Star Wars Legacy of the Force: The Last Stand

IC Adrian Malek, Beka Tiarri, Jesse Coulson, Da'mina Shonest, Ariadne Stark, Adalia Tehanis
Adalias Office - The Ocean. (best combo team ever!!)

Adalia had met her team briefly, nothing special, mostly kids in her mind and she now sat in the office she'd been assigned. It wasn't large and she was sure Aden had picked it as it was dirty and smelled of something, she just couldn't put her finger on. He'd not made an appearance as yet, but her gut knew he was nearby, like an in built 'danger' warning system. He was danger to her, and probably one of the only people on the galaxy that could un-nerve her.

She was waiting, she wanted a meeting with her Leads and their Executive Officer's or XO's, as a Commander she needed to see how they all interacted and if they worked. She wasn't even sure Adrian was working at this point, if he didn't relax and start acting like a human and not a droid, it was going to be a catastrophic failure. He was good by his records, but his attitude needed to change, he needed to loosen up. He needed a nickname, she'd have to work on that one.

Sitting forward she read over the rosters, mostly X Wing pilots, 50% Human, the rest mixed, and mostly under 30 standard years of age. 'Kids' she mused; she was too old to be playing with them, so it looked like she was going to be some kind of intergalactic den mother. She sighed as she shut the screen off, 'mother', there was a word that had begun to pick at her mind. It was probably too late for her now, and that made her sad. She'd spent so many years trying to be this 'tough as nails' woman, she'd forgotten her own humanity. Now he was gone, she was a few years off 50 and the chances were slim at best. Akrian woman had the ability to become mothers well into their 50's as they often lived way past 100 standard years, but her prospects were narrowing with every month these days. Sitting back, she folded her arms across her chest and waited, they were due soon.

Jesse pulled at his uniform, to make sure it was straight, behind him his XO Major Da'mina Shonest suppressed a smirk. Jesse heard it and spun to face him. "You have something to say Major?" he almost snapped.

Da'mina gave his head a slight shake. "No Sir." he said calmly holding the older man’s gaze.

"Good, keep it that way." Jesse said as he turned back to the turbo lift opening. "On topic only, clear?" He ordered as they stepped out of the lift and made their way to the new joint Wing Commanders office.

"Clear Sir." the Twi'lek responded and once again, hid a smile.

Adrian was the first of her subordinates who entered Adalia´s office. After completing the checks on the starfighters in the hangar he had briefly visited his quarters and left his few possessions there before making his way to the office. He knew he was too early, but he also felt that as Adalia´s own XO he needed to be ahead of the other officers. "Ma'am," he introduced himself and saluted quickly before approaching her. Taking a slightly more relaxed stance he took a position next to her, he gave her a quick report, "I´ve finished the examinations of the flights star fighters, they are all in a good shape and should be ready for battle. There are only a few minor complaints with some machines, but my droid has a full list if you want to read the details."

Adalia had developed a look already for his military acts, and promptly shot it at the young man. "No, I am sure you have it under control Adrian." she sighed before turning her attention to her data pad with the team leaders’ names. She'd met Jesse, not his XO and not Beka's XO yet, this was going to be a short meeting, so she could familiarise herself with their faces at least and she wanted to know a tiny bit about them.

Beka barely knocked before entering, her XO in tow behind her. Equally tall, the two women looked a bit out of breath, as if they had run there. "Too slow, gotta do better than that to beat me," Beka tossed over her shoulder at the other woman with a grin. "Hey Ads, hope we're not late."

"I call for a rematch, overseen by someone impartial. Then you'll see who's faster." The second woman seemed to catch herself, suddenly realising their company. "My apologies, uh, Colonel." And yet, she didn't seem embarrassed as she offered a hand. "Ariadne Stark, Twin Suns' Executive Officer."

Adalia heard the footsteps running their way, she frowned and turned to the door to see Beka burst in, a woman close on her heels. She raised an eyebrow as the new woman put her hand out and introduced herself. "Good to meet you Ariadne, you'll get her next time." she said taking her hand and smirking while eyeing Beka, "suspect she's out of shape for this kind of thing. As for being on time, spot on." She glanced at her chrono before looking to the door. Jesse was due with his XO, the assumed it was the Twi'lek male she'd noted him with on the Hangar deck. At that moment he appeared.

"Reporting as ordered Ma'am." Jesse said, starting to salute but stopping halfway through remembering her earlier words. He glanced over his shoulder, "My Exec Officer, Da'mina Shonest."

The Twi'lek stepped forward "Ma'am, it’s a pleasure to be sure." He inclined his head but did not even attempt to salute.

Adalia looked at both men and sighed. "Come in and close the door please?" she was tired of the same speech. She waited as Da'mina did so and watched as he assumed the 'at ease' position behind his Lead in the same position. This was getting tiresome. She drew a deep breath and gave her head a shake. “Not working Bek, just not working.” She stood, “Ok, I’ve said this already and really hate repeating myself.” Stepping out from behind the desk she approached Adrian and watched as his hands suddenly became un clenched from behind his back and he looked for a better place to put them. She started to circle around the three newer members, Jesse, Da'mina and Ariadne. “Trust and respect are a two-way street,” she explained as she stopped behind Jesse noting his fingers laced together with palms up behind his back. She made a fist and dropped it into the cradle he’d created there. “And I Detest formal military displays!” she snapped as she shoved her fist downward breaking the hands apart, before continuing. “At ease make me uneasy and Attention, “She paused behind Da’mina who reacted as Adrian did, “makes me angry.” Adalia began to circle Beka’s new XO, she needed nothing, the woman got it, why weren't the men? “A salute only serves to alert the enemy as to who is in charge.” She stopped and looked at the younger woman with a raised eyebrow. “and I Do Not want a target on my back.” She returned to her place behind the desk. “Are we all clear?” She didn't wait for their responses, it was irrelevant. “Ok, first up, around the room.” She pointed at Adrian, “Starting here. Name, Rank, Ship, how long been flying and call signs please?” She sat down and picked up her data pad again while looking at her XO waiting.

Adrian suppressed the urge to salute again as Adalia formally asked him for his name. Her rant against the protocol had unsettled him a bit but he tried his best not to betray his feelings and kept his face calm. "Adrian Malek, Major, X-Wing, been flying for four years now, don´t have a callsign." It was a short and precise summary, not wasting time on unnecessary information. In his old squad the members hadn't used callsigns but instead just the flight numbers when talking over com.

Adalia knew he was green; it wasn't a surprise. The lack of call wasn't even a surprise, with how 'military' he was, the chances were high he'd not done anything to earn one! She gave a slow nod "We'll have to fix that last bit." She held her hand up to Jesse to stop him while she thought for a moment, he was green and young, but fresh blood on the team. That was it. She turned back to him "Youngblood, that's you. Get used to it." She returned her attention to Jesse and lowered her hand "Go."

He'd still not found a comfortable place to put his hands, they were at his side, but he felt like they were flapping lose. "Coulson, Jesse, Commander, XJ X wing, near on 16 years flying, Callsign Blaze". He shifted his weight uncomfortably, without a standard stance, he had no idea how to stand.

"Blaze? Explain?" Adalia asked curiously.

The man glanced away. "I can't cook, set the Academy kitchen on fire." he confessed with a good deal of embarrassment.

She grinned and chuckled. "Love it." She waved her hand at his XO for his response.

Shonest, Da'mina, Captain, XJ X Wing, 10 years flying, Callsign Vapour." he paused and gave a wry smile. "Landed my ship with no fuel on board, said it was running on vapours." Saving her the time of having to ask.

Adalia nodded with a smile, she liked his attitude and courage already.

She turned to Beka. "Wanna tell them who you are and embellish all you like." she said winking at her friend.

Beka leaned on the desk, then pulled herself up on it to sit as the others made their introductions, smiling a bit at the effect Addie had on them. It was easy to be scared of her, at first, but they'd figure it out eventually.

"Beka Tiarri, Twin Suns Lead, flying forever except my 'break' these last couple years." She rolled her eyes at that, but most of those present probably had no idea what she was talking about. "And I go by Bouncer, so don't cross me or I'll toss you out on your rear."

Ariadne noted she'd skipped her rank but didn't yet want to call her on it. It was probably fine, everything was relaxed here, right? She cleared her throat before speaking, last to follow up the introductions.

"Ariadne Stark, Major, Executive Officer to Twin Suns. Been flying since I was 18, and I'd rather not give away my age." A small, mischievous smile graced her features as she continued. "And I've been called Tricks, always have a trick up my sleeve."

Adalia smiled at Beka and continued to do so to her XO. what's wrong with the men here? she wondered. Didn’t matter. "Ok, now we all know who we are, I need you to know the rest of my rules." She paused before listing them. "1. When I give an order, I mean it, so don't question it. 2. I may not tell you the whole plan, but trust me, I know what I'm doing. 3. Loyalty, its vital, you can't be loyal and follow me regardless? Let me know before the end of the day. 4. ". She stopped and looked to the floor for a moment. "There's history here," she looked to Beka "a lot of history. And I have serious reservation regarding my joint Command." Adalia wasn't sure what they each knew of her and Aden and didn't want to cast aspersions but needed them to know at least about the past. "Putting it simply, I don't trust my counterpart at all, would sooner put a hole in him." She patted her blaster on her hip, "having said that, I won't do that, but I need each of you to keep your eyes and ears open. Be aware, the man had a history of deception." She let the gravity of those words hang for a moment. "And finally, I like displays individuality, check my ship, so feel free, within reason, to follow suit. There's a briefing in," she glanced at her chrono "20 mins, see you all there with your squads, questions? ". She never planned to give them time to ask any, "Good, dismissed."



TAG @Sinrebirth @Anedon @Rebecca_Daniels

 

Name: Vua
Age: A century in this galaxies time.
Species: Yuuzhan Vong
Gender: Male
Personal effects: Pilot issue uniform and blaster, an ooglith masquer, his personal datapad.
Personal starfighter: X-wing, as standard.
Appearance: Nondescript, when masqued. Because he does not like attention at the best of times, and he is usually masqued, lets be honest. The only point that would identify him is that he is tall - for a human. Not so, for a Yuuzhan Vong.

Bio: Captured at the end of the Yuuzhan Vong War, Vua fought in the Battle of Yuuzhan'tar, against some of the famed pilots he now stands beside. Yet, he was redeemed, discovered the True Way had been warped by the Supreme Overlord, and, unable to be apart of Zonama Sekot's society for he no longer believed in any of the Old Gods, let alone those present in Sekot, he left Sekot, settling on Rodia with the rest of the expatriated species. If anything, more Yuuzhan Vong were settled on Rodia than Sekot, but the GA quietly downplayed that. Off the radar for years, he returned from the jungles to Rodia to do more - to repent. Informing the authorities but agreeing to don a masquer unless appropriate, Vua enlisted, swearing loyalty to the GA, joined Starfighter Command. Now he has ended up under the command of Aden Kya, who of course knows the truth about the Yuuzhan Vong and has enlisted him to command Second Flight of Wraith Squadron as his XO.

Because why not a Yuuzhan Vong? If old friends can be new enemies, perhaps old enemies can be new friends...

 

IC Aden Kya, Adalia Tehanis
Adalia's Office - The Ocean


Having dismissed the members of her new team, Adalia dropped the data pad on the desk and wandered over the tiny view port the room afforded. There was little to see outside The Ocean, especially from the smallest, smelliest room on the entire ship. Leaning her shoulder against the bulkhead she started to wonder, and not for the first time in the last few days, if she'd made the right decision. The sick feeling of Aden's presence picked at the corner of her mind constantly. She knew he was on board; she'd ignored a message from him, but a personal meeting was inevitable. Looking around the length of the craft she was noting the external damage when the hairs on the back of her neck shot up, with no formal training, and a disdain for any such business, her basic force abilities did enough to keep her alive, and right now danger was approaching. Lowering her hand, she un-clipped her blaster and rested her hand on it. The confrontation was almost here.

Sure enough, there was a rap at her office door. One, two, three; jaunty, prom and proper. A voice cut across. “Oh, Addieeee. I know you’re in therrrre. It’s been years, and the briefing is soon... shouldn’t we... chat, beforehand?”

She closed her eyes and clenched her teeth, 'how dare he?' His singsong greeting was laced with bitterness and sarcasm, she recognised it and it made her skin crawl. She turned toward the door slowly, her hand still on her weapon. "Door's open, Aden. Come in, say what you have to say, then get the hell out." She had no intention of making this easy.

Aden smiled broadly. “Hi.” He shrugged. “Let’s be fair here. I’ve spent a decade in prison because of you. I’ve served my time according to the Law. So, I’ve been punished, and you need to accept that, just as much as I need to accept that what I did was wrong.”

He held out a hand, looking at her with an overly sweet expression on his face. “Truce?” Another shrug. “I mean - the bad guys are playing with a superweapon that blows up stars. I think we can all agree that you and I need to put aside our differences to stop the Confederation.” A shudder. “Imagine what would happen if they repaired Centerpoint! They could blow up Coruscant! We’re lucky Colonel Solo sabotaged the station months ago...”

He grew serious, keeping the hand held out. “... but we’ll run out of time soon enough and they’ll have that weapon again. I didn’t fight the Vong just to let some separatists destroy the peace.”

"Because of me!?!? Are you serious?" She shook her head slightly "You put yourself there, I was merely your victim!!!" She looked down at his hand and turned away "Arhg!" She listened to his words. "I didn't fight the Vong to have you try to kill me," she spun back "yet look what happened."

She continued to ignore the hand; it would be akin to putting her own digits in rancor's mouth. "I'll help stop them, but I will not make nice with you Aden." She moved a few steps to the left, away from him. "We keep this professional, above board and for kriffs sake, don't speak to me unless you have too. I don't like you and you don't like me." She held her hand up, palm forward. "Don't fill me with your bantha poodoo, we both know it, so let's just do what we need to do and then go our separate ways, clear?"

Aden looked at his hand, and let it drop. “That’s all I can really ask of you, my frenemy.” He tried not to grin. “The sooner we end the war, the sooner we can go our separate ways... no?”

She eyed him suspiciously, as she would always do forever more. “Yes.” Putting her hand back on her blaster she gave him a sickly-sweet smile. “Now get out before I use you for target practice.”

“You’re welcome to try,” Aden said, his grin almost malicious. He turned to leave, exposing his back to her - a tempting target. “See you in half an hour!” He waved.




Tag no one, as you get between us you are taking your life in your hands.....

 

IC Adalia Tehanis - Jesse Coulson
Addies Office.

She’d been rattled, and it took a lot for that to happen. Slumping down into her seat Adalia buried her face in her hands. ‘What am I doing here?’ she thought again. She could only blame the hole in her heart, the loss she was feeling that may have urged to her commit to something she wasn’t even sure of. She’d always dealt with her problems by moving, by keeping going and distracting herself, but this time she may have gone the wrong way and too far. Sliding her hands up over her head and lacing her fingers she left them on the back as she put her forehead on the desk. The cold metal was a focus point for her to concentrate on, cool, calm and a way to settle her nerves. Why did she let Aden get to her like that? He said, ‘you put me there’, was he for real? Did not! Do the crime, do the time! In her mind he’d not done enough time either. Focus, cool, calm, the need to settle before the briefing was a necessity if she wanted to stay alive. She was 100% convinced Aden would take another shot; she could feel it I her gut.

Jesse had left with the others, but once they’d gone their separate ways, he’d made his way back to her office. Standing nearby in the corridor, he’d not intended to spy, but overheard the entire conversation. She’d already told them there was history, but judging by what he’d overheard, it was a lot more dangerous than he’d considered. He watched as her visitor left and noted the man’s appearance so he could be aware of him in future, before tugging at his jacket to make sure it was straight and stepping to her doorway. He was taken aback by what he saw. The woman he’d spent a good deal of years almost idolising had her head on the desk, hands on top looking for all the galaxy like she’d given up or was about to. He glanced around the office and noted how cold and empty it really was and a thought crossed his mind. ‘She’s alone out here and being forced to work with what she considers a mortal enemy’. That had to be tough. Assuming his ‘at ease’ position he cleared his throat to get her attention.

ARGH!! She was not alone, at least it wasn’t Aden returned to taunt her some more, she could feel that. Lifting her head, she rolled her eyes immediately. It was Coulson and he was stand at ease, again. “What is it Jesse?” she asked sounding exasperated.

He’d done it again, managed to annoy her by breathing it seemed. “I Ah…” What did he come back for again? “Wanted to talk to you, off the record if I could please Ma’am.” He kept his eyes forward and chin up.

Adalia leaned to the side, popping her hand under her chin and elbow on the desk. “Well, to do that you’d have to act like you were off the record, and right now I can’t see that, so that would be a no.” She was slightly amused, a distraction and one that wasn’t going to get her into trouble she believed. “Would you like to try again?”

He let his eyes move only to glance at her, she looked amused by him. ‘Great, now she’s tormenting me’ he mused. Turning his head to the side he drew a deep breath before unlacing his fingers and bringing his hands to the front, moving them in few twisted circles of confusion before decided to rest them on his gun belt, one on his blaster, before leaning harder on one leg. He felt so strange and bit his lip, this was against everything he’d held close and lived with for 15 years, but it was what she wanted. “Adalia, can I have a word?”

Sitting up she watched him, it was more amusing than she’d thought it would be, he looked so out of his depth but the way he looked now, he was what she wanted and more than she’d expected. Something stirred within her, a feeling, an emotion she’d not felt in a long time. She leaned back as she realised what was going on, she was attracted to him. “Of course, you can Jesse.” Her voice broke ever so slightly as she internally cursed herself. Kriff it!!!

Jesse stepped forward, still unsure of his stance or words. “Before I go further, I have to confess, I overheard that conversation you just had. I didn’t intend too, just did.”

Adalia sighed as she stood up. “Well, I’m sorry you had to hear that, it’s a deep-seated distrust and it’s very personal on his part, probably a bit on mine now.” She shrugged as she sat on the edge of the desk. “What is it you wanted?” she pushed on, she had to keep this totally above board, he was coming back one day, patience wasn’t her strong suit he’d reminded her many times, and this was one of his lessons she was sure of it.

“Its about this ‘casual’ …..” he didn’t know what to call it, “Stuff? I’m not sure I can do it. Right now, I feel like someone has a blaster on me and if I do one thing even remotely by the rules, I’m done. Is it a deal breaker? I mean are you going to have me transferred out if I can get it?"

She smiled. “No...." she chuckled, "I'm tough but fair. It’ll take time, relax, and when I’m gone you will struggle to go back the other way, trust me. Had a couple of pilots who never could, they kept sending them back to me!” She smiled warmly at the memory of Rooty and Jeen. They were never by the book and in the end, they retired when she did to save themselves. “You’ll note I have developed a look and an eye roll when I see it, you’ll know when you’re bugging me.” She smiled at him, he had lovely slate grey eyes. Stop it.

He watched her smile as he listened, it was beguiling. “When you are gone? Are you planning to leave already?” that had caught him a little off guard.

She arched her back, her shoulder had been giving her grief since halfway through the trip here, the muscle was in spasm again. Old injuries were telling as one aged. She rolled the offending shoulder in an attempt to undo the knot. “Not going anywhere now, except the briefing, but as you know, war is a great place to get a promotion.” She winked.

He watched her roll her shoulder and arch her back, he glanced away. “Back spasm?” he asked looking back, “My mother was a masseuse, I can fix that for you.” He offered.

Adalia turned to look at him, the muscle under her shoulder blade had been burning for some time. It wasn’t personal, she told herself, it was just the same as seeing a professional, someone helping to loosen a tense muscle. She turned her back to him, “Its 10 years old, if you can fix it, it’d be a miracle.” She shrugged.

Jesse was surprised to say the least, he’d not expected her to accept his offer. Stepping forward he gently placed his left hand on the front of her shoulder and the heel of his right hand under her shoulder blade and began to rub hard. She stretched up and winced in pain, that was expected. He continued to dig into the muscle, it was in complete spasm and he wondered how she’d been able to function as it would be painful. She groaned softly as she pulled her long braid out of the way. “How long has it been this bad?” he asked quietly, concentration on his features.

She glanced sideways at him, “Years, on and off.” She muttered. Her mind was swirling, he’d never rubbed her back, he knew it gave her pain, but had never rubbed it. Despite the fact it hurt, it felt better but she was feeling the need to pull away. Was this a line being crossed? He was only rubbing a sore muscle, friends did that, but he wasn’t a friend, not yet anyway. Lifting her hand, she checked her chrono. “Do you know where the briefing room is?” she asked as he hit a particularly painful point and she winced and grunted softly.

Concentrating on her back he tried to ignore the soft sounds she was making, to anyone listening and not seeing, they sounded suspicious. “Yes, I do, how long till it starts?” he asked as he shifted his left hand slightly and turned his right to get his fingers under the shoulder blade. This was going to need more than two minutes of rubbing, this needed heat and, he stopped, was that a scar? “Do you have a scar back here?”

“I have scars everywhere.” She muttered, “But yes, long time ago, explosion, I got on the wrong side of the detonation of a smugglers base.” She explained with little emotion; she’d lost count of the amount of times she’d been injured over the years or come close to death. She felt his fingers run along the scar; it was painful under it. She sucked her breath in.

“Might need more than a quick rub.” He confessed, “Heat and oils maybe.” He knew what was needed, if he’d be able to administer it was another story. He’d read her reports and records; he knew what she’d been through and somehow managed to look so good still in his eyes.

She pulled away. “Don’t have time for this anyway.” She stood and took a deep breath, “Feels better already.” She turned to face him. “Is 15 minutes enough to get to briefing? Hope so, cause that’s all we’ve got.” She scooped up her data pad, distance, she needed to be around other people and get distance.

“It is, Ma’am.” He was standing straight again, instinct having kicked in.

She duly rolled her eyes. “Come on, let’s go. And remind me to find a way to extract the stick from yours and Adrians……….” She let it trail off, she knew he understood.



BRING ON THE BRIEFING!! @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Aden Kya
Briefing Room Alpha

Well that half hour went quickly. Aden nonetheless arrived fashionably late, if only to annoy Adalia. The room was circular, so to allow the killing pilots to sit around the commanders. His XO, Vua, stood by the entrance to the room, as was his habit, looking plain-faced in his human masquer. Aden tilted his head to him. “Anything of note?”

“No,” Vua said softly. “Everything is as it should be.” His chin tilted to the knot of pilots that included his Wraith’s. Rhoen, Loriana, Syal, and so forth. Aden would introduce them all at the Squadron chit chat later on. The other squadrons in his half-Wing were known quantities to each other, but Aden’s Wraith’s had been reactivated, what with the original squadron decommissioned as an Intel unit.

Aden nodded, looking among Addie’s team. He didn’t recognise a lot of the new additions, but Colonel Solo had supplied him with Galactic Alliance Guard dossiers on all of them, be it Adrian, Jesse, Da’mina, Ariadne and so forth. Was that Beka? Aden gave her a full smile, a genuine response - he was very happy to see her.

There were others no present, and Colonel Solo was looking for them on Aden’s recommendation. Any old pilot from the Wing would be a personal issue for his pilots if they crossed paths with them at Kuat. Adam Lyons, Rooty Aran, Jay Sarkin, and so many others. All of them were added to the Galactic Alliance Guard’s ‘seek and detain’ list. They’d be picked up and kept somewhere safe until the conflict was over. There were no guarantees that the Guard would find any of them but if they were staying neutral, or, heaven forbid, had turned traitor, then they would be useful bargaining chips. Aden was glad that Solo approved of his suggestion.

But now, the briefing. There was no need to antagonise Adalia anymore, so he gestured, directing the lights to dim and pointing his datapad at the central holoprojector. A world appeared, one which ordinarily would have been surrounded by a shipyard ring but now was encompassed by debris. “Kuat, the capital of the Kuat Sector and Kuat Drive Yards, formerly our largest shipyard and the most productive in the galaxy. Now Fondor is, and that is in Confederate hands. Which is why our mission is so important.”

The screen shifted to a part of the docks that were unharmed. “Ships damaged in earlier engagements were held at Kuat, including the battle-carrier Dodonna, and about fifty other smaller ships. We managed to protect them during the Battle of Kuat, but now we don’t have the resources to defend Kuat - not without the Hapans, who as you all know, took a neutral stance after intervening in the disciplining of Kashyyyk.”

Everyone knew about that too. Colonel Solo had set the Wookiee homeworld on fire for taking in Jedi, and half the Fifth Fleet had been lost when the Confederates abandoned their push on Kuat to intervene. It was a miracle that the Fifth had escaped at all - a testament to the brilliance of Colonel Solo. The rebels were also so disorganised that the Confederates had failed to recruit the Wookiees, Hapans or Jedi - which was a miracle.

Jacen Solo the hero. Aden grinned tightly. He knew a Dark side Force user when he saw one. But better that than what the Confederates were doing; secret assault fleets, sending assassins after children, terror attacks on civilians and repairing ancient megaweapons. As long as Jacen Solo as Chief of State, the GA was working for the ‘good guys.’

“The Confederates have Bothans supplying them Intel; they know that we have assets we can recover. They’ll just wait until we’ve repaired them. So the moment the crews start moving the Dodonna, the Confederates will step in and take our ships - and they’ll outgun and outnumber us.” He paused to let that sink in.

“Which is why we’ll be flying top-cover, and denying the Confederates any asset we leave behind. I have strict orders from High Command to destroy anything we cannot take with us - teams are already laying charges in the shipyard itself to blow it as we leave.” He looked around the room. “Is that understood?”

It was a rhetorical question. He looked to Adalia, and generally to the room. Vua has not moved from his spot. “Any questions?”

—-
Point between

The Jedi Master took the call, after he’d meticulously reviewed everything. Arguably he’d kept them waiting, but Markre was thorough. “We’re all fine. Engines are no longer fluctuating now we’re no longer being shot at.”

He checked the scanners. “The E-wings are intact, but their comms are out. We’ll send a call out to the GA for recovery before we leave, but at least we’ll have no surprises. Markre paused. He had already communicated his concerns about the relationship between Jacen and Seha. So keeping Seha here was a test as to whether she would sneak off and try to let Jacen know. The feed was disguised so that the spy they had aboard the Ocean wouldn’t be discovered, because Markre would be sharing the feed with a lot of other sources - Hapan Intelligence, the Wookiee’s, Wedge Antilles, Booster Terrik and even, though the request had been made brought proxies, Admiral Pellaeon of the Imperial Remnant, who remained a Jedi friend even though the Remnant remained in the Galactic Alliance. Meanwhile, the rest of the Council on Endor would be following along, including Luke, Clighal, Kenth, Kyle and Saba. They had yet to elect a new Master to replace their recent loss.

“I’m receiving a patch from the Ocean; apparently the big briefing is about to start between Jacen’s new pets - Wing Commander’s Aden Kya and Adalia Tehanis.” Markre knew who the latter was - or rather, who she had been - to Master Durron, as would Master Horn - attachment was not forbidden in the New Jedi Order, and married couples served on the Council - Kam and Tionne Solusar, and, until very recently, Luke and Mara Skywalker. But Kyp and Adalia were not that, and if anything nobody knew if they were going to reconcile. Not that it was anybodies business... apart from right now, when reviewing Intel.

“Transmitting the feed over.” Markre would make the tender ship the central point of the feed, thanks to the powerful hypercomm Talon Karrde had installed. Of course Markre knew that meant the feed would likely go to other third parties, but Karrde has proven dozens of times over that he wouldn’t let it reach any hands friendly with Jacen or Niathal.

It did mean, unknown to the Jedi, that the live feed would also turn up in the hands of Adam Lyons, via a dozen proxies, who only shared it on the basis that he didn’t pass it to the Confederate high command. But Adams was thus far looking into things; the moment he swung into a side the intelligence would stop.

So the entire troop was able to watch Aden Kya and Adalia Tehanis talk to Rogue Wing, familiar and unfamiliar faces all.

TAG: @Adalia-Durron (for her part of the briefing, or sass), @Rebecca_Daniels (for grins), @adaml83 (for your NPC group to cluck over as new and pretty Intel), @Corellian_Outrider (for Corran and Mirax to give Kyp the eye), @The Real Kyp Durron (to pretend that he doesn't care?), @Anedon, @galactic-vagbond422, @WarmNyota_SweetAyesha (to enjoy the briefing and provide questions as applicable)

OOC: Post as much as you want this fortnight, those of you in the briefing proper. This will be a feedback, planning session, snipe parade. Vua and Aden will reply as applicable, and we all know Adalia won't keep quiet for long...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

IC Adalia Tehanis
Briefing on board The Ocean

Adalia took the information given her now in, and decided to keep it that way, for now. She tuned back into the briefing, and essentially, they were escort at this point. The ‘remnants’ were being disposed, of, and she considered that a waste, but there was little to do. So, when Aden asked, ‘Any questions?’ she knew she had a couple and duly raised her hand. He turned to her, that condescending smile still on his face as he gave her a nod to acknowledge her. She stood.

“So, “she decided to adopt a strong position to those around her who did not know her, knowing full well it would amuse the hell out of Aden. Popping her left hip, she rested her right hand on her blaster and the other on her hip. “Where was I when this was arranged Colonel Kya? I mean,” she glanced around the room, “I was under the understanding that joint meant a shared role. By all means correct me if I am wrong.” She smirked and lifted her hand off her hip showing her palm to Aden. “On second thoughts, spare me your…..excuses.” She dropped her hand and sighed. “Teamwork requires the participants to work as a team, hence the name. I trust in future that will occur?” Once again, she never gave him the opportunity to respond, and she could feel his amusement, didn’t matter what she did, somehow it amused him. She imagined her choking to death or blowing up would have the same affect upon him. She addressed the group. “These are difficult times, some of us are facing not only the enemy officially, but family and friends. Watch your wings, eyes on your six, trust is at a premium here, earn it and use it well.” She turned back to Aden, “And if you see or feel anything isn’t quite right, don’t be afraid to talk to …….someone about it. With all that in mind….Dismissed.” she took the opportunity to usurp his authority by doing that and shot him a cold smile as the group began to disperse.

She turned to Beka who sat on the other side of her, leaning down. “Obs deck in 10, bring a muffler.”




TAG @Rebecca_Daniels @Anedon @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Aden Kya
Briefing

"Hang on," Aden said, raising a hand, asking for them to stay as Adalia leaned to speak to Beka. "I am sure that those gathered here have questions, Colonel Tehanis." He smiled wanly. "Surely we should give them the chance to interject, or to comment?"

Vua unfolded his hands, stepping away from the wall to sit with Wraith Squadron, pointedly so. "After all, Colonel Tehanis, they need to understand their mission role."

"Give them a chance?" He looked genuinely concerned. They could ill-afford a rushed briefing. If they did, then there would be mistakes.

Jacen Solo did not like mistakes.

TAG: @Adalia-Durron, all

 

IC Adalia Tehanis
Briefing.

She straightened up and turned to him. "Yet when you asked, no one except myself raised a hand." She looked around the room, "I doubt we have any fools here, your plans were clear, our roles are clear, but of course, if anyone has a question, by all means........fire away." she glared. He was baiting her and she was tired already. It took all her composure to not draw her weapon and obliterate his smile.


TAG @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Aden Kya
Briefing

“Thank you!” Aden said, beaming. “That’s the exact question I was looking for, Colonel Tehanis.” He looked to Adalia and gestured to the pilot where it had came from.

“Rumours are flying and those rumours will cause our pilots to pause and think when they need to listen and follow orders. If they don’t respect or trust the chain of command, people will hesitate and they will die.” He let that sink in.

“Nobody wants that. So if we don’t have a mature and open discussion about this, a lot of unnecessary pain is going to ensue.” There was the slightest murmur of agreement in the room.

“May I continue, Colonel?”

TAG: @Anedon, @Adalia-Durron, everyone


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

IC: Aden Kya
Briefing

A hand went up, intruding before Tehanis could reply. "Starskimmer," said Aden, in acknowledgement.

"So what is each pilot and squadron's individual objective to minimize losses and salvage the situation?" Aquilla was also whispering with Syal, but Aden let it pass for now.

"My half of the Wing will secure the hyperspace jump, with Colonel Tehanis' half of the Wing defending the shipyard until the Dodonna and the other ships can move off, then they will escort the Dodonna task force."

"A squadron will be assigned from each Wing to deploy to any problem circumstance." He gestured to Aquilla, Syal and the others of his squadron. "The Wraiths from my squadron on-call for any emergency."

He resisted the urge to continue with Adrian Malek's tangent without permission from Colonel Tehanis. He genuinely didn't want to get everyone killed. He had never wanted that.

TAG: @Anedon, @Rebecca_Daniels, @galactic-vagabond422, @WarmNyota_SweetAyesha, @Anedon

 

IC Adalia Tehanis
Briefing


“May I continue, Colonel?” She heard him ask as she regarded him critically. There was a huge part of her that wanted to turn around and give Adrian a hug. What he'd just done not only showed his courage, but his loyalty and she felt she'd found 'another kid' to take under her wing as it were. Someone else rose their hand and before she could respond, was acknowledged by Aden. He gestured, listened and responded to the question. Around the room she could feel the tension, some seemed to know there was an issue, others had no idea. Once answered Adalia crossed her arms over her chest.

"By all means Colonel Kya, please enlighten us all, I'd be interested to hear your take on all this. Keeping in mind there are three people in this room who were there, not just us two." She turned her head slightly to see Beka sit forward slightly, her hands disappearing under the table. She knew where her hand was.



TAG @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Aden Kya
Briefing

“Why thank you.” Aden looked stern for a moment. “The Galactic Alliance is built on the backs of the Rebellion and New Republic. Founded by smugglers, criminals and what the Empire labelled as terrorists and Separatists. It also included all manner of ex-Imperials who had performed actual genocides and sought to repent.”

“Even now, the Alliance is allied with the Empire, which redeemed itself fighting the Yuuzhan Vong.” A twitch from Vua, but nothing anyone who didn’t know him would notice. “And even then, it was the former Shamed Ones that helped us defeat them - and we even allowed the Yuuzhan Vong an honourable peace in-spite of what horrors they committed.”

“Even Darth Vader was forgiven by the New Republic, for defeating Darth Sidious - for a time, anyway,” he said, appealing to the room. “Our entire culture and way of life is based upon repentance and forgiveness.”

“What I did was wrong, born out of isolation from my squadmates and rather than seeking help. I allowed my petty jealousies and pride to consume me, and for that I am sorry,” he was talking to Addie and Becka now. He was looking at them. His eyes were even glassy.

Aden turned back to the briefing. “My time has been served and the Galactic Alliance has issued a pardon for my conduct. I have accepted it for one reason and one only - a reason that Colonel Solo and Admiral Niathal personally told me.” He paused, because this point had to be made.

“We’re losing this war.”

“Today. Right now. Without the Hapans and the Jedi, we don’t have the strength to both hold what we have and make a stand. The Confederation is so much smaller than us in terms of territory; they can dedicate more ships to the front than us. We’re going to have to entrench and retreat until the tide is turned.”

He looked to each of them, trying to meet their eyes and emphasise in how much danger they were.

“I’m going to do everything I can to stop the Confederation. If my being co-Wing Commander causes that much of a disruption, I’ll hand complete command of the Wing to Colonel Tehanis.” He nodded to her. “But I have a duty to try and make it work. I can contribute more than just command of a single squadron and my record during the Yuuzhan Vong is proof of that. So yes, I am a former convict, but the Galactic Alliance has agreed to give me a chance to redeem myself.”

Aden spread his hands out. “So that’s why I’m here. To serve. To fulfil my duty to use all of my abilities to save the people I swore an oath to. Because I’ve failed to do that, and I’ve been given a second chance that I intend to take.”

Finally, he was done.

TAG: Everyone



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

IC Adalia Tehanis
Briefing


She stood listening, behind her there was a strange sound, grinding, growling? Was that Beka? His 'take' on the events were interesting at best, and full of poodoo. What he described was galactic battles, with leadership giving orders and combatants following orders. So, when peace came, those who were 'following orders' found it easy to forgive and let it slide. What happened 10 standard years ago was not on a galactic scale, stang, it wasn't even on a planetary or city-wide scale, it was wholly personal. Aden wasn't given Command of the Oracle Station, Adalia was, it started there. He allowed his emotions to control his actions, time and time again, she was was given control over him. He took it upon himself to destroy not only her, but the Shadow Sabers, with lies, corruption, faked evidence and explosives. If it'd not been for those, she knew who did not believe it, and protected her, she'd be dead now. He didn't take her 'friends in high places' into account at the time, and they with her Sabers revealed the truth. She suppressed a smirk; the fool believed his own lies. Not the first time she'd seen this, certainly wouldn't be the last. His apology meant little, Adalia believe actions spoke louder than words, and right now his words were nothing more than lip service. Reminding herself she was in a leadership role, she drew a deep steadying breath before she levelled her green eyes on him giving a sardonic smile, followed by a slow clap. 1, 2, 3, 4.


"Lovely speech. I'm impressed, somewhat. I'm here to do my duty as well, like I always have, and if anyone here is unsure of my ability to do that, by all means, check the historic recordings. As for the truth? You are all welcome to find my office, it’s the tiny, smelly one in the depths of this ship, come talk to me," she glanced behind her "Or Beka here. We're always up for a chat." Looking back, she gave a cool smile. "So, let's just play nice and get this job done, as someone said to me quite recently, the sooner we end the war, the sooner we can go our separate ways... no?” She let that hang. There was no way she was going to let his grandstanding override her own abilities or downplay the past. She finally asked in a sickly sweet tone, "So can we be dismissed yet?"


TAG @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Aden
Briefing

“Of course, my dear,” he said with a smile. “You heard the lady. Dismissed; any more questions about the Chain-of-Command, take them up with Colonel Solo.”

Vua looked to the others he had sat with. “Vua. XO.” That was as blunt as he could make it. “Make sure your affairs are in order and we’ll meet in the hangar.”

Syal felt her knee bouncing out of stress. “Yes, sir.” She eyed Rhoen. “Walk with me for a minute?”

Vua looked to Loriana, as the rest of the Squadron broke up, and Aden, looking pleased with himself, headed out the room.

TAG: @galactic-vagabond422 (Combo), @Rebecca_Daniels, etc, everyone


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk