, though.

But, before such a thing could come to pass, the tension simmered instead. It became clear the two were here for separate reasons, and Mercy's was far from his business. Stay out of his lane, Fett would stray from hers.

In passing, the bounty hunter gave the only answer that mattered, with regard to the theft of some precious jewelry. "It pays."

However, before Fett could continue onwards to the chambers that held the Hapan Crown, among other fine and sentimental pieces dear to the Hapes system, the air began to flicker and twist around the great iron doors of the throne room. He came to a cautioned hold, staring, prepared for something to burst free and come crashing down towards them. Though Fett turned to Mercy next, his gaze lingering a moment more than required. Once again, not quite his business.

He shrugged, continuing on.

 

[Daeg Shrovl]

Ta'a Chume'Dan Park

Flesh was scarce. The few who chose to spend their lunchtime in the park that day were spread to thin to gather. Daeg would gather more than a mere pound of flesh when the livestock was so plentiful. He lifted his snout into the air and breathed in deeply, taking in all the scents carried in the air. Scorched metal, dust of destroyed buildings, and fear - the strongest one of them all. Fear was savory and addicting. The scent beckoned Daeg towards a community center near the center of the park.

"Lost sheep. I will guide them." he growled. He stalked towards the building, looking into the windows for any movement. Nothing caught his eye but the scent told him everything. He creeped in through the front. Inside was what he expected more or less. Hapan civilians hiding, trembling in fear as the black tide of the Ember crashed over them. Daeg was only there as a servant of the dark side and his own ambitions.

He walked to the center of the room and spun to look upon the cowering Hapans in their pathetic position. Daeg took the lightsaber from his belt and whipped it to his side as he ignited the blade. The room flooded with it's crimson light, bathing the porcelain Hapan faces in scarlet.

"Submit or die." he spoke calmly. A small part of him wanted them to submit, though something stronger in him wished they resisted. Perhaps if hhe sated his bloodlust early it would mitigate problems later. Then again, maybe not.

Open to anyone.​

 

[Ben Khal]

POV: Nimaa'ri Daaray, Queen Mother of Hapes

A man approached the Queen's retinue in a hurry. Nimaa'ri immediately recognized him; Rod'rik was one of the newer members of the Chume'doro. While he had undergone the same training as the rest, he had yet to prove himself. What's more, as a male he was under significantly more pressure to perform as well as his female comrades.

"Your Majesty." A hurried bow was offered, still observing formality. "I've been sent to assist with your evacuation."

Nimaa'ri barely acknowledged his presence, apart from a slight pursing of her mouth. She said nothing, expecting him to fall in line with the rest of her guards, who were already whisking her away down the hidden passage.

Alas, it was not salvation which awaited them. At the end of the tunnel, they found a door sealed shut, the control panel deliberately sabotaged. The culprit, a massive alien, stood in the way of their escape.

"Sorry. This one's out of order. Any of you prima donnas got a hydrospanner?"

The Chume'doro immediately took up defensive positions around the Queen Mother, weapons drawn. But before they could attack, a woman fell from the ceiling, landing between them and the Dashade.

"Excuse me, I had a scheduled meeting with Her Majesty, could you please wait your turn?"

"Attack!" the security chief ordered her troops. They opened fire, mainly on Jogon , though they didn't exactly discriminate against what appeared to be multiple potential threats. To Rod'rik, the chief barked an additional command in Hapan: "Lieutenant, get the Ereneda out of here!"

There were always alternative routes, backup plans in case the other backup plans failed. This was Hapes, after all, where every noble had a knife ready to plunge into someone else's back. Hopefully the new recruit remembered one of them from his training.

Aurellia Jogon Alexandra Feanor Skorvek Rostam Khavarzai ?​

---

Koda Fett headed for the Queen Mother's bedroom in hopes of finding his prize. Unfortunately for the bounty hunter, the Crown of the Queen of Hapes was not there. No regent with a brain would just leave their crown jewels lying around in their boudoir for any common servant to pilfer. It was secured elsewhere.

However, there was a symbolic replica of the famous rainbow gem-festooned tiara in the Fountain Palace, which while not technically the genuine article, might still be enough to fetch a price. Critically, it was the same replica worn by Queen Kha'la Daaray on the day she was killed.

There was just one problem.

It was currently on Nimaa'ri's head.

Mercy Koda Fett​

 

[Koda Fett]

OBJECTIVE: Steal the Hapan Crown
OTHERS: Ben Khal

The Queen Mother was being taken from the beginning of an ensuing firefight between the Hapan guardsman, a Dashade 'mechanic', and now with the intervention of Jedi. The Fountain Palace had a myriad of secret tunnels, as befit a royal palace. That said, the Mandalorian had proven himself to be a hunter beyond compare whenever it concerned people.

In the effort to turn back, it had seemed that Fett had tracked them down. Seeing the Hapan Crown, his goal, his blaster carbine let rip a slew of burst fired bolts towards the remaining guardsman.

"Hand over the crown and I might just let you live."

 

[Kyric]

At Kyric's call, Corr blurred into motion and cleared the distance between the landing pad and the outside wall of the palace. The echani raised a club and battered the cultists nearest to the blast door. Their bodies hit the dirt hard a dozen paces away. Spears shattered under the Force-enhanced might of the former pit fighter and left the vahlans defenseless in the face of Corr's onslaught. The weight behind his strength caused his presence to bloom within the Force.

Kyric felt a familiar pain nestled within the Padawan, then. Complete and utter defeat. He carried it like a heavy chain coiled around his limps, left to dangle in the wake of unseen suffering.

In contrast, Hala moved with much less certainty. Her saber scored a lethal strike against an enemy pushing Kyric's left, then released a wave of telekinetic energy that carried the criminal a few paces away. Rather than push forward or create an opening of her own, she waited for her Master to set the pace and engage the next set of cultists.

Confidence—once lost—proved a difficult trait to reacquire in the aftermath. Kyric learned that lesson upon his defeat on Coruscant, or more specifically, in the subsequent weeks. Left alone with his thoughts for too long, he couldn't escape the memory of Rhis Fisto's saber carving the kiffar's eye from his face.

Such feelings of fear no longer swayed Kyric. His cerulean saber carved through the cultists with brutal efficiency. Most of them fell to the floor de-limbed in some capacity, left writhing in pain if shock didn't take them outright. Those closest to attacking either of his students met a permanent end at the edge of Soltide's blade.

The final cultist fell limp beside the blastdoor.

Kyric tore it open with a telekinetic grip and hurried inside. "The guards are scramblin' to protect the Queen and other members of the top-brass 'round here. Keep it tight. We need to get these folks to safety."

Leading the charge through opulent halls, Kyric met a trio of vahlans at the first intersection they passed. He slid beneath a thrusting spear and chopped through the cultist's knees. Shifting mid-slide, the Jedi Knight rose to his feet and sprinted forward. Now wasn't the time to hold Corr or Hala's hands. If they couldn't take out the other two and keep pace with Kyric, he couldn't trust them not to get in the way when the fighting worsened.

The initial hallway opened up into a larger corridor full of more cultists. Kyric threw himself into the melee again.

On the far side, a beskar clad bounty hunter disappeared down one hallway, while a towering woman watched him depart. Space twisted and contorted before her, and within seconds, another large figure stepped through. Raw hatred permeated the room in seconds. It bathed the battlefield in wrath, which the cultists drank in without hesitation.

Again Soltide fell upon the enemy. Kyric pushed forward against the tide of enemies, but they pushed back. He wouldn't get through in time to stop either of the raiders. Not alone, anyway.

---

Tags: Corr | Hala Adris | Hasuras Na-Gerra | Mercy
Honorable Mentions: Koda Fett

 

[Aurellia]

POV: Rod'rik, member of the Palace Guard
Objective: Protect the Queen Mother
Location: Hidden Tunnels

Slow recognition of a trap flickered between the dashade and the bounty hunter. With the attack from his brethren, Rod'rik launched into action. Grabbing her by the wrist, he went to pull her away, usher her a few steps down the corridor - only to be snared between their earlier ailment and a Mandalorian.

In the effort to turn back, it had seemed that Fett had tracked them down. Seeing the Hapan Crown, his goal, his blaster carbine let rip a slew of burst fired bolts towards the remaining guardsman.

The bounty hunters shot landed true. Plasma hit his neck, and instantly, the guard crumpled. Time was fleeting - his final moments that of grief. There would be no heroic tales of his deeds, no mentions of his name, save the annals of service. He died cheated, but still a failure to the crown.

The few who had come with him and still remained fanned out, holding blaster fire on the hulking beast in front of control pads.

 

[Lirka Ka]

Allies: Sith Order/Associates
Enemies: Hapes/Jedi/Associates
Tags: Open (lookin to scuffle!)

Truly, what was more quintessential to the existence of the worthy than a good old fashion raid? It was that simple and barbaric pass time that effortlessly was able to draw the monstrous Imperator from the confines of the Sith Order’s blackwall. And a posh rock like Hapes? Well that was just the bit of spice on top. By all metrics of legality, Lirka should not have been looking to fill her coffers with slaves, lest she invite the Emperor’s scorn upon his newest Imperator. Yet, in technicality, she was not yet defunct as the Kainate’s Slavemaster General. The butcher king had been very clear, the Galaxy was to be squeezed of what it was worth. So, squeeze she would. Let Hapes feel the grasping claws of Lirka Ka around their neck.

The machinations of politics would be secondary today. Hasuras Na-Gerra was a name unfamiliar to the Once-Sephi, and Lirka loathed an unknown variable. Yet, anyone who styled themselves a Corsair got a thumbs in her murderous, criminal-loving, book. In the great vastness of the warlord’s armada, it was not a difficult ask for Lirka to slip her way to the surface alongside her marauders, the mission was simple. Rampage. Destroy. Take everyone and everything of value that they get their wretched claws upon, and ferry it back to her Lord before the Alliance’s armies could catch them out.

The metal goliath moved with hellfire at her back, Lirka Ka certainly didn’t want to merely skulk and steal - let the curs remember her form, and let it strike fear in her hearts. With machete alight with electro-plasma filament, every one of the civilians she could see that she deemed worthless meat were met with a quick hack of her weapon and a crumbled mess upon the ground. Guttural and distorted commands bellowing from her helmet as she compelled her warriors to rampage and loot in their monstrous mistress’s wake. Oh, how she adored her job.