Star Wars Legacy of the Force: The Last Stand

IC: Adam Lyons
Adam sighed as he popped open the simulator, Getting a bit better every time, but this mission is NOT one I want to do...

Kirney stood outside the simulator, and when Adam looked over, he saw her nose wrinkle as if she could smell him.

He grinned, “I know, I know, but several runs with a mission like that and it quickly becomes a session in the gym.”

Kirney shook her head, “Either way you need a fresher, but... I have the information. Looks like we have an audio recording of a briefing with what are supposed to be co-commanders Tehanis and Kya leading... "

Adam angrily shook his head, “The only thing Aden should be commanding is a pickaxe hitting a rock.”

Kirney raised an eyebrow, “Anyways, I’m sure you wouldn’t be surprised that there was some friction.”

Adam snorted in amusement

“So at least we now know where they’re going to be, Kuat, even the Yards, so we can refine the simulation, which means you need to get a shower and some sleep."

Adam nodded, “Sure thing, though I have three requests and a question. One, can you verify that this is legit, so I’m not ending up in one of the GA’s traps?” He waited for a nod, “Two, could you run through to see how much of the information they give is actually correct?”

Kirney thought it over, “I can but it might take some time, probably not fast enough to allow you to change the mind of anyone who isn’t already wondering about the methodology of the Alliance, but I will see what I can do.”

Adam shrugged, “I kind of expected that, anyways third, is there a way you can reverse that information chain so that maybe we can use them to say get in touch with Wedge, or any of my old squadmates, or anything like that. Especially with former Shadow Sabres, or Twin Suns. That actually might be a higher priority than even checking the briefing for factfulness.”

She gave Adam a sympathetic smile, “I’ll send out feelers, either way, they deserve that much. Finding Wedge will be tough though when Iella doesn’t want them to be found...”

Adam grinned.

Kirney smiled also, “So what was your question?”

“Do you want to fly also? I know you and Myn have those Type Js in the hanger not really doing anything right now. I’d love to have you, having people to trust is important these days.”

Kirney frowned a bit, “I...uh....don’t know about that. There’s still the business, and more importantly our family. I don’t know if I want to relocate, which I may have to if we were to fly. I may actually be better suited behind the scenes as the information master.”

Adam nodded, “I understand, tell you what, for repayment for all this we can use Donoslayne Excursions for some of the logistics we need...don’t know if you want to be the company behind this madness.”

Kirney gave him a weird look, “You seem to be mostly back to normal, but to me, it doesn’t like you’re doing this because you enjoy the work anymore. Are you looking forward to this?”

Adam looked about as miserable as he’d been in a long time, “Not really... I want to save my friends if I can, but I don’t see I don’t know a moral center in this fight...”

Also, this is confirmation that I haven’t been as close as I should have been with them...

Kirney almost looked worried with his darkening mood, “Get some sleep.”

Adam nodded and slowly walked towards the refreshers.

Tag: Noone

 

~OOC~ This is a joint post between @The Real Kyp Durron and myself. Thank you for that

~IC~ Mirax and Corran Horn + Kyp Durron
Location: A board the Pulsar Skate - Rendezvous point in deep space - Kuat Sector

[“We’re all fine. Engines are no longer fluctuating now we’re no longer being shot at."]

Markre's voice could be heard through the cockpit of the Pulsar Skate.

"Well, that's good news." Mirax murmured as she placed the engines on idle. She looked over to Corran as saw he had started his way to her. She caught his eye and pointed over to the lounge module with the holo pad terminal, he gave a small nod and head over there. She patched the communications to there as well.

["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."]

"This will probably get filed under a training exercise." Corran commented as he fired up the terminal. A quick glance out the viewport and he could see the Resolve not far off their port side.

Mirax checked the scopes for Kyp's status. He was bringing the fighter in to dock. She listened as her fingers poised over the docking controls on the flight console, awaiting the signal to secure the fighter to the Puslar Skate.

[“I’m receiving a patch from the Ocean…"]

Secured. Mirax started down the stairs to join Corran.

["…apparently the big briefing is about to start between Jacen’s new pets…"]

She stood beside Corran, her arm through his and held his hand. She felt his fingers interlace with hers and made her smile.

["- Wing Commander’s Aden Kya and Adalia Tehanis.”]

They both glance over to see Kyp arriving.

"Curious…" Corran murmured.

[“Transmitting the feed over.”]

"Ready to receive."

A shaft of light emitted from the holo pad, projecting the recording of the briefing.

---

"Come on Whistler, nice job out there." Kyp patted the droid's dome before he started back toward the cockpit having locked the X Wing in place. Seeing both Mirax and Corran watching something he slowed slightly, "What are we watching and is it safe to join you two?" he asked.

Corran waved him over. "A feed from the GA Battlecruiser, Ocean…" He said in a hush whisper, his eyes on the holographic representation of the briefing room. They can make out several of the figures in attendance. "You better see for yourself."

Kyp frowned, he could feel Corran's ..........he wasn't sure what the emotion was, curiosity, concern, disbelief? Closing the gap he looked over their shoulders at the feed, not quite hearing what was being said. The holocam showed the room, some of the faces where blurred but one was, revealed. A face he was sure he'd never see again if there was any justice. Aden Kya. "What the kriff?" he muttered with a scowl, "Who let that out?"

"Desperate times… Desperate measures?" Mirax glanced to Kyp. She looked back to see the holoprojector in the footage of the briefing show the Kuat Shipyards. She pursed her lips and squeezed Corran's hand gently as she as she listened to Aden addressing the others. "I suppose it is no coincidence that we are currently situated within the Kuat Sector."

Corran cupped his chin as he frowned, his eyes narrowed as he scrutinised the feed. "Nothing is by coincidence…"

Kyp snorted, "Desperate or stupid?" The holo cam vision began to clear up, come into focus showing the other side of the room, and he felt himself let out the slightest gasp. "What.....?" he didn't have words at first. "Why is she there?" his voice had broken a touch as he saw Adalia. Her body language was fully defensive and her expression of barely controlled anger, he knew that one. His stomach rolled over, what or who had forced her to be there? He leaned closer as he made out the face beside her. "Beka?" he questioned softly, her presence caused a sudden understanding that no one had forced her to be there. Adalia was there by choice. "What is she thinking?" he asked vaguely to no one in particular.

TAG: @The Real Kyp Durron , @Sinrebirth

 

IC Beka Tiarri and Aden Kya

Beka hadn't said a word during the briefing, barely listened to the rising voices, instead keeping her eyes locked on Aden's movements. What he was planning, she didn't know, but she wasn't going to let him get away with it. And that meant watching his every move.

As he exited the room, Beka jumped up to follow him, not waiting for any of the others. Whatever Addie wanted, it could wait; this had to happen now.

"Aden. We need to talk," she said, voice and expression equally serious. "Privately."

Such focus...

Aden turned back to her, affecting surprise. He eyed one of the side rooms, producing and swiping his card to allow them access. It was a ready room, used for much smaller briefings. Promptly, Aden stepped aside to allow Beka to go first, but being careful to keep his expression neutral.

"After you, of course."

Beka eyed him for a second before entering. He was a Sith but he was clearly trying to be on his best behaviour, at least in public. So she stepped just inside the room, waiting for the door to close behind Aden before making a move.

As soon as it did, she was ready, a forearm to his throat, shoving him back bodily against the nearest empty stretch of wall. Her blaster remained in its holster, but she would use it if she had to.

"You're not fooling anyone, Insipid," she hissed, right in his face. "I am going to put you right back where you belong. Or in the ground, if I have to."

He allowed her to take him, not so much anticipating as expecting her to make a move. “Beka, please. You know the Jensaarai consider our secret names sacred. I suppose I can thank you for not spraying it around the ship, but please. It’s mine.”

His eyes met hers. “I’ll happily go back where you say I belong when this is over, if the government decides that’s what should happen. But at present,” he said, using the Force to slowly push her arm away from his throat with a crook of his finger. “They have decided that they need my help, and I am going to help. Had I control over matters I’d never interact with any of you again - but I have orders to play nice.”

“Do you understand?” He shrugged. “Orders.”

"You don't follow orders." She glared but gave up as his powers pushed her back. "You'll throw us all to the sarlacc the instant it benefits you." Whatever this false pleasantry was, she didn't believe it for a second; it was a means to an end, it had to be. She knew the depths to which Aden could manipulate people, and that had to be what he was doing. To what end, though?

"I will be watching you every step of the way." She leaned in again, voice even but not hiding the depths of her anger and distrust. "Stay away from Addie. She's suffered enough at your hands."

Aden held out his hands, palms out. “I’ll do what I am told to. Colonel Solo is incredibly powerful in the Force, and he’s done far more than I ever did - and he’s a hero for the Galactic Alliance. Burning Kashyyyk, anyone?”

A shrug. “I wouldn’t worry about me, my dear.” He nearly moved his hand to brush her face, but realised she’d probably bite his hand. “I’m just as much trapped as you.”

"Doesn't mean I trust Solo either. You're just a hell of a lot closer. And I know you."

She glanced at the door, and back to Aden. "I have somewhere else to be. Good talk."

Aden narrowed his eyes; they briefly yellowed, and if he had anything but human, it didn’t show. Then they returned to their natural colour, and Aden sniped as she reached the door.

“Nothing else for your old wingmate? Not one more quip, for old times sake, before you blow me out the sky?”

"I've got words for you, lots of them." Her voice was low and bitter, and she only half turned, not looking at him. "But Addie asked me not to, and that's the only reason I haven't blasted your face off." Yet. "Why don't you try framing me for murder again? It has to work eventually."

“We all make mistakes, Beka,” Aden said, softly. “If it helps, I am sorry about what happened. Genuinely.” Aden sigh.

“I was wrong, more times than one. I won’t make that mistake again.” As ever, Aden was as slippery as he was charismatic - unless you were absolutely on your best game, he could convince you of much.

But he had done all he was accused of, at the end of the day.

And much, much, much more.

She let him get the last word, not responding to his supposed apology. There were other things to do, more important places to be than listening to his manipulations. Beka glanced back at him one more time, a silent glare, and left to meet with Addie and the others.

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

IC Mirrax Terrik-Horn, Corran Horn, Kyp Durron.
On board Pulsar Skate. - special thanks to @Corellian_Outrider for this.


He stood silently behind Corran and Mirax, but internally there was a maelstrom going on. When the feed finished he stepped backward in need of distance, somewhere to think. Heading to the back of the Pulsar Skate, Kyp leaned one hand against the back bulkhead and let his head drop as he closed his eyes. 'Why would she sign up for this? Was because he wasn't there to council her? Did she do it to spite him? And who was the guy whispering in her ear?' He gave his head a shake and needed clear his thoughts, there was a mission to consider, he could think about this later.

"Thanks for the coverage. Please stand by." Corran said over the channel to Markre as he watched Kyp leave. Mirax tugged his hand to guide him away. Corran turned off the holopad.

"We should allow him a moment to his thoughts." She said as she climbed back up to the cockpit.

"Don't worry," Corran said after her and followed behind. "I haven't forgotten why we are here."

Mirax glanced over her shoulder to him then hopped over into the pilot's chair. Communications was still connected with the Jedi Tender. "Resolve, requesting permission to dock."

Corran stood behind her. He had to forget for the moment what he had witnessed in the briefing. 'Was it genuine or a trick? Either way it has to be considered seriously. There was no point in rushing off when their mission was to collect the holocrons. If fallen into the wrong hands…' he dared not imagine what might happen.

Pushing off the bulkhead Kyp sucked in a deep breath, there was a job to be done. Turning around he returned to hear Mirax requesting permission to dock. Folding his arms over his chest he remained silent, there was turmoil inside but he needed to bury that and get on with what was needed. Focus, he closed his eyes and with a long deep breath, he attempted to let it go for the time being with the exhale. "Ready when you are."

The starfields shifted outside the viewport as the Pulsar Skate manoeuvred to initiate docking procedures. Corran stepped down to meet Kyp. The man had been unnerved from what he had seen in the footage, it struck on a more personal level. Corran searching his eyes to see if he was truly ready, then gave a nod. Either way, Kyp would protest if kept behind and the last thing they need at the moment is friction or an incident… especially with the value of their impending cargo.

Corran gave a tight smile as he heard the clang outside the hull. The light on the side of the door indicated the status of the air pressure. "Good. We'll get these to safety and see what we do from there."

Kyp watched Corran approach, he'd closed his own emotions off totally, they were not for anyone else to 'feel'. Their eyes locked and he attempted to make it clear he was fine, for now, and thankfully Corran accepted it. Turning he followed in silence, standing opposite Corran."Just the Holocrons? Is the storage area set?"

The airlock indicator was still amber, soon it be green to notify them that it was clear to leave. Corran arched his brow Kyp and regarded the questions. "Unless you have something else in mind, the mission was just for the Holocrons."

"No plans, just gotta be careful with the Sith one, apparently." He said evenly. "Great I'm quoting instructions now'" he mumbled. "We're good to go."

"Well, at least they cannot fault us for not listening." Corran smirked as the airlock doors opened for them to board the Resolve. "Shall we?"

TAG @Corellian_Outrider @Sinrebirth

 

IC Adrian Malek, Jesse Coulson, Da'mina Shonest, Ariadne Stark, Adalia Tehanis(combo with @Adalia-Durron and @Rebecca_Daniels, always great to work with you guys)
Obs Deck


Adalia had composed herself, the basic meditating she'd learned had helped her a lot so by the time she made the Observation Deck, she was in total control. Standing gazing out of the transparasteel view port, its massive size allowing for little to be missed, she took in the vastness of space and her heart ached again, but she was in control of it again now. She now waited for her team, this mess was getting worse by the minute and she hoped one of them had investigated the ships in that ten minutes.

Adrian entered the observation deck and was relieved that he and were Adalia was alone. He was her XO and so he needed to be ahead of the others. After the briefing he had headed into the hangar to check on the on the devices installed on their X-Wing, R7 had been a bit annoyed at leaving his oil bath behind but what they had discovered at their fighters had frightened the little droid. Following Adrian inside the room the astro mech seemed to be determined to stay close to his owner. Stepping next to Adalia Adrian said nothing for a moment, not wanting to disturb her meditative concentration, but already began searching for words to explain what he had found.

Ariadne wasn't far behind, a box tucked under her arm that she'd had to fetch from her quarters. If this was as important a meeting as she'd been led to believe, they'd need it. For now, only Adalia and Adrian had arrived, the former of which seemed to be lost in thought.

"You've never been late in your life, have you?" she teased quietly as she stepped up beside Adrian, placing the box at her feet, waiting for the rest.

Adalia closed her eyes and smiled, she was 100% sure Ariadne was right. She didn't turn though; it was a good chance for them to talk thinking she wasn't really listening.

Adrian suppressed the impulse to roll his eyes and instead gave Ariadne a quick smile. "You know, there are two things the galaxy knows us Eriaduan's for: Blowing up Alderaan and never being late. I'm innocent of the former but can't deny being guilty of the later."

Da'mina led the way as his Lead Jesse read the intel from hangar deck. He'd managed to get his droid down there to scan and it was confirmed, tracking devices had been placed under the X foil of every member of Adalia's wing. Every Twin Suns, every Wild Knightz and every Phoenix member. 'But why' he wondered glancing over his shoulder so see the scowl on Jesse's features. It was clear the human man was wondering the same thing. He stopped just outside the Observation Deck. "Sir, I have to wonder why?" he asked quietly, "Why only 'her' wing of this command? Does someone expect defectors? Are we not to be trusted?"

Jesse almost ran into Da'mina, 'that's twice today' he thought as he stopped. 'Gotta start paying more attention.' "I don't know anything for sure, but you saw the tension back there, there's history and it can't be pretty." he replied as he closed off the data pad. "That and she's rattled big time, practically ran back to her office." he explained as he passed the data pad back. "Whatever Aden did, has her messed up a bit.......but I suspect there is more going on under the surface here too." He pursed his lips in thought. "Let's just hear what she has to say and then make some decisions after that."

Da'mina gave a single nod as he reattached his datpad to his belt. "This war is clearly a very messy one indeed Sir." he stated before stepping aside to allow Jesse to enter the area first and following behind.

Adalia heard the murmurings in the passageway but sensed the approach more so. She was keenly aware of him now, and needed to make sure she kept her distance. As they entered she noted 'no Beka', but that didn't surprise her. As much as Adrian had never been late for anything, Beka was renowned for never being early for anything. She was usually just on time or ever so slightly late, but always there. So, when she turned to the four behind her before moving to a corner where a speaker like box was, she knew it would only be a few moments before Beka was there, she opened the box. Without a word she lifted her comlink and indicated with her head for them all to do the same she placed hers in, glancing at them all to do the same. She looked to Ariadne and then to her feet to the box with a raised eyebrow. This woman was on the ball, she suspected she'd covered what Beka had been asked to cover and as Adalia stood she unclipped her data pad and handed it to the younger woman indicating the others to do the same. Turning back to the speaker, she smiled and touched another small purple coloured button at the base. Music began to pump out from the speaker, loud heavy music, with a meaning. If anyone attempted to listen to what was being said, their comlinks were close and they'd hear nothing, but the words of the song were quite appropriate.



OOC Read the words even if you are NOT a Nickelback fan......it’s appropriate.

 

IC: Adam Lyons, Kirney Slane, Myn Donos

A quick nap and shower later Adam was sitting down in what served as the dining area in the complex for breakfast.

“Hey Adam, want to tell me about Adalia?”

Adam looked up to see both Myn and Kirney sitting in front of him, “Adam, I’m asking because why are you joining in this now? You know what’s happened to Wedge, you didn’t overtly act then, so why now?”

Adam frowned for a moment, “Then it was confusion about what was going on, and not knowing what to do. Now, she’s a good friend who is stuck working with her worst enemy, who tried to send the entire squadron to jail at least and most likely shot by a firing squad. She needs out of that, and might help sort out some of my confusion.”

Kirney nodded, “Probably a good thing. I heard she has something of a temper.”

Adam grinned, “You know what happened to Cardia after the Sun Crusher showed up?”

“Yeah?”

“That.”

Adam shook off the excess of whatever drink Myn spat out in a spit take that will be told for years to come with a good deal of humor, “I’m glad you like the joke, I just wish that it didn’t mean I had to take another shower.”

Another shower later...

Adam sighed as he sat in his fighter. This was a mission that he didn’t want to do.

I don’t want to have to shoot at Adalia...but I don’t have much of a choice.

He looked at the message, added a couple of encryption barriers, along with a code to corrupt the message in case the GA would be curious, which they would.

“You know this is about the craziest thing I’ve ever seen anyone do.” Adam looked over and saw Kirney smirking at him.

Adam grinned, “Yeah, well you added to it. Then again, it could be worse, I could be trying to disable a Super Star Destroyer with nothing but my wits, an astromech droid, and an army of mouse droids."

Kirney’s eyes narrowed, “I’ll get you for that...get going with your insane mission...otherwise I'll have to get into one of those StealthXs and really give you trouble...”

I finally got her...finally a win.

Adam put his helmet on, and during the process of powering up his E-wing a voice popped over his comm system, “You know if I have to make a choice, it won’t go well for you Adam...”

Adam laughed, “Myn, you know it’s a game between the two of us. That and it’s very rare when I can outsmart her.”

Laughter came over the comm system, “That makes two of us, good luck Adam. May the Force be with you.”

TAG: Noone, yet
OOC: Had to fix a mistake I made with the Donoslayne X-wings, this description is correct.

 

IC: Rhoen Aquilla
Aboard the Ocean

Rhoen couldn't help himself, as he got to his fighter he turned his head to see Syal in the arms of Tiom. The pain lanced his heart again that feeling of having something taken away from you. Or seeing something you want but cannot have. He shook his head turning away. Looking into the fuselage of his X-Wing he caught a reflection in a polished bit of metal. It was of course the happy couple. Seemed fate wanted to throw this in his face to remind him that his heart got ahead of reality. That he let himself get drawn in by a pretty face without learning who they were.

This was his punishment it seemed. He half heartedly did his walk around still 'accidentally' catching Syal in his gaze every now and again. His eyes were looking for another place to rest something else to take his mind off things. He hoped Loriana showed up soon, they could talk about their strategy, about how they're going to work together family, her favorite color anything, anything to get his mind off heartache in his chest.

TAG: @WarmNyota_SweetAyesha @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Loriana Starskimmer on the Ocean Hangar Deck

Loriana perused her fighter. It was sleek and streamlined. She grinned thinking about the quirky R2 units she'd read about in history classes. She'd be sure to give her own a snappy nickname. She caught sight of Rhoen Aquilla close by as he did the once-over on his own fighter. On her way across the hangar, she'd caught sight of the jubilant reunion between Syal and some very attractive gentleman. Oops, Loriana thought, that's gonna nip some happy crushing in the bud, if she didn't miss her signals ... Rhoen had started to feel some sparks for Syal...

Loriana paused and wondered -- should she go over and try to distract Rhoen, or would he just be glad of being left alone? She shrugged ... it was best if they all got their head in the game--as if the mission itself wasn't arduous enough, all the tension and sniping between the higher-ups would definitely throw something more in the mix that they didn't need with so much on the line. Aden ... now what did Loriana really think about his whole line of -- dare she call it drivel? There was no doubting that Darth Vader had been redeemed in a most spectacular fashion, and even way back, Revan had returned ...

She made her way over to Rhoen finally and said: "Quite the briefing, what? And we haven't even gotten into the real battle yet. Personally, I am going to reserve judgment on that whole speech Colonel Kya gave, but just between us, Colonel Tehanis gave me the vibes of being someone I could more easily trust ... not that she doesn't have her own biases, of course, but I get the feeling she's a clear-minded leader and not anyone's puppet."

@Sinrebirth \ @galactic-vagabond422

 

IC: Rhoen Aquilla
Aboard the Ocean

Thank the force she was talking to him he would have let out a sigh of relief if he wasn't worried about being an absolute fool. Thankfully she gave him something to think about. The fact that their two commanders were at each other's throats and that one of them was a criminal once upon a time. Seemed Loriana wasn't fully buy his talk of turning over a new leaf and that she trusted Tehanis a little more. He wasn't quite sure where he fell. Tehanis was passionate, and fiery but that could get one into trouble faster than anything else.

Though he wanted to believe Kya there was something just not lining up. However he was going to wait before saying anything. It would be wrong of him to be suspicious of the man before even getting to know him.

"Well, Tehanis while being nobody's puppet is a fine trait there is a line between being independent and being insubordinate. Her being in such a high station gives her a lot of leyway in that regard but, she still has to answer to someone. And if she disobeys an order because it 'doesn't suit her' or 'would give glory to someone undeserving of it' she could find herself quickly thrown out. Or create confusion within the ranks. Not saying you're wrong just that she's showing signs that worry me. Not that Kya is a saint either he did something to get himself in prison but, we should give him time to prove who he is now that he is out of the spice mines. I guess it comes back to I watch your back you watch mine." It felt nice to talk to someone about anything it got her mind off the most recent heartbreak.

"So what squadron were you with before joining this one?"

TAG: @WarmNyota_SweetAyesha @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Loriana on the Hangar Deck of the Ocean
Loriana absorbed the words of Rhoen about each of the co-commanding officers. "Yeah, I see what you mean about watching each other's backs and keeping our eyes open ... I was with the Corellian Sector Defense Force before coming out here. It's crazy in the home sector, and I felt like the best place to be was anywhere else."

@galactic-vagabond422

 

IC Ilona Malek
Eriadun Military Base, Training Facility

Their blades clashed and Ilona put her strength in the hit for a few seconds both fighters tried to overpower the other, then Ilona jumped back causing her opponent to stumble as the blade block ended. But the advantage lasted only a second so Ilona started another attack this time aimed at the right shoulder. Kat was slower due to her momentary stumbling but managed to catch herself quickly, taking a step back as well to get outside the reach of her commanders sword. Seizing the opportunity Ilona followed her XO driving her towards the edge of the fighting place and attempted a series of quick attacks, but Kat managed to block them all. A quick counter reversed their positions and now Ilona was the one being driven back by her XO. The fight had been going on like this for quite a while, neither of the opponents had been able to get herself a decisive advantage. In a short moment of rest Ilona whipped of the sweat from her forehead and ran her hand through her short black hair. "Are you already tired colonel Malek? Seems you nobles don´t have the constitution to keep up with us common soldiers." Kat teased her with a grin. "Sergeant Katharina Ricter, the opponent who can tire me out still needs to be born," Ilona shot back and returned the smile. The fight continued commander and XO drove each other back and forth, attempting all tricks and strategies they could come up with, but neither was able to overcome the other defenses for more than a light scratch. Finally, after hours it seemed to them both stepped away from each other, a silent truce, enforced by exhaustion. "If we say I let you live because you are the younger one?" Ilona suggested coughing from the exhaustion, her muscles burned knowing she couldn´t do this another round. "By barely two months, but I can´t beat but my squad commander too hard or she would lose all respect with the other officers so I agree to declaring this a draw." Both finally lowered their blades and shook hands with each other. This duel had been their evening ritual for many years now, were they would exhaust each other before going to sleep. By this point they had become the best fencers in the ORSF that nobody else even dared to challenge anymore, but amongst each other they were equally matched, sometimes one of them won a duel with a new trick or a stroke of luck but the odds were evened again the next day. Sitting down next to each other the two women drank some water from their flasks. "Heard anything from your brother?" Kat asked her. "Dad send me a message to day, apparently he was reassigned to a new flight." Since the tensions between Eriadu and the GA leadership had become more and more tense Adrian had send messages more rarely than before and Ilona was worried what would became of him if Eriadu would secede from the central government. "I´m sure he will be okay," Her XO tried to cheer her up a bit. "I hope so, wish he hadn´t joined this dammed army." Her brother had tried to downplay it but Ilona knew he had been mistreated by his old commander for begin an Eriaduan, she hoped this new one was better but if things continued as they were his homeworld would get her brother into even more trouble. "This is all escalating so quickly," Ilona admitted to her friend. "Some of the higher officers are speaking about moving out soon, some say we will send some of our forces to the meet with the forces of the confederacy. I just pray we won´t face my brother in battle." There was little that seemed worse to her than fighting against her own family members. But it seems that these days the whole galaxy was forced into killing their own kin. Ilona had seen much suffering and death in the Vong war, but this was something different, not a fight for survival against a extragalactic invader, this time the people of the galaxy did it to themselves. "Dam this whole war," Kat said and Ilona could only agree with her.

Tag: Anyone

 

IC: Adam Lyons
*Sitting some distance away from the Kuat dockyards, in his E-wing only on life support, passive sensors, and listening to music he likes*

"Tawg, are you seeing this? The Confederation may be pretty desperate if they're relying on this..."

Tawg gave him his best dismissive Admiral impression, then hooted at him to let Adam know that they had new arrivals.

"Six squadrons of starfighters, lots of XJ6s looks like, shouldn't be a for the GA, given what they're facing." No matter what it looked like in terms of quantity, the compulsive planner in Adam saw nothing but slaughter for the Confederation here at Kuat.

"Alright Tawg, I think it's time to get closer so we can find some friends, and once we do, could you track them so if we need to help them out we can. Just give me the threat indexes relative to them."

A bit later another thought struck him, "Tawg, make sure that we find Addie’s fighter as soon as possible, and also that you put the location to fire on the two closest sensor satellites to where they are.”

Fairly quickly Tawg gave him the location of the two closest satellites, which he set course towards and blew them up with one torpedo each. Also around that time, Tawg identified two XJs as Becca and Adalia, and it looked like Addie was going a bit aggressive on an old corvette.

Adam snickered, "Oh Addie, what did that poor ship ever do to you... Tawg, now I think is the time."

He’d run several simulations based on various possibilities, and on average it would probably take him two to three passes assuming Adam would hit enough times per run. To hopefully reduce the variables his IFF transponder would randomly blink on and off with the first couple of times would hopefully reveal clues to Adalia or Becca without anyone else figuring out. Beyond that, he would hope the message would get there. In the past, he looked forward to situations like these, but now...nothing, nothing besides an obligation to his friends, and justice denied...

“Ok Tawg, start the program...”

Very quickly the first IFF beacon code went off, Pink Ewok X-wing. Within a few seconds, the beacon blinked off so he would be much harder to track easily, however part of the program also gave him a flight path on his HUD to update where to go and give him what he hoped would be an optimal flight path towards Addie. The second IFF code went off, Brains and thermal detonator, and a few seconds later it went off, he was getting closer and the third IFF code went off, Dumped in oil, and went off a few seconds later.

"Tawg? Is that correct? Aww, Sithspawn..." A couple of I-7s were sniffing in Adalia's direction, "Tawg, give me a solution on each of them." Quickly Adam received tone on the first target and fired a torpedo, "Target two please," and fired a torpedo after Adam got a lock in that direction as well. He didn't necessarily want to shoot them down, but at the very least keep them distracted. His IFF code went off one more time, Heads off...ewoks...eating. Got it.

He switched over to lasers and made sure that the lasers powers were in training mode so Addie wouldn't take any damage and she would get his information. "Tawg give me a percentage update after each pass so I know how much I have left." He fired his lasers at Addie, hit a couple of times, Adam looked at this readout, "29%...not bad, but not quite on track." He quickly turned around and set up for another run, fired and was a bit worse this time, "49%!?" He tried to calm himself while he set up for another run, frustration wouldn't help here, fired for the third time and was pleased to see much better results, "You're sure? Did everything make it? Amazing!"

Adam was flying away from the combat in what he hoped would be a stealthy manner, besides it would take a bit to get to his course for his jump. His IFF beacon went off four more times before he jumped out, Magnet of Pranks, Bring me names, I want names, Kooky upside down A-wing, and It had to be done. He plotted his course and ran it jumping in the direction of Alderaan, or that's what he wanted the GA to think.

Tag: @Rebecca_Daniels , @Adalia-Durron , @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Rhoen Aquilla
Kuat System

Rhoen had far too long to just sit and think in his cockpit. After having his Astromech run diagnostic on his ship and double checking his exit point, he found himself with nothing to do but, think. About this mission, about his wingmate, about her. He really shouldn't be thinking on anything but, the mission. Defend the jump point but, be ready to assist the other wing should they get into trouble. It was simple straightforward and not want he needed.

He needed something complicated something he needed to wrap his head around. Something that could occupy his mind so he didn't have to stop and think about the people around him. His wingmate Loriana, a Corellian formerly of the Defense Forces now serving with the GA. He was going to ask what forced her to change sides but, that seemed prying. He kept his thoughts to himself. Thankfully they launched soon after.

Then there is the Colonels, Kya and Tehanis, they seem at each other's throats and not willingly put together and barely willing to work together. There was a tension between them, something in their pasts. That past was getting in the way of them cooperating. Something that could get dangerous, like in say an important mission to save important war material.

Then finally there was Syal Antillies, the daughter of the great hero of the Rebellion, drop dead gorgeous, funny, easy to talk to, and positively absolutely out of his reach. Yet he still felt something deep in his heart that still pulled him towards her. Even though he knew she was engaged, happily in fact, that she only saw him as a comrade and nothing more. Despite all that his heart couldn't let it be...it would think of ways that they could still work it out. Tell him to stay close to her...just in case.

He didn't need that right now, he didn't need this distraction. As he transitioned into realsapce he brought his mind to where it should be in the present. To the star field and ships that dominate his view. The large lumbering Dodanna came ever closer flanked and supported by many other ships all of them with skeleton crews. They won't be assisting in this operation. It was quiet at least for a bit.

Suddenly it wasn't. A cruiser, a corvette, and a bunch of fighters jumped into the system heading right for the crown jewel of the Alliance fleet. Rhoen's hands moved to his controls tightening up on them ready to spring into action.

"Permission to assist, One?" Syal chimed in, her voice rang like a soft bell in his ear. He knew that if she broke formation he would move with her.

"Denied, Nine." Colonel Kya replied, "Keep close unless Colonel Tehanis calls for us. We have to keep the jump-point open for as long as possible - if that cruiser moves on us, we'll need all squadrons to keep the way open." Rhoen nodded his head. They would have to leave it up to the other wing to handle things. It was one of the hardest things to do. To standby and watch your comrades fight for their lives. It made sense, someone needed to make sure the escape point remained clear. It didn't make it any easier as the corvette opened up on the other fighters.

He wanted to move in to support his allies, but orders were orders and soon he had his own problems to worry about. Four Howlrunners where coming up from beneath the formation looking to move them away.

"Three, Four, drive them off. Howlrunners are hardy, but try and save your torpedoes for the cruiser."

"Understood." Finally something to do other than worry. "Four stick close and set shields to double front. We'll try to go heads up for the first pass." He dove down setting his lasers to single fire sacrificing power for raw output. He let a few shots splash across his shields without even a flinch. At the right moment he opened up his cannons flashing spitting lances of energy through the black and into the front of his target.

TAG: @Sinrebirth @WarmNyota_SweetAyesha

 

IC: Loriana Starskimmer, Kuat System

Loriana studied her scopes. Things were quiet until .. bam! They weren't!

Starfighters and enemy ships of a more ominous size erupted into the system.

She called back to her astromech, whom she had nicknamed RubiJay: "Keep a lock on the location of all the Wraiths and their targets, so we can help when needed."

Rubi blurped in acknowledgement and the heads-up translated: "Yeah, Lori, I know the drill, already. You think I rolled out of the astromech facility last Benduday?"

Loriana laughed. "I know better. I just need to tell you -- thinking aloud, as it were."

"You organics have strange habits." Rubi rejoined, as the data came up about the Howlrunners, and Wraith One announced:

"Three, Four, drive them off. Howlrunners are hardy, but try and save your torpedoes for the cruiser."

Yikes, Loriana thought, in sims the Howlrunners were troublesome, because they were so durable.

Then Rhoen's voice came over:
"Four, stick close and set shields to double front. We'll try to go heads up for the first pass."

Rubi complied before Loriana could give verbal instructions.

Loriana came up and around the far side of where Rhoen was positioned, noticing how he had set his armament. She did likewise, spraying bolts of green energy towards the nearest target.
She set her canons to stutter-fire to continually barrage the target fighter until their shields buckled leaving them vulnerable.
She cast a look towards the screen for where the cruiser and Corvette were located, relative to her position.
She knew Rubi would warn of anything coming up from the "blind side."

TAG:
@Sinrebirth
@galactic-vagabond422

 

~OOC~ This post was a collaboration between @The Real Kyp Durron and myself. Many thanks for that.
~IC~ Mirax and Corran Horn + Kyp Durron
Location: Kuat Sector - Edge of the Kuat System - Pulsar Skate

The Pulsar Skate detached from the Resolve and drifted away. The thrusters flared and fired up, pushing the modified Baudo-class star yacht off into a loose flight path to patrol their vicinity. Whistler was at the helm while Mirax oversaw the holocrons were safely stowed in the storage room. Carrying the two presented a great risk and measures were taken to kept the artefacts safe, including from the two Jedi Masters.

"We only got a few minutes before they GA are notified about their E-Wings." Mirax said as the storage room door sealed shut behind her. "Why haven't we jumped yet?"

"There is something we all need to discuss first…" Corran wore a concerned expression and stepped over to the lounge. "…there is something going on with the Kuat System."

Kyp watched the holocrons go in to storage, but his mind was distracted. Something was tugging at the corner of his mind, and knowing Adalia was near Aden wasn't helping him. He heard Corran and saw his concern, so he joined him. "Is that whats picking at me?" he asked as he rubbed his forehead. "I feel......something."

Corran eyed the other Jedi, trying to gauge what the man was experiencing. "We all saw the recording of the briefing… allegedly there is an operation set to take place in this region…"

"Allegedly…" Mirax repeated.

"Someone has to play devil's advocate." Corran gave a tight smile. "Now, that operation will probably still happen but the details might not be accurate… there could be ulterior motives and numerous other factors that be working against us. Kyp, you know those involved better than I do. What are your thoughts on the subject?"

Kyp lowered his eyes and bit his lip, considering his words before looking back. "Aden Kya cannot be trusted. Nothing he says or does is for anyone else but himself. He is Force sensitive and hates, and I mean really hates, Addie. Whatever is going on out there, I can't say." He looked away as his own emotions and sense of duty were locked in a battle to the death.

"Trust and intention…" Corran said softly then tried a different tangent as he leaned forward. "Given the source of the feed… the risk of getting a communication out of a military vessel without being noticed… and we don't know the frequency of the attempts. Who knows whether it has been compromised? What are our chances that it has been staged to lure us… or their intended oppositions into a battlefield of their choosing?"

“On one hand it’s not our fight they are planning, but…” Kyp glanced sideways as if someone called his name. “there’s something out there……something that we need to …investigate?” He wasn’t even sure that was the right word. “I can’t say what or where, I just ‘feel’ it.”

"Plausibly. I do agree, to a certain extent that the more we know, the better equipped we be at understanding what exactly is going on. However,our mandate is to collect the Holocrons and return with it safely… at least keep it out of the hands of those who would abuse its power." Corran cupped his chin as he looked to Kyp, deep in thought, observing the other man's agitation. "Given what you said about Aden being Force Sensitive, then having a Jedi and Sith Holocron in close proximity, along with us two…" He chuckled. "We'd be like… a beacon in the dark. The longer we are in the area, the higher the risk of us being detected-"

"Oh! Hold that thought." Mirax interrupted and pointed to new elements appearing on the holo map. "Long range sensors has picked up on ships emerging from hyperspace near Kuat… You don't suppose it is them?"

Moving over to stand behind Mirax, Kyp gazed at the three dimensional image as squadrons fell out of hyperspace. "Six squadrons…" he took in a sharp breath, "Yeah, that's them." he felt her.

Corran frowned as the holographic representation of Kuat System showed the reactions and and follow up actions of the conflicting forces… the start of an all too familiar dance to him. This time he was on the benches, they were not meant to get involved. Shaking his head. "We cannot dawdle any longer. They haven't spotted us yet but I don't want to ruin our chances. We'll have to make a move before it is too late. We don't know how long before their support ships show up…"

Kyp's chest was tight. "Can't I....don't know, get a message to her?" he turned to Corran, "She's there, what if…….." Kyp could not finish that sentence, he turned away and ran his hand over his head. He was frustrated, and torn.

Mirax knew well the frustration Kyp was feeling. "If we do, it might give away our position. We need to work out what we are to do before we dive right in."

"Don't we need to at least take notes?" he asked without turning, it was a straw to clutch at.

"Fair point. Kuat Shipyards is a strategic position and a valuable resource to both factions… whatever develops here affects ship productions and the speed at which assets are repaired and produced. Then there's us receiving artefacts of significance that can affect the balance of the Force if handled poorly." Corran stated, all the while watching Kyp descend towards the edge of despair. "We could stay but our presence shines like a beacon to those who are capable of seeing it… and overstay our welcome and risk of being outplayed and losing our precious cargo." He sighed and drummed his fingers on the holopad. The deadly dance of ships were becoming more of a tango…

"So what have we got to play with? We're currently on board the Pulsar Skate, a Baudo-class star yacht… armed with a laser cannon turret. There's my X-Wing Starfighter… quad laser cannons and full load of proton torpedoes… Whistler, my astromech. There's our lightsabers, our small weapons cache of ranged weapons. The holocrons, safety stored away."

"We have two ships." Mirax said. "One of us could stay and observe while the rest of us carries completes our objective."

Kyp turned to look at Corran, he said nothing, he didn't know what to say. Part of him knew staying was what he wanted, he wanted her to know he was there if she needed him. There was a bigger part that knew he had responsibilities, commitments and he took that very seriously. He'd made them and if nothing he was a man of his word.

Corran pondered. Who to stay, who should go. Ideally, he would have nominated himself to stay behind with Whistler while Mirax and Kyp complete the mission. However, given how Kyp was experiencing a tug of war of emotions, he dare not leave Kyp's unsupervised with the holocrons. He knew Mirax could handle herself though, to what lengths would Kyp go if he gave in and sought what lies within in order to rescue someone he loved? Mirax could take the X-Wing though he could not bear the thought of her being left behind. If Kyp stayed behind… could he be trusted to observe? Or would he risk interfering and damage the Jedi's stance of neutrality and non interference? He weighed the choices… it suddenly became clear what choice carried the least… damage. Now to pave the path of least resistance.

"Kyp…" Corran looked to the man, ignoring the look Mirax was giving him. "What is your preference?"

"I don't want to choose, I can't." Kyp said evenly. "There's a war going on in here." He muttered turning away again.

"Then I feel you are needed to observe here." Corran gave a tight smile. "Some might argue how close you are with the members involved… that it might cloud your judgement but… it gives you an edge in identifying and recognising traits, motives and actions of those involved. You have an understanding of how they operative and that gives you an edge and foresight into what to expect from them."

TAG: @Sinrebirth, @The Real Kyp Durron